Research on an adsorption cooling system supplied by solar energy

In the current article, research on the possibilities for ensuring thermal comfort through the use of an adsorption cooling system supplied by solar energy is presented. The main goal was to ensure an adequate level of cooling in a referential room of 40 m(3) in volume. Cooling was attained by an adsorption ice water generator (AIWG) that was supplied by energy from flat-plate solar collectors. Experiments on the AIWG working conditions and an analysis of the possibilities for using solar energy in a region of Czestochowa (Poland) to supply an adsorption cooling system are also presented. The real value of the cooling efficiency of the COP coefficient for the adsorption ice water generator was 0.27, and the real global efficiency of the adsorption cooling system was 0.23. On the basis of the results, it was assumed that, in climate conditions typical for Poland, it is possible to effectively use the adsorption cooling system to keep a constant level of thermal comfort during all months in which there is a demand for cooling, i.e., between April and October. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.