Cooling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling devices, such as freezers, in remote areas with unstable energy supplies face challenges in maintaining a consistent cold chain for sensitive goods and supporting additional electrical devices, as existing battery solutions are heavy, costly, and environmentally hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with a power distributor that prioritizes electrical power to the cooling circuit using regenerative sources like solar collectors or wind-driven generators, managing power distribution with sensors and control logic to ensure reliable operation of both the cooling device and additional electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are used to store electricity for operating additional devices, then the availability of power for additional devices is improved, but the weight of the cooling device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor is designed to serve multiple functions: it distributes power to the cooling circuit, accepts regenerative power sources, and provides power outlets for additional devices. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate battery systems, reducing weight while maintaining versatility in power supply options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing regenerative power sources (such as solar panels or hand cranks) to directly charge the power distributor, which then supplies power to both the cooling circuit and additional devices. This eliminates dependency on heavy external batteries and allows users to generate their own power.
2Reliability
If batteries are used to ensure continuous power supply, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the cost and environmental impact increase due to renewal and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor enables self-charging through integrated regenerative power sources, eliminating the need for disposable batteries. Users can continuously recharge the system using solar energy, hand cranking, or other regenerative methods, ensuring reliable power supply without environmental harm from battery waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from chemical energy storage (batteries) to renewable energy conversion (solar, mechanical). This parameter change in energy source fundamentally eliminates the environmental issues associated with battery production, usage, and disposal while maintaining continuous power availability.
3Reliability
If priority logic preferentially supplies power to the cooling circuit, then the cooling function reliability is improved, but the availability of power for additional devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor employs dynamic power management with priority logic that automatically adjusts power distribution based on system needs. When power is abundant, additional devices receive power; when power is limited, the cooling circuit receives preferential supply. This dynamic adjustment maintains cooling reliability while maximizing additional device availability when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor power availability and adjust distribution accordingly. The priority logic continuously assesses power levels and reallocates resources to ensure cooling function reliability while providing power to additional devices when surplus capacity exists, balancing both requirements effectively.
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
This solution ensures continuous and reliable cooling for sensitive goods while efficiently managing energy distribution, reducing the need for additional batteries and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least one regenerative power source (6), in particular a solar collector (15) or a wind-driven generator (16)
Implementation Method 2
at least one regenerative power source (6), in particular a solar collector (15) or a wind-driven generator (16)
Data Source
AI summary
Cooling device 1, in particular a freezer 2, having a closable cooling space 3, an electrically operated cooling circuit, and preferably a cold storage pack 4, wherein the at least one closable cooling space 3 and the cold storage pack 4 can be cooled by the electrically operated cooling circuit. The cooling device has a power distributor 5 for distributing electrical power of at least one regenerative power source 6 to an electrically operated cooling circuit of the cooling device 1 and to at least one further electricity consuming device 7. In addition, the power distributor 5 has a control system with a computing unit 23, a memory 24 and priority logic. The priority logic is used to preferentially supply the electrically operated cooling circuit of the cooling device 1 with electricity if there is a lack of electrical power of the at least one regenerative power source 6.