07-08-2012, 03:58 PM
Solar Powered Air Conditioning for Elderly, Low Income Houstonians
SolarPoweredAirConditioning (1).ppt (Size: 521.5 KB / Downloads: 166)
Introduction
The Need
Air conditioning can be as high as 25-40% of a household’s annual energy costs
Many 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 received assistance
Senior citizens accounted for 14 out of 20 heat-related deaths in Houston in 2001
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
Charge Controller
Used in any solar power system that includes batteries
Blocks 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
Overview of Mars Testbed Solar Recharge Station
Some in-house JSC experience with solar power systems
Environmental Office (COD) and Advanced EVA 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 as well as explore space