Performance analysis of adsorption refrigeration system using silicagel/methanol pair: experimental & analytical approaches

Abstract

An adsorption refrigeration system (ARS) working on silica-gel/methanol pair has been investigated analytically and experimentally. By applying the mass balance in the adsorber bedthe mechanism of adsorption in the thermal compressor with respect to time and bed lengthwas determined. An experimental analysis was performed using a thermal gravimetric analyzer(TGA) to evaluate the mass transfer coefficient and optimum cycle time for silica-gel/methanol pair at different working temperatures. The Diffusion coefficient Ds and Activationenergy Ea for silica-gel/methanol pair were found 2.55 × 10–4 m2/s and 83.08 KJ/mol. Further,the results of variation of regeneration temperature on the performance of the system in termsof COP (Coefficient of Performance) and SCP (Specific Cooling Power) was evaluated; themaximum average theoretical COP and SCP achieved by the system was 0.5 and 102 W/kgnear about 127°C regeneration temperature.