**5. Comparative study of solar air-conditioning systems vs. traditional ones**

From research studies reviewed in this chapter, we conclude that whatever the technology, solar AC systems have many environmental benefits compared with those that are driven by conventional vapor compression cycles. In fact, traditional AC systems operate with chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants that impact on ozone depletion [49]. Hence, solar AC systems present an interesting solution to inhibit the harmful effects on the environment. It is observed that they significantly lower the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, achieve the desired comfort, and reach a considerable saving of energy of up to 80%. They also can be installed in all regions and operating under all climatic conditions. On the other hand, the solar air-conditioning can effectively mitigate peak load pressures occurred with the use of conventional air conditioners, thanks to the heat storage process. Indeed, the heat is especially stored when the solar irradiance is high and can be after harnessed when the solar radiation becomes deficient [50]. This fact ensures the continuous operation of the solar AC systems. In terms of COP, the thermal COP of a solar AC system is generally lower than those of a conventional AC system without decreasing the solar system performance. All these benefits make solar AC systems attractive and extensively integrated into modern buildings. This comparative study is illustrated in the following **Table 2**.

**6. Conclusions**

The solar AC systems reported in this chapter present an interesting worldwide solution to reduce the harmful effects (high energy consumption and pollution) of traditional AC systems. In fact, research studies revealed that absorption, adsorption, and desiccant systems allowed saving energy up to 80, 50, and 52%, respectively, thanks to the optimization of their designs at the level of using environmentally unfriendly refrigerants, investing in the free and clean solar energy to power them, as well as at the level of the choice of the components that comprise them. Therefore, these systems also reduced the pollution rate

**Solar air-conditioning systems Conventional air-conditioning** 

components are added to them according to the technology adopted (solar collectors, boiler, absorber, adsorber, generator, desiccant bed, rotary wheel and

expensive, especially for the desiccant AC systems.

solar absorption AC systems). - Up to \$ 29.022 that can be paid back after 13 years (for solar adsorption AC systems). - Gas price up to 0.5638 \$/kg can be paid after 11–17 years (for solar desiccant AC systems).

technology of the solar AC system)

Continuous operation of the solar

Can be installed in regions where the electricity is unavailable (desert,

Reduce the energy consumption

emissions into the

Driven by an exhausted clean energy resource (solar)

of the solar collector (for

Designs of installations Complex installations and new

Costs Maintenance is frequent and

Effectiveness COP Low COP (according to the

so on).


Environmental benefits Use lower temperature heat source

AC systems

Reduce the CO<sup>2</sup>

atmosphere

etc.)

**Table 2.** Advantages and disadvantages of solar AC systems compared with conventional AC ones.

**systems**

Low costs

High COP

electricity

warming

cycle

Use harmful refrigerants Depend on a supply of

Contribute to the global

Impact on ozone depletion

High energy consumption

Driven by a vapor compression

Simple installations based on the vapor compression cycles

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.72189

Solar Air-Conditioning Systems

15


**Table 2.** Advantages and disadvantages of solar AC systems compared with conventional AC ones.
