An online exploration of solar air conditioning sizing
How can we promote the use of solar energy in remote off-grid locations and help organisations reduce their dependence on diesel?
For the past year Arup has been co-developing with MSF Sweden Innovation Unit (SIU) and energy referents from the wider MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières), one of the world leading organisation for medical humanitarian aid, a solution to increase the adoption of solar energy solutions, decrease the carbon footprint of their operations and reduce their dependence on diesel. Apart from being terrible for the environment, diesel is expensive, hard to transport and difficult to procure in remote locations.
Air conditioning, which is essential for controlled temperatures in medical environments, was identified as one of the main sources of fuel use (an estimated 35–55% of MSF’s total fuel use), and as an ideal opportunity to reduce diesel dependency. MSF (SIU and MSF-Operational Centre Paris) conducted initial trials in Haiti, in 2018, with a hybrid air conditioning system which could operate directly on solar power and, when needed, could rely on diesel generators. The trials were a success, but challenges around the definition of what is needed in different contexts were identified. This led to energy wastage and a limited uptake of the solution within the organisation.
This is where Arup’s expertise came into play. For the past year we have been developing a web-based tool, to help field logisticians easily assess the solar AC requirements of specific sites. The tool has the overarching aim to speed up the scaling, dissemination, and overall usage of solar AC units, at the same time as promoting conscious and data-driven decisions within MSF.
Building from diverse engagements with experts both from MSF and Arup, as well as future users, the tool has been designed to be user friendly and intuitive to use for field logisticians. It enables users to quantify the advantages of a solar AC solution, both financially and environmentally, based on the requirements of a specific site. In addition, information about environmental impact, PV panels installation and passive cooling solutions are available.
Although Solar-AC has been built with the needs of Médecins Sans Frontières’ field logisticians in mind, the tool has been conceived to be usable by anyone who needs a high-level feasibility assessment for the installation of solar powered AC systems.
Explore the tool at solar-ac.arup.com
Find out more
If you would like to know more about the tool, contact solar-ac@arup.com. Meet Arup’s UK software team, and read more about our work here.
