Cycle and performance analysis of a small-scale adsorption heat transformer for desalination and cooling applications

Adsorption heat transformers use low-grade heat to produce potable water and provide cooling at the same time. In this study, we present a comprehensive performance analysis for an experimental system featuring the world’s smallest design using silica gel, which is commonly used as benchmarking material. We analyse the system performance in a thorough cycle analysis that quantifies the influence of isosteric heating times and cycle times onto the adsorption working capacity. In addition, the performance is assessed through common performance indicators for desalination as well as cooling. We found that the system achieved a Specific Daily Water Production of up to 10.9 kgw/(kgsgd) at 80 °C. The combination of cooling and desalination is discussed highlighting advantages as well as disadvantages, which are often neglected. The results show that silica gel has a high performance in desalination, which decreases by more than 60 % if cooling is desired as well.