Solar Fly Shade Cover for Portable Shelter Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable shelters face high power consumption and associated costs due to the need for air conditioning in hot environments, as existing solutions are inefficient in reducing heat transfer into the interior spaces.
Innovation Solution
A shelter system featuring a flexible shade cover with spacers creating air cavities between the shelter and the cover, utilizing natural convection and solar protection to reduce heat transfer, thereby minimizing the need for air conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air conditioners are used to condition the interior space of portable shelters in hot environments, then the interior temperature is controlled, but the power consumption and operating cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a reflective insulation barrier on the exterior surface of the shelter before heat transfer occurs. This barrier reflects solar radiation and reduces heat absorption at the source, preventing the interior from heating up in the first place, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for active air conditioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a reflective insulation barrier - positioned between the external hot environment and the shelter interior. This intermediary reflects thermal radiation and reduces heat transfer to the shelter, allowing passive thermal management without requiring high power consumption for active cooling
2Power
If fuel-powered generators are used to generate power for air conditioners in remote locations, then electrical power is provided, but the cost of fuel purchase and transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the shelter to serve its own thermal management needs passively through the reflective insulation barrier. By reducing heat transfer at the exterior surface, the system eliminates or reduces dependence on external power sources, thereby eliminating fuel costs and the energy loss associated with generator operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing shelter designs are used in hot environments, then the shelter provides basic protection, but heat transfer into the interior space is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enhancing the thermal properties specifically at the exterior surface where heat transfer occurs. The reflective insulation barrier is positioned at the critical interface with the external environment, providing localized thermal management that prevents heat penetration into the interior without modifying the entire shelter structure
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 effectively reduces the thermal radiation effects of the sun, lowering the outer surface temperature of the shelter and minimizing heat transfer into the interior, which in turn decreases the air conditioning load required to maintain ambient temperatures, potentially eliminating the need for air conditioning altogether.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing natural convection and solar protection to reduce heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively reduces the thermal radiation effects of the sun, lowering the outer surface temperature of the shelter
Data Source
AI summary
A shade cover or “solar fly” is provided for reducing the thermal radiation effects of the sun on an associated shelter. By blocking the sun's rays to a significant degree, the outer surface temperature of an associated shelter is reduced, which results in less heat transfer into the interior space thereof. The shade cover and associated shelter may be cooperatively configured to employ natural convection to aid in reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the associated shelter. Natural convection known as the chimney effect may be used to reduce heat transfer into the interior space of the associated shelter. Such reduction of heat transfer into the interior space reduces the air conditioning load needed to maintain the interior space of the associated shelter at ambient temperatures of, for example, 76-84 degrees Fahrenheit among others.