Efficiency Analysis of a Developed Industrial Refrigerator Using Liquid Desiccant Cooling as Mode of Operation

Abstract

This research study presents a comparative analysis of the evaporator temperatures in a liquid desiccant refrigerator and a conventional refrigerator. The aim of the study is to investigate the performance and efficiency of the liquid desiccant refrigeration technology and its potential benefits compared to conventional refrigeration systems. Evaporator temperature data was collected over a period of time for both systems, and the results were analyzed to gain insights into their cooling capabilities. Results shows that where the conventional refrigerator’s evaporator temperature decreases by 9.2℃, the liquid dessicant evaporator temperature only decreased by 0.6℃. Hence, the liquid desiccant refrigerator demonstrated a slower cooling rate, maintaining higher initial evaporator temperatures, and exhibiting a more gradual temperature reduction with a coefficient of performance of 0.13. In contrast, the conventional refrigerator exhibited a faster cooling rate, achieving lower evaporator temperatures within a shorter time frame. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions in today's context of environmental concerns and energy conservation. Conclusively, although the conventional refrigerator achieves a higher cooling rate at a much faster pace, the liquid dessicant refrigerator with advantages such as improved moisture control, potentially higher energy efficiency and slower temperature reduction indicates a more balanced and controlled cooling process which could boost refrigeration processes if widely adopted.