Thermo-Economic Analysis of Solar Cooling/Heating Systems for Mediterranean Climates

Abstract: This study focuses on the efficient use of solar energy for a certain region in the Mediterranean basin. Solar thermal energy becomes increasingly popular and the available solar market is investigated with the aim of selecting and assessing a pilot region for a promising solar application. The work herein focuses on estimating the potential of three different 100% solar-driven integrated systems to cover the entire cooling and heating demand of a selected single family house solely by solar energy. The three different alternative systems are presented and examined in detail for the actual case study application. The sample house within the chosen region is located on the south coast of Turkey. The entire thermal demand of this house for both cooling during summer and heating during winter has first been properly calculated. Characteristic features of the house and the typical design parameters for the region have been analyzed, as well as and their daily and annual variations. Heat loss and heating/cooling load calculations have been done with respect to these specifications and to ASHRAE regulations. After finding the building`s demands for the comfort temperature, the three different solar-driven systems are simulated for a practical application to the sample house. Required mechanical equipment and parasitic load consumption has been investigated for each system and investment cost analyses have been performed respectively. Simplified payback times for each alternative system are calculated and discussed. Payback period sensitivity analysis was attempted for two different locations featuring different grid pricing regulations. As a conclusion, feasibility analysis for the three examined types of solar-driven integrated heating and cooling systems has been attempted, which gives a good representation of the potential solar energy market in the Mediterranean region. Also some suggestions are offered to the companies which develop and market solar heating/cooling systems.