Theoretical Study of an Intermittent Water-Ammonia Absorption Solar System for Small Power Ice Production

• Main Authors: João M. Garcia, Armando Rosa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: ice production; refrigeration systems; intermittent absorption cycle; solar thermal energy
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/12/3346

This article is dedicated to the design, calculation and dimensioning of a small powered refrigeration system (132W) which produces ice bars (freezing) using solar thermal power, and resorts to an intermittent cycle absorption circuit with a water-ammonia mixture (H₂O-NH₃). The aim of this equipment is to minimize problems faced in places where there is no electric network to supply traditional refrigeration systems which preserve perishable products produced or stocked there, as well as drugs (vaccines), namely for specific regions of developing countries. The system developed can be divided into two parts. The intermittent cycle absorption refrigeration system uses a binary water-ammonia solution (H₂O-NH₃), where water is the absorber and the ammonia is the coolant and the thermal solar system. This is made up of CPC flat plate thermal collectors or vacuum tubes in which solar energy heats the water that circulates in the primary circuit. In the absorption circulation system, circulation occurs in a natural way due to the fluids affinity, and the temperature and pressure internal variations. This article shows the assumptions underlying the conception, calculation and dimensioning of the system’s construction.