A physical adsorption based refrigeration system

摘要

One aspect of the present invention relates to a physical adsorption based refrigeration system, which generally comprises (1) an adsorption bed substantially filled or packed with an activated carbon adsorbent adapted to adsorb a refrigerant, and (2) heat exchange means located within the adsorption bed and adapted to exchange heat between the adsorption bed and a waste heat fluid carried by the heat exchange means. The refrigeration system may include of a series of integrated adsorption beds and heat exchange means in a cascadable configuration. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of charging a physical adsorption bed filled with an activated carbon adsorbent. The method generally comprises the steps of (1) evacuating a substantial amount of residual gas from the adsorption bed at a reduced pressure, (2) charging the adsorption bed with a refrigerant which adsorbs to the activated carbon adsorbent, and (3) providing a cooling fluid to the adsorption bed to maintain its temperature at a relatively low level.