Solar Absorption Cooling with Thermal Storage for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning and refrigeration systems, particularly vapor-compression cycles, consume a significant amount of electricity, especially in hot climate zones, and have inefficiencies that can be addressed by alternative methods.
Innovation Solution
A solar-driven absorption cycle system using a regenerator to preheat the working fluid, eliminating the need for a compressor and utilizing thermal energy storage materials like sand or stone to operate at night, combined with a loop fluid such as ammonia in water or lithium bromide, to enhance the coefficient of performance and reduce electricity consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a vapor-compression system is used for air conditioning and refrigeration, then cooling effect is achieved, but electricity consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapor-compression system with a solar-driven absorption system that uses thermal energy from solar collectors instead of electrical energy to drive the cooling cycle. The absorption chiller uses heat from solar collectors to generate refrigerant vapor, eliminating the need for electric compressors and significantly reducing electricity consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal energy storage system using sand or stone as intermediary media to store solar heat during the day and release it at night, enabling continuous operation without direct solar input. This thermal storage intermediary bridges the gap between intermittent solar availability and continuous cooling demand.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy is used to power the system, then electricity consumption is reduced, but continuous operation without solar input is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing solar thermal energy in advance during daytime when solar input is available. The thermal energy storage system accumulates heat in sand or stone media during sunny periods, preparing energy reserves that can be utilized during nighttime or cloudy periods when solar input is unavailable, thus enabling continuous operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a regenerator is added to preheat working fluid, then coefficient of performance (COP) is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the regenerator function into the existing absorption chiller system architecture. The regenerator is integrated with the generator and absorber components, allowing it to preheat the working fluid using waste heat from the cycle. This integration enables improved COP without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the regenerator utilizes otherwise wasted thermal energy.
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 achieves substantial energy savings by reducing electricity usage to about 5-10% of conventional systems, enabling both heating and cooling functions, and provides a cost-effective solution for large-scale buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a solar collector for absorbing solar energy
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer apparatus, wherein the heat transfer apparatus includes an absorber
Implementation Method 3
The heat transfer apparatus includes an absorber used in conjunction with a fluid to circulate between a condenser and evaporator
Implementation Method 4
incorporating a regenerator to preheat the working fluid, thereby enhancing the coefficient of performance (COP)
Implementation Method 5
a heat transfer apparatus with an absorber, regenerator, and generator... allowing for both heating and cooling functions
Data Source
AI summary
A solar environmental control system includes a solar powered apparatus and a heat transfer apparatus. The solar collection apparatus includes a solar collector for absorbing solar energy, a heat storage medium, and a generator. A heat transfer fluid circulates between the solar collector, the heat storage medium, and the generator.