Thermodynamic, kinetic, heat transfer and mass transfer data are presented on the reaction of CaCl2 and CH3OH vapor to form solid-phase CaCl2•2CH3OH. These data demonstrate the suitability of the reaction for storing solar energy, and for pumping heat, either for use in space heating (at a solar coefficient of performance > 1), air conditioning, or both. CaCl2 reacts with CH3OH to form CaCl2•2CH3OH with an enthalpy and entropy of reaction 51.7 kJ (mole CH3OH)−1 and 126 J deg−1 (mole CH3OH)−1, respectively. Reaction kinetics close to equilibrium are complex, although the reaction is first order when the temperature of the reacting salt is far from equilibrium. Heat transfer through the salt appears to follow the Russel equation, and reaction rates are not limited by mass transfer in a well-designed system. In the heating mode, a solar coefficient of performance (COP) of about 1.6 should be achievable if the entire heat of CH3OH condensation is used; this could permit a substantial reduction in solar collector area for a given amount of heat delivered to the load. In the cooling mode, the COP should be about 0.6. The system should be capable of pumping heat from an ambient source of 0°C to an indoor air duct temperature above 40°C, or from an indoor chiller at 5°C to an outdoor ambient air sink. The required solar collector temperature is below 140°C, and the energy storage density is about 4 × 105 kJ m−3.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
February 1980
Research Papers
A Heat Pump and Thermal Storage System for Solar Heating and Cooling Based on the Reaction of Calcium Chloride and Methanol Vapor
P. O’D. Offenhartz,
P. O’D. Offenhartz
EIC Corporation, Newton, MA 02158
Search for other works by this author on:
F. C. Brown,
F. C. Brown
EIC Corporation, Newton, MA 02158
Search for other works by this author on:
R. W. Mar,
R. W. Mar
Sandia Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550
Search for other works by this author on:
R. W. Carling
R. W. Carling
Sandia Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550
Search for other works by this author on:
P. O’D. Offenhartz
EIC Corporation, Newton, MA 02158
F. C. Brown
EIC Corporation, Newton, MA 02158
R. W. Mar
Sandia Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550
R. W. Carling
Sandia Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Feb 1980, 102(1): 59-65 (7 pages)
Published Online: February 1, 1980
Article history
Received:
October 29, 1979
Online:
November 11, 2009
Article
Article discussed|
View article
Connected Content
Citation
Offenhartz, P. O., Brown, F. C., Mar, R. W., and Carling, R. W. (February 1, 1980). "A Heat Pump and Thermal Storage System for Solar Heating and Cooling Based on the Reaction of Calcium Chloride and Methanol Vapor." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. February 1980; 102(1): 59–65. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3266123
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Analysis of Erosion of Surfaces in Falling Particle Concentrating Solar Power
J. Sol. Energy Eng (April 2025)
Related Articles
Simulation study on a Domestic Solar/Heat Pump Heating System Incorporating Latent and Stratified Thermal Storage
J. Sol. Energy Eng (November,2009)
Exergy Analysis and Sustainability Assessment of a Solar-Ground Based Heat Pump With Thermal Energy Storage
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2011)
Simulation of an Air-Cooled Solar-Assisted Absorption Air Conditioning System
J. Sol. Energy Eng (August,2002)
Energy Saving Potential of a Combined Solar and Natural Gas-Assisted Vapor Absorption Building Cooling System
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2019)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Pool Boiling
Thermal Management of Microelectronic Equipment, Second Edition
Thermodynamic Performance
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
The Special Characteristics of Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential