Project Title:

High-Temperature-Waste-Heat-Driven Cooling Using Complex Compound Sorption Media

09.11-0851A
900214
High-Temperature-Waste-Heat-Driven Cooling Using Complex Compound Sorption Media

Abstract:

Manned lunar bases will require cooling for dehumidification (about 40oF) an habitat
(60oF). Background temperature for heat rejection is 125oF, requiring reject temperatures
of 180oF or above. Waste heat will be available from the power generating system
above 500 K (440oF). Complex-compound sorption cycles can be used to provide cooling
and heat rejection at these temperatures, while being driven with waste heat near
500K. Waste-heat-driven cooling cycles will reduce load on the power generation system
while reducing total heat rejection. Complex-compound cycles are potentially ideal
for this application because they provide high temperature lift, are reliable (having
no moving parts), and are light. Efficiency can approach 80% of the Carnot limit.
Objectives of Phase I are to prove the concept in the laboratory and provide estimates
of mass and efficiency of an optimized system. The objective of Phase II will be
to demonstrate a cooling system optimized for lunar conditions and provide more accurate
mass and performance projections. Phase I efforts will be directed toward a small-scale
(up to about 100 W cooling) laboratory demonstration and computer modeling of a full-scale
heat pump.
The temperature range involved--heat recovery at 60oF with rejection at 190oF--fills
a need for industrial heat pumps for recovery of low-level waste heat and generation
of high temperature hot water. Such applications are prevalent in the brewery and
food processing industries.
refrigeration, heat pumps, absorption