4

Journal of Creative Sustainable Architecture & Built Environment Vol.
2, December, 2012
Solar vs. Conventional Air-Conditioning Systems: Review of LIMKOKWING University Campus, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
Edlas Khor Jiunn Hao and Ali GhaffarianHoseini* Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Cyberjaya, Malaysia * Dr.ali@limkokwing.edu.my Abstract
At present, the greater use of air-conditioning systems led to an expansion in the use of electrical energy highlighting the contemporary energy crisis. This research focuses on Limkokwing University camps, Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Nevertheless excessive use of airconditioning systems on the aforementioned campus has led to significant increase of energy consumption. This fact elucidates the need for considering utilization of renewable energy sources, and sustainable considerations. This research has considered the potential of using replacement technologies in order to contribute towards energy savings and sustainable promotions. Consequently, the calculations applied to estimate the saved electricity, and the returned investment are expressed accordingly. The study concentrated on the airconditioning devices within the campus of Limkokwing Cyberjaya Malaysia. As a result, this study highlights the substantial role of environment friendly factors towards energy saving and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Apart from that, this study represents that there is a significant difference between the responses of the air conditioner and the solar air conditioner regarding the saved energy. Keywords: Energy Crisis, Waste of Energy, Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Environmental Friendliness
1. Introduction
1.1 Renewable Energy Renewable Energy considers the primary energy from recurring and non-depleting indigenous resources. The reference scenario is projecting the world primary energy demand expands by almost 60% from 2002 to 2030, and the average annual increase percentage is 1.7% per year. The demand will be reaching 16.5 billion tons of oil equivalents (toe) compared to 10.3 billion toes in 2002. There is the projected rate of growth, but it is slower than over the past three decades when it grew by 2% per year [1]. On the other hand, the fossil fuels will keep monopolizing the global energy use. They will take up around 85% of the increase in world primary demand over 20022030. Furthermore, the share in total demand will increase slightly from 80% in 2002 to 82% in 2030 [7]. The share of renewable energy sources will remain the same which is at around 14% whilst the nuclear power will drop from 7% to 5% [1].
23
Journal of Creative Sustainable Architecture & Built Environment Vol. 2, December, 2012
Hence, the negative effects of fossil fuel combustion on the environment with limited stock can force many countries seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to sustain the increasing energy demand [1]. In this condition, the improvement in the quality of life is raising with the indigenous energy resources. The growth of scarcity in fossil fuels has raised the global interest in the harnessing of solar energy [7]. Solar power is a renewable energy while currently covering and assisting in merely a small portion of global energy demands. However, Photovoltaic (PV) power generates less than 1% of total electricity supplies since solar power has been considered as one of the most expensive sources of renewable energies [1]. 1.2 Renewable Energies & Government Policies Malaysia is a developing country with enthusiastic devotions towards the achievement and industrialization of renewable energies. Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, announced the plan for implementation of Low Carbon Cities Framework and Assessment System to carry forward Malaysia towards obtaining a low carbon economy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions up to 40% by 2020. Nevertheless, National Green Technology Policy will focus in the energy sector. The application of green technology in power has to carry out within energy utilization sector. The Malaysian solar energy capacity has been respectively analyzed according as represented in Table 1 [1]. Table 1. Cumulative Renewable Energy Capacity (MW) in Malaysia Adapted from [1]
1.3 Renewable Energy & Industry On the other hand, the need for cleaner alternative energy resources seeks various economy opportunities, especially the solar energy and biomass industry. Correspondingly, Malaysia introduced the solar (PV) and Feed-in Tariff (FiT) grid system on 1st December 2011 as represented in Figure 1.
24
Figure 1. Solar (PV) Grid System and the Solar Panels Attach to the Roof of the Buildings. Adapted from [1] 1.4 Renewable Energy & Malaysia The prominence of electric energy could not be overemphasized in the contemporary world. Researches show that the fossil fuels burning issues are the largest amount of (GHG) emissions in energy production sector. In order to face the future energy demand and the environmental constraints, application of renewable energies is an optimum solution to solve the respective issues [12]. Solar energy can be widely harnessed for energy production. Malaysia utilizes one of the latest and most efficient solar powered technologies concentrating on Photovoltaic panels [2, 14].
Figure 2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Malaysia Adapted from [2]
25
In 2005, Malaysia Building Integrated Photovoltaic MBIPV (a 5 year Program) has been launched to promote application of (PV) technology in the buildings [3]. However, Malaysia made a voluntary commitment at the United Nation (UN) Climate Change Conference to reduce 40% of emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2020 compared to 2005 levels [2]. The main Green Technology Policies launched by the Prime Minister in July 2009, such as minimizing the degradation of the environment; facilitating the growth of the renewable energy industry; ensuring the reasonable (RE) generation costs during December 2009 and the grid connected (RE) power generations in Malaysia totaled 53 MW [14]. 1.5 Potentials of Solar Energy Applications within Malaysia Malaysia is a tropical country located between 1 N and 7 N with 100 E and 119 E including the Peninsular Malaysia plus the states of Sabah and Sarawak [6]. The climate is hot and humid throughout the year with heavy rainfall. The rainfall ranges between 2032 2540mm, relative humidity 80-90%, solar radiation 12-20 MJ/m2, temperature 21-32 C and wind speed 2-22 m/s. The sunshine per day is approximately 12 hours [2]. Therefore, Malaysia is considered as a potential country in terms of positive accomplishments while utilizing solar energy resources. Table 2. Average Yearly Solar Irradiance, kWh/m2 per day [Mudathir Funsho Akorede, Ph.D, Adapted from [2]
1.6 Air conditioning in Malaysia At present, air conditioning is generally performed through a common electronic device and applies into various buildings. Since the Malaysia has a humid and hot climate, the air conditioning plays an important role towards achieving a comfort level in terms of thermal sensations [6]. However, common air conditioning system consumes a significant amount of electricity while being consistent unsustainable towards the environment. Figure 3 shows the
26
distribution of electricity consumption among general appliances while highlighting the airconditioners as the top ranked [5].
Figure 3. Yearly of the Consumption Electricity Adapted from [5]
2. Solar Air Conditioning Systems

2.1 Solar Air Conditioner
Figure 4. Basic Schematic Diagram of the Solar Air Conditioner Adapted from [4] Solar air conditioning (SAC) is the task of converting solar thermal energy (heat) into conditioned air. It undertakes the general air-conditioner role with less negative environmental impacts as well as lower energy consumptions. Solar cooling decreases the electricity requirements; lowers the operational cost and reduces the GHG (Green House Gas) emissions. SAC is a practical solution towards air conditioning requirements through providing the maximum cooling while making smaller contribution to peak load hence reducing the need for peak supply infrastructure expansion and neutralizing the electricity price rises [4]. A correctly designed SAC system will provide cooling with lower fossil fuel energy consumption than conventional air conditioning the process generates the electricity for the pumps; cooling towers, and the cooling distribution network [11]. Besides, there is a backup energy source for when there is insufficient solar radiation. The maximum cooling output is provided during the sunny days. The solar air conditioning can extremely alleviate peak load pressures incorporated with the use of conventional air conditioners. Although peak load typically occurs during the afternoon, once the sun has
27
reached its maximum intensity, solar energy system will incorporate with the storage system for storing and enables cooling when desired. During the hot and humid days, a backup heat source may be used which can supply the cooling conditions without using the electricity grid [4]. Hence, the electricity prices keep growing nowadays, so the solar air conditioning systems are suggested and encouraged to be utilized towards achieving sustainable economics Solar cooling systems reduce environmental impacts compare to conventional air conditioners. A correctly designed SAC strongly contributes to the energy saving, translates into fewer GHG; sulphur and particulate emissions associated with electricity consumption. Thus, the refrigerants used in solar cooling chillers are friendly to GHG and do not fully contribute to the climate changes [4]. SAC systems can be operated with green resources of heat as backup resources when solar radiation is unavailable, while causing the possibility of carbon neutral heating and cooling system developments. On the other hand, there are many old buildings with poor thermal performance resulting significantly high energy consumptions and GHG emissions [4]. Therefore, SAC is considered as a promising technology towards stepping through sustainable climatization [8]. Currently, increasing rate of applying radiant cooling systems in new commercial buildings represents the successfulness of SAC systems. On the other hand, higher advantages of solar cooling energy efficiency in the sensible cooling are provided in regions with relatively higher temperatures. Thus; issues regarding the conventional air-conditioning systems present an opportunity for small solar cooling systems to replace the conventional cooling methods [10]. At present, Malaysia initiated utilizing solar cooling systems however, in some cases, the implementations have been performed superficially resulting in insignificant sustainable improvements [8]. On the other hand, Malaysias climatic condition has provided an appropriate platform for vast expansion of SACs this, utilization of solar cooling systems are advised accordingly [4].
Figure 5. Solar Power Air Conditioner System Diagram Adapted from [4] Solar air conditioning is different with the conventional air conditioning since it uses the mechanical energies while transferring the heat through the compression and expansion of a refrigerant. However, the solar air conditioning conducts the approach based on the thermal energy collected from the suns radiation for producing cooling conditions [4].
28
In SAC systems, cooling is activated and accomplished in closed cycle chillers through the expansion of a refrigerant when solar heat applied and the heat rejected to the atmosphere and the refrigerant compresses [4]. Subsequently, there is the exposure to ambient temperatures at low internal pressure resulting in re-evaporation of the refrigerant. Besides, it will absorb the heat and produce the cooling effect. Then, the refrigerant is cooled again and re-condensed to complete the cycle of the cooling system [9]. On the other hand, open cycle chillers locate the conditioned air through direct integration to a dehumidifying desiccant with a fresh air stream. When the air is dried at this stage, it is evaporatively cooled to comfortable temperatures pertaining to the surroundings. Naturally, the water is removed from the moisture laden desiccant through the whole process [9]. It is significant to note that the thermally driven coolers are capable of being implemented with any suitable heat sources, in terms of gas; biomass; waste heat; district heating, and solar energy. Nevertheless, the interrelation of solar energy and a thermally driven chiller is required for a sola cooling system to be considered [13]. Other than the solar collectors and the chiller, the balance of system normally consists of a storage vessel to buffer against variations in solar energy and possibly providing extended hours of operation. Besides, there will be a back-up when sufficient solar energy is unavailable and it will be achieved by a back-up source of heat, such as gas or biomass to continue the cycle. Moreover, the solution pumping equipment and the heat rejection equipment, such as a cooling tower have to be taken into consideration as a main part of the system [4].
Figure 6. Solar Air Conditioner System & Components Work Adapted from [4]
3. Research Method & Analysis

Nowadays, green technologies and environmentally friendly devices are being promoted and applied within our built environment. Recent increase of oil prices and the fuel crisis has augmented the respective green technology promotion. Consequently, application of green appliances reduces the amount of GHG emissions and hence preventing the Ozone layer from further deteriorations while mitigating the respectively caused global warming issue. Furthermore, the greater use of conventional cooling systems within the built environment
29
has led to significant environmental pollutions. Therefore, architectural resolutions to tackle sustainable issues specifically in terms of thermal comfort achievements through green technologies have become increasingly popular. Since the air-conditioners consume the highest amount of electricity among electrical appliances of a typical building, this research proposed to replace the air-conditioners of the LIMKOKWING University campus (Malaysia) with SAC systems resulting in prospectus sustainable developments. Assumption: Price of Solar A/C = RM 5,000.00 Price of Normal A/C (2HP) = RM 2,500.00 (Including the installations) Estimated amount of A/C systems in LimKokWing Cyberjaya Campus = 400 units Type A: Electricity Consume of Normal A/C 1.3 kw 13.0 kw 390 kw Electricity Consume of Solar A/C 0.7 kw 7.0 kw 210 kw Electricity Saved 0.6 kw 6.0 kw 180 kw Ringgit Malaysia Saved (RM) 1.03 10.30 310.34
Hour 1 hour 10 hours 1 month (10 hours / day) 1 year (10 hours / day) 1 year (10 hours / day)
4,680 kw
2,520 kw
2,160 kw
3,724.06
1,872 Mw
1,008 Mw
864 Mw
1,489,624.00
Electricity Consume of Normal A/C x 400 units = 4,680kw x 400 = 1,872 Mw Electricity Consume of Solar A/C x 400 units = 2,520kw x 400 = 1,008 Mw Electricity Saved x 400 units = 2,160kw x 400 = 864 Mw Ringgit Malaysia Saved (RM) x 400 units = RM 3,724.06 x 400 = RM 1,489,624.00 Capital of investment: Price of Solar A/C x units = RM 5,000.00 x 400 = RM 2,000,000.00 Return of investment: RM 2,000,000.00 / RM 1,489,624.00 = 1.34 ~ 1.4 years = 1 year 4 months
30
Type B: Electricity Consume of Normal A/C 2.1 kw 21 kw 630 kw Electricity Consume of Solar A/C 1.2 kw 12 kw 360 kw Electricity Saved 0.9 kw 9 kw 270 kw Ringgit Malaysia Saved (RM) 1.548 15.48 464.40
7,560 kw
4,320 kw
3,240 kw
5572.80
3,024 Mw
1,728 Mw
1,296 Mw
2,229,120.00
Electricity Consume of Normal A/C x 400 units = 7,560kw x 400 = 3,024 Mw Electricity Consume of Solar A/C x 400 units = 4,320kw x 400 = 1,728 Mw Electricity Saved x 400 units = 3,240kw x 400 = 1,296 Mw Ringgit Malaysia Saved (RM) x 400 units = RM 5572.80x 400 = RM 2,229,120.00 Type C: Electricity Consume of Normal A/C 3.5 kw 35 kw 1,050 kw Electricity Consume of Solar A/C 1.7 kw 17 kw 510 kw Electricity Saved 1.8 kw 18 kw 540 kw Ringgit Malaysia Saved (RM) 3.096 30.96 928.80
12,600 kw
6,120 kw
6,480 kw
11145.60
5,040 Mw
2,448 Mw
2,592 Mw
4,458,240.00
Electricity Consume of Normal A/C x 400 units = 12,600kw x 400 = 5,040 Mw Electricity Consume of Solar A/C x 400 units = 6,120kw x 400 = 2,448 Mw Electricity Saved x 400 units = 6,480kw x 400 = 2,592 Mw Ringgit Malaysia Saved (RM) x 400 units = RM 11145.60 x 400 = RM 4,458,240.00
31
The respective calculations performed based on comparison of three different airconditioner types (Variations in terms of power) revealed that; not only application of SAC systems result in reduction of energy consumption and GHG emissions but, the investment capital required for the new air-conditioning systems can be remunerated after a relatively short period of time.
4. Conclusion
At present, there exists some attempt or understanding of solar air conditioning within Malaysia. As many other countries in the world, Malaysia is facing the energy crisis hence proposing sustainable developments with emphasize on solar performances as a supporting solution. Respectively, it is of vital importance to select the correct components and devices for each application depending on the desired performance specifications. LIMKOKWING campus is advised to break free from considering the financial payback and look forwards to the long-term benefits of solar air conditioning that could contribute towards energy independence and environmentally friendly goals in a larger scale. There is a significant need towards the promotion of developing the experience, improving the understanding and providing a framework for a future Malaysian solar air conditioning market. Moreover, the high cooling demand of SAC can be addressed while highlighting its environmental friendliness.Therefore the final outcome of the study contributes toward saving cost and environment friendly context to enhance the quality of life in the cities.
References
[1] B. Gallego, CPV could reach grid parity, (2011), http://news.pv-insider.com/concentrated-pv/cpv-couldreach-grid-parity-2011. [2] Malaysia Green Technology Annual Report, (2010), http://www.greentechmalaysia.my/index.php/greentechnology/annualreport.html. [3] X. Z. Zhong, Asian energy and environmental policy: Promoting growth while preserving the environment, Energy Policy, vol. 36, no. 10, (2008). [4] S. Hitam, Sustainable energy policy and strategies: a prerequisite for the concerted development and promotion of the renewable energy in Malaysia, (1999). [5] R. Saidur, H. H. Masjuki and M. Y. Jamaluddin, An Application of Energy and Exercy Analysis in Residential Sector of Malaysia. Journal of Energy Policy, Elsevier, Issue 35, (2007), pp. 1050-1063. [6] Pusat Tenaga Malaysia, Market Status Report in Malaysia, (2007). [7] B. C. Farhar, Energy and the Environment: The Public View, Review of Energy and the Environment Issue Brief, no. 3, (1996) October. [8] K. S. Kasana, The study of solar absorption air-conditioning systems, Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, vol. 16, no. 4, (2005) November. [9] P. Naukkarinen, International Journal of Sustainable Energy, vol. 28, nos. 13, (2009) March-September, pp. 93100. [10] Altener Project, Promoting solar air conditioning: technical overview of active techniques, 4.1030/Z/02 121/2002, (2002). [11] SolarFrost, Solar collectors: different types and fields of application, (2006). [12] . G ler, Wind energy status in electrical energy production of Turkey Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 13, no. 2, (2009), pp. 473-478. [13] S. Hitam, Sustainable energy policy and strategies: a prerequisite for the concerted development and promotion of the renewable energy in Malaysia, (1999). [14] A. R. Mohamed and K. T. Lee, Energy for sustainable development in Malaysia: energy policy and alternative energy, (2006).
32

4

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

4

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Journal of Creative Sustainable Architecture & Built Environment Vol.

Figure 2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Malaysia Adapted from [2]

Figure 3. Yearly of the Consumption Electricity Adapted from [5]

2. Solar Air Conditioning Systems

3. Research Method & Analysis

You might also like