Self-powered air conditioning system including thermal storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems do not adequately address the varying costs associated with peak and minimum energy demands, leading to higher costs during peak demand times, and there is a need for systems that can operate independently of the AC power grid to ensure continuous operation during power outages or high-cost periods.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system incorporating an energy storage device and a thermal storage device to store electrical and thermal energy, allowing it to operate independently of the AC power grid and manage energy usage based on pricing conditions and consumer preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If air conditioning systems draw power from the grid during peak demand times, then continuous operation is maintained, but energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in the thermal storage device during off-peak hours when electricity costs are low. This stored thermal energy is then utilized during peak demand periods to maintain air conditioning operation without drawing expensive grid power, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy cost and continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage device acts as an intermediary between the grid and the air conditioning system. It decouples the timing of energy consumption from energy usage, allowing the system to store energy when it's cheap and release it when it's expensive, thus mediating the cost issue while ensuring continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If air conditioning systems operate during peak demand times, then cooling needs are met, but reliance on expensive grid power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools or pre-heats spaces and stores thermal energy during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. This preliminary thermal storage enables the air conditioning system to operate independently of expensive peak-demand grid power while still meeting cooling needs during peak times.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage device enables the air conditioning system to serve itself during peak demand periods by providing stored thermal energy, reducing dependence on external grid power and its associated costs.
3Reliability
If air conditioning systems lack energy storage capabilities, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational independence during power outages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air conditioning system with a thermal storage device to create an integrated hybrid system. This combination provides operational independence and reliability during power outages while managing the complexity through unified system architecture and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage device serves multiple functions: it stores thermal energy for cost reduction, provides backup power during outages, and enables operational independence. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component.
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
Enables the air conditioning system to operate efficiently and cost-effectively by utilizing stored energy during peak demand times and ensuring continuous operation during power outages, reducing reliance on expensive grid power and enhancing system flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal storage device connected to one of the first unit and the second unit, the thermal storage device configured to store thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device connected to at least one of the first unit and the second unit, the energy storage device configured to store electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
wherein the thermal storage device provides thermal energy to the energy storage device to maintain the energy storage device at a desired temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an air conditioning system including a first unit and a second unit coupled to the first unit by a fluid path; an energy storage device connected to at least one of the first unit and the second unit, the energy storage device configured to store electrical energy; and a thermal storage device connected to one of the first unit and the second unit, the thermal storage device configured to store thermal energy.