Experimental performances of a LiBr-water absorption facility equipped with adiabatic absorber

A facility for experimental evaluation of innovative components forming part of a single effect LiBr–H2O adiabatic absorption chiller is described. Plate heat exchangers have been incorporated in the design. Two adiabatic absorber configurations, droplets and liquid sheets, were designed and tested and its performances parameters were experimentally determined. Evaporator limitations have been identified and included in the analysis. Liquid accumulation leads to overflow of refrigerant out of the evaporators. Some general observations, regarding particular operating conditions, are reported. The absorber performance has been characterized in terms of heat and mass transfer through the heat conductance and the effectiveness. The influence of the recirculation ratio is presented for both cases. The liquid sheet configuration has shown better evaluation parameters than droplets configuration. A significant reduction in the absorber size (up to 50%) as compared to using droplets is possible.

► Experimental evaluation of novel components LiBr-H2O adiabatic absorption chiller.
► Two absorber configurations, droplets and liquid sheets, were designed and tested.
► Liquid accumulation leads to overflow of refrigerant out of the evaporators.
► Liquid sheet configuration showed better evaluation parameters than droplets one.
► A significant reduction in the absorber size (up to 50%) is possible.