Performance analysis of different system configurations in solar air conditioning system in Wuhan

Combined with a project in Wuhan, analyses the energy efficiency, economic and environmental benefits of solar absorption air conditioning systems. When the configuration of heat collector meets 60% cooling load, primary energy utilization efficiency of solar air conditioning is 1.16, compared with chillers and gas boiler system/air source heat pump, solar air conditioning gains obvious energy efficiency. Due to the higher price of solar collectors, higher initial investment of solar air conditioning system leads to a longer payback period. Optimized result shows that the area of solar heat collector should meet the demand of 55%-80% cooling load, not less than 40%.