Simulation and Optimization of Solar Thermal Cooling System in Manufacturing Research Center Building to Reduce Operational Cost Using Software EnergyPlus and GenOpt

摘要

Solar Thermal Cooling System with its absorption cycle is expected to replace the conventional air conditioning system with vapor compression cycle because it is more efficient in terms of cost and energy. However, due to the heat of the sun is not always stable, the system needs to be equipped with a backup energy source, one of which is CNG. In the Manufacturing Research Center building, the lack of facilities that support availability of CNG causes large operational cost. Therefore, optimization efforts with the aim to reduce operational cost are needed. Simulation and optimization performed with EnergyPlus and GenOpt. The conclusion is that the installation of 187.5 kW electric tankless water heater is able to reduce total operational cost by 34.65% compared to system that uses combination of solar thermal and CNG and 49.69% compared with system that uses only CNG.