Radiator Performance Enhancement using a LiBr-H ₂ O Absorption Cooler and Microchannel Technology: A Portable Life Support System Example

Portable life support systems must be capable of performing thermal management in a wide variety of environments. A microchannel-based LiBr-H₂O absorption cooler may make radiator cooling more attractive than water sublimation in high temperature environments by increasing the temperature and in turn reducing the required surface area of the radiator. This study showed that such a heat pump can lift the radiator temperature from 15°C to 60°C with a coefficient of performance of 0.65 and reduce the radiator area by up to 60%. Proof-of-concept testing using microchannel technology has been demonstrated. This technology should enable the LiBr-H₂O absorption cooler by reducing its overall mass and improving heat and mass transfer rates in the absorber.