There are three major differences in a solar Hybrid air conditioner compared to a regular condensed vapor air conditioner:
1. The size of the condenser, where efficiency gains are achieved, is much greater. So in the 3.6kW system, for every kW of solar thermal energy gathered, this is multiplied by 4.16 which is the efficiency gain across the larger condenser.
2. Two functions of the compressor are replaced by the solar thermal panel:
a. Pressurization of the refrigerant and b. Heating of the refrigerant.
The third function is circulating the refrigerant and this function is still performed by the compressor
3. The overall electrical requirement is significantly reduced as the compressor is only required to operate for 20% of the operating cycle.
The saving in electricity from these three differences can repay the cost of the Solakool air conditioner by using significantly less energy as the compressor is only required to operate infrequently.
