Why Not Use Solar Energy For Cooling?

 

 

Solar energy is gaining popularity as a clean and sustainable energy source. It is widely used for generating electricity, but solar energy can also be used for cooling. In this article, we will discuss the potential of solar energy for cooling and the different ways in which it can be done. We will also provide a good example of using solar power for cooling.

Why Not Use Solar Energy For Cooling?

Cooling is a significant energy requirement in many parts of the world, particularly in hot and humid climates. Air conditioning is the most common method of cooling, but it is also a major contributor to global warming. According to the International Energy Agency, air conditioning is responsible for around 10% of global electricity consumption and 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. This is because air conditioning units consume a lot of electricity, most of which is generated from fossil fuels.

Using solar energy for cooling can help reduce the amount of electricity consumed by air conditioning units and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, solar energy is a renewable source of energy that does not produce any emissions during operation, making it a clean and sustainable option for cooling.

How Can Solar Energy be Used for Cooling?

 

 

There are several ways to use solar energy for cooling, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common methods include absorption refrigeration, adsorption refrigeration, and solar thermally driven air conditioning systems.

Absorption Refrigeration

Absorption refrigeration is a process that uses heat to create a cooling effect by absorbing a refrigerant into a liquid. The liquid then evaporates, producing a cooling effect. In a solar-powered absorption refrigeration system, solar collectors are used to generating heat, which is then used to create the cooling effect.

The absorption refrigeration system consists of several components, including a generator, an absorber, a condenser, and an evaporator. The generator is heated by solar collectors, which causes the refrigerant to evaporate and rise to the condenser. In the condenser, the refrigerant is condensed back into a liquid and releases the heat that was absorbed by the generator. The liquid refrigerant then flows to the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and evaporates, creating a cooling effect. The cooled air is subsequently distributed throughout the structure.

Absorption refrigeration systems are ideal for large-scale cooling applications, such as industrial and commercial buildings. They are more efficient than traditional vapor compression refrigeration systems and have a longer lifespan.

Adsorption Refrigeration

Adsorption refrigeration is similar to absorption refrigeration, but instead of a liquid refrigerant, it uses a solid adsorbent material. In a solar-powered adsorption refrigeration system, solar collectors are used to generating heat, which is then used to release the refrigerant from the adsorbent material and produce the cooling effect.

The adsorption refrigeration system consists of several components, including an adsorber, a condenser, and an evaporator. The adsorber contains the adsorbent material and the refrigerant. When the solar collectors heat the adsorber, the refrigerant is released from the adsorbent material and rises to the condenser, where it is condensed back into a liquid and releases the heat that was absorbed in the adsorber. The liquid refrigerant then flows to the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and evaporates, creating a cooling effect. The cooled air is then circulated throughout the building.

Adsorption refrigeration systems are more efficient than absorption refrigeration systems and have a longer lifespan. They are also ideal for large-scale cooling applications, such as industrial and commercial buildings.

Solar Thermally Driven Air Conditioning Systems

 

 

Solar thermally driven air conditioning systems use solar collectors to generate heat, which is then used to drive a refrigeration cycle to produce cool air. There are two main types of solar thermally driven air conditioning systems: open cycle and closed cycle.

Open cycle systems use the heat generated by solar collectors to heat the air, which is then cooled using evaporative cooling. The cooled air is then pumped throughout the building. Open cycle systems are simple and relatively inexpensive, but they are only effective in dry climates where there is low humidity.

Closed-cycle systems use the heat generated by solar collectors to heat a refrigerant, which is then used to produce cool air through a refrigeration cycle. After that, the cooled air is circulated throughout the structure.  Closed-cycle systems are more complex and expensive than open-cycle systems, but they are more effective in humid climates.

Solar thermally driven air conditioning systems are ideal for residential and small-scale cooling applications. They are highly efficient and have a low carbon footprint.

 

Other Applications Of Solar Energy For Cooling

Initially, applications of solar energy for cooling are largely designed for two purposes: refrigerating food storage and space cooling, or air conditioning. Sun cooling is visible in vehicles such as RVs and campers that use the system for refrigeration.

The capacity of solar cooling to supply cooling systems to countries that would otherwise be unable to bear the complete electric and energy expense and load required by traditional cooling systems is perhaps its most useful application. Solar cooling significantly reduces the amount of energy required to refrigerate needs such as vaccines and agricultural products, resulting in financial savings and environmental benefits from the use of renewable energy and the reduction of ozone-depleting components.

Good Example of Using Solar Power for Cooling

 

Credit image: metenders.com: The Al Ansab sewage treatment plant in Oman

One good example of using solar power for cooling is the Al Ansab sewage treatment plant in Oman. The plant uses a solar-powered absorption refrigeration system to cool the treated water, which is then used for irrigation.

The absorption refrigeration system at Al Ansab consists of two solar collectors, a generator, an absorber, a condenser, and an evaporator. The solar collectors generate heat, which is used to heat the generator. The generator contains a lithium bromide-water solution that evaporates due to heat. The vapor rises to the absorber, which contains a solution of water and lithium bromide. The vapor is absorbed by the solution, causing it to release heat and become more concentrated. The concentrated solution then flows to the generator, where it is heated again, starting the cycle anew.

The cooled water from the absorption refrigeration system is used to cool the treated sewage water, which is then used for irrigation. The system reduces the plant’s electricity consumption and operating costs, as well as its carbon footprint.

In conclusion, solar energy has the potential to revolutionize the way we cool our buildings and homes. By using solar energy for cooling, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower our carbon footprint. There are several ways to use solar energy for cooling, including absorption refrigeration, adsorption refrigeration, and solar thermally driven air conditioning systems. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different cooling applications. The Al Ansab sewage treatment plant in Oman is a good example of using solar power for cooling, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of solar-powered absorption refrigeration systems. As technology advances and becomes more affordable, we can expect to see more widespread use of solar energy for cooling.