Evaluation of methanol adsorption on activated carbons for thermally driven chillers part I: Thermophysical characterisation

In this first part a comprehensive thermophysical characterisation of six activated carbons based on coconut, peat and stone coal with focus on thermally driven chillers is reported. Pore and surface analysis are performed using N-2 and CO2 adsorption. Furthermore the density and heat capacity of the samples is determined. Methanol adsorption measurements for evaporation between -5 degrees C and 35 degrees C and driving temperatures up to 130 degrees C are realized using a thermobalance and evaluated using the Dubinin-Astakhov (DA) approach. Based on the given DA equations, the possible loading lifts for typical applications like 95 degrees-35 degrees-7 degrees C are calculated. The samples show very attractive maximum loading lifts up to 0.385 g g(-1). Furthermore the mass and volume specific cooling enthalpy of 244 kJ kg(-1) and 126 kJ dm(-3) under realistic conditions demonstrates the good performance of this working pair. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.