SolCool: A Solar Air Conditioner
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09.27.05
A company called SolCool is marketing this "Hybrid Solar Chiller" as the first solar air conditioning system that utilizes a combination of 12-volt solar/back-up battery energy and 110-volt power. The 2-Ton AC platform with its 85-watt solar module is also capable of doubling its tonnage by a series of zoned, water-cooled fan coils. The "hybrid chiller" can continue operation under the assistance of solar energy and back-up battery reserve for hours during power outages. Other features include 12V emergency lighting options and a complete off-grid system. :: SolCool
somehow I don't think this will be a suitable replacement for the ancient AC system my 900ft^2 Condo uses.
I'm amazed at the ide of the sun's light creating cool air. It's always exciting
looks very bulky... there ought to be a way to convert existing air conditioners to harness the same technology.
This sounds like a gimmick to me.
They never inform you what the SEER rating of their unit is. They compare their unit to what will be the minimum acceptable standard in the us come 2006 (12 SEER will be the minimum, 10 SEER is the current minimum). Nor do they mention what refrigerant they use. You can get up to a 19 SEER for southern climates. With a variable speed DC blower motor a 19 SEER AC or Heat Pump can be very efficient and you can use R420a to ensure you are not using a potentially ozone depleting refrigerant
Some basic facts:
The SolCool unit uses approximately one pound of 404A, a non-ozone depleting refrigerant. Less in higher elevations.
There is a 2-Ton, (24,,000 BTU, 900 CFM) dry and high-humidity, 110/12 volt hybrid model that both use the same super chilled water technology, have off-grid battery back up, incorporate a single 102-watt 12 volt PV panel and run additional DC lighting and ceiling fans. they both consume approximately six amps on the 110 side and 2-3 Amps on the DC side can be split and are very quiet.
The high-humidity version has an additional dry coil in the supply, recirculates more interior air and is perfect for 800 -1,200 square foot structures, augmentation/safe rooms, equipment cooling, class rooms even livestock food production.
On off-grid applications a 1.3kW PV array will suffice to run a SolCool and take care of the rest of the home. its like having 4kW od PV.
Also, in 30%+ humidity environments the SolCool has a purified drinking water application that produces 3-9 gallons of driking water per day.
Hope this helps.
how much ic it
The SolCool 2-Ton system with the PV panel, panel charger, 80 amp hour battery back-up and CoolGuard is $4,499.
A complete direct installation hardware kit runs $549 and labor ranges from approximately $750 to $1,500.
The SolCool PowerCenter & WaterSystem are priced separately.
Hybrid Solar Chiller" as the first solar air conditioning system that utilizes a combination of 12-volt solar/back-up battery energy and 110-volt power. The 2-Ton AC platform with its 85-watt solar module is also capable of
I would like to get more info on your solar A/C
I think you have a great thing going.For the person that asked about the seer rating>The seer rating would be 100 if it is running on solar because it is not costing you a dime to run!!!!
I am all about saving money.The old saying is (YOU CAN PAY ME NOW OR PAY ME LATER.)