Absorption systems use which type of refrigerant for better efficiency in certain conditions?

Absorption systems utilize ammonia as a refrigerant due to its particular properties that enhance efficiency under specific conditions. Ammonia has a high latent heat of vaporization, allowing for effective heat transfer during the refrigeration cycle. This property, combined with ammonia’s low boiling point, makes it ideal for use in absorption refrigeration systems, often powered by heat rather than mechanical electricity.

The use of ammonia in these systems allows for operation at higher temperatures, making them effective in scenarios where conventional vapor-compression systems may struggle. Furthermore, absorption systems are often found in applications where waste heat can be used, such as in industrial processes or combined heat and power systems, further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of these systems.

Other options do not have the same properties suited for absorption refrigeration. Freon, while a traditional refrigerant in vapor-compression systems, is not effective in absorption systems due to its chemical structure and behavior. Carbon dioxide, while an emerging refrigerant, operates efficiently in different types of refrigeration cycles but not in absorption systems as effectively as ammonia. Mineral oil, on the other hand, is not a refrigerant but rather a lubricant and heat transfer fluid, functioning separately from refrigerant solutions. Thus, ammonia is clearly the most suitable choice for absorption systems.