Applications
Solar Cooling for the World
Application One
In the “Sustainable Energy for Developing Countries Report” (written for the Tearfund) one of the primary needs identified for some of the world’s poorest communities (who do not have access to electricity) is a device to keep medicines and vaccines at the correct temperature to ensure that they can be used safely and effectively. Such communities are often provided with medication free of charge by relief agencies, but much is spoilt before they are able to use it, as there is no means to maintain the items at the proper temperature.
Application Two
In India 50% of the crops harvested rot before they can be eaten. The proposed Solar-Polar cooling units with their inherent dehumidification could be used in conjunction with prefabricated insulated storage units (figure 1) to prolong the life of the crops. The water harvesting from the cooling unit could then be used to irrigate crops, or for drinking water.
Figure 1 - 40’ insulated container with 2kW of cooling
Application Three
Women in Africa and Asia have to walk five hours a day to collect 20kg water, wasting 40 billion working hours. 443 million school days are wasted because of sickness caused by unclean water. In areas of high humidity the Solar-Polar units can be used to condense water form the atmosphere, making a source of clean safe water close to villages (information from Water Aid).