Techno-Economic Analysis of a Solar Adsorption Cooling System for Residential Applications in Canada

As the population increases so does the demand for space cooling which causes higher peak loads on the electrical grid. Areas without a renewable dominant energy grid produce more carbon dioxide during peak periods due to the fossil fuel plants ramping up to match demand. Solar adsorption cooling reduces and shifts the electrical loads required for cooling. Various residential applications of an adsorption system were studied within this project for different cities across Canada. Regions in Ontario would benefit the most due to higher solar potential for water heating and the reduction of fossil fuel plants. Areas where natural gas is available for a low cost, like Alberta, were found to have a much lower economic benefit for this type of system but would receive a massive reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. This study produced promising results depending on the GHG composition of the electrical grid, utility rates, and weather.