MODELING OF A SILICA-GEL WATER-ADSORPTION COOLING SYSTEM

Theoretical and experimental studies were performed on the recovery of a low-grade waste heat using a silica gel/water adsorption-cooling system composed of four components: two adsorbers, a condenser, and an evaporator. Its cold generation capacity was 1.2 RT to produce chilled water at 4-7-degrees-C. A numerical model was developed which can predict thermal performance of the system. The model prediction showed good agreement with experimental data. Parametric studies were performed using the model to determine the effect of the heat-transfer rate of individual component on the cold generation capacity; the heat-transfer rate of the condenser was found to be the most sensitive variable. By modifying the heat-transfer rates of the condenser and adsorber, the thermal performance could be improved by about three times. The present model can be utilized to investigate and optimize the adsorption-cooling system.