Title: Tramway air conditioning system assisted with a PVT collector in a desert climate

Authors: Naoui Khenfer; Boubekeur Dokkar; Abdelghani Dokkar; Noureddine Settou; Mohamed Cherif Benzid

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kasdi Merbah, Z. I. Route Ghardaia, Ouargla, Algeria ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kasdi Merbah, Z. I. Route Ghardaia, Ouargla, Algeria ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kasdi Merbah, Z. I. Route Ghardaia, Ouargla, Algeria ' Department of Physics, University of Kasdi Merbah, Z.I. Route Ghardaia, Ouargla, Algeria ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kasdi Merbah, Z.I. Route Ghardaia, Ouargla, Algeria

Abstract: In the hot climate of Ouargla City (Algeria), the thermal comfort of tramway cabins is investigated. In July, achieving a thermal comfort of 25°C requires a powerful air conditioner with a minimal power of 18 kW. The performance of a photovoltaic-thermal prototype is experimentally investigated and designed to support the tramway air conditioning. It can be integrated into the tramway roof, which provides sufficient area for installing solar panels. The obtained results show that the integration of PVT panels into the air conditioning system can generate a significant energy output to support the heating and cooling of the tramway.

Keywords: tramway cabins; desert climate; air conditioning; PV/T panels.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2025.145113

International Journal of Global Warming, 2025 Vol.35 No.2/3/4, pp.142 - 160

Received: 14 Jul 2023
Accepted: 30 Nov 2023
Published online: 19 Mar 2025 *

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