Technical Analysis

SENTECH develops interactive simulation models that allow users to input criteria to assess the technical and economic implications of different clean energy scenarios. But piles of data serve no one unless the results are clearly understood. SENTECH's modeling team develops tools that simplify complex systems to create accessible models. We help clients understand and interpret our model results, giving decision makers the information necessary to make key decisions regarding product research, development, and deployment.

SENTECH can help government agencies and private industry companies determine the technical viability of a technology or system.  For DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program, SENTECH used its research and technical analysis skills to develop an in-depth analysis of an innovative solution to high natural gas costs: solar thermal absorption chiller systems (STACS) for commercial buildings space. SENTECH modeled and analyzed systems using commercially available rooftop concentrating parabolic troughs that could provide sufficient thermal energy output to drive lithium bromide absorption chillers to cool building space.

By concentrating the sun’s heat onto a tube of water, plenty of thermal energy can be generated to drive a solar heat-driven absorption chiller to create a renewable cooling system for buildings and industrial plants. Click here to see larger image.

The following factors may position solar thermal absorption cooling systems as a competitive alternative to conventional electric- or natural gas-driven air conditioning:

• Recent technology advances have occurred in concentrating solar thermal direct flow vacuum tube-type collectors.
• The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a non-capped 30% Investment Tax Credit for solar thermal cooling systems on commercial buildings.
• Natural gas retail prices are near record highs, increasing peak electricity rates.
• Use of renewable energy powered cooling systems can lead to lower electric demand and reduced power plant emissions.

Initial assessment results show that solar thermal cooling systems are feasible in areas with a confluence of high solar insolation, high cooling demand, and high electric rates, achieving payback of less than 8 years in typical five-story buildings.  In smaller commercial and institutional buildings, solar thermal absorption cooling system life-cycle costs are also favorable in comparison to conventional cooling systems. As electric and natural gas rates increase, solar cooling will become an even more economically attractive option for building owners. Utilities may find value in solar cooling technologies’ ability to shed peak cooling load off the grid. Utilities are also developing incentive programs to encourage peak load shedding, such as California’s 20/20 Program which rewards end-users who can shed 20% of their peak load with 20% rate reductions.