Solar cells will not do the job
First published: 26th July 2010
I agree with Kaster Lam Ka-kit ("Solar solution to idling dilemma", July 26) that a better solution to vehicle air- conditioning is needed.
However, electric solar cells are only about 19 per cent efficient at converting light to electricity, so I doubt that covering a car with them will provide enough power for the cooling required.
An absorption heat pump uses heat to directly drive the heat transfer and is therefore potentially far more efficient.
Can someone design an absorption heat pump that can be fitted to a vehicle?