Solar Absorption Air-Conditioning Systems

In hot climates, one energy source abundantly available is solar energy, which could be used to power solar cooling system based on absorption cycle. Solar cooling systems are used to provide comfort cooling and to provide refrigeration for food and medicine. This system is particularly applicable to large applications (e.g. commercial buildings) that have high cooling loads for large periods of the year. Peak cooling demand of the building and the availability of solar radiations are in phase and matches perfectly. This makes solar cooling of the buildings a potential renewable energy source and green solution. Lithium bromide (LiBr)-water absorption units are more suitable for solar application since their operating (generator) temperature is lower and thus more readily obtainable with low-cost solar collectors. Conventional vapor-compression cooling systems are powered by electricity, which is expensive and its production is mainly dependent on fossil fuel. Reducing the use of vapor-compression air conditioning systems will also reduce their effect on Global Warming and Ozone layer depletion. Today absorption chillers deliver 50% of the commercial space cooling load worldwide. This innovative green solution of solar powered absorption air conditioning system coupled with thermal storage system application will reduce total electricity consumption and increase total cooling capability of the system for given cooling demand load.