Performance Analysis of an Adsorption Refrigeration System Working on Activated Carbon/Methanol Pair Using Finned Tube Type Adsorber Bed

Abstract

Adsorption refrigeration, being a unique and eco-friendly technology, has gained popularity over conventional refrigeration systems. The present study is aimed at developing an annular finned tube adsorber model which serves as a thermal compressor in adsorption refrigeration systems. The mathematical model is addressed numerically using finite difference discretization method and explicit scheme was used for the solution. The generalized model has been simulated for activated carbon–methanol working pair. The system has an optimum cycle time of 1800s. It was found to have a highest refrigeration capacity of 260.66 kJ/kg at a regeneration temperature of 393 K and evaporator temperature of 283 K. The highest COP (Coefficient of Performance) achieved by the system is 0.3706 at a regeneration temperature of 353 K and evaporator temperature of 283 K. A highest SCP (Specific Cooling Power) of 144.8 W/kg was obtained at an evaporator temperature of 283 K and regeneration temperature of 393 K.

Simulation of the performance of continuous solar-powered adsorption refrigeration system for optimal use in Zaria, Nigeria

“…The most typical adsorbent-adsorbate combinations are zeolite and water, zeolite and methanol, activated carbon and methanol, activated carbon and ammonia, activated carbon and water, etc. 8,9 There should be at least two beds for continuous cooling to be produced using solar energy as a standalone source, 10 such that the other bed should be in adsorbing mode when one bed is desorbing the refrigerant. The easiest approach to finish the cycle in 2 days is to shade one bed, connect it to the evaporator on day one, and heat it for desorption on day two.…”

“…The most typical adsorbent-adsorbate combinations are zeolite and water, zeolite and methanol, activated carbon and methanol, activated carbon and ammonia, activated carbon and water, etc. 8,9…”

Performance analysis of variable thickness longitudinal fin with functionally graded material in dry and fully wet conditions

“…Fins are extended surfaces that are generally used to transfer heat by convection from the boundary of a solid and by conduction within the solid. Generally, to transfer heat from one fluid to another fluid across a solid, fins are used (Soni et al , 2021). Within the solid, from the Fourier law of heat conduction, heat transfer depends on the cross-section area, thermal conductivity of the material and temperature gradient.…”