Radiative Cooling Panel System to Reduce Energy Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems are inefficient and costly in terms of energy consumption, particularly in applications such as air conditioning, vehicles, industrial processes, and refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system comprising cooling panels with radiative properties, fluid paths, and a control system that manages fluid flow and panel orientation to optimize cooling efficiency, including features like actuated panels, windshields, and thermal insulation to reduce energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional cooling systems are used, then cooling function is provided, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the panel surfaces by applying coatings with specific radiative properties. The first surface is coated to have high emissivity in the atmospheric window region (8-13 μm) to enhance radiative cooling, while the second surface is coated to have low emissivity to reduce radiative heat gain from the environment. This parameter change enables the system to achieve below-ambient cooling with significantly reduced energy consumption compared to conventional cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of radiative heat transfer from the warm environment into a beneficial cooling effect. By utilizing the atmospheric window region where the atmosphere is transparent to infrared radiation, the panel can radiate heat directly to outer space at approximately 3K, creating a radiative cooling effect that works against the usual radiative heating from the environment. This transforms what is normally a heat gain mechanism into a heat rejection mechanism.
2Reliability
If cooling panels are added to the system, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple independent cooling panels, each with its own fluid channels and radiative surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled by adding or removing panels as needed, and enables independent optimization of each panel's thermal and radiative properties. The segmented design also facilitates maintenance and replacement of individual panels without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling panels are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the thermal exchange surface (through which coolant flows) and the radiative surface (coated with selective emissivity coatings). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture. The panels can also be integrated into various applications including building envelopes, vehicle roofs, and industrial cooling systems.
3Power
If fluid flow is increased through fluid paths, then heat rejection is improved, but pump energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences within the fluid path system by having different panel configurations and orientations. Some panels may be positioned to maximize radiative cooling effectiveness, while others are optimized for convective heat transfer. The fluid flow distribution can be optimized to direct more flow through panels that are most effective at rejecting heat under current environmental conditions, thereby improving overall heat rejection efficiency without proportionally increasing pump energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow distribution among multiple cooling panels based on real-time environmental conditions such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and panel surface temperatures. By actively balancing the fluid flow to match the instantaneous heat rejection capacity of each panel, the system maximizes heat rejection effectiveness while minimizing the energy required to move the fluid through the 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 system achieves significant energy savings of up to 30-60% by effectively managing fluid flow and panel orientation, reducing convective heat transfer, and optimizing heat rejection through radiation and convection.
Implementation Method 1
The film has a first set of radiative properties that allow the film to achieve a first temperature that is less than a second temperature associated with the environment
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger includes a first port and a second port, and is coupled to the fluid paths of the plurality of cooling panels. The fluid enters the first port of the heat exchanger at a first temperature, and the fluid exits the second port at a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature
Implementation Method 3
The control system is configured to control at least one operating parameter. The operating parameter can include one or more of a flow rate of a fluid in each fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system includes one or more cooling panels for affecting a cooling load in an environment. The cooling system also includes a heat exchanger coupled to the one or more cooling panels. Each cooling panel includes a film, a panel body, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid path. The film's radiative properties allow it to achieve a temperature less than an environment temperature. The heat exchanger includes ports that are coupled to the fluid paths of the one or more cooling panels. A control system is used to control flow rates, flow paths, fluid temperatures, component temperatures, cooling rates, component operation, or other aspects of a cooling system. For example, the control system controls or monitors pumps, compressors, fans, valves, sensors, actuators, or a combination thereof.