Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have developed a prototype air conditioning system. This new system uses less electricity. It can cut power use by up to 33% compared to traditional air conditioners.
Energy Demand Concerns
Air conditioner use is increasing. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change predicts cooling electricity demand will triple by 2037-38. This rise strains resources. It also could increase electricity costs for consumers.
New AC Technology
A team at IIT Delhi’s Mechanical Engineering Department created the prototype. Professor Anurag Goyal led the research. PhD scholar Ananthakrishnan K also contributed. The system uses a hybrid design. Early tests show significant power savings.
How it Works
Traditional ACs cool air too much to remove humidity. This wastes energy. The new system uses a special salt solution. This solution absorbs moisture directly from the air. A thin membrane prevents the salt solution from mixing with indoor air. This is a key improvement.
The system also reuses heat. AC outdoor units normally release heat. This system redirects that heat. It uses the heat to evaporate and reuse the salt solution. This means the system can run continuously. It does not need extra heating materials.
Performance Data
Professor Goyal reported that the prototype reduced electricity use. It dropped from about 1200 watts for a common AC. It now uses around 800 watts. Indoor comfort levels remained the same. Energy savings vary by region. Humid areas see about 28% savings. Dry areas can reach up to 41.5% savings.
Publication and Future
The researchers believe this technology offers sustainable cooling. This is important as demand grows. Their findings were published in the Journal of Building Engineering . The study is titled “Model-based analysis of a new hybrid membrane-liquid desiccant air conditioner to achieve high-efficiency space cooling.”.