REVERSIBLE ADSORPTION HEAT-PUMP - A THERMODYNAMIC MODEL

A detailed thermodynamic analysis of simple and regenerative cycles of an adsorption heat pump is presented. With respect to other similar work, in this model the influence of the specific heat of the adsorbate (generally unknown) upon the accuracy of the model has been studied. Starting from experimental data of adsorption equilibrium, the energy balance, the performances and the specific power of the system can be calculated at any operating conditions. The integral functions of the incoming and outgoing energy for the regenerative cycle using two isothermal reactors have been calculated in order to make the model more flexible and accurate. Results are presented in terms of performances and useful specific energies for two zeolite-water (13X and 4A type) as well as for activated carbon-methanol pairs. These parameters were calculated for a heating/cooling system to be used in the domestic sector and for the southern European climate.