Performance and Economic Comparison of Solar Cooling Configurations

In this paper a performance and economic comparison of solar cooling configurations using a new integrated approach combining the hourly thermal-optical performance assessment of the solar systems with the economic aspects has been conducted. Evacuated tube solar collectors with single effect LiBr absorption chiller and compact solar linear concentrating Fresnel collectors with single effect or medium temperature double effect LiBr absorption chiller have been taken into account. Considering that all the produced cold thermal energy could be delivered to a final user, the latter solar cooling configuration shows the possibility to have the Levelized Cost Of Cooling (LCOC) comparable with standard electric compression cooling. However, technology improvements and economy of scale are necessary in order to reduce solar field cost in the range 150-250 €/m2.