Mass transfer enhancement for LiBr solution using ultrasonic wave

Abstract

The methods were studied to improve the cooling performance of the absorption refrigeration system (ARS) driven by low-grade solar energy with ultrasonic wave, while the mechanism of ultrasonic wave strengthening boiling mass transfer in LiBr solution was also analyzed with experiment. The experimental results indicate that, under the driving heat source of 60–100 ºC and the ultrasonic power of 20–60 W, the mass flux of cryogen water in LiBr solution is higher after the application of ultrasonic wave than auxiliary heating with electric rod of the same power, so the ultrasonic application effectively enhances the heat utilization efficiency. The distance H from ultrasonic transducer to vapor/liquid interface significantly affects mass transfer enhancement, so an optimal H_opt corresponding to certain ultrasonic power is beneficial to reaching the best strengthening effect for ultrasonic mass transfer. When the ultrasonic power increases, the mass transfer obviously speeds up in the cryogen water; however, as the power increases to a certain extent, the flux reaches a plateau without obvious increment. Moreover, the ultrasound-enhanced mass transfer technology can reduce the minimum temperature of driving heat source required by ARS and promote the application of solar energy during absorption refrigeration.

Keywords

mass transfer enhancement / LiBr solution / ultrasonic wave / solar absorption refrigeration system

References

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