Integration of solar space cooling technology in México’s social housing sector – feasibility study in a warm humid region

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the feasibility of integrating a solar thermal power driven air conditioning system into Mexico’s social housing dwelling. For this purpose, a new housing model is required. The selected case study is a typical two story social housing unit within a neighborhood development located in Playa del Carmen, in the state of Quintana-Roo. This existing dwelling is then the basis of design upon which proposed modifications, considered bioclimatic strategies, are applied. The methodology is divided in five different phases. The first part involves obtaining energy consumption data from the families residing in these dwellings and identify their thermal comfort time schedule needs through a building occupant survey. In the second phase, architectural modifications are proposed to reduce the thermal cooling load requirements. Thirdly, a solar thermal system is designed. A comparison with a potential PV run system follows. Computer software simulations are performed in phases two through four in order to evaluate the performance behavior of each system. Finally in the fifth phase, an economical analysis is introduced. Simulation results show that through architectural bioclimatic modifications, the cooling thermal load of a typical household in Mexico can be sharply reduced. However, the current cost standing and the system variability relying on solar irradiance still proves to be not technically feasible for the local conditions. However a further analysis into this housing prototype taking into consideration the thermal comfort levels without the use of air conditioning is recommended.