Air conditioning system and transportation system including same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems face challenges such as high costs due to regulated coolants, inefficient maintenance, high replacement costs, limited availability in regions with less sophisticated power capabilities, and the need to keep windows closed to retain cooled air, along with the use of hazardous gases in air separation systems.
Innovation Solution
A coolant-free air conditioning system utilizing a turboexpander and generator to convert kinetic and ambient energy into mechanical and electrical energy, powering the system and delivering cooled air without a closed loop, and integrating this system with a transportation system for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional closed-loop A/C systems with coolant are used, then cooling function is provided, but maintenance becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coolant entirely from the A/C system, extracting the problematic substance that causes maintenance difficulties. The system uses direct air compression and expansion through a turboexpander without any refrigerant circulation, eliminating leaks, replacements, and environmental regulations associated with coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ambient air as both the working fluid and the heat sink, allowing the A/C unit to serve itself by drawing cooling capacity from the surrounding environment. The turboexpander compresses and expands ambient air directly, and the generator recovers energy from the expanding air, creating a self-sustaining cycle without external coolant supply.
2Temperature
If coolant is used in A/C systems, then cooling is achieved, but coolant cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, regulated coolant with free ambient air that requires no purchase, storage, or handling. The working fluid (air) is continuously drawn from the environment, eliminating all costs associated with coolant acquisition, disposal, and environmental compliance.
3Reliability
If closed-loop A/C systems are used, then cooled air is retained, but windows and doors must remain closed
Solution Approach 1:
The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cooling while allowing open windows and doors. The turboexpander uses ambient air as both the cooling medium and the heat rejection sink, eliminating the need for sealed environments. The generator simultaneously provides energy recovery and enables the system to operate without grid power.
4Power
If air compressors are powered from power grid, then A/C operation is enabled, but regions with less sophisticated power capabilities are deprived
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own operating power through the generator attached to the turboexpander. As ambient air expands through the turboexpander, it drives the generator to produce electricity that powers the air compressor and controls the system, creating a self-sufficient unit that operates independently of external power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling function with energy generation in a single integrated system. The turboexpander serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical work for cooling while simultaneously driving the generator to produce electrical power, merging two functions that were traditionally separate.
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 reduces maintenance costs, eliminates the need for expensive coolants, allows for energy generation, and enables efficient air conditioning without the use of hazardous gases, while minimizing power consumption and providing flexible temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor wheel coupled to the drive shaft and configured to pull in ambient air and generate pressurized air from the ambient air responsive to rotation of the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
an expander wheel coupled to the drive shaft and fluidly coupled to the compressor wheel such that the pressurized air from the compressor wheel is configured to be received in the expander wheel and converted into expanded and cooled air by the expander wheel
Implementation Method 3
The expander wheel and the generator are configured to convert both the source of kinetic energy and energy in the ambient air into mechanical energy of the drive shaft, and then convert the mechanical energy of the drive shaft into electrical energy in the generator for charging the energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system includes a rotation driving device, an energy storage device for powering the rotation driving device, a generator electrically connected to the energy storage device, and a turboexpander. The turboexpander includes a drive shaft coupled to both the generator and the rotation driving device, and configured to be rotated by the rotation driving device. The turboexpander also includes a compressor wheel and an expander wheel. The compressor wheel is configured to pull in ambient air and generate pressurized air from the ambient air responsive to rotation of the drive shaft. The expander wheel is fluidly coupled to the compressor wheel such that the pressurized air from the compressor wheel is configured to be received in the expander wheel and converted into expanded and cooled air by the expander wheel for delivery to an environment.