DESIGN OF A SOLAR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR PEAK ELECTRICAL LOAD SHAVING

A design optimization and a cost effectiveness analysis were performed for a solar air-conditioning (A/C) system intended to operate in combination with a conventional A/C system in a peak load shaving mode under Kuwait's environmental conditions. A basic design was prepared, and a computer simulation model was used in optimizing system design, type and size of component equipment, mode of operation and control in terms of energy efficiency and cost effectiveness. The optimum design is comprised of good quality flat plate collectors, a buffer tank and a vapor-absorption refrigeration (VAR) chiller arranged in a single heat collection/delivery circuit. System operation was restricted to periods of solar energy availability with the cooling effect employed in cooling part of the chilled water return of the conventional system. The optimally designed solar system proved to be marginally more expensive than the conventional cooling system, though it held a good potential of becoming cost effective. The design for peak load shaving operation resulted in significant improvements in the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of the system in relation to an equivalent system for stand alone operation.