Fresnel solar cooling plant for buildings: Optimal operation of an absorption chiller through inverse modelling

Increasing comfort conditions in buildings imply higher energy demands. However, these needs can be mitigated by solar cooling solutions. These systems, such as absorption chillers, are complex and require stable operation, with strict control to maximise the fraction minimise gas consumption. This is incompatible variability of renewable resources, so they often coupled auxiliary systems. Although gas-free operation possible if systems optimally controlled, would special supervision. paper aims develop an experimental validation inverse model manage chiller a plant. To know its real behaviour, long-term experiments have been performed using this plant, which consists linear Fresnel collector natural boiler. The used predictive tool decide boiler commands optimise operation: maximum production minimising consumption maximising contribution. It has identified data from two weeks validated one summer month. Results show that estimates, on time base fewer than 30 min, acceptable errors less 5%. In addition, error estimated seasonal COP 6% per day. Therefore, results prove usefulness proposal for optimal operation. Furthermore, it could baseline preventive maintenance. If proposed management chiller, thermal efficiency plant increases significantly, doubling As result, halved total cost air conditioning building decreases 16%.