AC Shades LLC has launched AC Shade, a U.S.-patented system designed to reduce direct solar exposure on outdoor air conditioning condensers without restricting airflow. The company announced the product in Oklahoma on June 30.
The system uses a structural design intended to preserve the condenser’s vertical exhaust plume while shielding the equipment from direct sunlight. According to the company, the geometry allows hot discharge air to escape without being trapped around the unit.
AC Shades collaborated with Oklahoma State University engineering laboratories to evaluate and refine the system’s aerodynamic properties. The development process included empirical testing and computational fluid dynamics modeling.
The company said field tests showed that the system can support lower operating temperatures by reducing peak solar load without introducing static pressure penalties. AC Shades also stated that the design is intended to support refrigerant heat rejection and reduce thermal accumulation around the condenser.
