Klima-Therm and Gree have won a second major industry award for the development and commercialisation of the world’s first photo-voltaic-powered centrifugal chiller.

The ground-breaking technology was presented with the award for Air Conditioning Product of the Year in the HVR Awards 2015, which took place in London earlier this month.

The system harnesses sunlight to power air conditioning via a high efficiency packaged chiller with centrifugal compressor. The judges said the technology opened up exciting opportunities to reduce cooling running costs and improve the sustainability of air conditioning for buildings and industry.

The system has three main elements: the photovoltaic system, an inverter-driven centrifugal chiller, and an integrated power control system. Importantly, DC power generated by the PV is used directly to drive the chiller, under the management of an on-board power control system.

This increases efficiency by between 6-8 per cent, compared with a conventional grid-connected PV generation plant and air conditioning system.

Tim Mitchell, sales director of Klima-Therm, said: “It brings high efficiency solar-powered air conditioning within reach for large or multi-storey buildings with higher cooling demands. We believe the potential for both replacement and new build projects is very significant.

He added: “We are already in discussions with a number of potential customers, attracted by the environmental and economic benefits.

“Alongside our ultra-efficient Turbomiser and K-Turbo range, the introduction of PV-powered centrifugal chillers offers a further option for building owners to minimise carbon emissions and dramatically cut running costs.”