Air conditioning module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems, particularly Peltier or thermo electric cooling systems, have low coefficients of performance (COP) and high running costs, making them inefficient and costly for residential use, especially in humid climates where they require excessive electrical power to achieve sufficient cooling or heating.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning module utilizing Peltier or thermo electric cells with an improved heat exchange tunnel design featuring a circular cross-section and alternating rib lengths, along with a thermal transfer block and separate ducts for conditioning and exhaust air, enhances thermal energy transfer and efficiency, and is powered by photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Peltier or thermo electric cooling systems are used, then robust operation in vibrational environments is achieved, but coefficient of performance (COP) deteriorates to 0.2 or 0.3
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air conditioning function into two separate pathways: a primary pathway using conventional refrigeration cycles for efficient cooling, and a secondary pathway using Peltier cells for supplementary cooling or heating. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal efficiency range, with the Peltier cells handling only the residual thermal load rather than the entire cooling demand, thereby improving overall COP while maintaining vibrational robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines conventional refrigeration technology with Peltier thermo electric technology into a hybrid air conditioning system. The conventional refrigeration system provides the bulk of cooling efficiency, while Peltier cells provide supplementary cooling or heating capability. This merging allows the system to leverage the high reliability of Peltier cells in vibrational environments while compensating for their low COP through the efficient conventional refrigeration cycle.
2Power
If higher cooling power is supplied to Peltier systems, then sufficient cooling for comfort is achieved, but energy consumption increases and COP reduces further
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier cells are designed to provide only partial cooling power, handling the residual thermal load after the conventional refrigeration system has performed its primary cooling function. This partial action approach allows the Peltier cells to operate at lower power levels where they maintain better COP, while the conventional system provides the majority of cooling power efficiently. The controller dynamically adjusts the contribution of each system based on real-time thermal demands.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional refrigerated air conditioning is used, then effective cooling with good COP (4-5) is achieved, but de-humidification capability is insufficient in humid climates
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier cell subsystem serves multiple functions: it provides supplementary cooling when the conventional system is insufficient, acts as a de-humidification system by condensing moisture from the air, and can provide heating during cooler periods. This multi-functionality allows the conventional refrigeration system to operate at optimal COP while the Peltier cells handle humidity control and peak thermal loads, creating a versatile hybrid air conditioning solution.
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 achieves improved COP values, reduces energy consumption, and lowers operational costs by efficiently conditioning air through radiative and convective means, storing thermal energy in building mass for extended comfort periods, thus providing effective and cost-effective heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier or thermal electric cell air conditioner has been used. This system works by applying a DC power source to two elements of a semiconductor. When the power is applied, one side of the device will get cool.
Implementation Method 2
To cool a room the air conditioner can draw heat out of the room and transfer that heat to the outside.
Implementation Method 3
an improved heat exchange tunnel design featuring a circular cross-section and alternating rib lengths, along with a thermal transfer block
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning module including a thermo electric cell having a first side and a second side; an conditioning duct attached to the first side of the thermo electric cell; and an exhaust duct attached to the second side of the thermoelectric cell; wherein the conditioning duct receives and conditions air from a room, and the exhaust duct vents unwanted thermal energy.