Solar thermal cooling uses solar heat to power cooling systems through absorption or adsorption chillers rather than conventional electric compressors. This technology aligns cooling demand with solar availability, providing efficient space conditioning during peak summer when solar irradiance is highest. Systems can reduce electrical cooling loads by 60-80%.
Technical Details
Solar thermal cooling requires collectors operating at 70-90°C (158-194°F) connected to absorption or adsorption chillers producing chilled water at 6-12°C. System coefficient of performance (COP) ranges from 0.5-0.8, meaning one unit of cooling output requires two units of solar thermal input. Configurations typically include 12-20 m² of collectors and 500-1000 liter storage tanks for residential applications.
Applications and Significance
Solar thermal cooling suits office buildings, schools, and commercial facilities in Mediterranean and subtropical climates. Installation costs range from 8000-15000 euros for residential systems, with significant higher expenses for commercial deployments. This technology reduces peak electrical demand by 30-50%, lowering grid stress during summer peak hours. Integration with district cooling networks and thermal storage extends cooling availability beyond solar hours, complying with EN 12976 and ISO 23045 standards.