Economic and Energetic Assessment and Comparison of Solar Heating and Cooling Systems

Abstract

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems are currently attracting attention, especially in times of increasing energy prices and supply crises. In times of lower energy prices, absorption SHC systems were not competitive to compression cooling supported by photovoltaic (PV) modules due to the high investment costs and total energy efficiency. This paper aims to discuss the current changes in energy supply and energy prices in terms of the feasibility of the application of a small absorption SHC system in a mild Mediterranean climate. The existing hospital complex restaurant SHC system with evacuated tube solar collectors and a small single-stage absorption chiller was used as a reference system for extended analysis. Dynamic simulation models based on solar thermal collectors, PV modules, absorption chillers and air-to-water heat pumps were developed for reliable research and system comparison. The results showed that primary energy consumption in SHC systems designed to cover base energy load strongly depends on the additional energy source, e.g., boiler or heat pump. Absorption SHC systems can be price competitive to air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) systems with PV collectors only in the case of reduced investment costs and increased electricity price. To reach acceptable economic viability of the absorption SHC system, investment price should be at least equal to or lower than a comparable AWHP system.

Effects of Coupling Combined Heat and Power Production with District Cooling

“…In [23] a thorough review and comparison of solar enhanced heating and cooling systems was provided. As a result, the study showed that although solar radiation intensity graphs and cooling consumption graphs have similar profiles, absorption chillers require an extra heat flow that can be provided by natural gas boiler, as was demonstrated in [23]; however, in terms of primary energy usage and the cost of energy, they also suggest the use of heat pumps. To gain even more savings on a primary energy CHP, excess heat can be used.…”