High-efficiency cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems rely on inefficient work-driven processes, consuming a large percentage of global electricity for cooling applications, which could be reduced by utilizing temperature-driven thermal energy transfer processes.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating an intermediate reservoir that acts as a thermal energy buffer between a temperature-critical reservoir and a heat sink, utilizing naturally occurring temperature variations to facilitate efficient temperature-driven energy transfer, allowing thermal energy to be transferred from the temperature-critical reservoir to the intermediate reservoir and then to a heat sink through spontaneous processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If work-driven thermal energy transfer processes are used to cool a reservoir, then thermal energy can be transferred from lower to higher temperature reservoirs, but electricity consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal energy storage reservoir as an intermediary between the space to be cooled and the external environment. This intermediate reservoir enables temperature-driven thermal energy transfer by storing thermal energy when environmental conditions are favorable (lower external temperature) and releasing it when needed, eliminating the need for continuous work-driven cooling and significantly reducing electricity consumption while maintaining reliable cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the thermal energy storage reservoir during periods when external temperatures are lower, preparing the reservoir to provide cooling later when temperatures rise. This advance preparation allows the system to operate on temperature-driven processes rather than requiring continuous work input, thereby reducing electricity consumption while ensuring cooling availability
2Productivity
If conventional heat pumps are used for cooling, then thermal energy transfer from lower to higher temperature reservoirs is achieved, but the coefficient of performance remains low (2.0 to 4.0)
Solution Approach 1:
By inserting a thermal energy storage reservoir as an intermediary, the system enables both cooling operations and heat rejection to the environment to proceed as temperature-driven processes. This intermediary allows the system to achieve a coefficient of performance above 30 by eliminating the need for work-driven compression and expansion cycles, thereby dramatically improving cooling efficiency while reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical work-driven system (heat pump with compressor and expansion valve) with a temperature-driven thermal energy transfer system. By substituting mechanical work with natural thermal conduction and convection processes through the intermediate reservoir, the system achieves superior efficiency with minimal energy input required for pump operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If temperature-driven thermal energy transfer is used, then electricity consumption is reduced, but the system requires an intermediate thermal energy storage reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage reservoir serves as a multi-functional intermediary that simultaneously enables temperature-driven thermal energy transfer, provides thermal buffering capacity, and eliminates the need for complex work-driven cooling machinery. While it adds a physical component, it simplifies the overall system by removing compressors, condensers, and expansion devices, thereby reducing electrical complexity despite adding thermal storage infrastructure
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 significantly reduces electricity consumption and costs associated with cooling operations, achieving a coefficient of performance (COP) above 30, compared to conventional systems, by leveraging temperature differences for efficient thermal energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
A novel feature of the presently revealed system is an intermediate reservoir which serves as a thermal energy buffer (temporary thermal energy storage reservoir) between a temperature-critical reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The present system uses two heat exchangers to transfer thermal energy between three reservoirs
Implementation Method 3
thermal energy will pass from the reservoir which has a higher temperature to the reservoir which has a lower temperature. The transfer process occurs spontaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system transfers thermal energy from a temperature-critical reservoir to a heat sink. The system has an intermediate reservoir which is thermally interposed between the temperature-critical reservoir and the heat sink. The intermediate reservoir serves as an energy buffer between the two reservoirs by accepting thermal energy from the temperature-critical reservoir, storing that energy, and then transferring it to a heat sink by means of a temperature-driven process rather than by means of a heat pump. Transfer of thermal energy from the intermediate reservoir to the heat sink is temporally coordinated with naturally occurring temperature variations of the heat sink so that all thermal energy transfer processes conducted by the system are temperature-driven.