DE-79-08-2 -- Solar Rankine Air-Conditioning Systems PDF

This paper descripes the Rankine cooling system and presents design point and off-design performance presently obtained in prototype units. It is pointed out that some solar systems use more electrical power than a non-solar installation and the Hankine cooling system with electrical generation capability can improve the overall system performance on an electrical energy basis. Areas in need of improvement in Rankine cooling systems are: a) cost reduction, b) air conditioner compressor efficiency improvement, c) parasitic power reduction, and d) use of higher evaporator temperatures. In conclusion. Hankine cooling is technically feasible and has considerable advantages over absorption cooling, but it is questionable if solar coolingwill ever be cost effective.