A Single-Stage Ammonia/Water Absorption Cycle With Integrated Heat Exchange Components

Abstract

Thermodynamic analysis of the single-stage ammonia/water cycle indicates the importance of close temperature approach in the counter-current heat exchanges of the cycle and of recovering useful heat from the vapor rectification process. A novel style of heat exchange equipment, constructed in a laboratory by photo-etching flow passages into stainless steel plates which are then diffusion-bonded together, is capable of both of these services. In air-conditioning applications, coefficients of performance of 0.75 to 0.85 (for sink temperatures of 50°C to 30°C) appear to be achievable.