Performance simulation of multi-bed silica gel-water adsorption chillers

•A lump-parameter model was developed to analyse the adsorption chiller performance.•The model was validated using experimental data.•The simulation could predict the cooling capacity to within 10% at all conditions.•The simulation could predict the COP to within 12% at all conditions.•Results showed the model could accurately predict adsorption chillers' performance.

Adsorption chiller technology is one of effective means to convert waste thermal energy into cooling, which substantially improves energy efficiency and lowers environmental pollution. This article develops an improved lumped-parameter model for multi-bed silica gel-water adsorption chillers. It is validated by experimental results stemming from a four-bed silica gel-water adsorption chiller at various operating conditions. It is found that the performance predictions from this model compare favourably with experimental results. At all tested conditions and over a wide range of cycle times, the cooling capacity and COP can be predicted to within 10% and 12%, respectively.