Absorption of water vapor into new working fluids for absorption refrigeration systems

The mass transfer characteristics of water vapor absorption into mixtures of lithium bromide and organic salts of sodium and potassium (formate, acetate, and lactate) were experimentally investigated, in order to select the mixture that presents better properties for its use in absorption refrigeration cycles. The main objective is to overcome the limitations of lithium bromide and improve the characteristics and efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. Taking into account the aspect of operating range and mass transfer characteristics, the LiBr + CHO2Na (sodium formate) + water (LiBr/CHO2Na = 2 by mass) could be a promising working fluid as an alternative to the LiBr + water solution.