Air conditioning system for an environment inside a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems for buildings contribute significantly to carbon dioxide emissions and require non-renewable energy sources, making them environmentally impactful and limiting their use in areas without electrical or water connections.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system comprising an inner and outer planar body with a photovoltaic panel and absorber panel that converts light radiation into thermal energy, creating a conveying channel for air circulation without mechanical fans, using doors to control airflow for climate adaptation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems are used, then cooling and heating functions are achieved, but carbon dioxide emissions increase and non-renewable energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses natural solar radiation and wind forces to drive air circulation and thermal regulation without mechanical intervention. The air conditioning system serves itself by utilizing free environmental energy (sunlight heating the interspace air, natural convection currents) rather than consuming external non-renewable energy sources, thereby eliminating CO2 emissions associated with conventional AC operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of solar radiation (which causes overheating) into a beneficial force by using it to heat the air in the interspace, creating natural convection currents that drive the air conditioning process. The solar energy that would otherwise be wasted or harmful is transformed into the driving force for cooling and ventilation.
2Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems are used, then climate control is achieved, but large quantities of electrical energy are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical compression and electrical heating/cooling mechanisms with natural physical processes. Instead of using electric motors to drive compressors or fans, the system relies on natural convection (hot air rising, cold air sinking) and solar radiation to create temperature differentials that drive air flow and thermal regulation passively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters from active electrical control to passive thermal regulation. By utilizing the natural temperature differential between the interspace (heated by sun) and the indoor environment, the system creates self-sustaining air circulation patterns that regulate temperature without continuous electrical energy input.
3Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems are used, then air conditioning function is provided, but the system requires connection to electrical and water networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single structure: the interspace serves as both a thermal buffer zone and a solar energy collector; the planar bodies provide both structural support and optical control surfaces; the air circulation system simultaneously provides cooling, ventilation, and humidity control. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate autonomously without external utility connections.
4Loss of time
If photovoltaic panel is added to convert light radiation into electrical energy, then energy autonomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic panel is integrated directly into the outer planar body, merging the energy generation function with the structural and optical control function. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and wiring systems, reducing overall complexity while achieving energy autonomy. The panel becomes an intrinsic part of the building envelope rather than an add-on component.
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
Achieves climate-controlled environments without non-renewable energy, generating both electrical and thermal energy autonomously, suitable for off-grid buildings, and optimizing energy use through intelligent control systems.
Implementation Method 1
it further comprises at least one photovoltaic panel interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion for converting light radiation coming from an outer environment into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the absorber panel is configured to convert the light radiation passing through the outer planar body and the photovoltaic panel into a quantity of thermal energy to be irradiated at least towards the conveying channel
Implementation Method 3
the conveying channel is configured to create a convective flow of air from the first end portion towards the second end portion using the thermal energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air conditioning system (1) for an environment inside a building (100) comprises an inner planar body (2) and an outer planar body (3) extending along respective longitudinal directions (L) spaced apart to define an interspace (4). The aforementioned planar bodies (2, 3) have, respectively, openings (5, 6, 7, 8) adapted to allow the passage of flows of air between the interspace (4) and, respectively, the environment inside or an environment outside the building (100). In addition, the outer planar body (3) comprises at least one photovoltaic panel (9). An absorber panel (10) is arranged internally to the interspace (4) and inclined with respect to the inner planar body (2), so as to define a tapered conveying channel (11) with the outer planar body (3) and in communication with the openings (5, 6, 7, 8). The absorber panel (10), moreover, is configured to convert the light radiation passed through the photovoltaic panel (9) into a quantity of thermal energy to be irradiated at least towards the conveying channel (11). At each opening (5, 6, 7, 8), doors (12, 13, 14, 15) are arranged which can be moved between a closed position thereof and an open position thereof in order to air-condition the environment inside the building (100).