Performance analysis of a dual component generator-condenser of an absorption heat transformer for water desalination

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the behavior of a novel dual component: generator-condenser (GE-CO) applied to a single-stage absorption heat transformer for water desalination (SAHT-WD) by simple evaporation that operates with a LiBr-H2O mixture. The GE-CO consists of two sections located in the same shell, where desorption and condensation occur simultaneously. The evaluation has been divided into an experimental and a theoretical analysis. The experimental analysis is focused on determining the operating conditions that favor the performance of the GE-CO and the overall SAHT-WD. To estimate the heat transfer coefficients and wetting efficiencies based on the experimental results, a mathematical model that considers variation of the inlet absorption mixture stream, the refrigerant, the heating and cooling water was constructed. The results indicate a good coupling between the GE-CO and the AHT, with maximum values of COP and desalinated water flow of 0.49 and 3.91 × 10−4 kg/s. The maximum specific desalination rate (SDR) of the AHT-WP was 1.10 × 10−4 kg/s/kW. Both in the GE and CO, the heat transfers of the film of the absorbent mixture and the refrigerant respectively, limit the heat transfer process.