1. Determination of composition, flammability and safety class of the refrigerant for an innovative solar refrigeration unit
The issue of flammability is one of the key aspects in the use of substances in refrigeration and in the design of refrigeration equipment. It affects the amount of the substance that can be used in the circuit, and thus affects its efficiency. It imposes restrictions on the design and operation of the system and defines the required safety considerations.
2. Design of a pilot refrigeration unit based on environmentally safe refrigerants, powered by solar energy and connected to a short-term energy storage system (STES)
The newly designed solar-powered refrigeration unit will be the primary source of cooling for the building. The designed system will use blends with negligible greenhouse effect, whose main components will be hydrocarbons, providing high efficiency and low system charge. The prototype unit will be powered by solar energy from photovoltaic panels. The amount of generated electricity needed to drive the refrigeration system and automation and hydraulic components is estimated at 15 kW. This energy will be sourced from 65 photovoltaic panels connected to a set of batteries; this will allow independent powering of controls and system security around the clock. The thermal energy storage system will be based on a selected phase-change material, whose cyclic phase transformation will allow solar energy to be stored as cold, and then released when it is most cost-effective.
3. Technology transfer to other European countries
After validation of the device’s operation under Polish climatic conditions, the device will be replicated and installed at the University of Almeria facility to see how effectively it works under hot climate conditions and to compare performance characteristics with two CIESOL building cooling systems already tested and operating continuously.
4. Dissemination campaign
The project aims to reach the widest possible audience using a variety of communication methods, both live and online. These activities will be crucial for the effective development of an innovative building cooling system, raising awareness of the industry and the public on the use of renewable energy sources in refrigeration, and replicating the geographic design of the installation.
