FAQS
Is equipment readily available
in Australia?
Yes. Solar Cooling
components are common industrial components with
distribution agents available in Australia. However,
when considering solar cooling you will also need to
find skilled engineering expertise to integrate each
of the components into a robust, economical and
working system.
How much maintenance is
required ? Is it complex?
No Solar Cooling maintenance is not complex. Lifetime
efficiency will be maintained by cleaning collector
glass and reflective surfaces at regular
intervals.Absorption chillers require a schedule of
maintenance for maintaining solution chemistry
(corrosion inhibitors), vacuum and cooling tower
infrastructure. However this is true in any HVAC
system using Absorption chillers - not only Solar
Cooling.
How much roof area is
required?
This will depend on many factors including, inter
alia, the level of backup chiller capacity. An
indicative installation may require around 25% of roof
area per unit of airconditioned floor space. Your
design engineer can tailor to your specific
constraints.
How much Greenhouse gas (GHG)
can we save?
GHG savings will depend on the system, location and
application. Though savings of around 25% are typical.
Parasitic energy for fans, pumps etc should not be
ignored. Depending on the system, excessive use of a
gas burner, for backup heat, may also result in lower
than expected greenhouse gas emission savings.
Why not just use conventional
Air-conditioning with renewable power?
It is also possible to operate conventional vapour
compression air conditioners using solar (PV) power.
However, this method can be expensive and less
efficient because there are several stages of energy
conversion between sunlight and cool air.
What applications are most
attractive for Solar Cooling?
A recent European study identified
hospitals and hotels as particularly attractive
targets. Shopping centres and recreational facilities
are also expected to be attractive.
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