In South Africa, a significant amount of electrical energy is used for air conditioning in commercial
buildings, on account of the high humidity experienced. Due to its geographical location, the levels of
solar irradiation and the demand for air-conditioning of commercial buildings reach maximum levels
simultaneously. The South African region daily solar radiation average varies between 4.5 and 6.5
kWh/m2 and when compared to the United States 3.6 kWh/m2 and Europe’s 2.5 kWh/m2 , solar
thermal powered cooling technologies has significant potential as this solar irradiation is also
available all year around [1].
Utilizing solar energy for an air conditioning system has the advantage that the availability of solar
radiation and the need for cooling reach maximum levels simultaneously and proportionally. This
type of air conditioning system has an electrical energy saving benefit in light of increasing energy
tariffs and the energy crisis currently facing Eskom in South Africa.
Solar-assisted Absorption Cooling systems decreases the peak electricity consumption, is less noisy
and vibration free, since it does not contain a compressor and this gives a higher reliability, low
maintenance and its electricity consumption is approximately four times less (21.8kW versus 5.5kW
for 35kW of Cooling) than that of an electric driven chiller containing a mechanical compressor [2].
However, due to the high capital cost of solar powered air-conditioning plants, it is essential that a
feasibility analysis be undertaken to indicate and establish a return on capital investment.
The main objective of the present study is to investigate and establish the feasibility of a solar-assisted
air-conditioning system based on Lithium Bromide and Water (LiBr/H2O) absorption chillers on a
medium scale for commercial buildings in terms of energy saving and performance. This study
presents the results of the experiment on a solar-assisted air-conditioning facility constructed and
installed in October 2009 at Pretoria’s Netcare Moot Hospital.
This study has confirmed that a payback period of 13 months can be achieved and the performance
parameters of the manufacturer’s specifications for a solar-assisted air conditioning system are
exceeded for the South African climate. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9233 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Joseph, Jerusha Sarah. |
| Contributors | Inambao, Freddie L. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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