LiBr-H2O Absorption Chiller Research Articles

Simulation and Experimental Analysis of a Demonstrative Solar Heating and Cooling Plant Installed in Naples (Italy)

In this study the model of a Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) system and its experimental setup are presented. The SHC system under investigation is a demonstration plant installed in Naples, based on flat plate solar collectors and a single-stage LiBr-H2O absorption chiller. In addition, two vertical tanks are installed as storage system. The balance of system includes: A cooling tower, pumps, valves, safety devices and pipes. The absorption chiller is powered only by solar energy, since there are devices for auxiliary thermal energy. The experimental setup also includes a number of meters (temperature, pressure, flow rate and radiation) to measure, collect and control the prototypal system. The experimental plant is dynamically designed and simulated in order to calculate its energetic and economic performance parameters. This analysis is carried out by means of a zero-dimensional transient simulation model, developed by using the TRNSYS software. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is implemented, aiming at determining the set of the synthesis/design variables that maximize system performances. The model was validated by the first experimental results obtained by the operation of the solar cooling system. Results show that, although flat-plate solar collectors have been specially designed for this kind of application, their operating temperature is often too low to drive the absorption chiller. In addition, the system performance is not particularly sensitive to the storage volume whereas the thermal capacity of the solar field is lower than the absorption chiller demand, determining a very discontinuous operation of the chiller itself.

Dynamic Simulation and Optimum Operation Strategy of a Trigeneration System Serving a Hospital

This paper presents a numerical analysis of a trigeneration system in a hospital, aiming at determining the cost-optimal operating strategy as a function of the energy demands to be matched. The system includes: A natural gas fired reciprocating engine, heat exchangers for waste-heat recovery, a single-stage LiBr-H2O Absorption Chiller (ACH), a cooling tower, pumps, a backup boiler, a backup vapour-compression electric chiller, storage tanks, valves, mixers. For such system, a dynamic simulation model was developed in TRNSYS environment; the model includes detailed algorithms for all the components of the system. A case study was developed, referred to a hospital application, in which a Combined Heat, Cooling and Power (CHCP) system provides electricity, thermal and cooling energy. The electric energy demand was obtained by using real measured data and calibrating hospital literature data, whereas the demand for heating and cooling was estimated by means of a detailed simulation model. A detailed economic analysis was also included in the model, aiming at investigating the optimal control strategy needed to maximize the overall thermo economic performance of the system. To this scope, different control strategies were analysed. The most conventional operating strategy, Thermal Load Tracking mode (TLT), was compared with two alternative strategies: The Maximum Power Thermal Load Tracking mode (MPTLT) and the Electricity Load Tracking mode (ELT). MPTLT is a strategy featured by a thermal load tracking mode, but the engine, differently from TLT one, operates always at maximum power. ELT is a strategy in which the power provided by the engine is always less or equal to the electrical demand. In the paper, the results of the case study are presented on different time bases (days, weeks, years). Such results show that the ELT control strategy can achieve a better profitability, with a simple pay-back period, SPB, equal to 4 years. The conventional strategy (TLT) is shown to be the worst from the economic point of view, but among the best as for energy saving potential.

A systematic parametric study and feasibility assessment of solar-assisted single-effect, double-effect, and triple-effect absorption chillers for heating and cooling applications

The present work investigates the feasibility of solar heating and cooling (SHC) absorption systems based on combining three types of LiBr–H2O absorption chillers (single-, double-, and triple-effect) with common solar thermal collectors available on the market. A single-effect chiller is coupled with evacuated tube collectors (ETCs) – SHC1. A double-effect chiller is integrated with parabolic trough collectors (PTCs), linear Fresnel micro-concentrating collectors (MCTs) and evacuated flat plate collectors (EFPCs) respectively – SHC2, SHC3, and SHC4. PTCs are employed to provide high-temperature heat to a triple-effect absorption chiller (SHC5). Although triple-effect chillers have been around for a while, this paper represents the first system-level analysis of these chillers coupled with high-temperature solar concentrating collectors for air-conditioning applications. A simulation model for each configuration is developed in a transient system simulation environment (TRNSYS 17). Furthermore, a unique, comprehensive perspective is given by investigating the impact of characteristic solar beam radiation to global radiation ratios on the techno-economic performance of the proposed SHC plants for a wide variety of climatic regions worldwide. The results of parametric study suggest that a storage volume of around 70L/m2 is a good choice for SHC1, while 40–50L/m2 storage capacity is sufficient for the other configurations (SHC2 to SHC5). The simulation results reveal that when the fraction of direct normal irradiance (DNI) is less than 50%, SHC2, SHC3, and SHC5 require larger collector area compared to SHC1, showing there is no advantage in using concentrating collector powered multi-effect chillers over solar single-effect chillers in climates with low DNI level. However, in climates with DNI fractions above 60%, the smallest solar field is achieved by SHC5, followed by SHC2. SHC4, which benefits from both relatively high COP of double-effect chiller and the diffuse component in the solar field, results in the most reasonable trade-off between energetic and economic performance of the system in a wide range of climatic conditions.

Performance Evaluation of a Solar Cooling Plant Applied for Greenhouse Thermal Control

Abstract The greenhouses cultivation causes in summer season inner conditions characterized by high thermal levels such as to generate problems that can damage crops. Always more frequently for this reason it is common to provide greenhouse with air conditioning plants. In this work it will be presented an application of a solar cooling plant with absorption cooling machine for thermal control of a greenhouse and an advanced simulation model able to evaluate optimal plant configurations and controls. Solar cooling systems can be applied for greenhouse climate control in regions with high values of solar irradiation as alternative to traditional evaporative systems, allowing the reduction of primary energy consumption by exploiting the contemporaneity between the cooling requirements and the solar energy availability. The plant consists of a single effect LiBr-H2O absorption chiller fed by evacuated-tube solar collectors; the model was developed in Matlab-Simulink and is able to simulate dynamically, with time steps up to 15 minutes, the greenhouse cooling demand and the production of the solar field. Present study proposes a plant configuration with a distribution system in which the cooling power is not provided for the entire volume of the greenhouse, but only for the air volume surrounding the crop with a considerable saving of reduction of energy demand and an extremely efficient use of solar energy. The simulation study is based on the experimental data collected at the experimental center of the University of Bari, Southern Italy. The aim of the work is to demonstrate that solar cooling system could provide significant energy-saving opportunities for cooling greenhouses allowing the reduction of primary energy consumption by exploiting the contemporaneity between the cooling requirements and the solar energy availability.

A novel solar thermal polygeneration system for sustainable production of cooling, clean water and domestic hot water in United Arab Emirates: Dynamic simulation and economic evaluation

In this paper, a novel solar thermal polygeneration (STP) system for production of cooling, clean water and domestic hot water is modeled and analyzed for the weather conditions of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The system comprises of solar collectors for production of thermal energy, single stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller (VAC) for providing air conditioning to office cabins and membrane distillation (MD) modules for clean water production along with domestic hot water generation as by-product. The performance of STP is analyzed with three different solar collectors – flat plate collectors (FPC), evacuated tube collector (ETC) and compound parabolic collector (CPC). The system is modeled and dynamically simulated using TRNSYS software for optimization of various design parameters like slope of the collectors, mass flow rate through the collector loop, storage capacity and area of collectors. Combined and system efficiency of the STP system has been determined for optimum conditions. Economic benefits are analyzed for different collectors and fuel costs savings. A lowest payback period of 6.75years is achieved by STP with evacuated tube collector field having gross area of 216m2. STP system has cumulative savings of $520,000 over the life time of the project through roof top solar collector installation. In terms of environmental benefits, 109metric tons/year of CO2 emissions would be avoided and hence the overall payback period would be reduced by 8% based on cost saving through carbon credits. Economic and environmental benefits were aided by steady system performances of absorption chiller (35kW), membrane distiller (80l/day) and heat recovery system (1.2m3/h) throughout the year. The complete simulation results of the STP system is utilized for the development, installation and testing of a polygeneration system at RAKRIC.

Transient simulation and parametric study of solar-assisted heating and cooling absorption systems: An energetic, economic and environmental (3E) assessment

This paper presents energetic, economic, and environmental (3E) analyses of four configurations of solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems based on coupling evacuated tube collectors with a single-effect LiBr–H2O absorption chiller. In the first configuration (SHC1), a gas-fired heater is used as the back-up system, while a mechanical compression chiller is employed as the auxiliary cooling system in the second configuration (SHC2). The capacity of the absorption chiller is designed based on the maximum building cooling load in these configurations. The third and fourth configurations (SHC3 and SHC4) are similar to SHC2, but the absorption chiller size is reduced to 50% and 20%, respectively. The results show that the highest primary energy saving is achieved by SHC2, leading to a solar fraction of 71.8% and saving 54.51% primary energy as compared to a reference conventional HVAC system. The economic performance of all configurations is still unsatisfactory (without subsidies) due to their high capital costs. However, if a government subsidy of 50% is considered, the results suggest that SHC4 can be economically feasible, achieving a payback period of 4.1 years, net present value of 568,700 AUD and solar fraction of 43%, contributing to 27.16% decrease in the plant primary energy consumption.

Development and experimental validation of a simulation model to reproduce the performance of a 17.6 kW LiBr–water absorption chiller

In recent years, the use of air conditioning systems based on cycles driven by thermal energy has increased. These cycles utilize renewable energy or waste heat energy from industrial processes. However, the complexity associated with such facilities makes the simulation of these systems with regard to sizing and performance advisable in many cases. This paper develops a simulation model under the EES environment for a 17.6 kW Yazaki WFC-SC5 simple effect LiBr–H2O absorption chiller. In this study, the heat transfer areas and coefficients of each heat exchanger, the circulating solution flow rate and the properties of the LiBr–H2O solution have been considered. Once the model is created, real data are used to validate the obtained results, providing a high level of correlation between real and simulated data.

Exergetic Analysis of an Integrated Tri-Generation Organic Rankine Cycle

This paper reports on a study of the modelling, validation and analysis of an integrated 1 MW (electrical output) tri-generation system energized by solar energy. The impact of local climatic conditions in the Mediterranean region on the system performance was considered. The output of the system that comprised a parabolic trough collector (PTC), an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), single-effect desalination (SED), and single effect LiBr-H2O absorption chiller (ACH) was electrical power, distilled water, and refrigerant load. The electrical power was produced by the ORC which used cyclopentane as working fluid and Therminol VP-1 was specified as the heat transfer oil (HTO) in the collectors with thermal storage. The absorption chiller and the desalination unit were utilize the waste heat exiting from the steam turbine in the ORC to provide the necessary cooling energy and drinking water respectively. The modelling, which includes an exergetic analysis, focuses on the performance of the solar tri-generation system. The simulation results of the tri-generation system and its subsystems were produced using IPSEpro software and were validated against experimental data which showed good agreement. The tri-generation system was able to produce about 194 Ton of refrigeration, and 234 t/day distilled water.

Comparison of air-cooled and water-cooled (hot-water and direct-fired) double effect LiBr-H<SUB align="right">2O absorption systems: energy and exergy analyses

In this study, air-cooled and water-cooled cooling systems including hot-water and direct-fired double effect LiBr-H2O absorption chillers are analysed and compared in different operating and climatic conditions according to the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Unlike most articles in literature, in this paper all components engaged in cooling generation have been considered to attain the total energy utilisation factor (EUF) and exergy efficiency for the cooling systems. Results show that the EUF and second law efficiency of the systems including direct-fired chillers are a little higher than the hot-water chillers. Comparison between similar water-cooled and air-cooled systems illustrates that although the EUF of water-cooled systems is considerably higher than that of air-cooled systems, the difference between their second law efficiency, especially in temperatures below 37°C, is very small. This fact attests to the potential of air-cooled systems to be used specially in moderate climatic conditions.

A novel renewable polygeneration system for a small Mediterranean volcanic island for the combined production of energy and water: Dynamic simulation and economic assessment

This paper investigates the integration of solar and geothermal energy in a novel polygeneration system producing simultaneously: electricity, thermal energy, cooling energy and fresh water. The polygeneration system under analysis includes concentrating photovoltaic/thermal solar collectors (CPVT), a Geothermal Well (GW) a multi-effect distillation (MED) system for seawater desalination, a single-stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller and additional components, such as: storage tanks, heat exchangers and balance of plant devices. The CPVT produces simultaneously electrical energy and thermal energy, at a maximum temperature of about 100°C. The electrical energy is delivered to the grid, whereas the thermal energy can be used for different scopes. First, the thermal energy can be used for heating purposes and/or Domestic Hot Water production. As an alternative, solar thermal energy can be used to drive an absorption chiller, producing chilled water for space cooling. Finally, solar energy, in combination with the thermal energy produced by low-enthalpy (about 80°C) geothermal wells, may be used by the MED system to convert seawater into desalinated water. Geothermal energy is also used to produce Domestic Hot Water at 45°C. The system is dynamically simulated by means of a zero-dimensional transient simulation model. The simulation model also includes detailed control strategies, for the management of the different technologies included in such a complex system. The system is assumed to be operated in some of the several small volcanic islands in the Mediterranean Sea, assuming Pantelleria (Trapani, Italy) as main case study. Here, the availability of solar and geothermal energy is high whereas the availability of fresh water is scarce and its cost consequently high. Results show an excellent energetic performance of the system under investigation. From the economic point of view, the profitability of the system dramatically increases when user Domestic Hot Water demand is high.

A novel renewable polygeneration system for hospital buildings: Design, simulation and thermo-economic optimization

This paper presents an analysis of a possible energy retrofit of an existing University Hospital District, located in Naples (Italy), by using an innovative renewable polygeneration system. This system integrates both Concentrating PhotoVoltaic/Thermal collectors (CPVT) and Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) technologies. The CPVT parabolic trough collectors are equipped with triple-junction PhotoVoltaic (PV) cells: this technology usually shows ultra-high energy conversion efficiencies. The main components of the system are: CPVT collectors, a single-stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller, storage tanks and balance of plant devices. The system is assumed to be installed at a University Hospital District located in Naples (Italy), equipped with a gas-turbine cogeneration system. The data regarding cooling, heating and electrical demands and productions are measured for a one-year operation. The CPVT produces electrical energy, which is consumed in part by the system parasitic loads, whereas the eventual surplus is fed in the electrical grid. Simultaneously, the CPVT provides heat, used for space heating, for domestic hot water and/or to drive the absorption chiller, which produces cooling energy. The system is designed and dynamically simulated in TRNSYS environment, including detailed and validated mathematical models for the simulation of all the components. The results are analysed from both energy and economic points of views, using parametric analyses and thermo-economic optimizations. The energy performance of the system is excellent since all electrical and thermal energies produced by the renewable system are consumed by the user. The economic results show that the system can be profitable (pay-back period around 12 years) even without any public funding. In case of feed-in tariffs, the system becomes extremely profitable from the economic point of view. The thermo-economic optimization, based on a mixed heuristic/deterministic algorithm, shows that the system profitability can be further improved, increasing solar field area and decreasing storage specific volumes for m2 of collectors installed.

Energy, exergy, and economic analysis of single and double effect LiBr–H2O absorption chillers

In this study different water-cooled LiBr–H2O absorption systems under different operating and climatic conditions are analyzed and compared, and the effect of considering the chemical exergy of the LiBr–H2O solution on the second law analysis of such systems is probed as well. Results show that the EUF increases with increasing the generator and evaporator temperatures and decreases with the increase in the temperature and relative humidity of the ambient air. The total exergy efficiency increases with increasing the generator or ambient air temperature, decreases with increasing the evaporator temperature, and changes slightly with relative humidity. In Tamb=35°C and φ=30%, the system including direct-fired double-effect chiller has a EUF=1.20 and ψ=7.86% both of which are respectively 11% and 82% higher than the systems including hot-water double-effect and single-effect chillers. The economic analysis reveals that for the operating conditions presented here, the single-effect system is uneconomical and the payback period in the case of utilizing the direct-fired double-effect chiller instead of the hot-water one is about 3.5 years. Finally, the CO2 emission of the single-effect system is respectively about 1.9 and 1.7 times higher than direct-fired and hot-water double-effect ones.

Thermoeconomic analysis of storage systems for solar heating and cooling systems: A comparison between variable-volume and fixed-volume tanks

The paper investigates different control strategies for the thermal storage management in SHC (Solar Heating and Cooling) systems. The SHC system under investigation is based on a field of evacuated solar collectors coupled with a single-stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller; auxiliary thermal energy is supplied by a gas-fired boiler. The SHC is also equipped with a novel thermal storage system, consisting in a variable volume storage tank. It includes three separate tanks and a number of mixers and diverters managed by novel control strategies, based on combinations of series/parallel charging and discharging approaches. The aim of this component is to vary the thermal storage capacity as a function of the combinations of solar radiation availability and user thermal/cooling energy demands. The system allows one to increase the number of active tanks when the time shift between solar energy and user demand is high. Conversely, when this time shift is low, the number of active tanks is automatically reduced. In addition, when the solar energy in excess cannot be stored in such tanks, a heat exchanger is also used in the solar loop for producing DHW (Domestic Hot Water).The analysis is carried out by means of a zero-dimensional transient simulation model, developed by using the TRNSYS software. In order to assess the operating and capital costs of the systems under analysis, an economic model is also proposed. In addition, in order to determine the set of the synthesis/design variables which maximize the system profitability, a parametric analysis was implemented. The novel variable-volume storage system, in both the proposed configurations, was also compared with a constant-volume storage system from the energy and economic points of view. The results showed that the presented storage system allows one to save up to 20% of the natural gas used by the auxiliary boiler only for very high solar fractions. In all the other cases, marginal savings are achieved by the variable-volume storage tanks system.

Dynamic simulation of a single-effect LiBr–H2O absorption refrigeration cycle considering the effects of thermal masses

A lumped-parameter dynamic simulation of a single-effect LiBr–H2O absorption chiller considering the effects of thermal masses of main components is presented in this paper. The continuity of species constituting the LiBr–H2O solution, momentum equations and energy balances are solved simultaneously. Six various cases are considered to evaluate the effect of thermal masses of all and some components on the key parameters of an absorption chiller. To eliminate the numerical errors, thermodynamic properties are taken from the EES software. Since the performance of the cycle should be evaluated in each time step, a link is made between EES and MATLAB softwares. The fourth order Runge–Kutta method is selected to solve the simultaneous differential equations. The results show that the heat transfer rate of high-pressure components (generator and condenser) are highly dependent of thermal mass of the condenser whereas the heat transfer rate of low-pressure components (evaporator and absorber) are hardly affected by thermal masses. Furthermore, the major components except condenser show approximately the same behavior when thermal masses are ignored.

Solar heating and cooling systems by CPVT and ET solar collectors: A novel transient simulation model

In this paper, a novel purposely designed dynamic simulation model for the performance analysis of solar heating and cooling systems is presented. The investigated system layouts are based on single stage LiBr–H2O absorption chillers and on both evacuated tube and concentrating photovoltaic thermal solar collectors. Furthermore, both electric chiller and gas fired heater backup system are considered. Such model is implemented in a computer code written in MATLAB. Here, the optimisation of several system design and operating parameters in terms of energy saving is also carried out. A code to code analysis is performed comparing the obtained simulation results vs. those achieved by a TRNSYS model available in literature. The simulation code for the concentrating photovoltaic thermal solar collectors is validated by experimental data. A good agreement among results is observed in both the cases. A suitable case study referred to a building including both offices and dwellings located in Northern and Southern Italy is presented. High primary energy savings are obtained for some of the investigated system layouts. By evacuated tube collectors solar field such savings can reach 74%, while shifting to concentrating photovoltaic thermal solar collectors they often surpass 100%. The system economic profitability strongly depends on future scale economies and eventual public funding.

Dynamic simulation of a novel high-temperature solar trigeneration system based on concentrating photovoltaic/thermal collectors

The paper is focused on the dynamic simulation of a Photovoltaic/Thermal collector (PVT) integrated in a high-temperature Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) system. The system is based on the following main components: concentrating parabolic PVT (photovoltaic thermal) collectors, a double-stage LiBr-H2O absorption chiller, storage tanks, auxiliary heaters, balance of plant devices. The PVT is made-up by a parabolic dish concentrator and a triple-junction receiver. The polygeneration system provides electricity, space heating and cooling and domestic hot water for a given building, whose simulation is also included in the model. In particular, PVT produces electric energy, which is in part consumed by the building loads (lights and equipments), in part by the system parasitic loads, whereas the eventual excess is sold to the public grid. Simultaneously, the PVT provides the heat required to drive the absorption chiller. The system was simulated by means of a zero-dimensional transient model, that allows the evaluation of temperature profiles and also heat/electrical energy flows for whatever period of the year. It is also possible to evaluate the overall energetic and economic performance on whatever time basis (day, week, month, year, etc.). The economic results show that the system under investigation can be profitable, if a proper funding policy is available. The paper also includes an extensive parametric analysis aiming at evaluating the set of design and operating parameters (solar field area, tank volumes, set point temperatures, etc.) that maximize the energetic and/or economic performance of the system.

Design and dynamic simulation of a novel polygeneration system fed by vegetable oil and by solar energy

In this paper the integration of vegetable oil-fed reciprocating engines with solar thermal collector is investigated, seeking to design a novel polygeneration system producing: electricity, space heating and cooling and domestic hot water, for a university building located in Naples (Italy), assumed as case study. The polygeneration system is based on the following main components: concentrating parabolic trough solar collector, double-stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller and a reciprocating engine fed by vegetable oil. The engine operates at full load producing electrical energy which is in part consumed by the building lights and equipments, in part used by the system passive loads and the rest is eventually sold to the grid. In fact, the engine is grid connected in order to perform a convenient net metering. The system was designed and then simulated by means of a zero-dimensional transient simulation model, developed using the TRNSYS software. The simulation tool developed by the authors allows one to analyze the results for different time basis (minutes, days, weeks, months and years), from both energetic and economic points of view. The economic results show that the system under investigation is profitable, especially if properly funded.

Design and dynamic simulation of a novel solar trigeneration system based on hybrid photovoltaic/thermal collectors (PVT)

In this paper, a Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) system including photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors is considered, implementing a novel polygeneration system producing electricity, space heating and cooling and domestic hot water. In particular, PVT collectors operating up to 80°C are considered. A case study for a university building located in Naples (Italy) is developed and discussed. The system is mainly composed by: PVT collectors, a single-stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller, storage tanks and auxiliary heaters. The system also includes additional balance-of-plant devices: heat exchangers, pumps, controllers, cooling tower, etc. The PVT produces electricity which is utilized in part by the building lights and equipments and in part by the system parasitic loads; the rest is eventually sold to the grid. Simultaneously, the PVT system provides the heat required to drive the absorption chiller. The system performance is analyzed from both energetic and economic points of view by means of a zero-dimensional transient simulation model, developed with TRNSYS. The economic results show that the system under investigation can be profitable, provided that an appropriate funding policy is available. In addition, the overall energetic and economic results are comparable to those reported in literature for similar systems.

Experimental analysis of solar thermal storage in a water tank with open side inlets

This paper investigates thermal mixing caused by the inflow from one or two round, horizontal, buoyant jets in a water storage tank, which is part of a thermal solar installation. A set of experiments was carried out in a rectangular tank with a capacity of 0.3m3, with one or two constant temperature inflows. As a result, two correlations based on temperature measurements have been developed. One of the correlations predicts the size of a zone of homogenous temperature, referred to herein as the mixing zone, which develops when a single hot inflow impinges on the opposite wall of the tank. The other identifies the degree of mixing resulting from the interaction between a hot inflow and a cold inflow located below the hot one. The correlations are combined with energy balances to predict the amount of hot water available in a tank with open side inlets and the corresponding temperatures of the outflows. Outdoor measurements were also performed in a solar installation, in which a commercial water storage tank with a 1.5m3 capacity, heated by a solar collector array with a useful surface area of 42.2m2, drives a LiBr–H2O absorption chiller. Comparison of the predicted and measured outflow temperatures under a variety of weather conditions shows a maximum difference of 3°C.

High temperature solar heating and cooling systems for different Mediterranean climates: Dynamic simulation and economic assessment

Abstract The paper presents a dynamic model of an innovative solar heating and cooling system (SHC) based on the coupling of Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC) with a double-stage LiBr–H2O absorption chiller; auxiliary energy for both heating and cooling is supplied by a biomass-fired heater. The system layout also includes a number of additional components such as: cooling tower, pumps, heat exchangers, etc. The consumption of non-renewable energy resources is only due to the small amount of electrical energy consumed by some auxiliary device. A case study is presented, in which the SHC provides space heating and cooling and domestic hot water for a small university hall, all year long. Both the SHC system and the building were dynamically simulated in TRNSYS. In order to evaluate the performance of the investigated system in various climatic conditions, the analyses were performed for seven Mediterranean cities in Italy, Spain, Egypt, France, Greece and Turkey. The analysis was also performed for a similar SHC in which the biomass heater was replaced by a gas-fired heater, in order to evaluate the influence of biomass to the overall system economic and energetic performance. In addition, a parametric analysis was performed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of the results, when varying some of the main design and operating parameters, such as: collector field area, tank volume and set-point temperatures. The results showed that the SHC system layout investigated can be competitive for the majority of the locations analysed, although the economic profitability is higher for the hottest climates.