Ammonia–water desorption heat and mass transfer in microchannel devices

This paper presents the results of an experimentally validated model for the prediction of local heat and mass transfer rates in a microchannel ammonia–water desorber. The desorber is an extremely compact 178 mm × 178 mm × 0.508 m tall component capable of transferring the required heat load (∼17.5 kW) for a residential heat pump system. The model predicts temperature, concentration and mass flow rate profiles through the desorber, as well as the effective wetted area of the heat transfer surface. Previous experimental and analytical research by the authors demonstrated the performance of this same microchannel geometry as an absorber. Together, these studies show that this compact geometry is suitable for all components in an absorption heat pump, which would enable the increased use of absorption technology in the small-capacity heat pump market.