Olivier Marc1*, Franck Lucas1, Frantz Sinama1, Alain Bastide1, Eric Monceyron1, Francois

Garde1
1 LPBS. — Laboratoire de Physique du Batiment et des Systemes — Universite de La Reunion : IUT
Departement Genie Civil 97410 Saint Pierre — La Reunion — France

olivier. marc@univ-reunion. fr

Abstract

Solar cooling systems are unmistakably an interesting alternative to solve electric consumption problems of air conditioning systems working with mechanical vapour compression. The optimization program of solar cooling systems (ORASOL) managed by the national research agency (ANR) was created to propose a fundamental reflection, with the elaboration of simulation and sizing tools. Therefore the installation of several pilot — plants of various powers is necessary for the understanding and the development of this technology. For that, our laboratory the LPBS suggested setting up an experimental platform with a 30kW absorption chiller. This installation started at the beginning of March (summery period in Reunion Island) and throughout this document we present the first results. Furthermore we suggested carrying out a simulation tool which allows predicting the behaviour of both installation and the building, at any time step and without backup system. Firstly, we present a stage of simplified modelling of all the installation as well as experimental validation elements. The aim of this first phase is to estimate all components which require a detailed modelling.

Keywords: Solar cooling system, simulation, experimentation.

1. Introduction

Search for thermal comfort in summer causes a significant increase in electricity consumption mainly due to the use of air conditioning systems working with mechanical vapor compression. Solar cooling systems operating with absorption chillers are an interesting alternative to meet satisfactory comfort inside buildings using little electrical energy. The main energy source is the solar energy and there is an almost perfect phasing between the cooling need and the solar resource. Our project takes part of ORASOL program which aim is to propose both fundamental and applied reflections for solar cooling systems in order to improve comfort conditions in buildings. The first part of this article presents our installation and the first results. Secondly, we will present a simplified model, developed for the complete study of a solar cooling system operating with absorption chiller. Finally we will propose a comparison between the simulation results and data from out experimental platform.