Dynamic Investigation of a Coupled Parabolic Trough Collector–Phase Change Material Tank for Solar Cooling Process in Arid Climates

The use of solar energy for cooling processes is advantageous reducing the consumption conventional air-conditioning systems and protecting environment. In present work, a solar-powered system with parabolic trough collectors (PTC) phase change material (PCM) tank numerically investigated in arid climates Saudi Arabia. contains 160-kW double-effect absorption chiller powered by solar-heated pressurized water as heat transfer fluid (HTF) shell tube PCM thermal battery. novelty this paper to investigate feasibility potential using PTC field coupled purposes climates. numerical method adopted dynamic model developed based on lumped approach; it validated data from literature. functioning both sunshine hours (charging period) off-sunshine (discharging period). area work varies 200 m2 260 capacity ranges 120 kW kW. Obtained results showed that fully driven 240 m2-solar during charging period about 23% stored tank. It was demonstrated increasing 220 leads reduction time up 45%. addition, found an increase loads induces decrease 450 kWh 45 kWh. During discharging period, can continue process stable delivered power 160 HTF temperature between 118 °C 150 °C. used studied 30% hours.