Comparative Analysis of Solar Thermal Cooling and Solar Photovoltaic Cooling Systems

2012 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Fumo ◽  
V. Bortone ◽  
J. C. Zambrano
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Solar Cooling ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Thermal Cooling

The Energy Information Administration of the United States Department of Energy projects that more than 80% of the energy consumption of the U.S. by 2035 will come from fossil fuels. This projection should be the fuel to promote projects related to renewable energy in order to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels to avoid their undesirable consequences such as carbon dioxide emissions. Since solar radiation match pretty well building cooling demands, solar cooling systems will be an important factor in the next decades to meet or exceed the green gases reduction that will be demanded by the society and regulations in order to mitigate environmental consequences such as global warming. Solar energy can be used as source of energy to produce cooling through different technologies. Solar thermal energy applies to technology such as absorption chillers and desiccant cooling, while electricity from solar photovoltaic can be used to drive vapor compression electric chillers. This study focuses on the comparison of a solar thermal cooling system that uses an absorption chiller driven by solar thermal energy, and a solar photovoltaic cooling system that uses a vapor compression system (electric chiller) driven by solar electricity (solar photovoltaic system). Both solar cooling systems are compared against a standard air cooled cooling system that uses electricity from the grid. The models used in the simulations to obtain the results are described in the paper along with the parameters (inputs) used. Results are presented in two figures. Each figure has one curve for the solar thermal cooling system and one for the solar photovoltaic cooling system. One figure allows estimation of savings calculated based the present value of discounted energy consumption cost. The other figure allows estimating primary energy consumption reduction and emissions reduction. Both figures presents the result per ton of refrigeration and as a function of area of solar collectors or/and area of photovoltaic modules. This approach to present the result of the simulations of the systems makes these figures quite general. This means that the results can be used to compare both solar cooling systems independently of the cooling demand (capacity of the system), as well as allow the analysis for different sizes of the solar system used to harvest the solar energy (collectors or photovoltaic modules).

Comparative Analysis of Solar Thermal Cooling and Solar Photovoltaic Cooling Systems

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Fumo ◽  
V. Bortone ◽  
J. C. Zambrano
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Solar Cooling ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Thermal Cooling

The Energy Information Administration of the United States Department of Energy projects that more than 80% of the energy consumption of the U.S. by 2035 will come from fossil fuels. This projection should be the fuel to promote projects related to renewable energy in order to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels to avoid their undesirable consequences such as carbon dioxide emissions. Since solar radiation match pretty well building cooling demands, solar cooling systems will be an important factor in the next decades to meet or exceed the green gases reduction that will be demanded by the society and regulations in order to mitigate environmental consequences such as global warming. Solar energy can be used as source of energy to produce cooling through different technologies. Solar thermal energy applies to technology such as absorption chillers and desiccant cooling, while electricity from solar photovoltaic can be used to drive vapor compression electric chillers. This study focuses on the comparison of a Solar Thermal Cooling System that uses an absorption chiller driven by solar thermal energy, and a Solar Photovoltaic Cooling System that uses a vapor compression system (electric chiller) driven by solar electricity (solar photovoltaic system). Both solar cooling systems are compared against a standard air cooled cooling system that uses electricity from the grid. The models used in the simulations to obtain the results are described in the paper along with the parameters (inputs) used. Results are presented in two figures. Each figure has one curve for the Solar Thermal Cooling System and one for the Solar Photovoltaic Cooling System. One figure allows estimation of savings calculated based the net present value of energy consumption cost. The other figure allows estimating primary energy consumption reduction and emissions reduction. Both figures presents the result per ton of refrigeration and as a function of area of solar collectors or/and area of photovoltaic modules. This approach to present the result of the simulations of the systems makes these figures quite general. This means that the results can be used to compare both solar cooling systems independently of the cooling demand (capacity of the system), as well as allow the analysis for different sizes of the solar system used to harvest the solar energy (collectors or photovoltaic modules).

scholarly journals Evaluation of Coupling PV and Air Conditioning vs. Solar Cooling Systems—Case Study from Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 511
Author(s):  
Aiman Albatayneh ◽  
Mustafa Jaradat ◽  
Murad Al-Omary ◽  
Maha Zaquot
Keyword(s):  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Solar Cooling ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Air Conditioning Systems ◽  
Solar Cooling System ◽  
Thermal Cooling

When they were first conceived, solar cooling systems were designed to be cost-effective and environmentally safe alternatives for the majority of the developing nations that are characterised by their hot climates in contrast with the traditional air conditioning systems powered by electricity that is produced from fossil fuel resources. Nevertheless, developments in photovoltaic (PV) and air-conditioning technologies have impacted on the prospects of solar cooling systems. This study examined two different options: a coupled PV and air conditioner system and a solar cooling system (absorption chillers where thermal energy is provided by solar collectors) for a specific developing country located in the Eastern Mediterranean region whose climate is hot and dry (Jordan). The cooling system comprised a pair of cooled multistage compression, both of which were 700 kW, while the PV system’s size was 2.1 MWp, the utility grid connection was a 0.4 kV 50 Hz net meter (2 m) and it was anticipated that 3300 MWh/year would be generated. The solar cooling system operated at a maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.79 and had an actual recorded COP of 0.32 on the site; when the electricity tariff of $0.1/kWh was considered, the respective levelised cost of energy (LCOE) values were $0.9/kWh and $2.35/kWh respectively. The findings indicate that the initial costs for the solar thermal cooling system and the PV system were approximately $3.150M and $3M, respectively. The current value of future cash payments when discounts of 6% per year were applied to the payments for the combination of PV and air conditioning was about $9,745,000, whereas the solar thermal cooling system will not reach the breakeven point at negative $1,730,000. It is clear the absorption chiller did not display economic feasibility, whereas the value for the coupled PV and air-conditioning systems was under $0.05/kWh. In addition to the extensive maintenance needs, the reduced COP and the practicality and feasibility of the solar thermal cooling systems mean these kinds of technologies are under significant pressure to remain competitive when faced with the development of new air conditioning and PV technologies.

scholarly journals Techno feasibility analysis of a concentrating solar thermal cooling systems at a university complex

DYNA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 88 (217) ◽  
pp. 282-291
Author(s):  
Diego C. Malagueta ◽  
Lucas de Oliveira Alves ◽  
Elisa Pinto da Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
System Operation ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Energy Applications ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Thermal Cooling ◽  
Combined Cooling

Concentrating solar thermal (CST) energy applications are growing worldwide, especially in combined cooling, heat, and power processes. Building upon the analysis of a building’s thermal comfort, and software simulations for CST, the current study evaluates a solar conditioning system integrated with absorption systems. The cooling system is equipped with single-, double- and triple-effect configurations cycle, production parameters, and thermal storage. The required fraction of auxiliary energy for the system operation is estimated. The results indicate that the double effect system is the best configuration for the adopted location in Brazil. The system’s annual auxiliary energy demand is, approximately, 20%. Triple-effect systems require less energy at higher temperatures due to local direct radiation, which then leads to an intermittent operation and greater auxiliary energy demands. The methodology applied in this work could be adopted in different locations, with an emphasis on the possibility of testing smaller scale systems in small buildings.

scholarly journals Development and Implementation of Solar Assisted Desiccant Cooling Technology in Developing Countries: A Case of Saudi Arabia

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 524
Author(s):  
Shafiqur Rehman ◽  
Muhammad M. Rafique ◽  
Luai M. Alhems ◽  
Md. Mahbub Alam
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Cooling Technology ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Thermal Cooling

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the potential and feasibility of using solar thermal cooling systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The performance of a desiccant cooling system has been determined based on climatic data of 32 cities spread all over the territory of the country. The investigation has been carried out keeping in view the high energy consumption for cooling applications in the country. The analysis has been done using the overall performance of the system, sensible energy ratio, and cooling and regeneration loads. The main objective of this study is to encourage the implementation of solar thermal cooling systems in the country for the development of sustainable buildings. The economic analysis shows that thermal cooling technology can reduce the cost of cooling units, remarkably. Furthermore, the utilization of the proposed system will decrease the dependence on primary energy resources. The saving factor of the proposed system with 1 ton capacity in comparison to the conventional vapor compression unit is found to be 34.6%. The present study also recommends that the government subsidies and incentives can further improve the development and utilization of solar air conditioning technology in developing countries.

Model predictive control of a high efficiency solar thermal cooling system with thermal storage

2019 ◽  
Vol 196 ◽  
pp. 214-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Pintaldi ◽  
Jiaming Li ◽  
Subbu Sethuvenkatraman ◽  
Stephen White ◽  
Gary Rosengarten
Keyword(s):  
Model Predictive Control ◽  
Predictive Control ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Thermal Storage ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Thermal Cooling

Comparison of photovoltaic and solar thermal cooling systems for office buildings in different climates

Solar Energy ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 118 ◽  
pp. 243-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ursula Eicker ◽  
Dirk Pietruschka ◽  
Andreas Schmitt ◽  
Maximilian Haag
Keyword(s):  
Office Buildings ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Cooling Systems ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Thermal Cooling ◽  
Different Climates

Simulation and Optimization of Solar Thermal Cooling System in Manufacturing Research Center Building to Reduce Operational Cost Using Software EnergyPlus and GenOpt

2015 ◽  
Vol 780 ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasruddin ◽  
K. Rahadian ◽  
M.I. Alhamid ◽  
Arnas
Keyword(s):  
Cooling System ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Research Center ◽  
Operational Cost ◽  
Water Heater ◽  
Air Conditioning System ◽  
Simulation And Optimization ◽  
Solar Thermal Cooling ◽  
Absorption Cycle ◽  
Thermal Cooling

Solar Thermal Cooling System with its absorption cycle is expected to replace the conventional air conditioning system with vapor compression cycle because it is more efficient in terms of cost and energy. However, due to the heat of the sun is not always stable, the system needs to be equipped with a backup energy source, one of which is CNG. In the Manufacturing Research Center building, the lack of facilities that support availability of CNG causes large operational cost. Therefore, optimization efforts with the aim to reduce operational cost are needed. Simulation and optimization performed with EnergyPlus and GenOpt. The conclusion is that the installation of 187.5 kW electric tankless water heater is able to reduce total operational cost by 34.65% compared to system that uses combination of solar thermal and CNG and 49.69% compared with system that uses only CNG.

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