SOLAR ADSORPTION COOLING SYSTEM: DEVELOPMENT OF A PLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING OF A SMALL OFFICE

In this paper, the design and installation of a solar cooling air conditioning system specifically optimised for Mediterranean climates is presented. The system has been designed for the conditioning of a small office in Messina by means of a double-bed adsorption chiller. The main design parameters have been calculated simulating the system in TRNSYS environment. The system has eventually been installed at ITAE and tested in summer condition to validate the results from simulations and the management strategies applied. The results obtained show that high solar fraction can be reached and that set temperature in the office is maintained. Furthermore, from the results obtained, an advanced adsorption chiller tailored for solar-assisted application in hot climates has been developed, employing a zeolite coating. From preliminary testing at "CENTROPROVE" ITAE, it has been proved itself to be a promising system in terms of both power enhancement and efficiency.