The Use of an Open Cycle Absorption System in Automobiles as an Alternative to Cfcs

Increased awareness of the impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the global environment has become the impetus in searching for alternative refrigerants and cooling methods for automotive air conditioning. Automotive air conditioning is one industry that heavily uses CFC compounds, and the leakage of CFCs from such air conditioners is substantial compared to that from stationary air conditioners. Therefore, the use of non-CFC air conditioners in automobiles is apparently becoming very important. The main objective of this paper is to study the feasibility and design of an air conditioning system for automobiles using the Open Cycle Absorption System, with LiBr-H2O as the working fluid. Also, some suggestions are given to minimize the power loss like making use of the exhaust gas to pre-heat the weak desiccant. Evaluating the COP, of the designed air conditioning system for buses is the main scope, and it is found that the COP of the system is increasing with the increase in regeneration temperature at fixed evaporator and absorber temperatures. The system components are plotted in a schematic and flow chart as well as psychometric chart showing the complete process of conditioning and dehumidifying air.