Design and construction of a solar powered supersonic ejector air-conditioning system

This paper presents on-going development work undertaken by The University of Nottingham to develop and install a solar powered air-conditioning system in a rural factory in Mazunte, Mexico. It is the aim of this research to demonstrate that the ejector cycle can be competitive not only in terms of environmental impact but also in terms of operational effectiveness. The solar ejector unit for air conditioning comprises an ejector cycle driven by a commercial solar collector. The solar cooling unit prototype uses an innovative working fluid, HFE 7100. The advantages of this working fluid over other possible alternatives are discussed. With a design cooling capacity of 11kW the system will operate in buildings in a very rural setting where electrical power is expensive and transmission is intermittent. Further integration of the system into this facility will ensure that excess heat generated by the solar collectors will be utilised in process heating. Additionally, provision will be made for the storage of both hot and cold using phase change material energy stores.