Solar-Integrated Energy Systems for Sustainable Buildings

Buildings are among the largest energy consumers globally, driving the need for innovative and sustainable solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The integration of solar-based systems with advanced technologies such as organic Rankine cycles and combined cooling, heating, and power systems provides a promising pathway toward cleaner energy utilization. This study explores the potential of a solar integrated organic Rankine cycle with CCHP applications for commercial buildings, highlighting its efficiency, adaptability, and contribution to sustainable energy transitions.

Role of Buildings in Energy Consumption

The electricity demand of commercial and residential buildings is a major contributor to global energy consumption. Conventional energy systems heavily rely on fossil fuels, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Research has increasingly emphasized the need for alternative energy technologies, such as solar-based systems, to address the dual challenges of high energy demand and sustainability.

Solar Integrated Organic Rankine Cycle (SORC-CCHP)

The SORC-CCHP system represents a significant advancement in renewable energy utilization for buildings. By integrating solar thermal energy with organic Rankine cycles, the system efficiently generates multiple outputs, including electricity, heating, and cooling. The addition of parabolic trough collectors enhances solar heat capture, making the system more effective for diverse climatic conditions while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

Integration of Ejector Refrigeration System (ERS)

Cooling demand is one of the primary energy requirements in commercial buildings, particularly during summer. The integration of an ejector refrigeration system with SORC-CCHP enhances cooling efficiency by utilizing the extracted primary flow during turbine expansion. This approach not only improves the system’s thermodynamic performance at lower evaporator temperatures but also ensures better utilization of solar-derived energy for cooling purposes.

Thermodynamic Modeling and Simulation

A transient mathematical model developed in MATLAB plays a crucial role in predicting the year-round performance of the proposed system. This simulation considers varying climatic conditions and operating parameters to evaluate system efficiency, solar fraction, and capacity outputs. Such thermodynamic analyses provide deep insights into how system design choices impact performance metrics, enabling researchers to optimize configurations for maximum efficiency.

Results and Future Potential

The results indicate that the system achieves peak performance during summer, with a solar contribution of 44%, a maximum cooling capacity of 10.33 kW, and significant heating and power outputs. These findings demonstrate the potential of solar-integrated CCHP systems as sustainable energy solutions for commercial buildings. Future research can focus on scaling applications, improving working fluid alternatives, and enhancing system flexibility under dynamic environmental conditions to accelerate the transition toward net-zero energy buildings.

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