Abstract
When they were first conceived, solar cooling systems were designed to be cost-effective and environmentally safe alternatives for the majority of the developing nations that are characterised by their hot climates in contrast with the traditional air conditioning systems powered by electricity that is produced from fossil fuel resources. Nevertheless, developments in photovoltaic (PV) and air-conditioning technologies have impacted on the prospects of solar cooling systems. This study examined two different options: a coupled PV and air conditioner system and a solar cooling system (absorption chillers where thermal energy is provided by solar collectors) for a specific developing country located in the Eastern Mediterranean region whose climate is hot and dry (Jordan). The cooling system comprised a pair of cooled multistage compression, both of which were 700 kW, while the PV system’s size was 2.1 MWp, the utility grid connection was a 0.4 kV 50 Hz net meter (2 m) and it was anticipated that 3300 MWh/year would be generated. The solar cooling system operated at a maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.79 and had an actual recorded COP of 0.32 on the site; when the electricity tariff of $0.1/kWh was considered, the respective levelised cost of energy (LCOE) values were $0.9/kWh and $2.35/kWh respectively. The findings indicate that the initial costs for the solar thermal cooling system and the PV system were approximately $3.150M and $3M, respectively. The current value of future cash payments when discounts of 6% per year were applied to the payments for the combination of PV and air conditioning was about $9,745,000, whereas the solar thermal cooling system will not reach the breakeven point at negative $1,730,000. It is clear the absorption chiller did not display economic feasibility, whereas the value for the coupled PV and air-conditioning systems was under $0.05/kWh. In addition to the extensive maintenance needs, the reduced COP and the practicality and feasibility of the solar thermal cooling systems mean these kinds of technologies are under significant pressure to remain competitive when faced with the development of new air conditioning and PV technologies.
Highlights
There is growing concern around the world about the consumption of fossil fuels.Studies have revealed that fossil fuel resources still constitute around 85% of the overall energy consumed, and buildings’ energy consumption makes up around 20.1% of the overall delivered energy that is consumed globally [1]
Two kinds of cooling systems were investigated, in which the power was supplied by a photovoltaic system and a solar thermal cooling system, respectively, where both were situated on the grounds of German Jordanian University (GJU) in Amman, Jordan
The levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of utility-scale PV technology had an estimated learning rate for the period between 2010 and 2020 that was greater than the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimate of 35% reported in January 2019
Summary
There is growing concern around the world about the consumption of fossil fuels. Studies have revealed that fossil fuel resources still constitute around 85% of the overall energy consumed, and buildings’ energy consumption makes up around 20.1% of the overall delivered energy that is consumed globally [1]. The estimates provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA) have been gradually increasing for many years, they are yet to predict that photovoltaic (PV) technology will be deployed in each of their forecasts [2]. The IEA predicts that by 2050, PV technology will produce 4.7 terawatts according to its high renewable energy scenario, where in excess of 50% will be implemented in India and China, rendering solar power the leading source of energy in the world. Bloomberg expects there to be growth in the number of solar installations around the world in 2019, which will add 125–141 GW, leading to an overall capacity of 637–653 GW by year end [2]
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