Recent trends in solar thermal sorption cooling system technology

Abstract

Solar thermal cooling is the best alternative solution to overcome the problems associated with using nonrenewable resources. There are several thermal cooling methods developed differing from each other according to the thermodynamic cycle and type of refrigerant used. Recent developments in absorption and adsorption solar cooling systems are presented. Summarized thermodynamic modeling for both absorption and adsorption solar cooling systems is given. Brief thermal analysis among the types of solar collectors is presented. System efficiencies and optimization analysis are presented. The influences of geometrical, system configurations, and physical parameters on the performance of solar thermal sorption cooling system are investigated. The basis for the design of absorption and adsorption solar cooling systems is provided. Several case studies in different climatic conditions are presented. Economic feasibility for both systems is discussed. Comparison between the absorption and adsorption solar cooling system is summarized.

Possibilities for De-carbonizing the Heating and Cooling Sector in the Island of Crete, Greece

“…The authors stated that the installed geothermal heat power has been increased by almost 45% over the last five years while over 50% of the total thermal energy produced was from ground-source heat pumps (GSHP). The recent trends in solar thermal cooling technology using sorption systems have been reviewed [16]. The authors stated that solar thermal cooling is the best alternative solution to conventional cooling using fossil fuels while cooling is needed when the solar irradiance is high.…”

Advanced Material Design and Engineering for Water‐Based Evaporative Cooling

“…[29][30][31] Consequently, its application scenario is limited due to the consumption of large amounts of liquid water. To this end, CSD-LWEC or AWH-EC either recycle the generated vapor [32][33][34] or harvest vapor from ambient air by using easily regenerable water vapor sorbents to reduce its reliance over bulk water. [35][36][37] It is worth pointing out, when sorbing water vapor, hygroscopic materials maintain a solid-like form while deliquescent ones form aqueous solution.…”

Techno-Economic Analysis of a Solar Adsorption Cooling System for Residential Applications in Canada

“…An adsorption chiller can be paired with a solar water heater to provide the hot water needed or connected to a district heating system. Newer units can generate thermal power from hot water temperatures as low as 50 to 70°C; this is an improvement from requiring supply temperatures higher than 70°C [12]. Additionally, in the winter months, the solar collector system could also be used to provide hot water to a water-source heat pump.…”

“…New models of adsorption chillers require less floor space and have greater power density. Some units can produce cooling with driving heat temperatures as low as 50°C, which is much lower when compared to the hot water temperatures required 10 years ago (65 to 75°C) [12]. These improvements in adsorption cooling increase the feasibility of the technology for use in residential applications with solar water heating, and not just for industrial waste heat or district heating applications.…”