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Part-load based optimization of solar ejector cooling cycle

Author

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  • Braimakis, Konstantinos
  • Kitsopoulou, Angeliki
  • Roumpedakis, Tryfon C.
  • Stavrakakis, George M.
  • Tzivanidis, Christos

Abstract

The thermodynamic and economic performance of a solar ejector cooling cycle (SECC) driven by flat plate collectors is investigated considering its part-load behavior. An SECC operating with R1234ze(E) is optimized for different collector areas from 50 to 150 m2 and specific storage tank volumes from 50 lt/m2 to 150 lt/m2 per collector area, considering climate data of four cities (Athens, Madrid, Nicosia and Rome) to maximize seasonal cooling according to partial and full day cooling schedules. The ECC optimization variables are the nominal heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature at the generator inlet and cooling fluid temperature at the condenser/subcooler inlet. Optimal HTF and cooling fluid temperatures are 86–87 °C and 30–33 °C, respectively, showing minor variation for different conditions. The produced cooling is lowest in Nicosia (4–24 kWhc/m2) and highest in Madrid and Athens (17–45 kWhc and 12–38 kWhc/m2), with significantly improved performance under full day cooling schedule. Higher specific tank volumes result in slight and significant increase in cooling production under the partial and full day cooling schedules, respectively. According to techno-economic results, the investigated SECC is a non-viable solar thermal cooling option because of its poor solar cooling conversion efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Braimakis, Konstantinos & Kitsopoulou, Angeliki & Roumpedakis, Tryfon C. & Stavrakakis, George M. & Tzivanidis, Christos, 2025. "Part-load based optimization of solar ejector cooling cycle," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:243:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125002447
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122582
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Angeliki Kitsopoulou & Evangelos Bellos & Panagiotis Lykas & Christos Sammoutos & Michail Gr. Vrachopoulos & Christos Tzivanidis, 2023. "A Systematic Analysis of Phase Change Material and Optically Advanced Roof Coatings Integration for Athenian Climatic Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-20, November.
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    3. Braimakis, Konstantinos & Karellas, Sotirios, 2017. "Integrated thermoeconomic optimization of standard and regenerative ORC for different heat source types and capacities," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 570-598.
    4. Chatzopoulou, Maria Anna & Lecompte, Steven & Paepe, Michel De & Markides, Christos N., 2019. "Off-design optimisation of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engines with different heat exchangers and volumetric expanders in waste heat recovery applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C), pages 1-1.
    5. Tryfon C. Roumpedakis & Salvatore Vasta & Alessio Sapienza & George Kallis & Sotirios Karellas & Ursula Wittstadt & Mirko Tanne & Niels Harborth & Uwe Sonnenfeld, 2020. "Performance Results of a Solar Adsorption Cooling and Heating Unit," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, April.
    6. Braimakis, Konstantinos & Karellas, Sotirios, 2024. "Thermodynamic investigation of integrated organic Rankine cycle-ejector vapor compression cooling cycle waste heat recovery configurations for cooling, heating and power production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    7. Roumpedakis, Tryfon C. & Kallis, George & Magiri-Skouloudi, Despina & Grimekis, Dimitrios & Karellas, Sotirios, 2020. "Life cycle analysis of ZEOSOL solar cooling and heating system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 82-98.
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    9. Roumpedakis, Tryfon C. & Loumpardis, George & Monokrousou, Evropi & Braimakis, Konstantinos & Charalampidis, Antonios & Karellas, Sotirios, 2020. "Exergetic and economic analysis of a solar driven small scale ORC," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 1008-1024.
    10. Braimakis, Konstantinos, 2021. "Solar ejector cooling systems: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 566-602.
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