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

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.