Numerical modelling of combined heat and mass transfer in a tubular adsorber of a solid adsorption solar refrigerator

Abstract

In this paper a theoretical model of the heat and mass processes in a tubular adsorber of a solid adsorption solar refrigerator is established. The modelling and the analysis of the adsorber is the key of such studies because of the complex coupled heat and mass transfer phenomena that occur during the working refrigeration cycle. This model consists of the energy equation in the adsorbent layers, the energy balance equation of the adsorber wall, and state equation of the bivariant solidvapour equilibrium using the Dubinin-Astakhov model to describe the phenomena of adsorption with the pair activated carbon AC-35/ methanol as an adsorbent/adsorbate. The influence of the main parameters on the system is also discussed.