System combines salt and sunlight for off-grid cooling

Schematic illustration of the concept

Source: © Peng Wang/KAUST

Dissolution cooling and solute regeneration work together in renewable-energy driven process

Researchers in Saudi Arabia have developed a system that uses endothermic dissolution of a salt in water to cool its immediate surrounding area. Solar energy can then regenerate the solute and means the cyclic system can work without requiring an electricity supply, making it well-suited for users in remote areas.