Concentrated Solar Air Conditioning for Buildings

EW-201018

Objective

The objective of this project is to demonstrate that small-scale parabolic trough concentrated solar power collectors (MicroCSP™) can be integrated with dual-effect absorption chillers to provide a renewable energy-based source of air conditioning. The project aims to demonstrate that the combined technology can be installed and integrated into an installation's energy management program, perform adequately during prime usage periods, and produce a 20% energy consumption reduction in total kW-hr usage.

Back to Top

Technology Description

Tying parabolic collectors to dual-effect absorption chillers is a new application of two proven technologies. The principal design of the MicroCSP™ consists of four functional components. The first component is the SopoNova Solar array, which consists of a field of parabolic solar collectors. Second is the dual-effect absorption chiller, a refrigeration system that uses heated thermal fluid (a water and glycol mixture) to drive a thermochemical process that uses water as a refrigerant and lithium bromide as the absorber. Third is the SopoControls monitoring and microcontroller system comprised of sensors, relays, and switches that monitor solar collector conditions, weather conditions, and interior load-side conditions to regulate and optimize the operation of the entire cooling system. Finally, a monitoring and data collection system also triggers control sequences.

Back to Top

Benefits

This concentrated solar air conditioning system will improve Department of Defense compliance with Executive Orders 13423 and 13514. The technology is expected to produce a reduction of 20% in total building energy consumption and 66% in HVAC energy consumption. If air conditioning energy savings of 20% or more result, the aggregate life-cycle cost savings are substantial and approach several million dollars per year. A major end product of the project will be an encapsulated model that will aid transition of the technology to other facilities. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)

Back to Top

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Ms. Kathleen Paulson

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)

Phone: 805-982-4984

Fax: 805-982-4832

Program Manager

Energy and Water

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.