A comprehensive review of membrane-based absorbers/desorbers towards compact and efficient absorption refrigeration systems

Introducing microporous membranes into absorption refrigeration systems (ARSs) provides a promising tech-nology that can improve heat/mass transfer performance of absorbers/desorbers and reduce the size of ARSs significantly, which facilitates the use of ARSs driven by renewable/waste energy in small-capacity building and transportation applications. In this work, a comprehensive review of existing studies regarding membrane ma-terials, membrane-based absorbers/desorbers, working fluids, and enhancement techniques is carried out. A literature review indicates that membrane-based ARSs have attracted increasing interest in recent decades. Microporous membranes applied in ARSs should have low mass transfer resistance and high thermal resistance, and considerable studies are urgently needed to elucidate membrane wetting and fouling issues for the long-term operation of membrane-based ARSs. Experimental and numerical studies related to plate-and-frame and hollow fiber membrane-based modules prove their higher heat/mass transfer performance, higher compactness, higher stability, and lighter weight than conventional falling film modules that have been commonly used in ARSs. Meanwhile, enhancement technologies, including advanced working fluids and microstructures, are discussed, indicating that ionic liquids and microstructures are promising candidates to further improve the performance of membrane-based modules. Finally, future perspectives on potential developments of membrane-based ARSs are outlined, aiming to promote the wider use of renewable/waste-powered ARSs for small-capacity applications.

Automated summary

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of microporous membranes in absorption refrigeration systems (ARSs). It discusses the materials, absorbers/desorbers, working fluids, and enhancement techniques related to membrane-based ARSs. The review shows that membrane-based ARSs have gained increasing interest and can significantly improve the performance of the system. Future developments should focus on addressing membrane wetting and fouling issues to enable wider use of renewable/waste-powered ARSs for small-capacity applications.