Solar-Driven Absorption Cooling and Fluid Heating for Remote Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy sources for heating and cooling, such as electrical, coal, wood, natural gas, and propane, are costly, inefficient, and may produce hazardous emissions, making them inaccessible or undesirable in remote areas, and there is a need for reliable thermal fluid systems that can operate autonomously and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A thermal fluid system utilizing a solar fluid heating device with a control valve to direct heated fluid to heating or cooling subsystems, including an absorption cooling subsystem powered by heated fluid, and a control system with temperature sensors and controllers to manage fluid flow and user inputs, allowing for autonomous operation and efficient heating or cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar heating devices are deployed in remote areas, then energy accessibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: solar heating device, thermal storage tank, cooling subsystem, and control system. Each module operates independently but connects through fluid circulation pathways, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and scaling in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar heating device serves multiple functions: it heats water for direct use, heats thermal storage media for later use, and provides thermal energy to drive the cooling subsystem. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems in remote areas.
2Duration of action of moving object
If thermal storage tanks are used to store heated fluid, then energy availability during non-sunny periods improves, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the storage tank by using insulated construction to minimize heat loss. The tank stores thermal energy at elevated temperatures for extended periods, extending energy availability without proportionally increasing tank volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank utilizes composite construction with insulating materials to reduce thermal losses. This allows the system to maintain usable temperatures for longer durations with smaller storage volumes compared to conventional single-material tanks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If absorption cooling subsystems are powered by heated fluid, then cooling capability without electrical power improves, but system complexity and heat transfer requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the conventional electrical compressor-driven refrigeration cycle with a thermally-driven absorption cooling cycle. The heated fluid from the solar system provides the thermal energy needed to drive the absorption process, eliminating the need for electrical compressors and associated control systems.
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 efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling in remote areas with reduced reliance on public utilities, operating autonomously and allowing user interaction through wireless connections, with reduced costs and minimal human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a solar fluid heating device configured to heat a fluid circulating therethrough
Implementation Method 2
provide heat by circulation of heated fluid from the fluid heating device therethrough
Implementation Method 3
a cooling subsystem configured to provide refrigeration, wherein at least a portion of the cooling subsystem is powered by heated fluid from the fluid heating device. The cooling subsystem may include an absorption system
Implementation Method 4
The cooling subsystem may have a refrigerant-absorbent fluid mixture, and a generator configured for separating the refrigerant from the absorbent
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-based system for use in heating and/or cooling. In particular, the system may have a fluid heating device, which may be a solar fluid heating device, configured to heat a fluid. Heat from the heated fluid may be transferred to one or more cooling subsystems or heating subsystems. A cooling subsystem may be an absorption cooling subsystem, for example, wherein heat may cause phase change of a refrigerant. A heating subsystem may include a storage tank through which heated fluid may be circulated to heat the storage tank. A system of the present disclosure may include multiple cooling and/or heating subsystems for cooling and or heating a variety of different environments, objects, or materials.