Thermodynamic analysis and comparison of combined ejector–absorption and single effect absorption refrigeration systems

Alternatives to ammonia/water absorption refrigeration cycles that have no need for purification include ammonia/LiNO3 and ammonia/NaSCN cycles. Similar to the other absorption refrigeration cycles they have low coefficients of performance and exergy efficiencies at low generator temperatures. Combined single effect cycles can reduce this problem. In these cycles the solution expansion valve is replaced with an ejector to allow for pressure recovery from the absorber and to enhance mixing of the weak solution and refrigerant vapor from the evaporator. Simulations are used to examine the influence of various operating parameters on performance and the possibility of crystallization in these cycles, and to compare their performances with single effect cycles. It is shown that the combined cycles have better performance than single effect ones at low generator temperatures.