Solar Air Conditioning

World first in solar air conditioning

Energy International Systems
Solar Thermal Air Conditioning

Brief: Powering air conditioning using solar energy is not economically viable when using photo voltaic (PV) solar cells to drive a standard a/c unit. IDC were given the task of developing a low cost air conditioning system, powered by solar thermal energy.

Process: As part of a EU CRAFT research project, IDC undertook the design, development and construction of the thermally driven refrigeration cycle and ancillary components. This cycle uses an ejector to generate the cooling effect, replacing a compressor that is used in a conventional cooling system. With the consultation of an ejector refrigeration specialist, IDC designed, built and tested two prototype units, which produce cooling power output of 1.5 kWs.

Achievement: The development was fast tracked, IDC took only 8 months from concept to working prototypes. Designing the world’s most efficient small-scale solar thermal air conditioning unit.