Sorption Heat Pump Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: Sch of Engineering
Abstract
The aim of the research, in accordance with Mission Innovation Challenge #7 (Affordable heating and cooling of buildings) is to investigate and develop low cost heat-powered heat pumps based on sorption technology. The MI #7 Technology Assessment Document (TAD) expert report on sorption heat pumps identified 10 Action Areas. This proposal addresses three of them: Ammonia-salt resorption domestic heat pump, Novel cycles for cooling, Heat transformer based on ammonia-salt resorption, however, our emphasis is on the first area.
The technical challenges relate to development of low-cost compact reactor/heat exchangers (sorption reactors) in which ammonia refrigerant is rapidly adsorbed or desorbed by chemical salts with heat output or input respectively. Our objectives are both a) Fundamental:- understanding/characterising reaction equilibrium and kinetics, material stability, corrosion and b) Applied:- optimising, designing, constructing and laboratory testing of an ammonia-salt heat pump using the developed reactors.
Additionally, these outputs will enable us to investigate how these new heating and cooling technologies can be implemented in the UK, identify what potential savings can be achieved, the approach required to deliver them and to identify potential routes to implementation and policy implications.
The technical challenges relate to development of low-cost compact reactor/heat exchangers (sorption reactors) in which ammonia refrigerant is rapidly adsorbed or desorbed by chemical salts with heat output or input respectively. Our objectives are both a) Fundamental:- understanding/characterising reaction equilibrium and kinetics, material stability, corrosion and b) Applied:- optimising, designing, constructing and laboratory testing of an ammonia-salt heat pump using the developed reactors.
Additionally, these outputs will enable us to investigate how these new heating and cooling technologies can be implemented in the UK, identify what potential savings can be achieved, the approach required to deliver them and to identify potential routes to implementation and policy implications.
Publications
Atkinson G
(2021)
Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl)-Ammonia (NH3): Sorption Characteristics for Heat Pump Applications
in Energies
Atkinson G
(2023)
Design and manufacture of a proof-of-concept resorption heat pump using ammonia-salt chemisorption reactions
in Cleaner Energy Systems
Atkinson GH
(2021)
D2. Report on design and expected performance of 2-salt resorption heat pump
Hinmers S
(2022)
Modelling and Analysis of Ammonia Sorption Reactions in Halide Salts
in International Journal of Refrigeration
Hinmers S
(2022)
Resorption Thermal Transformer Generator Design
in Energies
| Description | We have established that a resorption heat pump can be made with both a good power density and efficiency. Our 2kW prototype has operated for hundreds of cycles and is much closer to a practical machine than anything previously attempted. In addition we have a good understanding of the reaction mechanisms it uses and an excellent simulation tool for later design work. This should pave the way to a cost effective heat pump that could be fuelled by natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen in a future energy system. |
| Exploitation Route | Further development to lead to hydrogen fuelled domestic heat pumps. |
| Sectors | Energy |
| Description | MI International seminars, conducted in Teams |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | There is informal collaboration on our research topic between 7 international institutions: SFU Canada, SJTU China, ICCOM Italy, CNR-ITAE Italy, TNO Netherlands, Fraunhofer ISE Germany and Regensburg Germany. To date we have had 4 Teams workshops with presentations from all and the involvement of academics, PDRAs and PhD students. Everyone has found the experience to be well worth while. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |