SAV, a solar power air-conditioning system for vehicles, switches on-board air-conditioner to solar power when petrol engine shuts off. The inventors say the switch-over is automatic and seamless.
For example, drivers of minibuses or taxis can switch off the engine but continue to stay cool while waiting for passengers at the station. The system helps extend the operation of air-conditioner for an extra two hours, said project professor Eric Cheng. He added that even on cloudy, rainy days power output would be satisfactory.
Power is collected through photovoltaic panels on the rooftop of the vehicle and then stored in a battery to support a stand-alone electric air-conditioning unit when the car engine is not running. The solar panel is made from bendy materials which can fit on any vehicle rooftop. It also serves as thermal insulation for the interior and other equipments inside the vehicle.
Avoiding idling just to keep the air conditioner on has several advantages. First, it prevents pollution from going into the atmosphere by saving a great deal of petrol. Leaving a vehicle on idle for as short as 10 minutes a day will consume an average of 100 liters of petrol in one year. Second, idling is bad for the engine as it may contaminate engine oil and accelerate deterioration of engine components due to higher operational temperature and unnecessary prolonged operation.
The system received two awards from the 39th International Exhibition of Inventions in April this year and it’s part of PolyU’s ongoing efforts to create sustainable solutions.
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