Modeling deep eutectic solvent based working fluids for vapor absorption cooling

Abstract

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are environmentally friendly solvents with unique properties, including negligible vapor pressures that make them suitable for Vapor Absorption Cooling (VAC). This research explores the viability of using DESs, such as Ethaline and Glyceline, as absorbents in single-effect absorption cooling with H2O as the refrigerant. The study employed Aspen Plus software, utilizing the NRTL activity coefficient model and SRK equations of state model to estimate and validate DES properties. Under fixed operating conditions, Ethaline-H2O and Glyceline-H2O systems achieved Coefficients of Performance (COP) of 0.739 and 0.741, respectively. Optimal operating conditions and a comparative analysis with LiBr-H2O systems were conducted, affirming the feasibility of DES-H2O working fluids. The COPs and exergetic efficiency of the selected DESs were analyzed, highlighting the potential of Ethaline-H2O as a replacement for traditional LiBr in VAC systems. Further experimental research is necessary to develop novel DESs with enhanced energy efficiencies, capitalizing on their customizable solvent power and enthalpies of absorption.