ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the principles behind each of the three methods of solar air conditioning. These are solar sorption cooling; solar-mechanical systems; and solar-related systems, which are not solar operated but which use some components of the solar heating system for cooling. The future of many of the possible methods will depend on developments beyond the cooling process. Cooling is critical to space conditioning in southern climates of the United States and in commercial or institutional buildings in cooler climates. The addition of solar cooling to heating can improve the economics of the combined process over heating alone. A solar cooling system that has received some attention in recent years couples a solar powered Rankine-cycle engine with a more or less conventional air conditioning system. Conversion of solar energy to mechanical energy has been a long-term aim. When solar energy equipment is installed for the purpose of heating a building, some of this equipment can be used to cool the building.
