Solar Peltier Cabin Preconditioning for Parked Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle passenger compartments often become excessively hot or cold when the vehicle is not in use, as existing heating and cooling mechanisms require substantial energy and only operate while the vehicle is in use.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered temperature modulation assembly that employs a thermoelectric Peltier cooler and fans to direct ambient air across both the cool and hot sides, using electricity generated from sunlight to strategically distribute cooled and heated air within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating and cooling mechanisms are used, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption is high and operation is limited to when the vehicle is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling or heating of the passenger compartment before the vehicle is driven, using solar energy collected during daytime. The thermal mass stored in the ground or water bodies pre-cools or pre-heats the compartment, eliminating the need for energy-intensive AC operation during initial vehicle use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own solar panels and thermal energy storage resources to provide temperature control, making the system self-sufficient. The thermal mass in the ground or water serves as a natural heat sink or source, eliminating dependence on external power grids or fuel-based heating systems.
2Temperature
If conventional heating and cooling mechanisms are used, then temperature control is achieved, but the system only operates while the vehicle is in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling or heating of the passenger compartment before the vehicle is driven, using solar energy collected during daytime. The thermal mass stored in the ground or water bodies pre-cools or pre-heats the compartment, eliminating the need for energy-intensive AC operation during initial vehicle use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects solar energy during daytime and stores thermal energy in the ground or water bodies, maintaining temperature control capability throughout the day and into the night. This continuous action ensures the system remains effective regardless of vehicle usage patterns.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are installed on the vehicle, then renewable energy is utilized, but the vehicle's aerodynamics and appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves solar panel installation from the vertical surface of the vehicle body to the horizontal surface of the roof rack or integrated roof structure. This dimensional shift allows solar panels to be positioned where they do not interfere with the vehicle's aerodynamic profile or aesthetic design, while still capturing sufficient sunlight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's roof rack or integrated roof structure as an intermediary platform to mount solar panels. This intermediary structure separates the solar panels from the vehicle body, allowing panels to be positioned optimally for sun exposure without compromising the vehicle's shape or appearance.
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
Effectively regulates the temperature of the passenger compartment using solar power, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations and maintaining a comfortable environment even when the vehicle is not in use.
Implementation Method 1
an assembly panel configured to convert sunlight into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric Peltier cooler integral with said assembly housing and having a first side and a second side and configured to transfer heat from the first side to the second side when supplied with electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature modulation assembly for a motor vehicle's passenger compartment includes an assembly panel having a single or a plurality of solar panels which convert sunlight into electricity and an assembly housing which includes an internal thermoelectric Peltier cooler having a heat sink on its cool side and a heat sink on its hot side and an internal fluid distribution module which draws air into the assembly housing, causes some of the air to be cooled by passing through the cool side heat sink and directed back into the passenger compartment and the rest of the air to be heated by passing through the hot side heat sink and directed back into the passenger compartment. The components of the assembly housing utilize electricity that originates at the assembly panel, and the assembly housing is structured to distribute cooled towards near the passenger seating and heated air towards the windshield.