A state-of-the-art review of solar air-conditioning systems

摘要

To reduce greenhouse gas emission, solar cooling is an attractive and environmentally friendly application since there is a direct match with cooling demand and peak incident solar radiation. In addition, solar absorption refrigeration technologies are regarded as a promising way to meet the growing refrigeration needs related to thermal comfort, vaccines, conservation of foods and medicines as well as crop drying. Presently, two systems in common used are, the single and double effects absorption chillers with the difference between the two systems being the operating temperature range. This comprehensive review looks at the available methods (theoretical modeling/simulation and experimental) that have been used for the powering of single and double effects solar absorption chillers, other solar cooling systems and their merits, system integration, design optimization and cost effectiveness of each system.