Simulation and sensitivity analysis of an intermittent solar-powered charcoal/methanol refrigerator

A theoretical model of an intermittent solar powered charcoal/methanol refrigerator has been developed to study its performance. The model is used to investigate the heat and mass transfer in a tubular flat-plate collector (adsorber), which is heated by the sun and which contains activated charcoal granules from which methanol is desorbed by heat. The model is based on two main assumptions: (a) a uniform pressure in the system; (b) negligible mass diffusion resistance. The whole model, which requires the use of a computer, is able to illustrate heat and mass transfer in the collector tube and simulate the daily performance of the refrigerator dynamically under practical operating conditions. The model has been validated by comparing numerical solutions with the data obtained from experimental tests on a practical unit. It has been used to determine the sensitivity of the system performance to variations in the design parameters and methods of operating the system.