Shoolini University develops compressor-free cooling tech

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Solan, February 12

In a ground-breaking study, scientists from the Centre of Excellence in Energy Science and Technology (CEEST) at Shoolini University, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, Australia, have unveiled a pioneering compressor-free cooling technology.

This innovative approach, powered by a photovoltaic (PV) system, marks a significant stride towards achieving net-zero energy buildings (NZEB) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. The results of this transformative study were published in the International Journal of Cleaner Production, with a cite score of 18.5 and an impact factor of 11.1.

The team — Rahul Chandel, Shyam Singh Chandel, Deo Prasad and RP Dwivedi — introduced a sustainable method to replace traditional compressor-based air conditioning systems with thermoelectric cooling technology. The modelled system was tested at the Solar Energy Research Facility of the CEEST under full solar loading conditions, and demonstrated the capability to effectively reduce indoor temperatures by 5–16°C.

The key highlight of the study is the development of novel semi-transparent thermoelectric (STEM-PV) modules, which pave the way for future commercial cooling devices and further research into NZEBs. “This model can evaluate performance under various climatic conditions worldwide, leveraging solid-state semiconductor devices that operate on the Seebeck or Peltier effects for energy conversion and avoids the use of environment harming refrigerant gases that are based on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),” explained Prof Shyam Singh Chandel, one of the co-authors and a globally recognised scientist.