Understanding the Processwise Entropic Framework in an Industrial Heat-Powered Refrigeration Cycle

This article presents a theoretical investigation of entropy generation rate (EGR) analysis to identify energy losses in an industrial adsorption refrigeration cycle using a silica gel-water pair. The system features two single-stage beds, with water serving as refrigerant, coolant, and hot fluid. EGR is observed to rise abruptly during valve-switching operations. For a complete cycle, the EGR contributions from external components like heat source and heat sink, are 18.03% and 21.56%, respectively. The internal heat transfer process contributes 11.37 kW/kg-K, nearly 9.97 times higher EGR than that of the internal mass transfer process, highlighting major inefficiencies within the system.