GES's R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik

Vapour Absorption System for Air Conditioner using low grade energy
Chapter 1
Introduction
The uses of non-conventional energy sources are becoming more important than the
conventional sources. Utilization of solar energy in practical applications, among the non-
conventional sources, has grown up exponentially. In particular, its application plays an
important role to places where very strong solar radiation intensity is available almost over
the years. It has been seen that there are so many areas where the supply of electricity either
for human comfort or food preservation is no longer possible due to some infrastructural
hindrance; the solar operated system for cooling only provides the way to short out that
problem. Vapor absorption cycles formed one of the early developments of the refrigeration
system becoming the most significant application of cooling using solar energy. Recently,
they have achieved renewed interest with their potential as a “greener” refrigeration system.
Moreover, the requirement of high-grade energy for the operation of mechanical vapor
compression refrigeration systems grows more interest to researchers to put their thought for
the continuous development of absorption refrigeration systems. The capability to produce a
cooling effect by utilizing low-grade energy makes the absorption refrigeration system more
attractive to researchers; thus solar energy of course has a very promising potential to
compete with conventional vapor compression and absorption technologies. Fortunately,
with the development of science and technology, new materials and new techniques are
emerging continually. Such refrigeration technologies recently have been attractive
extensively, increasing attention from the experts all over the world because of their simple
structure, fast refrigeration, and low-level powering energy source without generating the
greenhouse effect. [1]
The aqua-ammonia based solar air conditioner utilizes vapour absorption system for its
working. In this system water acts as absorbent and ammonia is a refrigerant. This system
utilizes low grade heat i.e. solar energy for its operation. A heat input is given to generator
from parabolic solar collector.
GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 1

1.1 Air conditioning system
Air conditioning is the process of altering the condition of air by removing heat and
humidity to achieve a more comfortable interior environment, typically with the aim of
distributing the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a vehicle to
improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Air conditioning system mainly used with two systems:
 Vapour compression system

 Vapour absorption system
1.1.1 Vapour compression system
The standard vapor compression refrigeration system is a condenser, evaporator,

throttling valve, and a compressor.
Fig. 1.1 Vapour compression system [2]
Figure above is a schematic of the components and flow arrangements for the vapour
compression cycle.
Point 4 - In the vapour-compression refrigeration cycle, refrigerant enters the evaporator in

the form of a cool, low-pressure mixture of liquid and vapour Heat is transferred from the
relatively warm air or water to the refrigerant, causing the liquid refrigerant to boil. Point 1-
The resulting vapour is then pumped from the evaporator by the compressor, which
increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapour.
Point 2 - The hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapour leaving the compressor enters the
condenser where heat is transferred to ambient air or water at a lower temperature. Inside the
condenser, the refrigerant vapor condenses into a liquid.

Point 3 - This liquid refrigerant then flows to the expansion device, which creates a pressure
drop that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to that of the evaporator. At this low
pressure, a small portion of the refrigerant boils (or flashes), cooling the remaining liquid
refrigerant to the desired evaporator temperature. The cool mixture of liquid and vapour
refrigerant travel to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.
Drawbacks of vapour compression refrigeration system:
Though this system is the most efficient of all the refrigeration systems, still it has
some disadvantages. A vapour compression system has more tear and noise due to moving
parts of the compressor. The amount of work required to compress the gas in the compressor
is very high. It strictly depends on electric power or mechanical power and cannot be used at
places where these recourses are not available. The capacity of vapour compression system
drops rapidly with lowered evaporator pressure. The performance of a vapour compression
system at partial loads is poor. In the vapour compression system, it is essential to superheat
the vapour refrigerant leaving the evaporator so that no liquid may enter the compressor.
1.1.2 Vapour Absorption System
Absorption refrigeration systems replace the compressor with a generator and an

absorber.
Fig. 1.2 Vapour absorption systems [2]

Point 4- Refrigerant enters the evaporator in the form of a cool, low-pressure mixture of
liquid and vapour.
Point 1 - Heat is transferred from the relatively warm water to the refrigerant, causing the
liquid refrigerant to boil. Using an analogy of the vapor compression cycle, the absorber acts
like the suction side of the compressor it draws in the refrigerant vapor to mix with the
absorbent. The pump acts like the compression process itself, it pushes the mixture of
refrigerant and absorbent up to the high-pressure side of the system.
Point 2 - The generator acts like the discharge of the compressor it delivers the refrigerant
vapor to the rest of the system. The refrigerant vapour leaving the generator enters the
condenser, where heat is transferred to water at a lower temperature, causing the refrigerant
vapour to condense into a liquid.
Point 3 - This liquid refrigerant then flows to the expansion device, which creates a pressure
drop that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to that of the evaporator. The resulting
mixture of liquid and vapor refrigerant travel to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.
 Advantages of vapour absorption system

1. COP does not reduce significantly with load.
2. Presence of liquid at evaporator exit is not a serious problem.
3. Evaporator superheat is not very important.
4. Very few moving parts.
5. Very low maintenance required.
6. Less noise and vibration.
7. Economical where low-cost fuels or waste heat is available.
 Applications of vapour absorption systems
1. For facilities that use lot of thermal energy for their processes, a large chunk of
heat is usually discarded to the surrounding as waste. This waste heat can be
converted to useful refrigeration by using a VAM.
2. For facilities that have a simultaneous need for heat and power (cogeneration
system), absorption chillers can utilize the thermal energy to produce chilled
water.
3. For facilities that have high electrical demand charges. Absorption chillers
minimize or flatten the sharp spikes in a building’s electric load profile can be
used as part of a peak shaving strategy.

1.2 Air Conditioner
Air conditioner is a device that removes heat from the air inside a building or vehicle,
thus lowering the air temperature. The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration
cycle, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used. In the most general sense, air
conditioning can refers the condition of air (heating, cooling, dehumidification,
humidification, cleaning, ventilation, or air movement).
Based on method of installation unitary air conditioner is classified as:
a) Window air conditioner

b) Split air conditioner
1.2.1 Window air conditioner
Window air conditioners are one of the most widely used types of air conditioners
because they are the simplest form of the air conditioning systems. Window air conditioner
comprises of the rigid base on which all the parts of the window air conditioner are
assembled. The base is assembled inside the casing which is fitted into the wall or the
window of the room in which the air conditioner is fitted.
The whole assembly of the window air conditioner can be divided into two compartments
 Room side which is also the cooling side.

 Outdoor side from where the heat absorbed by the room air is liberated to other by an
insulated partition enclosed inside the window air conditioner assembly.
Refrigeration system of the window air conditioner includes the,
a) Compressor: Compressor used in the window air conditioner is hermetically

sealed type, which is portable one. This compressor has long life and it carries long
warranty periods.
b) Condenser: The condenser is made up of copper tubing and it is cooled by the
atmospheric air. The condenser is covered with the fins to enable faster heat transfer
from it.
c) Expansion valve: The capillary tubing made up of various rounds of the copper
coil is used as the expansion valve in the window air conditioners. Just before the
capillary there is drier filter that filters the refrigerant and also removes the moisture
particles, if present

Fig.1.3 window air conditioner [3]
d) Evaporator: The evaporator is also made up of copper tubing of number of turns and in
the refrigerant is covered with the fins. The evaporator is the room air passes over it and gets
cooled. Just in front of the evaporator there is air filter fitted in the front panel.
As the room air is absorbed, it is first passed over the filter so that it gets filtered. The
filtered air is then blown over the cooling coil and the chilled air is passed into the room. The
refrigerant after leaving the cooling coil enters the accumulator where it is accumulated and
then it is again sucked by the compressor for recirculation over the whole cycle.
1.2.2 Split air conditioner
Split air conditioners are home appliances that do not require ductwork, which
reduces energy expenditures. A split air conditioner is made up of two primary parts that a
very familiar: the evaporator and the compressor. The difference is that they are separated
into two different, distant components, one being out door and one being indoors. The
outdoor section is a compressor that initiates the cooling process, while the indoor
component consists of an evaporator and fan. The two sections are connected with a set of
electrical wires and tubing also called lines, used to transport air between the two sections.
It’s these lines that allow the split AC to be considered ductless, and the fact that the wires
and tubing are so small.
Split AC system reduces energy loss due to duct AC system. It is small and easy to
install, reducing the heat loss. It ensures low noise level in the room. It prevent blockage of
the window, as fan coil unit can be installed on the wall of the room.

1.2.3 Specifications:
Carrier Estrella Neo 1 Ton Window AC Specs
Table 1.1 specification of window AC
Capacity 1 Ton(s)
BEE Rating 3 Star
AC Type Window
Usage Office
Warranty: 1 Year(s)
Features: Energy Saver, Intelligent CRF Alert, Powerful

Airflow
Timers: Yes
Auto Restart: Yes
Sleep Mode: Yes
Remote Control: Yes
Air Swing: Yes
Dehumidification: Yes
Color: White
Dimension: 600x560x380 cm
Weight: 39 kg

1.3 Parabolic through collector [4]
Parabolic trough collectors are frequently employed for solar steam generation
because temperatures of about 300 can be obtained without any serious degradation in the
collector’s efficiency. The incident solar radiation falling on the collector is utilized for pipe
heating. Inside the pipe, the thermal fluid flows and its temperature increases due to the
incoming radiation.
Fig. 1.4 Parabolic through collector [4]
A vacuum was created around the pipe and a thermal insolent was placed at its rear.
Solar collector is a device which absorbs the transport medium. Solar collector is a device
which absorbs the incoming solar radiation, converts it into heat, and transfer this heat to a
fluid (usually air, water) flowing through the collector.
A parabolic trough concentrator consists of a reflecting surface mounted on a

reflector support structure having the profile of a parabola. A receiver assembly comprising
a circular absorber tube with suitable selective coating and enclosed in a concentric glass
envelope is centered along the reflector focal line. Maintain focusing of solar radiation on
the receiver assembly. The incident energy is absorbed by a working fluid circulating
through the absorber tube.

1.4 Problem Statement
1.4.1 Problem Identification/Need of Project:
 In future, society will become far more dependent on electricity as our energy supply
moves towards renewable energy sources.
 Increasing demands for electricity to run appliances and for comfort.
 Low grade energy may be used for reducing demand of electricity.
 Vapour absorption required extremely low maintenance and take away from noise
and vibration.
1.4.2 Problem Definition:
 To fulfill the requirement of air conditioning by using low grade energy.
1.4.3 Project Objectives:
 To find out the feasibility of the system by running it at smaller scale.

 To reduce the cost by using cheaper and reliable materials as well as adopting proper
manufacturing processes
1.4.4 Scope of the Project:
 This system is used in rural area where high grade energy not available.
1.4.5 Methodology:
 First checked feasibility of the project by studying the research papers.

 Design the system by following standard procedure in the books and research paper.
 Fabricating the system by manufacturing the components.
 Necessary modification done according to manufacturing requirement.
 Running the system and carrying out the testing.
 Finding out refrigerating effect and checking it with required capacity.
 Results

1.5 Flow process chart

Chapter 2
Literature Review
Vapour absorption system mainly comprises of ammonia water and lithium bromide
systems. Both systems have their specified areas of applications and implemented
accordingly. Below we have given detail literature review of both the systems.
1. Ammonia water system
Ammonia water system is usually implemented in large scale refrigeration

units where process heat or abundant source of solar energy is available. Ammonia
water absorption system gives maximum efficiency for refrigeration purpose.
Ammonia water system is preferred when required temperature range is below 0 .
Ammonia water systems operate between high pressure ranges and require high
grade material for construction of components to facilitate handling of ammonia.
Above mentioned features makes ammonia water system eligible for obtaining high
cooling effect but much costly due to ammonia handling factor. Research paper
below validates efficient use of VAS for ammonia water pair.
 “Design of solar powered vapour absorption system” by V.K.Bajpai published on

July 4, 2012 in world congress of engineering 2012.
In this paper, author describes objective as design and study of environment

friendly vapour absorption system of unit capacity using R717 (NH3) and water as
working fluids. The system designed and tested for various operating conditions.
Performance of fabricated system is outlined with respect to heat source, condenser
and evaporator temperatures. This system is designed for operating capacity of 1TR
which requires heat input from generator as 304.2 KJ/min. Theoretical COP of
system is found to be 0.69 and actual COP is 0.58. For obtaining this output solar
collectors are installed over 24 m2 area.
 “Design, fabrication and analysis of solar vapour absorption refrigeration system” by

K. Karthik published on September 9, 2014 in IJTAE journal.
In this paper, author describes design and fabrication of Electrolux

refrigeration system. Instead of compressor it uses waste heat to run a generator, as

opposed to standard refrigerator. A low grade heat source heats up the absorbent-
absorber pair releasing refrigerant in vapour form. This vapour is air cooled to liquid
state in condenser. Finally hydrogen reduces the vapour pressure of ammonia liquid
entering the evaporator causing the liquid to boil absorbing heat from effective area
and in turn cooling it. Variation in collector fluid temperature and cabin temperature
are also represented in tabulated form from this COP and tonnage of refrigeration is
also found.
 “Design and analysis of an absorption refrigeration system” by kajano Joseph in

April 26, 2012.
In this paper e construction of a three fluid gas absorption refrigeration unit,

intended to operate in a 20 environment, with a compartment temperature of 3. Gas
absorption systems, unlike vapor-compression systems, use a heat source to facilitate
refrigeration. Three fluid gas absorption refrigerators use no electricity and no moving
parts, such as pumps and compressors, and operate at a single system pressure. Unlike
the vapor-compression cycle, which utilizes pressure gains and drops to produce
refrigeration, the three fluid gas absorption cycle uses the principle of partial pressure
between two fluids to create the cooling effect. Extensive analysis of the
thermodynamics, heat transfer, and chemical properties of a three fluid gas absorption
system was conducted to design and construct the structural model shown in the report.
This model was pressure tested for structural integrity and leakage and a safety analysis
of the fluids involved was undertaken to insure proper functionality when the gases are
introduced.
2. Water lithium bromide system

Water lithium bromide system finds its application where comparatively less
heating load is available as compared to ammonia water system. Water lithium bromide
system can be preferably used for cooling and refrigerating applications where
temperature requirement is above 0

 “Feasibility of solar absorption air conditioning in Tunisia” by M. Balghouti

et.al.published on august 1, 2007.
Tunisia being a tropical country is gifted with abundant amount of solar

energy. The system is designed for building of 150 m2 composed of water lithium
bromide absorption chiller of capacity 11kW, a 30 m2 flat plate collector tilted 35o
from horizontal and a 0.8 m3 hot water storage tank. This system is then simulated by
using TRNSYS software and EES (engineering equation solver) programs with
meteorological data file containing weather parameters. From simulation following
effects are discussed-
 Effect of generator inlet temp on COP and cooling capacity.

 Effect of generator inlet temperature on condensation and evaporator
temperature.
 Cooling and heating loads on building month wise.
 Effect of collector area on the collector heat gain and boiler heat required by
system.
 Effect of storage tank on boiler heat.
 Effect of collector slope angle on solar energy gain.
From this simulation results, optimum parameters are selected and system is
developed.
 “Design and construction of a lithium bromide water absorption refrigerator” by

Soteris Kalogirou Published in 15-18 September 2001.
In this paper is to design and construct a lithium bromide-water (LiBr-H2O)

absorption refrigerator with a nominal capacity of 1 KW. Absorption refrigerators are
machines, which produce cooling by using heat energy, and have no moving parts.
Design the single effect lithium bromide water cooling system. This system
calculation based on a generator temperature of 750 C and a solution heat exchanger
exit temperature of 550C which can easily be reached and has a good COP (0.74).
And determine the dimensions of condenser, absorber, generator, and evaporator.
After design construct the set up. The no. of heat exchanger tubes modifies thus the
heat exchange area, until the required operating conditions. This will ensure a design

with a good COP. For this purpose thermometer pockets and flow- meters are
installed at various points of the unit for measurement and adjustments.
 “Simulation and optimization of a Li-Br solar absorption cooling system with

evacuated solar collectors” by Fardin Asilzadeh et.al. Published in July 2015 in
Renewable Energy Research Gate Journal.
In this paper Li-Br solar absorption system with evacuated solar collectors is
simulated for different parameters and optimum parameters are selected. TRNSYS
program is employed for the modeling and simulation of both the solar collector
system and absorption cooling system .Results are analyzed based on the charts and
diagrams produced by the program, thus optimum components may be selected.
Following factors are studied while carrying out simulation:

 Monthly average variation of temperature during 1 year.
 Monthly variation of solar radiation.
 Effect of collector slope angle on solar energy gain.
 Effect boiler thermostat on COP.
 Effect of collector area on boiler heat required.
 Effect of collector area on collector energy gain.
Considering all above mentioned factors a system is developed having

capacity of 1TR. for producing this effect, 0.8 m3 capacity hot water storage tanks is
selected and system consisting of 35m2 evacuated tube solar collector with slope of
20o is employed.
 “Performance analysis of lithium-bromide water absorption refrigeration system

using waste heat of boiler flue gases” by G. Maruthi Prasad Yadav in February 2015.
In this paper is to perform analysis on absorption refrigeration system using

lithium-bromide and water as refrigerant and to find out the influence of operating
temperatures on the thermal loads of components and their co-efficient of
performance. waste heat of the gases is to utilize generated in thermal power station
Before leaving these gases to the atmosphere through the chimney necessary mass of
flue gases is by passed and is made to deliver it generator so as to run the vapour
absorption refrigeration system there by conserving the energy. Also design the
single effect Li-Br/water absorption refrigeration system with solution heat

exchanger that helps decrease heat input at the generator. The COP is improved as
the heat input at the generator is reduced. Moreover, the size of the absorber can be
reduced as less heat is rejected. Experimental studies shows that COP can be
increased up to 60% when a solution heat exchanger is used. And for improving of
absorption process approach devised is absorption of vapor refrigerant into liquid
film on cooled rotating discs. For a given surface area, absorption rate on rotating
discs is much greater than that on a convention design. Thus, size of an absorber used
based on this design is much smaller than a convention falling film design.
Absorption process within a rotating drum was also studied.

Chapter 3
Vapour Absorption System design
3.1 Introduction to Lithium bromide water absorption system
The combination called aqua-ammonia was used in absorption systems years before
Li-Br-water combination became popular. The absorption systems have experienced many
ups and downs. The absorption system was the predecessor of the vapour compression
system in the nineteenth century and aqua-ammonia system enjoyed wide application in
domestic refrigerators and large industrial installations in the chemical and process
industries. The LiBr-water system was commercialized in the middle of the twentieth
century as water chillers for large buildings air conditioning. In the LiBr-water system, water
is the refrigerant. This imposes restriction on its use for applications requiring temperatures
below 00 C. and the LiBr being a salt has a re-crystallization zone when it becomes solid and
hence imposes flow restrictions. The vapour absorption system particularly LiBr-water
system has bounced back with the use of solar energy and the recent emphasis on co-
generation which makes available, the otherwise waste heat, for external direct heating
source in vapour absorption system.
In order to perform thermal calculation on the LiBr-water absorption refrigeration

cycle, enthalpy data must be available for working substances at all crucial position in the
cycle. The water in liquid and vapour form flows in and out of condenser and evaporator.
Therefore enthalpies at these points can be determined from tables of the properties of water.
These are available and appended at the end (datum 00 C, h=0 KJ/Kg). In the generator and
absorber, LiBr-water solutions exist for which the enthalpy is a function of both temperature
of the solution and concentration. A chart of enthalpy-concentration (h-c) is appended which
presents the enthalpy data for LiBr-water solutions. The appended chart is applicable to
saturated and subcooled solutions and is based on zero enthalpy for water at 00C, and zero
enthalpy of solid LiBr at some other temperature. In fact, the enthalpy of pure LiBr (solid) is
of no consequence as it is never achieved. Since the zero enthalpy of water in the solution is
the same as that of the table of the properties of water, the water property tables can be used
for greater accuracy in conjunction with the chart.

3.2 Components of Vapour Absorption System:
3.2.1 Heat Exchangers: [6]
There are two main heat exchangers used for phase change i.e. the condenser and the
evaporator and one heat exchanger for specific heat transfer.
Heat exchangers are complicated devices, and the results obtained with the simplified
approaches (like the LMTD and NTU). Also we assume that, that the heat transfer
coefficient is constant throughout the heat exchanger. The uncertainty in the prediction may
increase in a significant percentage, therefore it is recommended to overdesign the heat
exchanger in order to avoid accidents. Heat transfer enhancement is generally accompanied
by increased pressure drops, and thus higher pumping power.
1. Selection of heat exchangers: [6]

1) Heat transfer rate: The more the heat exchange rate, the better is the heat
exchanger.
2) Cost: Economic considerations are necessary while selecting a heat exchanger but
it should not hamper the performance.
3) Size and weight: for application of air conditioning size is taken from actual
working system.
5) Type: Air cooled type heat exchangers are designed.
6) Materials: for refrigeration and air conditioning applications, highly conductive
material as lie copper is used. But copper gets corroded easily in presence of
ammonia hence we have used stainless steel as a material.
In the case of corrosive fluids, we may have to select expensive corrosion-resistance
materials such as stainless steel or even Titanium if we are not willing to replace low-
cost heat exchangers frequently.
3.2.2 Condenser: [7]
The condenser is an important device used in the high pressure side of a refrigeration
system. Its function is to remove the heat of the hot vapour refrigerant discharged from the
compressor. The hot vapour refrigerant consists of the heat absorbed by the evaporator and
the heat of compression added by the mechanical energy of the compressor motor. The heat
from the hot vapour refrigerant is removed in the condenser first by transferring it to the

walls of the condenser tubes and then from the tubes to the condensing or cooling medium.
The cooling medium may be air or water or a combination of two.
Working of a condenser:
The compressor draws in the superheated vapour refrigerant that contains the heat it
absorbed from the evaporator. The compressor adds more heat to the superheated vapour.
This highly superheated vapour from the compressor is pumped into the condenser through
the discharge line. The condenser cools the refrigerant in the following 3 stages.
1. Superheated vapour is cooled to saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of

the refrigerant. De-superheating occurs in the discharge line and in the first few coils of the
condenser.
2. Now the saturated vapour refrigerant gives up its latent heat and is condensed to a
saturated liquid refrigerant. This process is called condensation.
3. The temperature of liquid refrigerant is reduced below its saturation temperature in order
to increase the refrigerating effect.
3.2.3 Evaporator: [7]
The evaporator is the component of a refrigeration system in which heat is removed

from air, water or any other body required to be cooled by the evaporating refrigerant. The
refrigerant from the expansion valve comes into the evaporator below the temperature
required to be maintained in the evaporator and carries the heat from the evaporator. The
evaporator is known as cooler or freezer. The evaporators are used for wide variety of
diverse applications in refrigeration and air conditioning processes and hence they are
available in wide variety of shapes, sizes and designs.
Evaporators are mainly classified as flooded or direct- expansion, viz., dry. In the
flooded evaporators, the liquid refrigerant covers the entire heat transfer surface. In dry
evaporators, a part of the heat- transfer surface is used for superheating the vapour. A
distinction can also be made on the basis of the flow of refrigerant inside tubes in dry
evaporators and outside tubes in flooded evaporators.
3.2.4 Rectifier: [7]
The rectifier is especially useful in absorption refrigeration systems for providing

substantially water free refrigerant gas by passing the gas upwardly from a lower relatively

hot zone to an upper relatively cool zone while flowing the liquid counter currently in
contact with the gas.
One of the features is to provide an improved rectifier for separating solvent vapor
from refrigerant vapor in a continuous manner in which accidental reverse flow of the liquid
is prevented or materially inhibited because of overheating of the descending liquid.
3.3 Lithium bromide use as a refrigerant:[8]
In a water-lithium bromide vapor absorption refrigeration system, water is used as

the refrigerant while lithium bromide (Li Br) is used as the absorbent. In the absorber, the
lithium bromide absorbs the water refrigerant, creating a solution of water and lithium
bromide. This solution is pumped by the pump to the generator where the solution is heated.
The water refrigerant gets vaporized and moves to the condenser where it is cooled while the
lithium bromide flows back to the absorber where it further absorbs water coming from the
evaporator.
The water-lithium bromide vapor absorption system is used in a number of air conditioning
applications. This system is useful for applications where the temperature required is more
than 32 degree F.
Special Features of Water-Lithium Bromide Solution:[8]
1. Lithium bromide has great affinity for water vapor, however, when the water-lithium
bromide solution is formed, they are not completely soluble with each other under all
the operating conditions of the absorption refrigeration system. Because of this, the
designer must take care that such conditions would not be created where
crystallization and precipitation of the lithium bromide would occur.
2. The water used as the refrigerant in the absorption refrigeration system means the
operating pressures in the condenser and the evaporator must be very low. Even the
difference of pressure between the condenser and the evaporator must be very low.
This can be achieved even without installing the expansion valve in the system, since
the drop in pressure occurs due to friction in the refrigeration piping and in the spray
nozzles.
3. The capacity of any absorption refrigeration system depends on the ability of the
absorbent to absorb the refrigerant, which in turn depends on the concentration of the
absorbent. To increase the capacity of the system, the concentration of absorbent

should be increased, which would enable absorption of more refrigerant. Some of the
most common methods used to change the concentration of the absorbent are:
controlling the flow of the steam or hot water to the generator, controlling the flow of
water used for condensing in the condenser, and re-concentrating the absorbent
leaving the generator and entering the absorber.
4. The advantage of the water-LiBr pair includes its stability, safety, and high volatility
ratio.

Chapter 4
Design of VAS
Following are initial assumptions for designing LiBr-H2O absorption system:
Generator temperature = 100 oc
Condenser temperature = 40 oc
Evaporator temperature = 15 oc
Absorber temperature = 30 oc
Mass of solution handled by pump = 0.055 kg/sec
Fig4.1. LiBr system set up
Since a saturated condition of pure water prevails in the condenser due to simultaneous
existence of liquid and vapour, the condensing temperature of 40oc fixes the pressure in the

condenser and that is also the pressure in generator. Thus pc = 0.07375 bar or 55.31 mm of
Hg, as read out from the steam tables. Similarly, the evaporator temperature fixes the low
pressure in the evaporator = pc = 0.01227 bar = 9.204, mm of Hg from tables. Thus state
points 1 (pure water vapour at condenser pressure of 55.31 mm of Hg) is established. Again
state point 2 as pure liquid water at pc = 55.31 mm of hg is established.
At the intersection of generator pressure of 55.31 mm Hg and saturation temperature

of 100oc, point 7 is established. The concentration as read from h-c chart is c7 = 0.68.
Leaving the absorber at solution temperature of 30oc and pressure of 9.204 mm of Hg

fixes state point 5 and the concentration from h-c chart is read as c5 = 0.5.
Considering the mass balance of the generator
C-h chart is used for designing a VAC system
 The concentration C = 0 means, there is no water and mixture is pure LiBr.

 The concentration C = 1 means, there is no LiBr and mixture is pure Water.
The enthalpies of solutions can be read off the chart
Assuming pump work as negligible

Fig.4.2: C-h chart for water and LiBr mixture [5]
The enthalpies of water and vapour may be accurately found from steam tables
Enthalpy of saturated water at 100oc
(It may be noted that water vapors at 100oc and pressure of pc = 0.0735 are
superheated. Thus from superheated steam tables the enthalpy is read off as 2687.5 kJ/kg.
But at low pressures, the enthalpy of superheated vapour can be approximately taken as
enthalpy at saturation corresponding to superheated temperature. Thus enthalpy of saturated
vapour at 100oc reads 2676 kJ/kg.)
h2 enthalpy of saturated water liquid at 40oC 167.45 kJ/kg
h4 enthalpy of saturated water vapour at 10oC 2528.9 kJ/kg

4.1 Heat Transfer Rates
The rates of heat transfer at each of the components is evaluated from energy balance
1. Heat given in the generator ( )
2. Heat removed in condenser ( )
3. Heat removed from the absorber ( )
4. Heat absorbed in the evaporator ( )
K. K

4.2 Design of components

4.2.1. Design of generator vessel:
In generator solution is heated so as to generate vapour of water. Stainless
steel is used as a material which is strong enough to sustain generated pressure hence
here our main consideration is heat generated. Generator vessel should be able to
contain heat required to generate vapour and sustain it. Hence generator vessel is
designed as a heat exchanger.
Assumptions
Diameter of generator vessel
Diameter of tubes for heating arrangement
We have used two tubes for heating arrangement hence gross diameter of generator
will be
Reynolds’s no for strong solution though generator
Velocity of strong solution through generator:
Reynolds no of strong solution through generator:
For Turbulent flow over cylinder,
For constant wall temperature,
Nusselt’s No. from Helpert’s equation [1]
For turbulent flow over cylinders:

Where, C=0.193 and n=0.618
Inner heat transfer coefficient
Where effective length
Assuming
Assuming mean temperature for surrounding as
Hence outer heat transfer coefficient is given by [3],
g fg
Assuming
. 1
Using LMTD approach,

Fig.4.3 LMTD for generator [3]
Hence heat transfer area is given by,
We have selected cylinder shape for generator considering cost and heat transfer
factors.
Therefore Area of generator is given by
Assuming factor of safety 1.8

4.2.2 Design of absorber:

Initially we assumed shape of absorber to be cylindrical. There will be no any
significant effect of heat or pressure on absorber vessel at initial stages. But in certain
conditions lithium bromide solution has negative enthalpy which produces exothermic
reaction in absorber hence absorber is also designed as per procedure of heat exchanger.
Assumptions:
Diameter of absorber vessel
Reynolds’s no for strong solution though absorber
Velocity of solution through absorber:
hence, laminar flow
For flow over cylinder,
Where, C=0.615 and n=0.466

Assuming
g fg
Assuming
. 1
Overall coefficient of heat transfer,

We had selected cylinder shape for absorber considering cost and heat transfer
factors earlier. But cylindrical shape of absorber vessel was not suitable for installing pump
between absorber and generator. we needed submersible pump which had less pressure drop
for lifting liquid without affecting pressure distribution. It was not possible to install
submersible pump in cylindrical shaped vessel hence we replaced cylindrical shaped vessel
by rectangular box of approximately same area.
Therefore Area of absorber is given by
We took dimensions of rectangular box as mm
Area of rectangular box will be
Actual area is more than calculated area hence design of absorber is safe.
4.2.3 Design of condenser:
Assumptions
Outer diameter of condenser tube

Inner diameter of condenser tube
Length of condenser
Reynolds’s no for strong solution though condenser
Velocity of strong solution through condenser:

, hence turbulent flow
For Turbulent flow over cylinder,
Where, C=0.193 and n=0.618
Assuming
g fg
Assuming
. 1

Area of condenser is given by,
Condenser having approximately similar dimensions is selected for setup.
4.2.4 Design of evaporator:
Assumptions
Outer diameter of evaporator tube

Inner diameter of evaporator tube
Length of evaporator
Reynolds’s no for strong solution though condenser
Velocity of strong solution through condenser:

, hence laminar flow
For Laminar flow over cylinder,
Where, C=0.615 and n=0.466
Assuming
g fg
Assuming
. 1

Overall heat transfer coefficient is given,
Area of condenser is given by,
Evaporator having approximately similar dimensions is selected for setup.

4.3 Conceptual 3D setup drawing
Fig 4.4 Conceptual 3D setup drawing
Above figure shows conceptual 3D drawing of set up in Unigraphics

10.flow of lithium bromide solution is indicated by blue line at normal or low
temperature. Flow of water vapour at high temperature is indicated by red line.

Chapter 5
Development of Libr for VAS System
5.1 Manufacturing and selection
1. Generator
Outer Diameter: 70mm
Length: 460mm
Fig. 5.1 Generator
Manufacturing process:
 Cutting:
Stainless steel pipe of required dimension was cut considering temperature
requirement. Stainless steel plate of 70 mm diameter were cut in circular section with
marking made on them for further drilling purpose.
 Drilling:
Drilling is done for inlet of condenser, inlet and outlet of generator vessel with 10
mm drill.
 Welding:
Stainless steel plates are welded to pipe from top and bottom end. Steel inserts of 10
mm are welded in pipe for connection purpose.
 Grinding:
Marks made by welding operation are removed by grinding operation and finishing is
achieved.

2. Absorber
Length: 200 mm
Width: 100 mm
Thickness: 100 mm
Fig. 5.2 Absorber
Manufacturing process:
 Cutting:
Stainless steel sheet was cut into required dimensions in 6 pieces.
 Drilling:
Holes were made by drill for absorber inlet and outlet and outlet of generator.
 Welding:
All sheets were weld to form absorber tank.
3. Condenser:
Outer diameter:10 mm
Inner diameter:8 mm
No. of turns: 16

Fig. 5.3 Condenser
A condenser of available size is selected according to the quantity of heat to be rejected. The
condenser is taken from the discarded window air conditioner.
4. Evaporator:
Outer diameter: 10 mm
Inner diameter: 8 mm
Fig. 5.4 Evaporator
Evaporator of standard available size is bought as per the designed load and system
requirement.

5. Submersible pump:
Specification:
Discharge: 400 liters /hour
Height: Can lift water up to 8 feet
Fig 5.5 pump
LiBr solution is required to be lifted from absorber to generator with negligible pressure
drop. Hence submersible pump is used of required capacity.
6. Capillary tube
Fig. 5.6 capillary tube
Capillary tube was used from available setup of air conditioner.

Chapter 6
Results and Discussion
6.1 Mass flow rate
Mass flow rate of LiBr-H2O solution from absorber to generator is determined by

volume and time testing. According to design calculations we required mass flow rate of
solution as 0.55 kg/s. A flow control valve is placed between absorber and generator and
opening of flow control valve was so adjusted that it will give discharge of desired mass
flow rate.
Procedure
1. Take a vessel and mark for 1 liter on the vessel

2. Start the pump and stopwatch.
3. Note time required for collecting 1 liter liquid and calculates discharge.
Observation
Time required for collecting 1 liter liquid (water) 18 seconds
6.2 Coefficient of performance

For determining performance of VAS air conditioner in trial, we supplied
heat of steam from boiler. In actual system it is expected that system will be
supplied heat of steam generated from parabolic trough collector. Temperature of
steam is controlled by controlling pressure of boiler and results are obtained.

6.2.1 Measuring instruments

a. Thermocouple
Thermocouple is used for sensing temperature of respective
component of air conditioner
Specifications
Type – J type thermocouple
Temperature range: -210 to 1200 °C
Standard tolerance- ± 2.2 or ± 0.75 %
Fig 6.1 J type thermocouple
b. Temperature indicator
Temperature indicator is used for indicating temperature

sensed by thermocouple. There are terminals provided on temperature
indicator for connection with thermocouple. When thermocouple is
connected to temperature indicator, temperature can be read from
display on indicator.
Specifications
Type: J type thermocouple connection
Material: Iron / Constantan

Supply voltage : 230 V AC ±10%, 50 Hz (std)
Operating ambient Temperature : 0 to 50 °C
Relative humidity : Below 90%, non condensing
Fig 6.2 Temperature indicator

6.2.2 Experimental setup
Fig 6.3 Experimental setup

For determining performance coefficient of system following observations

have been taken.
6.2.3 Observations
Table 6.1 Observation Table
Sr.no. Temperature Theoretical Relative

COP COP
Generator Evaporator Overall
(Tg) (Te) (To)
1 85 27 30 15.36 0.00292
2 80 28 30 21.31 0.00213
3 75 28 30 19.46 0.00260
4 70 29 30 35.21 0.00148
5 65 29 30 31.27 0.00191
Calculations
1) Generator
Mass flow rate
Heat given to generator through steam
At 85
2) Evaporator
Mass flow rate
Temperature of refrigerant
At 15

3) Coefficient of Performance
6.3 Cooling Load Calculation Assumptions
L=8m
B = 2.5 m
H=4m
Door size = 1 m × 3.5 m
Window size = 1 m × 1 m
QSL = 15 W/m2 Floor area
No. of air changes (Ac) = 1
SHGF for north glass = 50 W/m2
SHGF for west glass = 350 W/m2
Uwall = 2.5 W/m2 K
Uroof = 2 W/m2 K
Ufloor = 3 W/m2 K
Udoor = 1.5 W/m2 K
Uwindow = 6 W/m2 K
t e for north wall = 12
t e for south wall = 15
t e for east wall = 12

t e for west wall = 17
t e for roof = 20
t e for floor = 2.5
No. of persons = 4
QS per person = 75 W
QL per person = 55 W
v1 = 0.3 m3/min per person
t d1 = 40
W1 = 0.0277 kg/kg of dry air
t d2 = 30
W2 = 0.01 kg/kg of dry air
Allowance factor for incandescent light = 1.25
Safety factor = 5%
Factor for fan power = 5%
Factor for leakage of supply air = 1%
Factor for heat leakage to supply air duct = 0.5

L=8m, B=2.5m, H=4m, door size=1 3.5m, window size=1 1m, Qsl
Table 6.2 Cooling load estimation
Source Overall Area Equivalent Sensible

Heat Temperature Heat
Transfer Difference Gain=U.A.Te
Coefficient (Te)
2
(U) m 0
C W
2
W/m k
1.North Wall 2.5 (2.5×4)-1=9 12 270
2.South Wall 2.5 (2.5×4)- 15 243.75

3.5=6.5
3.East Wall 2.5 8×4=32 12 960
4.West Wall 2.5 (8×4)- 17 1275

(2×1)=30
5.Roof 2 8×2.5=20 20 800
6.Floor 3 8×2.5=20 2.5 150
7.Door In South Wall 1.5 1×3.5=3.5 15 78.75
8.Windows
A)North Wall (1 Nos) 6 1×1=1 18 108
B)West Wall (2 Nos)
6 1×1=1 18 108
Total =3993.5w
=3.9935kw

Solar heat gain through north glass
=area of one windows SHGF for north glass
Solar heat gain through west glass
= area of two glass windows SHGF for west glass
Total solar heat gain (sensible) through north & west glasses
Total sensible heat gain from persons
=QS per person No. of persons
Total latent heat gain from persons
=QL per person No. of persons
The amount of infiltrated air,
Sensible heat gain due to infiltration air
We know that volume ventilation or outside air,
Outside air sensible heat,
ASH 0 20 v td1 td2 0 020 0 25 11 0 k
And outside air latent heat,
ALH 50 v 1 2 50 0 0 02 0 01 2 k

Sensible heat gain due to lighting
Total wattage in watts of lights Use factor Allowance factor
15 0 20 1 1 25 11250 11 25 k
… Use factor 1)
Assuming that the fan is placed before the conditioner (i.e. neglecting factor of 5% for fan
power),the total room sensible heat (RSH) is to be increased by 6.5% ( i.e. 5% for safety
factor ; 1% for leakage supply air and 0.5% for heat leakage to duct)
Total room sensible heat.
RSH
1.065[ heat gain from walls, roof, floor and windows Solar heat gain through
glasses Sensible heatSensible heat gain from persons Sensible heat gain due
to infiltration air Sensible heat gain due to ventilation (OASH) Sensible heat
gain due to lighting ]
RSH 1.065 [44.788 6.6 7.5 14.7 11.04 11.25]
102 kW
The total room latent heat (RLH) is to be increased by 6% (i.e. 5% for safety factor and
1% for leakage of supply air).
Total room latent heat,
RLH
1.06 [ Latent heat gain from person Latent heat gain due to infiltration air
Latent heat due to ventilation (OALH)]
1.06 [5.5 35.4 26.6] 71.6 kW
If the fan is located after the conditioner, then the 5% for fan power should be added to
RSH. The RLH will remain unaffected.
RSH (1.065 0.05) (44.788 6.6 7.5 14.7 11.04 11.25)
107 kW

6.4 Graphs
Graph 6.1 Generator temp. vs Relative COP
Generator temperature vs Relative COP

90 0.0035
80 0.003
70
0.0025
60
50 0.002
40 0.0015
30
0.001
20
10 0.0005
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Generator temperature Relative COP
There is a slow decrement I relative COP as generator temp. is reduced.

This is due to fact that greater the generator temp. greater is generation of vapour
and hence greater coefficient of performance.
Graph 6.2 Evaporator temp. vs Relative COP
Evaporator temperature vs Relative COP

29.5 0.0035
29 0.003
28.5 0.0025
28 0.002
27.5 0.0015
27 0.001
26.5 0.0005
26 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Evaporator temperature Relative COP
Lesser the evaporator temp. greater is relative COP.

Graph 6.3 Generator load vs. Relative COP
Generator load in KW vs Relative COP

14 0.0035
12 0.003
10 0.0025
8 0.002
6 0.0015
4 0.001
2 0.0005
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Generator load in KW Relative COP
Lesser work done in generator results into lesser relative COP. It shows
same behavior as generator temp. vs. Relative COP graph. From this we can
conclude that greater work done in generator gives good performance.
Graph 6.4 Theoretical COP vs. Relative COP
Theoretical COP vs Relative COP

40 0.0035
35 0.003
30
0.0025
25
0.002
20
0.0015
15
0.001
10
5 0.0005
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Maximum COP Relative COP
Lesser Theoretical COP results into maximum relative COP. It indicates

that when theoretical COP is maximum then actual COP will be minimum. Hence
maximum theoretical COP gives maximum relative COP.

Chapter 7
Cost estimation and payback period
7.1 Cost estimation
Table no 7.1 : Cost estimation
Sr. No. Components Quantity Cost
1 Generator vessel 1 550
2 Absorber vessel 1 350
3 Pipes - 470
4 Steel mesh - 150
5 Air conditioner - 2500
6 Submersible pump 1 200
7 Brazing - 500
8 Flow control valve 2 50
9 Clamps 10 50
10 Elbow connector 1 50
11 Tee connector 1 30
12 Indicator 1 2100
13 Thermocouple 4 600
14 Fan 1 400
15 Experiment table 1 2000

16 Labor - 2000
17 Lithium bromide - 2500
18 Electric board 1 350
19 Electric pins and wires 2 80
Total 14930
expenditure
7.2 Payback period

We have manufactured our system for testing purpose which costs
Rs14930/-.for continuous output from system we need 3 liters of Libr solution
which will make total cost as Rs 19930/-. Energy required to run the setup will
cost Rs 500/- per month. Therefore,
Payback period
Months

Chapter 8
Conclusion and Future scope
8.1 Conclusion
Principal objective of our project was to make air conditioner working on
low grade energy like solar energy or process heat. This project aims to find its
application in rural areas where high grade energy as like electric energy is not
available.
This system has been tested using process heat from boiler. From this
project we have achieved
 Cooling of room up to maximum 3
 Coefficient of performance up to 0.00293
 Cost reduction as compared to conventional air conditioner in terms of
capital cost as well as operating cost
 Reduction in size of vapour absorption setup.
8.2 Future scope
We have designed current system for testing purpose. To enhance cooling

effect produced we need to use more lithium bromide solution. Current working
of system is completely manually operated. System will start when heat is
supplied and terminate when heat supply is reduced.
For further improvements our aim will be:
 Automatic starting and termination of system using PLC
programming.
 Supply energy to pump using solar panel to make it independent of
any energy source.
 Developing more stable heating source to obtain more cooling
effect.
 Control of humidity and more effective air filtering.

References
1. “High efficiency solar air conditioner using concentrating photovoltaic/thermal

collectors” by A.Al-Alili et.al. Elsevier applied energy
2. “ verview of Vapor Absorption Cooling Systems” by A. Bhatia Continuing

Education and Development, Inc. 9 Greyridge Farm Court Stony Point, NY
10980.
3. www.hometips.com
4. “Parabolic solar collector” by Ayush Khare, Sachin Saxena, C H Tyagi and

Sanjeev Kumar.
5. A course in “refrigeration and air conditioning”, by Domkundwar.

6. “Heat and mass transfer”, by Cengel.
7. “A textbook of Refrigeration and Air conditioning” by K.S Khurmi.
8. http://www.brighthubengineering.com/hvac/66301-water-lithium-bromide-vapor-
absorption-refrigeration-system/
9. “The Research on ptimal Control of HVAC Refrigeration System”, By He
Bingqiang, Liao Chunling, Guangdong Jidian Polytechnic., IJCSI International
Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 9, Issue 5, No 2, September 2012.
10. “Heat Exchangers: selection, rating and thermal design, second edition”, by
Sadikkakac, Hongtan Liu.
11. “ perating design conditions of a solar-powered vapour absorption cooling
system with an absorber plate having different profiles: An analytical study.” by
B. Kundu.
12. “Modelling and dynamic simulation of a hybrid liquid desiccant system
regenerated with solar energy”, by Adriana Coca-Ortegon.
13. “Design of Solar Powered Vapour Absorption System.” By V. K. Bajpai,
Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering 2012 Vol III WCE 2012, July
4 - 6, 2012, London, U.K.
14. “Design, Fabrication and Analysis of Solar Vapour Absorption Refrigeration

System”, by K Karthik, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University,
Chennai, India (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4,
Issue 9, September 2014

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Vapour Absorption System for Air Conditioner using low grade energy

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 1

1.1 Air conditioning system

Air conditioning system mainly used with two systems:

 Vapour compression system

1.1.1 Vapour compression system

The standard vapor compression refrigeration system is a condenser, evaporator,

Fig. 1.1 Vapour compression system [2]

Point 4 - In the vapour-compression refrigeration cycle, refrigerant enters the evaporator in

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 2

Drawbacks of vapour compression refrigeration system:

1.1.2 Vapour Absorption System

Absorption refrigeration systems replace the compressor with a generator and an

Fig. 1.2 Vapour absorption systems [2]

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 3

 Advantages of vapour absorption system

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 4

1.2 Air Conditioner

Based on method of installation unitary air conditioner is classified as:

a) Window air conditioner

1.2.1 Window air conditioner

 Room side which is also the cooling side.

Refrigeration system of the window air conditioner includes the,

a) Compressor: Compressor used in the window air conditioner is hermetically

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 5

Fig.1.3 window air conditioner [3]

1.2.2 Split air conditioner

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 6

Carrier Estrella Neo 1 Ton Window AC Specs

Table 1.1 specification of window AC

BEE Rating 3 Star

Features: Energy Saver, Intelligent CRF Alert, Powerful

Auto Restart: Yes

Sleep Mode: Yes

Remote Control: Yes

Air Swing: Yes

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 7

1.3 Parabolic through collector [4]

Fig. 1.4 Parabolic through collector [4]

A parabolic trough concentrator consists of a reflecting surface mounted on a

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 8

1.4 Problem Statement

1.4.1 Problem Identification/Need of Project:

1.4.2 Problem Definition:

 To fulfill the requirement of air conditioning by using low grade energy.

1.4.3 Project Objectives:

 To find out the feasibility of the system by running it at smaller scale.

1.4.4 Scope of the Project:

 First checked feasibility of the project by studying the research papers.

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 9

1.5 Flow process chart

GES’s R.H.Sapat College of Engineering and Research Center, Nashik Page 10

1. Ammonia water system

Ammonia water system is usually implemented in large scale refrigeration

 “Design of solar powered vapour absorption system” by V.K.Bajpai published on

In this paper, author describes objective as design and study of environment

 “Design, fabrication and analysis of solar vapour absorption refrigeration system” by