Air-cooling,
and generation of hot and cold water are essential utilities for
human comfort and convenience. Generally, these utilities are
provided by separate systems, each with its own capital costs and
energy requirements. A hybrid
System for
Air-cooling, Cold-
and Hot-water generation (SACH),
which combines the functions of air-conditioning, water heating,
and potable water-cooling has been developed by Prof. Milind Rane
of Mechanical Engineering Department. Potentially useful in
community and residential places, the 3-in-1 heat pump was
successfully demonstrated in a hostel premise on the IITB campus.
The system not only provides air-conditioning in the inadequately
ventilated computer laboratory, but also heats tap water for use
in the kitchen and bathrooms, and cools drinking water in the
dining hall. The initial capital cost for this system is lower
than the combined cost of conventional methods, with an additional
60 to 70% reduction in the operational cost. These energy-saving,
environment-friendly, window and split heat pumps have also been
successfully demonstrated in residential and community premises.
The table shows a comparison of the power profiles of conventional
utilities and the new heat pump developed at IITB. Patent
applications have been filed, and the technology is available for
licensing for commercial exploitation.
Contact: Prof M V Rane
ranemv@me.iitb.ac.in
|