Feasibility of Usage Possibility in Turkey of Solar Driven Ejector-Absorption Cooling System Available to Purchase

It appears that solar assisted refrigeration systems are a promising alternative to the conventional electrical driven units. Their main advantages are the reduction of peak loads for electricity utilities, the use of zero ozone depletion impact refrigerants, the decreased primary energy consumption, and decreased global warming impact. In this study, we have investigated the possibility of using ejector-absorption cooling systems (EACS) in Turkey. In addition, this study determines whether or not required heat for generator of EACS can be obtained from solar energy in Turkey. There are two important reasons to explain the use of EACS in Turkey. One is that the production and use of the CFCs and HCFCs will be phased out according to Montreal Protocol. The second is that, in Turkey, solar energy potential is very high due to its location in the northern hemisphere with latitudes 36–42°N and longitudes 26–45°E, the yearly average solar radiation is 3.6 kWh/m² day, and the total yearly radiation period is ∼2610 h. The radiation data and sunshine duration information collected since 2000 for 17 cities are used for analysis in different regions of Turkey. For maximum coefficient of performance (COP_max) conditions of EACSs operated with aqua-ammonia, it is found that required optimum collector surface area was defined by using the meteorological data. In addition since the system can be used throughout the year, required minimum energy for auxiliary heater was also calculated. It is shown that the heat gain factor (HGF) varies in the range from 0.5 to 2.68 for the all the seasons in the selected cities. The maximum HGF is 2.68 for Van in July. This study shows that there is a great potential for utilisation of solar cooling system for domestic heating/cooling applications in Turkey.