This paper provides a focus on the R & D of solid sorption coolers and heat pumps made in the Luikov Heat & Mass Transfer Institute (CIS Countries Association “Heat Pipes”) under Thermacore, Inc. Agreement.
Commercial and space applications of sorbent systems offer an attractive alternative to compression systems and liquid sorption system in cooling, heating and air conditioning.
The key elements of solid sorption machines are the chemical compressors-adsorbers. Two categories of solid sorption system are analyzed: adsorbents (MgA, NaX zeolites, carbon fibre “Busofit” with water, acetone, NH3), and compounds with chemical reaction and physical adsorption (CaCL2+ carbon fibre “Busofit” with NH3). These systems differ in one very important aspect: the adsorption equilibrium is bivariant, chemical reaction is monovariant. Some promising results with zeolite-water and NH3, “Busofit” with acetone and NH3 are received.
Solid sorption heat pump technology utilizing heat pipe heat recovery with a condensing /evaporating refrigerant holds considerable promise for bivariant (space and domestic) applications due to the variable temperature and variable load capabilities of such machines.