Solar-Electric Driven Heating and Cooling System with PCM-Storage for Improved Grid Connection
Abstract
Abstract This study presents the coupling of a solar-electric driven air conditioning system (VRF, 3-pipe) with thermal storages based on Phase Change Material (PCM). The main objectives are the reduction of PV-related peak feed-in, to give a possibility for applying Demand Side Management and increasing self-consumption of such grid-connected PV-HVAC systems. To accomplish these goals the PCM-storage will be implemented directly in the refrigeration cycle of the system. Using PCM whose melting temperatures are adapted to the cooling process, cold/heat could be used directly without additional brine loops, accompanied by a negative effect on the EER. Furthermore the storage can be used to improve the system efficiency in case of discharge, which lowers the electrical demand when it is appropriate to reduce grid stress. Key issues are the development of the heat exchanger for the storage, the storage integration in the refrigeration cycle and the control strategies how to use the PCM-storage.