Adsorptive transformation of ultralow-temperature heat using a “Heat from Cold” cycle

Abstract

Adsorptive transformation of ultralow-temperature heat from various sources and its involvement in beneficial processes require pioneer approaches and intelligent solutions. One such approach, the so-called “Heat from Cold” (HeCol), has recently been proposed to amplify heat with an ultralow-temperature potential of only 0–20 °C to the temperature level sufficient for heating dwellings. This work addresses testing a HeCol prototype by simulating conditions of three locations in the Russian Federation (Moscow, Novosibirsk, and Oymyakon) with quite different climates. The effects of the cycle time, evaporator and condenser temperatures on the cycle useful heat and power were studied. The specific power was found to reach 300 W/kg-adsorbent under climatic conditions of Moscow city and more than 500 W/kg under the much colder conditions of Oymyakon. Furthermore, the maximal temperature of heat transfer fluid (water) experimentally measured under closed-loop conditions gradually reached 36 °C that is of certain practical interest. Finally, the feasibility of using the HeCol cycle for the adsorptive transformation of ultralow temperature heat was clearly demonstrated.