Sun-Powered Air-Conditioning System Being
 Developed


SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission has approved a 
contract with a San Francisco Bay Area engineering company for the design of 
an industrial paradox  - an air-conditioning system powered by the sun - 
that could change the way your favorite fast-food chain makes customers 
comfortable year-round.

The $36,000 agreement with TGK Consulting Incorporated of Lafayette, Calif., 
calls for the design of a 10- to 20-ton cooling capacity system suitable for a 
single-story, 8,000 to 10,000 square foot commercial building - or a building 
the size of your local fast food restaurants and small business-oriented 
buildings.

"We are envisioning a system that will reduce peak demands for electricity," 
says Energy Commission Chairman Charles Imbrecht.   "A solar-powered air-
conditioning system is a cleaner system because it will not use CFCs 
(chloroflourocarbons) known to harm the ozone layer."

Initially, the prototype would be more expensive because of custom-designed 
parts.  But a more economical price would result when the system, which can 
also furnish heat in the winter, is mass-produced. The contract will produce a 
standard design so that a variety of end-users  can install the new system with 
minimal changes. The contract also specifies that the system use solar 
collectors and system elements already in the market.

The contract is part of the Commission's program to accelerate the 
commercial use of opportunity energy technologies resulting in benefits such 
as energy efficiency, fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced health 
and safety.  

The Commission's Opportunity Technology Commercialization Program also 
identifies and helps correct barriers to the trade applications of these 
technologies.


# # #

Contact: Dennis Nugent, TGK Consulting Incorporated, (510) 284-4162