Modular regenerative adsorption cycles with fixed beds, applied to trigeneration

A regenerative adsorption cycle based on the use of low-cost tubular modules arranged in a multirow bed is described. It is a variety of 'thermal wave' cycle, capable of a very high coefficient of performance (COP). Detailed simulations of system performance have been carried out using measured carbon heat transfer and porosity data. Depending upon a suitable choice of heating fluid flowrate and time between flow reversals, it is possible to achieve air conditioning COPs in excess of 1.1, albeit at a very low specific coding power (SCP) of 10 W/kg. The same machine can be operated to achieve a range of COP and SCP combinations, depending on the control strategy.