Review of solid adsorption solar refrigerator I: an overview of the refrigeration cycle

A review of the practically realized solid adsorption solar refrigeration cycles is presented. The cycles also have potentials for use as heat pumps. They have been classified according to the adsorbate utilized as: cycles with water as refrigerant, cycles using fluorocarbon as refrigerant, cycles using ammonia as refrigerant and cycles with alcohols as refrigerant. The performances of these refrigeration cycles, drawn from experiences worldwide, are also reported. The actual field testing experiences, together with the technical and economic constraints that affect popularization of the systems are reviewed, and their possible solutions are suggested. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.