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

Abstract

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.

Influence of the Advancement in the LED Lighting Technologies on the Optimum Windows-to-Wall Ratio of Jordanians Residential Buildings

“…The Jordanian capital of Amman is in a zone categorized as sub-humid, in which the summers are hot and dry, and winters have increased precipitation. During winter, when the climate is cooler, the average temperature is approximately 3 °C, whereas in the dry summer period, the average temperature is 34 °C, and the hours of daylight also vary seasonally, between 7 in the winter and 13 in the summer [37], as illustrated in Figure 1. The case study focuses on a house covering an area of 125 m 2 situated in Amman, Jordan (31.98° N latitude; 35.98° W longitude; 779 m above sea level).…”

Utilizing solar photovoltaic systems in educational facilities to achieve a zero bill campus: The Sulaiman Al-Rajhi University case

“…They claimed that using solar energy might have a payback period of seven to nine years. According to Albatayneh et al (2021), for Jordan's climate, solar thermal cooling systems are more expensive than PV-vapor compression AC systems. In contrast to the absorption solar chiller, which had a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $2.35/kWh, the coupled PV-AC system's LCOE was less than $0.05/kWh.…”

Performance on Power, Hot and Cold Water Generation of a Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal Module

“…In Thailand, the number of the installed PV module was booming due to its low cost and the Government policy on green and sustainable energy. In some cases, for example, use of PV-air conditioner might reduce over 75% of grid electrical power for airconditioning in office building during daytime [1][2][3]. However, in hot country such as Thailand, the PV module temperature might reach 70 o C or more in the afternoon then the electrical efficiency was reduced significantly and only 75% or less of the power at standard condition could be generated [4][5][6][7], then many approaches to control the module temperature were presented.…”