REVERSIBLE ADSORPTION HEAT-PUMP - A THERMODYNAMIC MODEL

A detailed thermodynamic analysis of simple and regenerative cycles of an adsorption heat pump is presented. With respect to other similar w ork, in this model the influence of the specific heat of the adsorbate (generally unknown) upon the accuracy of the model has been studied. Starting from experimental data of adsorption equilibrium, the energy balance, the performances and the specific power of the system can be calculated at any operating conditions. The integral functions of the incoming and outgoing energy for the regenerative cycle using two isot hermal reactors have been calculated in order to make the model more f lexible and accurate. Results are presented in terms of performances a nd useful specific energies for two zeolite-water (13X and 4A type) as well as for activated carbon-methanol pairs. These parameters were ca lculated for a heating/cooling system to be used in the domestic secto r and for the southern European climate.