Aquatic Thermal Refugium System with Solar Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rising surface water temperatures in bodies of water are detrimental to cold-water species like trout, and existing aquatic thermal refugia systems are inefficient or costly, necessitating a more effective and sustainable solution for maintaining localized temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered thermal refugium system that partially isolates a local volume of water using an enclosure and heat exchanger, with a controller to maintain a set temperature, utilizing a thermal apparatus and fluid circulation to heat or cool the water, and incorporating a panel and baffle configuration to optimize temperature control and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional thermal refugia systems are used to maintain localized temperature control in bodies of water, then temperature stability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal refugia function into separate modular components: an enclosure structure that isolates the water volume, a heat exchanger for thermal transfer, and a solar-powered thermal apparatus for active temperature control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance while achieving stable localized temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates solar-powered thermal apparatus that automatically maintains temperature without requiring external power sources or manual intervention. The solar panels convert sunlight directly into thermal energy for heating or cooling, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex electrical infrastructure or ongoing energy costs
2Reliability
If existing thermal refugia systems are deployed to protect cold-water species, then habitat suitability is improved, but energy consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal apparatus is powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into thermal energy, making the system self-powered and eliminating ongoing energy costs. The solar energy directly heats or cools the water within the enclosure, providing reliable habitat temperature control without external power sources or high energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses phase change materials or thermal mass within the enclosure to store and release thermal energy, allowing temperature regulation without continuous active heating or cooling. This passive thermal regulation reduces energy consumption while maintaining habitat suitability for cold-water species
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 effectively maintains a stable temperature within the isolated water volume, enhancing habitat conditions for wildlife while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective, with improved thermal performance compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger within the at least one enclosure. The heat exchanger transfers heat into or out of the at least one local volume of water to heat or cool the local volume of water
Implementation Method 2
a thermal apparatus operably coupled to the at least one heat exchanger. The thermal apparatus is configured to transfer the heat in and out of a fluid. The fluid being circulated between the thermal apparatus and the at least one heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A system to provide at least one thermal refugium in a body of water. The system includes at least one enclosure configured to partially isolate at least one local volume of water, at least one heat exchanger within the enclosure, a thermal apparatus operably coupled to the heat exchanger, and a controller operably coupled to the thermal apparatus. The heat exchanger transfers heat into or out of the local volume of water. The thermal apparatus transfers the heat in and out of a fluid being circulated between the thermal apparatus and the heat exchanger. The controller is configured to control the transfer of the heat into or out of the local volume of water to maintain a local temperature in the local volume of water sustainable for wildlife living in the body of water.