Solar driven thermal energy storage for domestic applications in heating and cooling

FBK-REET labs have developed a new solar driven cooling/heating machine based on a double adsorption/desorption cycle. The machine is provided of thermal energy storage realized by the use of microporous material. The material is regenerated by solar thermal collectors and provides heating and cooling by adsorption cycle integrated with an evaporative system. The system may be scaled in cooling/heating capacity, changing the porous material volumes, and in cooling power, changing the air flow through the system. A prototype has been built, provided of a cooling capacity of 25-30 kWhth and a retrofittable cooling power of 2-5 kWth . The cold temperature is between 1216°C. The COP is 0,70,9. The system may operate on open or closed cycles, for floor plants or for direct air fan systems. The system has been tested. Preliminary results on working conditions, system performances, cycle COP and efficiency will be provided