CPOTE2026
|
9th
International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-25 September 2026 | Kraków, Poland | In-person
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-25 September 2026 | Kraków, Poland | In-person
Abstract CPOTE2026-6036-A
Experimental comparative analysis of composite sorption bed materials for adsorption chillers with desalination function
Tomasz BUJOK, AGH University of Kraków, PolandMarcin SOWA, AGH University of Kraków, Poland
Karol SZTEKLER, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Agata MLONKA-MĘDRALA, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Wojciech KALAWA, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Ewelina RADOMSKA, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Łukasz MIKA, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Wojciech NOWAK, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Mert INCE, Dokuz Eylül University, Turkey
Piotr BORUTA, AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Adsorption chillers offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cooling systems. Unlike electrically driven technologies, they can utilize low-grade heat sources, such as waste heat or solar energy, and operate without mechanical moving parts or harmful refrigerants, which contributes to improved durability and reduced environmental impact. However, their efficiency remains relatively low due to thermodynamic limitations and depends strongly on factors such as adsorbent properties, heat and mass transfer efficiency, and system design.
To address the challenge of low COP, various optimization strategies have been proposed, including the application of advanced thermodynamic cycles, improved heat exchangers, and optimized working pairs. One promising approach to enhancing adsorption chiller performance is the replacement of conventional silica gels with advanced composite sorbents. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of such materials, with particular emphasis on their sorption properties and thermodynamic performance.
The composite sorbents, based on silica gel matrices impregnated with inorganic salts, were designed to increase water vapor uptake compared with unmodified silica gels, thereby improving the efficiency and operational performance of adsorption chillers. The synthesis and testing were carried out using three types of silica gel matrices, denoted as A, B, and C, which differed in pore size distribution. These matrices were impregnated with solutions of NaCl, CaCl₂, and LiBr at different mass fractions: 10%, 20%, 30%, and saturation level.
The aim of the study was to determine the sorption capacity of the prepared materials toward water vapor and to identify the most promising candidates for adsorption chiller applications. In the first stage, a moisture analyzer was used to evaluate the desorption behavior of the samples and to select the most suitable sorbents for further analysis. The selected samples were then examined using Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) at 30 °C and 60 °C, as well as thermal conductivity measurements.
The conducted analyses enabled the identification of sorbents with high water vapor uptake capacity and provided an assessment of their potential for industrial-scale application in adsorption cooling systems.
Keywords: Silica gel, Salt impregnation, Sorption capacity, Adsorption chiller, Inorganic salts
Acknowledgment: This research was funded by the Ministry of Education and Science, Poland, Grant AGH No. 16.16.210.476, and partly supported by the program “Excellence initiative—research university” for the AGH University of Krakow.