Analysis of a solar assisted vapour compression cooling system

Exploitation of solar energy is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the potential saving on energy costs and to widespread environmental friendly policies. In this context, solar cooling is particularly interesting since greater cooling loads are usually needed in areas where the solar radiation is more abundant and during sunny seasons. The present work aims to evaluate the potential benefits of integrating a traditional vapour compression cycle with a solar powered ejection cycle, in order to take advantage of solar energy without prejudicing the possibility of cold production during night or cloudy days. A numerical model is implemented in order to simulate the behaviour of solar capitation circuit, ejection cycle and traditional cycle. Considering weather data and global plant performance, the model is thereafter used to estimate a set of global performance parameters. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.