Absorption heat pump

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/absorption-heat-pump

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the thermodynamic cycle?Absorption refrigeration cycle driven by thermal energy
2. What is the electrical energy demand?Significantly lower than vapor-compression systems, mainly for pumping and fans
3. How does an absorption heat pump work?It starts by letting a special liquid evaporate and soak up heat, then a hot source makes the liquid release the heat, and the cycle repeats to keep the temperature steady.
4. What makes absorption heat pumps different from regular heat pumps?Instead of a mechanical compressor, they use a thermal compressor with a mix of absorbent and refrigerant, and they rely on heat from gas, solar, or waste to run.

Vapor-Compression Cycle: The standard refrigeration cycle using a mechanical compressor powered by electricity.
Thermal Compressor: A component in an AHP that uses heat to drive the refrigerant cycle, replacing a mechanical compressor.
Absorbent-Refrigerant Pair: Two substances working together in an AHP, where one absorbs the other to facilitate heat transfer.