Air conditioner with solar cell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioners with integrated solar panels lack the ability to adjust the light-receiving area of the solar cell panel, limiting flexibility in power generation capacity and space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The air conditioner features a solar cell panel with movable parts that can be adjusted to vary the exposed power generation regions, allowing for selective exposure to sunlight, with the panel being rotatably connected to the outdoor unit, enabling both maximum and minimum power generation configurations while occupying less space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the solar cell panel has a fixed large area, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The solar cell panel is designed with movable parts that can be adjusted between different positions. The panel includes a first part and a second part that can be rotated relative to each other, allowing the light-receiving area to be dynamically changed from a maximum extended position to a minimum retracted position, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation capacity and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the solar cell panel area is increased, then the energy harvesting capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy harvesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar cell panel is divided into multiple segments (first part and second part) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the panel to achieve variable area configuration without requiring a completely complex mechanical system, as each segment is relatively simple in structure but provides flexible control over the total light-receiving area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design allows for adjustable power generation capacity and efficient use of space by varying the light-receiving area of the solar cell panel, enhancing the air conditioner's energy harvesting capabilities and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell panel disposed at a side of the outdoor unit and comprising a plurality of parts that are relatively movable, the plurality of parts comprising power generation regions configured to generate electricity from solar light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2601450B1Air conditioner with solar cell
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2601450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2601450B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2601450B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is an air conditioner with a solar cell. The air conditioner includes a solar cell panel that can be switched to one of a first disposition where a power generation region of the solar cell panel is exposed to the sun and a second disposition where the power generation region is not exposed to the sun. Therefore, the power generation region of the solar cell panel can be protected from external environments.