Design and Development of Solar Powered Air-Cooling System

Abstract

This paper presents the design and development of a solar-powered air cooling system using indirect-direct evaporative cooling (IDEC) technology. The system is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to conventional air conditioning, aimed at reducing electricity consumption and dependency on non-renewable sources. Powered entirely by a photovoltaic (PV) panel, it integrates sensors, automation, and water-efficient cooling pads. Performance analysis indicates the system can reduce ambient temperatures by 5°C to 7°C, making it suitable for dry and semi-arid regions.

Introduction

This study presents a solar-powered, energy-efficient air cooling system designed for rural and semi-urban areas with limited electricity access. The system uses an Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling (IDEC) method combined with automated temperature control via an Arduino microcontroller.

Key Points

• Motivation: Rising global temperatures and demand for sustainable, off-grid cooling solutions.

• Literature Review: Previous research supports the use of evaporative cooling and solar power in dry climates for efficiency and scalability.

System Design

• Components:

  • 12V, 40W solar panel

  • 12V lead-acid battery

  • BLDC fan, submersible water pump

  • Honeycomb cooling pad

  • Arduino with DHT11 sensor

  • PWM charge controller

• Functionality:

  • System activates at 31°C and shuts off at 25°C

  • Air is cooled as it passes through moist honeycomb pads, using evaporation

  • Fully powered by solar energy, with smart automation for energy conservation

Results

• Temperature Reduction: 5°C–7°C drop in air temperature

• Output Temperature: ~25°C–26°C

• Daily Runtime: 5–6 hours under sunlight

• Water Use: ~3 liters/day

• Cost: ?13,500 (~USD 160)

• Maintenance: Minimal

• Efficiency: High, sustainable, and suitable for off-grid use

Conclusion

This paper presents a successful implementation of a solar-powered air cooling system suitable for rural and remote applications. The prototype effectively utilizes solar energy and evaporative cooling, reducing dependency on grid electricity. Automated controls optimize power use, and the design is cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable. Future versions could integrate IoT for remote monitoring, auto-refill water systems, and hybrid energy sources.

References

[1] R.K. Sharma, “Evaporative Cooling Systems in Rural India,” Renewable Energy Journal, 2020. [2] FLEXChip Signal Processor (MC68175/D), Motorola, 1996. [3] A. Karnik, “Performance of TCP congestion control,” IISc Bangalore, 1999. [4] PDCA12-70 Data Sheet, Opto Speed SA. [5] IEEE Std. 802.11, Wireless LAN Specification, 1997

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Omkar Ramesh Karande, Uttam Akaram Dhanger, Abhijit Raghunath Adsule, Rani Dileep Wadile, Amar Bandu Badame. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.