Research engineers at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra are developing technology that could spell relief for Australians who swelter during the summer.
They’re working on a new solar air conditioning system that will alleviate the pressure on Australia’s ageing electricity infrastructure and reduce the demand for power over the hotter months.
Dr Mike Dennis from the ANU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science believes that peak period power shortages are just around the corner for Australia. He also says the refrigerants in traditional air conditioner units are an environmental threat.
“The refrigerants circulating in these units are several thousand times more potent greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide,” he said. “For every kilogram of refrigerant you have in your split-system, you’ve got two or three thousand kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent locked up – as much as the average car puts out in a year. There is a big question mark over what becomes of this refrigerant upon disposal of the air conditioner.”
Dr Dennis’s design replaces the electrical compressor in a conventional air conditioner with a solar powered thermal compressor. Solar power is provided in the form of heat – not electricity – from conventional solar water heater panels. The same system could provide heat in winter and hot water all year round.
“The air conditioner is very similar to a household split-system, with which most people are familiar, except for the power source,” he said.
An extensive two-year commercially driven development program will begin this year, with commercial and manufacturing issues expected to be addressed in 2010.
Dr Dennis expects the manufacturing cost to be low, because there is only one moving part and no potent chemicals. His research is outlined in the ANU Reporter: www.anu.edu.au/reporter in the story “Cool Runnings”.
Meanwhile, Australia’s peak body for the green energy sector has applauded the Federal Government’s plan to insulate well over two million homes.
The Clean Energy Council has described the initiative as a welcome step towards creating green jobs in Australia while helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions and household power bills.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced in February that more than 2.2 million owner-occupied homes would qualify for free ceiling insulation under the government’s multi-billion-dollar green jobs package to stimulate the economy.
He said the government would also double – from $500 to $1000 – ceiling insulation subsidies for owners of 500,000 rental properties.
Clean Energy Council CEO Matthew Warren says he is pleased the government has heeded the council’s calls to direct spending towards smart energy solutions that help to stimulate domestic manufacturing while saving money, energy and the environment.
“This increased insulation will also help ease demand during peak energy times like the heat wave earlier this year when air conditioners were running flat out,” he said. “Reducing demand and taking pressure off the electricity grid means less outages. These sorts of packages help every Australian by cushioning the cost of transition to a carbon-constrained economy.”
