In: Mechanical Engineering
A 2.5 TR split unit is to be powered using solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Assume the cooling unit has a COP = 3, the solar panel converts only the direct solar radiation (i.e. neglect diffuse part) & the conversion energy efficiency is 30%, calculate the required surface solar panel area (m2) and the saving in the monthly running cost (S.R./month) assume 8 hr’s unit daily operation & the power charge is 0.18 S.R/kW-hr. To calculate the solar radiation, use the following data: Location: Jeddah, l = 21.67o, L = 39.15o, CN = 0.7 Day: June 21st Solar hour (h) = 37.6o the solar panel is facing south with a surface tilting angle = 23o from the horizontal.