Potential of utilizing solar cooling in The University of Jordan

In this paper, the potential of utilizing a solar cooling system to improve the indoor air quality is investigated. The analysis is performed for a 41 m2 with a 3.65 m height laboratory located at Mango Center for Scientific Research – University of Jordan in Amman. The hourly ambient temperatures and the monthly solar radiation in Amman are recorded. The calculations of the cooling demand were done using two methods, i.e. manual calculations and block load software. For the analysis, the internal loads of lightning, computer, etc. and the building envelope (e.g. double glass, no shading) were considered.The results show that proposed solar collectors of 40 m2 area can provide solar heat for an 8 kW solar air-conditioning system. Moreover, domestic hot water (solar fraction up to 100%) and solar heating (approx. 15–25% solar fraction) could be also provided, with the solar air-conditioning system, for the centre. An economic study was also carried, which showed that the estimated payback period of the solar cooling system, exceeds that of project life time of the project, which is assumed to be 24 years unless the government of Jordan issues a new law for renewable energy that grants incentives, exemptions and subsidizes projects that invest in solar energy applications by about 40% of initial investment cost of the system.

► Potential of utilizing a solar cooling system in Jordan is investigated.
► The suggested system will be used for cooling a 41 m2 laboratory.
► Solar collectors of 196 m2 are required for an 8 kW solar air-conditioning system.
► The estimated payback period of the solar cooling system exceeds the project life time of the project.