Solar Cooling in High Latitudes Conditions
Abstract
The renewable energy sources (RESs) occupy a significant part in the energy sectors of Latvia and neighbouring countries; therefore, new solutions for electricity, heat and cold production using different RESs including solar energy are sought for. Since it could be necessary to maintain an optimum indoor microclimate in the summer time – e.g. in hotels, office buildings, manufacturing premises (mainly concrete and glass structures) – small-scale use of solar refrigeration is important. In the climatic conditions of the Baltic Sea region cooling is required for 3000 - 5000 degree hours per year. So far, in Latvia solar cooling systems have not been used; therefore, it is important to assess the potential of such systems. At the Institute of Physical Energetics a solar cooling system with the cooling capacity of 8 kW is installed in the Solar Energy Testing Park. The system has appropriate measuring equipment; its performance is improved, and the operating data are monitored. The paper presents new methods for efficient use of solar energy for cooling based on experimental data. The results obtained allow for evaluation of the potential of relevant technologies taking into account their strengths and weaknesses as well as for promotion of innovative technology transfer from science to practice.
Keywords
Solar energy, Solar cooling, Chiller