J. T. Mahajan College of Engineering, Faizpur, Maharashtra, India
The ecological implications associated with conventional air cooling systems, which are primarily fossil fuel-based, are significant in terms of both greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Based on these challenges, the current study investigates the feasibility of a solar-powered air cooling system as an alternative solution. An evaluation of the effectiveness of this research work is made through experimental analysis and detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) where criteria include energy efficiency, carbon emission, and generally ecological benefits. Results were obtained such that the Coefficient of Performance (COP) for the solar-based system is within the range of 3.5 to 4.2. Additionally, lifecycle emissions are decreased by approximately 45?cause the system produces 50 kg CO?e for each unit of cooling, as compared to the 90 kg CO?e produced by traditional systems. The study focuses on operational benefits of solar energy that significantly minimize environmental impacts in the whole lifecycle of the system, especially during the operational period. This would include the following key limitations: high initial cost; dust collection on the surfaces of solar panels, particularly in areas with very frequent dust collection; and post-closure recycling. Overall, research on solar-operated air cooling systems is valuable since it has the potential for energy-efficient and environment-friendly cooling while also suggesting technology as well as policy improvements in several regards toward feasible, deployable solutions.
It was caused by global warming and urbanization that led to the growing rate of global temperatures thus having an ever-growing demand for cooling mechanisms in a global scale [1]. This technique is efficient in providing thermal comfort but relies heavily on electricity produced from fossil fuels, which significantly enhances the release of GHG into the atmosphere and accelerates environmental degradation. The International Energy Agency predicts that air conditioners and electric fans account for about 20% of the electricity used in global buildings, and this will rise significantly in the coming few decades [2]. This therefore represents a crucial need for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling systems. Solar-powered air-cooling systems also serve as potential alternatives for the traditional cooling systems. The use of renewable solar energy significantly reduces the dependency on the grid for electricity and consequently cuts carbon emissions. Such systems are best suited to areas where there is a high intensity of solar irradiance and where demand for cooling is usually maximum. This aligns with global efforts toward the integration of more sustainable energy alternatives and meeting climate goals as outlined in international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, through the integration of solar energy into air conditioning systems[3]. Despite its potential, the execution and performance of a solar energy-based air-cooling system present major difficulties. Significant challenges that remain in this area include significant initial capital outlays, decreases in efficiency from environmental considerations, such as dust on photovoltaic surfaces, and the need for technological innovation in system design. The production and disposal of the photovoltaic modules themselves must be analyzed with great care along with the energy consumed during production to obtain a holistic assessment of the sustainability of the system[4, 5]. The objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental effects of a solar-powered air-cooling system, taking into consideration its energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and lifecycle impacts. This research intends to measure the environmental advantages and obstacles related to these systems by using experimental methods together with a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The results are expected to contribute significantly to insights regarding their feasibility as sustainable cooling alternatives and are likely to improve the ongoing debate on renewable energy integration into the cooling sector. The paper is divided into three parts: methodology, which includes experimental setup, system design, and LCA approach; results and discussion, where key findings are presented regarding performance metrics and environmental impact; and conclusion, which presents recommendations for enhancing the adoption and effectiveness of solar-operated air-cooling systems. This research contributes to advancing the knowledge and application of renewable energy technologies in addressing pressing environmental and energy challenges.
METHODOLOGY
This research employed a methodology encompassing an integrated approach in determining both the environmental impacts and the efficiency of the solar-powered air cooling system. This section describes the experimental setup, the life cycle assessment (LCA) model, and the comparative analysis method used in the study to determine the sustainability of the system[6, 7].
The key elements of the solar-powered air cooling system are:
The system was designed to operate in a hot and arid climate with high solar irradiance, simulating real-world conditions to evaluate performance. The experiment configuration consisted of a controlled environment chamber simulating different climatic conditions (temperature, humidity). The proper instruments were used to measure energy input (solar energy harvested) and output (cooling capacity, power consumption). Performance indicators, including the Coefficient of Performance (COP), cooling capacity, and energy efficiency, were documented throughout a duration of six months to capture seasonal fluctuations [8]. Lifelong environmental impacts of the Solar power system for air cooling have thus been analyzed using LCA Methodology. The LCA was assessed based on ISO 14040 compliant. This research centered on evaluating the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions linked to the stages of material extraction, manufacturing, operational use, and end-of-life disposal of the solar cooling system. Data were collected on materials used (for example silicon for solar panels, metals for cooling components) and energy consumed during manufacturing. Data were generated from experimental measurements of operation. The environmental effects were evaluated by measuring the carbon footprint (kg CO?e), energy usage (kWh), and depletion of resources. The results were analyzed to identify key impact contributors and suggest potential improvements[9]. In order to place the ecological benefits of the solar-powered air-cooling system in perspective, a comparative analysis was conducted against a conventional air-cooling system. Qualitative comparison of power consumed and cooling capacity under the same operating conditions. Carbon Footprint Analysis: Estimation of the GHG emissions of both systems, accounting for the mix of energy in the grid electricity for the conventional system. Lifecycle Emissions: An analysis of the cumulative emissions throughout the anticipated operational duration of the systems, which is 15 years for the solar system and 10 years for the conventional system[10, 11].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This study shows the results regarding how well the solar air-cooling system uses energy, its carbon footprint, its emissions over its lifetime, and its overall effect on the environment. Comparing it with a regular air-cooling system helps us understand better the good and bad sides of using solar systems. The Coefficient of Performance (COP) varied between 3.5 and 4.2 for different operating conditions for the solar-powered air-cooling system, and that of the regular system was 2.8 to 3.0. This means that the system consumed 15% less energy for every unit of cooling compared to the regular system. The higher COP and lower consumption of energy prove how efficient the solar-powered system is. Its efficiency is derived from better system design using advanced evaporative cooling materials and good power management with solar energy storage. Such results indicate the success of solar cooling systems in lowering energy needs on the grid, especially during busy cooling times[12].
Table 1: Comparative results of Solar-operated Air-Cooling System and Conventional Air-Cooling System
|
Parameter |
Solar-Operated Air-Cooling System |
Conventional Air-Cooling System |
|
Coefficient of Performance (COP) |
3.5–4.2 |
2.8–3.0 |
|
Lifecycle Emissions (kg CO?e) |
750 (15 years) |
1,350 (10 years) |
|
Operational Emissions |
Negligible |
0.8 kg CO?e per hour |
|
Energy Consumption Reduction |
15% less energy per unit cooling |
Baseline |
|
Initial Cost |
1.8x higher |
Baseline |
|
Cooling Performance |
8–10°C drop (effective in arid climates) |
Similar performance |
|
Challenges |
Dust accumulation, high initial cost |
High operational emissions |
|
Environmental Impact |
45% lower lifecycle emissions |
Baseline |
The solar-operated air-cooling system had a better performance and environment benefit over the conventional air-cooling system as shown in Table 1. One efficiency indicator of the solar system, Coefficient of Performance, ranges from 3.5 to 4.2, much higher as compared to the COP ranging from 2.8 to 3.0 with the conventional system. Such values indicate the ability of the solar system to obtain a greater cooling output based on the same energy put into it, making them a better option for using it in the long term[13].
Figure 1: Comparative Analysis of cooling systems
In terms of lifecycle emissions, the solar system produced around 750 kg CO?e during 15 years, with most of the emissions stemming from manufacturing, while the conventional system produced 1,350 kg CO?e during 10 years, with most of its emissions occurring during operation. By relying on renewable energy, the solar system was able to keep its operational emissions nil, while the conventional system had an emission rate of 0.8 kg CO?e per hour. This depicts the solar system's possibility of reducing greenhouse gas emission up to 45%, indicating its environmental benefit[14]. Energy consumption analyses indicated that the solar-run system used 15% less energy per unit of cooling compared to the conventional system and eased the power grid strain during peak periods. Though the investment in the solar system was 1.8 times higher, the operational savings coupled with reduced energy usage over the life cycle of the system nullified this expense. Therefore, the system is economically viable in the long term and justifies its higher cost of investment[10]. Both the systems provided cooling satisfactorily, but the temperature drop in the solar-operated system reached 8–10°C. The solar system has vast environmental advantages over the conventional system. Some of the drawbacks faced by the solar system include dust accumulation on the solar panel reduces efficiency by 10–15%, and it is too costly to manufacture. Such issues point out the necessity to design self-cleaning panel technology and decrease production cost[15].
Figure 2: Challenges in Solar Operated System
Although environmentally friendly and energy efficient, the solar-operated air-cooling system has its challenges as shown in figure 2. Some of the main problems it experiences are related to dusting on the surface of solar panels. It may result in a loss of efficiency as high as 15% in areas with heavy particulate matter or arid climates where dust storms frequently occur. Dust on panels reduces the capturing of sunlight, which then results in lesser energy generation and affects the system performance. The investment for a solar-operated air cooling system is around 1.8 times more than the conventional systems. The cost includes solar panels, battery storage, and other components needed to make the system work. While the long-term savings in energy bills and reduced emissions are high, the initial investment remains a deterrent for widespread adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive markets[16].
The system also requires maintenance to be done regularly in order to perform at an optimal level. Besides cleaning dust, some parts, such as batteries and inverters, need to be replaced or repaired periodically. This adds to the lifecycle costs and requires technical knowledge for its maintenance, which may not be easily available in rural or remote areas. The relative impact levels of the challenges have been visualized with "Dust Accumulation" having the highest relative impact on system performance. High Initial Cost follows because it directly impacts user adoption rates, while Maintenance Requirements provides a recurring operational challenge. Overcoming these challenges using innovative technologies like self-cleaning solar panels, reduction of production costs, and development of long-lasting components for other parts will be highly helpful in enhancing the system's feasibility and scalability. It is also essential that governmental aids and incentives help cross all the economic barriers and create favorable conditions for the higher diffusion of solar-operated air cooling systems[17]. It considerably minimized the impacts of environmental effects in its global warming potential and resource depletion. More of a conventional system was adopted as the base case, though an operation like this one that is entirely fossil fuelled has minimal rank on the environmentally friendly side. Operation clean for the solar system resonates with global targets on sustainability. This could further make maintenance and cost challenges less intimidating, thereby increasing its accessibility and scalability to be a worthwhile solution for future cooling needs[18]. The total carbon emissions for the solar system over 15 years were about 750 kg CO?e. This is less than the 1,350 kg CO?e from the conventional system. The solar system had very low emissions because it used renewable energy. In contrast, the conventional system produced 0.8 kg CO?e for every hour it operated. The large decrease in carbon footprint shows the environmental benefits of solar-operated systems. However, the emissions from making and disposing of solar panels accounted for 60% of the system's total emissions over its lifetime. Recycling parts of solar panels and bettering the way panels are made could help lower these emissions even more. The phase where panels are made caused the most emissions for the solar system, adding about 65% of total emissions, mostly because making photovoltaic panels takes a lot of energy. The operating phase had very minimal emissions as opposed to the conventional system, which had 85% of the lifecycle emissions at the operational phase. This outcome demonstrates the long-term environmental impacts of solar-operated systems by moving emissions from the operational phase to the manufacturing phase. This points out how critical green manufacturing practices are for solar components. More reduction in emissions in the solar system can be achieved by using energy-saving manufacture and renewable energy sources during production. The solar system maintained its steady temperature drop of 8–10°C between the air temperature of 35°C and 45°C that is similar to the regular system. Levels of humidity were a bit higher compared to the regular system and this might be a problem due to the cooling method being used in places with high levels of humidity. The cooling performance shows that solar systems can provide good comfort in hot and dry places. However, design changes may be needed for areas with different humidity levels to keep users comfortable. The initial cost of the solar system was about 1.8 times more than the regular system, mainly because of the price of solar panels and battery storage. Dust accumulation on solar panels degraded energy output by 10–15% over time. They require frequent cleaning to function satisfactorily. While operational cost savings and environmental advantage compensate for the high installed costs over the life of a system, financial incentives such as subsidies and tax credits may accelerate adoption. Innovative concepts such as self-cleaning solar panels or dust-resistance coatings may address maintenance-related issues and enhance long-term efficiency. Non-renewable energy sources in the solar system could be saved by 40% as compared to the conventional system, thus, lowering pressure on the power grid. The overall environmental impacts that include GWP, resource depletion, and acidification were 30-50% lower in the solar system[19].
CONCLUSIONS
It determined the ecological implications and performance of a solar-powered air-cooling apparatus by way of empirical analysis and lifecycle evaluation. The apparatus achieved high significant environmental benefits in comparison, registering a 45% drop in lifecycle greenhouse gas emission contribution in comparison with the established conventional systems. The decline could be largely accounted to its reliance on renewable-based solar energy for operation-primarily leading to a few emissions during the usage lifecycle phase. COP of the system was recored as 3.5-4.2 whereas in conventional systems, the COP varies from 2.8 to 3.0. Concentrated lifecycle emissions were mainly concentrated on the manufacturing stage. The process demands a sustainable approach of production and recycling in a solar panel. Initial cost was recorded almost 1.8 times greater than the conventional one though that would be made off with the operational cost-cutting and environmental benefit.
REFERENCE
Prakash Thombare*, Ravindra Patil, Performance Assessment of Solar Cooling Technologies for Cold Warehouse Storage Efficiency, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (4), 415-421. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15247615
10.5281/zenodo.15247615
