The cooling effect by adsorption-desorption cycles

Adsorption appliances may turn out to be an alternative to compression-type refrigerators. The adsorption refrigeration machine may be driven by a low-grade heat source, especially solar energy. Solar adsorption cooling systems are environment-friendly and have zero ozone depletion potential. Therefore, the adsorption refrigeration is one kind of energy saving refrigeration methods. The merits of the adsorption refrigeration systems will be more significant especially when it is used in vehicles (automobiles, ships and locomotives), to preserve food and medicines and in air-conditioning. The paper presents the advantages and disadvantages as well as the evolution of the technology of adsorptive refrigeration systems. The methods of improving of adsorption refrigeration systems through improvements in adsorbents properties, use of advanced cycles and hybrid systems is also presented. Possible applications and perspectives for development of adsorption cooling systems are also analyzed. The paper describes a test stand of the adsorption-desorption refrigeration. The present investigations have been carried out utilizing the activated carbon granules as an adsorbent and methanol as an adsorbate. The paper demonstrates the measurement of temperature changes in the adsorbent bed and condenser during adsorption-desorption cycles.