A solar energy system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems rely heavily on fossil fuels, and solar energy systems face challenges in providing consistent heating and cooling due to variable solar energy availability, with existing systems being inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy system that incorporates a first heat exchange system using an ejector circuit and a second heat exchange system powered by electrical energy, allowing for supplemental operation when solar energy is insufficient, with a control system to maximize solar energy usage and switch to electrical power for additional heating or cooling needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If solar energy is used to operate the cooling system, then fossil fuel consumption is reduced, but the system efficiency is relatively low and capital cost is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent heat exchange systems: a first heat exchange system using solar thermal energy with an ejector, and a second heat exchange system using electrical energy with a compressor. Each system operates independently and can be optimized for its specific energy source, allowing the solar system to be designed for maximum thermal efficiency while the electrical system provides supplemental capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different heat exchange systems (solar thermal with ejector and electrical with compressor) into a single integrated system that shares common components such as the refrigerant circuit, heat exchangers, and control system. This merging allows both systems to work together to meet cooling demands while maximizing the use of renewable solar energy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy systems are designed to meet heating and cooling requirements, then renewable energy usage increases, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate when solar energy availability is low
Solution Approach 1:
Both heat exchange systems are designed to perform the same cooling function, allowing either system to operate independently or in combination. The system can universally meet cooling demands through multiple pathways: solar-only operation, electrical-only operation, or hybrid operation, simplifying control logic while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors solar energy availability, cooling demands, and system operating conditions to dynamically adjust the operation of both heat exchange systems. This feedback mechanism automatically optimizes the mix of solar and electrical operation, managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single heat exchange system is used, then the system is simpler, but it cannot provide consistent heating or cooling when solar energy availability varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the energy source parameter from单一的solar energy to a combination of solar thermal energy and electrical energy. By adjusting the contribution of each energy source based on availability and demand, the system maintains consistent operation while managing complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively utilizes renewable energy for heating and cooling, maximizing solar energy contribution while ensuring consistent temperature control by supplementing with electrical power when necessary, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a solar collector for obtaining energy from a solar energy source
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchange system... arranged for transferring thermal energy between the first heat exchange system and a region
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchange system comprising an ejector circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solar energy system that comprises a solar collector for providing energy generated from incident solar radiation. The solar energy system also comprises a first heat exchange system that has an ejector that is arranged to operate using at least a portion of the energy provided by the solar energy collector. Further, the solar energy system comprises a second heat exchange system arranged to operate using energy from an energy source other than a solar energy source. The solar energy system is arranged for transfer of thermal energy between the first heat exchange system and a region, and between the second heat exchange system and the region. The solar energy system is arranged to control a relative contribution of the first and second heat exchange systems to the transfer of the thermal energy.