Optimum operational strategies for a solar absorption cooling system in an isolated school of Mexico

In this work, we present the simulation study of a LiBr-H2O solar thermal absorption air conditioning system, installed in an isolated primary school in the community of Puertecitos, Mexico. The collection system consists of 110 m(2) of evacuated tube solar collectors that produce the thermal energy needed to activate the chiller, while four cooling coils of 8.75 kW each cool the classrooms of the school with the chilled water produced. The characteristics of the system's equipment are used and a simulator is developed to determine the optimum operational strategies, given the conditions to which it will be subjected before the start-up of the plant. This is intended to ensure the comfort conditions of the students within the classrooms during the weekly class periods. The results show that the installed system is capable of satisfying the cooling needs of the school with the simulated strategies, but for a stable operation, periods of time must be dedicated for the recovery of energy inside the thermal storage tank. Some experiences are mentioned, both of the start-up and economic, related to an installation in an isolated community. The cost of the balance of plant was the highest with 36% of the total project, followed by the chiller and the solar field with 25 and 18%, respectively. The preliminary experimental results obtained during the implementation of the system are presented, where some of the operational strategies resulting from the simulation study can be confirmed. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.