Solar Powered Trailer Cooling System with Battery Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar powered cooling devices for trailers are inefficient in energy usage, relying heavily on liquid fuel and lacking a sustainable power source for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A solar powered cooling system for trailers that integrates solar panels to recharge batteries, which power an electric motor-driven compressor, with a generator system to recharge batteries when they are depleted, reducing fuel consumption and ensuring a constant power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar powered cooling devices are used, then cooling function is provided, but energy efficiency is poor and heavy reliance on liquid fuel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels, batteries, and a generator into an integrated hybrid power system. The solar panels charge the batteries, which power the cooling system, while the generator provides supplemental charging when batteries are depleted, creating a merged system that reduces fuel consumption while maintaining cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional direct fuel-powered cooling system with an electric motor-driven compressor powered by solar-charged batteries. This substitution of mechanical/fuel-based systems with solar-electric systems improves energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
2Loss of energy
If solar panels are used to power the cooling system, then fuel consumption is reduced, but continuous operation is compromised when batteries are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a generator that activates when batteries are depleted to recharge them, providing a backup mechanism that ensures continuous operation. This beforehand cushioning through the generator prevents system failure and maintains reliability while still prioritizing solar energy usage.
3Reliability
If a hybrid system with generator is added, then continuous operation is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it drives the compressor for cooling and also acts as a generator to recharge batteries when activated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated generator components, thereby managing system complexity while ensuring continuous operation.
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 achieves energy-efficient cooling by utilizing solar energy to power the compressor, minimizing fuel usage and maintaining a consistent power supply through battery recharge, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of solar panels converts sunlight into electricity
Implementation Method 2
A cooling assembly is mounted on the perimeter wall and is configured to cool an interior of the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A solar powered assisted trailer cooling system includes a trailer that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. The trailer is configured to be pulled by a vehicle to define a tractor trailer. A cooling assembly is mounted on the perimeter wall and is configured to cool an interior of the trailer. The cooling assembly includes a compressor powered by an electric motor. A plurality of solar panels converts sunlight into electricity. Each of the solar panels is mounted on an upper surface of the top wall. The plurality of solar panels is electrically coupled to a plurality of batteries. The solar panels recharge the batteries when the solar panels are producing electricity. The batteries are electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the compressor.