Performance of a double-effect absorption chiller driven by ICPC solar collectors
This paper presents experimental data and analytical results describing the performance of a 70 kW (20 ton), water-fired, double-effect absorption chiller. The chiller is driven by a 106 m{sup 2} array of integrated compound parabolic concentrator (ICPC) solar collectors. For this project, an existing gas-fired chiller was modified to operate on hot water. The water was heated by an array of 336 evacuated ICPC tubes. Each tube has an effective area of 0.317 m{sup 2}. The chiller and collector array are part of a complete solar HVAC system that provides air conditioning and space heating for a 743 m{sup 2} (8,000 ft{sup 2}) commercial building in Sacramento, CA. The other components of the HVAC system are a high temperature storage tank, a cooling tower, a gas-fired back-up boiler and five 14 kW (4 ton) cooling/heating fan coil units. The experimental data are used to determine; (1) the efficiency of the collectors; (2) the coefficient of performance of the chiller; and (3) the overall energy balance on the system. Computer models have also been developed to predict the performance and to optimize the design and operating characteristics of the HVAC system.
- Research Organization:
- California State Univ., Sacramento, CA (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20030626
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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