| Onderwerp (wordt vervangen door Abstract na indienen) | Heat from the sun was explored as an energy source in the 19th century, but its potential was largely overshadowed by the rise of coal and oil, and more recently by solar panels, with the exception of solar water heating. However, solar heat can also be harnessed to generate electricity and for cooling purposes.
This dissertation examines the synergy between two pioneering technologies: Frank Shuman's solar engine, invented in 1897, and Ferdinand Philippe Edouard Carré's absorption refrigeration machine. Shuman's solar engine concentrated solar energy to heat ether, a low-boiling-point fluid, converting solar heat into mechanical work by driving a steam engine. This system ran continuously on sunny days for more than two years, showcasing an early example of renewable energy use through mechanical processes.
Meanwhile, Carré's absorption machine, which uses a heat source such as gas or kerosene for thermally driven cooling processes. The aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of integrating these two systems into a unified energy conversion and cooling cycle.
The proposed system will employ three types of fluids to optimize energy transfer and thermal efficiency. Solar energy will be captured using a combination of lenses or aluminum panels designed to concentrate sunlight onto a focal point, generating the necessary thermal energy to heat the fluid continuously throughout the day.
This concentrated solar heat will drive the solar-powered thermal engine, which will then power the absorption refrigeration cycle based on Carré's design.
This dissertation I will examine the underlying principles of both technologies, evaluate their historical significance, and explore modern adaptations that could enhance the energy efficiency of small-scale, solar-driven systems for both power generation and refrigeration. The research will also consider the practical applications of this integrated system in Cuba, where the abundance of sunlight and the need for efficient cooling solutions present a compelling case for its implementation. Materials required for this project will include high-thermal-conductivity metals for the heat exchangers, low-boiling-point refrigerants for the absorption cycle, and durable materials for the solar collectors, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability.
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