Researchers in Saudi Arabia have created a cooling system that operates without electricity, using salt and solar energy.
This innovative technology was developed by a team at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and aims to lessen reliance on traditional air conditioning systems.
The system is named Nescod, which stands for No Electricity and Sustainable Cooling on Demand.
Rather than using compressors or electric motors, it depends on ammonium nitrate, a substance frequently found in fertilisers.
When ammonium nitrate dissolves in water, it extracts heat from the surrounding environment through a process known as endothermic dissolution. This heat absorption results in a cooling effect.
According to the researchers, experiments showed that a combination of ammonium nitrate and water lowered the temperature from 25°C to 3.6°C in just 20 minutes.
They indicated that this made it nearly four times more efficient than other salts, such as ammonium chloride.
The researchers in Saudi Arabia also pointed out that ammonium nitrate is inexpensive, readily available, and simple to store.
How does the new system work?
Once the salt has absorbed heat, the system can be reset without the need for electricity.
Solar energy is harnessed to evaporate the water, enabling the ammonium nitrate to crystallise and be regenerated for subsequent use.
This process allows for repeated cooling cycles without requiring an external power source.
Additionally, the researchers mentioned that the evaporated water can be collected through solar distillation, contributing to waste reduction.
They stated that the Nescod system could assist in decreasing electricity consumption and lowering carbon emissions in hot regions where there is a high demand for cooling.
Furthermore, they suggested that this technology might also be beneficial for food preservation, building cooling, and storing temperature-sensitive products in areas with unreliable power supplies.
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