Dynamic Simulation of Solid Adsorption Solar Refrigerator System with AC/CH₃OH as a Working Pair

Anan Pongtornkulpanich

Thermal Energy Research Unit, School of Renewable Energy Technology (SERT), Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.

DOI: 10.4236/epe.2014.612038                

Abstract

Solid adsorption system, one of alternative refrigeration systems, is utilized to provide cold for refrigerator or air-conditioner and can be operated by assistance of solar heat. System performance study through computer usage to develop simulation program and simulate behaviors of system operation can give designed system which suits for user’s need. Also, the present study aims to develop dynamic simulation program of solid adsorption refrigeration system operated by solar assistance to simulate behaviors of system operation and its performance. Flat plate collectror is utilized to provide thermal energy for system’s adsorber and activated carbon/methanol is used to be a suitable working pair. Simulation procedure starts with various solar radiation intensities as input energy on solar collector and water is used as collector working fluid. Behavior of system operation can be considered to be 4 steps as isosteric heating, isobaric desorption, isosteric cooling and isobaric adsorption, respectively. This research studies the effect of varying solar radiation intensity on temperature, pressure of adsorber, adsorption ratio at each steps of system operated ranging from 6:00 am (the first day) to 6:00 am (the next day) and system performance which is defined as coefficient of performance, COP. In addition, the simulation result shows monthly average COP of 0.43 compared to a result of another previous research work under the same operating condition and the percentage error is 7.5%.

Keywords

Lumped Parameter Dynamic Simulation Program, Solid Adsorption Refrigeration System, Solar Energy, Working Pair

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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