Solar air conditioning

• Main Author: Lim, Yi Hao.
• Other Authors: Low Seow Chay
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Alternative, renewable energy sources
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/17096
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Solar energy has the advantage to be “clean”, free and renewable, this energy has long considered as an potential solution for the ever increasing energy prices and reducing carbon emission in hope of lessen the adverse effects brought by Global Warming. In this report the student identifies processes that receive solar heat from one side of the wall and generate air-conditioning on the other side and thus identify the most promising technology and test the performance of the system. The student discussed and gave an overview of how conventional vapor compression airconditioning system works and also the ways solar energy could be harnessed. Next, 3 different combinations absorption refrigeration cycles are being explored, they are Lithium Bromide/ Water cycle, Diffusion Absorption cycle ( ammonia, water and hydrogen) and also the Einstein Refrigerator . The student designed a test system that employs the diffusion absorption technology that is driven by solar radiation. The test system is a four panel diffusion absorption ‘cooling wall” that consists of an evaporator panel, a condenser and absorber panel, reservoir panel and also generator panel with a bubble pump attached to it. This system is a 3 fluids (ammonia, water and hydrogen) single pressure system that is fabricated out of steel. This is because ammonia is not compatible with copper or brass. A prototype was constructed so to simulate the design so as investigation on the efficiency of the system can be tested. The experimental results showed that the system’s COP value to be8.478 x 10-4 and this value is very low when compared to the COP values for residential air conditioner. Overall, there many ways to improve COP values such as increase ammonia concentration, increase hydrogen pressure and reduce the temperature of the condenser and absorber panel. In conclusion, the design may perform poorly however no doubt more efforts are still needed to improve such technology as it save cost and also our environment.