Performance analysis of a modular adsorption cooling system with sonic vibration at the evaporator

Abstract

The experimental study of a single-effect modular adsorption cooling system with an activated carbon-methanol working pair is presented in this paper. The test unit is comprised of an adsorber, a condenser, and an evaporator in vertical alignment. Heating and cooling at the adsorber is by hot water at 70-90C, whereas heating at the evaporator is performed by water at the ambient temperature. At the evaporator, a sonic wave generator enhances heat transfer for the boiling of methanol during the adsorption process. The system performance by considering the coefficient of performance (COP), specific cooling power (SCP), and volumetric cold production (VCP) is evaluated, and the sonic wave is demonstrated to reduce the evaporation time of methanol, which results in better system performances compared with the results in literature. The highest COP and SCP obtained from this system are 0.718 and 248.90 W/kg, respectively. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.