Energy and Exergy Performance Analysis of Solar-Assisted Thermo-Mechanical Vapor Compression Cooling System

Air conditioning is vital for indoor comfort but traditionally relies on vapor compression systems, which raise electricity demand and carbon emissions. This study presents a novel thermo-mechanical vapor compression system that integrates an ejector with a conventional vapor compression cycle, incorporating a thermally driven second-stage compressor powered by solar energy. The goal is to reduce electricity consumption and enhance sustainability by leveraging renewable energy. A MATLAB (R) model was developed to analyze the energy and exergy performance using R1234yf refrigerant under steady-state conditions. This study compares four solar collectors-evacuated flat plate (EFPC), evacuated tube (ETC), basic flat plate (FPC), and compound parabolic (CPC) collectors-to identify the optimal configuration based on the collector area and costs. The results show a 31% reduction in mechanical compressor energy use and up to a 44% improvement in the coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional systems, with a condenser temperature of 65 degrees C, a thermal compression ratio of 0.8, and a heat source temperature of 150 degrees C. The evacuated flat plate collectors performed best, requiring 2 m2/kW of cooling capacity with a maximum exergy efficiency of 15% at 170 degrees C, while compound parabolic collectors offered the lowest initial costs. Overall, the proposed system shows significant potential for reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, particularly in hot climates.