Absorption Refrigeration Systems

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Absorption Refrigeration Systems
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Process
File Reference: CHE21003
For additional information on this subject, contact

R.A. Al-Husseini on 874-2692
Process
CONTENTS
PAGES
OPERATION OF ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS .............................................................. 1

General Operation of Absorption Refrigeration Systems ................................................................ 1
Operation of Aqua-Ammonia Systems ............................................................................................ 3
Operation of Lithium Bromide Systems ................................................................................. 6
SELECTING APPROPRIATE ABSORPTION SYSTEMS, GIVEN PROCESS
REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 8
Advantages, Features, and Capacities.............................................................................................. 8
Aqua-Ammonia ................................................................................................................. 8
Lithium Bromide ............................................................................................................... 9
Sizing Calculations.......................................................................................................................... 10
Aqua-Ammonia ................................................................................................................. 10
Sample Problem................................................................................................................. 11
Lithium Bromide ............................................................................................................... 18
WORK AID..................................................................................................................................... 27
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................................... 28
ADDENDUM..................................................................................................................................29
Process
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.
Absorption Refrigeration System....................................................................................... 1
Figure 2.
Ammonia-Water Single-Stage Absorption Refrigeration System ...................................... 4
Figure 3.
Lithium Bromide-Water Single-Stage Absorption Refrigeration System .......................... 6
Figure 4.
Enthalpy-Concentration Diagram for Ammonia-Water Solution ....................................... 12
Figure 5.
Enthalpy Values................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 6.
Enthalpy-Concentration Diagram for Lithium Bromide-Water Solutions ......................... 22
Figure 7.
Enthalpy Values Summary For This Particular Lithium Bromide System......................... 23
Figure 8.
Typical Values for Li Br Systems ...................................................................................... 25
Figure 9.
Refrigerant Temperature Enthalpy of Lithium Bromide Solutions .................................... 26
Process
Operation of Absorption Refrigeration Systems

This section discusses the operation of absorption refrigeration systems in general and the operation of the
following absorption refrigeration systems, specifically:
Aqua-ammonia systems
Water-lithium bromide systems
General Operation of Absorption Refrigeration Systems

Absorption refrigeration systems convert heat into cooling power. Figure 1 is a diagram of a basic absorption
refrigeration system.
Figure 1. Absorption Refrigeration System
Process
In Step 1, hot liquid refrigerant is expanded into a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid and vapor in the
evaporator. The expansion of the refrigerant cools the refrigerant due to the heat of vaporization. The cold
refrigerant provides the cooling power.
In Step 2, the cold, low-pressure refrigerant vapor is converted to a liquid in solution while the low-pressure is
maintained. This conversion occurs when the refrigerant is miscible with the solution base (absorbent) and
when there is a high affinity between the refrigerant molecules and the absorbent molecules. Thermal energy
due to the heat of condensation, sensible heats, and heat of dilution is generated in this process. This thermal
energy must be removed with minimal heating of the refrigerant-absorbent mixture.
In Step 3, the refrigerant-absorbent mixture is pressurized.
In Step 4, the refrigerant-absorbent mixture passes through a heat exchanger where the mixture is heated.
In Step 5, the refrigerant-absorbent mixture undergoes distillation and separates the refrigerant from the
absorbent. If the pure absorbent material is nonvolatile, a simple still is adequate. If the pure absorbent
material is volatile, fractional distillation is required. It is critical that the refrigerant that is obtained in this step
be free of absorbent. The refrigerant from this step is a hot, high-pressure vapor. The absorbent obtained in
this step may contain significant amounts of refrigerant.
In Step 6, the hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapor passes into a condenser. The condenser cools the vapor
sufficiently to convert the vapor to a liquid.
The hot absorbent from Step 5 is transferred through the heat exchanger in Step 4 to heat the refrigerantabsorbent mixture, and at the same time, to cool the regenerated absorbent. The regenerated absorbent is then
supplied as the absorbent for Step 2.
Critical characteristics of the refrigerant-absorbent pair are as follows:
The refrigerant and the absorbent should not form a solid over the range of composition and
temperature to which they may be subjected.
The refrigerant should be much more volatile than the absorbent.
Process
The absorbent should have a strong affinity for the refrigerant under the conditions in which the
absorption takes place.
The operating pressures should be moderate. The operating pressures are largely determined by
the refrigerant.
The refrigerant, the absorbent, and the mixture should all be chemically stable. They are subjected
to severe conditions over years of service.
The refrigerant, the absorbent, and the mixture should be non- corrosive. Corrosion inhibitors
should be used as necessary.
The fluids should be nontoxic and nonflammable.
The refrigerant's latent heat should be high. High latent heats allows the circulation rate of the
refrigerant and absorbent to be kept to a minimum.
The fluids should have good transport properties (viscosity, surface tension, thermal diffusivity,
and mass diffusivity).
No known refrigerant-absorbent pair has all of the critical characteristics that are listed. Two commonly used
pairs are ammonia-water and water-lithium bromide. In the following section, the operations of these
refrigerant-absorbent pairs are discussed. Critical characteristics are discussed in a later section.
Operation of Aqua-Ammonia Systems

Figure 2 illustrates the flow of an ammonia-water absorption refrigeration system. In this type of system, water
is the absorbent, ammonia is the refrigerant, and ammonia-water is the refrigerant-absorbent mixture. The
following description refers to the circled numbers in Figure 2 to identify specific points in the process. The
discussion references these points as the steps in the process are described.
Process
Figure 2. Ammonia-Water Single-Stage Absorption

Refrigeration System
Process
Point 1 to 2
Hot water leaves the generator. This water is cooled in the heat exchanger by the incoming ammonia-water
(4A). The cold water is then sent to the absorber.
Point 2 to 3
In the absorber, the cold water absorbs low-pressure ammonia that comes from the evaporator. The ammoniawater then enters the strong aqua (SA) tank.
Point 3 to 4
The ammonia-water from the (SA) is pumped to the generator system through the heat exchanger. In the heat
exchanger, the ammonia-water is heated by the water that was produced at point 1.
Point 4 to 5
The hot ammonia-water from the heat exchanger enters the distillation tower and, through the tower, the
generator system. In the tower and generator system, the ammonia is separated from the water. The hot water
then leaves the generator at point 1.
Point 5 to 6
The gaseous ammonia leaves the tower and enters the condenser where the gas is converted to liquid ammonia.
Point 6 to 7
The liquid ammonia is expanded in the evaporator, where the liquid is converted into cold liquid and gaseous
ammonia. The cold liquid vaporizes and cools the evaporator. The cold, gaseous ammonia is then transferred
to the absorber. In the absorber, the cold, gaseous ammonia is absorbed by the water.
Point 8
Upsets in the tower or changes in evaporator operation could cause the concentration of water in the liquid
ammonia to increase. The periodic spillover connection allows the return of accumulated water to the system.
Process
Operation of Lithium Bromide Systems

Figure 3 illustrates the flow of a lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration system. In this type of system,
lithium bromide is the absorbent, water is the refrigerant, and lithium bromide-water is the refrigerant-absorbent
mixture. The following description refers to the circled numbers in Figure 3 to identify specific points in the
process. The discussion references these points as the steps in the process are described.
Figure 3. Lithium Bromide-Water Single-Stage Absorption Refrigeration System
Process
Point 1 to 2
Hot lithium bromide leaves the generator. This lithium bromide is cooled in the heat exchanger by the
incoming lithium bromide-water. The cold lithium bromide is then sent to the absorber.
Point 2 to 4
In the absorber, cold lithium bromide absorbs the low-pressure water vapor that comes from the evaporator.
Point 4 to 5
The cool, lithium bromide-water is pumped from the absorber to the generator through the heat exchanger. In
the heat exchanger, the lithium bromide-water is heated by the lithium bromide that was produced at point 1.
Point 5 to 1
Hot lithium bromide-water from the heat exchanger enters the generator. In the generator, heat is added to
distill the water. Hot lithium bromide leaves the generator at point 1.
Path 6 to 7
Hot, high-pressure water vapor (6) condenses (7).
Point 7 to 8
The hot water expands in the evaporator. The expansion vaporizes the water, which becomes the evaporator.
The cold, low-pressure water vapor is absorbed by the solution in the absorber .
Process
Selecting Appropriate Absorption Systems, Given Process Requirements

This section compares and contrasts aqua-ammonia and lithium bromide-absorption systems through a
discussion of the following:
Advantages, features, and capacities

Sizing calculations
Advantages, Features, and Capacities

Absorption refrigeration equipment has the following advantages:
The system can be powered with waste, low-level heat

There are no expensive compressors
They are quiet
Absorption refrigeration equipment is classified by how it is fired and whether it has a single-stage or two-stage
generator. Units that use steam or hot fluid heat sources are indirect fired. Units that use a flame heat source
are direct fired. Units that use hot waste gases as a heat source are indirect fired, but are often referred to as
heat-recovery units. Units with two-stage generators are called dual-effect or double-effect units.
Aqua-Ammonia
The ammonia-water pair (aqua-ammonia absorption system) meets most of the ideal requirements for an
absorption refrigeration system. However, the volatility ratio is too low; high operating pressures are required;
and ammonia is an ASHRAE 15-1978 Safety Code Group 2 fluid, restricting its indoor use.
The low volatility ratio means that it is difficult to completely separate the ammonia from the water and
requires a compromise in the refrigeration system. There are two possible solutions. In the first solution, the
refrigerant will have water vapor present as it passes through the condenser and evaporator, which restricts the
refrigerant pathway which can freeze at 0C (32F). In the second solution, the water that serves as an
absorbent will have a significant amount of ammonia already absorbed and will consequently perform as a less
efficient absorber. Because water is present throughout the system, ammonia-water absorption should not be
used for applications near or below 0C (32F).
Process
The high operating pressures increase the cost of the refrigeration equipment and also increase the inherent
dangers associated with the equipment. The condenser pressures are around 2068 kPa (300 psia) and the
evaporator pressures are around 483 kPa (70 psia).
Ammonia is an ASHRAE 15-1978 Safety Code Group 2 fluid because it can cause serious injury to people at
concentrations of 0.5 to 1.0 percent for durations of exposure over one half hour. Therefore, the use of an aquaammonia refrigeration cycle in an enclosed space, especially in a space routinely inhabited, is discouraged.
Direct-fired, air-cooled ammonia-water liquid chillers are available in 3- to 5-ton (10- to 18-kW) capacities.
Lithium Bromide
The water-lithium bromide pair (lithium bromide-absorption system) meets most of the ideal requirements for
an absorption refrigeration system. However, the pair has the following disadvantages:
The refrigerant (water) freezes at 0C (32F)

The water-lithium bromide mixture tends to form solids
Lithium bromide solutions have a high viscosity
The fact that water freezes at 0C (32F) means that a lithium bromide-absorption system cannot be used for
applications requiring refrigeration near or below 0C (32F).
The tendency of the water-lithium bromide mixture to form solids means that the equipment must be designed
to allow a partially crystallized solution to flow, especially from the generator, through the heat exchanger and
into the absorber. It may be necessary to provide a mechanism for removing crystals from the solution, redissolving them, and returning the reconstituted solution to the system. Because the crystallization of the
solution occurs most readily when the solution is air-cooled, the absorber should be water cooled.
Small lithium bromide units of 3- to 30-ton (10- to 105-kW) capacity are available as indirect- or direct-fired,
liquid chiller, chiller-heater, or air-conditioning equipment. Indirect-fired liquid chillers are available in
capacities of 50 to 1500 tons (175 to 5275 kW).
Process
Sizing Calculations
The following material demonstrates sizing calculations for aqua-ammonia and lithium bromide refrigeration
systems. The objective of this module is to provide only a basic understanding of sizing calculations to help
determine the correct absorption refrigeration process to use for a given application.
For absorption refrigeration systems, the following equation determines the refrigerant flow rate:
RE =
where:
QE
(hv hl )
RE
Mass (weight) flow of refrigerant from the evaporator
QE
Heat load at the evaporator
hv
Enthalpy of refrigerant vapor from the evaporator
hl
Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid from the condenser
(EQN A)
Aqua-Ammonia
The following material, including the sample calculation, is extracted from the 1989 ASHRAE Fundamentals
Handbook. In many cases, calculations include values with greater precision than that obtainable from charts
included in this module.
For aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration systems, the following equation provides the solution flow rate per
unit refrigerant rate (see Figure 2):
WFSA (X) WFSG (X 1) = 1
where:
WFSA =
Mass fraction of ammonia in solution coming from the absorber
WFSG =
Mass fraction of ammonia in solution coming from the generator
X =
X-1 =
(EQN B)
Mass of solution from the absorber per unit mass of refrigerant flow
Mass of solution from the generator per unit mass of refrigerant
flow
10
Process
Sample Problem
The sample calculation is performed for a large aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration plant with the following
conditions:
Refrigeration load, 1758.5 kW (500 tons)
Evaporator temperature, 5.0C (41.1F)
Evaporator pressure, 517 kPa (75 psia)
Absorber pressure, 507 kPa (73.5 psia)
Strong aqua solution (absorbent-refrigerant mixture) temperature, 41C (105F)
Condenser temperature, 38C (100F)
Condenser and tower pressure, 1461 kPa (211.9 psia)
Concentrate split (WFSG - WFSA), 6% by weight
Cooling tower water temperature, 29.4C (85F)
Assume a 3% increase in refrigerant flow due to heat gains in equipment
Figure 4 provides the enthalpy-concentration diagram for ammonia-water solution.
11
Process
Source:
ASHRAE 1989 Fundamentals Handbook (IP Edition) , Atlanta, GA, American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1989, p. 17.69, figure 33.
Figure 4. Enthalpy-Concentration Diagram for AmmoniaWater Solution
From Figure 4 and the given conditions of 507 kPa (73.5 psia) and 41C (105F) at the absorber, the strong
aqua (SA) solution has an ammonia concentration of 49% by mass.
12
Process
A 6% to 8% concentration increase across the absorber allows sufficient flow and adequate liquid wetting of
plain horizontal tubes % up to 25 mm (1 in) in diameter. The difference between the concentration of ammonia
in solution that enters the absorber and the concentration of ammonia in solution that exits the absorber is
referred to as the concentration split. Concentration splits of 6% to 8% ensure reasonable maximum liquid
flows for cost effective exchangers and towers, and a practical minimum temperature of heat source for the
generator. Large splits reduce the flow rate, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of absorbers and exchangers and
raise the required temperature of the heat source.
For comparison purposes, the calculations will be shown for two splits: 6% and 30%.
With a 6% concentration split, there is a 43% ammonia concentration by mass in the absorbent returned from
the generator to the absorber via the heat exchanger.
Using Equation B, the solution flow rates for a 6% split are the following:
0.49X 0.43(X1)
0.06X + 0.43
0.06X
X
X1
=
=
=
=
=
1
1
0.57
9.5 lb SA/lb refrigerant
8.5 lb WA/lb refrigerant
Given the condenser and tower pressure of 1461 kPa (211.9 psia) Figure 4 can be used to determine the
equilibrium to minimal temperature for the 49% ammonia solution that will enter the heat exchanger. Figure 4
can also be used to determine the equilibrium temperature for the 43% ammonia solution that will leave the
generator as absorbent for the 6% split.
With a 30% concentration split, there is a 19% ammonia concentration by mass in the absorbent returned from
the generator to the absorber via the heat exchanger.
13
Process
Using Equation B the solution flow rates for a 30% split are the following:
0.49X-0.19(X-1) = 1
0.30X+0,19 = 1
0.30X = 0.81
X = 2.7 lb SA/lb refrigerant
X-1 = 1.7 lb WA/lb refrigerant
As with the 6% split, Figure 4 can be used to determine the equilibrium temperature of the 19% ammonia
solution that leaves the generator as absorbent for the 30% split.
For the 49% ammonia solution, the equilibrium temperature for the tower and generator is 80.5 C (176.9F).
For the 6% split, the 43% concentration ammonia-water leaves the tower and generator at a temperature of
90.5C (194.9F). For the 30% split, the 19% concentration ammonia-water leaves the tower and generator at a
temperature of 144.4C (291.9F).
14
Process
Enthalpy values for the ammonia-water from Figure 4 are as presented in Figure 5.
6% SPLIT
ENTHALPY
30% SPLIT
kJ/kg
Btu/lb
kJ/kg
Btu/lb
hl of (1)* WA
166.0
71.4
508.4
218.7
hl of (4)*
112.3
48.3
112.3
48.3
hl of (3)* SA
-65.8
-28.3
-65.8
-28.3
*Numbers in parentheses refer to the circled numbers and corresponding point in the
refrigeration system shown in Figure 2.
Figure 5. Enthalpy Values
The enthalpy at point (2) in Figure 2 in the refrigeration system is determined by mass enthalpy flow rate
balance. This calculation is as follows:
For 6% split (43% ammonia-water):
71. 4 Btu/ lb
9. 5 [48. 3 Btu / lb (28.3 Btu/ lb )]

= 14. 21 Btu/ l b
8.5
For 30% split (19% ammonia-water):
218.7 Btu/ lb
2.7 [48.3 Btu/ lb (28.3 Btu/ lb )]

= 97.04 Btu/ lb
1. 7
15
Process
At these concentrations, Figure 4 indicates the following temperatures for solution entering the absorber (Point
2):
For 6% split: 47.8C (118.0F)
For 30% split: 83.1C (181.6F)
For ammonia-water mixtures at 49% SA, feed conditions of 174F, tower pressure of 211.9 psia, and a vapor
product at 99.95% ammonia, the internal reflux rate is .167 lb/lb refrigerant (1.15 times the minimum reflux).
These values, while specific for the conditions stated, should be adequate for checking a proposal since the
vapor product should always be about the same. For exact calculations, the tower should be calculated through
use of computer programs such as "Process."
Use Figure 4 to calculate the refrigerant flow rate and condenser heat level as follows:
Tower Top
(Point 5)
(Figure 2)
saturated vapor at 211.9 psia at 99.9% purity, h v =

read T = 110F hv = 569 Btu/lb
Condenser Outlet
(Point 6)
saturated liquid at 100F and 210 psia
(Figure 2)
read hl = 60 Btu/lb
Evaporator Outlet
(Point 7)
saturated vapor at 41.1F and 75 psia
(Figure 2)
read hv = 548 Btu/lb
H across evaporator = 548 60 = 488 Btu/lb
Refrigerant flow rate (assuming 3% for heat gain through insulation):
1.03 x 500 Tons x
12000 Btu/ hr
Ton
lb
= 12664 lb/ hr
488 Btu
16
Process
Generator Heat Load:

6% Split (Btu/hr)
Heat Out
(Point 6)
Ql
(Condenser)
Qc
12,664 x (569 60) = 6,445,976
(Reflux)
Qr
.167 x 12,664 x (569 60) = 1,076,478
(Point 1)
QWA
12,664 x 60 =
30% Split (Btu/hr)

759,840
Sub Total Heat Out: 8,282,294
8,282,294
8.5 x 12,664 x 71.4 = 7,685,782
1.7 x 12,664 x 218.7 = 4,708,349
Total Heat Out: 15,968,076
12,990,643
9.5 x 12,664 x 48.3 = 5,810,876

Generator Heat
by Difference: 10,157,200
2.7 x 12,664 x 48.3 = 1,651,512
Heat In
(Feed)
Qf
11,339,131
Absorber Load:
Heat In
6% Split (Btu/hr)
30% Split (Btu/hr)
(Point 7)
12,664 x 548 = 6,939,872
12,664 x 548 = 6,939,872
(Point 2)
8.5 x 12,664 x (-14.21) = -1,529,621
1.7 x 12,664 x 97.04 = 2,089,155
Sub Total Heat In: 5,410,251
9,029,027
Heat Out
(Point 3)
9.5 x 12,664 x (-28.3) = -3,404,716

Qa Absorber Load
by Difference: 8,814,967
2.7 x 12,664 x (-28.3) =
967,656
9,996,683
17
Process
Heat Balance:
6% Split (Btu/hr)
Heat In
Evaporator
30% Split (Btu/hr)
12,664 x (548 60) = 6,180,032
12,664 x (548 60) = 6,180,032
10,157,200
11,339,131
16,337,232
17,519,163
Condenser
6,445,976
6,445,976
Reflux Coil
1,076,478
1,076,478
Absorber
8,814,967
9,996,683
16,337,421
17,519,137
6,180,032 (1.03 x 10,157,200)
6,180,032 (1.03 x 11,339,131) =.529
Generator
Heat Out
Coefficient of Performance (COP)

=.591
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) for absorption refrigeration is the amount of cooling derived from the
system divided by the amount of heat required to separate the refrigerant from the absorbent.
Lithium Bromide
The following material, including the sample calculation, is extracted from the 1989 ASHRAE Fundamentals
Handbook. In many cases, greater precision is obtained through use of calculations than through use of the
charts in this module.
18
Process
For lithium bromide-absorption refrigeration systems, the following equation provides the solution flow rate per
unit refrigerant rate:
(1 WFSA )(X ) (1 WFSG )(X 1) = 1

where:
WFSA =
Mass fraction of lithium bromide in solution coming from the absorber
WFSG =
Mass fraction of lithium bromide in solution coming from the generator
X =
X-1 =
Mass of solution from the generator per unit mass of refrigerant flow
(EQN C)
The sample calculation is performed for a large lithium bromide-absorption refrigeration plant with the
following conditions (single-digit numbers in parentheses refer to circled numbers in Figure 3):
Refrigeration load, 1758 kW (500 tons)
Evaporator temperature (8), 5.0C (41.1F)
Absorber equilibrium temperature (3), 42C (107.2F)
Actual solution temperature (4), 38C (100.9F)
Solution temperature (5), 76.8C (170.3F)
Refrigerant vapor temperature (6), 93.3C (200F)
Refrigerant temperature (7), 43.3C (110F)
Refrigerant spillover rate (9), 2.5% of (8)
Concentration of solutions: WFS A is 0.595 and WFSG is 0.646
Chilled water temperature, 12.2-6.7C (54-44F)
Cooling water temperature entering, 29.4C (85F)
Assume no inerts present
Cooling water tower flow rate, 408 m 3/hr (1800 gpm)
19
Process
For the given values for WFSA and WFSG, X can be calculated using Eqn. C as follows:
(1 0.595)X (1 0. 646)(X 1) = 1
0.405X (0. 354)(X 1) = 1
0.051X + 0.354 = 1
0.051X = 0.646
X = 12.67 lb solution from
absorber/ lb refrigerant
To calculate the amount of coolant flow required to provide the 500 tons of refrigeration, the enthalpy change
of the coolant as it passes through the evaporator is needed. The refrigerant enters the evaporator as a liquid at
110F and leaves the evaporator as a gas at 41.1F.
Enthalpy Evaporator Vapor (8) =
Enthalpy of Liquid From Condenser (7) =
1,079.80 Btu/lb
-77.94
Difference H =
1,001.86 Btu/lb
Use standard steam tables for saturated vapor at 41.1F
Refrigerant Flow (including 2.5% spillover) =
1.025 x
500 tons 12,000 Btu/ hr

hr
x
x
= 102.3 lb/ min
1, 001. 86
ton
60 min
Solution Flow Rate From Absorber =

12.67 lb solution/lb refrigerant x 102.3 lb/min = 1,296.14 lb/min dilute solution
Concentrated Solution From Generator =
1,296.14
-102.30 lb/min refrigerant
1,193.84 lb/min conc. solution
20
Process
Enthalpy of Liquid Spillover (9) = 9.15 Btu/lb

Use standard steam tables for saturated vapor at 41.1F
Enthalpy of Generator Bottoms From Exchanger (2) =
Use Figure 6 at concentrations of 64.6% and temperature of 121.1F
71.70 Btu/lb
Enthalpy of Absorber Bottoms (4) =

47.20 Btu/lb
Enthalpy of Feed to Generator (5) =

79.00 Btu/lb
Enthalpy of Liquid From Generator (1) =

107.00 Btu/lb
Enthalpy of Generator Overhead (6) =
1,150.30 Btu/lb
The approximate pressure of the generator overhead is equal to 65.9 mm

(1.27 psia) (the saturation pressure of water at the condenser outlet with a temperature of 110F). The enthalpy
of the generator overhead is the vapor enthalpy of steam at 200F and 1.27 psia.
21
Process
Source:
ASHRAE 1989 Fundamentals Handbook (IP Edition) , Atlanta, GA, American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1989, p. 17.71, Figure 34.
Figure 6. Enthalpy-Concentration Diagram for Lithium BromideWater Solutions
22
Process
Enthalpy values are summarized in Figure 7.

ENTHALPY
kJ/kg
hv of (8)*
2,509.9
hl of (7)*
181.2
hl of (9)*
21.3
hl of (2)*
166.7
hl of (4)*
109.7
hl of (5)*
183.6
hl of (1)*
248.7
hl of (6)*
2,673.8
*Numbers in parenthesis refer to circled points in flow diagram, Figure 2.
Btu/lb
1,079.8
77.94
9.15
71.7
47.2
79.0
107.0
1,150.3
Figure 7. Enthalpy Values Summary For This Particular Lithium

Bromide System
Material and heat balance the system:

Absorber:
Calculation
Heat In
Solution
(Btu/min)
(Point 2)
1,193.84 lb/min conc. solution x 71.7
85,598.3
(Point 8)
102.3 1.025 lb/min refrig. vapor x 1,079.8 Btu/lb
107,769.3
(Point 9)
(102.3 1.025) x (.025) refig. liq. x 9.15 Btu/lb
22.8
193,390.4
Heat Out
(Point 4)
1,296.14 dilute solution lb/hr x 47.2
61,177.8
Absorber Load by Difference:
132,212.6
23
Process
Generator:
HeatOut
Calculation
Solution
(Btu/min)
(Point 1)
1,193.84 conc. solution lb/hr x 107
127,741
(Point 6)
102.3 refrigerant lb/hr x 1,150.3
117,676
245,417
Heat In
(Point 5)
1,296.14 x 79
102,395
Generator Load by Difference:
143,022
Condenser:
Heat In
Calculation
(Point 6)
Solution
(Btu/min)
102.3 x 1,150.3
117,676
102.3 x 77.94
7,973
Condenser Load by Difference:
109,703
Heat Out
(Point 7)
Evaporator:
500 tons x
12,000 Btu/ hr
hr = 100,000 Btu min
x
ton
60 min
Overall Heat Balance:

Heat In
Btu/min
Evaporator Load
100,000
Generator Load
143,022
243,022
Heat Out
Absorber Load
132,213
Condenser Load
109,703
241,916
24
Process
The two totals should be the same. However, there are small differences in reading enthalpy values. The
overall balance is within .46% and is considered complete. The coefficient of performance (COP) is calculated
as follows:
COP =
Evaporator Load
100, 000
=
= .699
Generator Load
143, 022
Consider a 2% loss to surroundings: the effective COP is .699 x .98 = .685.

The steam load to the generator can be calculated knowing the steam/ condensate properties and the heat load
of 143,022 Btu/min.
The cooling water rate can be calculated given the water inlet and allowable temperature use with the duty of
109,703 Btu/min.
Warmer cooling water will lower the COP since the generator pressure/ temperature will change, which will
change the concentration of Li Br that can be achieved. Similarly, cooler steam temperatures will lower COP
for the same reason. Cooling water temperatures and steam temperatures can be traded within limits to
maintain the COP.
Typical Values for Li Br Systems
Single Stage
Double Effect
Leaving chilled water temp.
6.7C (44F)
6.7C (44F)
Chilled water differential
5.5C (10F)
5.5C (10F)
29.4C (85F)
62-83 kPa
(9-12 psig)
90 mm2 k/w
(.0005 hr ft2 F/Btu)
.065 L/s per kw
(3.6 gpm/ton)
29.4C (85F)
296-896 kPa
(43-130 psig)
90 mm2 k/w
(.0005 hr ft2 F/Btu)
.054 L/s per kw
(3.6 gpm/ton)
9C (16F)
1.5 kw/kw
(18.5 lb/hr per ton)
8C (15F)
.43 g/s per kw
(12 lb/hr per ton)
Entering condenser water temp.

Steam pressure at control valve inlet
(gage pressure, dry and saturated)
Exchanger fouling factor
Cooling water rate
Cooling water temp. rise
Steam rate
Source: ASHRAE 1989 Fundamentals Handbook (IP Edition), Atlanta, GA, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating,
and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1989, p. 13.7, Table 1 & 2.
Figure 8. Typical Values for Li Br Systems
25
Process
Refrigerant Temperature (t ' = F) and Enthalpy (h = Btu/lb) of Lithium Bromide Solutions

Percent Li Br
Temp.
(t = F)
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
t'
h
10
20
30
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
80.0
48.0
100.0
68.0
120.0
87.9
140.0
107.9
160.0
127.9
180.0
147.9
200.0
168.0
220.0
188.1
*240.0
*208.3
*260.0
*228.6
*280.0
*249.1
*300.0
*269.6
*320.0
*290.3
*340.0
*311.1
*360.0
*332.2
78.2
39.2
98.1
56.6
117.9
73.6
137.8
91.0
157.7
108.2
177.5
125.4
197.4
143.4
217.2
160.7
*237.1
*178.4
*256.9
*195.7
*276.8
*213.8
*396.7
*231.6
*316.5
*249.7
*336.4
*267.9
*356.2
*286.1
75.6
31.8
95.3
47.0
114.9
61.7
134.6
77.0
154.3
92.0
173.9
107.9
193.6
123.3
213.3
138.2
232.9
154.0
*252.6
*169.1
*272.3
*185.1
*291.9
*200.7
*311.6
*216.3
*331.3
*232.1
*350.9
*248.0
70.5
25.6
89.9
38.7
109.2
51.7
128.5
65.1
147.9
78.2
167.2
91.9
186.5
105.3
205.8
119.0
225.2
132.6
*244.5
*146.2
*263.8
*159.7
*283.1
*173.5
*302.5
*187.2
*321.8
*201.0
*341.1
*214.9
60.9
21.6
79.6
33.2
98.3
44.7
117.1
56.5
135.8
68.1
154.5
80.4
173.3
92.1
192.0
104.1
210.7
116.0
229.4
128.1
*248.2
*140.0
*266.9
*152.1
*285.6
*164.2
*304.4
*176.1
*323.1
*188.2
53.5
21.2
71.8
32.1
90.1
43.0
108.5
54.1
126.8
65.1
145.1
76.6
163.5
87.4
181.8
99.0
200.2
110.3
218.5
121.6
*236.8
*132.8
*255.2
*144.1
*273.5
*155.3
*291.9
*166.6
*310.2
*178.0
42.1
23.0
60.0
33.2
77.9
43.6
95.8
54.1
113.8
64.7
131.7
75.3
149.6
85.9
167.5
96.5
185.4
107.1
203.3
117.6
221.2
128.1
*239.2
*138.9
*257.1
*149.5
*275.0
*160.1
*292.9
*170.6
28.6
28.7
46.1
38.2
63.6
48.0
81.2
57.9
98.7
67.9
116.2
77.7
133.7
87.8
151.3
97.8
168.8
107.7
186.3
117.6
203.9
127.5
221.4
137.3
*238.9
*147.1
*256.4
*157.0
*274.0
*166.8
13.8
38.9
30.9
47.8
48.1
56.9
65.2
66.1
82.3
75.4
99.5
84.6
116.6
94.1
133.7
103.3
150.9
112.5
168.0
121.6
185.1
130.6
202.3
139.8
219.4
148.8
*236.5
*158.0
*253.7
*167.0
#-0.2
#52.7
#16.2
#61.1
32.7
69.4
49.1
78.0
65.6
86.6
82.0
95.1
98.5
104.0
114.9
112.5
131.4
121.1
147.9
129.5
164.3
137.9
180.8
146.5
197.2
154.9
213.7
163.5
230.1
171.9
#-11.6
#67.1
#3.8
#75.1
#19.1
#83.0
#34.4
#91.1
#49.7
#99.2
#65.1
#107.2
#80.4
#115.6
95.7
123.6
111.0
131.6
126.4
139.5
141.7
147.6
157.0
155.5
172.4
163.4
187.7
171.0
203.0
178.3
*Extensions of data above 235F are well above the original data and should be used with care.
Source: ASHRAE 1989 Fundamentals Handbook (IP Edition) , Atlanta, GA, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1989, p. 17.70.
Figure 9. Refrigerant Temperature Enthalpy of Lithium Bromide

Solutions
26
Process
Work Aid 1:
Procedure for Sele cting Appropriate Absorption systems,

Given Process Requirements
1.
Decide if the refrigeration system must provide cooling to a temperature at or below the freezing point of
water (0C or 32F). Do not use an ammonia-water or lithium bromide-water system.
2.
If the refrigeration system is to be installed inside an enclosed structure, and especially if it is to be

installed inside an inhabited structure, select a lithium bromide system.
3.
If Step 1 or Step 2 does not force a choice, select the system with the best economy. Obtain the
investment and utility requirements from the vendor. Use utility costs specific for the location, and
calculate the operating cost for each proposal. Check the vendor's utility requirements using the methods
given in the sample problems. Choose the most economical system.
27
Process
GLOSSARY
absorbent
A material which, in contact with a liquid or gas, extracts one or more

components for which it has an affinity.
absorption refrigeration
Refrigeration in which cooling is effected by expansion of a liquid

refrigerant into a gas and absorption of the gas by absorbent; the
refrigerant is reused after separation from the absorbent.
affinity
The ability of an absorbent to easily suck in (absorb) the refrigerant.
aqua-ammonia system
A system that uses a combination of ammonia and water. The ammonia

functions as the refrigerant, and the water as the absorbent.
COP
Coefficient of Performance. The amount of cooling derived from the

absorption refrigeration system, divided by the amount of heat required
to separate the refrigerant from the absorbent.
direct-fired
Refrigeration units that use a flame as their heat source.
double-effect
(dual-effect)
heat-recovery
Absorption refrigeration units with two-stage generators.
indirect-fired
Refrigeration units that use steam or hot fluid heat as their heat source.
miscible
The refrigerant is capable of being completely mixed with the absorbent

and forms a single phase.
lithium bromide system
A system that uses a combination of lithium bromide and water. The

water functions as the refrigerant, and the lithium bromide as the
absorbent.
refrigerant
A substance that releases or absorbs a large latent heat when it undergoes

a change in phase (liquid-to-gas or gas-to-liquid).
spillover
Movement of high water concentration liquid ammonia to the absorber

from the bottom of the evaporator.
Refrigeration units that are indirect-fired and use hot waste gases.
28
Process
ADDENDUM
ADDENDUM A: EQUATIONS USED IN ChE 210.03
RE =
where:
QE
(hv hl )
RE
QE
hv
Enthalpy of refrigerant vapor from the evaporator
hl
Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid from the condenser
(EQN A)
WFSA (X) WFSG (X 1) = 1

where:
WFSA =
Mass fraction of ammonia in solution coming from the absorber
WFSG =
Mass fraction of ammonia in solution coming from the generator
X =
X-1 =
(1 WFSA )(X ) (1 WFSG )(X 1) = 1

where:
(EQN B)
(EQN C)
WFSA =
Mass fraction of lithium bromide in solution coming from the absorber
WFSG =
Mass fraction of lithium bromide in solution coming from the generator
X =
X-1 =
29
Process
ADDENDUM B: SYMBOLS USED IN ChE 210.03
hv
Enthalpy of refrigerant vapor
hl
Enthalpy of refrigerant liquid
QE
RE
WFSA
Mass fraction in solution coming from the absorber
WFSG
Mass fraction in solution coming from the generator
X1
30

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