What is it about?
This study presents detailed thermodynamic data for designing a system that can reuse waste heat from industrial processes. The device, called an absorption heat transformer, captures low-temperature heat that would otherwise be lost and upgrades it to a higher, more useful temperature. The researchers used a special working fluid composed of three hydroxides—sodium, potassium, and cesium hydroxide—dissolved in water. Through theoretical modeling, they calculated how different operating temperatures affect the system’s performance, including its heat output and energy efficiency. The paper presents design charts and data that engineers can utilize to construct efficient heat recovery systems, thereby saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.
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Why is it important?
Recovering and reusing waste heat is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions in industries. Traditional systems rely on fluids that can crystallize or degrade at high temperatures. The new three-hydroxide solution tested in this study addresses these issues, operating effectively at higher temperatures and delivering stable performance. By making it easier to design reliable heat transformers, this research supports cleaner production processes and helps industries use renewable or waste heat instead of burning more fossil fuels.
Perspectives
From a technical perspective, this paper contributes fundamental thermodynamic design data for absorption heat transformers using a novel aqueous ternary hydroxide mixture (NaOH–KOH–CsOH). The study systematically analyzes flow ratios, temperature ranges, and coefficients of performance (COP) for different component temperatures, providing a valuable reference for engineers and researchers. The ternary hydroxide system exhibits improved thermal stability and higher allowable operating temperatures compared to lithium bromide–water mixtures, making it a strong candidate for high-temperature waste-heat recovery. The work advances the scientific understanding of absorption systems and extends their applicability to more demanding industrial environments.
Professor Rosenberg J Romero
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Thermodynamic design data for absorption heat transformers. Part seven: operating on an aqueous ternary hydroxide, Applied Thermal Engineering, March 1998, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/s1359-4311(97)00026-4.
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