Design and Actual Performance Benchmarks of Solar Thermal-Assisted Air-Conditioning Installations

Peak cooling demand in summer is associated with high solar radiation availability. This offers an excellent opportunity to exploit solar energy with heat-driven cooling technologies, i.e. closed cycle systems (absorption and adsorption) and open cycles (e.g. desiccant systems). Practical insight as benchmarks from actual solar thermal assisted air-conditioning installations will be provided. Overview will include information on common systems, types of collectors, area/kWc, initial cost, design and actual thermal COP, auxiliary energy and water consumption. Monitoring data and experience from actual installations could provide some practical benchmarks to facilitate concept design and first cost estimates and further support standardized configurations and solutions for strengthening market development.