Absorption refrigeration cycles: Categorized based on the cycle construction

•The absorption refrigeration cycles are categorized based on the cycle construction.•The configurations of the absorption cycles are introduced with diagrams.•The literatures about absorption refrigeration cycles are reviewed.

In this paper, different absorption refrigeration cycles are reviewed. The couplings for absorption cycle construction are summarized. Based on the coupling characteristics, the absorption cycles are classified into the following categories: single effect cycle, external-circuit coupling cycles, internal-circuit coupling cycles and the cycle combined with ejector/compressor. Cycles constructed through external-circuit coupling refer to the multiple stage cycles. In these cycles, the external-circuit heat and mass couplings are employed to improve the cycle performance or temperature lift. Cycles constructed through internal-circuit coupling refer to the GAX cycles. In these cycles, the internal-circuit heat couplings are employed to enhance the cycle flexibility and internal heat recovery. The internal-circuit mass couplings are employed to enlarge the GAX temperature overlap. In the combined cycles, ejector or compressor are integrated to improve the cooling output or decrease the driven temperature. The configurations and theoretical COP of these cycles are introduced with diagrams. Related literatures are reviewed.