Prospects for the use of a membrane refrigeration unit for the production of cold as an alternative to absorption

Objective . The purpose of the study is to determine the prospects for using a membrane refrigeration unit for the production of cold as an alternative to absorption. Method . The study was carried out using a numerical experiment and verification of the results obtained on an experimental bench. Result . An analysis was made of the use of a traditional absorption refrigeration machine and a membrane refrigeration machine from the point of view of energy efficiency and the number of working elements. Presented for comparison are methods for calculating the separation process of the “absorbent-refrigerant” mixture based on reverse osmosis processes and a water-ammonia absorption refrigeration unit. Conclusion . The use of separation processes in membrane apparatuses for the production of cold in mixed refrigeration machines, as an alternative to absorption refrigeration machines, will ensure a more stable process for obtaining refrigerant from the mixture, reduce material costs for the production of a refrigeration unit and increase the energy efficiency of a refrigeration unit operating on mixed components.