AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF AN INTERMITTENT CYCLE SOLAR-POWERED AMMONIA/WATER ABSORPTION AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT This paper presents the most recent results obtained from research performed at the University of Florida Solar Research Residence with the solar powered, intermittent cycle, ammonia/water absorption air conditioning system. The solar air conditioner consists primarily of two heat exchanger vessels connected at the top with a vapor line. One heat exchanger functions as a generator/absorber for the intermittent cycle unit. The other heat exchanger contains two tube bundles; one which functions as a condenser and another which acts as an evaporator. The unit intermittently cycles from a generation/condensation mode to an evaporation/absorption mode of operation as the controls dictate. Data are presented related to the operation of the air conditioning unit with varying hot water supply and cooling water supply temperatures. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) and the thermal coefficient of performance (COP) are presented along with explanations of their importance to inexpensive, efficient solar air conditioning.