Analysis of Solar Thermal Polygeneration Systems for the Residential-Commercial Sector
Abstract
Solar thermal energy presents a great potential for applications in the residential-commercial sector. It provides flexibility to produce different energy services, possibly at higher temperatures (> 100 ºC), by combining solar thermal collectors with thermally activated technologies, such as absorption chillers and Organic Rankine Cycles, as well as thermal energy storage. This paper evaluates various types of solar thermal collectors coupled with different ORC and absorption chillers to produce cooling, heating, and power from solar thermal energy for different consumer centers (multi-family buildings, hospitals, commercial centers and/or office buildings). The objective consists of selecting and sizing the solar equipment, analyzing their physical behavior throughout the year, and studying the conditions in which their application is most advantageous. The interest of working at higher operating temperatures was verified.