Absorption Heat Pumps

heat pump microcomponents of an absorption cycle

PNNL researchers are developing a compact, microtechnology-based heat pump. All the microcomponents of an absorption cycle heat pump have been developed. (click on boxes of above diagram to see components) This technology exploits enhanced heat and mass transfer resulting from structurally constraining streams to flow in microchannels, which reduces resistance to transport. The micro "sheet architecture" combines the individual components in layers of sheets to form the hardware system, which will occupy only a few cubic inches. Applications include man-portable cooling and mobile and/or remote environmental conditioning.