A three-dimensional non-equilibrium model for an intermittent adsorption cooling system

Intermittent adsorption cycles, driven by low temperature heat, like solar heat, instead of electricity or natural gas, can achieve substantial fossil energy savings. In this paper, the mathematical model for the coupled heat and mass transfer in the adsorber of an intermittent adsorption cooling system is set up. The model includes four submodels: heat transfer in heating/cooling fluids, heat transfer in the metal tube, heat transfer in the fins, and heat and mass transfer in the adsorbent. The model for the heat and mass transfer in the adsorbent is a three-dimensional non-equilibrium model which takes into account both the internal and the external mass transfer resistance in the adsorbent. An experiment has been done to validate the model. With some modifications, the model can be used in system optimization and design of adsorption cycles driven by solar energy or waste heat. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.