VAPOUR ABSORPTION

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Introduction

The vapour absorption refrigeration system is one of the oldest methods of

producing refrigerating effect
The principle of vapour absorption was first discovered by Michael Faraday
in 1824
The first vapour absorption refrigeration machine was developed by French
Scientist, Ferdinard Carre, in 1860.
In this system ammonia is used as the refrigerant and water is used as the
absorbent.
Comparison of VAR with
VCR :
The absorption system differs fundamentally from vapour compression
system only in the method of employed for compressing the refrigerant.
In the absorption system, the compressor is replaced by an absorber,
generator and a pump.
The vapour absorption system uses heat energy, instead of mechanical energy
as in vapour compression system, in order to change the conditions of the
refrigerant for the operation of the refrigeration cycle.
The major drawback of the vapour compression refrigeration system is that it
requires large volume of refrigerant vapour which requires large mechanical
power for its operation.
Principle of Vapour Absorption
System
 There is the peculiar property of some substances to have affinity for
another substances at some temperature and pressure conditions and less
affinity at another conditions.

This idea for the working principle of a vapour absorption system was
generated by Michael Faraday in 1824.

He knew that silver chloride (AgCl)m a white powder , had a property of

absorbing large amount of ammonia gas at the normal temperature and
pressure.

.Two chambers are combined with the help of a tube.
The white powder was kept inside the first chamber to which ammonia gas was
supplied and sealed.
The powder was heated up while other end was cooled using circulating water.
Liquid ammonia was obtained in the cool end of the apparatus. After stopping
heat, it was observed that, the liquid ammonia instead of sitting there, started
boiling( bubbles produced) and vapour was reabsorbed by the white powder.
Upon touching the boiling end , it was astonished to find that the vessel was
very cold.
He repeated the experiments and cooling was observed again.
This led to invention of the intermittent Vapour absorption system having solid
as anabsorber
Simple Vapour Absorption System
Practical Vapour
Absorption
System
Coefficient of
Performance
Domestic Electrolux (Ammonia
Hydrogen)
Advantages of VA system

No moving part except pump-motor, which is comparatively smaller

than compressor system.
Quiet in operation, low maintenance cost.
Can work only with thermal energy as an input.
Can be built for huge working capacities.
Disadvantages of VA Systems

Efficiency is low
Takes long time to produce cooling effect
Kerosene/oil/gas flame gives bad smell.
Due to the low working pressure, the COP of vapour refrigeration is
low (nearly 1.1).
Initial cost of the equipment is high in case of Practical Vapour
Absorption system.