Thermal cell panel system for heating and cooling and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems, particularly those powered by fossil fuels, contribute to environmental damage through greenhouse gas emissions and thermal waste, and alternative systems like solar technology do not perform as well as conventional fossil fuel systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal cell panel system utilizing solar thermal cell chambers and a refrigerant piping network with a variable frequency drive compressor, pressure valves, and heat sink aluminum sleeves, which adjusts motor speed based on refrigerant pressure and selectively opens/closes refrigerant flow to optimize energy use and reduce mechanical and electrical energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If solar thermal technology is used to heat and cool buildings, then environmental impact is reduced and fossil fuel consumption decreases, but system performance and efficiency are insufficient compared to conventional fossil fuel systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the refrigeration system by using solar thermal energy to heat the refrigerant, causing phase changes and pressure increases that drive the cooling cycle without conventional compressors, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical compression systems with a solar-driven thermal system where solar energy directly heats the refrigerant to create pressure differentials, eliminating the need for fossil fuel-powered compressors and mechanical drive systems
2Loss of energy
If solar thermal collectors are used to heat liquids, then renewable energy is utilized, but the system does not achieve comparable performance to fossil fuel-powered heating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the refrigerant (liquid to vapor and back) driven by solar thermal heating to create a cyclic process that generates both heating and cooling effects, significantly increasing the system's power output and utility compared to simple liquid heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the solar thermal collector serves multiple purposes: heating the refrigerant for cooling cycles, providing direct space heating, and generating thermal energy for various applications, thereby increasing overall system power and versatility
3Use of energy by moving object
If refrigerant compression and expansion cycles are used for cooling, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but mechanical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the refrigeration system to self-regulate through solar-driven thermal cycles where the refrigerant automatically undergoes phase changes and pressure variations based on solar energy input, eliminating the need for externally powered compressors and reducing mechanical energy consumption to near zero
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 significantly reduces the need for fossil fuel combustion, minimizes thermal pollution, and enhances the efficiency of heating and cooling cycles, achieving performance comparable to or better than conventional fossil fuel systems while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal cell panel system for heating and cooling using a refrigerant is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of solar thermal cell chambers
Implementation Method 2
The piping network includes pipes through each of the thermal cell chambers and the pipes have heat sink aluminum sleeves. In addition, the pipes and the heat sink aluminum sleeves may be coated with a thermal absorbing material
Implementation Method 3
refrigerants absorb and move thermal energy or heat from one location to another
Implementation Method 4
The chemical formulation of the refrigerants specific to certain applications allow for a state and/or chemical reaction of the refrigerant to allow these properties. For example, a refrigerant under high pressure will take the form of a liquid, while under low pressure that same refrigerant will take the form of a vapor or gas
Implementation Method 5
Compressing the refrigerant will increase the pressure of the refrigerant in order to repeat the compression and expansion of the cooling cycle
Implementation Method 6
The piping network includes pipes through each of the thermal cell chambers and the pipes have heat sink aluminum sleeves
Implementation Method 7
The solar thermal collector may use pipes running through a panel usually lined with reflective material or dark backgrounds to direct solar rays into the pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal cell panel system for heating and cooling using a refrigerant includes a plurality of solar thermal cell chambers, and a piping network for a flow of the refrigerant through the plurality of solar thermal cell chambers. In addition, the system includes a compressor having a motor coupled to a variable frequency drive (“VFD”), where the compressor is coupled to the piping network upstream of the plurality of solar thermal cell chambers and the VFD is configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to the pressure of the refrigerant within the plurality of solar thermal cell chambers. The piping network includes an inlet manifold coupled to the inlet of each solar thermal cell chamber, and an outlet manifold coupled to the outlet of each solar thermal cell chamber.