In-Situ Analysis and Operational Optimisation of a Solar-Driven DEC-System
Abstract
Most of the worldwide energy supply for air-conditioning processes is based on non-renewable energy sources, as today the commonly used technology for air-conditioning is electrically driven compression-type refrigeration. This consumption of fossil primary energy affects the depletion of resources and contributes to the global warming through CO2-emissions. Solar air-conditioning is an approach, which uses solar-thermal heat, in contrary to electricity, to drive air-conditioning systems. The CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany) investigates a solar-driven desiccant cooling system in a multipurpose building, operated with two arrays of solar-thermal flat-plate collectors. This paper initially gives an overview on previous monitoring experiences on the solar desiccant and evaporative cooling system (DEC) in Ingolstadt. Furthermore, it shows the extensive measurement equipment added to the DEC-plant prior to cooling period 2009 in detail as well as measurement results of this operational period. This includes a detailed analysis of component behaviour and system efficiency. Finally, an outlook referring on system simulation and future research is provided.