New functional composite silane-zeolite coatings for adsorption heat pump applications

Abstract

The adsorption heat pumps represent an innovative technology to increase the efficiency of thermal energy. To date, this technology requires in-depth analysis in order to increase the overall performance of the equipment. In this context, it is necessary to increase the overall performance of the equipment. The development of multifunctional adsorbent coatings is an important design solution to improve engineering and technology of adsorption heat pumps. Thanks to the use of adsorbent coatings, the heat exchangers and heat pumps can operate more efficiently. These coatings must not only be effective in terms of energy efficiency (thermodynamic and kinetic adsorption properties) but also in terms of mechanical and electrochemical stability. This chapter shows how this problem could be managed through the use of innovative multifunctional composite silane-zeolite coatings. The method proposed in this chapter is based on the deposition, using a hybrid silane binder, of the adsorbent material based on aluminum zeolite. The chemical-physical-mechanical characterization of the composite materials with the purpose to evaluate its industrial applicability is discussed. In particular, adhesion, hydrophobicity, and durability tests were performed. This chapter also highlights how different types of matrices can affect the performance of the coating. The results obtained showed that the performances of the coating were closely related to the interaction between zeolite filler and silane matrix. Furthermore, the type of matrix was an important variable in order to optimize the properties of the composite coating up to its use in the commercial field.