Solar-powered adsorption chiller operable in the absence of sunlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar-powered adsorption refrigeration systems cannot operate effectively after sunset as they lack an alternative heating source for desorption, relying solely on solar energy which is not available at night.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered adsorption chiller system that includes a solar heating mechanism and a resistance heating mechanism, where solar energy stored in batteries during the day is used to power a resistance heating wire immersed in a hot water storage tank to maintain water temperature after sunset, allowing continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional solar-powered adsorption refrigeration systems use only solar heating for desorption, then the system operates during daytime, but the system cannot operate after sunset
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing electrical energy in batteries during daytime when solar energy is available. This stored energy is then utilized after sunset to power the resistance heating wire, enabling continuous operation without interruption. The preliminary charging of batteries during sunlight hours prepares the system for nighttime operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance heating wire acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts stored electrical energy from batteries into thermal energy for desorption. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the battery storage system and the adsorption desorption process, enabling the system to operate using stored energy rather than direct solar heating.
2Duration of action of moving object
If solar energy is stored in batteries and used for resistance heating after sunset, then continuous operation is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The batteries serve multiple functions: they store electrical energy for later use, act as a buffer between solar generation and consumption, and enable the resistance heating mechanism to operate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing electrical energy storage capability of batteries, which are already part of the solar-powered system architecture. By leveraging this existing component for dual purposes (electrical load management and thermal generation via resistance heating), the system achieves continuous operation without adding entirely new subsystems.
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 uninterrupted operation of the adsorption chiller after sunset by utilizing stored solar energy for resistance heating, maximizing the use of solar energy and providing a continuous cooling effect.
Implementation Method 1
a solar collector for desorption of a vaporized liquid refrigerant from an adsorbent material thereby producing a refrigeration effect in the presence of sunlight
Implementation Method 2
utilizing incident solar energy on a solar collector for desorption
Implementation Method 3
heating by resistance heating powered by a solar powered battery (SPB) following sunset
Implementation Method 4
desorption of a vaporized liquid refrigerant from an adsorbent material
Implementation Method 5
photovoltaic cells which are directly on the surface of a solar collector for the simultaneous production of thermal energy and electric power
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered two-bed adsorption chiller which can operate after sunset when the solar radiation intensity becomes zero. Rechargeable solar-powered batteries (SPBs) are connected to a flat-plate solar collector (FPSC). The photoelectric charges are directed from FPSC to a solar charge controller (SCC) which acts as a charge amplifier thus magnifying the total charge before it is finally collected inside the SPB for future use. The SPB is in turn connected to a resistance heating wire (RHW) which is immersed inside the HWST.