Abstract
Solar photovoltaic driven air conditioning (PVAC) system with electricity storage is proposed as a good solution to help shifting peak load and consuming solar energy. In this paper, a grid-connected PVAC system using the TRNSYS simulation model consisting of PV panels, traditional air conditioners (TAC), power conditioning units, inverters, and grid connection equipment is proposed to investigate the economic feasibility compared with the traditional air conditioner. In the PVAC system, the electricity, firstly generated by PV panels and then stored in battery, is consumed by a DC inverter air conditioner to maintain the temperature of the room and the surplus electricity is sold to the grid. A life cycle cost comparison between PVAC system, traditional air conditioning system, and decomposed PV and air conditioning systems of three typical application cases is conducted, in which the operation conditions are based on the present circumstances of China. The results show that, in comparison with conventional air conditioners, better economic benefits can be achieved when the peak load of the air conditioning system is over a certain value. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the effects caused by variation of economic assumptions. At last, a new operation model is proposed to achieve more benefits for the system.
Highlights
Nowadays, peak load reduction, carbon emission reduction, and renewable energy curtailment reduction are three main problems threatening the progress and development of the electricity department in China [1].Peak load reduction can be achieved by strategic conservation, load shifting, and flexible load shape [2]. us, an increase in the capacity factors of devices of the grid can be achieved
Ai-Alili et al [5] reported an experimental investigation of a hybrid solar air conditioner system. e experimental results show that the hybrid AC is more effective than the standalone AC in maintaining indoor conditions within the comfort zone
Zapalowicz and Opiela [6] presented an air conditioning system that consists of a conventional air conditioner, ground heat exchanger (GHE), and PV installation, mounted on the vertical, south-exposed wall of the building. e results showed that the efficiency of PV is improved
Summary
Because the cooling/heating load and the energy consumption of air conditioning system in buildings like supermarkets and office buildings are in phase with solar radiation intensity, solar PVAC becomes an ideal variable load generating device, which better suits the balance of electricity supply and demand especially when combined with electricity storage [8]. Eir major finding is that though solar air conditioning is an attractive alternative to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy savings, the high capital cost is the major obstacle for their implementation To solve this problem, Tarigan et al [22] made a cost analysis of the proposed grid-connected system, which includes total capital cost, payback period, and standardized costs. By making economic comparison between PVAC, TAC, and decomposed PV and AC system of three typical application cases, the economic feasibility of PVAC is verified
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