Optimal performance analysis of a small-size gas-fired air-cooled air conditioner

Absorption refrigeration cycle using lithium bromide-water solutions as a working fluid has been increasingly considered one of the most desirable alternatives for electricity-powered compression refrigeration cycle in China. A small size gas-fired air-cooled air-conditioner is developed. The system has two new features of waste heat recovery of condensed water from high-pressure generator and an adiabatic absorber with an air cooler. It helps solve the problems, for example, boost of pressure, temperature and concentration in the generators, increase of risk of crystallization and acceleration of corrosion occurring in the conventional air-cooled falling film absorption refrigeration system. Optimal performance of the device is simulated. The results indicated that the system conserved energy. And COP with heat recovery was 0.058 higher than that without heat recovery. Optimal solution distribution ratio into HG made it achieve the maximum COP.