Compressed-liquid energy storage with an adsorption-based vapor accumulator for solar-driven vapor compression systems in residential cooling

• A cycle-integrated energy storage strategy for vapor compression refrigeration is proposed.
• The storage subsystem is comprised of a liquid tank and an adsorption-based vapor accumulator.
• High energy storage densities can be achieved for the system when operating with ammonia.
• Solar residential cooling is evaluated as a potential application.
• Feasibility of the proposed strategy requires development of better adsorption pairs.

A cycle-integrated energy storage strategy for vapor-compression refrigeration is proposed wherein thermo-mechanical energy is stored as compressed liquid. A compressed-liquid tank is integrated into the liquid line of the system by means of an adsorption-based vapor accumulator in the vapor line. Energy is retrieved through expansion of the compressed liquid, which allows for a tunable evaporator temperature. A thermodynamic model is developed to assess the system performance, with storage incorporated, for solar residential cooling in two locations with contrasting ambient temperature profiles. Ammonia, R134a, and propane, all paired with activated carbon as adsorbent, are evaluated. A high cold thermal energy storage density is achieved when operated with ammonia. However, the accumulator suppresses the coefficient of performance of the system because work is required to extract refrigerant from the adsorbent. Practical feasibility of the proposed storage strategy calls for the development of nontoxic refrigerant–adsorbent pairs with more favorable adsorption behavior.