Energy efficient and adaptive space cooling and heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar water heating systems have inefficiencies at night and lack effective cooling functions, with challenges in cooling energy storage, roof space utilization, and system complexity, as well as the need for cost-effective and easy-to-retrofit techniques and materials with desirable thermal and optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A passive heating and cooling system incorporating an adaptive panel with a radiative cooling layer and solar heating layer, utilizing a thermo-responsive polymer that adjusts transparency and heat dissipation based on temperature, allowing for seamless switching between heating and cooling modes, and integration with a hydronic system for energy storage and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar water heating panels are used during daytime, then heating efficiency is improved, but cooling function and nighttime productivity are lost (0% efficiency at night)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both solar heating and radiative cooling capabilities into a single panel system. The panel can switch between heating mode during daytime and cooling mode at nighttime, eliminating the need for separate systems and maximizing roof space utilization across all time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between heating and cooling functions based on time of day and thermal conditions. The system transitions from solar absorption during daytime to radiative cooling at nighttime, allowing the same panel to adapt its function dynamically rather than remaining static.
2Use of energy by moving object
If radiative cooling panels are used at nighttime, then cooling efficiency is improved, but heating function during daytime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system incorporates both radiative cooling layers and solar heating layers, enabling it to perform both cooling and heating functions. During daytime, the solar heating layer activates; during nighttime, the radiative cooling layer activates, providing universal functionality across different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between cooling and heating modes based on environmental conditions and time of day. The adaptive panel adjusts its operational state to provide heating when solar energy is available and cooling when radiative cooling to the night sky is effective.
3Reliability
If separate heating and cooling systems are installed, then functional performance is improved, but system complexity and roof space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate heating and cooling systems into a single integrated panel structure. Both solar heating and radiative cooling functionalities are combined within the same physical footprint on the roof, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for multiple separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a multi-functional panel that performs both heating and cooling, the system reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall architecture compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive panels with temperature-responsive materials are used, then adaptability between heating and cooling modes is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature-responsive materials that automatically change their optical and thermal properties based on temperature parameters. This allows the panel to adapt between heating and cooling modes through passive material response rather than active control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high adaptability.
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 maximizes roof area usage by switching to cooling mode at night, providing chilled water and offsetting heating and cooling costs, with optimized energy generation and storage across varying weather conditions, achieving peak performance in both heating and cooling functions.
Implementation Method 1
a radiative cooling layer configured to dissipate heat from the energy collector
Implementation Method 2
The adaptive panel may include a radiative cooling layer. The radiative cooling layer may include a thermo-responsive polymer configured to dissipate heat from the energy collector and adjust transparency depending on temperature
Implementation Method 3
a solar heating layer configured to absorb solar irradiation that passes through the radiative cooling layer and transfer heat to the energy collector
Implementation Method 4
transfer heat to the energy collector
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for heating and cooling are provided. The system may include an energy collector and an adaptive panel connected to the energy collector. The adaptive panel may a radiative cooling layer configured to dissipate heat from the energy collector. The radiative cooling layer may further include a thermo-responsive polymer configured to adjust transparency depending on temperature. The system may include a solar heating layer configured to absorb solar irradiation that passes through the radiative cooling layer and transfer heat to the energy collector.