Energy pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems require substantial power to operate the compressor and fans, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, as they primarily dissipate heat without utilizing it for energy generation.

Innovation Solution

Integrating power generating units along the hot side tubing of the air conditioning system to convert heat from the refrigerant into electrical or mechanical energy, utilizing heat from the refrigerant to drive turbines, piston engines, or Stirling engines, which can then convert this energy into usable power, while also cooling the refrigerant and a heat transfer medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional air conditioning systems dissipate heat without utilization, then the cooling function is achieved, but energy is wasted and substantial power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste heatVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the refrigerant into beneficial electrical energy by integrating a power generating unit with the hot side tubing. The heat that would otherwise be lost is now utilized to generate power, reducing overall energy waste while maintaining the cooling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The air conditioning system generates its own power through the integrated power generating unit that converts waste heat into electrical energy. This self-generated power can offset the substantial power consumption required to run the compressor and fans, making the system partially self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Power

If power generating units are integrated to convert heat into energy, then energy generation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenerated powerVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power generating unit directly with the hot side tubing of the air conditioning system. This integration combines two separate functions (cooling and power generation) into a unified system, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power generating unit serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power from waste heat, cools the refrigerant passing through the hot side tubing, and can provide backup power during brownouts or failures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If heat is converted into power, then energy efficiency improves, but cooling efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the temperature gradient created by the power generating unit to maintain cooling efficiency. The hot side tubing, which would normally be at high temperature, is now used to generate power while still maintaining sufficient temperature differential for heat transfer. The system adjusts operational parameters to balance power generation with cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The power generating unit operates continuously alongside the cooling function, converting waste heat into power without interrupting the refrigeration cycle. The heat extraction for power generation is continuous and coordinated with the cooling process, ensuring both functions operate simultaneously and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach reduces energy consumption by harnessing waste heat to generate power, allowing the system to operate more efficiently and potentially provide backup power during brownouts or failures, while maintaining cooling efficiency through a heat gradient in the cooling medium.

Implementation Method 1

power generating units are configured to convert heat in the hot refrigerant into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conversion to electrical/mechanical energy: Heat Engine

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant line cools the cooling medium disposed in the coolant exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11952961B2Energy pump

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 SHENEMAN L DOUG

AI summary

An air conditioning system includes a compressor and a refrigerant line. A power generating unit may be disposed along the refrigerant line to generate power from the heat in the refrigerant line while helping to convert hot compressed refrigerant gas into a hot high-pressure refrigerant liquid. An air conditioning system may also involve using a cooling chamber to use refrigerant to cool a heat exchange medium which is then used in a cooling coil to condition air.