Review of mathematical investigation on the closed adsorption heat pump and cooling systems

A mathematical model of the closed adsorption heat pump and cooling systems is particularly used to assist in interpreting the observed phenomena, to design the system, to predict the trends, and to assist in optimization. In this paper, various mathematical models mainly analyzing the heat and mass transfer process of an adsorption bed in closed adsorption heat pump and cooling systems are reviewed and classified based on complexity, into three main groups: i.e. thermodynamic model; lumped parameters model; heat and mass transfer model. The major characteristics of different models and assumptions used are presented and discussed. Also, the numerical methods and validation of the models are summarized and significant results obtained through mathematical model are detailed. Although the models have evolved to a point where several features of the process can be predicted, more effort is required before the models can be applied to define actual operating conditions as well as to further investigate new closed adsorption cycles. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.