Performance evaluation of an adsorption refrigeration system powered by solar heat storage based on Moroccan irradiation

Abstract

The aim of this paperwork is to provide a performance comparative study of an adsorption refrigeration system powered by solar heat storage based on Moroccan irradiation. The system operates with ammonia as refrigerant and activated carbon as adsorbent. A parabolic through collector is used to collect the solar energy and store it in a heat storage tank. A dynamic simulation program interpreting the real behavior of the system has been developed. The pressure, temperature and adsorbed mass profiles in the Adsorber have been revealed. The system performance is estimated in terms of the specific cooling power (SCP) and the solar coefficient of performance (SCOP). The solar irradiation and the real ambient temperature variations corresponding to the six climatic zones in Morocco are considered. The effect of those conditions on the performance of the system has been investigated. The results show the capability of our system to realize more than one cycle and produce cold during the day. For an optimal configuration of the system and operating conditions of evaporation temperature, Tev=0 °C, condensation temperature, Tcon=30 °C and generation temperature, T3=100 °C, the process could achieve a SCP of 151 W.kg-1and its solar COP could attain 0.148. The system performances improve especially in sunny area.