Combined thermal electrical storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems do not adequately address the varying costs associated with peak and minimum electrical demand, leading to higher costs during peak demand periods and inefficiencies in energy usage, particularly in commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system integrated with a thermally regenerative battery and a controller that can supply power from both an AC power grid and the thermally regenerative battery to its components, allowing for efficient energy management and reduced reliance on peak demand pricing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If air conditioning systems draw power from the AC power grid during peak demand, then continuous operation is maintained, but energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the thermally regenerative battery with excess electrical energy during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower. This stored thermal energy is then utilized during peak demand periods to power air conditioning components, thereby avoiding high peak demand pricing while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of energy consumption by shifting load from peak demand periods to off-peak periods. The controller monitors pricing signals and operational parameters to dynamically adjust when the air conditioning system operates, utilizing stored thermal energy during expensive peak hours and drawing from the grid during cheaper off-peak hours.
2Temperature
If air conditioning systems operate during peak demand periods, then cooling needs are met, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges the thermally regenerative battery during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. This preliminary energy storage enables the system to maintain cooling temperature during peak demand periods without incurring high energy costs, as the battery provides the necessary thermal energy during expensive hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the air conditioning system's operational readiness through the thermally regenerative battery. The battery stores thermal energy that can be rapidly deployed to maintain cooling temperatures during peak demand, ensuring uninterrupted service while optimizing energy cost.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If excess electrical energy is utilized during off-peak hours, then energy cost decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a thermally regenerative battery as an intermediary energy storage device between the AC power grid and the air conditioning system. This intermediary enables the system to decouple energy consumption from peak demand periods, allowing operation during off-peak hours when energy is cheaper, while the controller manages the complexity of coordinating energy storage and release.
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 enables cost-effective and efficient operation by utilizing stored thermal energy from a thermally regenerative battery, reducing energy costs during peak demand and enhancing energy flexibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy storage device including a thermally regenerative battery
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an air conditioning system associated with a building and at least one energy storage device including a thermally regenerative battery. A controller is configured to supply power from at least one of an AC power grid and the thermally regenerative battery to one or more components of the air conditioning system.