Rotary system for the continuous production of cold by solid–gas sorption: modeling and analysis of energy performance

The rotary process presented here is designed for continuous operation and to use the concept of a heat regeneration cycle developed for solid sorption cold production systems. Based on the analysis of the thermodynamic cycle followed by the reagent, the system is modeled in the form of counter-flow heat exchangers in series. This allows an estimate of the energy performance of the process in terms of coefficient of performance (COP) and cold production capacity. It appears that for a given set of thermodynamic operating conditions, the number of transfer units (NTU) of the heat exchangers is the parameter, which conditions the value of the COP. A comparison between the rotary system by adsorption and by chemical reaction helps to select the ideal reagent according to the temperature level for cold production.