Conference Paper

Proceedings of eSim 2024: 13th Conference of IBPSA-Canada

Transient Model Development of a Low-energy Multi-unit Residential Building Comprising a Novel Solar-driven Space Cooling System

Colin Ward, Cem Kalkan, Jean Duquette, Cynthia A. Cruickshank
Carleton University

Abstract: Total annual residential space cooling demands in Canada (and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions) have increased steadily over the past decade and are projected to continue in this vein for years to come. A potential pathway to counteract this trend is to move away from carbon intensive electricity driven cooling technologies like plug-in air conditioners towards more sustainable thermally driven alternatives such as sorption-based solar-driven systems. In this study, a numerical model is developed of a low-energy multi-unit residential building (located in Ottawa, Canada) comprising a novel solar-driven adsorption chiller system. Beyond space cooling, the proposed system also provides heat for meeting the building’s required domestic hot water, space heating, and ventilation needs. Results show that during the cooling season (May – October), total greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by roughly 15% relative to a reference building that is conditioned using a conventional electricity-only system. On an annual basis, these reductions increase to approximately 57%.
Keywords: Solar, Adsorption, Cooling, Residential, Energy
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