A mathematical model with experiments of single effect absorption heat pump using LiBr–H2O

A mathematical model of a single effect, LiBr–H2O absorption heat pump operated at steady conditions is presented. This model took into consideration of crosscurrent flow of fluids for heat and mass exchangers, two-dimensional distribution of temperature and concentration fields, local values of heat and mass transfer coefficients, thermal parameter dependent physical properties of working fluids and operation limits due to the danger of the LiBr aqueous solution hydrates and crystallization. Improvements of the calculation method make this simulation much more convenient and efficient. An improved absorber experiment set-up and a complete absorption heat pump were built and tested for further study. It was found that the mass flux of vapor increased with the increase of absorber pressure, coolant flow rate, spray density of LiBr solution and decrease of coolant and input temperature of solution. And the vapor mass flux increased almost linearly with the increase of absorber pressure. Results derived from this model show agreement within 7% with experimental values.