Photovoltaic-Driven Cooling Systems: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

This paper aims to reviewing the development and the prospects of the photovoltaic cooperating cooling systems. This topic covers the basics, new technologies, efficiency enhancement, and consequences of these systems in terms of environment and economy. The incorporation of photovoltaic (PV) technology into cooling system has also emerged widely for meeting the increasing demand for appropriate cooling methods especially in the regions that characterized by high temperatures. Photovoltaic air conditioning systems use electricity from solar power to support cooling processes, including vapor compression and absorption chillers with little or no inputs from fossil resources, thus reducing environmental effects. This paper provides a brief discussion of the various topologies of these systems; systems that incorporate DC compressor units, as well as solar-only systems that incorporate electric chillers and solar thermal systems. These designs are best used and suited for different uses and are more versatile in terms of functionality. The paper also explains the difficulties that arise when trying to implement the photovoltaic cooling technologies: high costs of investment, low storage capacity, and problems with fine-tuning. However, the combinations of these obstacles do not preclude the opportunities of energy conservation and the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions. As the final discussion of the paper, recommendations on future research and development are made with regard to the integration and control, cost effective measures and cooling technologies for enhancing the effectiveness of photovoltaic-driven cooling systems.