Solar gas-driven absorption heat-pump systems

This paper describes the potential for the development of hybrid gas/solar-driven heat-pumps with the specific examples of a combined refrigeration and power-generation system and a sea-water purification system. Thermodynamic analysis has been performed on the systems using the water-ammonia and the lithium-bromide-water combinations. A desalination plant of this type is shown to have scope for a higher water yield than conventional solar stills, and the refrigeration system shows high efficiency coupled with flexibility of operation.