Thermodynamic investigation of a diffusion absorption refrigeration system with an isobutane–dimethylformamide–helium working fluid blend

Sreenesh Valiyandi; Gireeshkumaran  Thampi

doi:10.59400/esc4043

Thermodynamic investigation of a diffusion absorption refrigeration system with an isobutane–dimethylformamide–helium working fluid blend

Sreenesh Valiyandi
Division of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Ernakulam 682022, India
Gireeshkumaran Thampi
Division of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Ernakulam 682022, India

Article ID: 4043

Keywords: diffusion absorption refrigeration; isobutane; dimethylformamide; helium; coefficient of performance; cooling capacity; mass flow rate; exergy analysis

Abstract

Diffusion absorption refrigeration (DAR) is a promising cycle concerning renewable energy utilization, as the cycle can operate using only thermal energy input. However, to realize the benefits of the DAR cycle, there is a need to develop an improved understanding of how design parameters influence its performance. The cycle’s performance was particularly sensitive to several factors: the rate of heat added and the temperature of the generator, the effectiveness of the gas and solution heat exchangers, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant, and the type of working fluid. The aim of this research work is to conduct numerical simulations of the diffusion absorption refrigeration (DAR) cycle to study the thermodynamic performances. The working fluids utilized in this system are isobutane (R600a) (C4H10) as a refrigerant, dimethylformamide (CH₃)₂NC(O)H, as absorbent and helium as the inert gas. The cycle operation characteristics are investigated through numerical analysis, in terms of the coefficient of performance (COP) and minimum temperature by using the effect of generator temperature, absorber temperature, evaporator temperature and the solution concentrations. The performance of the system is examined by computer simulation using MATLAB software. The mathematical model will provide a reasonable estimation of the maximum COP, cooling capacity, mass flow rate, and exergy analysis. The refrigeration cycle experiments were conducted under the ambient condition of 30 ℃. Based on a mathematical model, performance evaluation and exergy analysis of the system are performed. The experiment set included a 0.04 m³ volume of commercial absorption diffusion refrigerator working with the dimethylformamide (CH₃)₂NC(O)H solution. Furthermore, the results obtained in the proposed system compare with the previous studies.

Published

2026-03-12

How to Cite

Valiyandi, S., & Thampi, G. (2026). Thermodynamic investigation of a diffusion absorption refrigeration system with an isobutane–dimethylformamide–helium working fluid blend. Energy Storage and Conversion, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.59400/esc4043

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Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026)

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Article

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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