Room air-conditioning method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems are energy-intensive, contribute to climate change, and have high operational costs, while also drying out the air and generating noise, necessitating an alternative, energy-efficient, and quiet cooling solution.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a nonwoven fabric loaded with a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs and evaporates water to create a cooling effect, which can support or replace traditional air conditioning systems, maintaining humidity and reducing noise, and is integrated with a control system for energy-neutral operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If air conditioning systems are used to cool rooms, then cooling effect is achieved, but energy consumption increases and CO2 emissions worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The textile cooling system uses passive evaporation of water from the superabsorbent polymer-containing nonwoven fabric to cool the room. The system serves itself by utilizing the phase change of water (liquid to vapor) which absorbs heat from the surrounding air, eliminating the need for energy-consuming compressors and refrigeration cycles typical of conventional air conditioning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention exploits the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor state. As water evaporates from the superabsorbent polymer particles within the nonwoven fabric, it absorbs latent heat of vaporization from the room air, providing a cooling effect without requiring external energy input. This phase change mechanism is the core of the passive cooling system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Temperature

If air conditioning systems are used to cool rooms, then cooling effect is achieved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom temperatureVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The textile cooling system operates passively using the evaporation of water stored in superabsorbent polymer particles. Once the textile is moistened, it continuously cools the room through evaporation without requiring electricity for pumps, fans, or compressors, thereby eliminating ongoing operational energy costs associated with conventional air conditioning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential cooling function from the complex, energy-intensive air conditioning system and implements it through a simple textile-based evaporation system. By separating the cooling mechanism from the mechanical infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for expensive operational energy consumption while maintaining the primary cooling function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If air conditioning systems are used to cool rooms, then cooling effect is achieved, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom temperatureVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical air conditioning system (with compressors, fans, and moving parts that generate noise) with a passive textile-based evaporation system. The cooling effect is achieved through natural evaporation processes and air convection rather than mechanical force, thereby eliminating noise generation from mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Temperature

If air conditioning systems are used to cool rooms, then cooling effect is achieved, but air humidity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom temperatureVSAvoidair humidity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The textile cooling system utilizes water evaporation from the superabsorbent polymer, which releases water vapor into the room air during the cooling process. This phase transition from liquid to vapor inherently adds moisture to the air, maintaining or even increasing humidity levels while providing cooling, unlike conventional air conditioning that removes moisture as a byproduct of cooling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 solution provides effective cooling with reduced energy consumption, maintains humidity, and offers sound absorption, addressing the limitations of traditional air conditioning systems while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

The nonwoven fabric or, more precisely, the superabsorbent polymer is loaded by humidification with an evaporating liquid, preferably water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the superabsorbent polymer binds the water tightly and does not release liquid water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

which then gradually evaporates again from the nonwoven fabric or polymer, so that a cooling effect is achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

The nonwoven fabric or, more precisely, the superabsorbent polymer is loaded by humidification with an evaporating liquid, preferably water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Data Source

PatentEP3657085B1Room air-conditioning method
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 PERVORMANCE INT
  • EP3657085B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657085B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3657085B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for air conditioning a room in a building, wherein a planar textile comprising a nonwoven fabric loaded with a superabsorbent polymer is arranged in the room or in thermal connection with the room and is moistened at regular or irregular intervals.