Testing and modelling of a temperature front solid-gas reactor applied to thermochemical transformer

With the objective of improving the coefficient of performance (COP) of refrigeration cycles by sorption, the multisalt cycle constitutes a possible way of development. However, the achievement of a worthwhile COP requires the designing of solid-gas reactors which enable the creation of a heat wave in the direction of the heat transfer fluid flow. A test is carried out with a heat wave reactor containing one, or two reactants of different nature. It enables the analysis of the reactor operation during different phases of the cycle. The dynamic simulation model developed is validated from the test results. Its use enables estimating the performances of the multisalt reactor and of proposing improvements for its design. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.