What is it about?
Many industries release large amounts of low-temperature waste heat into the air, which represents a lost opportunity for energy savings. This study tested a system called a double-absorption heat transformer that uses a mixture of water and lithium bromide to capture this waste heat and raise its temperature so it can be reused in industrial processes. Our experiments showed that this system can boost the temperature of waste heat by as much as 74 °C, which is about 30 °C higher than conventional single-stage systems. This makes it possible to recover and reuse more heat, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency. The technology was shown to be stable, reliable, and repeatable, demonstrating its potential for real-world applications.
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Why is it important?
Recovering waste heat is essential for reducing energy costs and lowering industrial greenhouse gas emissions. What makes this work unique is that it is the first experimental demonstration of a double-absorption heat transformer using water–lithium bromide, achieving the highest temperature lifts reported for this type of system. By reaching higher temperatures with fewer components than more complex alternatives, this technology offers a practical and efficient solution for industries looking to make better use of their existing energy resources. Its implementation could support more sustainable production processes worldwide.
Perspectives
This research opens the door to advanced heat recovery systems that are simpler and more effective than traditional designs. Future studies could explore scaling up this technology for larger industrial facilities, combining it with renewable heat sources such as solar energy, or integrating it into processes like desalination and chemical production. The double-absorption approach provides a promising pathway toward cleaner and more energy-efficient industries.
Professor Rosenberg J Romero
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Experimental assessment of double-absorption heat transformer operating with H2O/LiBr, Applied Thermal Engineering, March 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.12.117.
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