How to Use Solar Heat Energy for Air Conditioning

Why Use Solar Heat Energy for Air Conditioning?

Solar heating can be cost effective, require little maintenance, and may be better for then environment than traditional air conditioning methods. There are several ways that solar heat energy can be used for air conditioning, and the method used will be based on building type - commercial or residential.

How it Works

Solar air conditioning using solar heat energy can be accomplished through:

Passive solar cooling is a process by that is designed to slow the rate of heat transfer into a building. It also helps to improve the removal of unwanted heat. Passive solar cooling is appropriate for new buildings as it is difficult to adapt passive solar cooling to an existing building. Active solar cooling works much differently than passive solar cooling. Solar thermal collectors are used to collect solar heat energy which is used to operate absorption chillers. The water heated in the thermal collectors initiates a dynamic process that chills the water to around 44 degrees Fahrenheit. This water then travels through a series of copper pipes. The chilled water in these pipes cools the air that is then blown into the building.

Photovoltaic provide electricity for cooling systems. Photovoltaic can be used to convert solar heat energy directly into an electric current. These electric currents can then be used to power conventional compressor or absorption based cooling systems.

Appropriate Solar Heat Energy Air Conditioning Uses

PHOTOVOLTAIC

Photovoltaic solar cooling, either evaporative cooler based or conventional air conditioner based, may be feasible for both commercial and residential buildings. Evaporative cooler based is only suitable in dry climates while conventional air conditioner based will be applicable in most climates. These methods of cooling could potentially save 100 percent of the energy used by conventional air conditioning systems. To use photovoltaic homeowners or business owners would need to install either flat-plate solar collectors or evacuated heat pipe tubes on the roof of the building. Evacuated heat pipe systems are the preferred method as the tubes are lightweight, easy to install, and require little maintenance.

ACTIVE SOLAR

Active solar cooling is applicable in most climates and may be much less expensive than photovoltaic solar conventional air conditioners. However, this technology is currently available for commercial buildings only. Active solar cooling would require the installation of solar energy panels as well.

About the Author

Mary Mattoon writes for Split Air Conditioning, her personal hobby blog focused on tips to consume less energy using portable air conditioning

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