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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the generator in the LiBr absorption refrigeration system?
What is the primary function of the generator in the LiBr absorption refrigeration system?
- To expand the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator.
- To absorb heat from the solution.
- To cool the refrigerant after condensation.
- To raise the pressure of the refrigerant vapour. (correct)
At what pressure is the R-718 refrigerant in the generator?
At what pressure is the R-718 refrigerant in the generator?
- $5 kPa$
- $20 kPa$
- $10 kPa$ (correct)
- $15 kPa$
What happens to the refrigerant after it is boiled from the weak solution in the generator?
What happens to the refrigerant after it is boiled from the weak solution in the generator?
- It raises the pressure and is then condensed in the condenser. (correct)
- It evaporates and cools the chilled water.
- It is directly used in the absorber.
- It is stored in a tank for later use.
Which component in the absorption refrigeration system is responsible for the cooling of the refrigerant?
Which component in the absorption refrigeration system is responsible for the cooling of the refrigerant?
What is the temperature of R-718 at the pressure of $10 kPa$?
What is the temperature of R-718 at the pressure of $10 kPa$?
What role does the expansion orifice play in the refrigeration cycle?
What role does the expansion orifice play in the refrigeration cycle?
What process occurs in the absorber of the LiBr absorption refrigeration system?
What process occurs in the absorber of the LiBr absorption refrigeration system?
What is the primary purpose of adding octyl alcohol to the lithium bromide solution?
What is the primary purpose of adding octyl alcohol to the lithium bromide solution?
Which component is directly involved in transferring heat from the concentrated to the weak solution?
Which component is directly involved in transferring heat from the concentrated to the weak solution?
How often should the strength of the anti-corrosion agent in the chilled water be checked?
How often should the strength of the anti-corrosion agent in the chilled water be checked?
What should be done to check for bacterial growth in the cooling system?
What should be done to check for bacterial growth in the cooling system?
When servicing the control system of an absorption refrigeration unit, what is recommended for operators?
When servicing the control system of an absorption refrigeration unit, what is recommended for operators?
What is the function of log sheets or computer printouts in an absorption refrigeration unit?
What is the function of log sheets or computer printouts in an absorption refrigeration unit?
What is the correct procedure for adding octyl alcohol to the system?
What is the correct procedure for adding octyl alcohol to the system?
What should operators do if they notice a gradual change in the absorption unit's performance?
What should operators do if they notice a gradual change in the absorption unit's performance?
What is a common mistake to avoid when dealing with malfunctions in control systems?
What is a common mistake to avoid when dealing with malfunctions in control systems?
What occurs when a saturated salt solution is heated?
What occurs when a saturated salt solution is heated?
What happens to a saturated solution when it is cooled?
What happens to a saturated solution when it is cooled?
What is the consequence of crystallization in a lithium bromide system?
What is the consequence of crystallization in a lithium bromide system?
What is the relationship between the solubility of a solid and temperature?
What is the relationship between the solubility of a solid and temperature?
What occurs in the lithium bromide absorption refrigeration unit due to the low-pressure section?
What occurs in the lithium bromide absorption refrigeration unit due to the low-pressure section?
At what point is a solution classified as saturated?
At what point is a solution classified as saturated?
What is crystallization?
What is crystallization?
What impact does the temperature have on vapor pressures in a lithium bromide unit?
What impact does the temperature have on vapor pressures in a lithium bromide unit?
What is the primary purpose of the bypass in the Lithium Bromide Absorption Unit?
What is the primary purpose of the bypass in the Lithium Bromide Absorption Unit?
At what temperature does the condenser operate in the system?
At what temperature does the condenser operate in the system?
Which component is used to cool the water entering the system?
Which component is used to cool the water entering the system?
In the Lithium Bromide Absorption Unit, what pressure does the flash chamber operate at?
In the Lithium Bromide Absorption Unit, what pressure does the flash chamber operate at?
What is the purpose of the economizer in the absorption unit?
What is the purpose of the economizer in the absorption unit?
What is the maximum temperature the evaporator reaches in the system?
What is the maximum temperature the evaporator reaches in the system?
Which part of the system is responsible for pumping the concentrated solution?
Which part of the system is responsible for pumping the concentrated solution?
What is a primary advantage of absorption refrigeration systems over compression systems?
What is a primary advantage of absorption refrigeration systems over compression systems?
What is the temperature difference between cooling water in and cooling water out?
What is the temperature difference between cooling water in and cooling water out?
Why are lithium bromide systems only used in HVAC service?
Why are lithium bromide systems only used in HVAC service?
What is the refrigerant used in lithium bromide absorption systems?
What is the refrigerant used in lithium bromide absorption systems?
Which temperature represents the cooling water entering the absorption unit?
Which temperature represents the cooling water entering the absorption unit?
What must be closely controlled to prevent crystallization in lithium bromide systems?
What must be closely controlled to prevent crystallization in lithium bromide systems?
What does the absorber do in the Lithium Bromide Absorption Unit?
What does the absorber do in the Lithium Bromide Absorption Unit?
What procedure must be followed during system shutdown to prevent crystallization?
What procedure must be followed during system shutdown to prevent crystallization?
What is a common issue that may arise with lithium bromide systems due to their salt solution?
What is a common issue that may arise with lithium bromide systems due to their salt solution?
What is necessary to keep air out of lithium bromide absorption systems?
What is necessary to keep air out of lithium bromide absorption systems?
What happens to the chilled water flow switch if there is improper operation?
What happens to the chilled water flow switch if there is improper operation?
What is the first action taken to initiate the purge process in the absorption refrigeration system?
What is the first action taken to initiate the purge process in the absorption refrigeration system?
Why is the purge exhaust valve cracked open during the purge process?
Why is the purge exhaust valve cracked open during the purge process?
What happens after all gases have been purged from the system?
What happens after all gases have been purged from the system?
What is the typical environmental setup for observing the gases during purging?
What is the typical environmental setup for observing the gases during purging?
How does the solution supply affect the storage chamber during purging?
How does the solution supply affect the storage chamber during purging?
What role does automated control play in the start-up sequence of an absorption refrigeration system?
What role does automated control play in the start-up sequence of an absorption refrigeration system?
What is the primary function of the purge return valve?
What is the primary function of the purge return valve?
What happens to the gases trapped in the upper part of the storage chamber during the purge?
What happens to the gases trapped in the upper part of the storage chamber during the purge?
Flashcards
Heat Transfer in Absorption Refrigeration
Heat Transfer in Absorption Refrigeration
The process by which heat is transferred from a concentrated solution to a weak solution.
Generator
Generator
The component of an absorption refrigeration system where the refrigerant is boiled from the weak solution, producing refrigerant vapor.
Condenser
Condenser
The component of an absorption refrigeration system where the refrigerant vapor is condensed back into liquid using cooling water.
Expansion Orifice
Expansion Orifice
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Evaporator
Evaporator
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Absorber
Absorber
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Concentration
Concentration
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Refrigerant Vapor Pressure Curve
Refrigerant Vapor Pressure Curve
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Saturated Solution
Saturated Solution
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Crystallization
Crystallization
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Supersaturated Solution
Supersaturated Solution
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Solubility
Solubility
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High-Pressure Section
High-Pressure Section
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Low-Pressure Section
Low-Pressure Section
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Concentration (in Lithium Bromide Chillers)
Concentration (in Lithium Bromide Chillers)
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Purge Chamber
Purge Chamber
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Concentrated Solution Bypass Valve
Concentrated Solution Bypass Valve
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Purge Return Valve
Purge Return Valve
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Pressure Difference
Pressure Difference
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Purging
Purging
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Refrigerant Generation (or Boiling)
Refrigerant Generation (or Boiling)
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Purge Exhaust Valve
Purge Exhaust Valve
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System Check
System Check
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Expansion Device
Expansion Device
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Condenser Cooling Water Supply
Condenser Cooling Water Supply
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Solution Flow
Solution Flow
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Shutdown
Shutdown
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Concentrator Bypass Valve
Concentrator Bypass Valve
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Heat Transfer in the Economizer
Heat Transfer in the Economizer
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Economizer
Economizer
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Chilled water flow switch opens
Chilled water flow switch opens
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Low temperature control switch opens
Low temperature control switch opens
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Motor temperature control trips out
Motor temperature control trips out
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Shutdown procedures
Shutdown procedures
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Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
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Biocide
Biocide
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Octyl Alcohol
Octyl Alcohol
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Access Valve
Access Valve
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Log Sheet
Log Sheet
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Control System
Control System
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Bleed Off
Bleed Off
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Study Notes
Absorption Refrigeration Systems
- Absorption refrigeration systems use heat energy instead of mechanical energy, using low-cost sources like waste heat
- They do not require compressors, thus reducing electrical energy consumption
- Two common types of absorption systems are ammonia and lithium bromide systems
- Ammonia systems are used in industrial settings, while lithium bromide systems are used in large HVAC chillers
- Absorption systems use natural refrigerants (R-717 and R-718) which reduces global warming potential, and are not ozone-depleting
- Absorption systems require a condenser, liquid receiver, expansion valve, and an evaporator, unlike compression systems which use a compressor
- Compared to compression systems, absorption systems require more cooling water
- Typical problems with absorption systems can include non-condensable gases, faulty purging (in the system), and issues with cooling water supply
- Maintenance procedures include checking pulleys, belts, oil in vacuum pumps, cleaning strainers and traps, and checking pump oil levels and lubrication
Learning Objectives
- Describe basic absorption systems, comparing them to compression systems
- Explain the operation of ammonia and lithium bromide absorption refrigeration systems
- Describe the components of an absorption system, including heat exchangers and bypass, pump motor lubrication, and purging systems
- Describe startup and shutdown procedures for absorption refrigeration systems
- Explain typical problems and resolutions related to these systems
- Understand crystallization and dilution in absorption refrigeration systems
Chapter Introduction
- Absorption refrigeration systems use heat energy instead of mechanical energy
- This reduces electrical energy consumption, permitting the use of low-cost heat sources
- Ammonia and lithium bromide systems are the two primary types
Objective 1
- Basic absorption systems differ from compression systems, as they do not include a compressor.
- Absorption systems use a liquid absorbent that removes refrigerant vapor, a high-pressure generator to evaporate the refrigerant, and a pump to move the concentrated absorption solution
- The factors involved in choosing an absorption system include waste heat availability, and the economics of the cooling requirement
Objective 2
- In ammonia absorption systems, water acts as the absorbent
- The system circulates refrigerant (ammonia) through an evaporator, absorber, condenser & generator
- Heat from a high-pressure source (steam, hot water) boils off the ammonia, leaving a weak solution
Objective 3
- Lithium bromide (LiBr) absorption systems use water as the refrigerant, and a lithium bromide solution as the absorbent
- These systems maintain an evaporator temperature of 4°C to 7°C (40°F to 45°F)
Objective 4
- The solubility of a salt in water depends on its temperature; a higher temperature can dissolve more salt
- This principle is crucial in preventing crystallization, where the amount of dissolved salt exceeds solubility limits at a lower temperature
Objective 5
- The major parts and systems of an absorption system include heat exchangers, bypass systems, and pump motor lubrication and cooling, as well as purging systems
- Understanding the functions of the heat exchanger bypass and purging system is vital
Objective 6
- Describing the steps involved in the startup and shutdown procedures of absorption systems
- This will involve understanding the actions of various pumps, valves, and cooling and steam systems
- Following manufacturer's guidelines is essential
Objective 7
- Maintenance is critical to keep the system running smoothly
- Cleaning and regular checks are essential
- This includes verifying mechanical components, pumps, valves, etc for proper operation and to prevent leaks
- Preventive maintenance includes pulley and belt checks, cleaning, ensuring proper oil levels and lubrication, and cleaning of critical mechanical parts
- Regular cleaning of strainers and trap elements is essential
- Checking refrigerant levels and adding octyl alcohol at intervals as required is essential
Objective 8
- Troubleshooting includes identifying potential causes, like non-condensable gases, issues with cooling water, or insufficient concentrations of chemical compounds (like octyl alcohol)
- Potential problems in absorption units include decreased capacity, crystallization, issues involving the startup, and operational problems with crystallization at shutdown, safety interlocks and malfunctions
- Correct resolutions for each of these potential causes are outlined
Chapter Summary
- Advantages of absorption refrigeration systems versus compression systems, focusing on cost-effective heat sources and environmental impact
- Describing how ammonia and lithium bromide systems differ and explain their specific uses
Knowledge Exercises (Questions and Answers)
- These provide specific exercises for students to practice identifying components, understanding the processes, and diagnosing maintenance issues.
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