Adsorption-Based Heat Pump

Abstract

Disclosed is an adsorption-based heat pump useful for refrigeration and cooling/heating for applications such as HVACs and chillers. Adsorption is a surface phenomenon where a solid substance (adsorbent) attracts molecules of a gas or solution (refrigerant or adsorbate) on its surface. The latent heat of the adsorbate provides the heating/cooling effect. The novel adsorption heat pump enhances heat and/or mass transfer to and from the adsorbate. One embodiment comprises at least one evaporator, at least one desorber (adsorbent heating apparatus), at least one adsorbent cooling apparatus and at least one condenser. The embodiment employs different techniques to enhance heat and/or mass transfer.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An adsorption-based heat pump comprising:
 a condenser to liquefy a refrigerant;   an evaporator for evaporative cooling;   at least one chamber containing an adsorbent with a mixer where heating and cooling and adsorption of the adsorbent occur at different times.   
     
     
         21 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20  further comprising a single chamber operating alternately as a desorber and a cooling apparatus. 
     
     
         22 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20 , wherein the adsorbent is a powder. 
     
     
         23 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20 , wherein the adsorbent is a nano-porous material. 
     
     
         24 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20  further comprising a first valve between the chamber and the condenser and a second valve between the chamber and the evaporator. 
     
     
         25 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20  further comprising at least two chambers operating sequentially as a desorber and a cooling apparatus and an adsorber. 
     
     
         26 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20 , wherein the evaporator and condenser are operating at different pressures. 
     
     
         27 . A method of water desalination comprising:
 receiving salt water;   evaporating the water to remove salt using the adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 20 .   
     
     
         28 . An adsorption-based heat pump comprising:
 a condenser to liquefy a refrigerant;   an evaporator for evaporative cooling;   a chamber containing the adsorbent;   a first valve separating the chamber and the condenser;   a second valve separating the chamber and the evaporator; and   a mixer disposed within the chamber, wherein heating and cooling and adsorption of the adsorbent occur at different times within the chamber.   
     
     
         29 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 28 , wherein the chamber comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for a heat-exchanging fluid. 
     
     
         30 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 28 , wherein the adsorbent is a powder. 
     
     
         31 . The adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 28 , wherein the adsorbent is a nano-porous material. 
     
     
         32 . A method of water desalination comprising:
 receiving salt water;   evaporating the water to remove salt using the adsorption-based heat pump of  claim 28 .