A review on latent heat energy storage for solar thermal water-lithium bromide vapor absorption refrigeration system. (30th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raut, Devendra; Kalamkar, Vilas R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of energy storage. Volume 55:Part D(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-30
• Subjects: PCM -- Latent heat storage -- Vapor absorption refrigeration -- Solar thermal storage; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Research -- Periodicals; 621.3126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2022.105828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-152X

Abstract

Abstract: Refrigeration has become an important part of human comfort and consumes almost 20 % of the total energy consumption of the commercial industry. Using fossil fuels to run refrigeration systems imposes a threat of global warming due to the release of carbon content during electricity production. On the other hand, the use of refrigerants also contributes to global warming and ozone layer depletion. The vapor absorption refrigeration system (VARS) with water‑lithium bromide (H2 O-LiBr) could serve the purpose because pair of the refrigerant and absorbent does not release any harmful residuals. The H2 O-LiBr vapor absorption refrigeration system with clean energy would remove the carbon emission completely. Among the available energy sources, solar energy is the cleanest source, and it is widely available throughout the globe. The only limitation of solar energy is its non-continuous and intermittent nature. Latent heat storage (LHS) is a promising and emerging technology to store solar heat and ensure the continuous operation of solar thermal-driven systems. LHS with suitable phase change material (PCM) and storage tank could be used to supply heat for operation of VARS. The potential and qualified PCM for the VARS application are discussed with the latest findings on their characterization, shortcomings, solutions and recent advancements. The detailed information enables to select the right PCM for VARS application. A detailed review on various designs of storage tank for LHS is made, the listed findings should be considered while designing the storage tank for VARS. The performance enhancement techniques like fins addition, encapsulations and use of additives are also discussed. The state of research of LHS integration with VARS is explored. The future perspective for the VARS-LHS integration is derived from the implications of the published research works. The outcomes of the review can be highlighted such that some modifications are needed in the organic and inorganic PCM to make it appropriate for heat storage. The number of operating hours of heat-driven VARS can be increased through LHS integration. The adoption rate of solar thermal VARS technology will determine the future of LHS for VARS. This review article serves as the reference guideline for planning, designing and development of the latent heat storage for vapor absorption refrigeration systems. Highlights: Organic PCM are best fit for solar heat storage if thermal conductivity is improved. Inorganic PCM needs additives to mitigate the subcooling and phase separation. Heat exchanger with higher heat transfer coefficient is preferred. Integration of LHS with VARS extends the operation time of the refrigeration plant. Future of LHS technology depends on the adoption of solar thermal VARS technology.