Realistic Simulation Tool for practical Analysis of Solar Cooling Thermal Systems driven by Linear Fresnel Collectors

The objectives of this study were to develop a realistic simulation tool to analyze solar thermal cooling systems driven by Fresnel collectors and carry out a case study in which the performance of a solar cooling system of 190 kW located in Riyadh is simulated to demonstrate the functionality and potentiality of the developed tool. This tool is based on an integrated mathematical model that considers the ambient conditions, the thermal loads of the building, the pre-sizing data of each of the components of the system and the simultaneous interaction among them, to conduct a realistic, simple, and precise analysis. A demonstrative simulation example was performed. During the month of July, with a solar opening area of 704 m2 and a tank of 35200 L, a total amount of 47,5 MWh of cooling energy was obtained, with a reduced contribution of the auxiliary system (5,6 MWh) and a minimum number of solar collector system deactivation hours (0,7 %). The daily COP of the absorption machine remained above 0,69. The obtained results from the case study with the simulation tool allowed to verify its functionality, capabilities and correct operation to carry out hourly and parametric studies of this type of systems.