BITS Hyderabad researchers develop refrigerant‑free, low‑energy cooling tech
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims·
Why in news
Researchers at BITS Pilani-Hyderabad developed a refrigerant-free, low-energy air-conditioning technology that uses desiccant-coated heat exchangers to dehumidify air using industrial waste heat.
Background
The technology utilizes desiccant-coated heat exchangers to dehumidify air, eliminating the need for conventional refrigerants. It operates on low-grade heat sources like industrial waste heat or renewable thermal sources to reduce electricity consumption.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TDesiccant-coated heat exchangers: Used to dehumidify air in the new cooling technology.
- FactLow-grade heat sources: Includes industrial waste heat or renewable thermal sources for the system.
- PlaceTarget cities: The technology is noted as particularly suitable for humid cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the adoption of refrigerant-free and waste-heat-driven cooling technologies can contribute to India's climate goals and industrial energy efficiency.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Decarbonization: Reducing Scope 2 emissions by shifting from high-power electrical cooling to waste-heat utilization
- Resource Efficiency: Circular economy approach by repurposing industrial waste heat for residential/commercial cooling
- Climate Adaptation: Addressing urban heat island effects in high-humidity coastal cities
Keywords: Decarbonization · Circular Economy · Energy Efficiency · Waste Heat Recovery · Sustainable Cooling
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.