Prospects for the use of a membrane refrigeration unit for the production of cold as an alternative to absorption

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of the study is to determine the prospects for using a membrane refrigeration unit for the production of cold as an alternative to absorption. Method. The study was carried out using a numerical experiment and verification of the results obtained on an experimental bench. Result. An analysis was made of the use of a traditional absorption refrigeration machine and a membrane refrigeration machine from the point of view of energy efficiency and the number of working elements. Presented for comparison are methods for calculating the separation process of the “absorbent-refrigerant” mixture based on reverse osmosis processes and a water-ammonia absorption refrigeration unit. Conclusion. The use of separation processes in membrane apparatuses for the production of cold in mixed refrigeration machines, as an alternative to absorption refrigeration machines, will ensure a more stable process for obtaining refrigerant from the mixture, reduce material costs for the production of a refrigeration unit and increase the energy efficiency of a refrigeration unit operating on mixed components.