Vapor-absorption refrigeration system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for integrating desalination and cooling processes, particularly those using vapor-absorption refrigeration (VAR) systems with direct-contact membrane distillation (DCMD) plants, face inefficiencies in energy consumption and lack of comprehensive performance metrics.

Innovation Solution

A VAR system is integrated with a DCMD plant, utilizing the heat released from its absorber and condenser to power a series-multistage DCMD section, splitting the feed to cool the condenser and absorber, and employing multiple heat exchangers and pumps to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a standalone VAR system is used for cooling, then cooling effect is achieved, but energy is wasted as thermal energy is expelled into the atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste heatVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful waste heat expelled by the VAR system into a beneficial resource by directing it to heat the DCMD plant. The thermal energy from the condenser and absorber heats brine solution that is then evaporated to produce freshwater, transforming energy loss into useful desalination output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the VAR cooling system with the DCMD desalination system into an integrated hybrid system. The VAR system's waste heat components (condenser and absorber) are thermally coupled to the DCMD plant, creating a combined system that simultaneously provides cooling and freshwater production while improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of substance

If a DCMD plant is powered by external heat sources, then freshwater production is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreshwater productionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system enables self-service by using the VAR system's own waste heat to power the DCMD plant's thermal requirements. The brine solution is heated by the VAR condenser and absorber heat, eliminating the need for external fuel sources or additional energy input for the desalination process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If waste heat from VAR is utilized, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste heat recoveryVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the VAR and DCMD systems into a unified hybrid configuration where the VAR condenser and absorber are thermally integrated with the DCMD brine heating process. This merging reduces the need for separate heat exchangers and external heat sources, managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The VAR system components serve multiple functions: the condenser and absorber not only perform their primary cooling functions but also simultaneously heat the brine solution for the DCMD plant. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated heating equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves low energy consumption while producing freshwater and a cooling effect, with improved performance metrics such as COP, GOR, and EUF, outperforming standalone VAR and DCMD systems.

Implementation Method 1

the membrane permits water vapor to pass from the saltwater feed compartment to the water compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

The water compartment includes a DCMD condenser to condense the water vapor passing through the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

utilizing the heat released from its absorber and condenser to power a series-multistage DCMD section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12434194B2Vapor-absorption refrigeration system

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

AI summary

A vapor-absorption refrigeration (VAR) system. The VAR system includes a VAR section having a condenser, an absorber, an evaporator, a first desorber, a second desorber, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, at least four throttling valves, and at least two pumps. The VAR section heats a saline water feed stream using heat released from the absorber and the condenser, producing cooling effect. The VAR system includes a direct contact membrane distillation-absorber (DCMD-Abs) section receiving the hot saline water feed stream. The DCMD-Abs section comprises DCMD-Abs modules linked in series. Each DCMD-Abs module includes a saltwater feed compartment and a water compartment, and a membrane. Due to temperature difference between the saline water feed stream and cooling water stream, water vapors are produced by evaporation in the saltwater feed compartment and passes through the membrane to the water compartment to be condensed therein.