Solar-based comparison of adsorption and absorption refrigerating machines

This article attempts to carry out a computer simulation of an aqua-ammonia vapour absorption system, and an activated carbon–ammonia adsorption system, with a 1 m2 collector area, under climatic conditions of Tangier, north Morocco. This study is very important in order to point out the conditions that make the performance of one cycle superior to the other. The comparison of the performance of sorption cycle is still a difficult academic challenge because some part of the sorption cycle is still at the R&D stage. The effect of operating variables such as generator temperature, condenser temperature and evaporator temperature on the system performance is investigated. This study shows that, in solar applications, the adsorption system is better than the absorption system for several reasons including its efficiency, and that it is simple to operate.