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.