Performance analysis of residential hybrid cooling and heating system operating under low solar radiation

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important due to rising energy consumption and environmental pollution caused by greenhouse gases. In the study, a system was designed to provide year-round air conditioning in a residential located in regions with low solar radiation. This design consists of a single-stage absorption cooling system to meet the cooling need in summer and a solar energy-supported natural gas combi boiler heating system to meet the heating need in winter. The designed system was subjected to a comprehensive analysis, taking into account the integration of four different collector types: flat plate collector, evacuated tube collector, compound parabolic collector and parabolic trough collector. A thermal energy storage unit is integrated into the system to increase its efficiency. In the study, the feasibility and efficiency of the solar energy system recommended for residences in low-radiation regions were investigated. Appropriate system conditions were determined by evaluating economic and environmental aspects. In the study, a maximum net present value (NPV) of 3.941.49 US$ and 4 % exercise efficiency were calculated for the system designed using ETC collectors at 80◦C generator and 6◦C evaporator temperature. At the same time, the hybrid system can prevent annual carbon dioxide emissions of 800.28 kg compared to coal-fired systems and 62.42 kg annually compared to natural gas systems. These results show that the designed system is economically feasible and contributes positively to environmental sustainability.