Solar-powered HVAC systems face distinct operational challenges at the intersection of renewable energy and thermal management. Field measurements show that solar-thermal integration can reduce grid electricity consumption by 40-60%, but system performance varies significantly with solar insolation levels, ambient temperatures, and dynamic cooling loads. Current installations must manage the mismatch between peak solar availability (10am-2pm) and peak cooling demands (2pm-6pm).

The fundamental challenge lies in optimizing the capture, storage, and deployment of intermittent solar energy while maintaining consistent HVAC performance across all operating conditions.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dual-function solar chimney heat exchangers, integrated photovoltaic-thermal panels with heat-conducting interfaces, adaptive battery management systems, and direct thermal energy conversion mechanisms. These and other approaches focus on maximizing system efficiency while ensuring reliable operation throughout daily and seasonal cycles.

1. Air Conditioning System with Solar-Integrated Battery Management and Adaptive Charging Mechanism

HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD, 2024

Air conditioning system with intelligent charging management that optimizes energy efficiency through solar-powered charging. The system comprises an indoor unit and at least one outdoor unit, with an electric heating device for melting ice in the outdoor unit. The system incorporates a battery management system that automatically switches between solar charging and battery power when the battery's capacity falls below a predetermined level. The system also enables adaptive charging based on the sun's position to maximize energy harvesting.

2. Air Source Heat Pump System with Dual-Function Solar Chimney Heat Exchanger Configuration

YANGZHOU UNIV, 2024

Air source heat pump system that utilizes solar chimney heat for both heating and cooling operations. The system employs a unique configuration where the solar chimney serves as both the condenser and evaporator for the air source heat pump, enabling frost-free operation during winter and efficient regeneration during summer. The solar chimney heat is captured and utilized to enhance the heat exchanger's performance, while the system's advanced defrosting mechanism minimizes energy consumption during the defrosting process. This innovative approach enables the air source heat pump to maintain optimal performance throughout the year, while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

3. Solar-Air Heating and Cooling System with Artificial Technology-Driven Low-Temperature Heat Conversion Mechanism

中山市南诚电器实业有限公司, 2024

A combined solar-air heating and cooling system that enhances the performance of both renewable energy sources. The system incorporates a mechanical device that utilizes artificial technology to convert low-temperature heat from environmental sources into high-temperature heat for both heating and cooling applications. This device enables efficient energy conversion between solar heating and air conditioning, particularly in low-temperature conditions, thereby improving overall system performance and reliability.

4. Solar-Driven Radiant Cooling System with Integrated Dehumidifier and Humidifier Components

JIAXING UNIVERSITY, 2023

A solar-driven radiant cooling air conditioner that uses solar energy to provide cooling without high electric consumption. The system has a solar generator, solar collector, dehumidifier, humidifier, radiant coil, and condensing unit. The dehumidifier dries and cools air using a heated dehumidification solution from the solar collector. The cooled air goes through the condensing unit, then is humidified by the humidifier before passing through the radiant coil to cool the room. A pump moves fluid between the solar collector, dehumidifier, and storage tank.

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5. Heat Recovery System with Integrated Solar Thermal Panels and Controlled Flow Distribution

China Huadian Engineering Co., Ltd., HUADIAN COMPREHENSIVE INTELLIGENT ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, CHINA HUADIAN ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2022

A heat recovery system for air conditioning units that utilizes solar thermal panels to preheat the system while recovering waste heat. The system comprises a solar thermal panel, a hot water storage tank, and a circulating water pump. The solar panel's hot water is fed into the system through a water supply line, while the hot water is then distributed to the preheating and reheating sections of the air conditioning unit and exhaust fan. The system incorporates electric valves at critical junctions to control the flow of hot water between the solar panel, storage tank, and system components.

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6. Heat Pump with Integrated Solar Panel and Movable Air Filter Door

Yimeida New Energy Co., Ltd., 2022

Energy-efficient air-energy heat pump with integrated solar power generation. The heat pump comprises a main body with ventilation openings, a thermal energy conversion box, and a conveying pipe connection frame. The solar panel is integrated into the main body's top, enabling direct conversion of solar thermal energy into electrical power. The heat pump's main body features a movable air filter door, which can be replaced by a controller to optimize system performance. This innovative design enables both efficient heat transfer and renewable energy harvesting, significantly enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the heat pump system.

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7. Integrated Photovoltaic and Air Heat Collector Panel with Heat-Conducting Oil Interface

YUMIN TANG, 唐玉敏, 2022

A multifunctional panel combining photovoltaic cells and air energy heat collectors, where the photovoltaic cells generate waste heat that is utilized by the air energy heat pump system. The panel comprises photovoltaic cells and heat collectors integrated together through a sealed gap, with a heat-conducting oil filling the gap. This design enables the photovoltaic cells to generate heat while the air energy heat pump system absorbs the waste heat, achieving both energy generation and heat recovery simultaneously.

8. Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Hybrid Air Conditioning System with Integrated Energy Generation and Cooling Mechanism

YUNNAN JINGNENG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 云南晶能科技有限公司, 2021

A solar photovoltaic and light-heat integrated air conditioning system for remote areas where electricity is scarce. The system combines solar photovoltaic panels with a conventional air conditioning unit to generate electricity and heat, thereby providing both power and cooling. The system's design enables reliable operation in areas without access to commercial electricity, while harnessing the abundant solar energy available.

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9. Integrated Photovoltaic and Heat-Concentrating Panel for Combined Electricity and Air Heating

JING CHANGXUN, 2021

A multifunctional photovoltaic panel and air energy collector panel that integrates both solar power generation and air heating capabilities. The system combines a photovoltaic panel with a heat-concentrating panel to generate both electricity and heat. This integrated design enables the system to operate in both photovoltaic power generation and air heating modes, achieving higher overall efficiency compared to separate systems. The photovoltaic panel absorbs solar energy, while the heat-concentrating panel absorbs waste heat from the photovoltaic array to provide supplemental heating. This integrated design enables both electricity generation and heat production in a single system.

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10. Integrated Solar Energy and Building Air Conditioning System with Direct Thermal Energy Conversion

盐城工学院, 江苏悦达绿色建筑科技有限公司, YANCHENG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2021

Solar power system for building air conditioning that maximizes energy conversion efficiency. The system integrates solar energy harvesting with a building air conditioning system, enabling direct conversion of solar power into thermal energy. This approach eliminates intermediate energy conversion steps, significantly improving efficiency compared to conventional systems.

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11. Modular Solar-Powered Air Conditioning System with Integrated Photovoltaic Cells and Thermal Management

Paul Rees Arndt, RIIS ARNDT PAUL, 2021

Compact, free-standing solar-powered air conditioning system that integrates photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller, battery unit, and vapor compression air cooling device into a single, modular unit. The system features a detachable solar storage module with built-in temperature management system, where the PV module generates heat during operation. The cooling module utilizes this thermal energy to maintain a stable operating temperature, while the MPPT charge controller optimizes energy harvesting from the solar array. The system enables efficient, plug-and-play operation for buildings requiring cooling, particularly in urban areas where traditional cooling systems are often insufficient.

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12. Solar Thermal System with Valve-Controlled Water Circulation Paths for Heat and Cooling Distribution

Han Shaoliang, SHAOLIANG HAN, 2021

A solar heating and air conditioning system that optimizes energy efficiency through advanced water circulation management. The system integrates a heat collector, energy storage tank, and multiple water circulation paths to manage water distribution between heating, cooling, and hot water applications. A unique valve-controlled system enables precise control of water flow between the collector, storage tank, and distribution network, maximizing solar energy utilization while minimizing energy losses.

CN212378172U-patent-drawing

13. Central Air Conditioning System with Integrated Solar Radiation Absorption Module and Heat Pump Unit

LONGHAI ENERGY GROUP CO LTD, 2020

Central air conditioning system that uses solar energy to reduce reliance on traditional power sources. The system combines a heat pump unit with a solar radiation absorption module. The solar module provides cold and heat to the air conditioner, while the heat pump unit can also generate cooling/heating. This allows the air conditioner to regulate indoor temperature using solar energy. The solar module can have components like photovoltaics, solar panels, and fans for absorbing solar radiation and providing cold/heat.

14. Integrated Solar-Powered Air Conditioning and Water Heating System with Wind Turbines and Buffer Tank

ANHUI YUANMAO ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 安徽源茂节能科技有限公司, 2019

Solar-based indoor temperature control system that optimizes energy efficiency through a novel configuration of air conditioning and water heating. The system integrates multiple air conditioning units with wind turbines, each powered by solar energy, and a buffer tank to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. The system includes a solar panel array, preheating mechanism, and temperature controller, which work together to provide both air conditioning and heating functions. The preheating mechanism utilizes the solar energy to preheat the air conditioning system, while the buffer tank maintains a consistent water temperature during the heating cycle. The system features advanced temperature control and energy management capabilities that enable efficient operation of both heating and cooling systems.

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15. HVAC System with Integrated Solar Energy Harvesting and Heat Recovery Mechanism

DALIAN VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE, 大连职业技术学院, 2019

Solar air-conditioning heating and ventilation system that integrates solar energy harvesting with HVAC functionality. The system comprises a solar panel connected to a heat recovery device, which in turn connects to a power source. The power source is then connected to a heating element. This integrated design enables efficient energy conversion from solar radiation to HVAC operation, while maintaining the benefits of renewable energy.

16. Solar Heating and Air Conditioning System with Dual Heat Exchange Cycles and Automatic Air Intake Sealing Mechanism

SHANDONG TAIAN YIMEIDA ENERGY TECH CO LTD, 2019

Solar heating and air conditioning system that addresses the common challenge of intermittent heating by utilizing solar energy to continuously heat a storage tank. The system comprises a solar heating device with two heat exchange cycles: a conventional heating/refrigeration cycle in the air conditioning system and a specialized solar heating cycle that utilizes solar energy to heat the storage tank. During winter months, the solar heating cycle enhances the conventional heating cycle, providing continuous heating even in low-light conditions. The system features a connecting cover plate that automatically seals the air intake when not in operation, preventing dust accumulation and enhancing its overall performance.

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17. Air Conditioning System with Integrated Solar Thermal Module and Conventional Components

TIBET YAWEITONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., 西藏亚卫通科技有限公司, 2018

Solar energy-assisted heating air conditioning system that integrates a solar thermal module with conventional air conditioning components. The system comprises a main body casing housing the air conditioning components, with an integrated solar thermal module providing supplemental heat when electricity is not available. The system includes a fan, coil tube, and humidifying module to maintain comfortable indoor conditions.

18. Air Conditioner with Integrated Dual-Pipeline Solar Heating and Cooling System

Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC. OF ZHUHAI, 2018

Energy-efficient air conditioner with enhanced solar heating system. The system incorporates a solar water heater that utilizes the heat exchanger's cooling capacity to absorb heat from the solar water heater. The system features two circulation pipelines: one that guides the heat-absorbing water into the solar water heater, and another that directs the heated water to the heat exchanger. This innovative configuration enables the system to maximize energy efficiency by utilizing both the heat exchanger's cooling capacity and the solar water heater's absorption capabilities.

CN207584987U-patent-drawing

19. Building System with Integrated Solar Heat Collection, Power Generation, and HVAC Components

中建三局第一建设工程有限责任公司, THE FIRST CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING LIMITED COMPANY OF CHINA CONSTRUCTION THIRD BUREAU, 2018

Integrated solar heating, cooling, and power generation system for buildings that utilizes solar energy to provide both heating and cooling functions. The system comprises a solar heat collector, power generation unit, control system, and air handling components. The system integrates solar thermal energy collection with conventional HVAC functions, enabling both heating and cooling through the same system. The system incorporates a power generation unit that harnesses solar energy to provide both heating and cooling, while the control system optimizes performance through advanced temperature management, humidity control, and energy management.

20. Solar Thermal Air Conditioning System with Vacuum Tube-Enhanced Coolant Pre-Heating

UNIVERSITE INTERNATIONALE DE RABAT, 2018

A solar thermal air conditioning system that utilizes vacuum tubes to enhance compressor efficiency. The system incorporates a solar collector with vacuum tubes that transfer heated coolant to a tank above the tubes. This heated coolant is then used to pre-heat the air conditioning fluid before it enters the compressor. By leveraging the vacuum effect in the solar collector, the system reduces the mechanical energy required to compress the fluid, thereby significantly increasing its overall efficiency compared to conventional air conditioning systems.

21. Integrated Heat Pump System with Solar Energy and Air Source Heat Exchange Components

珠海格力电器股份有限公司, GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, 2017

A multi-function heat pump system that integrates solar energy with air conditioning. The system comprises a water tank, an air conditioning end device, an air source heat sink device connected to the water tank and the air conditioning end device for utilizing air, and a solar energy apparatus connected to the air conditioning end apparatus by means of a solar heating.

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22. Integrated Air Conditioning and Photovoltaic System with Solar Heating and Four-Way Valve Configuration

Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, 2017

Air conditioning system for photovoltaic systems that integrates solar energy generation with hot water production. The system comprises a central air conditioning unit, a solar heating system with a water tank, and a photovoltaic panel. The system includes a heat exchanger, a hot and cold water unit, and a control system that enables direct connection of the solar heating system to the air conditioning unit. The system features a four-way valve configuration for efficient hot water distribution, a finned tube heat exchanger, and a control system that integrates the solar heating system with the air conditioning unit.

23. Solar Air Conditioning System with Integrated Lithium Bromide Absorption and High-Voltage Generator

Nanjing Jiangshan Energy Industry Co., Ltd., NANJING JIANGSHAN ENERGY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., 2016

A multi-functional solar air conditioning system that enables efficient and effective solar heating and cooling through a novel combination of solar collectors, condensers, and auxiliary heating systems. The system incorporates a high-voltage generator, a condenser, a refrigeration system, and a combustion system, which work together to provide both solar heating and cooling. The system's unique feature is the use of lithium bromide absorption solution as an absorbent within the high-voltage generator, enabling the system to achieve high efficiency while minimizing emissions.

24. Solar-Integrated Air Conditioning System with Energy Storage and Intelligent Temperature Management

天津中科绿建节能技术服务有限公司, TIANJIN ZHONGKE LVJIAN ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CO., LTD., 2016

A solar-based central air conditioning system that optimizes energy efficiency through intelligent temperature management. The system integrates solar-powered heating elements with an energy storage system to store excess solar energy during the day. The stored energy is then converted into electrical power for the air conditioning unit, eliminating the need for traditional electrical power sources. This innovative approach enables the system to achieve significant energy savings while maintaining reliable operation.

CN205383719U-patent-drawing

25. Method for Solar-Powered HVAC Operation Using Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

JIANGUO QI, Qi Jianguo, 2016

A method for providing air conditioning in HVAC systems using solar energy instead of traditional electric drives. The method enables environmentally clean heating and cooling by harnessing solar energy to power HVAC systems. This approach eliminates the need for electric motors, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. The system integrates solar panels with HVAC components to generate electricity, which is then used to power the air conditioning system. This innovative approach enables efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

CN205316559U-patent-drawing

26. Solar Air Conditioning System with Integrated Thermal Storage and Refrigerant Reservoir

LI YANG, Li Yang, 陈毅丹, 2016

A solar air conditioning system that maximizes the efficiency of solar energy conversion to both heating and cooling through a novel thermal storage architecture. The system incorporates a solar collector array with a built-in storage tank that stores both heat and refrigerant. When solar energy is abundant, the collector heats the storage tank, which then supplies both heating and cooling to the building through a refrigeration unit. This approach eliminates the need for traditional solar panels and battery storage, enabling a more direct and efficient conversion of solar energy into both heating and cooling. The system achieves this through its unique thermal storage tank design, where the storage tank serves both as a heat storage medium and a refrigerant reservoir.

27. Solar Air-Conditioning System with Integrated Heat Exchanger Network and Dual Water Circulation Pipelines

Ningbo University, NINGBO UNIVERSITY, 2015

A solar air-conditioning system that combines solar heating and cooling with high efficiency and low energy consumption. The system comprises a solar collector, a hot water circulation pipeline, an absorption chiller, a cold water circulation pipeline, and a fan coil. The solar collector is connected to the hot water circulation pipeline through a heat exchanger, the absorption chiller is connected to the cold water circulation pipeline through a heat exchanger, and the absorption chiller and cold water circulation pipeline are connected through another heat exchanger. The system features a hot water storage tank and multiple circulating water pumps, with the hot water storage tank and cold water storage tank connected to the fan coil. The system achieves high energy efficiency through optimized heat exchanger design and precise control of the hot and cold water distribution.

CN103438524B-patent-drawing

28. Solar Hybrid System with Tracking Solar Panel and Parabolic Mirror Array for Integrated Air Conditioning and Heat Management

SUNTRAC SOLAR MFG LLC, 2015

A solar hybrid system that combines solar power with air conditioning and heat management. The system incorporates a tracking solar panel with a parabolic mirror array, enabling optimal energy conversion from solar radiation. The tracking capability allows the system to dynamically adjust its solar panel position to maximize thermal energy output, while the parabolic mirror array focuses solar radiation onto the air conditioning and heat system. The system features a unique heat pump bypass circuit for efficient energy transfer between solar and refrigeration systems. The system integrates advanced monitoring and control capabilities, including real-time solar tracking, energy management, and system diagnostics.

29. Integrated Solar and Air Energy System with Combined Heat Pump and Air Handling Unit

HAN JING-CHAO, Han Jingchao, 2015

A solar energy and air energy complementary type cold and warm air conditioner and hot water system that addresses the limitations of existing solutions by integrating solar power generation and air conditioning into a single system. The system comprises a solar panel array, a heat pump, and an air handling unit, which work together to provide both heating and cooling functions. The solar panel array generates electricity from solar radiation, which is then used to power the heat pump, which provides both heating and cooling. The air handling unit utilizes the heat pump's energy to provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems. The system can be integrated into existing buildings or new construction projects, offering a comprehensive solution for both heating and cooling.

30. Solar Energy Heat Pump System with Integrated Water Heating and Solar Panel Support Configuration

TAIZHOU GREEN ELECTRIC APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING CO LTD, Taizhou Gelin Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 2015

A solar energy heat pump system that integrates water heating with solar energy generation. The system comprises a heat pump with a water inlet, outlet, and storage battery, where the heat pump's base is positioned on top of a solar panel support column. The solar panel is connected to a heat transfer medium that is heated by the solar panels, and this heated medium is used to pre-heat the water inlet. The heat pump then uses the heated water to provide both heating and cooling. This integrated system enables efficient water heating while simultaneously generating electricity through solar panels, achieving enhanced energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional air conditioning systems.

CN204630169U-patent-drawing

31. Solar-Powered Air Conditioning System with Integrated Heat Pipe and Energy-Efficient Blower Motors

ZHENGZHOU UNIVERSITY OF LIGHT INDUSTRY, 郑州轻工业学院, 2015

A solar energy-based air conditioning system that utilizes a heat pipe system to enhance energy efficiency. The system integrates a solar power generation system with a heat pipe system, where the heat pipe is used to supply electrical energy to the system's blower motors. The solar power generation system provides the necessary electrical energy, while the heat pipe system enables the system to operate at lower electrical consumption levels. The system's blower motors are optimized to maximize energy efficiency, with features such as improved airflow management and enhanced evaporator design. This innovative approach enables the system to achieve significant energy savings while maintaining reliable operation.

32. Solar Air Conditioner with Integrated Branch Flow Path and Heat Exchange System

KD POWER CO LTD, 2015

A solar air conditioner system that integrates solar heating and cooling with a novel branch flow path strategy. The system comprises a solar collector, a heat exchanger, and a fan, with the solar collector capturing solar energy and the heat exchanger transferring heat between the collector and the fan. The fan then distributes the heated air through a network of ducts, with a control system managing the flow path between the collector and the fan. This approach enables efficient solar heating and cooling while providing a unique branching of the heated air flow to the room or outdoor environment.

33. Ground-Coupled Air Conditioning System with Photovoltaic-Powered Heat Exchanger

Xu Changhe, CHANGHE XU, 2015

Solar ground temperature air conditioner that harnesses natural ground temperature energy to cool buildings during summer months. The system uses a solar photovoltaic panel array to generate electricity, which is stored in a battery bank. During peak summer hours, the stored energy is used to heat the building through a ground-based heat exchanger. This innovative approach enables the system to provide both air conditioning and heating functions while reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption compared to traditional air conditioning systems.

CN102901161B-patent-drawing

34. Integrated Power Supply System with Photovoltaic, Wind, and Energy Storage for HVAC Devices

CHUNHONG CHE, Che Chunhong, 2015

A multifunctional power supply system for engineering HVAC devices that integrates photovoltaic, wind power generation, and energy storage. The system comprises a photovoltaic power generation unit, wind turbine, battery storage unit, solar heating unit, ground source heat pump unit, refrigeration unit, and control unit. The photovoltaic unit and wind turbine generate electricity, while the battery storage unit stores excess energy. The solar heating unit and ground source heat pump unit provide heat, while the refrigeration unit provides cooling. The control unit integrates all these components to optimize energy efficiency and performance.

35. Integrated Solar-Powered System with Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Unit for Water Circulation Loop

Guangxi Guiwu Jin'an Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology Co., Ltd., GUANGXI GUIWU JINAN REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2015

A solar energy-based integrated system for hot water supply in large-scale buildings. The system comprises a solar panel array, a heat pump, a central air conditioning unit, and a water circulation loop. The system integrates the solar energy source, heat pump, and air conditioning unit into a single, closed-loop system where the solar energy is used to pre-heat the water before it enters the air conditioning unit. This pre-heated water then circulates through the air conditioning unit, providing both heating and cooling. The system is designed to provide continuous hot water supply while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

36. Solar Air Conditioning System with Transparent Cover, Heat-Collecting Component, and Back Plate for Natural Convection

深圳市拓日新能源科技股份有限公司, SHENZHEN TOPRAY SOLAR CO LTD, 2015

A solar air conditioner that utilizes the natural energy of sunlight to heat a building while minimizing energy consumption. The system incorporates a transparent cover board with a heat-collecting component at its front surface, a back plate for heat dissipation, and a distantly located gas inlet. The solar collector captures solar radiation, while the back plate absorbs heat from the building's interior. The system's design allows natural convection to distribute the heated air throughout the space, eliminating the need for conventional heating elements and reducing energy consumption.

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37. Solar-Integrated Air Conditioner with Heat Absorption and Hot Water Conversion System

UNIV KAO YUAN, 2015

A solar integrated heat and absorption air conditioner that maximizes the utilization of solar energy and generated hot water. The device comprises a heat absorption system that captures solar heat energy and converts it into hot water, which is then used to pre-heat the air conditioning system. This integrated approach enables the air conditioner to operate with significantly reduced electric energy consumption compared to conventional systems.

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