TIM has built the first air conditioning systems powered by solar energy in Sicily, at the Enna and Caltanissetta plants, which allow for a reduction in electricity costs of approximately 70%. The initiative confirms the company's commitment to sustainable development, from renewable sources, with reduced environmental impact and high energy efficiency.
"Solar cooling" (literally: solar cooling) is one of the most innovative technologies for the use of solar energy, which from the heat of the sun allows the production of chilled water, intended for conditioning buildings or industrial plants.
The system originates from a field of thermal solar panels, or collectors: solar radiation heats a liquid that circulates inside them and which in turn feeds the absorber, a special refrigerating machine capable of producing cold using a source of heat and , thus, to cool the water circulating in the room air conditioners. To refresh, the absorber uses heat through a thermodynamic process, hence the energy savings.
Solar cooling is advantageous because the period of maximum solar irradiation occurs in the hot seasons, when the demand for air conditioning is high for the power plant equipment. It can also be used for systems for domestic use, and for heating sanitary water.
After Enna and Caltanissetta, TIM will introduce this important technological innovation in the Agrigento and Sciacca plants.
The estimated annual energy savings from the four fully operational plants in Sicily is around 400 MWh, ie the energy needed for 50 train journeys from Rome to Milan. Also, as an added benefit, the steam in the collectors will be used to produce electricity for outdoor lighting.
