A group of researchers from IIT Delhi has announced a prototype air conditioner that can significantly reduce cooling costs. Given current trends, energy consumption in this area is expected to triple by 2038. The new project aims to reduce the load on energy networks, as reported by ANI, a partner of the TV BRICS network.
The main difference of the developed device lies in the use of an alternative air dehumidification method that does not require significant energy expenditures, unlike traditional overcooling. Under the guidance of Professor Anurag Goyal, the team implemented a compact module with a saline solution that effectively absorbs excess moisture from the air. A special polymer membrane protects against the ingress of salt particles into the room.
The researchers ensured a high degree of autonomy for the device: no separate heater is required for regenerating the moisture-saturated solution. Instead, the system uses excess heat that traditional air conditioners typically release into the atmosphere through the outdoor unit.
The results of the laboratory sample tests were impressive: the average energy savings amounted to 33%. The efficiency of the device varies depending on climatic conditions—from 28% in regions with high humidity to 41.5% in dry areas. The scientists have already published their results in an international scientific journal and are preparing for the mass implementation of the technology in the residential and commercial sectors of India, where there is a growing demand for cooling in conditions of abnormal heat.
