United States. Austin Solar Air Conditioning Inc. announced that the company is developing an air conditioning system using solar technology with a satellite dish. According to the company, the system does not require electricity to operate a conventional compressor and does not use refrigerant. They also say the system offers significant cost savings and can also supply heating and hot water.The development of this system began five years ago in response to the need for alternative solutions to reduce the financial and ecological costs that result from the operation of traditional air conditioning systems. "Although there are different organizations in the United States that offer solar PV systems, we couldn't find any that offered standard products that used thermal absorption technology, which is more efficient," said Walter Ross, president of Austin Solar. "Our goal is to offer solar air conditioning systems that are accessible and affordable for both homes and commercial installations."
Austin Solar's system uses a high-temperature absorption chiller, which is said to be more efficient than low-temperature adsorption units or traditional refrigerant-based air conditioning units. The first test equipment is expected to be installed in 2009.
