Chinese scientists at Tsinghua University have discovered a new source of energy - dry air.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Chinese scientists at Tsinghua University have discovered a new source of energy - dry air.
Researchers say the find could have positive implications for parts of northern and western China, which have dry climatic conditions.
"The breakthrough makes it possible to use dry air, instead of electricity, to cool down the water and the indoor air. It could be applied at least power large-scale air-conditioning equipment in office buildings," said Jiang Yi, director of the university's architecture science department, who led the research project.
Yi said the premise for using dry air is based on a simple principle: dry air absorbs moisture, and in doing so causes the air temperature to drop.
He said he was confident the energy could be widely applied, adding that his team at Tsinghua is now cooperating with a company in Xinjiang to produce air-powered air-conditioning equipment.
So far trials in some large buildings have been successful, he said.
"Believe me, the air looks tranquil but it is imbalanced thermodynamically when it is dry," said Yi, who is also an academic at the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
He said though the process does not produce electricity, it does provide a means to rely less on electricity.
"The technology could be compared to a solar hot water heater, whereby water is continuously heated as long as there is sunlight," China Daily quoted Yi as saying, adding that, presently, the air-powered air conditioners can keep room temperature between 25 and 28 C.
Zhang Fulin, the director of the science and technology office under the Ministry of Construction, said the breakthrough could have great implications for emission reductions.
ANI