IEA-SHC Task 65: Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions

IEA SHC Task 65 focuses on cost-efficient, safe, and reliable solar cooling systems optimized for hot climates. This requires cost reductions, system simplifications, life-cycle cost-benefit assessments and supportive policies. Austria plays a key role in Task 65, particularly in the assessment of technologies (Subtask C). Through scientific analyses, pilot projects, and workshops, market barriers are to be overcome, and solar cooling is to be established as a viable solution.

Short Description

The know-how on solar cooling technology gathered in OECD countries is already very extensive. Very little effort has been made to transfer this know-how to the countries of the sunbelt (e.g. Africa, MENA, etc.), which are all dynamic emerging economies. However, these countries are important parts of the global increase in demand for air conditioning (AC). At the same time, solar cooling can play an important role, as these are regions with high solar irradiation.

Therefore, the present task aims at developing innovations for affordable, safe and reliable cooling systems for sunbelt regions worldwide.

To achieve these goals, the work is divided into the following subtasks

Subtask A: Adaptation
Subtask B: Demonstration
Subtask C: Evaluation and tools
Subtask D: Distribution

The results are the adaptation of components or systems as well as the demonstration of the plants and the Do's and Don'ts to be derived from it. The comprehensive life cycle assessment of all collected energy balances of the new or adapted solar cooling systems will be analysed, evaluated and benchmarked.

Key Findings from the Subtasks

Adaptation (Subtask A): Use of GIS software for site analysis, optimization of existing systems, and improving building efficiency.
Demonstration (Subtask B): Case studies from 18 countries with 32 projects confirm the effectiveness of solar cooling technologies. Design guidelines and standardized systems enhance marketability.
Assessment & Tools (Subtask C): Development of simulation models, technical and economic databases, life-cycle cost-benefit analyses tool and benchmarking methods for efficiency evaluation.
Dissemination (Subtask D): Roadmaps and financial models for market integration of solar cooling, particularly in Sunbelt regions.

In summary, Task 65 provides valuable insights into the adaptation, standardization, economics and financing of solar cooling solutions and contributes to achieving climate targets.

Three national workshops facilitated the integration of Austrian expertise, the incorporation of international findings, and the testing of new tools. Topics discussed included technical, ecological, and economic life cycle assessments as well as the application of the LCCBA tool. Six additional Austrian companies and universities participated in the task.

Future topics include new applications (e.g., agri-food, tourism), technical and socio-economic research questions, market needs, and knowledge transfer to the Global South.

Project Images

Terms of use: The pictures listed underneath the header “Project Pictures” originate from the projects in the frame of the programmes City of Tomorrow, Building of Tomorrow and the IEA Research Cooperation. They may be used credited for non-commercial purposes under the Creative Commons License Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC).

Participants

Austria, China, Denmark, France, Germany (Lead), Great Britain, Italy, The Netherlands, SACREEE (Southern African Development Community Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA

Contact Address

Neyer Brainworks GmbH
DI Dr.techn. Daniel Neyer, MSc
Oberradin 50
6700 Bludenz
E-Mail: daniel@neyer-brainworks.at

Energetic Solutions, DDI Jan W. Bleyl
Universität Innsbruck, Manuel Ostheimer, MSc