Solar Cooling

Abstract: As the temperature worldwide increases so too will the demand for air conditioning solutions. While it may seem contradictory, the heat of the sun can be effectively used to cool large areas of space in commercial and industrial complexes. As of today, the overall useful conversion of solar thermal energy to cooling is limited to 35%, as the thermal energy collection and the cooling conversion subsystems have capabilities of 50% and 70% respectively. As late as the 1960s though, house comfort conditions were only for the few. From then onwards central air conditioning systems became common in many countries due to the development of mechanical refrigeration and the rise of the standard of living. The oil crises of the 1970s stimulated intensive research aimed at reducing energy costs. Also, global warming and ozone depletion and the escalating costs of fossil fuels over the last few years, have forced governments and engineering bodies in order to re-examine the whole approach to building design and control. Energy conservation, in the sense of fuel saving, is also of great importance.Solar cooling can reduce electricity shortages by reducing peak electrical demand often driven by air conditioning and it is an active solution for reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuel imports.There are many suitable applications for solar cooling, which include resorts, hospitals, shopping malls, schools, industrial, commercial and residential complexes as well as military bases where utility rates are high and grid connections are unavailable.