Development of a packed bed regenerative solution heat exchanger (R-SHX) for a single stage LiBr–H2O vapour absorption refrigeration (VAR) system

Single effect LiBr–H2O vapour absorption refrigeration (VAR) systems operate without using electromechanical energy and instead, they are powered using low-grade heat energy. The improved performance of these systems has always relatively depended on the continued use and improvement of conventional ancillary solution heat exchangers (SHXs). The inclusion of SHXs in VAR systems not only increase the risk of crystallisation but also the pressure drop in the solution lines and therefore necessitating high energy intensive electromechanical pumps for circulating the working fluids. Therefore, development of a novel VAR system incorporating a novel high efficiency regenerative heat exchanger with low maintenance costs and reduced risks of crystallisation is the subject of this paper. Specifically, this paper describes the modelling, design, manufacture and testing of a packed bed regenerative solution heat exchanger (R-SHX) for improved effectiveness of a novel VAR system.