Theoretical investigation of energy saving for vapour compression air conditioning system by using solar thermal energy

摘要

This paper discusses air conditioning system by using solar thermal energy for performance enhancement and energy efficiency improvement. An evacuated solar collector with hot water storage tank would be installed after the compressor to increase coefficient of performance (COP) of the system at full load. Solar energy and waste energy are fully utilized so less power would be required to run compressor, this is turn allows for smaller compressor to be installed that offer even better savings on power consumption. The proposed system delivers higher system efficiency owing to the higher refrigeration effect in the direct expansion evaporator. According to calculation results, the refrigeration effect of proposed method is increased than that of conventional method. The decreased in mass flow rate is due to increased refrigeration effect and a decrease in compressor work (increased COP). Thus, the novel development is expecting for improvement of energy efficiency, enhancement of the system performance while fulfilling the cooling demand. Consequently, this system can be saved around 40% of electrical energy.