Self-powered air conditioning systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems do not adequately address the varying costs associated with peak and minimum electrical demand, leading to increased costs during peak demand periods and inefficiencies in power usage.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system incorporating a vapor compression cycle with an energy storage device, such as a battery, that can operate independently of the AC power grid, utilizing a geothermal cooling system to manage thermal energy and a coolant loop positioned beneath the frost line for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If electrical energy is drawn from the power grid during peak demand, then the air conditioning system can operate, but the cost of electricity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage device (battery) during off-peak hours when electricity costs are low. The controller monitors utility pricing signals and accumulates energy in advance of peak demand periods, allowing the system to operate during peak times using stored energy rather than expensive grid power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by using its own energy storage device to power its operation during peak demand periods. The battery serves as an autonomous power source that reduces dependence on the external grid during expensive times, enabling the system to sustain operation independently when grid power is most costly.
2Reliability
If the energy storage device operates continuously, then power supply reliability improves, but thermal stress on the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geothermal cooling system acts as an intermediary thermal management solution. It uses the ground as a heat sink to dissipate heat from the battery through a coolant loop with cooling channels, providing passive thermal regulation that reduces thermal stress during continuous operation without requiring active cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes thermal parameters by utilizing the ground's relatively constant temperature as a heat sink. The coolant loop transfers heat from the battery to the ground, maintaining the battery within optimal temperature ranges during continuous operation and reducing thermal accumulation.
3Loss of energy
If the coolant loop is positioned deep beneath the ground, then heat dissipation efficiency improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the battery structure, serving dual functions: they provide thermal management for the battery while utilizing the ground as a passive heat sink. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate active cooling systems and reduces installation complexity despite the deep ground positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the ground itself as a passive cooling medium, requiring no active cooling components or complex infrastructure. The coolant loop leverages the natural thermal properties of the ground below the frost line to dissipate heat automatically, reducing the need for additional equipment and simplifying installation.
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 provides dispatchable power and reduces energy costs by utilizing stored energy during peak demand periods, enhancing efficiency and reliability while managing thermal stress on the energy storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a ground near the energy storage device is a heat sink configured to absorb heat from the energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
a ground near the energy storage device is a heat sink configured to absorb heat from the energy storage device
Implementation Method 3
The cooling system includes a coolant loop fluidly connected to the energy storage device. At least a portion of the coolant loop is positioned vertically beneath a surface level of the ground
Implementation Method 4
At least part of the at least one coolant pipe extends beneath a frost line associated with the ground
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning system (100) includes a vapor compression cycle having a plurality of components including a compressor (1006) and at least one heat exchanger (1002). A heat transfer fluid is configured to circulate within the vapor compression cycle. An energy storage device (1100) is selectively operable to supply power to one of the plurality of components of the vapor compression cycle. A cooling system (1110; 1120) is associated with the energy storage device (1100). The cooling system (1110; 1120) is a geothermal cooling system and a ground near the energy storage device is a heat sink configured to absorb heat from the energy storage device (1100).