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Solar-Powered Air Conditioning

By harish hv on 19th January 2024

Problem Statement

The escalating global demand for air conditioning, driven by rising
temperatures and population growth, contributes significantly to energy consumption and
environmental impact. Traditional air conditioning systems are primarily powered by
non-renewable energy sources, leading to increased carbon emissions and
environmental degradation. In 2024, the challenge is to design a sustainable cooling
system that leverages solar energy, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and reliance on
conventional power grids.

Abstract

The Solar-Powered Air Conditioning System project aims to develop an
eco-friendly cooling solution that harnesses solar energy to efficiently power air
conditioning units. By integrating solar technology into the cooling process, the project
seeks to address the environmental concerns associated with conventional air
conditioning systems and contribute to the global shift toward sustainable energy
sources.

Outcome

The Solar-Powered Air Conditioning System aims to revolutionize the cooling industry by
providing a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional air conditioning systems.
The project’s success will be measured by the development of a commercially viable
solution that significantly reduces carbon emissions, lowers energy consumption, and
promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources in the air conditioning sector. This
innovative system will contribute to a greener future, aligning with the global commitment
to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices in the year 2024.

The rising demand for energy growth worldwide is a major crisis in the present. Development of the renewable energy creates new efficient solutions to existing applications. Currently, solar power is the best renewable energy source. Air-conditioning provides comfort living in sub-tropical countries like Sri Lanka. Solar-powered air-conditioning will reduce the operating costs. Therefore, this paper focuses on design and construction of a solar-powered air-conditioner for automobiles. Implementation of the solar powered air-conditioner in an automobile, will increase the fuel efficiency while reducing the carbon emissions. Further, by isolating the compressor from the engine and powering through the solar energy, engine load decreases. Experimental calculations are presented considering a 35 seater bus.

  1. S. User, Climate of Sri Lanka, 2019, [online] Available: Meteo.gov.lk
  1. Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, 2019, [online] 
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  1. “Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment – Determination of Metabolic Heat Production”, ISO Standard 8996 Rev. 2004.
  2. G. Redlarski, A. Palkowski and M. Krawczuk, “Body surface area formulae: an alarming ambiguity”, Scientific Reports, vol. 6, no. 1, 2016.

    https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9407783/references#references