International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
Design, Fabrication and Analysis of Solar Vapour Absorption
Refrigeration System
K Karthik
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University, Chennai, India
Abstract Solar energy is the most abundant source of
energy available in our country. The power of the sun can
be efficiently used to harness energy for solving our energy
needs. The void of not having efficient technology to tap this
abundant energy reservoir has led to search for better
technologies and more varied applications. Our primary
focus in this paper would be on utilizing solar energy for
domestic refrigeration purposes.
The system used in this paper is known as an Electrolux
refrigeration system which is a modified version of
Einstein-Szilard refrigerator. It is a three fluid system
comprising of ammonia, water & hydrogen. Instead of a
compressor it uses waste heat to run a generator, as
opposed to a standard refrigerator. A low grade heat source
heats up the absorber-absorbent pair releasing the
refrigerant in vapour form. This vapour is air cooled to
liquid state at the condenser. Finally hydrogen reduces the
vapour pressure of the ammonia liquid entering the
evaporator causing the liquid to boil absorbing heat from
the cabin and in turn cooling it.
The work illustrated deals with the design, fabrication
and testing of the aforementioned concept. The system was
operated on a sunny day, the collector fluid temperature
and cabin temperatures were monitored. The obtained
results have been tabulated and the C.O.P and tonnage of
the refrigerator were also computed.
KeywordsAbsorber,Coefficient of performance(COP),
Tonnage of refrigeration, Absorbent
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background
In 1858 a French scientist named Ferdinand Carr
invented an absorption cooling system using water and
sulphuric acid. In 1922 Baltzar Platen and Carl Munters,
improved the system in principle with a 3-fluid
configuration. This "Platen-Munters" design was capable
of operating without a pump.
During 1926-1933 Einstein and Szilrd joined hands
to improve the technology in the area of domestic
refrigeration. The two were inspired by newspaper
reports of the death of a Berlin family due to seal failure
which caused a leakage of toxic fumes into their home.
Einstein and Szilrd proposed a device without moving
parts that would eliminate the potential for seal failure,
and worked on its practical applications for various
refrigeration cycles. The two in due course were granted
45 patents in their names for three different models.
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This paper is based on an Electrolux refrigeration
system using solar energy as input. The principle behind
Electrolux refrigeration is that it uses three gases to
accomplish its cooling effect namely ammonia
(refrigerant) water (absorbent) and hydrogen.
Electrolux absorption refrigerator uses three
substances: ammonia, hydrogen gas, and water. At
atmospheric conditions, ammonia is a gas with a boiling
point of - 33C. The system is pressurized to the point
where the liquefaction of ammonia occurs. The cycle is
closed, with hydrogen, water and ammonia and recycled
perpetually. The cooling cycle starts with high pressure
liquefied ammonia entering the evaporator at ambient
temperature. The partial pressure of the hydrogen gas
affects the boiling point of the ammonia. As ammonia
boils in the evaporator, it requires energy to overcome
the enthalpy of vaporization. This energy is drawn from
the refrigerator cabin providing the desired cooling
effect.
B. Present Scenario
Energy systems are complex as they involve the
consideration of economic, technical and environmental
factors. There is a dearth of thermally driven absorption
refrigeration machines on the market which provide
small-capacity cooling for domestic applications, as
stressed upon by Velmurugan V et al. [2]. This paper
presents a description of a new solar refrigeration system
using three fluid ammonia-hydrogen/water (NH3-
H2/H2O) vapour absorption systems. This technique uses
solar energy to produce the desired cooling effect and
without polluting the environment.
According to Celina Maria Cunha Ribeiro et al.[1], the
circulation of the working fluids is accomplished via a
bubble pump, its action depends significantly on the mass
transfer in the evaporator and the absorber. Also Joshua
Folaranmi Leonardo [3] has described a new method for
using a focusing collector, where heat from the sun is
concentrated on a black absorber located at the focal
point of the reflector where water is heated to a very high
temperature. He also describes a solar tracking system by
manual tilting of the bar at the support of the parabolic
dish. The setup is mounted on a frame supported with a
lever for tilting the parabolic dish reflector to different
angles enabling capturing solar energy during different
periods of the day.
 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
The influence of operating conditions such as: t hour angle
ammonia fraction in inlet solution and tube diameter on
I.e.
the functioning of the bubble pump was presented and
discussed by Ali benhmidene et al. [4]. It was found that, ,
the liquid velocity and pumping ratio increase with
Cos z =sinsin + coscos cost
increasing heat flux, and then it decreases. Optimal heat
flux depends namely on tube diameter variations. Cos z = sin(9.733421) sin (0) + cos (9.733421) cos (0)
Ali benhmidene et al. [7] found that the optimum heat cos(0)
flux can be correlated as a function of the mass flow rate
and tube diameter, while the minimum heat flux required Cos z =0.169064818 x 0 + 0.985605 x 1 x1
for pumping can be correlated as a function of tube Cos z =0.985605
diameter. The effects of hot water inlet temperatures on
the coefficient of performance (COP) have been studied Z = cos-1(0.0985605)
by V Mittal et al. [5]. Intensity of solar radiation,
S. Gabsi et al. [6] designed and simulated an
absorption diffusion refrigerator using solar energy for Iz =Isc e(-c(sec z)s)
domestic use. The climatic conditions and the cost due to Iz =1353 e (-0.357(1/0.985605)0.678)
technical constraints for various components such as the
solar generator, the condenser, the absorber and the Iz =1353e (-0.2455)
evaporator limits the systems application for small scale Iz =1058.4698 W/m2
purposes. Mass and energy conservation equations
showed that the new absorption cycle could produce The value of radiation on a horizontal surface (Ih) is
viable amounts of cooling for domestic applications. Ih =Izcos z

II. DESIGN OF SOLAR COLLECTOR Ih =1058.4698 x 0.985605 =1043.233 W/ m2

Calculation of collector area Available radiation intensity =1043.233 W/m2
Here the collector used is parabolic in shape. Assume, 50% efficiency due to:-
Taking maximum temperature at the generator, T G =90C 1. Variance
Solar constant (Isc) = 1353W/m2 2. Collector efficiency
2
Extraterrestrial radiation (Io) = 1398 W/m 3. Manual tracking system
Geographical location of the place where the solar This implies solar radiation intensity=500W/m2
collector was placed: (approx.)
Latitude = 9.73 N Now,
Longitude = 76.68 E Reflected intensity
Also the month of operation is assumed to be march ( = ( Ri ) = 0.9x500 = 450 W/m2 (Reflectivity of chromium
0; t = 0) coated aluminium = 0.9)
Direct radiation reaching the surface at earth is a Then,
function of time of the day, latitude location and Heat required at collector box ( Qi )
declination angle
Qi =5 x 4.18 x (90-30)/3600
Let
Qi = 0.348 kW = 348W
Z-Zenith angle
Area of parabolic dish (Ad) = 348/450
The zenith angle is calculated thus, Cos z = sinsin +
coscos cost Ad =0.77m2
Where, Take depth ( h ). h=0.25m
- latitude of location Surface area (As)
-declination angle As = /6[r/h2] [(r2+4h2)3/2-r3]
0.77 = /6[r/0.252] [r3] {[1+(0.5/r)2]3/2-1}
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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
By trial and error; This paper uses the same system as shown in Fig.1
albeit with a few changes. The system discussed in this
r=0.45m, D=0.90m
paper uses a novel concentric heat exchanger on the
Focal length (F)=r2/4h = 0.452/4x0.25 =0.2025m generator or boiler section. Hot water from the collector
box placed at the focus of the parabolic collector dish is
NOTE: Ideal operating temperature required at
pumped via a small head pump.
generator=85C-90C

III. FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY

The parabolic dish collector was fabricated using eight
mild steel bars of 21 inch length and a large chromium
plated aluminium sheet. The base was created by welding
eight strips of curved steel to a central point at the base.
Then a circular rim of steel of required diameter was
created and welded each to the base. Two arms were
welded to the dish for holding the heat source. Steel was
used for the stand and a square base was used as a
support. Mild steel sheet of length 25 inch and breadth 12
inch was taken and rolled into a cylinder to form the
collector box.
Two holes were made at the ends and fitted with a Fig.2 Actual Setup Of Solar Var System
pipe extension for fixing half inch tubes. On the top on
opposite points two small extensions were welded for IV. SPECIFICATIONS
fitting on the two arms of the dish. The vessel is fixed on Area of dish=0.77m2
the focal point of the parabolic dish. It is supported at the Generator (bubble pump)
focal point with the help of cast iron bar. The vessel has a
Length=25cm
tilting mechanism so that vessel always remains straight.
A mini fridge of 40L was used for the experiments. A Diameter=2cm
vapor absorption system which had specifications and Condenser
size similar to that of the mini fridge was used. Slight Length=32cm
modifications were done to the vapor absorption system.
An alternate pipe to carry hot water through the Diameter=1.4cm
generator from the heat source was added. This pipe had Absorber (Vessel)
an inlet for hot water and an outlet at the top for the Length =12.5cm
colder water. This was placed such that it was in contact Diameter=5.8cm
with the generator to ensure transfer of heat from the pipe
to the generator tube. Evaporator
Length=30cm
Diameter=1.4cm
Plate fin
No. of fins=40
Length=7cm
Width=5cm
Thickness=1mm
Condenser pressure=10bar
Evaporator pressure=1bar
Concentration of aqua-ammonia=17moles/l
Quantity of aqua-ammonia filled=300ml
Pump selection
Type=MONOBLOCK
Head=15m
Fig.1 Illustration Of A Vapour Absorption System

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
Flow rate ( Q ) hl = Nu x k/Dm
Q=250liter/hour hl =128.02x0.6513/0.02
hl =4169.03W/m2K
Q=0.25m3/3600sec = 0.697x10-4m3/sec
QG = h1A(T-Ts) = 4169.03 x (3.14 x 0.02 x 0.25) x (90
V. CALCULATIONS 85) = 327.27 W
A. Heat transfer at generator: Note:
Heat transfer happens via forced convection between 1. Ts can be measured close to bubble pump by
hot circulating water and outer tube surface of bubble thermometer.
pump. 2. The calculation is done for steady state value
achieved close to peak cooling temperature when
Hot water In initial transient phenomenon have settled.
B. Temperature of refrigerant at generator exit:
Since the bubble pump is a capillary tube of very thin
material.
Assume the wall/surface temperature of bubble pump=
temperature of NH4OH inside it
Now, at steady state
Tsolution=85C
We also know that miscibility of NH3reduces with
increasing temperature. Hence NH3 vapours (refrigerant)
are generated at 85C.
Hot water Out C. Heat rejected at condenser, Qc:
Assumption: We will assume that NH3 vapour
Fig.3 Schematic Diagram Of Heat Exchanger Around Bubble condenses at 25C and the liquid NH3 generated exits at
Pump the same temperature (ie;25C).It is not cooled further.
Note: The above assumption was made as18H 2 gas was
L=0.25m filled to keep the system pressure at 10bar while charging
Di=0.02m the system and we know that at 10 bar, the saturation
Do=0.04m temperature of NH3 is 25C.
Dm=Do-Di=0.02m Hci (85C& 10bar) = 1650 KJ/Kg
Ts =30c Hco (25C & 10 bar) = 1484 KJ/kg
Tw =90c To calculate heat transfer coefficient
Tf =Tw + Ts/2 =90C + 30C/2 =60C For finned section
At Tf = 60C,
=0.548m/s For rectangular blocks,
v = 0.478x10-6m2/s Temp at fin =100C
Pr = 3.02 Air temp = 40C
K = 0.6513 W/mK Film temp = 70C
Re = Dm/v = 0.578x0.02/0.478x10-6m2/s Lv=7 cm
Re =22,928.87 L =LHLV/LH+LV
L =2.92 cm
Now, since the flow is forced convection in a
concentric annulus duct. (Note: Dittus-boelter is less At 70C air
accurate for Di/Do > 0.2 ) V =20.02x10-6m2/s
Using Monrad and Peltons equation(1942) k =0.02966 W/mK
Pr=0.694
Nu = 0.02(Re0.8) (Pr)3 [Do/Di]0.53 =1/343
Nu =0.02 x {22,928.87]0.8 x [3.02]0.33 x [0.04/0.02]0.53
Nu =128.02

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Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
Ra=Gr x Pr R (1650-1484) x 103 = 84.61
Ra = g (Ts-T)/v2 x L3 x Pr R = 5.096x10-4Kg/sec
Ra =9.81/343 x (100-40)/{(20.02x10-6)2} x (2.92x10-2)3 R = 0.0306Kg/min
x 0.694
E. Heat absorbed at evaporator, QE :
Ra =7.39x104
Nu =0.55 Ral 1/4
Aluminum Pam
Polyfoam
Nu =0.55 x (7.39x104)1/4
Nu =9.07
h1 = Nu x k/L + 9.07 x (29.66x10-3)/2.92x10-2
h1=9.212 W/m2K
h1 = Nu x k/L + 9.07 x (29.66x10-3)/2.92x10-2 ha hb
h1=9.212 W/m2K

For unfinned section

Condenser length = 32cm
Diameter =1.4cm
Unfinned section length = 320 - (40x1)
= 280mm
Fig.4 Schematic Diagram Of Refrigerator Door
Taking it as a whole cylinder Assume the wall to be made of two materials
At Tf=70C
Dimensions of fridge=40x45x55cm3
V = 20.02x10-6 m2/s
Assuming laminar flow around all surfaces, we can
k = 0.02966 W/mK use the following simplified equations for air:
Pr =0.694 Vertical Plate
-1
=1/343 K hv = 1.42 x (T/L)1/4
Ra = Gr x Pr Now,
Ra =g (Ts-T)/v2 x D3 x Pr Outside surface temp = 250C
Ra = 9.81x(100-40)(0.014)3x0.694/343x Inside surface temp = 100C
(20.02x10-6)2 Ambient temp = 400C
Cabin temp. = 80 C
Ra =8153.453
Nu =C(Ra)n hva = 1.42 (40 25/ 0.55)1/4 = 3.24 W/m2K
hvb = 1.42 (10 8/ 0.55)1/4 = 1.96 W/m2K
C =0.85; n =0.188 Horizontal Plate
Nu = 0.85(8153.453)0.188 hh = 1.32 x (T/L)1/4
Nu = 4.62 hha= 1.32 (40 22 / 0.45)1/4 = 3.32 W/m2K
hhb= 1.32 (9 8 / 0.45)1/4 = 1.61 W/m2K
h2 = Nu x k/D
h2 = 4.62 x 29.66 x10-3/0.014 QE Calculation
h2= 9.7878 W/m2K Front & Back
Qtotal(condensation) = [h1 x A1 x 40 x (Ts-T)] + [h2 x A2 x (Ts- QE1 = 2 x T1 T2 / ((1/hva) + (L1/k1 A) + (L2/k2 A) +
T)] (1/hvb))
Qtotal(condensation) =[9.212 x 0.07 x 0.05 x 40] + [9.7878 x QE1 = 2 x (40 8) / (1/3.24) + (0.02/0.035 x
x 0.014 x 0.28] (100-40) 0.4 x 0.55)+(0.002/205 x 0.4 x 0.55) + (1/1.96)
Qc = 84.61W QE1 = 18.74 W

D. Mass flow rate: Sides

At condenser; Similarly,
R (hci-hco) = Qc QE2=2x(408)/(1/3.24)+
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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
(0.02/0.035x0.45x0.55)+(0.002/205x0.45x0.55)+ VI. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
(1/1.96) After the total assembly and calculations were
QE2 = 20.46 W complete the setup was tested. The testing was performed
Top & Bottom from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and the reading was noted.
Every half an hour the parabolic dish was adjusted
QE3=2x(408)/(1/3.32)+ (0.02/0.035x0.4x0.45)+ manually to track the movement of the sun. From the
(0.002/205x0.4x0.45) + (1/1.61) testing done it was noted that the lowest temperature
QE3= 15.62 W achieved was 8C. It was noted that the cabin
QE = QE1 + QE2+QE3 = 18.74 + 20.46 + 15.62 = 54.82 W temperature increased for a certain period and then
dropped. The C.O.P of the system was obtained from the
F. Tonnage of refrigerator: calculations as 0.1675 for a mini fridge of 40 liters. The
Let TCL = Total Cooling Load tonnage of the system for the test conditions was
Then, TCL = QE + Qinf 0.0168TR and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant
obtained was 0.0306 kg/min.
Heat due to infiltration, Qinf= q x (1/v1) x (h1-h2)
Now, Table.1
Variance Of Collector Fluid Temperature With Local Time
q = (L x W x H x Ac) / 60 (m3/min)
AC = AC1 + AC2 = 0.5 + 2 = 2.5 (AC1from table for air Local Ambient Collector Fluid
changes by ASHRAE(1972) for room with no windows Time(in Temperature (0C) Temperature(0C)
or doors & AC2 = 2 times /hr doors are opened to check Hrs.)
temp.) 9:00 27.50 40.00
10:00 29.80 50.00
q = 0.4 x 0.45 x 0.55 x 2.5 / 60 = 4.125 x 10 -3 m3/min. 11:00 32.30 62.00
Outside conditions: 12:00 32.50 75.00
13:00 34.50 85.00
At 300C &RH = 60% 14:00 35.60 90.00
h1 = 71 KJ/Kg 15:00 35.60 90.00
v1 = 0.88 m3/kg 16:00 33.00 88.00
Inside cabin conditions:
Assume 60% RH for inside cabin as well.
At 80C & 60% RH
h2 = 16.5 KJ/Kg
Now,
Qinf = 4.125 x 10-3 x (1/ 0.88) x (71 16.5) = 0.25546
KJ/min = 4.25 W
TCL = QE + Qinf = 54.82 + 4.25 = 59.07 W
Now 1 TR = 3.517 KW
So, Tonnage of refrigerator = TCL/ (3.517 x 1000) =
0.0168 TR
Note:
1. Miscellaneous loads such as occupancy and lighting
are not applicable in this case.
2. Radiation heat gain is negligible as the fridge was
kept away from direct sunlight. Fig.5 Variance Of Collector Fluid Temperature With Time
3. As the fridge was tested while keeping the fridge The result was noted that the collector fluid
empty, the product heat gain can be neglected. temperature increased with time but only up to a certain
G. Coefficient of performance (COP): period. It can also be noted that the fluid temperature
increases till 14:00 to a temperature of 90C and then
COP = QE / QG
starts dropping.
COP= 54.82 / 327.27 = 0.1675

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Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 9, September 2014)
Table.2 The mechanical modifications made to the mini fridge
Variance Of Cabin Temperature With Local Time
to accommodate the vapour absorption system and the
design of the solar collector were successful and a lowest
Local Time (in Hrs.) Cabin Temperature (0C)
cabin temperature of 8C was achieved for a mini fridge
of 40L capacity. The testing conditions were a sunny day
9:00 32.40 and the duration of testing was 9 hours.
10:00 29.50 The C.O.P obtained was 0.1675. The tonnage of the
system was computed as 0.0164TR. The mass flow rate
11:00 24.20
calculated was 0.0306 kg/min.
12:00 18.20 The prognosis for the future of solar refrigeration and
13:00 14.80 air conditioning seems to be very good and no doubt it
14:00 8.00 will find its place in future industrial applications. But
there are a few drawbacks with the system which need to
15:00 11.10 be addressed. The major limiting factor at present is the
16:00 15.70 availability of solar energy whenever it is required, for
example at nights and extended cloudy days we cannot
Now a second set of data is analyzed. Here cabin attain a high enough temperature and hence refrigeration
temperature variance is studied with respect to time. A is poor.
digital thermometer was used for the purpose. It was Modifying the design of solar collector for wider
noted that the cabin temperature reduces up to 14:00 hrs acceptance angle and making generator tubes with
and then starts to increase. The above pattern can be material of higher thermal conductivity yield can be
explained as there is a reduction in the solar radiation as improved.
evening approaches.
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fluids,18th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
November 6-11, 2005
[2] Velmurugan V, RajaBalayanan S.R, Surendhra Babu K and
Sakthivadivel D, Investigation of a novel solar powered
absorption refrigeration system with solar point collector,
Research Journal of Chemical Sciences Vol. 1(7), Oct. 2011, p.
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