Published: 31 July 2013
Category: Industry News
An independent assessment of the performance of solar cooling technology is now available, following Standards Australia’s publication of the Interim Standard AS 5389 (Int) — 2013 Solar heating and cooling systems—Calculation of energy consumption.
“This Interim Standard is a world-first and sets out a method of evaluating the annual
energy performance of solar cooling and heating systems,” said Colin Blair, Chief
Executive Officer, Standards Australia.
Mr Blair said the standard uses test results for components, and a mathematical model, to
determine the amount of supplementary conventional energy needed to provide comfort
in a standardized Australian home in a range of Australian climates.
The procedure is applicable to solar air conditioners capable of space heating, cooling or
both; with or without water heating. This Interim Standard covers testing and reporting of
the energy performance characteristics of desiccant-based air conditioners.
The Interim Standard will facilitate increased market support and consumer confidence in
solar cooling technology as it provides an independent method to verify performance
potential.
The Interim Standard was prepared by the Australian members of the Joint Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee CS-028, Solar Water Heaters. The following
organisations are represented on the committee:
- Australian Building Codes Board
- Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Australian Industry Group
- Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating
- Australian Solar Cooling Interest Group
- Australian Solar Council
- Clean Energy Council
- Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association
- CSIRO
- Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
- Electrical Compliance Testing Association
- Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association of Australia
- James Cook University
- Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator
- Sustainability Victoria
- University of New South Wales University of South Australia