Solar Thermal Cooling Cycle for Off-Grid Refrigeration Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems are unable to power air conditioning and refrigeration entirely using solar energy without relying on external electricity.
Innovation Solution
A thermally driven cooling system utilizing a solar energy collecting device, an accelerated magnetic piston generator, and a cycle thermodynamic model with multiple working fluids to generate cooling effects, along with a retractable shield for protection, allowing for the operation of air conditioning and refrigeration solely on solar energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar energy systems are used for water heating, then water heating function is achieved, but air conditioning and refrigeration functions cannot be powered without external electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy system is designed to perform multiple functions: water heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The solar collector heats water that serves dual purposes - direct use for heating and as a heat source for the absorption cooling system, eliminating the need for external electricity for all three functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an absorption cooling system as an intermediary mechanism that converts thermal energy from solar-heated water into cooling effects. This intermediary system enables the transition from thermal energy to refrigeration without requiring electrical conversion, thus resolving the contradiction between solar thermal application and cooling function.
2Productivity
If solar collectors are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, then solar energy collection efficiency is maintained, but the solar energy collecting device suffers damage
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on environmental conditions. The shield can be retracted when conditions are favorable and extended when protection is needed, optimizing both energy collection efficiency and device protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect environmental conditions and control the shield's extension and retraction without human intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures the solar collector is protected from damage while maximizing energy collection during suitable conditions.
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
Enables the operation of air conditioning and refrigeration systems entirely on solar energy, providing efficient cooling effects and protecting the solar energy collecting device from extreme conditions, with no need for external electricity and minimal moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a solar energy collecting device disposed outdoor to collect solar energy
Implementation Method 2
A first heat-to-electricity generated by the accelerated magnetic piston generator operating on heated liquid
Implementation Method 3
A cooling system operating on at least three types of working fluids that achieve low temperature evaporation and high temperature condensation to derive cooling effects
Implementation Method 4
A cooling system operating on at least three types of working fluids that achieve low temperature evaporation and high temperature condensation to derive cooling effects
Data Source
AI summary
Designs of cooling systems that operate entirely on solar energy are disclosed. Such cooling systems may be used in refrigeration and air conditioning. According to one aspect of the designs, a solar energy collecting device is disposed outdoor to collect solar energy. A first heat-to-electricity pump operating on heated liquid is provided to produce electricity. A storage tank is used to store heated water. A second heat-to-electricity pump is disposed in the storage and operates on the heated water to generate electricity. A cooling system operates on at least three types of working fluids to achieve low temperature evaporation and high temperature condensation to derive cooling effects. A working unit powered by at least one of the first generator and the second generator is provided to utilize the cooling effects from the cooling system.