Performance optimization of two-bed closed-cycle solid-sorption heat pump systems

The performance of two-bed, closed-cycle solid-sorption heat pumps are affected by the switching frequencies at which the sorbent beds are cycled between the regeneration and adsorption processes. However, there always exists a switching frequency that optimizes the system performance (i.e., thermal COP) for given design and operating conditions. In this paper, the performance of two-bed, closed-cycle solidsorption heat pumps are optimized based on the switching frequency and the effect of the design and operating parameters on the optimum performance are investigated. The effect of the sorbent bedNTU, the thermal resistance within the sorbent, the contact resistance between the sorbent and the tube wall of the heat transfer fluid, the fraction of inert mass within the sorbent bed heat exchanger, and amount of fluid resident within the heat exchanger, on the optimum system performance is documented.