Methods and systems to convert passive cooling to active cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive cooling systems for permafrost foundations have limited cooling capacity and are costly, with seasonal thawing of the active layer increasing cooling loads and reducing effectiveness, especially under extreme weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
Converting passive permafrost foundation cooling systems into active hydronic ground cooling systems by modifying existing pipes with a glycol-based coolant loop and thermally conductive media to enhance cooling capacity and control energy extraction, allowing operation independently from weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive cooling systems are used, then construction costs are reduced and simplicity is maintained, but cooling capacity is limited to 3-5°C and effectiveness decreases under extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the existing passive cooling system and the ground. This heat exchanger allows the system to achieve active cooling capabilities while utilizing the existing passive cooling infrastructure, thereby increasing cooling capacity without completely replacing the original system.
Solution Approach 2:
The converted system serves multiple functions: it maintains the original passive cooling capability while adding active cooling functionality through the heat exchanger. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying weather conditions and provide sufficient cooling capacity whether passive or active mode is required.
2Reliability
If passive cooling systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability decreases during seasonal thawing and extreme weather events
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static passive cooling system to a dynamic hybrid system that can adapt its operating mode based on environmental conditions. The active cooling component can be activated during seasonal thawing or extreme weather events to maintain reliability, while remaining dormant during normal conditions to minimize energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between passive and active cooling modes. During normal conditions, it operates in passive mode with minimal energy input. During critical periods such as seasonal thawing or extreme heat events, it transitions to active mode by activating the heat exchanger and circulating coolant, thereby maintaining reliability when needed most.
3Productivity
If active cooling systems are implemented, then cooling capacity and control are improved, but construction costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The active cooling components (heat exchanger, tubing, coolant system) are nested within or around the existing passive cooling infrastructure. This nesting approach allows the system to benefit from the already-installed passive cooling structure, thereby reducing the overall construction cost of the hybrid system compared to building a completely new active cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the existing passive cooling system with an active cooling heat exchanger into a hybrid system. This combination allows the system to achieve the high cooling effectiveness and controllability of active systems while utilizing the cost-effective passive cooling infrastructure already in place, thereby reducing overall construction costs.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If passive cooling systems are used, then initial construction costs are reduced, but maintenance and effectiveness increase during seasonal thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The active cooling component serves as a preliminary protective measure against seasonal thawing. By having the heat exchanger and active cooling capability in place, the system can proactively counteract the harmful effects of seasonal thawing before they compromise foundation stability, thereby extending the operational duration of the passive cooling system.
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 active hydronic ground cooling system provides greater cooling capacity, maintains long-term stability of frozen soils, reduces energy requirements, and operates effectively during high solar radiation periods, using renewable energy sources like photovoltaic power.
Implementation Method 1
The provided systems and methods can convert a passive permafrost foundation cooling system or a traditional pipe pile foundation into an active hydronic ground cooling system
Implementation Method 2
The tubing can be attached to a chiller system and filled with a glycol-based coolant, or other working fluid
Implementation Method 3
The existing pipe can be filled with a thermally conductive media (e.g., silicone rubber) to facilitate a heat exchange between coolant and soil surrounding the pile
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods and systems for converting a passive cooling system into an active hydronic ground cooling system. In an aspect, an existing passive cooling device can be first discharged of working fluid. An existing pipe of the passive cooling system can then be cut to a predetermined height. A top portion of the existing pipe can be threaded and fitted with a cap base. Tubing can then be installed within the existing pipe. A cap can be attached to the cap base. The tubing can be attached to a chiller system and filled with coolant. Similar procedure can be applied to convert a thermopile or traditional pipe pile to into an active cooling system.