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Economical comparison between a solar-powered vapour absorption air-conditioning system and a vapour compression system in the Middle East

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  • Elsafty, A
  • Al-Daini, A.J

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the general cost associated with single- and double-effect vapour absorption and vapour compression air-conditioning systems. The cost analysis covers the initial costs and the operating costs of each of the three systems. The vapour absorption system considered in this paper is based on water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide solution as the absorbent. The analysis is undertaken to help select an air-conditioning system that fulfils a 250 TOR cooling load of a five-floor student hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. The typical meteorological year database for Alexandria was used to estimate the cooling load for the building. The analysis is based on two different methods, the present worth value (PWC) and the equivalent annual cost (EAC), for initial and operating costs of each system. The selection depends on which system requires the minimum life-cycle cost (LCC) and can perform the intended function for its life span. The analysis also considers the interrelationship between economic and thermodynamic aspects, such as the dependence of operating cost on the surrounding climatic conditions. The method used and the results from this study offer useful guidelines for researchers and decision-makers when selecting an air-conditioning system. The results show that the double-effect vapour absorption system is the preferred option for its minimum present worth value as well as the equivalent annual cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Elsafty, A & Al-Daini, A.J, 2002. "Economical comparison between a solar-powered vapour absorption air-conditioning system and a vapour compression system in the Middle East," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 569-583.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:25:y:2002:i:4:p:569-583
    DOI: 10.1016/S0960-1481(01)00078-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ghaddar, N.K. & Shihab, M. & Bdeir, F., 1997. "Modeling and simulation of solar absorption system performance in Beirut," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 10(4), pages 539-558.
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    2. Aktacir, Mehmet Azmi & Büyükalaca, Orhan & YIlmaz, Tuncay, 2006. "Life-cycle cost analysis for constant-air-volume and variable-air-volume air-conditioning systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(6), pages 606-627, June.
    3. Hang, Yin & Du, Lili & Qu, Ming & Peeta, Srinivas, 2013. "Multi-objective optimization of integrated solar absorption cooling and heating systems for medium-sized office buildings," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 67-78.
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    10. Salameh, Tareq & Alkhalidi, Ammar & Hussien Rabaia, Malek Kamal & Al Swailmeen, Yaser & Alroujmah, Wared & Ibrahim, Mohamed & Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali, 2022. "Optimization and life cycle analysis of solar-powered absorption chiller designed for a small house in the United Arab Emirates using evacuated tube technology," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 200-212.
    11. Ge, T.S. & Wang, R.Z. & Xu, Z.Y. & Pan, Q.W. & Du, S. & Chen, X.M. & Ma, T. & Wu, X.N. & Sun, X.L. & Chen, J.F., 2018. "Solar heating and cooling: Present and future development," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 1126-1140.
    12. Aktacir, Mehmet Azmi & Büyükalaca, Orhan & YIlmaz, Tuncay, 2010. "A case study for influence of building thermal insulation on cooling load and air-conditioning system in the hot and humid regions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(2), pages 599-607, February.

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