Technical and Economic Assessment Of Solar Thermal Absorption Cooling Systems in Small Commercial Buildings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2244Abstract
This article presents the results of an initial assessment of the tech-
nical and economic feasibility of supplemental solar thermal absorption
cooling systems for small commercial and institutional buildings in the
Southwestern United States. Solar thermal absorption cooling systems
use chillers powered by solar energy rather than natural gas or electric-
ity. The following factors may position solar thermal absorption cooling
systems as a competitive alternative to conventional electric or natural-
gas-driven air conditioning:
• Recent technology advances have occurred in concentrating solar
thermal direct flow vacuum tube-type collectors.
• The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a non-capped 30% invest-
ment tax credit for solar thermal cooling systems on commercial
buildings.
• Natural gas retail prices are near record highs, increasing peak
electricity rates.
• Use of renewable energy powered cooling systems can lead to
lower electric demand and reduced power plant emissions.
Initial assessment results show that solar thermal cooling systems
are feasible in areas with a con fluence of high solar insolation, high
cooling demand, and high electric rates, achieving payback of less than
8 years in typical five-story buildings. In smaller commercial and institu-
tional buildings, solar thermal absorption cooling system life-cycle costs
are also favorable in comparison to conventional cooling systems.
Downloads
References
Broad Green Central Air Conditioning Catalog BY 130-06, 2006. http://www.
broad.com.
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, “Monthly State, Re-
gional, and National Cooling Degree Days Weighted by Population,” June 2006.
Energy Information Administration, 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Con-
sumption Survey: Consumption and Expenditures, June 2006.
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration online database, “U.S.
Climate Normals 1971-2000,” http://ggweather.com/normals/, issued Novem-
ber 2001.
Weather Channel website, “Monthly Averages,” http://www.weather.com, ac-
cessed July 2006.
Energy Information Administration, 2006 Annual Energy Outlook, Table 22,
February 2006.
Energy Information Administration, 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Con-
sumption Survey: Building Characteristics, June 2006.
Department of Energy, Of fice of Energy Ef ficiency and Renewable Energy, “Pro-
jected Bene fits of Federal Energy Ef ficiency and Renewable Energy Programs,”
March 2005.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory online database, 1990 hourly data files,
“National Solar Radiation Data Base,” http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/
nsrdb/hourly/1990/.
PNM corporate website, “Rate 3B,” http://www.pnm.com/regulatory/electric-
ity.htm, accessed July 2006.
San Diego Gas & Electric corporate website, “Schedule AL-TOU,” http://www.
sdge.com/tm2/pdf/AL-TOU.pdf, accessed July 2006.
Quinlan, P., Geller, H., Nadel, S., “Tax Incentives for Innovative Energy-Efficient
Technologies,” ACEEE Report Number E013, October 2001.
Energy Information Administration, “U.S. Natural Gas Prices,” http://tonto.
eia.doe.gov/dnav/ng/ng_pri_sum_a_EPG0_PCS_DMcf_m.htm, published June
Department of Energy, Of fice of Energy Ef ficiency and Renewable Energy, “Dis-
tributed Energy Program: Equipment Costs,” http://www.eere.energy.gov/de/
equipment_ costs.html#cooling, accessed July 2006.
