Development and test of solar Rankine cycle heating and cooling systems
Well-designed solar-powered Rankine-cycle systems can be used to drastically reduce building heating and cooling energy requirements while meeting all comfort operational requirements. A turbocompressor system using a common refrigerant, R11, and advanced aerodynamic and mechanical design features can efficiently provide heating and cooling at efficiency levels equal to or above those of current systems. Equipment costs, i.e., collector, storage, and heat pump, as well as installation costs are currently too high for widespread solar application. However, as energy costs continue to escalate and equipment cost is reduced due to increased production, solar cooling and heating will become competitive and gain acceptance. The Southwest will probably lead the way to solar energy utilization.