Shoolini University innovates compressor-free cooling technology for net-zero energy buildings

 In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the Centre of Excellence in Energy Science and Technology (CEEST) at Shoolini University, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, Australia, have unveiled a pioneering compressor-free cooling technology. 

This innovative approach, powered by a photovoltaic (PV) system, marks a significant stride towards achieving net-zero energy buildings (NZEB) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. The results of this transformative study were published in the prestigious International Journal of Cleaner Production, with  Cite Score of 18.5 and an impact factor of 11.1.

The team comprising Rahul Chandel, Shyam Singh Chandel, Deo Prasad and RP Dwivedi, introduced a sustainable method to replace traditional compressor-based air conditioning systems with thermoelectric cooling technology. The novel, modelled system was tested at the Solar Energy Research Facility of the CEEST under full solar loading conditions, and demonstrated the capability to effectively reduce indoor temperatures by 5–16°C.

The key highlight of the study is the development of novel semi-transparent thermoelectric-PV (STEM-PV) modules, which pave the way for future commercial cooling devices and further research into NZEBs. “This model can evaluate performance under various climatic conditions worldwide, leveraging solid-state semiconductor devices that operate on the Seebeck or Peltier effects for energy conversion and avoids the use of environment harming refrigerant gases that are based on CFCs and HCFCs,” explained Prof. Shyam Singh Chandel, one of the co-authors and a globally recognized top 2% scientist in Energy by Stanford University and Elsevier.

The thermoelectric technology eschews the use of CFCs, HCFCs, or any gases contributing to global warming and ozone depletion, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG13 (Climate Action).

Prof. Shyam Singh Chandel emphasised the urgency of adopting such sustainable technologies: “In light of global warming challenges and our commitment to the UN SDGs, it’s imperative to further research and utilize these sustainable cooling solutions.”