Triple effect absorption cycles [refrigeration heat pumps]

Triple effect absorption chillers can achieve 50% coefficient of performance (COP) improvement over double-effect systems. However, to translate this potential into cost-effective hardware, the most promising embodiments must be identified. In this study, 12 generic triple effect cycles and 76 possible hermetic loop arrangements of those 12 generic cycles were identified. The generic triple effect cycles were screened based on their pressure and solubility field requirements, generic COPs, risk involved in the component design and number of components in a high corrosive environment. This screening identified four promising arrangements: alkitrate topping cycle; pressure staged envelope cycle; high pressure overlap cycle; and dual loop cycle. All of these arrangements have a very high COP (/spl sim/1.8), however the development risk and cost involved is different for each arrangement. Therefore, the selection of a particular arrangement will depend upon the specific situation under consideration.