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Adsorption and Cooling Systems
Research Guide
What is Adsorption and Cooling Systems?
Adsorption and Cooling Systems are sorption-based technologies that utilize the adsorption and desorption of refrigerants on solid or liquid sorbents to achieve cooling effects, often integrated with thermochemical energy storage, desiccant dehumidification, and solar-driven refrigeration.
The field encompasses 27,943 works on thermochemical energy storage, adsorption refrigeration, desiccant cooling, and heat and mass transfer processes. Solid sorption systems and liquid desiccant dehumidification enable energy-efficient cooling without mechanical compressors. Membrane-based enthalpy exchangers and seasonal heat storage support applications in energy recovery and solar energy utilization.
Topic Hierarchy
Research Sub-Topics
Adsorption Refrigeration
This sub-topic covers the thermodynamic cycles, working pairs like zeolite-water, and system designs for adsorption-based cooling driven by heat sources. Researchers study performance optimization, heat and mass transfer enhancement, and integration with renewable energy.
Desiccant Cooling
This sub-topic examines solid and liquid desiccant dehumidification processes, hybrid cycles combining desiccation with evaporative cooling, and system controls for air conditioning. Researchers investigate desiccant materials, regeneration methods, and energy efficiency in humid climates.
Thermochemical Energy Storage
This sub-topic focuses on sorption-based thermal storage using salt hydrates, zeolites, and composites for long-term heat retention via reversible chemical reactions. Researchers explore charging-discharging cycles, material stability, and scalability for building applications.
Solid Sorption Heat Pumps
This sub-topic addresses solid-gas sorption systems for heating, cooling, and heat pumping using adsorbents like activated carbon or metal-organic frameworks. Researchers analyze cycle configurations, coefficient of performance, and prototypes for residential use.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Sorption Beds
This sub-topic investigates modeling, enhancement techniques like fins or coatings, and transient phenomena in adsorption/desorption beds. Researchers develop numerical simulations and experimental validations to minimize thermal resistances.
Why It Matters
Adsorption and Cooling Systems provide energy-efficient alternatives to vapor-compression refrigeration, particularly for solar-powered and waste-heat-driven applications. Sharma et al. (2008) in "Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials and applications" highlight their role in integrating phase change materials (PCMs) for building cooling, with 5534 citations underscoring widespread adoption. Zalba et al. (2002) in "Review on thermal energy storage with phase change: materials, heat transfer analysis and applications" (4524 citations) detail heat transfer enhancements that reduce energy consumption in industrial cooling by up to 30% in modeled systems. These technologies enable CO2 capture via adsorption as noted by Yu et al. (2012) in "A Review of CO2 Capture by Absorption and Adsorption" (1662 citations), linking cooling to emission control in power plants.
Reading Guide
Where to Start
"Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials and applications" by Sharma et al. (2008), as it provides a broad foundation on thermal storage integrated with sorption cooling, cited 5534 times for its accessible overview of materials and applications.
Key Papers Explained
Sharma et al. (2008) "Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials and applications" establishes PCM basics for sorption systems (5534 citations), extended by Zalba et al. (2002) "Review on thermal energy storage with phase change: materials, heat transfer analysis and applications" (4524 citations) with detailed heat transfer models. Al‐Ghouti and Da’ana (2020) "Guidelines for the use and interpretation of adsorption isotherm models: A review" (3088 citations) builds on these by providing isotherm guidelines critical for sorbent selection. Farid et al. (2003) "A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications" (2976 citations) connects to building-scale cooling.
Paper Timeline
Most-cited paper highlighted in red. Papers ordered chronologically.
Advanced Directions
Research emphasizes modeling high-temperature thermochemical storage as in Gil et al. (2009), with focus on power generation integration. Isotherm interpretation per Al‐Ghouti and Da’ana (2020) guides dynamic simulations. No recent preprints or news indicate consolidation of existing models for practical deployment.
Papers at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary mechanisms in adsorption cooling systems?
Adsorption cooling relies on the cyclic adsorption of a refrigerant vapor onto a solid sorbent like silica gel or zeolite, followed by desorption using heat input. This process transfers heat to produce cooling without moving parts. The field covers solid sorption systems and liquid desiccant dehumidification for efficient heat and mass transfer.
How do phase change materials integrate with adsorption cooling?
Phase change materials (PCMs) store thermal energy during adsorption-desorption cycles, enhancing system efficiency in solar-driven cooling. Sharma et al. (2008) reviewed PCM applications with 5534 citations, noting improved heat transfer in refrigeration. Zalba et al. (2002) analyzed PCM heat transfer models for latent heat storage in cooling systems.
What are common applications of desiccant cooling?
Desiccant cooling dehumidifies air using liquid or solid desiccants, followed by evaporative cooling, suitable for humid climates. It integrates with membrane-based enthalpy exchangers for energy recovery. The topic includes 27,943 works on such systems for buildings and industrial processes.
Which materials are used in adsorption isotherms for cooling?
Adsorption isotherms model refrigerant uptake on sorbents, with guidelines provided by Al‐Ghouti and Da’ana (2020) in "Guidelines for the use and interpretation of adsorption isotherm models: A review" (3088 citations). Common models apply to silica gel-water pairs in refrigeration. These ensure accurate prediction of cooling capacity.
What is the current state of thermochemical energy storage in sorption systems?
Thermochemical storage uses sorption for seasonal heat storage, with 27,943 papers covering solid and liquid systems. Gil et al. (2009) in "State of the art on high temperature thermal energy storage for power generation. Part 1—Concepts, materials and modellization" (1661 citations) models high-temperature applications. No recent preprints indicate steady research focus.
Open Research Questions
- ? How can heat and mass transfer limitations in solid sorption systems be minimized for higher cooling coefficients of performance?
- ? What sorbent-refrigerant pairs optimize seasonal thermal energy storage under varying solar inputs?
- ? Which membrane designs maximize enthalpy recovery in desiccant dehumidification without carryover losses?
- ? How do adsorption isotherm models predict performance under dynamic operating conditions in real-world cooling applications?
- ? What integration strategies combine adsorption cooling with CO2 capture for power plant efficiency?
Recent Trends
The field maintains 27,943 works with no specified 5-year growth rate, reflecting sustained interest in thermochemical storage and adsorption refrigeration.
Al‐Ghouti and Da’ana updated isotherm models (3088 citations), building on earlier reviews like Sharma et al. (2008).
2020Absence of recent preprints or news points to established methodologies without major shifts.
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