Solar cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air cooling systems are expensive and unreliable due to high electricity costs and unreliable electricity supply, especially in regions with high cooling demands and environmental concerns associated with coal-fired or nuclear power generation.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered thermal cooling system comprising a solar collector and an air venting system that utilizes solar heat to activate a cooling mechanism, such as an absorption cooling system or thermoelectric cooling system, which can be suspended in windows or on walls, reducing reliance on electrical power and providing a sustainable cooling solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compressor-based air cooling systems are used, then cooling function is provided, but operational cost increases and reliability decreases due to high electricity costs and unreliable power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor-based cooling system with a solar-powered absorption cooling system. The absorption chiller uses thermal energy from solar collectors instead of mechanical compression, eliminating dependence on unreliable electrical power supply while providing continuous cooling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes free solar energy from the environment to drive the absorption cooling process. The solar collectors automatically convert sunlight to thermal energy, which directly powers the absorption cycle without requiring external fuel or electricity input, making the system self-sufficient.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar-powered absorption cooling system is implemented, then operational cost decreases and reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar collector array with the absorption chiller into an integrated system. The thermal output of the solar collectors is directly coupled to the absorption cycle, eliminating the need for separate energy conversion equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite the alternative technology used.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solar collectors are integrated with absorption chiller, then environmental impact decreases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar cooling system into modular components: separate solar collector units, absorption chiller modules, and cooling distribution components. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled into complete systems, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining environmental benefits.
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 solar-powered cooling system effectively reduces operational costs and environmental impact by harnessing solar energy to generate cooling, providing a reliable and efficient alternative to conventional compressor-based cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a solar heating component and configured to generate heat to apply to a boiler of the absorption cooling system
Implementation Method 2
the cooling element is an absorption cooling system that generates the cooling through an absorption cooling process driven by heat
Implementation Method 3
a boiler configured to absorb heat generated by the solar heating component to cause refrigerant to vaporize out of a solution of refrigerant and absorbent
Implementation Method 4
a condenser functionally connected to the boiler and configured to cause the vaporized refrigerant to condense into liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
an evaporator functionally connected to the condenser and configured to cause the liquid refrigerant from the condenser to evaporate
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of the invention provide an air cooling system. The air cooling system may include a solar energy gathering component that drives a cooling system. The air cooling system may include an absorption cooling system or a thermoelectric cooling system. The cooling system may include a solar collector matched with an air venting system. The cooling unit may hang on the inside of a window or on another vertical surface and utilize the heat and/or radiation from the sun to activate a cooling mechanism that, in turn, provides cooling via the cooling system.