Solar cooling using the absorption cycle

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new idea called "Solar Cooling". The concentration of greenhouse gases is rising, and the prices of oil are in constant increase; therefore, a solution must be applied to avoid a major crisis. Solar cooling uses a free source of heat, the sun, to cool a space with a minimal amount of consumption. This report starts with a brief introduction about "Solar Cooling" to introduce the idea, and allows the reader to know what it is. It then gives an overview of how solar cooling started, and how it evolved. The report focuses on the absorption cycle and its different kinds; it discusses its main function and parts, and explains the thermodynamics, going through the advantages and disadvantages of the cycle. A case study is developed and sample calculations are made on a room located in Beirut to find the total cooling load needed due to the wall, glass and ceiling heat exchange. The cooling load turns out to be about 6875W. Two systems are then suggested: the conventional compression system and the cooling system using the absorption cycle. A comparison is done between the two which shows that an amount of {dollar}1172 will be saved on a yearly basis if the solar method is used.