Adsorptive solar powered ice maker: Experiments and model

A solar adsorptive ice maker model is presented and experimentally validated. In order to determine the model parameters, the identification procedure is carried out employing an experimental data base obtained from tests carried out on two adsorptive solar-powered ice-makers using a methanol/carbon pair. The packaged component, the collector-condenser, represents the main new feature of these units. The prediction is compared with results of correlations. This allows a comparison of the collector-condenser behavior in the two units since the collector-condenser of one of these units is equipped with a radiation shield. The model is then used to study daily ice production sensitivity vis-a-vis critical physical parameters of the unit and to estimate the limits of the collector-condenser technology with flat plate collectors. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.