Method of operating an adsorption refrigeration system

A method of operating an adsorption refrigeration system, the system comprising a primary adsorption pump which, in use, is arranged in communication with a primary chamber containing coolant, a secondary adsorption pump and, a high fluid impedance conduit being arranged to place the secondary adsorption pump and the primary chamber in fluid communication, the method comprising:

• (i) charging the primary and secondary adsorption pumps with coolant while the primary and secondary adsorption pumps are at their respective operational temperatures;
• (ii) heating each of the primary and secondary adsorption pumps above their operational temperatures to desorb the coolant such that the coolant pressure in the primary chamber and the secondary adsorption pump substantially equalizes through the high fluid impedance conduit;
• (iii) cooling the desorbed coolant in the primary chamber while heating the primary and secondary adsorption pumps;
• (iv) cooling the secondary adsorption pump to its operational temperature at which coolant gas is adsorbed by the secondary adsorption pump, thereby causing a first reduction in temperature and pressure of the coolant in the primary chamber;
• and
• (v) cooling the primary adsorption pump to an operational temperature at which coolant is adsorbed by the primary adsorption pump, thereby causing a second reduction in temperature and pressure of the coolant in the primary chamber.