System louver including energy harvesting device for multi-renewable energy utilization

Abstract

A system louver including an energy harvesting device for utilizing multiple renewable energy according to the present invention is a system louver that operates by receiving operating power from an air conditioner outdoor unit connected to an air conditioner to perform heat exchange between the indoor and outdoor air of a building and equipped with a vibration damping member for vibration damping and support provided on an installation floor, and comprises: a battery that receives and stores power collected from a renewable energy collection unit that collects renewable energy; and a control unit that provides the air conditioner operating power delivered from the air conditioner outdoor unit and the renewable energy stored in the battery to a low-power consumption appliance, wherein the control unit detects whether the air conditioner is operating and delivers the operating power of the air conditioner to the low-power consumption appliance only when the air conditioner is operating, and provides power from the battery when the air conditioner is not operating.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit for the utilization of multiple renewable energy sources, and more specifically, to an energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit for the utilization of multiple renewable energy sources capable of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Background Technology

[0002] System louvers are structures installed on the exterior or interior of buildings to regulate airflow or block sunlight while introducing natural light. They are primarily used to increase energy efficiency and improve the thermal and visual comfort of a building. In particular, they are frequently equipped as motorized units to be used in conjunction with air conditioner outdoor units to expel hot air to the outside.

[0003] Since such motorized louvers do not require frequent operation and do not consume much power for functions like angle adjustment, there is a need to develop technology that enables them to be operated without an external power supply, similar to motorized curtains.

[0004] Meanwhile, energy harvesting is a technology that collects small amounts of energy available in the environment and converts them into electricity. This enables self-sufficient electronic devices that do not rely on traditional power sources. Major sources of energy harvesting include solar power, heat, vibration, and electromagnetic waves.

[0005] Solar energy is a major source of energy harvesting. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and it can be used on various scales, ranging from small devices to large power plants. Thermal energy converts temperature differences into electricity using thermoelectric generators (TEGs). This allows for the utilization of waste heat generated from industrial processes, automobile engines, and other sources.

[0006] Vibration energy converts vibrations or mechanical deformation into electricity using piezoelectric materials. It can utilize vibrations generated in bridges, roads, and machinery. Electromagnetic energy converts ambient electromagnetic waves (e.g., Wi-Fi, radio signals) into electricity. This is suitable for small electronic devices such as wireless sensor networks.

[0007] Wearable devices are an application area for energy harvesting. Self-charging capabilities in devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers can enhance user convenience. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can enable long-term operation in locations where battery replacement is difficult. Medical devices, particularly implantable ones, can extend battery life by collecting energy from the body. Wireless sensor networks are used in environmental monitoring, smart homes, and smart cities.

[0008] The advantages of energy harvesting include the ability to achieve power self-sufficiency, extend battery life or eliminate the need for batteries, and enable sustainable energy use. However, since the collected energy is on a small scale, efficient energy management is required, and there are also issues regarding the efficiency and cost of energy conversion devices. Furthermore, it is highly dependent on environmental conditions.

[0009] Energy harvesting is an eco-friendly energy solution with significant potential for application in various fields. It is attracting attention as an important technology capable of solving battery issues, particularly in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT). The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the following technical problems.

[0011] First, it provides an integrated harvesting system that simultaneously harvests vibrations, exhaust airflow, and ambient solar energy generated from an air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0012] Second, optimize energy harvesting and consumption by implementing an intelligent control system for the efficient management of harvested energy.

[0013] Third, establish an independent power supply system capable of continuous energy supply regardless of whether the air conditioner is operating.

[0014] Fourth, it provides an automatic shut-off mechanism to prevent unnecessary standby power consumption and protect the system.

[0015] Fifth, implement an energy harvesting system that can be utilized as a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) solution harmonizing with the building's exterior. means of solving the problem

[0016] A system louver including an energy harvesting device for utilizing multiple renewable energy according to the present invention is a system louver that operates by receiving operating power from an air conditioner outdoor unit connected to an air conditioner to perform heat exchange between the indoor and outdoor air of a building and equipped with a vibration damping member for vibration damping and support provided on an installation floor, and comprises: a battery that receives and stores power collected from a renewable energy collection unit that collects renewable energy; and a control unit that provides the air conditioner operating power delivered from the air conditioner outdoor unit and the renewable energy stored in the battery to a low-power consumption appliance, wherein the control unit detects whether the air conditioner is operating and delivers the operating power of the air conditioner to the low-power consumption appliance only when the air conditioner is operating, and provides power from the battery when the air conditioner is not operating.

[0017] In addition, it may further include a cutoff unit that opens the electrical connection between the outdoor unit and the low-power consumption appliance when the air conditioner is not in operation.

[0018] In addition, the renewable energy collection unit may include a vibration harvest module provided between the outdoor unit and the vibration damping member to harvest energy generated by the vibration of the outdoor unit.

[0019] In addition, the above-mentioned renewable energy collection unit may include a micro-generation unit that is provided in a unit louver panel of an electric louver corresponding to the air conditioner outdoor unit and performs micro-generation using air discharged from the outdoor unit.

[0020] In addition, the above-mentioned micro-generator may be of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) type.

[0021] In addition, the unit louver panel has a through hole formed extending from the inner surface to the bottom surface, and a spherical space is formed in the center of the through hole, and the micro-generator covers a part of the spherical space, and the spherical space is equipped with a spherical charge inducer having a diameter larger than that of the through hole, so as to induce continuous collision with the micro-generator by means of air discharged from the outdoor unit.

[0022] In addition, the above low-power consumption appliance may include at least one of an electric louver and an electric curtain.

[0023] Additionally, it may include a solar panel that produces electrical energy from sunlight; and a second battery that stores the power produced from the solar panel.

[0024] Additionally, the uppermost unit louver panel of the motorized louver may include a light-collecting unit that collects light through a plurality of Fresnel lenses; a first optical fiber that transmits light collected from the light-collecting unit; an optical coupler that collects light from the plurality of first optical fibers; a second optical fiber that transmits light from the optical coupler; and a light-diffusing unit connected to the second optical fiber that irradiates light onto the solar panel. Effects of the invention

[0025] The energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to the present invention provides the following technical effects:

[0026] First, by simultaneously utilizing three distinct energy sources—solar power, vibration, and airflow—it improves the reliability and efficiency of energy harvesting. This resolves energy availability issues that can arise when relying on a single energy source.

[0027] Second, the introduction of an intelligent control system enables the optimal distribution and utilization of harvested energy, thereby maximizing system efficiency. In particular, precise battery status monitoring in 5% increments and predictive energy management algorithms enable the efficient utilization of limited energy.

[0028] Third, it prevents energy loss by minimizing standby power consumption with a cutoff system having a fast response time of within 10ms. This contributes to extending battery life along with long-term energy saving effects.

[0029] Fourth, by combining it with the principles of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), it is possible to produce energy without compromising the aesthetics of the building. The use of Fresnel lenses and fiber optic systems increases space efficiency compared to conventional solar panels.

[0030] Fifth, it reduces dependence on the external power grid by providing independent power supply for intermittently used and low-power consumption devices, such as motorized louvers and curtains. This contributes to reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

[0031] Sixth, stable long-term operation is possible through a three-stage protection protocol and a self-diagnosis system, and the need for system maintenance is minimized.

[0032] Ultimately, this invention serves as a practical implementation example of a small-scale distributed energy production system, enabling further expanded applications through future integration with a Building Energy Management System (BEMS). Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 to 4 are drawings showing the appearance of an outdoor unit and an electric louver according to one embodiment, respectively. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single module louver. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a light-concentrating louver according to one embodiment and a photovoltaic power generation device using the same. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Unless otherwise specifically defined or mentioned, terms indicating direction used in this description are based on the state shown in the drawings. Additionally, throughout each embodiment, the same reference numeral indicates the same component. Meanwhile, the thickness or dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation and do not imply that it must actually be constructed according to the corresponding dimensions or ratios between components.

[0036] An energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for describing an energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are drawings showing the appearance of an outdoor unit and an electric louver according to one embodiment, respectively. In addition, FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single module louver, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a light-collecting louver according to one embodiment and a photovoltaic power generation device using the same.

[0037] First, referring to FIG. 1, the energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit for utilizing renewable energy according to the present invention comprises: an air conditioner outdoor unit (30) having a vibration damping member (35) for vibration damping and support provided on an installation floor; a vibration harvest module (200) provided between the outdoor unit (30) and the vibration damping member (35) for harvesting energy from the vibration of the outdoor unit; a micro-generation unit (100) provided on an electric louver in the air discharge direction of the air conditioner outdoor unit (30) for performing micro-generation using air discharged from the outdoor unit; and a battery (500) for storing energy harvested by the micro-generation unit (100) and the vibration harvest module (200). That is, the system louver according to the present invention includes a part of a renewable energy collection unit that collects renewable energy, or is connected to a renewable energy collection unit to receive the collected power. At this time, the renewable energy collection unit may include a vibration harvest module (200), a micro-generation unit (100), and a solar panel (300).

[0038] In addition, the energy harvesting device according to the present invention further includes a control unit (800) responsible for central control, a cutoff unit (700) for preventing standby power, and an air conditioner (10) that performs a cooling function. The above components are functionally connected as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1.

[0039] It may include a solar panel (300) that produces electrical energy from sunlight and a second battery (not shown) that stores the power produced from the solar panel.

[0040] A solar panel (300) according to one embodiment collects solar energy and transmits it to a battery (500). The battery (500) uses the power collected from the solar panel (300), the micro-generation unit (100), and the vibration harvest module (200) to supply power to devices that use a small amount of power, such as an electric louver (10) or an electric curtain (20). At this time, it is also possible to physically separate the battery collected through the solar panel (300) from the battery collected using the micro-generation unit (100) and the vibration harvest module (200).

[0041] The control unit (800) performs the following functions. First, it detects the operating status of the air conditioner (10) and controls the cutoff unit (700). Next, it monitors the charge status of the battery (500). Next, it manages to optimize the energy harvesting efficiency between renewable energy sources (solar panel (300), micro-generation unit (100), vibration harvest module (200)). Next, it manages the power consumption of the motorized louvers (50) and other peripheral devices. Next, it performs system error detection and protection functions.

[0042] Specifically, it includes a detection circuit that monitors the operating status of the air conditioner (10) in real time for detecting the operating status of the air conditioner (10) and controlling the cutoff unit (700). It analyzes the power supply status of the air conditioner (10) to check the ON / OFF status. When the operation of the air conditioner (10) is detected to stop, an OFF signal is transmitted to the cutoff unit (700) within 10ms. A malfunction prevention mechanism is implemented through a three-stage signal verification process. It receives operating status feedback through bidirectional communication with the cutoff unit (700).

[0043] To monitor the charge status of the battery (500), the charge amount of the battery (500) is precisely measured by subdividing it into 5% increments. The deterioration state is diagnosed by tracking the internal resistance and voltage changes of the battery. When the charge is 80% or more of the maximum charge amount, a charging speed control algorithm is applied. When the minimum charge amount (20% or less) is detected, non-essential functions are automatically shut off. Functions for recording the number of charge-discharge cycles and predicting the battery life are performed.

[0044] To optimize energy harvesting efficiency among renewable energy sources, the individual power generation of the solar panel (300), micro-generation unit (100), and vibrating harvest module (200) is measured. Power generation efficiency data by time of day, season, and climate condition is collected and analyzed. The optimal energy source is selectively activated through an energy harvest prediction algorithm. System stability is improved by applying load balancing technology for each energy source. The positioning of the Fresnel lens (420) is automatically adjusted according to the angle of incidence of sunlight.

[0045] To manage power consumption of the motorized louvers (50) and other peripheral devices, power consumption is optimized by learning the operation pattern of the motorized louvers (50). Power consumption per peripheral device is monitored in real time and limits are set. Important functions are maintained through a priority-based power allocation system. An automatic circuit cutoff function is implemented for unused circuits to minimize standby power. Intermittent power supply is scheduled for devices with low usage frequency.

[0046] It detects electrical hazards such as voltage instability, overcurrent, and short circuits in real time to perform system error detection and protection functions. Upon the occurrence of abnormal signs, it activates a three-stage protection protocol (Warning-Limit-Shutdown). It provides overheating prevention through internal system temperature monitoring. It periodically evaluates system health through self-diagnostic routines. In the event of a severe error, it switches to safe mode and records error logs.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, a louver (50) is provided in the air discharge direction of the outdoor unit (30). The motorized louver (50) according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of openable and closable unit louver panels (55), including an uppermost unit louver panel (57).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, the energy harvesting device for an air conditioner outdoor unit for utilizing renewable energy according to the present embodiment includes an air conditioner outdoor unit (30) having a vibration damping member (35) provided on an installation floor for vibration damping and support, and a vibration harvesting module (200) provided between the outdoor unit case (31) and the vibration damping member (35) for harvesting energy from the vibration of the outdoor unit.

[0049] The vibration harvest module (200) can be formed using a piezoelectric material. The vibration harvest module (200) harvests energy from vibrations generated during the operation of the outdoor unit (30), for example, by using a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material has the characteristic of generating electricity when subjected to vibration. When this is attached to the vibration part of the outdoor unit, electricity is generated by the vibration.

[0050] The vibration harvest module (200) according to the present embodiment may also attach a piezoelectric film or a sensor to a part of the outdoor unit case (31) with high vibration.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, an electric louver (50) is provided in the direction of air discharge of an air conditioner outdoor unit (30). The uppermost unit louver panel (57) of the electric louver (50) is provided with a light-collecting unit to collect sunlight and use it for power generation, and other unit louver panels (55) may include a micro-power generation unit (100) that performs micro-power generation using air discharged from the outdoor unit.

[0052] In addition, the above micro-generation unit (100) may be a static power generation element, that is, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG).

[0053] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a unit louver panel (55) has a through hole (SP1) formed that penetrates from the inner side to the bottom side, and a spherical space (SP2) is formed in the center of the through hole.

[0054] The micro-power generation unit (100) covers a part of the spherical space (SP2) to form a part of the spherical space. The spherical space is equipped with a spherical charge inducer (104) having a diameter larger than that of the through hole, which remains within the spherical space (SP2) and vibrates due to air discharged from the outdoor unit (30), thereby inducing continuous collision with the micro-power generation unit (100).

[0055] The micro-generator unit (100) refers to a current collector that converts wind and vibration into energy. The micro-generator unit (100) according to the present embodiment may, for example, utilize a generator based on the principle of an electrostatic power generation element. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by utilizing the electrostatic effect and electron movement that occur when two different materials come into contact and separate. TENGs are attracting attention in the field of energy harvesting because they can efficiently convert various forms of mechanical energy into electricity.

[0056] Tribolic nanogenerators have the advantage of being capable of utilizing both vibration and wind. Additionally, additional vibration is generated when wind is reflected by solar panels.

[0057] The micro-generator (100) according to the present embodiment may include, for example, an insulating member (103) and a conductor (101). When a charge inducer (104) vibrates and comes into contact with the insulating member (103), the insulating member (103) becomes charged, and then, at the moment the charge inducer (104) separates from the insulating member (103), an electrostatic induction phenomenon is induced to generate electricity. The electricity thus induced travels along the conductor (109) and is collected.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, the uppermost unit louver panel (57) is equipped with a plurality of light-collecting units (420). The light-collecting units (420) may utilize Fresnel lenses. In this case, there is an advantage that it can be designed to be thin and lightweight.

[0059] The uppermost unit louver panel (57) of the motorized louver (50) is provided with a light-collecting unit (430) that collects light through a plurality of Fresnel lenses (420). The light-collecting unit (430) is fixed to a light-collecting unit housing (410) at a position corresponding to the focal point of the Fresnel lenses (420) to collect light.

[0060] The first optical fiber (440) transmits light collected from the light collecting unit (430), and the optical coupler (500) collects light from a plurality of the first optical fibers (430). The second optical fiber (445) transmits light from the optical coupler (500), and the light diffusing unit (600) is connected to the second optical fiber (445) and irradiates it onto the previously described solar panel (300a) to induce solar power generation.

[0061] Optical couplers can utilize Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) couplers, which refers to a method of heating and twisting optical fibers to combine them.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the energy harvesting device according to the present invention additionally comprises an air conditioner (10), a shut-off unit (700), and a control unit (800). The battery (500) is continuously charged with renewable energy generated from a solar panel (300), a micro-generation unit (100), and a vibration harvest module (200) under normal conditions. The charging system operates independently of the operating state of the air conditioner to ensure the continuity of energy supply.

[0063] Since the air conditioner outdoor unit (30) receives power only when the air conditioner (10) is operating, the air conditioner (10) must be in an active state for the motorized louver (50) to receive power directly from the outdoor unit (30). However, when the air conditioner (10) is inactive, standby power is generated in the motorized louver (50) or motorized curtain (20), etc., and unnecessary power may be consumed.

[0064] To solve this problem, the present invention is provided with a blocking unit (700). The blocking unit (700) can be implemented, for example, as a relay, and automatically turns off when the power of the air conditioner (10) is cut off or the power supply is interrupted, thereby preventing the discharge of the battery (500) due to standby power.

[0065] The operation and power supply control of the cutoff unit (700) are managed integrally by the control unit (800). The control unit (800) monitors the operating status of the air conditioner (10), monitors the charge status of the battery (500), and optimizes the power supply to peripheral devices such as the motorized louver (50) and motorized curtain (20).

[0067] Through the above configuration, the energy harvesting device according to the present invention efficiently harvests and manages renewable energy and prevents unnecessary power loss, thereby maximizing energy utilization.

[0069] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above and can be implemented in various ways within the scope that does not depart from the technical concept of the present invention as embodied in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0070] 10: Air conditioner 20: Electric Curtains 30: Air conditioner outdoor unit 31: Outdoor unit case 35: Anti-vibration member 50: Motorized Louvers 55: Unit Louver Panel 57: Top unit louver panel 100: Micro-power generation unit 101: Conductor 103: Insulating member 104: Charged inductor 109: Doseon 200: Vibration Harvest Module 300: Solar panel 300a: Solar panel (diffusing section connection) 410: Concentrator Housing 420: Fresnel lens 430: Concentrator 440: First optical fiber 445: Second optical fiber 500: Battery / Optical Coupler 600: Miner 700: Blocking section 800: Control unit SP1: Penetrating hole SP2: Spherical space

Claims

Claim 1 A system louver that operates by receiving operating power from an air conditioner outdoor unit connected to an air conditioner to perform heat exchange between the building's indoor and outdoor air, and equipped with a vibration-damping member for vibration isolation and support on the installation floor, comprising: a battery that receives and stores power collected from a renewable energy collection unit that collects renewable energy; The apparatus includes a control unit that provides air conditioner operating power transmitted from the air conditioner outdoor unit and renewable energy stored in the battery to low-power consumption appliances; wherein the control unit detects whether the air conditioner is operating and transmits the operating power of the air conditioner to the low-power consumption appliance only when the air conditioner is operating, provides power from the battery when the air conditioner is not operating, and further includes a cutoff unit that opens the electrical connection between the outdoor unit and the low-power consumption appliance when the air conditioner is not operating; wherein the renewable energy collection unit includes a micro-generator unit provided in a unit louver panel of an electric louver corresponding to the air conditioner outdoor unit and performs micro-generation using air discharged from the outdoor unit; wherein the micro-generator unit is of the Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) type, and the unit louver panel has a through hole formed penetrating from the inner surface to the bottom surface, and a spherical space formed in the center of the through hole, and the micro-generator unit covers a part of the spherical space, and the spherical space is provided with a spherical charge inductor having a diameter larger than that of the through hole, and the micro-generator unit is provided in the spherical space so as to generate micro-power using air discharged from the outdoor unit A system louver including an energy harvesting device for multi-renewable energy utilization that induces continuous collision with the power generation unit. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A system louver comprising an energy harvesting device for multi-renewable energy utilization, wherein the renewable energy collection unit comprises a vibration harvest module provided between the outdoor unit and the vibration damping member to harvest energy from the vibration of the outdoor unit. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 In claim 1, the low-power consumption appliance is a system louver comprising an energy harvesting device for multi-renewable energy utilization, comprising at least one of an electric louver and an electric curtain. Claim 8 A system louver comprising an energy harvesting device for multi-renewable energy utilization, comprising: a solar panel that produces electrical energy from sunlight; and a second battery that stores power produced from the solar panel. Claim 9 In claim 8, the system louver comprises an energy harvesting device for utilizing multiple renewable energy, wherein the uppermost unit louver panel of the system louver includes: a light-collecting unit that collects light through a plurality of Fresnel lenses; a first optical fiber that transmits light collected from the light-collecting unit; an optical coupler that collects light from the plurality of first optical fibers; a second optical fiber that transmits light from the optical coupler; and a light-diffusing unit connected to the second optical fiber that irradiates light onto the solar panel.

Images