Solar Air Conditioning: World’s First DC Air Conditioning

SplitCool DC18 is the world’s first air conditioning system powered by DC (or direct current) that is generated from solar photovoltaic. Compared to other conventional air conditioning system that regularly uses AC (or alternating current), SplitCool is more efficient.

This innovative air conditioning system is powered by solar energy a clean and renewable energy. No CFC or chlorofluorocarbons that deplete our ozone layer is used in the design. Additionally, the product is certified by TUV, known as the world’s strictest quality agency in approving any products.

SplitCool DC-18 air conditioning demo

There are a number of benefits of using DC compared to AC:

  • Reduce loss of conversion from DC to AC – The solar PV generates electrical currents in DC and if the air conditioning system is operating using AC, an extra inverter is needed in the system. Introduction of inverters in any system will create lower efficiency because loss of electrical energy during conversion.
  • Less PV panels – Since the system is more efficient then less PV (photovoltaic) panels are used in the system.
  • Fewer components – Product is less expensive since fewer components are used in the system. No inverter and less PV panels are used.

*PV panel also known as photovoltaic panel, solar panel or solar cell.

Specifications: SplitCool DC-18 DC Air Conditioning Unit / Heat Pump

Max Cooling                           18,000 BTU/hr

Max Heating                           20,500 Heating

Input Voltage                          48 VDC (46v to 56 v)

Batteries                                  12 VDC (min 4) or 6V DC (min 8)

Battery AH (each)                  225-395

Weight                                    165 lbs

Charge Weight                        45 oz (2.81 lbs)

Oil Charge                               11.83 fl. oz.

Refrigerant                              R-410a

Compressor                             Brushless DC (BLDC) Rotary

Low Voltage Disconnect        Yes

Sound (outdoor unit)              60 dB max

Sound (indoor unit)                52 dB max

 

IDU – Indoor Unit:
Height 12.1″
Width 34.25″
Depth 9.1″

 

ODU – Outdoor Unit (v1) :
Height 30.7″
Width 38.6″
Depth 13.6″

 

  Cooling Heating
Cooling & Heating Capacity 18,000 BTU 20,500 BTU
Air Flow 470 CFM 500 CFM
Dehumidification 1.8 L/h n/a
Amps per hour @ 48VDC (Nominal) 23.8 31
EER 15.9 13.77
SEER 18.17 n/a
COP 4.66 4.04

*BTU or BTU/hr (British thermal unit) is a traditional unit of energy equal to roughly 1055 joules. It is about the amount of energy needed to heat 1 pound weight or 0.454 kg of water. This is exactly 1/10 a British gallon or about 0.1198 US gallons, from 39°F to 40°F  or 3.8°C to 4.4°C. BTU/hr is a correct unit although BTU often use.

*SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is an efficiency rating for air conditioning manufacturers. It is a requirement from the US Department of Energy.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is an efficiency rating for heating manufacturers. It is a requirement from the US Department of Energy.

The higher the SEER or HSPF rating means that the device is more efficient. Normally high-efficiency units cost more. However, their operating costs are lower and the payback period also shorter.

*EER – energy efficient ratio.

*COP – coefficient of performance.

Features: SplitCool DC-18 DC Air Conditioning Unit / Heat Pump

Another interesting feature of SplitCool is it uses a high SEER BLDC (or Brushless DC) permanent magnet DC compressor with a digital frequency driver. This allows it to size itself dynamically based on load with a variable speed and variable refrigerant flow compressor.

It can be an 18000 BTU unit or a 4000, 8000 or 12000 BTU unit based on demand. Thus, by eliminating the on-off cycle of traditional air conditioners, the SplitCool DC18 is more efficient. Further, it can provide more hours of cooling while using less power.

Other features of the SplitCool photovoltaic air conditioning unit are listed below;

  • Variable frequency drive 25hz – 125hz (variable speed)
  • Capacity dynamically sized 5,000 BTU-18,000 BTU per hour as needed.
  • Compressor provides high efficiency  operation and slow start.
  • Overnight operation available.
  • Innovative control logic saves energy by matching cooling capacity to demand.
  • Uses min. 4 standard 12v (or 8 6v) deep cycle solar batteries.
  • Batteries are configured in series/parallel for 48 volt operation.
  • Needs minimum of 800 watts of standard solar panels.
  • Works with external standard solar charge controller.
  • Solar panel and battery requirements will vary based on application and   local sunlight conditions.
  • Quiet operation.

Readers who might be interested in their product could visit their website at, Solar Panel Plus. Thanks for reading.

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4 thoughts on “Solar Air Conditioning: World’s First DC Air Conditioning

    • Hi Heather, you could check the link provided on the article directly with the producer. Really I don’t know the price.

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