Analysis of a Solar Cooling System for Climatic Conditions of Five Different Cities of Saudi Arabia

M. Mujahid Rafique, Shafiqur Rehman, Aref Lashin and Nassir Al Arifi
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M. Mujahid Rafique: Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Shafiqur Rehman: Center for Engineering Research, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Aref Lashin: College of Engineering, Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
Nassir Al Arifi: College of Science, Geology and Geophysics Department, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

Energies, 2016, vol. 9, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Air high in humidity leads to uncomfortable conditions and promotes the growth of different fungi and bacteria, which may cause health problems. The control of moisture content in the air using traditional air conditioning techniques is not a suitable option due to large consumption of primary energy and hence emission of greenhouse gases. The evaporative cooling technology is a cost effective and eco-friendly alternative but can provide thermal comfort conditions only under low humidity conditions. However, the evaporative cooling method can be used effectively in conjunction with desiccant dehumidifiers for better control of humidity. Such systems can control the temperature and humidity of the air independently and can effectively utilize the low-grade thermal energy resources. In this paper, the theoretical analysis of desiccant based evaporative cooling systems is carried out for five cities in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Jazan, Riyadh, Hail, and Dhahran). It has been observed that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system varies from 0.275 to 0.476 for different locations. The water removal capacity of the desiccant wheel is at its maximum for the climatic conditions of Jazan and at its minimum for Hail. The effect of climatic conditions of five cities on regeneration temperature, air mass flow rate, and potential of solar energy has been evaluated using RET Screen software.

Keywords: thermal cooling; desiccant wheel; evaporative cooling; clean technology; energy saving; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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