The Development of a Model for a Solar-Fired, Single-Effect, Absorption Chiller

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

8-10-2009

Publication Title

ASME 2008 2nd International Conference on Energy Sustainability

Publisher

ASME

Volume

1

First page number:

629

Last page number:

635

Abstract

This study presents the concept, functionality, and economics of a solar-fired, single-effect, absorption air conditioning system. The goal of this project was to develop a mathematical model to determine efficiencies and capacities, which are then compared with a traditional 28 kW (8 ton) packaged vapor compression system. This comparison is then used to determine economic conclusions. The thermal system being examined is part of a proposed research and development project located in Phoenix, Arizona. This specific system will contain a six-module, single-axis, concentrating solar collector, a 119 gallon (450 L) storage tank, and a 35kW chiller. Using MatLab with Typical Meteorological Year 2 (TMY2) weather data [1], a model was created from readily available manufacturer specifications. After completing the model it was determined that the annual savings can range from $3,448 to $1,737 with simple payback periods of 18 to 36 years depending on collector efficiencies and current electrical rates. The model also proved that the proposed cooling system can supply over 20 kW of continuous cooling for 8 hours on a typical summer day.

Keywords

Absorption; Air conditioning; Energy consumption; Solar air conditioning; Solar energy

Disciplines

Electro-Mechanical Systems | Energy Systems | Mechanical Engineering | Oil, Gas, and Energy | Sustainability

Language

English

Comments

ASME 2008 2nd International Conference on Energy Sustainability collocated with the Heat Transfer, Fluids Engineering, and 3rd Energy Nanotechnology Conferences, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, August 10–14, 2008

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