A novel solar-powered adsorption refrigeration module

This paper presents the description and operation of a simple structure, low cost solar-powered adsorption refrigeration module with the solid adsorption pair of local domestic type charcoal and methanol. The module consists of: a-modified glass tube having a generator (sorption bed) at one end and a combined evaporator and condenser at the other end and, b-simple arrangement of plane reflectors to heat the generator. The testing of the module is mainly focused on the sorption bed, therefore, four types (1-4) of bed techniques and four reflector arrangements (A-D) to heat the sorption bed had been proposed and tested under climatic condition of Cairo (30degrees latitude). The angles of inclination of the reflectors are varied every month to receive maximum solar energy at noon time. Glass shell is also used to cover the beds in winter. Test results show that, the module composed of the bed technique Type 4 and reflector's arrangement Type C gives best performance. The time duration during which the bed temperature is above 100 degreesC was found to be 5 h, with a maximum temperature of 120 degreesC in winter. In summer, the corresponding values 6 h and 133 degreesC. During cooling, the minimum bed temperature recorded in either winter or summer time is very close to the ambient temperature due to the absence of bed insulation. The daily ice production is 6.9 and 9.4 kg/m(2) and net solar COP is 0.136 and 0.159 for cold and hot climate respectively. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.