Earlier we reported our experience of keep-ing a room warm using solar energy(1). For the last 3 years our entire nursery comprising of 12 cubicles is kept warm using solar energy. There have been no break downs or major repairs during this period.

In the present set-up, thermosiphon system has replaced forced-flow system, i.e., there are no electrical pumps. No moving parts means no maintenance. Secondly, electrical back-up is central as well as peripheral, i.e., in the water storage tank as well as in the cubicles in the nursery. Thus, the complete system cannot come to a halt. In case of power failure, the generator takes over.

Recently, we have added a cooling arm to this system. This means we can circulate chilled water (upto 5°C) when lower temperatures are needed during October and March-June especially for convalescing term babies. The system partly helps by condensing the water from the atmosphere, thus lowering humidity from our high humidity environment. This bi-modal system may be particularly useful for areas that experience extremes of temperature.

Currently, the chiller consumes electrical energy. Our next goal is to use solar energy for this purpose also.

S.R. Daga,
Cama and Albless Hospital,
Mumbai, India.

Reference

1. Daga SR, Sequera D, Goel S, Desai B, Gajendragadkar A. Adequacy of Solar energy to keep babies warm. Indian Pediatr 1996; 33: 102-104.