Numerical simulation of a solar-assisted ejector air conditioning system with cold storage

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Bogdan Diaconu (Author) FEUP; Szabolcs Varga (Author) FEUP; Armando C. Oliveira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Energy

Vol. 36

Pages: 1280-1291

ISSN: 0360-5442

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 21 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 27 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-VJQ

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2010.11.015

Abstract (EN): Indoor space cooling represents a large potential for solar energy use due to the relative coincidence between energy availability and cooling demand. Solar-assisted air conditioning (AC) applications emerged with the development of high efficiency solar collectors. Energy storage (hot or cold) must be implemented for solar-assisted AC applications when cooling demand is present during intervals without available solar energy and also for cooling capacity optimisation ("peak shaving"). The present paper analyses a solar-assisted ejector cooling system with cold storage. Simulations were carried out over one year considering climatic data for a hot location (Bechar, Algeria) and the performance of the system was assessed for a set of design conditions. Effects of cold storage upon comfort conditions and energy demand were evaluated. Maximum room temperature and overall interval of time during which the room temperature exceeded the set-point value were the parameters used to quantify system performance. It was found that cold storage improved comfort conditions compared to a system without storage. For some design conditions it was found that increasing the cold storage capacity did not result in improved comfort conditions. The control algorithm of the system was identified as the cause of this behaviour.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12