Title: Experimental investigation and exergetic modelling of R718/LiBr bubble pump operated absorption refrigeration machine

Authors: Nizar Ben Ezzine; Raoudha Garma; Monia Chatti; Ahmed Bellagi

Addresses: Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia; LRTTPI, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Av. Ibn Jazzar, 5060 Monastir, Tunisia ' LRTTPI, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Av. Ibn Jazzar, 5060 Monastir, Tunisia ' LRTTPI, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Av. Ibn Jazzar, 5060 Monastir, Tunisia ' LRTTPI, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Av. Ibn Jazzar, 5060 Monastir, Tunisia

Abstract: In this paper, we present the experimental and simulation results of our investigations of a fully self-circulating thermal absorption refrigerator driven by a bubble pump and using R718-LiBr refrigerant-absorbent mixture. The performed tests on the prototype designed with 10 mm diameter bubble pumps show that each bubble pump requires about an energy input of 41 W, and consequently a refrigerant temperature of 65°C, to start pumping. Steady state is reached after about 30 minutes. With a heat source temperature of 82°C, cold air at 6.8°C is produced in the evaporator.

Keywords: experimental study; absorption refrigeration; design; R718/LiBr; bubble pump; modelling; simulations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2023.128785

International Journal of Exergy, 2023 Vol.40 No.2, pp.198 - 211

Received: 09 Nov 2021
Received in revised form: 30 Jul 2022
Accepted: 31 Jul 2022

Published online: 03 Feb 2023 *

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