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7/27/2019 Solar Powered Airconditioning
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Solar Powered Air Conditioning
for Elderly, Low Income
Houstonians
Robert L. Howard, Jr., Ph.D.
National Society of Black Engineers
Houston Space Chapter
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
The
Need
Air conditioning can be as high as 25-40% of
a households annual energy costsMany low-income residents cannot afford this
and go without air conditioning
60,000 homes in Houston without power in
2001; only 14,443 in all of Texas receivedassistance
Senior citizens accounted for 14 out of 20heat-related deaths in Houston in 2001
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
The
Need
CDC reports fans are useless at temperatures
above 90 deg F with humidity above 35% Spur movement of hot, humid air
Causes increased heat stressaccelerates body
hearting and raises internal body temperature
Essentially turns room into convection oven
Should not be used for preventing heat-related
illness in areas of high humidity
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
Problem persists despite local efforts tohelp
Window air conditioners donated, but wiringin many homes cannot handle added load
1998 fatality: widower had turned off airconditioner to save money
Houston libraries and multipurpose centersopen as cooling centers, but inaccessible tosome: elderly less mobile, afraid to leavehome, lack transportation
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
Exce
llent opportunity for NSBE and
NASA to come together in mutual
fulfillment of chartersNSBE-Houston Space Chapter can make a
positive impact by installing solar powered
air conditioners in as many elderly, lowincome households as possible
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
Provides a cool zone within homeelderlydo not have to leave homes to be safe
Does not interfere with limited housewiring
Will not increase household electric bill
Technology available off the shelf, but notaccessible to these communitiescost andunfamiliarity; we will bring it to them
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
Harmony of NSBE and NASA objectives NASA vision is to improve life here, to extend life
there, to find life beyond.
NSBE mission is to increase the number of culturallyresponsible Black engineers who excel academically,succeed professionally, and positively impact thecommunity
Solar power system improves life here in aculturally responsible way that positively impactsthe community
If we dont do it, who will?
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Introduction
Service project may well save lives; at
minimum it will increase the comfort of
our elderlyAlso benefits chapter members by
providing hands-on technical experience
many will not encounter in day-to-day jobresponsibilities
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Brief Survey of Solar Electric
Power
More than just a set of solar panels
Variety of components required for proper
functioning
Photovoltaic Panel
Three basic types: single crystal silicon,
polycrystal silicon, and thin film/amorphous
Convert sunlight directly into DC electricity
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Brief Survey of Solar Electric
Power
Inverter
Converts DC electricity into AC electricity
Most home appliances require AC powerBattery
Provide energy storage for use when solar panels
cannot receive sunlight
Also supplement panels to smooth power level Most are Lead-acid (30% sulfuric acid)
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) type recommended
requires no maintenance and cannot leak
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Brief Survey of Solar Electric
Power
Charge Controller
Used in any solar power system that includes
batteriesBlocks reverse current (solar panels draining
batteries) and prevents battery overcharge
May also prevent battery overdischarge,protect from electrical overload, and display
battery status and flow of power
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Brief Survey of Solar Electric
Power
Power Outlets and Wiring
Proper gauge wiring essential to avoid poor
performance of appliances and possible firerisks
Power outlets sometimes include circuitprotection
Frame/StructureHold solar panels in place; roof or pole
mounts; some pole mounts track sun
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Overview of Mars Testbed Solar
Recharge Station
Some in-house JSC experience with solarpower systems
Environmental Office (COD) and AdvancedEVA Group built a solar recharge station as
part of a Mars testbed activity
Used commercially available components
from Solarcraft (Stafford, TX)Purpose was to demonstrate how state-of-the-
art technology can improve life on earth aswell as explore space
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Overview of Mars Testbed Solar
Recharge Station
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Overview of Mars Testbed Solar
Recharge Station
Reads like a prelude to this project
HSC will seek to tap into their expertise
and possibly their relationship withSolarcraft
Will also seek to coordinate with MOD
and Engineering Directorate organizationsinvolved with solar power
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Solar Powered Air Conditioning
System
Two main options exist:
Daylight-only system (no batteries)
Simpler, significantly less expensive Offers no cooling between sunset and dawn
Continuously operating system (requiresbatteries)
Provides constant temperature More expensive and complex
Presentation will explore both options, but willnot choose between them
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Solar Powered Air Conditioning
System
Daylight-only Configuration
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Solar Powered Air Conditioning
System
Continuous Operation Configuration
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Subsystem Data
In order to conduct a preliminary sizing,
data was compiled on commercially
available solar power subsystems and airconditioning units
Voltage, wattage, amperage, BTU cooling
capacity, price, vendor, etc.
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Complete solar-powered air conditioningsystem sized based on current vendorprices
Should not be construed as an exactspecification of what the system will looklike or cost
Prices, component availability subject tochange
Chapter may decide to construct items in-house rather than use commercial equipment
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Should be viewed as a ballpark estimate
Both options (daytime vs. continuous)
sized
For simplicity, continuous system assumes:
12 hours charge time; 10 hours discharge time
Overcast conditions not modeled in this
analysis
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Both options assume cooling for a 300 to350 square foot area, which includes akitchen
Rule of thumb suggests 8,000 BTU airconditioner for this square footage, withadditional 4,000 BTU to account for
kitchen heatSelected 1140 W Kenmore 12,300 BTU
Multi-Room Air Conditioner
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Option 1 (Daytime-only)
Photovoltaic Panel
SAPC-165 multicrystalline module
156 W per module, $612Total of seven required, for cost of $4284
Panel Mounting
UTRF64 Passive Tracking MountTracks sun passively (no electric power)
Holds all seven SAPC-165, costs $989
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Option 1 (Daytime-only)
Inverter
Sized based on power generated
Using Powerstar 1300 inverter, but requiresDC Converter
Powerstar operates at 12 V, photovoltaic panels
operate at 24 V
Powerstar costs $540, converter costs $285 for
total of $825.00
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August, 2003Chapter Technology Seminar
NSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Option 1 (Daytime-only)
Wiring and Receptacle
Length will vary with each house; impossible
to specify in advanceAssuming generic value of $200
Total cost for Option 1: $6,698
One unresolved concern: uneven powersupply levels may damage air conditioner
Chapter will need to resolve concern
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Option 2 (Continuous Operation)
Batteries
AGM batteries chosen - 12V Concorde PVX-
2120L offers the best value (2520 W-hrs)Six batteries required to meet power goal
Cost $304.95 each, for a total of $1,829.70
Photovoltaic Panels
15 SAPC-165 providing 2400W at $5,999.85
Inverters
Two Powerstar 1300 Inverters at $1,080
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Option 2 (Continuous Operation)
Charge Controller
Trace C35: three units usedone for every
two batteriesTotal cost: $337.05
Tracking Mounts
Two UTRF64 tracking mounts used at cost of$1,978
Total cost for Option 2: $11,819.64
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Preliminary System Sizing
Difference in price visually shows why
Option 1 remains a preferred choice
$6,698 vs. $11,819.64
Limitations in Option 1 must be solved
before it can be considered valid, however
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Fundraising
Chapter cannot pay for this project from
dues, shirt sales, and dinners
Will seek to partner with JSC, contractors,and solar power companies in hopes of
equipment donations
Will pursue grants and contracts fromfoundations, government agencies,
businesses, nonprofits, etc.
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Fundraising
Need chapter members to join Finance
Zone to help Marlo in this area
Need new members from businessdirectorates within JSC and contractors,
especially B, H, and L mail codes
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Engineering Roadmap
Thispaper is only a first step, not acomplete analysis
Need for additional studies - engineeringwork continues
Deepen understanding of solar power systems
Resolve outstanding technical issues
Generate Finalized specifications
Safety reviews
Implementation procedures
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Engineering Roadmap
Need for electrical engineers in the chapter
to step up and get involved
New members especially needed fromDF7, DT4, EC, EP, and JA13
Room for other chapter members
engineers and non-engineers to contribute
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Engineering Roadmap
Paperstudies likely to continue through fall and
into early spring
Build hardware experience prior to assemblingair conditioner units
Conduct series of smaller, less expensive solar
projects (e.g. solar fans, other low wattage devices)
Side benefit: many of these may have outreach uses
Goal: first operational unit completed in time for
summer 2004
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Candidate Selection
No mechanism in place yet to selectrecipientsmust be accomplished prior to
first deliveryChurches, United Way, etc. work routinely
with the types of elderly we wish to serve
Coordinating with such organizations willhelp us to identify responsible elderly withgenuine need
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August, 2003Chapter Technology SeminarNSBEHouston Space Chapter
Conclusion
We cant help everyone suffering in Houston
We will make a difference
We will pioneer a roadmap other organizationscan follow
Enhance image of NASA, NSBE, contractors,
partners
Gain sense of satisfactionwe will have used
our skills to change the lives of people
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August 2003NSBE Houston Space Chapter
Questions?
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