What is it about?

This study presents the results of testing a solar setup utilizing parabolic trough collectors in conjunction with an absorption cooling system that employs an ammonia-lithium nitrate mixture. The solar panel field, comprising 15 collectors, can provide up to 6.5 kW of heat at approximately 105 °C with efficiencies of nearly 20%. The cooling system operates effectively within a temperature range of 85-95 °C, cooling down to approximately 6 °C, with performance coefficients of up to 0.56 for cooling and 0.07 for solar energy use.

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Why is it important?

This research delves into the exciting world of solar-powered cooling, showcasing an experiment with a parabolic trough collector field paired with a 5 kW absorption cooling system that utilizes an ammonia-lithium nitrate mixture. Picture 15 sleek aluminum and copper collectors soaking up the sun across 38.4 square meters, feeding heat to a system of five plate heat exchangers to produce cool air. By adjusting various conditions, the study found that the collectors could deliver up to 6.5 kW of heat at 105 °C, with thermal and exergy efficiencies of 19.8% and 14.93%, respectively. The cooling system, meanwhile, churned out chilly temperatures as low as 6 °C at generation temps of 85–95 °C, with a solid performance coefficient of 0.56 and a solar COP of 0.07. This work is significant because it demonstrates how solar energy can power cooling systems sustainably, providing empirical data to optimize these setups for real-world applications.

Perspectives

Now, we take this solar-powered cooling system out of the lab and into the real world, giving it a chance to shine on a bigger stage. Imagine scaling up the setup with more parabolic trough collectors and a more robust absorption cooling system, then testing it in various climates—such as scorching deserts or humid coastal areas—to see how it performs. Researchers could tinker with the design, perhaps using cutting-edge materials to make the collectors absorb even more sunlight or adjusting the ammonia-lithium nitrate mix to achieve better cooling performance. Adding a thermal storage system would be a game-changer, keeping the system cranking out cool air even when the sun’s not shining. Additionally, crunching the numbers on costs and scalability would help determine if this setup could be a practical and wallet-friendly option for homes, businesses, or industries seeking to stay cool sustainably.

Professor Rosenberg J Romero
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Integration of the Experimental Results of a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) Solar Plant to an Absorption Air-Conditioning System, Applied Sciences, November 2018, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/app8112163.
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