A numerical investigation on refrigeration vapor cycles, operating with carbon-dioxide and a single-stage heat-powered sorption compressor

Abstract

In recent decades we witness a surge in electricity consumption rates, thereby, a growing demand for electricity production and transmission. These trends yield escalating emissions, accelerating global warming and other deleterious environmental impacts. Heat powered cycles convert heat to work or to heat pumping and are, therefore, suitable for replacing the common electricity-driven cycles. A common heat source is solar radiation, however, waste heat, especially in industry, is widely available, and at a variety of temperatures. Replacing electricity consumption by available heat sources can significantly reduce the electricity generation demand and the required electricity transmission infrastructure.

Ongoing research on thermally driven sorption compressors is conducted in our research laboratory, aiming for several applications. Within the scope of this research stage, a single-stage sorption compressor for carbon dioxide is numerically investigated, based on a previously developed numerical model. Several sorption cell sizes with different operating conditions are investigated, and the conditions for obtaining maximum coefficient of performance and effectiveness are determined. The research proves the feasibility of harnessing the sorption compressor technology to refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The presented performances aren't competitive with absorption refrigeration systems, yet; however, the outcomes of this research pave the way for performance improvements and turning the suggested technology to an attractive heat-powered refrigeration and air-conditioning technology.