A dynamic model of multi-stage sorption compressors

Abstract

Sorption compressors are thermally driven, and unlike mechanical compressors, they do not have moving parts, and therefore do not emit vibrations and are highly reliable. There exist different sorption compressor configurations for different operating conditions and various gases. The current research presents a dynamic numerical model of multi-stage sorption compressors, where each compression stage may consist of several sorption cells, which are connected in parallel. The model is based on a single sorption cell model, which determines the fluid pressure and temperature as a function of the cell's operating conditions and design (configuration, dimensions, and materials). The model is suitable for describing sorption cells with various heating and cooling methods, and for any adsorbent-adsorbate pair. An experimental validation of the model is presented, with three experiments at different operating conditions. Then, a numerical investigation of two different sorption cell configurations, and with several compressor structures is demonstrated, to show the capabilities of the model. The main difference between the configurations is their cooling method: one is internally cooled by a heat transfer fluid, and the other is externally cooled through its envelope. The presented model is suitable for developing sorption compressors for different fluids and applications.