Power system with phase change material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems are energy-intensive and inefficient, particularly in hot and dry climates, and existing thermal energy storage systems do not effectively utilize photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption and costs.
Innovation Solution
A solar photovoltaic powered phase change material thermal energy storage system that includes a photovoltaic panel, a phase change material tank, a refrigeration coil, and an air handling unit, where the photovoltaic panel provides electrical energy to the compressor to cool the phase change material, and the refrigeration coil absorbs heat from the phase change material to minimize heat gain, allowing for efficient energy storage and release during peak and off-peak hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems are used to cool spaces in hot and dry climates, then thermal comfort is provided, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the phase change material during off-peak hours when electricity demand and rates are lower, storing thermal energy in the PCM. This preliminary cooling action allows the AC system to rely on stored cold during peak demand periods, reducing real-time energy consumption and shifting the load to more efficient times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures. During charging, the PCM absorbs heat and melts; during discharge, the PCM releases stored heat as it freezes. This phase transition mechanism provides high-density thermal energy storage, significantly reducing the energy required for continuous AC operation.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If photovoltaic panels are integrated with thermal energy storage systems, then energy costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges photovoltaic panels with the thermal energy storage unit, integrating renewable energy generation directly into the cooling system. The PV panels are positioned to provide electrical power for the compressor and auxiliary components, reducing grid dependency and operational costs while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: the photovoltaic panels generate electricity for the compressor and controls, the PCM tank provides thermal energy storage, and the combination delivers both power generation and cooling capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, lowering overall complexity while maximizing energy cost savings.
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 reduces energy consumption and operational costs by leveraging photovoltaic power to efficiently store and release thermal energy, providing effective cooling while minimizing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, with potential for retrofitting existing AC systems to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A power system with phase change material includes a refrigerator unit having a photovoltaic (PV) panel... wherein the PV panel provides electrical energy to the first compressor
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material (PCM) tank... configured to flow a refrigerant from the PCM tank... The refrigeration coil in the PCM tank is immersed in the PCM material
Implementation Method 3
The refrigeration coil in the PCM tank is immersed in the PCM material and configured to circulate the refrigerant to the PCM tank and the first condenser
Implementation Method 4
the PV panel provides electrical energy to the first compressor... a refrigeration pump housed within the first compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A solar photovoltaic powered phase change material thermal energy storage system includes a refrigerator unit having a phase change material (PCM) tank and a photovoltaic (PV) panel to provide electrical energy to the PCM tank to melt a PCM stored therein. The PCM tank includes a refrigeration coil immersed in the PCM and configured to circulate refrigerant to between the PCM tank and a condenser. Energy released and absorbed during solidification and melting of the PCM is used to support an air-conditioning (AC) unit and substitute power used by a compressor of the AC unit, to handle demand during peak hours, thereby reducing overall power requirement of a facility. The melting of the PCM is also controlled, so that the AC unit may operate with the aid of the PCM for longer duration during the day.