Economic and environmental assessment of solar air-conditioning systems in Morocco. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allouhi, Amine; Kousksou, Tarik; Jamil, Abdelmajid; El Rhafiki, Tarik; Mourad, Youssef; Zeraouli, Youssef
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 50(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 770
• Page End: 781
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Solar -- Air-conditioning -- Climatic -- Economic -- Environment -- Morocco; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.05.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: In addition to their harmful impact on the environment, air-conditioning applications account for a significant percentage of total energy utilization; thinking about clean resources becomes a world priority. Solar cooling systems using either adsorption or absorption technologies show a great potential since they can use a permanent energy and operate with environmentally safe working pairs. This paper investigates the potential of solar air-conditioning systems in Morocco (enjoying different climates) through a comparative study between conventional and solar closed cycle processes based on economic and environmental indicators. Accordingly, annual simulations in 6 climatic zones were performed to estimate cooling loads for a typical Modern Moroccan House. The major finding of this work is that solar air-conditioning systems in hot climates must be an attractive alternative to mitigate CO2 emissions and increase energy savings. However, the high installation cost is a main obstacle facing their implementation.