This book investigates the adsorption dynamics of water, methanol, ethanol, and ammonia vapor on loose and consolidated adsorbent beds, as well as the impact of this aspect on the overall performance of adsorption systems for heat transformation. In particular, it presents the results of kinetic measurements made using the large temperature jump (LTJ) method, the most efficient way to study adsorption dynamics under realistic operating conditions for adsorptive heat transformers. The information provided is especially beneficial for all those working on the development of novel adsorbent materials and advanced adsorbers for heating and cooling applications. Today, technologies and systems based on adsorption heat transformation (AHT) processes offer a fascinating option for meeting the growing worldwide demand for air conditioning and space heating. Nevertheless, considerable efforts must still be made in order to enhance performance so as to effectively compete with commonly used electrical compression and absorption machines. For this purpose, intelligent design for adsorption units should above all focus on finding a convenient choice of adsorbent material by means of a comprehensive analysis that takes into account both thermodynamic and dynamic aspects. While the thermodynamic properties of the AHT cycle have been studied extensively, the dynamic optimization of AHT adsorbers is still an open issue. Several efforts have recently been made in order to analyze AHT dynamics, which greatly influence overall AHT performance.

This book proposes a radically new approach for characterizing thermophysical and mechanical properties of zeolite-based adsorbent coatings for Adsorptive Heat Transformers (AHT). It presents a developed standard protocol for the complete characterization of advanced coated adsorbers. Providing an in-depth analysis of the different procedures necessary for evaluating the performance of adsorbers, it also presents an analysis of their stability under the hydrothermal and mechanical stresses during their entire life cycle. Adsorptive Heat Transformers (AHT), especially adsorption chillers and heat pumps, are considered to be promising technologies to increase thermal energy efficiency. Nevertheless, an overall increase in performance of this apparatus is necessary for them to be considered a mature technology to be used commercially. Development of innovative coated adsorbers can be perceived as a key issue for the enhancement of AHT technology. This procedure relies on the deposition, either by means of a binder or by direct crystallization, of the adsorbent material over a metallic heat exchanger, aiming at the improvement of the heat transfer between the external heat source and the adsorbent itself. This book offers a valuable resource to those working on the development of novel adsorbent materials and advanced adsorbent beds for heating and cooling applications. It is also intended for researchers interested in renewable energy and energy efficiency.