In this paper a new simulation model of a novel solar heating and cooling
system based on innovative high temperature flat plate evacuated solar
thermal collector is presented. The system configuration includes: flat-plate
evacuated solar collectors, a double-stage LiBr-H2O absorption chiller,
gas-fired auxiliary heater, a closed loop cooling tower, pumps, heat
exchangers, storage tanks, valves, mixers and controllers. The novelty of
this study lies in the utilization of flat-plate stationary solar collectors,
manufactured by TVP Solar, rather than concentrating ones (typically adopted
for driving double-stage absorption chillers). Such devices show ultra-high
thermal efficiencies, even at very high (about 200?C) operating temperatures,
thanks to the high vacuum insulation. Aim of the paper is to analyse the
energy and economic feasibility of such novel technology, by including it in
a prototypal solar heating and cooling system. For this purpose, the solar
heating and cooling system design and performance were analysed by means of a
purposely developed dynamic simulation model, implemented in TRNSYS. A
suitable case study is also presented. Here, the simulated plant is conceived
for the space heating and cooling and the domestic hot water production of a
small building, whose energy needs are fulfilled through a real installation
(settled also for experimental purposes) built up close to Naples (South
Italy). Simulation results show that the investigated system is able to reach
high thermal efficiencies and very good energy performance. Finally, the
economic analysis shows results comparable to those achieved through similar
renewable energy systems.
Comparative performance of two types of evacuated tubular solar collectors in a residential heating and cooling system. Final report, October 1 1977-September 30 1978 (including 1974-1977 operating results comparisons)