Kutub Uddin

PERFORMANCE INVESTIGATION OF ADSORPTION–COMPRESSION HYBRID REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

An analytical investigation on the performance of adsorption–compression hybrid refrigeration systems with two different cycle configurations, cascade type and subcool type has been performed. In the former type, a cascade condenser is used which works as a condenser for mechanical compression cycle and evaporator for adsorption cycle. In the latter type, an evaporative subcooler is used which subcool the fluid of mechanical compression cycle. The refrigerants examined for the mechanical compression cycle are R134a, R152a, R1234yf and R1234ze whereas ethanol is the refrigerant for the adsorption cycle. The main feature of the proposed system is the capability to significantly reduce work input for the mechanical compressor which results up to 30% energy saving potential depending on the selection of refrigerant and system configuration. Based on the thermodynamic properties and laws the study analyzed the effect of the major design parameters such as evaporation temperature, compressor discharge pressure and desorption temperature on the system performances.

Alternative technology for cooling

To provide thermal comfort to the human being many types of cooling technologies are available in the market. These technologies are more essential in the region where the average ambient temperature is high. But every system has some limitations especially for environmental aspect and energy consumption. Open literature shows the available commercial cooling technology used almost 45% of electricity consumed in a house. To keep the system running a lot of fossil fuels need to be burned as a result the volume of greenhouse gases into the air increases. This study introduces a new technology which is emerging as viable alternatives of conventional vapor-compression systems and is known as adsorption cooling system. This system is environment friendly since it uses natural refrigerants and it is driven by low temperature waste heat or solar energy that is why it can solve the existing challenge of global warming and energy crisis.