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Utilization of Renewable Energy: Basis for Installing a Solar Cooling System in La Consolacion College Manila
Venancio N. Santos, Jr.

Abstract The urge to harness and develop the use of renewable energy is very much felt nowadays due to the rising of fossil fuel prices and concerns about the environment. In connection to this situation, this paper presented information in relation to renewable energy in general and solar energy in particular. Likewise, it provided an overview of the solar cooling system installed in La Consolacion College Manila (LCCM). How the solar cooling system works and its potential advantages are also discussed. This particular system was chosen and installed because of LCCMs ongoing dedication to seek energy sources that reduce or eliminate contributing factors to global warming along with being eco-friendly. As the first of its kind in the Philippines, the system has the potential to create interest among other individuals or institutions to study or inquire about significant data regarding its efficiency, reliability, safety, maintainability and functionality. Therefore, it is imperative for LCCM to create a team of experts to find out what is needed to know to frame, manage, and assess the system for the benefit of LCCM stakeholders in particular and the Filipino people in general.

Keywords:

energy consumption, renewable energy, renewable energy resources, solar energy, solar cooling system

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Introduction The growing unrest in oil-producing countries which may affect fossil fuel prices and concerns about the environment are some of the reasons for the need to harness and develop the abundant alternative or renewable energy resources that our country possesses. Different sectors and institutions have been exerting efforts to tap renewable sources of energy and La Consolacion College Manila (LCCM) is one of them. LCCM is the first institution in the Philippines, as well as in Southeast Asia, to install and use a solar cooling system which employs technology that relies on double vacuum tubes for thermal solar collection. The primary reason for putting up the cooling system in the campus is the use of the sun an infinite renewable energy resource. Discussion By definition, renewable energy resources refer to energy resources that do not have an upper limit on the total quantity that can be used. Such resources are replenished on a regular basis, and have a relative rapid regeneration rate allowing for its use over an indefinite period of time. Among these are the following: Biomass. Energy resources derived from organic matter. These include wood, agricultural waste and other living-cell material that can be burned to produce heat energy. They also include algae, sewage and other organic substances that may be used to release energy through chemical processes. Geothermal. Geothermal energy uses the heat of the core of the earth to produce steam that powers a conventional steam turbine. This turbine turns a generator for the creation of electricity. It can be used in places where the earths heat is sufficiently close to the surface. Hydro Power. Hydro power plants refer to water-based energy systems which produce electricity by utilizing the kinetic energy of falling or running water to turn a turbine generator. Waves and Tides. Sea wave power plants harness the energy contained in waves to power a generator. Tidal power plants use a
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basin with a sluice, which, as the sea level drops during low tide, drives conventional hydropower equipment for the generation of electric energy. Wind. Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into more usable forms, usually electricity generated by wind turbines, for direct use or for supplying the electrical grid. Solar. The sun provides a wealth of energy that can be harnessed either as warmth (thermal energy) or as electricity (photovoltaics). The energy provided can be used for heating water and buildings, various cooling applications, and drying agricultural products, as well as powering electrical equipment (International Solar Energy Society [ISES], n.d.). Renewable resources also include tidal power, sea currents, and ocean thermal gradients. Why renewable energy? With the ever growing issues of climate change, it is becoming clearer and clearer that new forms of energy are needed. These forms cannot be destructive to the environment, and unlike oil, they need to replenish themselves within the timeframe, in which they are being used. Also energy sources need to be found within the nation itself, as to avoid the pressures from cartels and monopolies. Fortunately, renewable energy resources fit these criteria, especially solar power which creates minimal to no greenhouse gases while being accessible to remote villages as well as major cities. Worlds energy consumption. Countries around the world rely mainly on fossil fuels oil, natural gas and coal - as sources of energy. Renewable energy sources accounted for 19% of global energy demand in 2008, with traditional biomass accounting for the bulk of that demand. Hydropower was the second largest renewable power with a market share of 3.2%. Please refer to Figure 1.

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Source: www.ren21.net

Figure 1. Renewable Energy Share of Global Final Energy Consumption, 2008

Philippine energy situation and outlook. Natural gas was the top power source in the Philippines from 2005 to 2009. Its power generation share in 2008 and 2009 was 32%. The second largest power source was coal with more than 15,000 giga watt hours (Gwh) electrical power generated annually from 2005 to 2009. Its share was more than a quarter of the total power produced in the country. Geothermal was the third largest source of power with more than 10,000 Gwh produced power yearly from 2006 to 2009 and about 17% of the total national power generating capacity. Although, the share of wind and solar in power generation remains minimal. However, its power production beginning in 2005 has been on the rise an improvement in line with the governments thrust of promoting energy independence and utilization of renewable energy resources. Electricity generated from renewable sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind and solar comprise 33% of the Philippines complete power profile.

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Table 1 Annual Power Generation by Source (Philippines), 2005 2009

Source
Natural Gas Coal Geothermal Hyd ro Oil Wind/Solar T otal (Gwh)

2005
16,861 15,257 9,902 8,387 6,141 19 56,567 29.81% 26.97% 17.50% 14.83% 10.86% 0.03% 100%

2006
16,366 15,294 10,465 9,939 4,665 55 56,784 28.82% 26.93% 18.43% 17.50% 8.22% 0.10% 100%

2007
18,789 16,837 10,215 8,563 5,148 59 59,611 31.52% 28.24% 17.14% 14.36% 8.64% 0.10% 100%

2008
19,576 15,749 10,723 9,843 4,868 63 60,822 32.19% 25.89% 17.63% 16.18% 8.00% 0.10% 100%

2009
19,887 16,476 10,324 9,788 5,381 79 61,934 32.11% 26.60% 16.67% 15.80% 8.69% 0.13% 100%

Source: Department of Energy

A study conducted by the Renewable Energy Coalition states that the Philippines has the following renewable energy potential: (1) geothermal - 4,531 MW; (2) hydropower - 13,097 MW; (3) wind -76,600 MW; (4) waves - 170,000 MW; (5) biomass - 277 million barrels fuel oil equivalent (MBFOE) per year; and (6) solar - 5.1 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (Renewable Energy Capacity, 2008). The Philippine government is promoting the utilization of renewable energy resources through Republic Act (RA) 9513 otherwise known as Renewable Energy Act of 2008. The act paved the way to: (1) accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources such as, but not limited to, biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and ocean energy sources, including hybrid systems, to achieve energy self-reliance, through the adoption of sustainable energy development strategies to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and thereby minimize the country's exposure to price fluctuations in the international markets, the effects of which spiral down to almost all sectors of the economy; (2) increase the utilization of renewable energy by institutionalizing the development of national and local capabilities in the use of renewable energy systems, and promoting its efficient and cost-effective commercial application by providing fiscal and nonfiscal incentives; (3) encourage the
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development and utilization of renewable energy resources as tools to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and thereby balance the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of health and the environment; and (4) establish the necessary infrastructure and mechanism to carry out the mandates specified in this act and other existing laws. Solar energy overview. The sun is the primary source of energy for the earth. The chemical composition of the sun is 71% hydrogen, 27% helium, and 2% other elements (Livington, 2004). Solar energy, composed of heat and light energy from the sun, is broadly considered as one of the most abundant renewable sources of energy. Since ancient times, people realized its importance and found ways to harness the suns energy for various purposes. Solar energy refers to any form of energy radiated by the sun, including light, radio waves, and X rays, although the term usually refers to the range of visible light radiating from the sun (Solar Energy, n.d.). Solar energy is essential to life for two main reasons: (1) it provides warmth; and (2) it provides life-sustaining energy (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2007). Solar radiation is captured by green plants, algae and some bacteria in a process known as photosynthesis. This process converts the suns radiant energy into chemical energy within bonds that hold together organic molecules, which are considered as the building blocks of food. The energy stored in fossil fuels (e.g., coal and oil) and other organic fuels (e.g., wood) is also derived from solar energy. Fossil fuels are needed in the operation of different forms of transportation such as automobiles, trucks, trains and aircrafts. However, everything from space satellites to common electric gadgets can also operate through the use of solar batteries. Solar energy is not an alternative energy. It is the original and continuing primary energy source (Aitken, 2003). The energy the earth receives from the sun affects humans at every level.

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The heat from the sun determines seasons, ocean currents, and weather. Until the second part of the 1800s coal and oil were not widely used for energy. In fact, it was only in the 20th century that human society transitioned to fossil fuels as their primary source. It was the easy access and cheap use of fossil fuels that lead to the abandonment of passive solar, day lighting, and other environmental friendly designs of buildings. However, humanity has for the most part wastefully used and taken for granted their dwindling supply of fossil fuels which cant be replaced within the human timeframe. Society has only been using stored in fossil fuels for about a hundred years, yet for the entire human history before that period humanity used direct solar power. It is time for people aware of their actions to break from this brief fossil fueled moment and return to a renewed focus on available energy in order that human history yet to be written has a sustainable energy solution. Applications of solar technology. The use of solar energy technology can either be a passive or active process depending on the way the system captures converts and distributes the suns energy. Passive solar technologies are ways of using sunlight for useful energy without the use of an active mechanical system. Such technologies convert sunlight into usable heat (water, air, thermal mass), provide air-movement for ventilation, or future consumer use, with little use of other energy sources. Passive solar techniques include: (1) selecting materials with favorable thermal properties; (2) designing layouts that will naturally circulate air; and (3) aligning the position of a building to the sun. Active solar technologies are employed to convert solar energy into usable light, heat, cause air-movement for ventilation or cooling, or store heat for future use. Active solar systems use electrical or mechanical equipment, such as pumps and fans, to maximize the gathering of sunlight. Active solar-thermal systems, via small pumps or fans, can produce significantly higher solar energy collection capabilities
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than passive solar technologies due to greatly enhanced heat transfer and transport. Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies (Applications of Solar, n.d.). Many of the most advanced technologies that actively use solar energy are photovoltaics and solar energy systems. Solar cooling system of LCCM. Flat plate solar collectors are widely used in the Philippines; however, LCCM decided upon a system using double vacuum tubes as solar heat collectors. This decision was based upon the knowledge that double vacuum tubes have greater heat collecting efficiency. This improved capability is due to the fact that the vacuum which surrounds each collector/tube greatly reduces convection and conduction heat loss. This greater amount of collected heat is used in conjunction with an absorption chiller to provide a renewable and environment-friendly system of cooling. Solar power operates most efficiently on sunny days with the direct rays of the sun reaching the collectors. During this time, the heat energy within the system is stored in a water tank at a temperature from 65o to 95o Celsius. The higher the temperature of the water the greater the cooling potential of the system and therefore the more electrical energy is saved. Through the use of all these technologies combined, the demand for electricity can be lowered by 70% with a corresponding reduction of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. This particular system was chosen and installed because of LCCMs ongoing dedication to seek energy sources that reduce or eliminate contributing factors to global warming along with being eco-friendly.

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How LCCM solar cooling system works. The cycle of cooling the rooms starts with the double vacuum tubes collecting heat from the sun (radiant heat) and transferring it to the water inside the tubes. This heated water travels down the pipes but not directly into the hot water storage tank. The heat is transferred from the collection pipe system to the tank pipe system through a special heat exchange mechanism. This is the first of three separate pipe systems that provides cooling to many rooms and offices. Once the heat is transferred, the heated water returns to the storage tank which can maintain its necessary operating temperature of 65o to 95o Celsius for a significant period of time, due to heavy insulation. In short, this allows the system to operate even when the sun is not shining. The energy from the hot water tank is then used to initiate a heat exchange process that involves evaporation and condensation in order to cool the water to a low enough temperature to provide air-conditioning to the classrooms. This is done through a second system with a condenser that maintains the cold water. Water from the condenser enters the absorption chiller at different section. Within a chamber of this absorption chiller the energy from the solar heated water boils at a lower temperature because it is in a vacuum. The water from the condenser is vaporized (turned into a gas). This process releases significant energy. A third set of pipes absorbs the energy created through the vaporization process which in turn super chills the water in the pipe. This super chilled water is then efficiently transferred through highly insulated copper pipes throughout the building to provide air-conditioning. The system also pulls heat energy out of the classroom through the returning pipes. As a result, this chilled water becomes warmer, this heat energy is not wasted but reenters the absorption chiller to provide energy for further cooling. All three pipe systems are separate and closed. They only interact through transferring energy. All energy exchanges between the systems occur within the absorption chiller.

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Cooling tower

Double tube collector

Fan coil units Thermal storage tank Absorption chiller

Figure 2. Energy Flow Diagram

The following are potential advantages of using the solar cooling system: Large reduction in pollution. The system is environmentfriendly; because, it significantly decreases green house gas emissions along with chemicals that lead to acid rain. Greatly reduced contribution to global warming. It does not produce carbon dioxide, methane and other related emissions that lead to the warming of the atmosphere. Infinite energy resource. Solar energy is not a finite resource as fossil fuels are. As long as the suns rays reach the earth, it provides the energy needed to run the system. Reduced maintenance costs. The system has a lower maintenance cost because it is designed without an expensive condenser and/or compressor which are prone to failure. Low running costs. With prices of conventional fuels soaring the cost advantages of solar energy are becoming more evident. In fact after installation, the energy source is free. Local application. It is suitable for remote areas that are not connected to expensive hard to maintain energy grids. Countries
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with scarce fossil-fuel resources like the Philippines can reduce their dependency on other nations resources and instead spend much needed funds on humanitarian and environmental causes with the savings gained through solar energy use. First phase of LCCM solar cooling system project. The initial phase of the Solar Cooling System Project of La Consolacion College Manila was installed in St. Augustine Building. This first step of a greater project for broad campus use was completed in February 2011. The three-storey St. Augustine Building houses nineteen (19) classrooms, five offices and a prayer room. There is a single airconditioning unit in each of these rooms except for the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Advisory Services (CEBAS) which have three air-conditioning units each. The five offices include VPAA Office, Student Affairs Office, Alumni Office, CEBAS and Nursing Review Center. There are 92 solar panels with a total of 1,760 double wall vacuum tubes installed on the flat roof of St. Augustine Building that can provide a cooling effect for three buildings: St. Augustine with a floor area of 1,450 sq.m., Mother Consuelo Barcelo Theater with a floor area of 630 sq. m. and Sta. Monica Building with a floor area of 421 sq. m. The Machine Room which is located at the back of St. Augustine Building contains the following elements: cooling tower, absorption chiller, thermal storage tank and boiler. The solar cooling system in LCCM was installed by South Korea-based Company Distributed Control Intelligence (DCI) through a contract signed between LCCM President Sr. Imelda A. Mora, OSA and DCI President Park Won Kuk. Conclusion The solar cooling system installed in LCCM has significant promise. As the first of its kind in the Philippines, the system has the potential to create interest among other individuals or institutions to study or inquire about pertinent data regarding its efficiency, reliability, safety, maintainability and functionality. Therefore, it is imperative for LCCM to create a team of experts to
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find out what is needed to know to frame, manage and assess the system for the benefit of LCCM stakeholders in particular and the Filipino people in general. Acknowledgement I would like to thank LCCM Research Director Dr. Jennifer S. Florida, Mr. Dae Young Kim of DCI, and Mr. David Stockwell who gave pertinent information in the development of this paper. References Aitken, D. W. (2003). Transitioning to a renewable energy future. Freibury, Germany: International Solar Energy Society Applications of Solar Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy Cunningham, W. P. & Cuningham, M. A. (2008). Principles of environmental science. Philippines: McGraw-Hill Department of Energy (2009). Power generation by source. Retrieved from http://www.doe.gov.ph/statistics/power.htm International Solar Energy Society. (n.d.). Renewable energy sources. Retrieved from http://www.ises.org/ises.nsf Livington, W. (2004). Energy from sun. Encylopedia of Energy, Vol. 5. New York, NY: Elsevier. Renewable Energy Capacity of the Philippines (2008). Retrieved March 8, 2011 from http://www.alternat1ve.com/biofuel/ 2008/06/10/ renewable-energy-capacity-of-the-philippines Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century [REN21]. (2010). Renewables: Global Status Report, 2009 update. Retrieved from http://www.ren21.net/Portals/97/documents/ GSR/REN21_GSR_2010_full_revised%20Sept2010.pdf Republic of the Philippines (2008). Republic Act No. 9513: An act promoting the development, utilization, and commercialization of the renewable energy resources and for other purposes. Solar Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2011 from http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry/sol arene
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