Abstract
M.Ing. (Electrical And Electronic Engineering)
The feasibility of various alternative methods for obtaining air conditioning in internal combustion
vehicles is examined from literature studies. It is concluded that adsorption cooling which utilises the
hot exhaust gases appears to be the most promising and the combination zeolite-water is chosen for
further research. A synopsis of the state of the art as documented in the literature is given and typical
unresolved problems are identified. A description of the basics of adsorption cooling and the
properties ofthe material zeolite is elaborated upon. The requirements for a design to be successful
is explained. A finite difference computer spreadsheet model is developed to aid in the calculation
ofthe heat transfer process that is necessarily part ofthe sorption processes. Laboratory tests on three
sorbers of proprietary design are described and the test methods are refined to the point where
satisfactory results are obtained. It is concluded from the tests and computer simulations that
adsorption cooling as an alternative method of vehicle air conditioning appears a viable proposition,
but that further research is required.