Assessing the Techno-Economics of Solar-Assisted Absorption Air Conditioning in a University Building in Jordan

Abstract

Adsorption chillers are environmentally friendly cooling systems that use non-hazardous refrigerants, such as CFCs or HCFCs, and are efficient and adaptable for various applications, particularly in utilizing waste heat or low-grade heat sources. The economic viability of a solar water-lithium bromide absorption system in large commercial university building with higher electricity rates in Jordan's central province was assessed using the Payback Period (PBP) methodology. The system's PBP was found to be 9.65 years, affirming its economic feasibility. To enhance economic viability, adjustments to the Coefficient of Performance (COP) were explored. Technical evaluations incorporating actual thermodynamic data revealed a COP of 0.785, an improvement from the assumed 0.70. Strategies such as lowering the condenser's working temperature or increasing the evaporator's operating temperature positively impacted the system's performance. Notably, at a condenser temperature of 47.5°C, the COP reached 0.77 with a cooling capacity of 21.48 kW, while at an evaporator temperature of 15°C, the COP and cooling capacity were 0.78 and 21.36, respectively. The study demonstrated that increasing the generator temperature led to a rise in COP, with the highest values of 0.785 and 22.68 kW achieved at 95.0°C. Furthermore, a techno-economic analysis revealed a reduced payback period of 8.66 years, emphasizing the influence of increased COP on the absorption air conditioning system's economic performance.