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Comparison of a Solar Driven Absorption Chiller and Photovoltaic Compression Chiller Under Different Demand Profiles: Technological, Environmental and Economic Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Juan José Roncal-Casano

    (Energy Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain)

  • Javier Rodríguez-Martín

    (Energy Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain)

  • Paolo Taddeo

    (Thermal Energy and Building Performance Group, Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), 08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Spain)

  • Javier Muñoz-Antón

    (Energy Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain)

  • Alberto Abánades-Velasco

    (Energy Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

HVAC systems are becoming increasingly important around the world due to the increasing need for climatization in recent years. While district heating systems have been used for a long time, district cooling systems tend to be something that is only reserved for large buildings, making decentralized cooling flourish, shaping the idea of considering it as the first choice when it comes to cooling devices, disregarding the efficiency of larger systems. This article compares two technologies for district energy solutions. One option features single-stage absorption chillers using solar thermal technologies (Fresnel collectors) for heat, while the other uses high-efficiency compression chillers with photovoltaic technologies. Parametric studies were used to determine system sizes and considerations were taken to perform such as comparison. This paper concludes that compression chillers are the better option for cooling systems with variable demand while absorption chillers are a good choice for systems with constant demand, like data centers, especially when there is a high-temperature heat source available.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan José Roncal-Casano & Javier Rodríguez-Martín & Paolo Taddeo & Javier Muñoz-Antón & Alberto Abánades-Velasco, 2025. "Comparison of a Solar Driven Absorption Chiller and Photovoltaic Compression Chiller Under Different Demand Profiles: Technological, Environmental and Economic Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:20:p:5334-:d:1768042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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