Is Solar Air Conditioning Right for You?

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning

This can be done through solar fluctuations, solar heating, and photovoltaic conversion (sunlight into electricity). The 2007 U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act created funding for 2008-2012 for a new solar R&D program that is expected to develop and showcase new technological innovations and large scale economies in mass production. Air conditioning can play a growing role in the construction of zero-energy and energy-plus structures.

History

By the end of the 19th century, the most common cooling fluid was a solution of ammonia and water. A mixture of lithium bromide and water is widely used today. One end of the expansion / condensation system is hot and the other end is cold enough to freeze. Natural electricity was originally used as a source of heat in the late 19th century. Today propane is used in cold storage rooms. Solar hot water collectors can be used as a modern heat source for “free energy”. In 1976, a report was submitted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the use of solar cooling systems. The methods discussed include solar (suction cycle, heat engine / Rankine cycle) and solar (heat pump) and a wide range of related literature.

Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Cooling

Photovoltaic can provide power for any type of powered cooling, be it a standard compressor or adsorption / absorption, although the most common implementation is compressors. With minimal cooling for residential and small industries (less than 5 MWh / a), PV cooling is the most widely used solar technology. The reason for this is disputed, but the most commonly suggested reasons include incentive arrangements, lack of seating equipment for other solar cooling technologies, the emergence of efficient electric chillers, or easy installation compared to other solar cooling technologies (e.g. cooling).

Because the cost-effectiveness of PV chiller is highly dependent on refrigeration equipment, and given the poor performance of electric cooling systems until recently, it was less expensive without support. Using more efficient electric cooling techniques and using long-term payment schedules change this situation.

For example, the 100,000 BTU US Energy Star rated [note 1] for a 14-degree high energy efficiency (SEER) using about 7 kW of electricity to cool completely on a hot day. This will require more than 20 kW of solar energy storage PV system with storage.

The 7 kW PV system tracking system is likely to have a fixed price and be in excess of $ 20,000 USD (with PV equipment prices currently falling by about 17% per annum). Infrastructure, wiring, installation and cost of the NEC code may be subject to additional costs; for example, a 3120W solar panel type grid has a panel price of $ 0.99 / watt, but still costs ~ $ 2.2 / watt-hour. Other power systems are more expensive, not to mention the more expensive battery saving systems.

An efficient air conditioning system will require a small, inexpensive photovoltaic system. The installation of a high quality heat pump can have a SEER in grade 20 (±). A 100,000 BTU SEER 20 fan will cost less than 5 kW when operating.

New and low power technologies, including DC inverter heat pumps, can reach SEER levels of up to 26 degrees.

New compressor systems for compressor with more than 20 SEERs. Newer phase-change indirect evaporative chillers use nothing but air and water to cool buildings except additional air humidity (e.g. McCarran Airport Las Vegas Nevada). In dry and dry conditions with a relative humidity of less than 45% (approximately 40% of the US continent), indirect indirect coolers can reach SEER above 20 to SEER 40. Cool 100,000 BTU evaporative space will only require sufficient photovoltaic power to supply the fan (and water).

A low-cost PV system can reduce (but not reduce) the monthly amount of electricity purchased from an air consumption grid (and for other purposes). If US government subsidies range from $ 2.50 to $ 5 per PV watt, the paid electricity costs generated by PV can be less than $ 0.15 per kWh. This is currently well priced in some areas where current use is $ 0.15 or more. Surplus PV PV power is generated when no cooling air can be sold on the grid in many areas, which can reduce (or eliminate) the annual demand for electricity purchases.

High energy efficiency can be incorporated into new construction (or re-installed in existing buildings). Since its inception in the US Department of Energy in 1977, its incentive program has reduced the heat and cooling burden of 5.5 million low-income households by 31%. One hundred American buildings still need an improved climate. Common reckless construction methods still create new, inefficient buildings that need to be destroyed when they are first used.

Leave a Comment