Two-step design process of solar cooling systems combining optimization and operational simulations

Abstract

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building), which aims to promote energy saving in buildings, has attracted attention. Particularly, solar cooling systems that use solar radiation as renewable energy for ZEB are an effective heat source. However solar cooling systems have not become widespread. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the methodology to design and operate equipments in ZEB with solar cooling systems. In this study, a two-step design process of equipments including solar cooling system was proposed. First, optimizations of configuration of the equipments including an adsorption chiller using solar heat as a heat source is performed using a mathematical model. Then, TRNSYS simulations are performed using the optimization results to derive the operation of the equipments against air conditioning load. Applying the proposed method to a hospital of 5,000 m2 , the optimal configuration of the equipments was obtained minimizing the annual cost. Then, the results of the equipment operation analysis showed that the primary energy consumption could reduce by 43% for the building with a solar cooling system than that without a solar cooling system.