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Economic and Energetic Assessment and Comparison of Solar Heating and Cooling Systems

Author

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  • Boris Delač

    (Department of Thermodynamics and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia)

  • Branimir Pavković

    (Department of Thermodynamics and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia)

  • Vladimir Glažar

    (Department of Thermodynamics and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia)

Abstract

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems are currently attracting attention, especially in times of increasing energy prices and supply crises. In times of lower energy prices, absorption SHC systems were not competitive to compression cooling supported by photovoltaic (PV) modules due to the high investment costs and total energy efficiency. This paper aims to discuss the current changes in energy supply and energy prices in terms of the feasibility of the application of a small absorption SHC system in a mild Mediterranean climate. The existing hospital complex restaurant SHC system with evacuated tube solar collectors and a small single-stage absorption chiller was used as a reference system for extended analysis. Dynamic simulation models based on solar thermal collectors, PV modules, absorption chillers and air-to-water heat pumps were developed for reliable research and system comparison. The results showed that primary energy consumption in SHC systems designed to cover base energy load strongly depends on the additional energy source, e.g., boiler or heat pump. Absorption SHC systems can be price competitive to air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) systems with PV collectors only in the case of reduced investment costs and increased electricity price. To reach acceptable economic viability of the absorption SHC system, investment price should be at least equal to or lower than a comparable AWHP system.

Suggested Citation

  • Boris Delač & Branimir Pavković & Vladimir Glažar, 2023. "Economic and Energetic Assessment and Comparison of Solar Heating and Cooling Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:3:p:1241-:d:1044985
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eicker, Ursula & Pietruschka, Dirk & Haag, Maximilian & Schmitt, Andreas, 2015. "Systematic design and analysis of solar thermal cooling systems in different climates," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-836.
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    3. Yunlong Ma & Suvash C. Saha & Wendy Miller & Lisa Guan, 2017. "Comparison of Different Solar-Assisted Air Conditioning Systems for Australian Office Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-27, September.
    4. Mateus, Tiago & Oliveira, Armando C., 2009. "Energy and economic analysis of an integrated solar absorption cooling and heating system in different building types and climates," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(6), pages 949-957, June.
    5. Hang, Yin & Qu, Ming & Zhao, Fu, 2011. "Economical and environmental assessment of an optimized solar cooling system for a medium-sized benchmark office building in Los Angeles, California," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 648-658.
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    1. Kertu Lepiksaar & Vladislav Mašatin & Igor Krupenski & Anna Volkova, 2023. "Effects of Coupling Combined Heat and Power Production with District Cooling," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-16, June.

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