Ski Lift Chair Heating System Supercapacitor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski lift chair heating systems face challenges with insufficient battery charging under low solar radiation conditions and insufficient energy resources for prolonged routes, leading to comfort and safety issues during breaks without external power supply.
Innovation Solution
A heating system with a bimetallic thermal valve, high heat capacity medium, and a measurement-control system powered by supercapacitors, allowing for safe temperature regulation and energy storage, with a fan-powered channel and temperature sensors to prevent overheating, and a connector for external power supply during motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the heating system during breaks, then the system can operate without external power supply, but the battery capacity is insufficient for the whole day and charging speed is insufficient under low solar radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple components: a main battery for base power supply, a supercapacitor module for rapid energy storage during charging intervals, and a photovoltaic panel for renewable energy harvesting. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the supercapacitor handles rapid charging/discharging cycles while the battery provides sustained power, resolving the contradiction between operation duration and charging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by accumulating energy in the supercapacitor during brief charging intervals at stations before the chair enters the break period. This pre-stored energy in the supercapacitor, combined with the battery's base capacity, ensures sufficient power supply throughout the entire break duration without requiring larger battery capacity or faster charging rates
2Device complexity
If the heater is powered from one power source (supercapacitor), then the system simplifies power supply architecture, but the energy resources are insufficient for longer routes and controlling system may be cut off during fast discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply architecture merges two energy storage systems - a main battery and a supercapacitor module - into a unified power supply system. The battery provides sustained energy for long routes while the supercapacitor handles high-power demands and rapid charging/discharging. This combination maintains relatively simple control architecture while ensuring reliable power supply for both the heater and controlling system throughout the entire operation cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters available to different components by providing the heater with high current from the supercapacitor during heating cycles, while the controlling system receives stable voltage from the battery. This parameter differentiation allows the heater to receive sufficient power for effective heating without subjecting the controlling system to voltage drops or cut-offs during fast discharge periods
3Temperature
If the heating system uses high temperature to ensure effective heating, then heating efficiency improves, but the risk of burn injuries to hands and bodies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces air as an intermediary medium between the high-temperature heater and the passenger's hands. The heater operates at high temperature for efficient heating, while a fan-driven air circulation system transports the heated air through channels to the hand support region. This intermediary approach allows the heater to maintain high operating temperature for effectiveness while the controlled air delivery ensures safe temperature at the passenger contact point
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful high temperature is extracted from the passenger environment and confined to the heater chamber. The heater operates at high temperature in an isolated space, and only the necessary thermal energy is transferred to the air circulation system. This extraction separates the high-temperature heating function from the passenger area, maintaining heating efficiency while eliminating burn injury risk
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
Ensures safe and reliable hand heating without external power, reducing the risk of burn injuries and optimizing energy use by regulating heat consumption and storing thermal energy effectively, thus enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a bimetallic thermal valve which responds to a temperature change and cuts off a circulation of the air
Implementation Method 2
The channel comprises a fan and is traced in at least one part of the rail via the region adapted for giving a support to hands
Implementation Method 3
A ski lift chair comprising a seat with a seat back and a rail, provided with a heating system with an electric heater
Implementation Method 4
The heater is placed in a chamber, comprising a medium with a high heat capacity, via which runs the channel
Implementation Method 5
In said chamber a first temperature sensor is placed, and in said region a second temperature sensor is placed
Implementation Method 6
The power back up system comprises a battery of supercapacitors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A ski lift chair comprising a seat (S) with a seat back and a rail (R), provided with a heating system with an electric heater (G), according to the invention is characterised in that the heating system is provided with a channel (P), comprising a fan powered by an engine (D) an traced in at least one part of the rail (R) via a region (H), adapted for giving a support to hands. The heater (G) is placed in a chamber (K), comprising a medium with a high heat capacity, via which runs the channel (P) provided with at least one bimetallic thermal. A first temperature sensor (T1) is placed in the chamber (K). A second temperature sensor (T2) is placed in the region (H). The heating system is provided with a measurement-control system (M), connected to the first temperature sensor (T1), and to the second temperature sensor (T2) and to the engine (D), and is powered from a power back up system (C) comprising a battery of supercapacitors, connected to a charging system (Z) provided with a connector. The heater (G) is connected to the charging system (Z) and to the power back up system (S) via a circuit comprising a controlled key (L) connected to the measurement-control system (M). The object of the invention is also a method for controlling a heating system.