Ammonia lithium nitrate absorption/compression refrigeration cycle. Part II. Experimental

The combination of an ammonia/lithium nitrate absorption refrigeration system with an ammonia mechanical vapour compression system can enhance the efficiency of the overall system. Based on the primary energy ratio this kind of hybrid system can operate more efficiently in developing countries than in developed ones. This is because electricity is generated and distributed less efficiently in developing countries. A 7 kWt prototype of a hybrid system was fabricated and commissioned, and the experimental results are presented. The maximum COP was obtained using 90% compression and 10% absorption. For this compression proportion, it was not necessary to supply heat to drive the absorption section, since the heat is supplied by the superheated ammonia at the compressor outlet. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.