Refrigeration System Stores Photovoltaic Energy as Cold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage solutions, such as batteries, are inefficient and costly for industrial users with high-consumption refrigerated apparatuses, and they cannot effectively utilize excess energy produced by photovoltaic panels during non-production periods.
Innovation Solution
A system that stores excess energy from photovoltaic panels as refrigeration energy within the refrigeration system, using a control device to manage temperature setpoints based on energy production and consumption differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to store excess energy from photovoltaic panels, then energy can be stored for later use, but the storage cost becomes extremely high and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the energy storage function from the electrical domain and transfers it to the thermal domain. Instead of storing electrical energy in batteries, the system stores excess energy as refrigeration capacity (cold energy) directly in the refrigeration apparatus, thereby eliminating the need for complex battery storage systems while achieving the same goal of storing excess energy for later use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical battery storage system with a thermal storage system using refrigeration apparatus. This substitution leverages the existing refrigeration infrastructure to store energy in the form of cold temperature, avoiding the complexity of electrical storage systems while maintaining energy storage functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to store excess energy, then energy can be stored, but the storage efficiency becomes low and the economic return decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts what would normally be wasted excess photovoltaic energy into useful refrigeration capacity. Instead of letting excess energy go to waste or storing it inefficiently in batteries, the system uses this excess energy to pre-cool or maintain refrigeration storage, thereby turning a potential loss into a beneficial storage mechanism with high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system serves dual purposes: it provides the primary refrigeration function while simultaneously acting as an energy storage system. The system uses its own operational capacity to store excess energy, eliminating the need for separate storage infrastructure and achieving self-sufficient energy management.
3Reliability
If refrigeration apparatuses are operated during non-production periods, then continuous cooling is maintained, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions during periods when photovoltaic energy is available and excess capacity exists. By pre-cooling the refrigeration storage during daytime production periods, the system reduces or eliminates the need for energy-intensive operation during nighttime non-production periods, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous useful action by maintaining refrigeration storage capacity throughout the day and night cycle. Excess energy during production periods is converted into stored refrigeration capacity that continuously serves the system during non-production periods, ensuring uninterrupted refrigeration without proportionate increases in energy consumption.
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
Efficiently utilizes excess energy for refrigeration needs, reducing reliance on external power supply during non-production periods and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic panel generator (2), adjusted by an inverter (2'), for the production of electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration unit (4) which can drive one or more refrigeration apparatuses (5, 6, 7) connected thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigeration system (3) comprising a refrigeration unit (4) having a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses (5, 6, 7) supplied with electricity from both the grid and photovoltaic panels (2). The system comprises a control device (1) which compares the power (Pg) produced by the photovoltaic panels and the power (Pa) absorbed by the refrigeration unit. If Pg is greater than Pa the controller sends a temperature setpoint command that is lower than the standard temperature setpoint to one or more of the refrigeration apparatuses to store the surplus energy as additional cooling.