Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar-Powered Air-Conditioning Systems with Thermal Energy Storage for Cost Reduction in Tropical Regions
Abstract
The growing demand for cooling in tropical regions poses significant economic and environmental challenges due to rising energy costs and grid instability. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of a photovoltaic–thermal energy storage–variable refrigerant flow (PV–TES–VRF) system for office cooling in Nigeria. Cooling load simulations showed an annual demand of 43,800 kWh, peaking during the hot–dry season with an average of 120 kWh/day. A 32 kWp PV system generated about 150 kWh/day, supplying 35–40% of cooling needs. The integration of TES provided up to 6 hours of autonomy, shifting 20–25% of evening loads and reducing grid dependence by 20%. Economic assessment revealed a levelized cost of cooling of ₦11/kWh, approximately 40% lower than conventional grid-powered cooling, with a payback period of 6.5 years. Sensitivity analysis indicated that electricity tariffs, PV efficiency, and TES size are the most critical parameters influencing system performance. Environmental analysis showed a reduction of about 2.7 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, amounting to 54 tons over a 20-year system lifetime. Overall, the PV–TES–VRF system offers a technically viable, economically attractive, and environmentally sustainable solution for medium-scale buildings in tropical regions, with strong potential for large-scale adoption to reduce grid stress and support Nigeria’s low-carbon transition.
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