Design and simulation of a novel solar air-conditioning system coupled with solar chimney

Abstract

This work proposes a sustainable and original design for an air-conditioning system with adsorption chilling and desiccant dehumidification. The proposed design uses renewable and clean energy (solar energy instead of fossil energy) and permits to ensure an efficient and low carbon emission air-conditioning (thermal comfort and air with a good quality) in residential and office buildings. A detailed technical description is presented. A particular interest is given to the explanation of the operating principle of the proposed design. The new design is based on the coupling between solar chimney and solar air-conditioning system. The waste heat of solar chimney is recovered in order to be used to regenerate desiccant dehumidifier and to drive adsorption chiller. Theoretical investigations are carried out on the proposed system, under the meteorological conditions of the City of Gafsa-Tunisia, in order to simulate and assess its heat and mass transfer performance. Such a design can strongly contribute to making the City of Gafsa-Tunisia (and all regions around the world having about the same climate) more sustainable and “green”. Results are presented, quantified and deeply interpreted. Simulations of air streamlines and air temperature distribution in the conditioned room are provided.