Solar Powered Air Conditioner, which is powered directly by solar energy with no need of conversion to electricity, hence no emissions of Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

We present a Solar Powered Air Conditioner (SPAC) which is powered directly by solar energy obtained by dynamic sun-tracking concentrators with no conversion to electricity. SPAC does not contribute to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that come from the generation of electricity, it does not lose energy due to conversion and it has no need of solar panels. SPAC uses refractive or reflective sun-tracking concentrators to concentrate sunlight into the heat required to power a cooling system.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Air conditioners (ACs) are a necessity in many parts of the world. A steady temperature is critical to maintain healthy living and/or working environments, extremely important in many medical and military environments, much needed for computing as well as controlled environments for sensitive electronics, communications and data storage. However, maintaining spaces at a steady temperature traditionally has required the use of high amounts of electricity. Electricity is expensive and its production has damaged the environment with emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

We propose an Air Conditioner that functions with sun-tracking solar concentrators.

2. Description of the Related Art

In 2005 a Provisional Patent was submitted: US60/779,871. Title: Absorption cycle refrigeration system with integral solar heating device. It was submitted by Mr. Schaefer. After several tests with his approach of using only static magnifying lenses we discovered we could not get enough heat to power the refrigeration system, and then we made tests with sun-tracking (dynamic) concentrators (both refractive and reflective) until we not only got the refrigeration cycle going, but achieved the ideal concentration of sunlight for a more continuous operation throughout the day. The approach in the current application is therefore different from what was claimed in the Provisional Patent of 2005.

Some ACs that have been patented use solar energy through coils, (Bremser, U.S. Pat. No. 2,030,350), or Mylar film, (Sympson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,397). The concentration of solar energy by these methods does not occur as quickly, continuous, and concentrated as is needed to have the AC system work properly as soon as it is turned on and during continuous periods of time. These inventions are also limited by their collectors which are rigid and thus able to collect solar energy optimally for only a fraction of the time that there is sunlight available. Our proposal includes a servomechanism (also solar powered) that follows the sun as it moves across the sky, thus collecting solar energy optimally much longer. This addition increases the effectiveness of the AC.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have developed a Solar Powered Air Conditioner, SPAC, that can help improve living spaces and the environment. SPACs operate with continuous sun concentrators, an alternative form of power which reduces the need for electricity and thus the emissions derived from its generation. SPAC will work properly as soon as it is turned on instead of waiting for coils or film to warm up (Bremser, U.S. Pat. No. 2,030,350; Simpson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,397). Moreover, SPAC uses dynamic, sun-tracking concentrators which are stronger, and much smaller than Mylar film, (Simpson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,397).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Solar Powered Air Conditioner, SPAC, (FIG. 2, 2.8) we propose concentrates sunlight quickly and continuously by using movable concentrators and uses the heat generated to power a closed-cycle absorption refrigeration process, (FIG. 1), using commercially available refrigerants. Upon initial observation of the invention, it appears to be a conventional split direct expansion¹ system commonly used to provide space cooling in industrial, commercial and residential environments. However, upon inspection it can be seen that in lieu of a compressor the invention uses sun-tracking sunlight concentrators, (2.2), in the form of one or more refracting lenses, reflecting mirrors or a combination of both, depending on the volume to be cooled and the geographical region where the system is located, to heat the refrigerant, (1.2), into its gaseous state. The vaporized refrigerant, (FIG. 1, A), is then condensed, in the condenser, (1.7) and passed to a low pressure evaporator, (1.8). The refrigerant's quick expansion in the low pressure chamber absorbs heat from its surroundings and thus produces cooling. The refrigerant is returned, (FIG. 1, B), to the heating element, where the process repeats, see (FIG. 1). Instead of supplying gas, kerosene or electricity to the burner (1.1), a conductor (2.3, 2.4, 2.7) will be heated by directly by concentrated solar energy and will carry the heat to the boiler. The sun-tracking concentrator reflective and/or refractive will be driven by a servo-mechanism; 1 or 2 axis; that continuously positions the concentrator to receive the most sunlight from the sun, (2.1), throughout the day. See (FIG. 2). The evaporator will be in contact with a flow of passing air. As the refrigerant evaporates, the air is cooled and is returned to the habitable space, (2.10), by the action of a fan (2.9). To optimize the operation a retrofit valve (2.6) returns some of the cooled air to the condenser to accelerate the cooling of the refrigerant. Concentrated sunlight may be used (through a standard photovoltaic cell) to power the fan that moves the cooled air (2.5) into the habitable space. ¹ http://www.carrier.gr/carrierenglish/products/DX_Split_Systems/split_system_units.htm

For air conditioning during the night, or when weather conditions prevent the concentration of enough sunlight, a conventional source of heat (a photovoltaic resistor, a gas burner or a conventional electric resistor for example) can be added. This alternate source may also be powered by concentrated continuous solar energy, through a photovoltaic panel or other means.

A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system has multiple applications. It can be used in new buildings or added during remodeling or retrofitting of existing buildings. It can be used as an add-on or conversion kit. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system also has applications in mobile units. It can be used in military or medical units, tents, recreational vehicles, mobile homes and equipment. The sunlight concentrators of the Solar Powered Air Conditioner system can be used to produce electricity to feed back into the local grid during times when cooling is not needed. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system can also be used in cars, truck cabs, refrigerated trailers, tanks and even missiles.

Claims

1. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system, SPAC, comprising of sun-tracking concentrators (refractive or reflective), a gas absorption refrigeration mechanism, solar powered fan, and an alternate source of power, concentrates sunlight to generate the heat necessary to power a closed gas absorption refrigeration cycle with no need of conversion to electricity.

2. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, can be used for refrigerators, freezers, and multiple other applications that require cooling.

3. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, uses one or more sun-tracking refracting lenses to continuously and quickly concentrate the heat of the sun's rays to heat a component of the SPAC.

4. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, uses one or more sun-tracking reflective concentrators or mirrors to continuously and quickly concentrate the heat of the sun's rays to heat a component of the SPAC

5. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, relies on the expansion/cooling cycle of a refrigerant or a combination of refrigerants.

6. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, converts a refrigerant to a gaseous state by heating it with continuous concentrated solar energy that is produced by sun-tracking refractive or reflective continuous concentrators. The gasified refrigerant is condensed and passed to an evaporator. Rapid evaporation requires the absorption of surrounding heat.

7. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, can also power photo-voltaic panels or other forms of energy.

8. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, is equipped to operate with stored solar energy by use of a battery, or other energy sources (electricity or gas) when conditions require it.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The sun-concentrators of the Solar Powered Air Conditioner system can be used to produce electricity to feed back into the local grid during times when cooling is not needed.

13. (canceled)

14. A Solar Powered Air Conditioner system according to claim 1, has multiple applications: Can be used in new building construction, could be added during remodeling or retrofit work as well. It has applications in residential, commercial and industrial areas, or could be provided as an add-on kit or conversion kit. It can also be used as a free-standing air conditioner. It has applications on mobile units: Can be used in military or medical units, tents, recreational vehicles, equipment, and the like. It can also be used for cars, truck cabs, refrigerator trailers, tanks and missiles. It uses excess heat (usually lost energy) to cool down the car's compressor, batteries, controls, units and equipment.