WSP Consulting Engineers, a multidiscipline engineering consultancy, is looking into alternative energy methods for air conditioning in South Africa.
One method investigated is ice storage, which would turn a glycol/water mixture into ice at night to burn off during the day. This results in chilled water that is directed throughout the building in order to cool the air. Although this option will be sufficient for offices, it does not work as well in malls, hotels, and apartments because “the need for air conditioning does not necessarily taper off at night,” said WSP COO Graeme Page.
Other implementations the WSP has suggested is a different type of glass for windows. “Glass clearly affects the cooling requirement of a building,” Page said. “The type of glass needs to be solar efficient and the overall area covered by glass should be reduced.” He added that a simple contribution to being energy efficient is to create shading utilizing trees and overhanging shading devices around the building.
“Everyone is focusing on green building, finding ways to make development sustainable and environmentally safe,” said Page. “We have been instrumental in setting up a green building division, which seeks to provide sustainable answers to air conditioning.”