A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1988

Detailed experiments and analyses have been made on the solar powered refrigerator using intermittent activated charcoal and methanol adsorption cycle. The average efficiency of the collector varied between 33% and 44% and the peak collector temperature reached 130°C on clear days. The newly constructed refrigerator had an overall solar COP ( refrigeration effect/insolation of 10 % during clear days. This system was able to produce up to 3 kg of ice. The system was tested again after laying idle for six months, and its performance was found to be seriously reduced. there was insufficient refrigeration effect to produce ice. Detailed experiment and analysis show the reason for the system deterioration was the presence of formaldehyde and dimethyl ether in the system , which made the system pressure too high. These unwanted substances were removed using a vacuum pump. It was found that the system works normally and even better than before. It could produce 3 - 3. 5 kg ice. This system shows promise for commercial use in ice - making. A design for a commercial product is proposed This design includes the optimum amount of methanol and the configuration of every component . The application of this system as a cooler at higher temperatures is also suggested.