PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A NOVEL PORTABLE SOLAR HYBRID VC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

- Humans have always been concerned about the environment and energy conservation. The novel design of a portable solar hybrid vapor compression refrigerator has been proposed in this study. This hybrid energy-operated DC refrigerator was tested with four load conditions on sunny days. The I-V curve of the PV panel, refrigerator chamber temperature and meteorological data were recorded. The solar panel generated an average of 785 Wh of solar energy in one sunny day. The refrigerator was consumed 98 Wh energy at the no-load condition in a single day. The refrigerator chamber was filled with 30% (70 L), 60% (140 L), and 90% (210 L) load that consumed 154 Wh, 316 Wh, and 492 Wh energy, respectively to reach 0 o C. Daytime energy consumption of refrigerator was higher as compared to night time. The lead-acid battery's energy storage capacity was 1260 Wh. The battery was able to run the refrigerator for 2.5 days with 90% load condition without solar energy. The refrigeration system's average COP was 1.2. Experimental results demonstrated that solar energy production was higher as compared to refrigerator energy consumption. The proposed unique technology demonstrates the feasibility of the hybridization of renewable energy and grid utility in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. This solar-assisted system can be used to store lifesaving medicines and vaccines in disaster-prone areas.