Mathematical modeling and performance analysis of an integrated solar heating and cooling system driven by parabolic trough collector and double-effect absorption chiller

Abstract With the increasing concerns on energy conservation and environmental protection, solar heating and cooling (SHC) system represents an attractive candidate in building sector. In this paper, an integrated SHC system driven by parabolic trough collector (PTC) and double-effect H2O/LiBr absorption chiller was presented. The energy generated by solar collectors was supplied to the absorption chiller during the cooling period, and was directly used for space heating with the integration of plate heat exchanger during the heating period. The mathematical models of the whole system including the collector, the double-effect absorption chiller and the plate heat exchanger were established and were validated by field tests. Based on the proposed models, comparison of the SHC system and the conventional gas-driven absorption heating and cooling system was carried out by case study. The annual performances as well as energetic, economic and environmental assessments of the proposed system were investigated. Results show that, 21.3% of the primary energy consumption and 18.8% of the CO2 emission can be reduced in SHC system. Therefore, the proposed integrated solar heating and cooling system has a promising application prospect in sustainable development in view of its considerable energy saving benefits, potential economic viability and environmental friendly characteristics.