An overview of solar assisted air conditioning in Queensland's subtropical regions, Australia

Australia has a very sunny climate, with a very high demand for air conditioning. Relying on electricity to drive, buildings' HVAC systems will cause a significant negative impact on the environment. In this paper, recent developments in solar assisted air conditioning technologies are reviewed and presented. The conceptual basis of the technologies including open and closed cycles cooling technologies, capabilities and limitation are discussed. Energy demand, energy consumption by Australian buildings sector and economic and environmental problems associated with the usage of fossil fuel resources are reported. Second the issue of mould growth and indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality is highlighted. Finally the technology fundamentals and theories involved with solar energy and solar collector's technologies are summarised and discussed.