Solar energy system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool heating systems, particularly those using gas or electrical boilers, are expensive to run, consume large amounts of fuel, and are not environmentally friendly, while existing solar heating solutions either require pool users to vacate the pool or pose entanglement risks.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy system featuring a solar radiation receiving unit with a barrier of varying solar radiation transmittance, allowing controlled heating of pool water using solar energy conversion and storage, with optional photovoltaic cells and electrochromic materials for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a gas or electrical boiler heating system is used to heat swimming pools, then the pool water temperature can be raised to a pleasant level, but the operating cost becomes very expensive and large quantities of fuel are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses solar radiation as a free, self-renewing energy source to heat the pool water. The solar radiation receiving unit captures energy from the environment (sun) without requiring external fuel input, allowing the system to heat the pool using naturally available solar energy throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts solar radiation, which would otherwise be wasted energy passing through or reflecting off the pool, into useful thermal energy for heating the water. By positioning the receiving unit to capture incident solar radiation, the system transforms an environmental energy source into a beneficial heating mechanism.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If a flexible buoyant solar radiation receiving sheet is laid onto the surface of the swimming pool water, then solar heating is achieved, but swimmers are not able to use the pool while the system is in use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the solar radiation receiving unit on the water surface (two-dimensional plane), the system positions it vertically on the pool wall or floor (three-dimensional space). This dimensional change allows the heating element to occupy a different spatial plane that does not interfere with swimmer activity on the water surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar radiation receiving unit is divided into multiple panels or segments that can be positioned on the pool wall or floor. This segmentation allows the heating system to be distributed across different areas of the pool structure, maximizing solar capture while maintaining open water areas for swimming.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If an immersible solar radiation receiving panel is placed inside the body of water and held at a certain depth, then solar heating is achieved, but swimmers cannot use the pool while the heater is in operation as they may become entangled by the tethers
Solution Approach 1:
The system removes the problematic tethering mechanism from the design by fixing the solar radiation receiving unit directly to the pool wall or floor structure. This extraction of the tethering function eliminates the entanglement hazard while maintaining the panel's position at the optimal depth for solar heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar radiation receiving unit is merged with the pool's structural elements (wall or floor) through direct mounting. This integration combines the heating function with the existing pool structure, eliminating the need for separate tethering systems and reducing safety hazards.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a barrier means of varying solar radiation transmittance is arranged over the solar radiation receiving unit, then controlled heating is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier means is designed to dynamically adjust its solar radiation transmittance based on heating requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize heating control by varying the barrier's transparency, enabling adaptability without requiring completely separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier means utilizes changes in optical properties (transparency/opacity) to control solar radiation transmission. By varying the barrier's optical characteristics, the system achieves heating control through material property changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
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 efficient and environmentally friendly heating of swimming pools by controlling solar radiation absorption, allowing pool use during heating and reducing energy costs through solar energy conversion and storage, while ensuring safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a solar radiation receiving unit configured to receive solar radiation and configured to convert said solar radiation into heat energy
Implementation Method 2
a barrier means of varying solar radiation transmittance arranged over said solar radiation receiving unit, the barrier means configured to varyingly control the solar radiation receivable by said solar radiation receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a structure (1) defining a volume for containing or receiving a body of water. The system further comprises a solar energy system for heating a body of water. The system comprises a solar radiation receiving unit (2) configured to receive solar radiation and configured to convert said solar radiation into heat energy. The system also comprises a barrier means (3) of varying solar radiation transmittance arranged over said solar radiation receiving unit (2). The barrier means (3) is configured to varyingly control the solar radiation receivable by said solar radiation receiving unit (2).