International. Korean scientists presented a study focused on improving performance in chiller machines, with the purpose of overcoming the problem of maximum electricity demand caused by the use of air conditioning in summer, using FAPO4-5 adsorbent coatings.
Researchers have focused their interest on adsorption chillers, which are an environmentally friendly technology that uses waste heat as an energy source and water as a cooling source.
Thus, during the study, the researchers synthesized FAPO4-5 adsorbents using two hydrothermal synthetic methods, and then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 absorption/desorption isotherms, and water adsorption isotherms.
In the testing phase, six different coating solutions were applied to an aluminium substrate, with 5%, 10% and 15% by weight of the epoxy and silicone-based binder content, respectively. The researchers then observed the surface of the adsorbent coating with a scanning electron microscope.
To determine the variation in the water adsorption properties of the adsorbents according to the type of binder, each adsorbent underwent a water adsorption isotherm analysis at 25 °C. The thickness of the coating was calculated using a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine. Cross-sectional tests (performed in accordance with ISO 2409:2013) were carried out to assess the resistance of the coating's adhesion to the aluminium substrate.
Source: ScienceDirect.
