This paper presents a study on the NH3–H2O condensation process in an absorption refrigeration system. The condenser configuration is of the shell and tubes type and water is considered as the cooling medium. A differential mathematical model has been developed on the basis of mass and energy balances and the heat and mass transfer equations. The differential volume has been defined in each tube by a differential length on the tube axial direction and a differential angle on the azimuth direction. It contains the corresponding differential portion of coolant, tube wall, condensate film and vapour. The model equations have been solved using the finite-difference method. Results have been obtained for characteristic operating conditions of an ammonia–water absorption refrigeration system. Most significant calculated variable profiles along the condensation path are presented and discussed. A sensitivity analysis of the influence of the heat and mass transfer coefficients on the condenser performance has also been considered.
展开▼
