Energy Conversion and Management | 2019
Enhanced sorption heat transportation cycles with large concentration glide
Abstract
Abstract Sorption heat transportation is promising in low-grade thermal energy transportation over long distance due to its small energy transportation loss. However, to compete with the sensible heat transportation from economic aspect, energy transportation density and efficiency of sorption heat transportation still need to be further improved. In this paper, two novel sorption heat transportation cycles with double-stage input or output are proposed. Compared with the conventional cycle, larger concentration glide is achieved by the novel cycles for cycle improvement. Performance of the conventional cycle and novel cycles are calculated and compared using mathematical models developed in software Engineering Equation Solver. Results show that higher energy transportation density could be achieved by the enlargement of concentration glide. The improvement in energy density is stronger with lower heat source temperature, higher heat output temperature, or lower cooling temperature. In addition, the performance of novel cycles is more stable under the same temperature range. The improved sorption heat transportation system could be used as an effective way to transport the low-grade industrial excess heat, which is an efficient connection between the heat source and end user.