Solar aircooler

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a compact, stand-alone, easy-to-install solar-powered air conditioning device that can provide cooling using renewable energy, especially in areas with hot and humid climates, and can operate independently without relying on grid power, as traditional solar-powered systems are either limited in cooling capacity or require complex installations.

Innovation Solution

A compact solar-powered air conditioning device combining a detachable solar power storage module with a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller, a vapor-compression refrigeration system, and a control module, which includes insulating means to manage heat transfer and maintain component temperatures within safe limits, allowing for remote operation and expansion with additional PV panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a vapor-compression refrigeration system is used to provide active cooling, then cooling capacity is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vapor-compression refrigeration system, battery unit, PV panels, and charge controller into a single integrated solar-powered air conditioning device. This merging of components resolves the technical contradiction by providing active cooling capability while maintaining ease of installation as a standalone unit, eliminating the need for complex separate installations of solar panels and AC systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a multi-functional standalone unit that can operate independently with solar power and battery backup, while also having the option to connect to external power sources. This universality allows the device to provide active cooling without requiring complex installation infrastructure, as it can function autonomously in various locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If PV panels and air conditioning unit are separated, then ease of installation is improved, but cooling reliability deteriorates due to grid dependency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidcooling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the PV panels, battery unit, charge controller, and vapor-compression refrigeration system into a single unified device. This combination ensures that the air conditioning unit has built-in solar power generation and storage capabilities, making it reliable and independent from the electrical grid while maintaining ease of installation as a complete standalone system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be self-sufficient with integrated solar panels for power generation and a battery unit for energy storage, allowing it to operate autonomously without grid connection. The MPPT charge controller automatically manages power distribution, enabling the system to serve itself and maintain reliable cooling operation independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If insulating means are added to manage heat transfer, then component temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent temperature controlVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating means are integrated into the housing structure of the device, combining thermal management functionality with the overall device enclosure. This approach improves component temperature control while minimizing additional structural complexity, as the insulation is incorporated as part of the unified device design rather than as separate added components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device efficiently provides cooling by optimizing solar energy storage and conversion, maintaining component temperatures within safe limits, and allowing for remote operation, thus addressing the limitations of existing solar-powered air conditioning systems in terms of cooling capacity and installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a PV panel (6) that charges the battery unit (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a vapor-compression refrigeration system (28) and (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor-compression refrigeration:

Implementation Method 3

insulating means for reducing the heat transfer from the PV solar cell (6) unit to the battery unit (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

cooling means for maintaining the battery unit (2) at a temperature not exceeding a threshold value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Data Source

PatentEP3356740B1Solar aircooler
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 ARNDT
  • EP3356740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3356740B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3356740B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to acompact, fully integrated solar powered airconditioning (A/C) device for recycling and cooling the air inside buildings,which devicecomprises a photovoltaic (PV) solar cell, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Charge Controller, a battery unit and a vapor compression air cooling device.