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Economical and environmental assessment of an optimized solar cooling system for a medium-sized benchmark office building in Los Angeles, California

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  • Hang, Yin
  • Qu, Ming
  • Zhao, Fu

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic energetic, economical, and environmental assessment on a solar cooling system for a medium-sized office building in Los Angeles, California by means of system modeling. The studied solar cooling system primarily consists of evacuated tube solar collectors, a hot water storage tank, a single-effect LiBr–H2O absorption chiller, and a gas-fired auxiliary heater. System performance optimization and sensitivity analysis were conducted by varying two major parameters (i.e. storage tank volume and collector area). The results suggest that a trade-off exists between economic performance indicated by the equivalent uniform annual cost (EUAC) and the energetic/environmental performance indicated by the solar fraction and CO2 reduction percentage, respectively. The cost of carbon footprint reduction was defined and served as an indicator for the overall system performance. Based on this indicator, the optimal system design could be found for a solar cooling system. The approach adapted in this study can be applied to other buildings located in different climate zones to reveal the cost and benefits of solar cooling technologies and facilitate decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Hang, Yin & Qu, Ming & Zhao, Fu, 2011. "Economical and environmental assessment of an optimized solar cooling system for a medium-sized benchmark office building in Los Angeles, California," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 648-658.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:36:y:2011:i:2:p:648-658
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2010.08.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Fong, K.F. & Lee, C.K., 2015. "Investigation of separate or integrated provision of solar cooling and heating for use in typical low-rise residential building in subtropical Hong Kong," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 847-855.
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    9. 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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