Solar Hybrid Air Conditioning
Students: Abdullah Alharbi 200901437, Hamad Alamoud 200600183, Mohammed Alshaqra 201100502, Ahmed Almithn 201102234, Mishal aldossary 201101196
Advisor: Dr. Nader A. Nader
Abstract:
The current electricity peak demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is about 55 Gigawatt (GW). Of that, 72% is used for Heat Ventilation and Air conditioning system (HVAC). The peak demand is projected to reach 120 GW by the year 2032 and the Kingdom may face the risk to significantly reduce its petrol exports to meet local energy demands. Consequently, in 2007, the Saudi Government initiated a massive program to improve HVAC energy consumption efficiency. The program includes HVAC rating system, comprehensive implementation program for the new system, and public awareness campaigns. This study provides an overview on the current and future situation of solar cooling and power consumption in Saudi Arabia. Further, this study will describe a demonstration project of the use of solar energy to increase the efficiency of the split units and to decrease its energy consumption. The hybrid air conditioner consists of installing a solar panel between the compressor and the condenser. Comparing the EER and power for a fully system air conditioning system and the air conditioner equipped with the solar bypass improved the EER by 5.41% and the COP by 12.24 %. The consumption of power was reduced by 5.35%. The system can be optimized to reduce the energy consumption even further as will be discussed in this document.
