Solar cooling will have greater industry representation and advocacy with the launch of the Solar Cooling Special Technical Group.
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) announced the formation of the group today.
AIRAH's special technical groups (STGs) provide a way of channelling specialist expertise from the wider industry into the Institute.
It also provides a platform for practitioners to be involved in issues that affect their discipline including policy advice and regulation development.
The group will advocate for solar cooling, develop industry practitioner skills, and provide a hub for information sharing, and better communication between stakeholders.
AIRAH CEO Phil Wilkinson said the group will enable the HVAC industry to access new business opportunities in the renewable energy industry.
"As the sun beats down and air conditioners are turned up, what could be more logical than solar air conditioning? And with enthusiasm for solving Australia's electricity grid issues, solar air conditioning could be one of the HVAC industry's answers to reducing both greenhouse gas issues and electricity infrastructure costs," he said.
Dr Stephen White, from CSIRO Energy Technology, said the group will address barriers to the development of a vibrant solar air conditioning industry across Australia.
He identified a number of tasks to be implemented to achieve its goal of growing skills and capacity building.
These initiatives include: developing a comprehensive web portal; holding a regular conference to share information and recognise project excellence; delivering quality solar cooling training; preparing an industry roadmap; submitting responses to government public consultation processes; contributing to solar cooling standard development; and supporting the Dennis Joseph Award for the innovative use of solar energy in HVAC&R.
White said the group will also disseminate the latest technical information on solar cooling – taking advantage of standards, guides and tools.
"Australia is one of the leading countries in the race to develop new solar air conditioning solutions," he said.
"Solar cooling involves the transformation of solar energy into useful building air conditioning and in terms of reducing emissions and lower energy costs, it makes a lot of sense."
