Over 50 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions you produce in your home are generated by heating, air-conditioning and hot water.
In other words keeping your home warm in winter, cool in summer with nice hot water on tap is emitting 2.5 to 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
It also contributes a hefty amount to your electricity bill, between 50 to 60 per cent.
CSIRO has invented a new solar air-conditioning system for Australian homes. This technology solution will reduce Australia’s emissions, reduce your energy bills and reduce our demand for electricity and gas.
It is an innovative three-in-one technology that provides hot water, cooling and heating.
It works by using heat from the sun and employs both desiccant and evaporative cooling technologies.
Solar heat is first collected and stored as hot water, which can be used directly in the house. A portion of the hot water is diverted into the solar air-conditioning unit, which is used to either heat or cool the air coming into the building.
Our solar air-conditioning system uses only a fraction of the electricity of current air-conditioning systems and halves greenhouse gas emissions.
The video below explain how solar air-conditioning works or you can go to www.csiro.au/solar-cooling for more info.
5th October 2017 at 1:48 pm
A comment from Jesse Hawley (13th January 2015) states that “Our desiccant cooling system is designed to work in conjunction with a conventional air conditioner”. However, the article states that “Our solar cooling system is a low emissions alternative to conventional air conditioning”. Could someone please respond to this as I think most people who have commented are of the opinion that this is an alternative to the current technology?
21st September 2016 at 12:38 pm
Very interested in installing these. Great initiative and look forward to seeing how the trials go. Would this operate much like your water cooled package units?
24th August 2016 at 1:33 am
It is a great maintenance system .Where i get it
11th April 2016 at 3:36 pm
Who is manufacturing this system? Where can I get it?
12th April 2016 at 11:07 am
Hi Paddy,
Unfortunately the technology isn’t commercially available just yet, but we are undertaking trials in real conditions at the Hunter TAFE campus in New South Wales.
Cheers,
Ellen
CSIRO Social Media Team
30th November 2015 at 6:28 pm
I would be interested to know what is required in terms of maintenance for this system.