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As climate change escalates, our recent summer marked the hottest month ever recorded in history. It is no longer just about getting relief from the heat; Having access to artificially cold places is a matter of survival. However, there’s a catch. The more we rely on traditional air conditioning systems, the more we contribute to the problem. It’s a troubling cycle: Higher temperatures lead to more air-conditioner use, which results in more energy use and more greenhouse gases.
Source: Be Smart/YouTube
Current air conditioning technology has existed for nearly a century, and it is clear that we are in need of an upgrade. One of the critical issues is the refrigerants used in these systems, which are major greenhouse gas contributors. Although there have been initiatives to replace these harmful coolants, it is only part of the solution.
Most conventional air conditioners simultaneously cool and dehumidify, making this process inefficient. They often make the air cooler than necessary for the water to condense. New designs are focusing on separating these processes. For example, some modern units use a desiccant material (such as silica gel found in packaged goods) to remove moisture. Once the air is dry, it can be cooled efficiently. One such innovation from a startup called Transera claims to use 35% less energy than conventional units.
However, an even more exciting innovation lies in evaporative cooling, a method that removes an energy-hogging process called vapor compression. This method, used in DIY swamp coolers, has been around for centuries. Historical examples include the ancient Iranian yakhchals, earthen structures that used this method to cool places and even make ice in winter. Contemporary research groups such as Harvard’s CSNAP team have re-invented this method by creating devices that cool air without increasing humidity without using harmful refrigerants.
Florida-based company Blue Frontier is also testing a system that combines both desiccant and evaporative cooling, which promises a drastic reduction in energy consumption.
However, despite the potential of these innovations, they are still in the testing phase, and commercial launch is likely several years away. Challenges such as high manufacturing cost and inertia of the current AC industry can be hindrances.
As we look to the future, it is necessary to focus not only on better air conditioning technology, but also on better urban planning and building design, such as passive cooling methods. By blending new technologies with better designs, we can look forward to a cooler and greener tomorrow.
There Is Only One Green Planet: Climate Collection by Tiny Rescue
there is Only One Green Planet: Climate Collection by Tiny Rescue
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Source: www.onegreenplanet.org
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