Computer prediction of the performance of a solar powered solid adsorption refrigerator in some Nigerian cities

Abstract

The computer prediction of the seasonal performance of a solid adsorption refrigerator, using activated carbon/methanol working pair, in seven Nigerian cities is presented. The mathematical model and its computer programme1 are used for this study. The monthly average performance of the refrigerator is found to depend very strongly on the insolation level and its geographical location. Peak methanol generation and cumulative COP ranged over 0.498-1.698 kg and 0.026-0.088, respectively for all the cities. Maiduguri gave the best overall performance followed by Sokoto, Yola, Enugu, Owerri and Port Harcourt in that order. Thus, the refrigerator operation is possible in all the cities throughout the year and in any other city with minimum average daily insolation level of about 12 MJ/m².