UAE-based Aries International Interiors said it has developed the first-of-its-kind eco-friendly and cost-effective air-conditioned bed which runs on solar energy.

This innovative concept, which has been designed in association with UAE-based Aries International Maritime Research Institute (AIMRI) will be a big boon for the sun-soaked Middle East region and powerless remote villages of countries in Asia and Africa, said the company in a statement.

Aimed at supporting the global green energy drive, the novel green product will hit the Middle East and Indian markets by the first week of December.

"Conventional air-conditioning systems account for 25-70 per cent of household's annual energy expenses. Today 90 per cent of consumers rely on plant-made electricity, especially from fossil fuel as a major source of power even though global warming is becoming a major threat to human lives," said Sohan Roy, a Naval Architect who conceived the idea.

"It is high time to adopt solar energy in order to save the environment from the jaws of global warming. The future lies in natural resources especially solar energy. We should tap the abundant solar energy in the sun-soaked regions and should utilise its immense potential fully. It is the need of the hour," stated Roy.

He pointed out that the new solar AC bed will consume only 20 per cent energy compared to normal AC system. “We believe that this solar AC bed manufactured as per international standards will play a key role in cutting down the rising energy costs,” observed Roy.

Solar AC bed available in 0.25 and 0.3 ton AC models is insulated with transparent acrylic. It offers 30 litres per day dehumidifying, 200 ml per hour humidifying. Solar AC bed system consists of 2,000W poly crystalline solar panels, 2KVA MPPT solar inverter and four 12V 150AH batteries.

"If solar power is already installed, this luxury AC bed frame will cost around Rs50,000 ($776) and the normal AC bed frame will cost around Rs25,000 ($388)," said Arjun Babu, who is heading the project.
 
“We also offer 2KW solar power systems to run AC bed and other light-duty equipment in homes, which will cost around Rs2 lakh ($3,100)," he noted.

According to him, the solar AC bed comes with R-134A refrigerant that has flexible inlet and outlet ducts.

It is also portable with rollers. The solar AC bed will allow 80 per cent power savings and is designed to run efficiently in all climatic conditions with minimal maintenance cost. The solar AC bed can run on standard electricity too, said Babu.

Sensing the huge demand for renewable energy products, AIMRI, a premier institute for industrial research, developed the concept of solar powered AC bed after years of research and development.

The market for air-conditioners in the GCC, he said, is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 10 per cent during 2017-2021. "The demand for air-conditioners in the GCC countries is increasing on account of the growing urbanisation, rising disposable income, extreme climatic conditions and increasing number of residential and commercial projects," noted Roy.

"We are providing solar AC bed with a 25 years warranty for poly crystalline solar panels and two years warranty for solar integrated inverter. It is an eco-friendly, economical, easy-to-use solar system which will manage light-duty equipment in homes. It is easy to assemble and dismantle the bed frame,” he added.

Roy said AIMRI’s research and development team is exploring new horizons to utilise the solar-powered AC system to promote eco-friendly products. "For instance, research on solar AC products for study rooms, small office spaces, tent for tours etc is progressing," he stated.
 
With the launch of this eco-friendly AC range, Aries Interiors aims to capture 10 per cent of the domestic AC market in the UAE and India by the end of FY 2018, he added.-TradeArabia News Service