The Effect of Using Fins in Different Configurations on the Performance of Adsorption Refrigeration System

This study investigated an adsorption refrigeration system featuring a finned generator, aimed at enhancing the heat and mass transfer processes within the generator. Six distinct fin configurations were tested: one section utilized straight fins, another employed inclined fins, and additional sections incorporated fins in two, three, four, and six arrangements. The experimental conditions were set with evaporator, generator, and condenser temperatures at 5 ˚C, 82 ˚C, and 22 ˚C, respectively. These transient conditions facilitated accurate measurements of pressure, temperature, and adsorption uptake during the adsorption-desorption cycles of the activated carbon/ethanol system. The highest coefficient of performance for the adsorption refrigeration cycle, recorded at 0.44, was achieved using a finned generator with inclined fins in one section. This represents a 25.7% enhancement compared to the performance of the generator without fins. Furthermore, the configuration with fins in three sections yielded the maximum specific cooling effect and uptake amount, measuring 44.5 kJ/kg and 0.06 kg/kg, respectively. In comparison to the generator without fins, these parameters exhibited improvements of 71.2% and 87.5%, respectively. The overarching aim of these enhancements is to develop an adsorption refrigeration system characterized by superior performance and reduced cycle durations.