THERMODYNAMIC AND ECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR POWERED SOLID ADSORBENT REFRIGERATING UNITS

A model is presented which gives the thermodynamic and economic performances of solid adsorption refrigerators. The model is applied to optimize the solid adsorbent reactor in the case of solar powered refrigerators. First an analysis of the influence of the physical parameters on the solar COP is made. The sensitivity of the performance is discussed versus the metal and the geometrical parameters of the heat exchangers: spacing, thickness and height of fins. Then, a study of an economic index gives the economic optimum and describes the sensitivity of that index versus the welding, metal and adsorbent cost.