SOLAR AIR-CONDITIONING

AIR-CONDITIONING
• It is the process of altering some of the parameters of air in a closed
space so as to attain the required conditions.
• Parameters: humidity and temperature
• A one ton air conditioner with an average usage of 8Hrs per day
consumes 280-300 KWh/month.
• This amounts to nearly Rs. 1500
per month. At 0.55 Kg CO2/KWh,
this amounts to 165Kg CO2
per month.
SOLAR AIR-CONDITIONING
• Solar energy (in the form of heat or electricity) runs the air-
conditioner.
• Better suited for space cooling than space heating.
• Reason: solar insolation in summer (for space cooling) is greater than
that in winter (for space heating).
COOLING REQIUREMENTS
Cooling requirements of a building primarily depends on
• Dry-bulb temperatures(inside and outside) and relative humidities.
• Solar-radiation heat load
• Wind speed
• Infiltration and ventilation
• Internal heat sources
AIR COOLING TECHNIQUES:
VAPOUR COMPRESSION(VC) METHOD
AIR COOLING TECHNIQUES
VAPOUR COMPRESSION(VC) METHOD:
• Same of conventional VC method.
• Compressor and fan is run by power
produced by PV cells
• It can also be run on mechanical power
by solar driven engines.
AIR COOLING TECHNIQUES:
VPOUR ABSORPTION(VA) METHOD
• The heat for the
generator is supplied
by solar thermal
energy.
• Conventional
absorption cycles are
used (like water-LiBr)
SOLAR DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION:
• Desiccant : A hygroscopic substance used as a drying agent.

PENNINGTON CYCLE
 SOLAR DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION:

• Driving force: water vapour pressure

• Solid desiccants: silica gel, alumina gel
• Liquid desiccants: tri-ethylene glycol,
lithium bromide
SOME NUMBERS:
• Savings: 15-80% (commercial applications)
• Desiccant cycle – thermal COP – 0.5 to 2.58
• AC with 100% electricity from solar: Rs. 3,60,000 (1.5 ton)
• Hybrid AC : Rs. 75,000 (1.5 ton)
• Hybrid AC – 60% energy savings
• SEER 25 ACs
ADVANTAGES:
• Long term savings
• Government incentives
• Minimum environment impact

DISADVANTAGES:
• Large initial cost
• Seasonal variation
• Maintenance
• Low energy conversion