Predicted impact of collector and zeolite choice on the thermodynamic and economic performance of a solar-powered adsorption cooling system

Baker D. K., Kaftanoglu B.

EXPERIMENTAL HEAT TRANSFER, vol.20, no.2, pp.103-122, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/08916150601091407
  • Journal Name: EXPERIMENTAL HEAT TRANSFER
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.103-122
  • Keywords: adsorption, solar, zeolite, cooling, air conditioning
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Transient thermodynamic and capital cost models for an intermittent solar-powered adsorption cooling system are presented. The models are used to predict size and cost trends as the type of zeolite and collector, and maximum zeolite temperature (T-Z,T-Max), are varied. The best synthetic and natural zeolites considered have similar performance. The minimum cost system uses a flat plate collector for T-Z,T- Max < 160 degrees C and an evacuated tube collector for T-Z,T- Max > 160 degrees C. Collector costs dominate the system costs. In some cases, the zeolite's adsorption characteristics are predicted to exert a larger influence on system cost than the actual cost of the zeolite.