Transient numerical model for predicting operating temperatures of solar adsorption refrigeration cycle

In this study, a transient numerical model, referred as CBSR model, was developed for determining the operating temperatures and its corresponding times of the solar adsorption refrigeration cycle with activated carbon AC35-methanol pair for unsteady solar irradiation. The operating temperatures and its corresponding times obtained by the present model compared with those of the literature showed an acceptable difference, whereas the study introduced most factors which can affect the performance of the machine. The presenting of the operating temperatures of the solar adsorption refrigeration cycle as a function of solar cold generation energy allowed to sweep the interval of cycle temperatures of functioning of the machine according to climatic conditions (solar irradiation and ambient temperature) and the required cold production. Accordingly, to achieve an optimum performance, the operating conditions can be notified in the user manual of the manufactured solar adsorption refrigerator. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.