Recent developments in adsorption heat pumps for heating applications

Abstract

Adsorption heat pumps (AHPs) have gained noticeable attention in recent years. The review discusses significant research in the domain of adsorption heat pumps focusing on heating applications, the working principle, adsorption equilibrium and kinetics, the design of adsorbent beds, physical models, operating parameters, and physical and thermodynamic characteristics of adsorbents. A comparison is presented among AHPs and traditional heating technologies and systems for AHPs that certain market participants have created. The review focuses on the most appropriate conditions for each measurement technique and the constraints of the modeling processes that are an essential element for the comprehensive performance evaluation of adsorption cooling units. For adsorption bed applications, it is suggested to use various bed designs and heat exchanger structures. Moreover, significant literature gaps and constraints in designing AHPs for heating applications are identified and analyzed. The heat and mass transfer resistance should be reduced by developing novel adsorbent materials and an improved interface among the duct wall and the bed, where heat transfer fluid circulates to increase adsorption heat pump system performance. Furthermore, optimum operational modes for the intended application might significantly enhance system performance.