The Ohio State University

Gas Research Institute

Srinivas Garimella

Richard N Christensen

Michael Garrabrant

Yong Tae Kang

A fluid heat exchange apparatus is disclosed that can be used as an absorber in an absorption cooling system. The compact absorber design uses an accordion fin assembly to direct solution downward through the absorber on a plurality of alternatively angled fins. The alternatively angled fins cause the solution to collect at each level against a thermally conductive surface. Each fin includes a plurality of house-shaped perforations that allow the solution to spill over onto the next level fin. The house-shaped perforations also allow the vapor to flow upward in effective counterflow with the solution.

Perforated fin heat and mass transfer device

An absorption refrigeration machine with two, non-fluid linked loops uses heat from a first loop rectifier to heat a second loop generator by either direct or hydronic heat exchange. Flue gas from the heating of the first loop generator is used to heat strong solution in the second loop. Heat from the first loop condenser and absorber are also used to heat the second loop generator by either direct or hydronic fluid coupling. In order to improve further the efficiencies of the absorption machine, a mass and heat transfer device is used that provides a liquid and vapor distribution system that affords effective heat transfer in conjunction with a large and continually renewed liquid surface area and a relatively constant vapor velocity to effect efficient mass transfer among the various components and processes of the refrigeration machine. A simple liquid metering system is used to meter equal amounts of liquid into the divided liquid flow arrangements used in various components of the machine.

Growing community of inventors

Kalamazoo, MI, United States of America

Srinivas Garimella