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Critical Review of Advances and Numerical Modeling in Absorbers and Desorbers of Absorption Chillers: CFD Applications, Constraints, and Future Prospects

Author

Listed:
  • Suellen Cristina Sousa Alcântara

    (Higher Education Course in Renewable Energy Technologies, Federal University of Piaui, Av. Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella–Ininga, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitaria, 1235, Recife 50670-901, Brazil)

  • José Ângelo Peixoto da Costa

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitaria, 1235, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
    Department of Higher Education Courses (DACS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (CACTR), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Mechanics (CACTM), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil)

  • Alvaro Antonio Villa Ochoa

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitaria, 1235, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
    Department of Higher Education Courses (DACS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (CACTR), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Mechanics (CACTM), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil)

  • Gustavo de Novaes Pires Leite

    (Department of Higher Education Courses (DACS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (CACTR), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Mechanics (CACTM), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil)

  • Álvaro Augusto Soares Lima

    (Mechanical Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário-Lagoa Nova, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Héber Claudius Nunes Silva

    (Department of Higher Education Courses (DACS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (CACTR), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil
    Department of Mechanics (CACTM), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil)

  • Paula Suemy Arruda Michima

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitaria, 1235, Recife 50670-901, Brazil)

  • Igor Cavalcanti da Silveira

    (Department of Higher Education Courses (DACS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Luiz Freire, 500, Recife 50740-545, Brazil)

  • Allysson Macário de Araújo Caldas

    (Federal Institute of Technology of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58015-435, Brazil)

  • Amín Altamirano

    (Laboratoire du Froid et des Systèmes Energétiques et Thermiques (Lafset), Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, 75003 Paris, France)

Abstract

This article critically reviews advances and numerical modeling in absorbers and desorbers used in absorption refrigeration systems, emphasizing the applications, limitations, and future perspectives of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This study’s main contribution lies in the detailed and critical analysis of the use of CFD in physical models of absorbers and generators of absorption chillers. In addition, several heat exchanger technologies, such as falling film, membranes, and bubbling, are addressed, highlighting CFD-based studies’ main findings and challenges. The article also explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in CFD analyses, aiming to optimize modeling and system performance. It was found that the application of CFD analyses in absorbers and desorbers of absorption systems has proven to be an essential tool for developing and optimizing these systems. Finally, research gaps were identified, especially regarding the miniaturization and optimization of these exchangers, and directions for future studies are proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Suellen Cristina Sousa Alcântara & José Ângelo Peixoto da Costa & Alvaro Antonio Villa Ochoa & Gustavo de Novaes Pires Leite & Álvaro Augusto Soares Lima & Héber Claudius Nunes Silva & Paula Suemy Arr, 2025. "Critical Review of Advances and Numerical Modeling in Absorbers and Desorbers of Absorption Chillers: CFD Applications, Constraints, and Future Prospects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-30, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:314-:d:1565371
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhai, Chong & Wu, Wei & Coronas, Alberto, 2021. "Membrane-based absorption cooling and heating: Development and perspectives," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 663-688.
    2. Xuan Tao & Dhinesh Thanganadar & Kumar Patchigolla, 2022. "Compact Ammonia/Water Absorption Chiller of Different Cycle Configurations: Parametric Analysis Based on Heat Transfer Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-28, September.
    3. Zhai, Chong & Wu, Wei, 2022. "Energetic, exergetic, economic, and environmental analysis of microchannel membrane-based absorption refrigeration system driven by various energy sources," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PB).
    4. Furqan Tahir & Abdelnasser Mabrouk & Muammer Koç, 2020. "CFD Analysis of Falling Film Hydrodynamics for a Lithium Bromide (LiBr) Solution over a Horizontal Tube," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, January.
    5. Wen, Tao & Lu, Lin & He, Weifeng & Min, Yunran, 2020. "Fundamentals and applications of CFD technology on analyzing falling film heat and mass exchangers: A comprehensive review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    6. Sui, Zengguang & Zhai, Chong & Wu, Wei, 2022. "Parametric and comparative study on enhanced microchannel membrane-based absorber structures for compact absorption refrigeration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 109-122.
    7. Amaris, Carlos & Vallès, Manel & Bourouis, Mahmoud, 2018. "Vapour absorption enhancement using passive techniques for absorption cooling/heating technologies: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C), pages 826-853.
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