Performance assessment of a solar assisted desiccant cooling system

The use of solar energy to drive cooling applications, such as air-conditioning is attractive since the cooling load has a high coincidence with the availability of solar irradiation. Combination of solar thermal and cooling has a high potential to reduce the electricity consumption of conventional air-conditioning. This work delivers a description of solar desiccant solid system (DEC) and presents results of tests and performance analysis. The overall cooling efficiency is evaluated using simulation data typical of Mediterranean Region. In this context the autonomous operations both of a solar desiccant system (DEC) and an absorption refrigerant chillers powered by direct-flow vacuum-tube collectors are investigated. It is found out that the DEC system can achieve a primary energy saving of around 40%, compared to an absorption refrigerant and of around 150% compared to a conventional vapour compressor refrigerator.