Energy Conservation in Absorption Refrigeration Cycles Using DES as a New Generation of Green Absorbents

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are emerging green solvents with very unique characteristics. Their contribution to atmospheric pollution is negligible, and they can be “designed” for desired properties. In this study, the feasibility of applying DESs (Reline, Ethaline, or Glyceline) as absorbents in absorption refrigeration cycles was investigated. The sophisticated cubic-plus-association (CPA) equation of state, considering the strong intermolecular interactions of such complex systems, was used to estimate the thermodynamic properties. At a fixed set of base case operating conditions, the coefficients of performance were calculated to be 0.705, 0.713, and 0.716 for Reline/water, Ethaline/water, and Glyceline/water systems, respectively, while the corresponding mass flow rate ratios were 33.73, 11.53, and 16.06, respectively. Furthermore, the optimum operating conditions of each system were estimated. To verify the feasibility, results were compared to literature systems, including LiBr/water and various ionic liquid/water systems. The results indicate that DES/water working fluids have the potential to be used in such cycles. Since DESs have the characteristic to be tuned (designed) to desired properties, including their solvent power and their enthalpies of absorption, much further research needs to be done to propose new DESs with higher energy efficiencies.