TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR THERMAL ABSORPTION COOLINGSYSTEMS IN SMALL COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

摘要

This paper presents the results of an initial assessment ofthe technical and economic feasibility of supplementalsolar thermal absorption cooling systems for smallcommercial and institutional buildings in the SouthwesternUnited States. Solar thermal absorption cooling systemsuse chillers powered by solar energy rather than natural gasor electricity. The following factors may position solarthermal absorption cooling systems as a competitivealternative to conventional electric- or natural gas-drivenair conditioning:?Recent technology advances have occurred inconcentrating solar thermal direct flow vacuum tube-typecollectors.?The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a non-capped30% Investment Tax Credit for solar thermal coolingsystems on commercial buildings.?Natural gas retail prices are near record highs, increasingpeak electricity rates.?Use of renewable energy powered cooling systems canlead to lower electric demand and reduced power plantemissions.Initial assessment results show that solar thermal coolingsystems are feasible in areas with a confluence of highsolar insolation, high cooling demand, and high electricrates, achieving payback of less than 8 years in typicalfive-story buildings. In smaller commercial andinstitutional buildings, solar thermal absorption coolingsystem life-cycle costs are also favorable in comparison toconventional cooling systems.