The objective of the IEA SHC Task 38 is to implement measures to accelerate the market introduction of Solar Cooling systems in each specific sector (i.e., residential, commercial and industrial) and to create the most favourable conditions for the realisation of new research activities for the development of novel systems and concepts.

In particular, the objectives are:

(a) Improve conditions for the market introduction of solar assisted air-conditioning systems devoted to the residential and small commercial sectors. The aim is to achieve the development of standardized small capacity systems with strong involvement of the industry (solar thermal systems, manufacturer of heat driven cooling devices). The pre-engineered systems have to be ready for installation without the need for further planning, as the market in this sector requires standardised systems.

(b) Develop concepts and create tools for a proper implementation of Solar Cooling (air-conditioning and refrigeration) in large scale applications (e.g., large office and residential buildings, hotels, industry, etc). The scope is to work out a complete set of instruments for a correct pre-design, planning, installation and commissioning of the systems by collecting the vast previous experiences and the results of the current research. The objective thereby is to remove one of the main barriers to the market for large scale applications.

(c) Facilitate the development of novel Solar Cooling concepts improving the response of the technology to the needs of the considered sectors through collaborative research activities. The work will focus on analysis of new and advanced system not yet ready for installation and market introduction.