INTRODUCTION

The term solar cooling refers to devices and processes that use solar energy for cooling. Solar
cooling systems have the advantage of using predominantly non-toxic and environmentally
sound working fluids such as water or salt solution, and can be used as stand-alone systems.
Solar cooling systems are in many cases able to simultaneously generate refrigeration and save
conventional energy. Cooling can be provided by both active and passive systems. The capacity
of solar cooling devices is generally at its peak when insolation, i.e. solar irradiation, is highest.
Accordingly, solar cooling devices can ideally meet the needs of countries in sunny regions
where the demand for cooling is generally high around noon. [1] Solar cooling can be broken
down into two main categories, electrical and solar thermal. Electrical solar cooling systems
compose of electron producing solar technologies that drive conventional air condition methods,
the most common being the vapor compression cycle. The evaporative cooler in the REDD
workshop falls under the electrical category. Solar thermal based solar cooling systems fall under
two categories, open cycle systems, and closed cycle systems. Closed-cycle systems consist of
several technologies, the most common being absorption cooling systems. It is estimated that
59% of the solar cooling systems in Europe use absorption cooling. Other systems include
adsorption cooling, ejector, and solar assisted heat pumps. Open-cycle systems provide direct
treatment of air, such as desiccant cooling. Also falling under this category are passive systems
such as stack-effect ventilation (SEV), or solar chimneys. Absorption cooling is by far the most
widely used and widely publicized, with many variations with increased performance. Second to
absorption cooling, is adsorption cooling. [2]
Space cooling and refrigeration are highly energy-intensive processes. Cooling demands in
various sectors are maximum mainly during day time when solar energy is also prevalent; this is
more so in the hot summer season. Most parts of India get abundant sunshine throughout the
year. Solar cooling/refrigeration are, therefore, the most relevant application for our country,
especially in view of the rapidly increasing demand for energy and shortage of electric power. It
is estimated that cooling consumes about 35,000 MW of electricity for various end-uses. Part of
this is from conventional power plants in areas where electricity is easily available and the rest is
being generated through DG sets which consume a significant amount of highly subsidized
diesel leading to noise and air pollution, besides heavy CO2 emissions. Apart from this, in rural
areas, where such options are not available, 3040% of agricultural produce is being destroyed
due to lack of proper post harvest cooling facilities. Thus, resorting to solar cooling not only
mitigates energy shortage and environmental pollution, but also contributes to the reduction of
food spoilage. The applications of cooling include domestic refrigeration, comfort/ space cooling
in various sectors, industrial refrigeration and process cooling, cold storages with deep freezing,
vaccine storages in PHCs, etc. The capacity range of systems varies from a few Watts to
thousands of kilowatts. Solar cooling/air-conditioning systems have the potential to catering to
all the above sectors. However, this is an emerging technology and faces many. [3]

1
SOLAR ELECTRIC METHOD

In Solar Electric Method, the solar energy is directly converted to DC current by an array of
solar cells known as Photovoltaic (PV) panel. Photovoltaic Cells are nothing but
semiconductors which allow direct conversion of solar energy to direct current. A part of this
current is stored by lead acid battery while the rest is utilized in driving the compressor of the
refrigerator. This DC current can be either used to run a DC motor coupled to compressor or an
inverter can be used to convert this DC current to AC current for running the compressor. A
solar charge controller consisting of capacitor, sensors etc. may be required to stabilize and
smoothen the current.

Fig. 1- A typical Solar PV system

A normal Solar PV system includes different components that should be selected according to
the system type, site location and application. The major components of solar PV system are:
PV module converts sunlight into DC electricity.
Solar charge controller regulates the voltage and current coming from the PV panels
going to battery and prevents battery overcharging and prolongs the battery life.
Inverter converts DC output of PV panels or wind turbine into a clean AC current for AC
appliances or fed back into grid line.
Battery stores energy for supplying to electrical appliances when there is a demand.
Load is electrical appliances that connected to solar PV system
Auxiliary energy sources - is diesel generator or other renewable energy sources.

2
SOLAR MECHANICAL METHOD

In Solar Mechanical Method, the mechanical power required to drive the compressor is
generated by solar driven heat power cycle. Rankine cycle is the heat power cycle considered for
this process. In Rankine cycle, fluid is vaporized at an elevated pressure by heat exchange with a
fluid heated by solar collectors. A storage tank can be included in this process to provide some
high temperature thermal storage. The vapor flows through a turbine or piston expander to
produce mechanical power. The fluid exiting the expander is condensed and pumped back to the
boiler pressure where it is again vaporized. The efficiency of the Rankine cycle increases with
increasing temperature of the vaporized fluid entering the expander. Whereas, the efficiency of a
solar collector decreases with increasing temperature of the delivered energy. High temperatures
can be obtained by employing concentrating solar collectors that track the suns position in one
or two dimensions.
The disadvantages of using solar trackers are cost, weight and complexity of the system. If
tracking is to be avoided, evacuated tubular, compound parabolic or advanced multi-cover flat
plate collectors can be used to produce fluid temperatures ranging between 100C 200C. Both
intensity of solar radiation as well as difference of temperature between entering fluid and
ambient govern the efficiency of solar collector. The efficiency of such a system is lower than
solar electric method using non-concentrating PV modules. Solar Mechanical is advantageous
only when solar trackers are used but, the use of such systems is limited to large refrigeration
systems only i.e. at least 1000 tons.

Fig.2- Solar Mechanical Method

SOLAR THERMAL METHOD

The main advantage of using Solar Thermal Method is that they can utilize more of the incoming
sunlight than photovoltaic systems. In a conventional PV collector, 65% of the incident solar
radiation is lost as heat whereas in solar collectors over 95% of the incoming solar radiation is
absorbed. But all of this is absorbed energy is not converted to useful energy due to inefficiencies

3
and losses. Collection efficiencies for commercial solar thermal collectors are generally more
than double that of crystalline photovoltaic solar collectors. A typical solar thermal refrigeration
system consists of four basic components - a solar collector array, a thermal storage tank, a
thermal refrigeration unit and a heat exchange system to transfer energy between components
and the refrigerated space. Selection of the solar array depends upon the temperature needed for
refrigeration system. Generally for temperature range 60-100C, flat plate collectors, evacuated
tube collectors and concentrating collectors of low concentration can be used. Concentrating
collectors are avoided for residential purposes due to high cost of solar trackers. Selection of the
thermal storage tank depends upon the type of storage medium and the temperatures desired.
Water is mainly selected for its low environmental impact and high specific heat. [4]

VAPOUR COMPRESSION
A vapour-compression refrigeration system uses a circulating liquid refrigerant as the medium
which absorbs and removes heat from the space to be cooled and subsequently dissipates that
heat elsewhere. This type of cooling system is widely used for air-conditioning as well as for
refrigeration. Vapour compression machines generally comprise a mechanical compressor, a
condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator arranged in a closed loop, which transform the
refrigerant into different thermodynamic states. First, vaporous refrigerant is compressed and
heated in the compressor, transforming the refrigerant into a state at which it can subsequently be
condensed to a liquid in the condenser. During the condensation process, the refrigerant yields
thermal energy to the condenser, which is absorbed and removed by cooling water or cooling air.
The condensed refrigerant is then directed to an expansion valve where it experiences a steep
decrease in pressure, abruptly vaporizing part of the liquid refrigerant and cooling the mixture of
liquid and vaporous refrigerant. The cooled mixture is further directed to the evaporator where
ambient air of the space to be cooled is routed through the evaporator in order to vaporize the
liquid portion of the refrigerant. In doing so, thermal energy is extracted from the air which is
chilled. Finally, the vaporous refrigerant is returned to the compressor and the loop is closed.

SOLAR SORPTION COOLING

Vapour compression is a very mature and common technology, it involves vibration and noise
owing to the functional principle of the components. Sorption-based cooling devices, which are
based on different processes, are alternatives to vapour compression machines if the drawbacks
of these machines need to be overcome. In addition, sorption-based cooling devices are
particularly attractive if the power supply is insufficient or costly, or if thermal energy is easily
available, e.g. from solar plants or solar heat collectors. Sorption-based cooling devices rely on
so-called sorbents, which are capable ofholding liquids or gases. Two technologies are
distinguished: absorption cooling where the liquids or gases are dissolved in the bulk of the
sorbent in one stage of the process, and released in another stage; and adsorption cooling where
the liquids or gases are bound to the surface of the sorbent in one stage of the process, and

4
released in another stage.6 Such phase changes are accompanied by release or consumption of
thermal energy.
a) Absorption cooling
Absorption cooling machines generally use a closed loop comprising four steps: evaporation,
absorption, regeneration and condensation. In a first step, a liquid refrigerant, mostly water, is
vaporized at low pressure in the evaporator. It may be sprayed on cooling pipes through which a
chilled liquid such as water flows. Since the liquid refrigerant extracts thermal energy from the
surrounding during the vaporization, the chilled liquid in the cooling pipes is further refrigerated.
The refrigerated liquid is generally directed to a heat exchanger where the air of a space to be
cooled may be refrigerated.8 In a second step, the vaporized refrigerant is directed to the
absorber section where it is absorbed at low pressure by an absorber solution, consisting of an
absorbent dissolved in liquid refrigerant. The absorption heat released during the absorption step
is discharged by cooling water. By absorbing vaporous refrigerant, the absorber solution is
diluted. The diluted absorber solution is subsequently directed to a regenerator where the
solution is heated and concentrated by vaporizing part of the refrigerant. The thermal energy that
is required to heat the diluted absorber solution may be provided by solar heat collectors. The
concentrated solution is returned to the absorber section while the vaporized refrigerant is
transported to the condenser. In the condenser, the vaporized refrigerant is condensed to liquid
and reinserted into the evaporator, which closes the loop. Common absorbent/refrigerant
combinations in absorption chilling machines include ammonia/water and lithium bromide/water
mixtures.

Fig.3- Ammonia Water Absorption Refrigeration System

5
Absorption chilling devices may use solar thermal energy to change the refrigerant from liquid to
vapour. The devices can be used for refrigeration as well as for air conditioning. However,
absorption chilling does not generally achieve very low temperatures and is rather complicated.
b) Adsorption cooling
Adsorption cooling is a thermally driven refrigeration process, which can be powered by solar
energy. Adsorption cooling is based on the evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant
combined with adsorption. Adsorption refrigeration is mainly used for air-conditioning.
Adsorption cooling machines are based on solid or liquid solvents, the so-called adsorbents,
which can bind gases or liquids to their surface. Adsorbed particles can be removed from the
surface by heating the adsorbent. Unlike the closed loop in absorption cooling machines, the
process in adsorption cooling machines is discontinuous. A supplementary step to regenerate or
exchange exhausted adsorbent is required. Many adsorption cooling machines have been
proposed. In the following, a solar-based adsorption cooling machine is presented by way of
example which uses solar energy to chill food. A solar collector containing an adsorbent is
connected to a sealed circuit including a cooling chamber, an evaporator and a condenser. Water
vapour is transported within the circuit. During the day, sunlight heats the solar energy collector
and the adsorbent. The adsorbent thereby releases adsorbed water, producing water vapour which
is directed to the condenser. Water vapour is precipitated in the condenser because pressure is
much lower in this component than in the solar energy collector. The condensed water is
subsequently directed towards the evaporator where it is collected. At night, as the solar energy
collector cools down, the adsorbent becomes ready to adsorb water vapour again. A three-way
valve is turned over so that the absorbent can adsorb water vapour evaporating in the evaporator.
Since evaporation consumes thermal energy, the temperature in the cooling chamber drops. That
way, the adsorption process allows cooling the chilling chamber at night. During the day, the
adsorbent is regenerated by using solar radiation. The selection of the absorbent depends on the
field of application of the adsorbent chilling machine and on the load of water vapour that is
needed to safeguard the cooling capacity of the machine. Common adsorbents range from solid
materials such as silica gels and zeolites to liquids, e.g. triethylene glycol. [1]

DESICCANT SOLAR COOLING

In a desiccant system, the moisture absorbing material (desiccant or drying material) is located
in the air stream going into the living space. As the air passes through the desiccant, which is
usually located on a wheel that slowly rotates into the air stream, moisture is removed from the
air, thus decreasing the humidity level in the air stream to the point that an evaporative cooler can
then cool the air, making it more comfortable. The desiccant is regenerated through the solar heat
provided by the STS (RHC, 2011). Desiccant solar cooling is particularly promising for those
countries where cooling demand in summer typically correlates with the peak of solar irradiation
and where the humidity is high. There are a growing number of large-scale, solar air-cooling
projects that have been successfully demonstrated in different countries and that highlight the

6
huge potential for solar assisted cooling. Currently, solar cooling technology is relatively
expensive, especially if only used for space cooling. In moderate climates with both heating and
cooling demand, Solar Heating and Cooling for Residential Applications Technology. It is more
economical to combine space cooling with space heating and/or water heating to maximize the
return on investment and not leave the system idle when cooling is not required. Solar cooling
technology could be ready for commercial deployment within coming years if intensive R&D
and relevant policy supports are provided. [5]

APPLICATIONS
Solar refrigeration may have applications in both developed and developing countries.
Applications in developing countries such as vaccine storage or large scale food preservation
have been the subject of much research. In developed countries the main area of interest is air
conditioning. There is a demand for cooling in many parts of the world where there is no firm
electricity supply and conventional fuels are difficult or expensive to obtain. Requirements tend
to be either for medical uses where a high capital cost per kW of cooling is acceptable, or for
food (especially fish) preservation where the cooling power required is much greater and the
acceptable cost per kW may be lower. [6]

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

(i) Awareness and know-how - Lack of awareness in potential users (hotels, hospitals,
and others) about the possibilities and benefits of using solar driven cooling plants;
Most of the technical actors are not familiar with SC technologies, and they do not
suggest them as a solution to potential users; Most engineers are not completely
educated in this technology; The suppliers of the plants are mainly engineering
consultants and installers; they need additional support through training, design tools
(software) and control systems in order to do their job better; Lack of packaged
solutions is a serious problem not only during setting-up but also during the life of the
installation (maintenance); the installation and M&O need specific knowhow;
(ii) Demonstration - A rather limited number of demonstration plants; by the end of 2007
there were approximately 300 Solar Cooling systems in operation worldwide; only a
few of them are monitored and as a result there is limited information about their
performance;
(iii) Cost - Relevant market actors claim that the high investment cost limits widespread
application; Todays sorption technologies are, still, more expensive in comparison to
conventional chillers; this is more evident in the case of small scale sorption chillers
(residential, small trade centers etc). Significant effort is required to develop the
existing technology in order to reduce the cost of system: The use of sorption chillers
requires in most cases the existence of wet cooling towers, which are covered by

7
 specific legislation to avoid the legionnaires disease. The maintenance of such
installations is more expensive and most of the potential users prefer to avoid them;
(iv) Market availability Although there is an important increase in the size of this
market, today there is limited or no market availability of small capacity systems;
(v) Policy and incentives - Tax exemptions and other financial incentives for solar
thermal systems are limited and clearly not sufficient to promote the technology; A
roadmap for solar-assisted cooling systems at national and/or European levels is
missing; these installations are often forgotten in todays financial incentive schemes
for solar thermal plants. [7]

SCOPE
The potentials for a broader market penetration of SAC technology is composed of further
development of the technology in terms of performance, development of cost and thus economic
situation and on opportunities in the markets.
Important R&D activities addressing advanced components are:
Integration of the generator of a thermally driven cooling machine in the solar collector
will lead to reduced heat transfer losses and to more compact systems. Also, space in a
technical room will be saved. Overall, such concepts aim at high efficiency at reduced
system cost.
Double-effect cycle absorption technology, which achieves high efficiency at high
operation temperatures, will be extended also for the small capacity range and thus offer
solutions with high overall efficiency for applications in the range of small capacity.
Single-axis tracking solar thermal collectors to produce heat at temperatures in the range
of 150C to 250C are still a rather new technology and important cost savings may be
achieved by development of advanced materials (e.g. for reflectors) and advanced
production technologies.
Non-tracking collectors have achieved a high level of technical maturity. However,
improvements towards higher operation efficiency at temperatures of 80C to 110C are
still possible and advanced production technologies will allow for reduction of cost. [8]

CONCLUSION
Nowadays, Solar Cooling is both possible and reliable. Exploitation of solar thermal energy for
cooling is an efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly way to use renewable energy
sources to meet our air conditioning needs.

8
REFERENCES

[1] Kunz, D. Mller, H. Soltmann, C. Patent Landscape Report on Solar Cooling Technologies.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 2012
[2] https://www.dri.edu/images/stories/editors/receditor/Solar_Cooling_Review.pdf, accessed on 11th
December 2016

[3] Sunfocus. Issue 4. April-June 2014

[4] Sinha, A. Karale, S. A review on Solar Powered Refrigeration and the Various Cooling
Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) Systems. International Journal of Engineering Research &
Technology. 2(2). 2013

[5] Solar Heating and Cooling for Residential Applications. Technology Brief. Energy
Technology Systems Analysis Programme. 2015
[6] Dr. R.E. Critoph and Mr. K. Thompson. Solar Energy for Cooling And Refrigeration
[7] Coroyannakis, P. Tsoutsos, T. Gkouskos, Z. Solar Cooling Overview and Reccomendation.
SOLCO
[8] Solar Cooling Position Paper. IEA SHC Task 38. 2011