Hybrid solar air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner (1) comprising an indoor unit (2); an outdoor unit (3); at least one solar panel (5); a reservoir (4) wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit (2) is collected; at least one spraying member (9) which is placed on the solar panels (5) so as to spray the water onto the solar panels (5); a power circuit; and a control unit which records the real-time power value obtained from the power circuit and the solar radiation value and which ensures that the contamination is detected based on the power value and the estimated power value estimated according to the solar radiation value so as to direct the water in the reservoir (4) onto the solar panels (5). Thus, the contamination level affecting the performance of the solar panel (5) is detected without using any sensor, based on the power value obtained by the power circuit and the estimated power derived from the solar radiation value.

Description

[0001] 7.3634

[0002] DESCRIPTION HYBRID SOLAR AIR CONDITIONER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

[0003] The present invention relates to a hybrid solar air conditioner wherein the solar panel is intermittently cleaned, and to a control method thereof.

[0004] In the hybrid solar air conditioners, solar or photovoltaic panels are cleaned at intervals. Depending on the conditions, part or all of the energy required for the operation of the hybrid solar air conditioners is supplied from the mains or solar panels, with priority given to the solar panels. Consequently, energy saving is provided. The most important parameter affecting the energy output of solar panels is the amount of radiation. As the amount of radiation increases, the amount of power generated by the panel also increases. One of the main factors reducing this radiation is the contamination on the surface of the solar panel. As the contamination rate increases, the efficiency of the solar panel decreases. Moreover, cooling the solar panels significantly increases the maximum power output to be delivered by the solar panels. Therefore, periodic cleaning of the solar panels is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the solar panel. In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN109268981, a mechanism is disclosed, which enables a photovoltaic air conditioner to self-clean in order to improve the efficiency of the air conditioner. In the said mechanism, the condensate from the indoor unit of the air conditioner is transferred to a tank. The stored water is distributed via a spraying member through the use of a pump to clean the photovoltaic panels.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a hybrid solar air conditioner wherein the solar panels are efficiently cleaned.

[0006] The hybrid solar air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises at least one solar panel; a reservoir wherein the condensed water is stored; a power circuit; a control unit which records the real-time power value obtained from the power circuit and the solar radiation value; and a solar panel cleaning mechanism which directs the water in the reservoir onto the solar panels based on the estimated power value derived from the actual power and radiation values.

[0007] Thus, the contamination level affecting the performance of the solar panel is evaluated without using any sensor, based on the power value measured by the power circuit and the estimated power derived from the solar radiation value.7.3634

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power circuit is a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit. The real-time power value generated by the solar panel is sensed by the said power circuit so as to ensure that the solar panels operate at their maximum power point. The power value obtained from the said power circuit is used as an indicator of the performance of the solar panel.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel cleaning mechanism comprises a pump; a first delivery pipe which is provided between the reservoir and the pump and which transfers the water taken from the reservoir to the pump; at least one spraying member which is positioned on the solar panel; and a second delivery pipe which connects the pump and the spraying member and which delivers the water drawn from the reservoir to the spraying member. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the contamination of the solar panel is detected based on the power value measured by the power circuit and the estimated power value according to the solar radiation value, the solar panel cleaning mechanism is automatically activated by the control unit. Accordingly, the pump is operated, and the water accumulated in the reservoir is transferred to the pump via the first delivery pipe. Then, the pump transfers the water drawn from the reservoir to the spraying member via the second delivery pipe. The water reaching the spraying member is sprayed from the spraying member onto the surface of the solar panel so as to clean the surface of the solar panel. Thus, the contamination condition on the solar panels is detected using two key data points: The solar radiation falling on the surface of the solar panel and the power value obtained from the power circuit.

[0010] In the embodiment of the present invention, the spraying member comprises holes which are arranged at equal intervals and which ensure even and homogeneous distribution over the surface of the solar panel so as to facilitate removal of dirt and dust on the surface.

[0011] By means of the present invention, the efficiency of the solar panels is preserved and the energy production capacity is increased. The said automatic cleaning process reduces the maintenance costs of the hybrid solar air conditioner and ensures long-term energy production efficiency. A control method for operating the solar panel cleaning mechanism described above comprises the following steps:

[0012] The air conditioner is operated. The compressor operation time is compared to a time determined by the manufacturer based on the volume of the reservoir and the flow rate of the water condensed in the air conditioner. When the compressor operation time reaches or exceeds the time determined by the manufacturer, it is decided to activate the solar panel cleaning7.3634

[0013] mechanism in order to prevent overflow of the water accumulated in the reservoir. The control unit records the solar radiation values based on the geographical location and time where the solar panels are located. Based on these values, an estimated power value is calculated. Moreover, the estimated photovoltaic power generation values based on the solar radiation amount are continuously updated based on the values obtained in previous days. Thus, the estimated power value is gradually refined to approach the most accurate value. The total power value is the sum of the power drawn from the mains and the power obtained from the solar panel. In order to activate the solar panel cleaning mechanism, the total power value must be at least 100 W higher than the power value obtained from the power circuit. Then, the changes in the power values measured by the power circuit are also evaluated. If the amount of change in the said power values is 500 W or more, the solar panel cleaning mechanism is not activated. If the change between the power values is less than 500 W, the duration of the said change is determined. In order to activate the solar panel cleaning mechanism, the change between the power values must remain at or below 500 W for two hours or longer. Finally, based on the power value obtained from the power circuit and the estimated power value according to the solar radiation value, the power value obtained from the power circuit is compared with the estimated power value, and the decision to activate the solar panel cleaning mechanism is made. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the estimated power value is higher than the power value measured by the power circuit in real time, the solar panel cleaning mechanism is activated, and the pump is operated to spray the water taken from the reservoir onto the surfaces of the solar panels via the spraying member so as to clean the solar panels.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the minimum compressor operation time is at least one-fourth of a time period determined by the manufacturer based on the volume of the reservoir and the flow rate of water condensed in the air conditioner. The solar panel cleaning process is not performed until the said period has elapsed.

[0015] By means of the present invention, the solar panels are cleaned without the need for an additional water source and without using any sensor for this purpose. Thus, as the amount of energy obtained from the sun increases, the amount of power drawn from the mains decreases.

[0016] An air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figure, where:

[0017] Figure 1 - is the detailed schematic view of a hybrid solar air conditioner.

[0018] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows.7.3634

[0019] 1. Airconditioner

[0020] 2. Indoor unit

[0021] 3. Outdoor unit

[0022] 4. Receptacle

[0023] 5. Solar panel

[0024] 6. Pump

[0025] 7. First delivery pipe

[0026] 8. Second delivery pipe

[0027] 9. Spraying member

[0028] The air conditioner (1) comprises an indoor unit (2); an outdoor unit (3); at least one solar panel (5); a reservoir (4) wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit (2) is collected; at least one spraying member (9) which is placed on the solar panels (5) so as to spray the water onto the solar panels (5); a power circuit; and a control unit which records the real-time power value obtained from the power circuit and the solar radiation value and which ensures that the contamination is detected based on the power value and the estimated power value estimated according to the solar radiation value so as to direct the water in the reservoir (4) onto the solar panels (5). Thus, the contamination level affecting the performance of the solar panel (5) is detected without using any sensor, based on the power value obtained by the power circuit and the estimated power derived from the solar radiation value.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power circuit is a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit. The real-time power value generated by the solar panel (5) is sensed by the said power circuit so as to ensure that the solar panels (5) operate at their maximum power point. The power value obtained from the said power circuit is used as an indicator of the performance of the solar panel (5).

[0030] In the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises a pump (6); a first delivery pipe (7) which is positioned between the reservoir (4) and the pump (6) and which enables the water taken from the reservoir (4) to be transferred to the pump (6); and a second delivery pipe (8) which connects the pump (6) and the spraying member (9) and which enables the water drawn from the reservoir (4) by the pump (6) to be delivered to the spraying member (9) (Figure 1).7.3634

[0031] In the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit detects the contamination of the solar panel (5) based on the power value measured by the power circuit and the estimated power value calculated according to the solar radiation value. Accordingly, the pump (6) is operated, and the water accumulated in the reservoir (4) is transferred to the pump (6) via the first delivery pipe (7).Then, the pump (6) transfers the water drawn from the reservoir (4) to the spraying member (9) via the second delivery pipe (8).The water reaching the spraying member (9) is sprayed from the spraying member (9) onto the surface of the solar panel (5) so as to clean the surface of the solar panel (5).Thus, the contamination condition on the solar panels (5) is determined using two key data points. The said data points are: the solar radiation falling on the surface of the solar panel (5) and the power value obtained from the power circuit.

[0032] In the embodiment of the present invention, the spraying member (9) comprises holes which are arranged at equal intervals and which ensure even and homogeneous distribution over the surface of the solar panel (5) so as to facilitate removal of dirt and dust on the surface.

[0033] By means of the present invention, the efficiency of the solar panels (5) is preserved and the energy production capacity is increased. Moreover, by means of the present invention, the maintenance costs of the hybrid solar air conditioner (1) are decreased and long-term energy production efficiency is increased.

[0034] Regarding the control unit of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) control method comprises the following steps:

[0035] The air conditioner (1) is operated, and the operating time of the air conditioner (1) is compared to a time period determined by the manufacturer based on the volume of the reservoir (4) and the flow rate of the water condensed in the air conditioner (l).When the operating time of the air conditioner (1) reaches or exceeds the time determined by the manufacturer, the control unit decides to initiate the cleaning of the solar panel (5) in order to prevent overflow of the water accumulated in the reservoir (4). Moreover, the control unit records the solar radiation values based on the geographical location and time where the solar panels (5) are located. Based on these values, an estimated power value is calculated. Moreover, the estimated photovoltaic power generation values based on the solar radiation amount are continuously updated based on the values obtained in previous days. Thus, the estimated power value is gradually refined to approach the most accurate value. The total power value is the sum of the power drawn from the mains and the power obtained from the solar panel (5). To trigger the decision to clean the solar panels (5), the total power value must be above a value determined by the manufacturer relative7.3634

[0036] to the power value obtained from the power circuit, for example, at least 100 W higher. Then, the changes in the power values measured by the power circuit are also evaluated. If the amount of variation in the said power values is equal to or greater than a value determined by the manufacturer, preferably 500 W or more, the cleaning process of the solar panel (5) is not performed. If the change between the power values is less than the value determined by the manufacturer, the duration of the said change is determined. However, in order to decide to initiate the cleaning of the solar panel (5), the variation between the power values must also remain at or below a value determined by the manufacturer, preferably 500 W, for two hours or longer. Finally, based on the power value measured by the power circuit and the estimated power value calculated according to the solar irradiation value, the instantaneous power value received by the power circuit is compared, and it is determined that the solar panels (5) are contaminated, and a cleaning decision is made. In the embodiment of the present invention, if the estimated power value is higher than the power value measured in real time by the power circuit, the pump (6) is activated, and the water taken from the reservoir (4) is sprayed onto the surfaces of the solar panels (5) via the spraying member (9) so as to clean the solar panels (5).

[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, the minimum air conditioner (1) operation time is at least one-fourth of a time period determined by the manufacturer based on the volume of the reservoir (4) and the flow rate of water condensed in the air conditioner (1). The solar panel (5) cleaning process is not performed until the said period has elapsed.

[0038] By means of the present invention, the solar panels (5) are cleaned without the need for an additional water source and without using any sensor for this purpose. Thus, as the amount of energy obtained from the sun increases, the amount of power drawn from the mains decreases.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air conditioner (1) comprising an indoor unit (2); an outdoor unit (3); at least one solar panel (5); a reservoir (4) wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit (2) is collected; at least one spraying member (9) which is placed on the solar panels (5) so as to spray the water onto the solar panels (5), characterized by a power circuit and a control unit which records the real-time power value obtained from the power circuit and the solar radiation value and which ensures that the contamination is detected based on the power value and the estimated power value estimated according to the solar radiation value so as to direct the water in the reservoir (4) onto the solar panels (5).

2. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a power circuit which is a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit.

3. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a pump (6); a first delivery pipe (7) which is positioned between the reservoir (4) and the pump (6) and which enables the water taken from the reservoir (4) to be transferred to the pump (6); and a second delivery pipe (8) which connects the pump (6) and the spraying member (9) and which enables the water drawn from the reservoir (4) by the pump (6) to be delivered to the spraying member (9).

4. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit which detects the contamination of the solar panel (5) based on the power value measured by the power circuit and the estimated power value calculated according to the solar radiation value.

5. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by a control unit configured to operate the pump (6) to deliver the water accumulated in the reservoir (4) to the pump (6) through the first delivery pipe (7), then enable the pump to transfer the water drawn from the reservoir (4) to the spraying member (9) via the second delivery pipe (8), and spray the water reaching the spraying member (9) onto the surface of the solar panel (5) from the spraying member (9) so as to clean the surface of the solar panel (5).

6. An air conditioner control method, comprising the steps of operating the air conditioner (1), comparing the operating time of the air conditioner (1) with a duration determined by the manufacturer based on the volume of the reservoir (4) and the flow rate of the water condensed in the air conditioner (1), and making a cleaning decision for the solar panel (5) by the control unit to prevent the overflow of the water accumulated in the reservoir (4) when the operating time of the air conditioner (1) reaches or exceeds the duration determined by the manufacturer.

7. An air conditioner control method, characterized by the steps of recording solar irradiation values in the control unit based on the geographical location and time at which the solar panels (5) are located; calculating an estimated power value based on the said recorded values; determining that the total power value, which is the sum of the power drawn from the mains and the power received from the solar panel (5), is above a threshold value defined by the manufacturer with respect to the power value obtained from the power circuit; if the amount of variation in the power values obtained from the power circuit is below a value defined by the manufacturer, determining how long this variation persists; if the amount and duration of the variation are below the time and value thresholds defined by the manufacturer, comparing the instantaneous power value received by the power circuit with the estimated power value based on the power value obtained from the power circuit and the solar irradiation value; and if the estimated power value is higher than the instantaneous power value measured by the power circuit, operating the pump (6) and spraying the water drawn from the reservoir (4) onto the surfaces of the solar panels (5) via the spraying member (9) so as to clean the solar panels (5).

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