Solar pond operated R134a based vapour absorption heat transformer for process heat generation

Solar ponds provide an inexpensive means for the collection and storage of heat between 50°C and 80°C. They can be utilised efficiently for process heat generation if a suitable vapour absorption heat transformer is used to upgrade the heat. In this paper, a thermodynamic analysis of a vapour absorption heat transformer is presented. This uses R134a (1,1,1,2 - tetrafluroethane) as refrigerant and organic fluids DMAC (Dimethyl acetamide) and DMETEG (Dimethylether tetraethyleneglycol) as absorbents. Variations in performance parameters (coefficient of performance (COP), circulation ratio, second law efficiency) with the following operating parameters have been studied: [Closed Circle] Absorber, generator, evaporator and condenser temperatures. [Closed Circle] Effectiveness of the heat exchangers. The results show that, for high temperature lift, R134a-DMAC has superior performance compared to R134a-DMETEG.