Integrated Energy Chassis for Renewable HVAC Storage and Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial building HVAC systems are inefficient, expensive, and environmentally damaging due to reliance on fossil fuels, lack of integration with renewable energy sources, and inadequate energy storage and distribution, leading to high energy costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated, factory-assembled HVAC system that incorporates energy sensing, harvesting, storage, and management using multiple local energy sources, including geothermal and solar, with advanced controls to optimize energy use and reduce construction complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional HVAC systems are used to meet building heating and cooling needs, then building comfort is maintained, but energy consumption costs become extremely high and environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate systems (HVAC, renewable energy harvesting, thermal storage, and energy distribution) into a single integrated energy chassis system. This merging allows the system to capture renewable energy locally, store it thermally, and distribute it efficiently, dramatically reducing fossil fuel dependence and environmental impact while maintaining building comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy chassis system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: it harvests renewable energy from various sources (solar, geothermal, wind), stores thermal energy in phase change materials, distributes energy through a fluid network, and provides both heating and cooling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems and optimizes overall energy efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy harvesting equipment is installed to reduce fossil fuel use, then environmental impact decreases, but the intermittent availability of energy sources reduces system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by harvesting and storing thermal energy in advance when renewable energy is abundant. Phase change materials in thermal storage units capture and hold thermal energy during periods of high renewable generation or low demand, making energy available later when conditions are less favorable, thus ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase change materials that undergo parameter changes (phase transitions between solid and liquid states) at specific temperatures. These phase changes allow for high-density thermal energy storage, enabling the system to store large amounts of energy in compact form and release it on demand, thereby ensuring reliable energy availability despite the intermittent nature of renewable sources.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy storage is implemented to extend operation range, then energy efficiency increases, but system complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy chassis system integrates thermal storage functionality directly into the existing HVAC distribution infrastructure. The same fluid network and control systems used for heating and cooling distribution are also used for thermal energy storage and release, eliminating the need for completely separate storage systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs phase change materials that undergo predictable parameter changes at specific temperatures. These well-understood phase transitions provide reliable thermal energy storage with high density, allowing compact storage units that integrate efficiently into building infrastructure without requiring excessive space or complex mechanical systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom integration of alternative energy technologies is performed, then system adaptability increases, but construction costs and project timelines increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy chassis system is divided into modular, pre-fabricated components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for standardized production of energy harvesting units, thermal storage modules, and distribution components, reducing construction costs while maintaining the ability to customize system configuration to meet specific building requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex integration tasks are performed in advance during factory assembly of the energy chassis components. Pre-fabricated modules arrive at the construction site ready for installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site integration work and significantly reducing construction time and costs while preserving system adaptability through modular design.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If geothermal systems are installed to provide sustainable heating and cooling, then environmental sustainability improves, but construction costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geothermal heat exchange system is merged with the overall energy chassis integration, allowing shared infrastructure and control systems. By combining geothermal with other renewable energy sources and thermal storage in a unified platform, the per-unit cost of geothermal installation is reduced, and construction complexity is managed through coordinated system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The geothermal system is implemented as a modular component within the energy chassis, with pre-fabricated heat exchange units and standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows for easier installation and reduces construction costs compared to traditional custom-built geothermal systems.
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 achieves significant energy savings of up to 50% with reduced construction costs, enabling efficient and sustainable energy management by utilizing local renewable energy sources and advanced thermal storage, thereby lowering operational expenses and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The energy chassis device can include a geothermal heat exchanger with multiple independent geothermal fluid sources and sinks and multiple geothermal heat exchanger fluid circuits
Implementation Method 2
One or more of the multiple independent geothermal fluid sources can be dedicated for use as thermal storage and the thermal storage is designed to store energy for a predetermined time period
Implementation Method 3
The use of phase change materials/ice storage, chilled water storage, phase change materials/hot water storage, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for utilizing an energy chassis device designed to sense, collect, store and distribute energy from where it is available using devices that harvest or convert energy to locations requiring energy such as but not limited to HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) systems. The systems, methods and devices can also be used with a next generation geothermal heat exchanger that achieves higher energy harvesting efficiency and provides greater functionality than current geothermal exchangers.