ISSN Print: 1049-0787
ISSN Online: 2375-0294
Indexed in
RECENT ADVANCES IN ADSORPTION-BASED HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
ABSTRACT
Adsorption heat pumps (AHPs) are capable of providing both heating and cooling to meet the growing demands for climate control. In contrast to work-driven vapor compression systems, heat-driven adsorption heat pumps allow the use of thermal energy and environmentally benign refrigerants for operation. However, adsorption systems have typically faced challenges associated with achieving higher power densities, and heating and cooling rates due to poor transport characteristics. In addition, energy losses and irreversibilities in AHPs can significantly decrease the overall coefficient of performance (COP). Therefore, techniques that facilitate efficient thermal and vapor transport are desirable in AHPs. In this chapter, we describe how recent advances in the development of novel adsorbents, their interface with heat exchangers, innovative bed designs, and integration with auxiliary components can promote efficient heat and mass transfer. Furthermore, we describe how AHP systems can be operated to leverage heat and mass recovery to enhance the overall COP. With the integration of innovations at the material, component, and system level, the next-generation AHPs can be environmentally sustainable and address the rising demands for heating and cooling.