Mass and energy storage analysis of an absorption heat pump with simulated time dependent generator heat input

Abstract

This communication presents an assessment of the feasibility of energy storage via refrigerant mass storage within an absorption cycle heat pump with simulated time dependent generator heat input. The system consists of storage volumes with the condenser and absorber of the conventional absorption cycle heat pump to store liquid refrigerant, weak and strong solutions during the generation period, which are required for the heat pump operation during the generation off period. A time dependent mass and energy storage analysis based on mass and energy balance equations for various components of the heat pump system has been carried out to evaluate energy storage concentration and storage efficiency for combined and separate storage schemes for the weak and strong solutions. Two possible performance modes, viz constant pumping ratio or the constant flow of the strong solution from the absorber to the generator have been analysed: the latter is preferable over the former from a practical point of view. Numerical computer simulation has been made for a typical winter day in Melbourne (Australia) with the desired heating load specified. It is found that the concept of refrigerant storage within the absorption cycle heat pump is technically feasible for efficient space heating. The energy storage concentration in the condenser store is slighly higher while that in absorber store is slightly lower for the separate storage mode as compared to the combined storage. However, the combined storage has an advantage of less storage volume and hence is more cost effective than separate storage and the disadvantage of limited system operation due to the decrease of solution concentrations.