Role of the Vapor Compression Cycle in Solar Energy Utilization

摘要

The vapor compression cycle lends itself to solar energy utilization in two important ways. Its ability to utilize a relatively low temperature heat supply to produce space heating via heat pumps allows the use of solar input to the evaporator to provide potential Coefficients of Performance which are 2 to 3 times higher than present electric driven heat pumps, and the use of relatively inexpensive solar collectors is possible since the collection temperatures can be low grade. Secondly, the compression process of the vapor cycle can be powered by a solar-driven heat engine, typically using a Rankine cycle, for solar cooling purposes. Discriminating coupling of solar with vapor compression allows the well-developed technology and manufacturing capability of the vapor compression industry to be brought into play in the solar field, widening its base and promoting its diversification. The cycle thermodynamics, potential practical hardware, and R and D projects in both of these areas are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the Solar Assisted Heat Pump and its characteristics and the heat pump simulator activities at Brookhaven National Laboratory. (ERA citation 04:000446)