Space Cooling

Low temperature solar thermal technologies, especially those that do not generate electricity, rely on the scientific principles behind the Greenhouse Effect to generate heat. Electromagnetic radiation from the sun, including visible and infrared wavelengths, penetrates into the collector that is absorbed by the surfaces inside the collector. Once the radiation is absorbed by the surfaces within the collector, the temperature rises. Contrary to expectations, this increase in temperature can be used to cool houses.

Space Cooling

Space cooling using solar thermal technologies consists of three main classes:

• Adsorption cooling
• Desiccant cooling
• Heat engine (Rankine cycle)

Adsorption Cooling

In adsorption cooling systems, heat collected from a solar thermal collector is used to evaporate a pre-pressurised refrigerant in a vapour generator.

Desiccant Cooling

Desiccant cooling systems use a desiccant, such as a water absorbing wheel, to remove most of the moisture content from the air, making it feel cooler, particularly in humid, tropical climates. The heated air then passes through a heat exchanger, which is then exhausted from the system, which passes the water absorbing wheel, drying it out for use again. The desiccated, cooler air passes through an evaporative cooler to chill the air further before exiting the system.

Heat Engine (Rankine cycle)

Heat engine cooling is similar to that of conventional air conditioning systems, except that solar collectors are used to heat the working fluid. This heated working fluid is then used to power a Rankine cycle heat engine.

Low Temperature Solar Thermal Technologies in Australia

For some of the research in solar thermal technologies in Australia click here
 

Further Information

RISE Resources - Information regarding available renewable energy resources.

RISE Technologies - An extensive collection of information regarding renewable energy technologies.

RISE Applications & System Design - Renewable energy application information and system designs.

RISE System Displays - Case studies and information on installed renewable energy systems & performance data.

The Energy Resources Institute – Solar Thermal

The Solarserver – Solar Thermal Technologies in the United States

Australian National University – Solar Thermal Energy Research

Wikipedia – Solar Energy

Renewable Energy Commercialisation in Australia – Solar Thermal

References

None.