absorbtsioonitsüklid

Absorption cycles, also known as absorption refrigeration cycles, are a type of refrigeration system that uses a refrigerant and an absorbent to achieve cooling. Unlike traditional vapor-compression refrigeration systems, absorption cycles do not rely on mechanical compressors. Instead, they use heat to drive the refrigeration process. This makes them particularly useful in applications where electricity is scarce or expensive, such as in remote areas or in large-scale industrial processes.

The basic components of an absorption cycle include a generator, a condenser, an absorber, and an evaporator. The cycle begins with the generator, where the refrigerant and absorbent are heated, causing the refrigerant to vaporize and the absorbent to release the refrigerant. This vaporized refrigerant then moves to the condenser, where it is cooled and condensed back into a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant is then passed through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and causes it to evaporate in the evaporator, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and thus cooling it.

The absorbent, which has now absorbed the refrigerant, is then sent to the absorber, where it is cooled and the refrigerant is released. The now-refrigerant-free absorbent is then returned to the generator to start the cycle anew. The heat required to drive the generator is typically provided by a heat source, such as natural gas, solar energy, or waste heat from industrial processes.

Absorption cycles are known for their high efficiency and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale residential cooling to large-scale industrial refrigeration. However, they are generally slower to respond to temperature changes compared to vapor-compression systems, which can be a limitation in some applications.