Dynamics of Adsorptive Systems for Heat Transformation : Optimization of Adsorber, Adsorbent and Cycle

This book investigates the adsorption dynamics of water, methanol, ethanol, and ammonia vapor on loose and consolidated adsorbent beds, as well as the impact of this aspect on the overall performance of adsorption systems for heat transformation. In particular, it presents the results of kinetic measurements made using the large temperature jump (LTJ) method, the most efficient way to study adsorption dynamics under realistic operating conditions for adsorptive heat transformers. The information provided is especially beneficial for all those working on the development of novel adsorbent materials and advanced adsorbers for heating and cooling applications.

Today, technologies and systems based on adsorption heat transformation (AHT) processes offer a fascinating option for meeting the growing worldwide demand for air conditioning and space heating. Nevertheless, considerable efforts must still be made in order to enhance performance so as to effectively compete with commonly used electrical compression and absorption machines. For this purpose, intelligent design for adsorption units should above all focus on finding a convenient choice of adsorbent material by means of a comprehensive analysis that takes into account both thermodynamic and dynamic aspects. While the thermodynamic properties of the AHT cycle have been studied extensively, the dynamic optimization of AHT adsorbers is still an open issue. Several efforts have recently been made in order to analyze AHT dynamics, which greatly influence overall AHT performance.

 

 

Dr.-Eng. Alessio Sapienza
He graduated in Material Engineering at the University of Messina, Italy, in 2004. He completed his PhD in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Messina in 2012. Currently he has been working as researcher at the Italian National Council of Research - Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies (CNR-ITAE), Messina since 2005. The scientific activity of Dr.-Eng. Alessio Sapienza is mainly focused on the development and characterization of adsorbent materials, components and prototypes for adsorption heat pumps/chillers and on advanced energy systems. He published more than 40 printed papers.

Dr.-Eng. Angelo Freni
He graduated in Materials Engineering at the University of Messina in 1998. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials and Chemical engineering from the University of Messina. He has been at the Italian National Council of Research - Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies (CNR-ITAE), Messina, since 1998. He has worked on thermally-driven heat pumps, heat and hydrogen storage, has published more than 130 printed papers in the field, plus 3 patents. He has been carrying out and leading scientific activities in the framework of National and International programs, in co-operation with industries and research groups. Currently, he is Head of the research group on “Thermally Driven Heat Pumps” at CNR ITAE. He is the Italian alternate delegate in the Executive Committee of the Heat Pump Programme of the International Energy Agency. He is member of the commission “E2 - Heat pumps, energy recovery” of the IIR – International Institute of Refrigeration

Dr.-Eng. Andrea Frazzica
He graduated in Material Engineering at the University of Messina, Italy, in 2008. He completed his PhD in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Messina in 2012. Currently he is working as post-doctor researcher at the Italian National Council of Research - Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies (CNR-ITAE), Messina. The scientific activity of Dr.-Eng. Andrea Frazzica is mainly focused on the development and characterization of adsorbent materials and components for TDHPs and on advanced materials and systems for thermal energy storage. He published more than 30 printed papers.

Prof. Yuri Aristov
He graduated from the Moscow Physical-Technical Institute in 1977 (M.Sc degree). He is a Professor of Physical Chemistry and a Head of Group of Energy Accumulating Materials and Processes at the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis (BIC), Novosibirsk, Russia. He received his Ph.D. (1984) and Doctoral (2003) degrees from BIC. His research contributions were in the field of radiation chemistry, low temperature electron tunneling, fractal analysis of porous solids, thermochemical transformation of heat. He is currently working on novel composite adsorbents for adsorptive heat transformation, gas drying, maintaining relative humidity in museums, as well as on heat and mass transfer in adsorptive heat transformers. He has published c.a. 200 papers and 26 patents.