Energy storage comparison of sorption systems for cooling and refrigeration

A comparison between different sorption systems (binary mix only) such as a bsorption, adsorption and solid/gas reaction is presented with relation to their storage capacity for cooling. So as to be complete, phase change mate rial (PCM) storage capacity has been added. The results are presented in kW h per kilogram of the total mass of the species involved in the cycle: the refrigerant fluid and the sorbent. In order to make a real condition compar ison, two simple case studies have been made using temperatures that are co mpatible with a solar heat source. It appears that for negative temperature s, solid/gas reaction with ammonia has the best capacity. Storage with phas e change material appears to be quite competitive even if a little less eff icient. For positive temperatures. the best storage capacity is for water ( working fluid) in absorption with NaOH as absorbent and in reaction with Ca Cl2, MgCl2 and Na2S as salt. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.