Solar-Thermal Air Conditioner with Integrated Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power generation systems have low energy conversion efficiency, high construction and storage costs, and cannot generate electricity at night or in adverse weather conditions, while concentrated solar power systems waste energy during the steam conversion process and traditional power plants are needed for continuous power supply.
Innovation Solution
An energy-saving air conditioner that combines solar cells and heat collecting tubes to generate electrical energy during the day and uses a heat pump and steam turbine engine to produce additional energy at night, incorporating a vacuum venturi tube for atomization refrigeration, utilizing solar and thermal energy to achieve net-zero emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are used for power generation, then solar energy can be converted into electrical energy, but the energy conversion efficiency is low and construction cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar cells with a heat collecting system into an integrated panel structure. The solar cells generate electricity while the underlying heat collecting tubes capture thermal energy from sunlight, allowing simultaneous electrical and thermal energy harvest from the same solar exposure area, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency without proportionally increasing construction cost
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated panel serves multiple functions: the solar cells generate electrical energy, the heat collecting tubes capture thermal energy, and both can operate simultaneously during daytime. This multi-functionality allows the system to maximize energy utilization from sunlight while providing diverse energy outputs for different applications
2Reliability
If solar cells are used for power generation, then electricity can be generated during sunlight hours, but power cannot be supplied at night or in rainy weather
Solution Approach 1:
During daytime when sunlight is available, the system performs preliminary energy storage by collecting thermal energy in water tanks and storing it for nighttime use. The heat collecting tubes accumulate thermal energy in water during the day, which is then utilized by the heat pump system at night to generate electricity, ensuring continuous power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by transitioning between different energy generation modes: during daytime, solar cells generate electricity directly while heat collecting tubes store thermal energy; during nighttime, the stored thermal energy drives the heat pump to generate electricity. This seamless transition ensures uninterrupted power supply throughout the day and night cycle
3Power
If concentrated solar power systems use steam turbine engines, then electrical energy can be generated, but energy is wasted during the steam cooling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from steam turbine cooling into a beneficial resource. The cooling water from the steam turbine, which contains residual thermal energy, is directed to the heat collecting tubes instead of being discharged. This waste heat preheats the water in the tubes, reducing the energy required for subsequent thermal energy storage and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the cooling water from the steam turbine as waste, the system recovers its thermal energy by routing it through the heat collecting tubes. This recovered heat is then utilized for water heating and thermal energy storage, transforming a waste stream into a valuable energy resource that reduces overall energy consumption
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 efficiently generates and stores energy from sunlight and heat, providing continuous power supply and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by complementing light and thermal energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional power plants.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar cells 12 on the surface of the corrugated panel 11 for converting solar energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the bottom of the corrugated panel 11 is provided with a plurality of heat collecting tubes 14, the outer end of each heat collecting tube 14 has an air inlet 141; A heated air collecting tube 15 connected to the inner end of each heat collecting tube 14 for collecting a first heat source 16 formed by the heated air
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump 20, which is powered by the first electrical energy 131, having one end connected to the first heat source 16 formed by the heated air, and the other end sends the heated air to a heat exchanger 21 to heat the water
Implementation Method 4
a steam turbine engine 32 connected to the DC heating steam nozzle 31, is driven by steam to generate a second electrical energy 33
Implementation Method 5
a vacuum venturi tube 34 connected to the steam turbine engine 32 with an input pipe, so that the residual steam generated by the steam turbine engine passes through the vacuum venturi tube
Implementation Method 6
an atomizer 40, which is powered by the first electrical energy 131, the atomizer is a closed container, the upper end of the atomizer is connected to the vacuum venturi tube to generate a vacuum force
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-saving air conditioner converted from green energy and intelligent environment application, comprising: a light and heat composite energy-collecting corrugated panel, arranged on a building, having a corrugated panel and a plurality of solar cells on the surface of the corrugated panel for converting solar energy into electrical energy and storing it in a solar power supply system to provide a first electrical energy, and the bottom of the corrugated panel is provided with a plurality of heat collecting tubes for collecting hot air. And further uses light energy and thermal energy to complement and multiply each other, so that the first electrical energy can further generate a second electrical energy. No matter during the day or night, one can enjoy new green energy and energy-saving air conditioners.