Monolithic carbon for sorption refrigeration and heat pump applications

The thermophysical properties (effective thermal conductivity k, permeabili ty K, porosity x and effective specific heat C) of two types of monolithic activated carbons are investigated with the intention of designing a high p erformance generator for sorption refrigeration systems and heat pumps usin g ammonia as refrigerant. This paper is mainly focused on the experimental procedures and results. Typical values obtained with one of the samples tes ted are: thermal conductivity = 0.44 W m(-1) K-1, limiting concentration = 0.36 kg NH(3)kg(-1) Carbon and carbon specific heat = 1080 J kg(-1) K-1 at 100 degreesC. The permeability results are highly anisotropic. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.