Numerical modeling of a zeolite/water adsorption cooling system with non-constant condensing pressure

A new transient two-dimensional model with non-constant condensing pressure for a zeolite/water adsorption cooling cycle is proposed in this paper. This numerical model focuses on the heat and mass transfer behaviors in the adsorber and is solved by the control volume method. Due to the heat transfer limitation in the condenser, the simulated pressure during the isobaric generation phase of the cycle is not constant and will decrease with time. Compared with the model for constant condensing pressure, the cycle duration and cycled adsorbate for the base case are increased. Furthermore, the effect of mass flow rate of condenser cooling water on system performance is also investigated. It is found that both COP and SCP increase with an increase in the mass flow rate of cooling water in the condenser.