A comparison of solar absorption system configurations

Solar thermal driven cooling systems for residential applications are a promising alternative to electric compression chillers, although its market introduction still represents a challenge, mainly due to the higher investment costs. The most common system configuration is an absorption chiller driven by a solar thermal system, backed up by a secondary heating source, normally a gas boiler. Heat storage in the primary (solar) circuit is mandatory to stabilize and extend the operation of the chiller, whereas a cold storage tank is not so common. This paper deals with the selection of the most suitable configuration for residential cooling systems with solar energy. In Spain, where cooling needs are usually higher than heating needs, the interest of a reversible heat pump as auxiliary system and a secondary cooling storage are analyzed. A complete TRNSYS model has been developed to compare a configuration with just hot storage (of typical capacity 40 L/m2 of solar collector surface) and a configuration with both, hot and cool storages. The most suitable configuration is very sensible to the solar collector area. As the collector area increases, the advantages of a cool storage vanish. Increasing the collector area tends to increase the temperature of the hot storage, leading to higher thermal losses in both the collector and the tank. When the storage volume is concentrated in one tank, these effects are mitigated. The effect of other variables on the optimal configuration are also analyzed: collector efficiency curve, COP of the absorption chiller, storage size, and temperature set-points of the chillers. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.