Design and analysis of the power electronics system for the Lean Operation Rotary Adsorption Cooling System

Abstract

The Lean Operation Rotary Adsorption Cooling System (LORACS) was developed in order to investigate avenues for more sustainable space cooling systems in the face of the growing threat of global warming. While traditional cooling systems rely on large amounts of grid electricity and a suite of environmentally harmful chemicals, the LORACS instead leverages thermal properties of water and desiccants to create cooling power from low-grade waste heat sources. Although low-grade waste heat comprises of the majority of the LORACS power input, electrical power is still necessary to drive critical system components such as the fans, pumps, and instrumentation equipment. The LORACS system was designed to provide 3.5 kW of cooling with an expected electrical power input of roughly 475 W. Based on preliminary system testing, it was observed that the system produced roughly 2.7 kW of cooling power with 570 W of electrical power. This paper seeks to outline the power electronics selection process for the initial LORACS prototype, as well as consider solutions and alternatives for future system revisions that would result in a higher coefficient of performance.