Solar Air-conditioning Case Studies for Qatar Climate Conditions

Characterized by high temperatures, strong solar radiation, and prolonged sunshine hours. Air-conditioning (AC) is a necessary component for comfortable living, accounting for up to 70% of residential electricity load. With high consumption, abundant solar resources, and the country's commitment to sustainable solutions, rooftop photovoltaics (PV) represent a promising option for mitigating energy consumption in Qatar. This paper investigates the use of solar ACs in Qatar's extreme climate conditions, developing a standalone solar air-conditioning system simulation model using local historical weather data from the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI). Three optimization energy management strategies were created to minimize or eliminate the need for costly battery energy storage, a concern due to high costs and hazards in extreme heat. The tested strategies showed the potential to reduce battery storage capacity by up to 15% by managing heat inertia. Complete elimination of battery storage was feasible, although it resulted in some end-of-day indoor comfort drop, which could be mitigated through cooling storage. This paper highlights the potential of solar air conditioning in Qatar, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed optimizations and providing valuable insights for further research and implementation of solar AC systems in the region.