Solar Powered Cooling System

Introduction

A Solar Powered Cooling System was developed and evaluated for its performance at IARI. The Solar powered cooling system consists of photo-voltaic (PV) solar generator, two batteries, an inverter, a vapour compression refrigeration system and an insulated storage structure of about 2.5 m 3 capacity. This system was evaluated by storing potato safely for about 5 months. The attainable temperature inside the cold store ranged from 8 to 10 o C, while the averages of relative humidity were 81% and 86% without storage and with storage of potato, respectively. These are acceptable limits for storage of most of the horticultural produce.

 

Specifications-

 

•  System : SPV Panel, 14 module @ 35Wp

•  Storage Batteries : 2 lead acid batteries of 2.26 kWh capacity each

•  Inverter : 1250 VA (to convert DC to AC)

•  System Configuration : 1/6 HP Compressor

Condenser 0.337 m 2

Evaporator 0.223 m 2

•  Cooling Chamber : 2.5 m 3 volumetric capacity

 

Advantages

 

•  It offers environmental benefits including lower grid demand and load shifting during peak usage

•  It reduces electricity cost

•  Fewer power outages

•  Off-the-grid capabilities

•  Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

 

For further information please contact

 

Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
New Delhi,
Delhi 110012