Solar Refrigerating Systems

Abstract

Along with the global warming impacts and climate changes, the demands for air conditioning and refrigeration have increased. Therefore, providing cooling by utilizing renewable energy such as solar energy is a key solution to the energy and environmental issues. In this paper are presented theoretical basis and practical applications for cooling technologies assisted by solar energy and their recent advances. The ejector cycle represents the thermo-mechanical cooling system, and has a higher coefficient of performance (COP) but require a higher heat source temperature than other cycles. Based on the thermal COP of each cycle, the absorption cycle which represents the thermal cooling is preferred to the ejector cycle. Next to improving efficiency of solar cooling technologies, research on advanced solar collector is the most important research topic.

Progress and Challenges for Thermoelectric Cooling: From Materials and Devices to Manifold Applications

“…Integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology with TEC technology was one of the most common systems, with both technologies operating on direct current (DC). [133] Consequently, TEC devices have the advantage of being able to operate using solar panels alone, without requiring alternating current AC/DC inverters. This not only lowers energy conversion costs, but also decreases energy wastage.…”

“…The design of this integrated solution enabled the efficient utilization of sustainable solar energy resources as the energy supply system for solar-thermoelectric technology. [133] Besides, with the aid of TEC technology, indoor temperature could be effectively managed without the use of harmful substances such as fluorocarbons, fully meeting the requirements of nearly ZEBs. The building envelope also plays a vital role in the design of ZEBs as it effectively acts as a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments.…”

A comprehensive review of solar thermoelectric cooling systems

“…The TE refrigerator (cooler) is also composed of a small number of thermocouples through which run the current produced by the generator. The combination of the 2 parts is compatible with use as TE materials of the semiconductors based on bismuth telluride and antimony telluride alloys (Bi 2 Te 3 and Sb 2 Te 3 ) . Zhang et al focused on the optimization of Bi 2 Te 3 ‐electrode joints and fabrication of Bi 2 Te 3 ‐based TE generator device.…”