Assessing near term technologies for solar heating and air conditioning systems. [To aid decision making for research and development]

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Energy Commun.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5063908

Marcus, G; Spalding, D; Gershan, B

Representative models of near-term solar heating and cooling systems were chosen for assessment in order to determine how to best allocate R and D efforts aimed at improving system performance. Technologies for the following subsystems were examined: (1) flat plate collectors; (2) water thermal storage; and (3) H/sub 2/O LiBr absorption cooling. The effects of technological modifications on each subsystem are analyzed in terms of cost. Improved absorber coatings provide the greatest potential for collector system improvement; however, substantial R and D expenditures to improve selective absorber coatings are not likely to cut the costs to consumers. Further, storage materials are analyzed in terms of the cost to store equal quantities of heat. Heat-of-fusion storage systems are considered as still speculative and not viable for flat plate collector liquid systems. Air conditioner efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance (COP). Theoretical methods of improving the COP of H/sub 2/O LiBR absorption air conditioners have not proved practical. The COP of solar absorption cooling could improve if new refrigerant-absorbent combinations are discovered. Overall, possibilities for reducing the total cost for solar heating and cooling systems appear limited. R and D is still needed to improve the reliability and lifetime of present systems. The development of new technology may make solar systems more attractive in terms of measures other than cost.

• OSTI ID: 5063908
• Journal Information: Energy Commun.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Commun.; (United States) Vol. 3:5; ISSN ENCOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
141000 -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
142000 -- Solar Energy-- Heat Storage-- (1980-)
ABSORPTION
AIR CONDITIONERS
APPLIANCES
COST
DECISION MAKING
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS
GAS APPLIANCES
HEAT STORAGE
HEATING SYSTEMS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LATENT HEAT STORAGE
LIFE-CYCLE COST
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
STORAGE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
WATER