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If all cooling and heating systems in OECD nations were powered by solar energy, solar energy could theoretically provide 10% of total energy consumption. This study examines cooling systems for residential and utility buildings in both South and North Europe, and analyzes the most viable options when solar energy is utilized to meet these buildings’ cooling demands when heat rejection temperatures are high. The solar electric and solar thermal pathways are also being explored. Both concentrating and non-concentrating thermal methods are discussed. The conclusion is that vapor compression cycles in conjunction with PV collectors now provide the most cost-effective options. Vapor compression cycles powered by energy supplied by parabolic dish collectors and Stirling engines are the second best choice. The double-effect absorption cycle with concentrated trough collectors is the best thermally driven option, followed by desiccant systems with flat-plate solar collectors. Options for adsorption systems are considerably costlier.
Refrigeration, Solar Energy, Solar Collector, Solar Cooling Compression System, Sorption System