Dynamic Simulation of Solid Adsorption Solar Refrigerator System with AC/CH₃OH as a Working Pair

Solid adsorption system, one of alternative refrigeration systems, is utilized to provide cold for refrigerator or air-conditioner and can be operated by assistance of solar heat. System performance study through computer usage to develop simulation program and simulate behaviors of system operation can give designed system which suits for user’s need. Also, the present study aims to develop dynamic simulation program of solid adsorption refrigeration system operated by solar assistance to simulate behaviors of system operation and its performance. Flat plate collectror is utilized to provide thermal energy for system’s adsorber and activated carbon/methanol is used to be a suitable working pair. Simulation procedure starts with various solar radiation intensities as input energy on solar collector and water is used as collector working fluid. Behavior of system operation can be considered to be 4 steps as isosteric heating, isobaric desorption, isosteric cooling and isobaric adsorption, respectively. This research studies the effect of varying solar radiation intensity on temperature, pressure of adsorber, adsorption ratio at each steps of system operated ranging from 6:00 am (the first day) to 6:00 am (the next day) and system performance which is defined as coefficient of performance, COP. In addition, the simulation result shows monthly average COP of 0.43 compared to a result of another previous research work under the same operating condition and the percentage error is 7.5%.

Performance optimization on finite-time quantum Carnot engines and refrigerators based on spin-1/2 systems driven by a squeezed reservoir

We investigate the finite-time performance of a quantum endoreversible Carnot engine cycle and its inverse operation-Carnot refrigeration cycle,employing a spin-1/2 system as the working substance.The thermal machine is alternatively driven by a hot boson bath of inverse temperatureβ_(h)and a cold boson bath at inverse temperatureβ_(c)(>βh).While for the engine model the hot bath is constructed to be squeezed,in the refrigeration cycle the cold bath is established to be squeezed,with squeezing parameter r.We obtain the analytical expressions for both efficiency and power in heat engines and for coefficient of performance and cooling rate in refrigerators.We find that,in the high-temperature limit,the efficiency at maximum power is bounded by the analytical valueη_(+)=√sech(2r)(1-η_(C)),and the coefficient of performance at the maximum figure of merit is limited byε_(+)=√sech(2r)(1+ε_(C))/sech(2r)(1+ε_(C))-εC)-1,whereη_(C)=1-β_(h)/β_(c)andε_(C)=β_(h)/(β_(c)-β_(h))are the respective Carnot values of the engines and refrigerators.These analytical results are identical to those obtained from the Carnot engines based on harmonic systems,indicating that the efficiency at maximum power and coefficient at maximum figure of merit are independent of the working substance.

Development of 400-μW cryogen-free dilution refrigerators for quantum experiments

We have successfully developed cryogen-free dilution refrigerators with medium cooling power that can be applied to quantum experiments. Breakthroughs have been made in some key technologies and components of heat switches and dilution units. Our prototype has been running continuously and stably for more than 100 hours below 10 m K, with a minimum temperature of 7.6 m K and a cooling power of 450 μW at 100 m K. At the same time, we have also made progress in the application of dilution refrigerators, such as quantum computing, low-temperature detector, and magnet integration. These indicators and test results indicate good prospects for application in physics, astronomy, and quantum information.

Performance Optimization of a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell/Absorption Refrigerator Hybrid System

A hybrid system that consists of a phosphoric acid fuel cell(PAFC),an absorption refrigerator and a refrigeration-space is proposed.The four-heat-source absorption refrigerator,which is driven by the waste heat produced from PAFC,provides cooling for a refrigeration-space.A numerical model is set up to analyze both the steady-state performance and transient performance considering the influences of the electrochemical and thermodynamic irreversibilities.Expressions of the equivalent power output and efficiency of the hybrid system are determined.Moreover,the transient behavior of cold-space temperature is performed and the time to reach a prescribed cold-space temperature is displayed.Thus,the operation regions of the current are optimized at different operating conditions.The results showthat in an appropriate current range,the overall power output and efficiencies of the hybrid system are enhanced.

Magnetocaloric properties of phenolic resin bonded La(Fe,Si)13-based plates and its use in a hybrid magnetic refrigerator

We present a simple hot press-based method for processing La(Fe,Si)13-based compounds consisting of La–Fe–Co–Si–C particles and phenolic resin. The magnetic entropy change △S per unit mass for the La Fe_(10.87)Co_(0.63)Si_(1.5)C_(0.2)/phenolic resin compounds have nearly the same magnitude with the base materials. With the content of phenolic resin of 5.0 wt%, the compound conductivity is 3.13 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1). In order to measure the cooling performance of La(Fe,Si)13-based compounds,the La(Fe_(11.6-x)Co_(x))Si_(1.4)C_(0.15)(x =0.60, 0.65, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85)/phenolic resin compounds were pressed into thin plates and tested in a hybrid refrigerator that combines the active magnetic refrigeration effect with the Stirling cycle refrigeration effect. The test results showed that a maximum cooling power of 41 W was achieved over a temperature span of 30 K.

A Systematic Review of Thermoelectric Peltier Devices: Applications and Limitations

Conventional refrigeration processes release ammonia and freon into the atmosphere,which results in global warming.These problems may be overcome by using thermoelectric modules because of the absence of coolants or refrigerants in these systems.However,the cooling performances of such modules are relatively small in comparison to those of conventional refrigerators.In this paper,the working principles of thermoelectric modules are discussed together with a review of different relevant aspects,namely:the thermoelectric materials,and their mechanical properties used to build thermoelectric devices,different types of thermoelectric devices available on the market,mathematical modeling of thermoelectric materials,and various applications of thermoelectric materials in different fields.

Performance Analysis of a Solar Continuous Adsorption Refrigeration System

A study is conducted on the performances of a solar powered continuous-adsorption refrigerator considering two particular days as references cases,namely,the summer solstice(June 21st)and the autumn equinox(September 21st).The cooling capacity,system performance coefficient and the daily rate of available cooling energy are assessed.The main goal is to compare the performances of a solar adsorption chiller equipped with a hot water tank(HWT)with an equivalent system relying on solar collectors with no heat storage module.The daily cooling rates for the solar refrigerator are found to be 102.4 kWh and 74.3 kWh,respectively,on June 21st and on September 21st,using a total collector’s area of 43.47 m2.The corresponding values for the adsorption chiller equipped with a hot water tank of 2 m3(and using a total collector’s area of 72.45 m2),are 127.1 kWh and 106.13 kWh,respectively.

Establishment of a Model for the Calculation of the COP of a Solar Adsorption Refrigerator

This paper deals with the evaluation of the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of solar adsorption refrigeration. In the literature, simulation models to predict the thermal behaviour and the coefficient of performance of these systems are uncommon. This is why we suggest a model to simulate the operation of the machine in a typical hot and dry climate of the city of Ouagadougou. The objective is to provide a model for calculating the COP from the measurement of the ambient temperature and the irradiation of a given site. Starting from mathematical modelling, a resolution and simulation were made with COMSOL software based on the Dubinin-Astakhov adsorption model, the heat transfer balance equations, and the Linear Driving Force (LDF) model to describe the thermal behaviour of the system. A one-week measurement sequence on the adsorption solar refrigerator at the Albert Schweitzer Ecological Centre (CEAS) validated the numerical results. The measurement shows that for the days with high sunshine, the temperature of the reaction medium reaches 110°C, and the pressure reaches 500 mbar. This leads to a production of cold that allows it to reach the temperature of -5°C at the evaporator. Under these conditions, the COP is worth 14%. These results are obtained both by numerical simulation using the COMSOL 5.1 software and after a measurement session on the solar refrigerator available to the CEAS. We obtained an experimental and theoretical coefficient of performance varying between 9% and 14% with a difference of between 0% and 3%. We conclude that our model is suitable to estimate the COP of any device based on its thermal properties, the ambient temperature and the irradiation of a given site.

OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE OF THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM USING ENTROPY GENERATION MINIMIZATION METHOD

With the entropy generation minimization （EGM） method, the thermodynamical performance optimization in a thermoelectric refrigeration system is studied. The optimization is affected by the irreversibility of heat transfer caused by finite temperature differences, the heat leak between external heat reservoirs and the internal dissipation of working fluids. EGM is taken as an objective function for the optimization. The objective function and design parameters are obtained. Optimal performance curves are presented by thermal and electronic parameters. Effects of these parameters on general and optimal performances are investigated. Results are helpful in determining optimal design conditions in real thermoelectric refrigeration systems.

Performance analysis of aircraft low-power thermoelectric refrigeration system

An optimal design method for an aircraft low-power thermoelectric refrigeration system（TRS）is proposed using an existing experimental model as the research platform under given aircraft flight conditions.The variation curves of the cooling capacities and the refrigeration coefficients of the system running at three flight altitudes are investigated.The performance of the system is evaluated by the minimum-entropy-generation method and the performance penalty is also calculated.The power variation curves of the cooling system are obtained by an electric power experiment.The peak values of these curves are less than the maximal electric power supply of airborne equipment,proving that the use of the low-power TRS for airborne equipment is feasible.The COP,cooling capacity and entropy generation of the system are relative to the flight altitude and the current of the TRS.Through the analyses of these data,the optimal values of the COP are obtained,and the optimization measures are proposed to maximize the use of the advantages of the TRS.

A novel distributed solar refrigeration system based on evacuated U-tube solar collector and elastocaloric refrigerator

Refrigeration challenges in regions with electricity shortages significantly decrease the quality of life for residents. In response to the prevalent refrigeration challenges in power-deficient areas, a novel distributed solar refrigeration system, comprising an evacuated U-tube solar collector and elastocaloric refrigerator, is theoretically introduced. Theoretical formulations for the energy efficiency and cooling power of the solar refrigeration system are presented to facilitate predictive assessments of the performance properties. Under typical conditions, the energy efficiency and cooling power of the solar refrigeration system are,respectively, 4.84% and 200.15 W. Subsequently, an extensive parameter study is conducted to comprehensively uncover key performance influencers and identify avenues for improvement. In addition, local sensitivity analyses identify that the length ratio is the top influential parameter, while the heat transfer fluid flow rate is the least sensitivity. A pragmatic case study,conducted with the weather data of Ningbo City, China, serves to empirically predict the performance of the hybrid system within the constraints of practical circumstances.

Magnetic and magnetocaloric effect of Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass

Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass exhibited excellent magnetic refrigeration material with a wide temperature range and high refrigeration capacity(RC)was reported.Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass was observed with typical spin glass behavior around 15.5 K.In addition,we find that the magnetic entropy change(-△S_(M))originates from the sample undergoing a ferromagnetic(FM)to paramagnetic(PM)transition around 20 K.Under a field change from 0 T to 7 T,the value of maximum magnetic entropy change(-△S_(M)^(max))reaches 12.5 J/kg·K,and the corresponding value of RC reaches 487.7 J/kg in the temperature range from 6 K to 60 K.The large RC and wide temperature range make the Er_(20)Ho_(20)Dy_(20)Cu_(20)Ni_(20)high-entropy metallic glass be a promising material for application in magnetic refrigerators.

Optimization performance of quantum endoreversible Otto machines with dual-squeezed reservoirs

We consider a quantum endoreversible Otto engine cycle and its inverse operation-Otto refrigeration cycle,employing two-level systems as the working substance and operating in dual-squeezed reservoirs.We demonstrate that the efficiency of heat engines at maximum work output and the coefficient of performance for refrigerators at the maximum c criterion will degenerate toη-=η_(C)/(2-η_(C))andε-=(√9+8ε_(C)-3)/2 when symmetric squeezing is satisfied,respectively.We also investigated the influences of squeezing degree on the performance optimization of quantum Otto heat engines at the maximum work output and refrigerators at the maximum X criterion.These analytical results show that the efficiency of heat engines at maximum work output and the coefficient of performance for refrigerators at the maximum X criterion can be improved,reduced or even inhibited in asymmetric squeezing.Furthermore,we also find that the efficiency of quantum Otto heat engines at maximum work output is lower than that obtained from the Otto heat engines based on a single harmonic oscillator system.However,the coefficient of performance of the corresponding refrigerator is higher.

Design and application of refrigerant recoveryand fillingcontrol system based on MSP430

The control scheme of multifunctional refrigerant recovery and filling control system for air conditioning system is presented in this paper.The scheme of hardware circuit based on micro controller unit （MCU） MSP430 uses high-precision weighing sensor and high performance amplifier.The software program uses median average filtering algorithm.The device can recycle discarded refrigerant after purification and quantitative filling refrigerant.Meanwhile,the apparatus has the functions of recovery,filling,pressing,vaccumizing,refueling,etc.The system is proved to be of low cost,good stability and high practical value.

Application of water loop variable refrigerant flow air-conditioning system in large-scale buildings in northern China

A water loop variable refrigerant flow（WLVRF）air-conditioning system is designed to be applied in large-scale buildings in northern China.The system is energy saving and it is an integrated system consisting of a variable refrigerant flow（VRF）air-conditioning unit,a water loop and an air source heat pump.The water loop transports energy among different regions in the buildings instead of refrigerant pipes,decreasing the scale of the VRF air-conditioning unit and improving the performance.Previous models for refrigerants and building loads are cited in this investigation.Mathematical models of major equipment and other elements of the system are established using the lumped parameter method based on the DATAFIT software and the MATLAB software.The performance of the WLVRF system is simulated.The initial investments and the running costs are calculated based on the results of market research.Finally,a contrast is carried out between the WLVRF system and the traditional VRF system.The results show that the WLVRF system has a better working condition and lower running costs than the traditional VRF system.

Intermodal Competition: Cargo Airships versus Long-Haul Trucking for Perishable Commodities

Intermodal competition changes with changes in technology, economics, and environmental concerns. Trucks and airships are generally considered not to be competitors, but this depends on the distance of haul. The tonne-kilometer cost of trucking rises much more quickly with distance than it does the cost of a cargo airship. At some distance, the two modes are direct substitutes. The costs of the Mexico-Canada refrigerated truck supply chain are compared with the costs of a 100t-lift, electrically-powered airship. The flight characteristics of the Hindenburg Zeppelin are used as a model for a modern cargo airship. The supply chain cost of trucking tomatoes is used to test the theorical proposition. The cost difference works out to about US10￠/kg (5￠/lb) advantage for trucking Mexican tomatoes to Canada. However, this cost disadvantage of the airship could be made up by their vibrationless ride, better air circulation and one-day service versus four days by truck. This alternative form of transportation could have a positive impact on worldwide north-south distribution of food. Airships can overcome trade barriers and distance to open new markets for perishable food exports. In addition, they would reduce the carbon emissions of transport. Canada imports 160,000 refrigerated truckloads of fruits and vegetables by from the southern US and Mexico. With an average driving distance of 3,000 km, these trucks emit 606,000 MT of CO2 annually. Airships powered by hydrogen fuel cells would have zero-carbon emissions. Markets are not yet incorporating the environmental advantage of airships in any freight comparison, but inevitably this will be important.

A Review on Technologies for the Use of CO2 as a Working Fluid in Refrigeration and Power Cycles

The use of carbon dioxide as a working fluid has been the subject of extensive studies in recent years, particularly in the field of refrigeration where it is at the heart of research to replace CFC and HCFC. Its thermodynamic properties make it a fluid of choice in the efficient use of energy at low and medium temperatures in engine cycles. However, the performance of transcritical CO2 cycles weakens under high temperature and pressure conditions, especially in refrigeration systems;On the other hand, this disadvantage becomes rather interesting in engine cycles where CO2 can be used as an alternative to the organic working fluid in small and medium-sized electrical systems for low quality or waste heat sources. In order to improve the performance of systems operating with CO2 in the field of refrigeration and electricity production, research has made it possible to develop several concepts, of which this article deals with a review of the state of the art, followed by analyzes in-depth and critical of the various developments to the most recent modifications in these fields. Detailed discussions on the performance and technical characteristics of the different evolutions are also highlighted as well as the factors affecting the overall performance of the systems studied. Finally, perspectives on the future development of the use of CO2 in these different cycles are presented.

Cooling High Power Dissipating Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chips Using Refrigerant

High power dissipating artificial intelligence (AI) chips require significant cooling to operate at maximum performance. Current trends regarding the integration of AI, as well as the power/cooling demands of high-performing server systems pose an immense thermal challenge for cooling. The use of refrigerants as a direct-to-chip cooling method is investigated as a potential cooling solution for cooling AI chips. Using a vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS), the coolant temperature will be sub-ambient thereby increasing the total cooling capacity. Coupled with the implementation of a direct-to-chip boiler, using refrigerants to cool AI server systems can materialize as a potential solution for current AI server cooling demands. In this study, a comparison of 8 different refrigerants: R-134a, R-153a, R-717, R-508B, R-22, R-12, R-410a, and R-1234yf is analyzed for optimal performance. A control theoretical VCRS model is created to assess variable refrigerants under the same operational conditions. From this model, the coefficient of performance (COP), required mass flow rate of refrigerant, work required by the compressor, and overall heat transfer coefficient is determined for all 8 refrigerants. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis is provided to determine the most optimal refrigerants for cooling applications. R-717, commonly known as Ammonia, was found to have the highest COP value thus proving to be the optimal refrigerant for cooling AI chips and high-performing server applications.

Performance characteristics of an energy selective electron refrigerator with double resonances

This paper establishes the energy selective electron （ESE） engine with double resonances as a refrigerator in one dimensional （1D） system. It consists of two infinitely large electron reservoirs with different temperatures and chemical potentials, and they are perfectly thermally insulated from each other and interaction only via a double ＇idealized energy filter＇ whose widths are all finite. Taking advantage of the density of state and Fermi distribution in the 1D system, the heat flux into each reservoir may then be calculated. Moreover, the coefficient of performance may be derived from the expressions for the heat flux into the hot and cold reservoirs. The performance characteristic curves are plotted by numerical analysis. The influences of the resonances widths, the energy position of resonance and the space of two resonances on performance of the ESE refrigerator are discussed. The results obtained here have theoretical significance for the understanding of thermodynamic performance of the micro-nano devices.

Development of permanent magnetic refrigerator at room temperature

A reciprocating magnetic refrigerator was developed based on the active magnetic regeneration technology. Rare earth metal Gd and intermetallic compound LaFe11.2Co0.7Si1.1 were used as the magnetic operating materials in the machine. The particles of the magnetic operating materials, with diameter of 0.5-2 mm and total mass of 950 g, were mounted in the cooling bed. A magnetic field was assembled using NdFeB rare earth permanent magnets. It had the magnetic field space of Φ 34×200 and the magnetic induction of 1.5 T. The water at pH=10 is used as a heat transfer fluid. When the ambient temperature is 296 K, a temperature span of 18 K was achieved after operation of 45 min at a frequency of 0.178 Hz. The temperature span and the output power increase significantly with the increasing velocity of heat transfer.