The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, generally known as PolyU, says it has gathered momentum to further promote the use of its solar-powered vehicle air-conditioning system.
The system was developed by Professor Eric Cheng of the University’s Department of Electrical Engineering, in collaboration with Green Power Industrial Ltd. With the support of Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Airport Authority, the system was first installed atop a beverage delivery truck for trials last year.
A vehicle installed with the solar-powered air-conditioning system carries PV modules on its rooftop, harvesting solar energy stored in a bespoke battery system. This powers an electric air-conditioner which can be switched/left on when the vehicle’s engine is not running, with the battery making the system operation somewhat independent of weather.
In April this year Professor Cheng and his team had won a Special Prize and silver medal for the system at the 39th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
