Cooling people in the Tropics.
Note: This is a guest post by Amanda.
With the successful examples of solar heaters around the world, scientists are trying to take one step forward in this direction and are now trying to develop solar air conditioning. By solar conditioning, we mean any cooling or air conditioning system that uses solar power.
Solar air conditioning is possible either through the use of:
Passive solar system: Where windows, walls and floors of the house are designed to collect, store and further distribute solar energy in the form of heat during winters and reject solar heat during summers.
Solar thermal energy conversion: It is a technology in which solar energy is harnessed for thermal energy or heat generation. In this system, plates are used for collection of solar energy.
Photovoltaic conversion: In this technology, direct electricity is generated by converting solar radiation with the help of semiconductors.
Solar air conditioning can play a significant role in decreasing the power consumption and going greener. It may sound like a contradiction but the fact is that solar energy is actually used to cool down our homes.
Types of solar air conditioners:
There are two types of solar air conditioners available in the market – active ACs and passive ACs. Active solar conditioners are also of two types – solar absorption cooler and solar desiccant cooler. In solar absorption coolers, solar heat gets absorbed by thermal collectors and thereafter this heat is used to separate refrigerant and absorbent fluids. This fluid is further condensed and evaporated. In solar desiccant coolers, moist air gets passed over a wheel which contains moisture trapping materials. The moisture in the air is absorbed by these materials which make the air cool. With the help of fans, this cold air is sent into the room.
Passive solar air conditioning is usually designed along with the house, as it is inbuilt. It is usually built as a solar chimney or a solar cooling tower.
Benefits of solar air conditioning
Solar air conditioning is one of the most eco friendly methods as it uses solar energy, which is plentiful on Earth instead the conventional non renewable sources of energy which are depleting fast and making the Earth more and more vulnerable day by day. Solar air conditioners use air, water and solar energy to cool the houses and do not emit green house gases like carbon dioxide or carbon mono oxide and hence keep the environment pollution free.
Solar air conditioners are a low priced option not only for installation but also for its running costs and hence helps you cut down on your electricity bills. As they are not backed by electrical power, they can be used any time without any consideration for load shedding.
Solar air conditioners thus not only save your hard earned money they also help in safeguarding the environment. They are as safe and effective as electrical coolers and hence can be easily used for residential and commercial purposes. With all kind of financial and ecological benefits, they make a great option for all those places where sunlight is found in abundance.
About the author: Amanda is a blogger who is passionate about eco friendly lifestyle. Her home is quite eco friendly right from exteriors to interiors, including appliances and furniture. She is a firm supporter of Sustainable Architecture to promote green living. Beside this She frequently writes on water power.
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