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The utilization of air conditioning significantly contributes to electricity usage in residences and businesses across the U.S. Reducing its utilization is not always feasible, particularly in humid and hot climates. This leads to rising expenses during warmer months, compounded by increasing electricity costs, pushing individuals toward unusual methods to keep their homes cool. But what if it were possible to cool an area without relying on air conditioning? Even more intriguingly, what if this could be achieved entirely without electricity?
Researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have identified a technique that accomplishes exactly that, utilizing ammonium nitrate for effective cooling. Dubbed Nescod (No Electricity and Sustainable Cooling on Demand), it exploits the distinct characteristics of ammonium nitrate, a widely available compound often used in fertilizers. The essence lies in the compound’s endothermic dissolution—when mixed with water, it extracts heat from its surroundings, thereby lowering the ambient temperature.
In one experiment, scientists observed a substantial temperature decrease from 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) to 3.6 degrees Celsius (38 degrees Fahrenheit) within about 20 minutes. Given its abundance, low cost, and independence from electricity, Nescod has the potential to transform cooling solutions worldwide, particularly in low-income communities or isolated areas where stable power supply is a problem. With many residences in hot climates lacking air conditioning, this innovation could significantly improve access to comfortable climate regulation.
Solar power can enhance and facilitate ongoing reuse without external energy
Even more encouraging is research published in Energy and Environmental Science. The ability to convert and store solar energy may enable Nescod systems to regenerate consistently. No external power or electricity would be required, courtesy of the ammonium nitrate regeneration cycle. After dissolving and absorbing heat, there is no need for electricity to reset the process. Instead, solar energy harnessed from integrated solar panels can be employed to cause the evaporation of the water that contains the compound. The ammonium nitrate is left behind in a solid form, fully restored and ready for reuse.
Furthermore, as the water evaporates, it can be captured in a closed system through a method known as solar distillation, which allows for its reintegration into the cooling system. To summarize briefly, ammonium nitrate dissolves in water to absorb heat and cool a space. Solar energy is utilized to evaporate the water solution, resulting in crystallized ammonium nitrate being left. The cycle then begins anew with the compound.