[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2008114266A2 - Apparatus and method for solar cooling and air conditioning - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for solar cooling and air conditioning Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008114266A2
WO2008114266A2 PCT/IL2008/000397 IL2008000397W WO2008114266A2 WO 2008114266 A2 WO2008114266 A2 WO 2008114266A2 IL 2008000397 W IL2008000397 W IL 2008000397W WO 2008114266 A2 WO2008114266 A2 WO 2008114266A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
evaporator
adsorber
solar
liquid
chilling unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IL2008/000397
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008114266A3 (en
Inventor
Eitan Bar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EWA Tech Ltd
Original Assignee
EWA Tech Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from IL182120A external-priority patent/IL182120A0/en
Priority claimed from IL183073A external-priority patent/IL183073A0/en
Application filed by EWA Tech Ltd filed Critical EWA Tech Ltd
Publication of WO2008114266A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008114266A2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2008114266A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008114266A3/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1411—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant
    • F24F3/1417—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification by absorbing or adsorbing water, e.g. using an hygroscopic desiccant with liquid hygroscopic desiccants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H1/3201—Cooling devices using absorption or adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H1/3201—Cooling devices using absorption or adsorption
    • B60H1/32014—Cooling devices using absorption or adsorption using adsorption, e.g. using Zeolite and water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
    • F24F5/0014—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using absorption or desorption
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B27/00—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy
    • F25B27/002—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy using solar energy
    • F25B27/007—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy using solar energy in sorption type systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0046—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater using natural energy, e.g. solar energy, energy from the ground
    • F24F2005/0064—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater using natural energy, e.g. solar energy, energy from the ground using solar energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
    • F24S10/70—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits
    • F24S10/72—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits the tubular conduits being integrated in a block; the tubular conduits touching each other

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus and method for cooling and air conditioning utilizing solar heat. More particularly, the present invention relates to reducing consumption of fuel, or oil, or electricity by replacing conventional energy sources with solar or waste heat for air-conditioning and cooling. The present invention also suggests different applications of the method such as water supply based on air humidity.
  • Solar water-desiccants cooling methods can also be used for humidity condensation and thereby to be utilized for water supply and/or irrigation in regions suffering from lack in water or in water supply infrastructure, but rich in solar radiation and high relative humidity.
  • Water evaporation is one of the most effective methods for air cooling or conditioning. Upon water evaporation, about 2,258kj/kg water are consumed, energy sufficient to reduce the temperature of 1kg water by about 50degC. By evaporating ethanol about 838kj/kg alcohol are consumed, energy sufficient to reduce 1kg of water by about 20degC. Under standard temperature and pressure conditions, water is boiling at about IOOdegC while ethanol evaporation temperature is about 78degC. By applying low pressure or vacuum, it is possible to evaporate the liquids at lower temperatures, even at temperature below OdegC.
  • Water can be adsorbed by desiccants and/or other adsorbing materials, consisting essentially silica gel or LiCI solution, while the desiccants and/or adsorbing materials can be regenerated by heat, including solar heat.
  • 2000 discloses an air conditioning system that can be driven by solar energy.
  • Such cooling systems suffer from several disadvantages such as: 1) water evaporation is ineffective under low temperatures; 2) it is difficult to achieve temperatures bellow OdegC, even by adding salt to the water; 3) by utilizing solar heat, the system is not effective when solar radiation is not available; 4) the desiccants can't simultaneously adsorb and desorb water vapors; meaning that when solar heat is available and the desiccants are hot, the cooling process could not take place.
  • absorbing materials such as silica gel, LiCI salt, zeolite or activated carbon that upon exposure to vapors reduce steam pressure inside the evaporator.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a solar cooling apparatus with a single pipe condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a solar cooling apparatus with a separate chilling unit according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a solar cooling apparatus with temperature control capability according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a dynamic solar adsorber(s) in square or cylinders frame with separate compartments according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a dynamic solar adsorber according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a solar cooling application for vehicles according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a solar cooling application for vehicles according to a yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 8a, b illustrate cross sectional views of solar adsorbers according to two preferred embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 illustrates solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 illustrates solar dripper according to a yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 illustrates solar dripper with a shell according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 12 illustrates pipe style solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 13 illustrates solar dripper with flexible condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 14 illustrates pipe style solar dripper with water collector according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND FIGURES
  • FIG. 1 illustrating a solar cooling apparatus with a single pipe condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • An apparatus 100 comprising three main components: solar adsorber 102, radiator 104 acting as evaporator of liquids 108, and a condenser 106 comprising connecting pipes that enable heat exchange between the steams flowing from radiator 104 and the condensed steams flowing from adsorber 102.
  • Solar adsorber 102 which structure will be shown in details herein after, contains sorbents, which can be in the form of desiccants, solid, and/or liquid adsorbing materials, such as silica gel, LiCI solution, zeolite or activated carbon.
  • sorbents can be in the form of desiccants, solid, and/or liquid adsorbing materials, such as silica gel, LiCI solution, zeolite or activated carbon.
  • the system is sealed from the atmosphere so that vacuum or negative pressure can be applied in the system.
  • the sorbents When the sorbents are exposed to vapor, the vapor is being adsorbed onto the sorbents and gradient of steam pressure is formed that consequently cause the steam from radiator 104 to flow into condenser 106 and to solar adsorber 104; thereby reducing the steam pressure in radiator 104 and enabling continuation of evaporation.
  • radiator 104 contains liquid 108 that is preferably a mixture of liquids. Liquid 108 consist of water and at least one organic liquid having a boiling temperature that is below the boiling temperature of water. The ratio between the water and the organic liquids is not constant and could range from 100% water to 100% organic liquids.
  • the liquid mixture of water with solvents and/or detergents When using mixture of water with organic solvents, it is optional to cover the liquid mixture of water with solvents and/or detergents by a thin layer of oil.
  • the thin layer of oil allows better cooling performances as a result of the vapor that pass through the layer of oil and expend into a vapor section 1006.
  • the oil layer enables better control of the cooling conditions and the rate probably due to changes in oil viscosity under different internal and external temperatures. Accordingly, under low temperatures, the oil viscosity increases and subsequently cause the evaporation process to slow down. Under high temperatures, the oil viscosity is reduced while enabling faster evaporation.
  • the low pressure or vacuum is being applied to apparatus 100 through pressure controlling valve 110 enabling effective evaporation at temperatures below the boiling temperature of the liquids in the radiator, and enables effective evaporation of the liquids without the need for vapor adsorption by the sorbent due to condensation in condenser 106.
  • the low pressure or vacuum in radiator 104 is preferably about -0.6 atm or more under room temperature, but might be different depending on the composition of the liquids, the temperature of the system, the nature of the sorbents, the dimensions of the system, etc. Due to the evaporation of liquids in radiator 104, the temperature of the remaining liquids is reduced. The cold liquids in radiator 104 exchange heat with ambient air and cool the ambient air.
  • FIG. 2 illustrating a solar cooling apparatus with a separate chilling unit according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • an isolation layer 202 encloses evaporator 104; therefore the evaporator is not in direct contact with the outside environment.
  • evaporator 104 exchanges heat through a heat exchanger 204 located inside liquids 108 in evaporator 104.
  • Evaporator 104 separates liquid flowing through heat exchanger 204 to a chilling unit 206 through circulating pipes 208 and to condenser 106.
  • the ambient temperature is controlled by a pump 210 circulating the liquids 108 to chilling unit 206 and back into evaporator 104.
  • Heat exchanger 204 is immersed inside liquids 108 in the evaporator can be designed as a spiral pipe or any other alternative design enabling effective heat-exchange.
  • the liquid in circulating pipe 208 flows into chilling unit 206 that is equipped with a blower 207 located in the environment.
  • FIG. 3 illustrating a solar cooling apparatus with temperature control capability according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • temperature control could be achieved by applying bypass connection to additional liquid tank 302 while valve 304 is provided on the pipe for control.
  • additional liquid tank 302 enables the process to continue in a shortcut manner while the process does not involve cooling of radiator 104.
  • the additional liquid tank 302 could be replaced by solar heater, or any water heater, while circulating water system includes water pump and pipe. Thereby it is possible to use radiator 104 for solar heating when cooling is not required.
  • Solar adsorber 80 comprises a partially isolated housing 82 accommodating sorbents 84 that can be a solid material or a liquid as discussed herein before.
  • sorbents 84 can be a solid material or a liquid as discussed herein before.
  • the bottom portions of housing 82 are isolated so as to prevent heat exchange through them.
  • housing 82 The upper face of housing 82 that faces the sun is made of glass 86 or any other transparent material allowing visible radiation to pass through. Housing 82 is not full with sorbents 84 so that free space 88 is left to receive vapor through a connected condenser 90.
  • FIG 8b a similar structure is shown, however, solar adsorber 92 is provided with a heater 94 placed preferably beneath sorbents 84 so as to heat the sorbents in case there is no sufficient solar radiation available for some time or in cases when waste heat in available.
  • the solar adsorber 102 comprises a set of elements having a square 402 profile frame.
  • cylindrical 404 profile frame is provided. It should be emphasized that other shapes providing equivalent function, where each element is divided into two identical sections can be configured. The elements are divided into two parallel and adjacent compartments 102a and 102b while adsorber 102 can be rotated in 180 deg's in order to allow separation between the adsorption occurring in the bottom compartment 102a, and desorption occurring in the upper compartment 102b.
  • adsorbers 102 are turned up side down in a way that the function of each compartment 102a and 102b is changed, i.e.; the sorbents that were on the bottom side will turn to the upper side in order to recover the sorbent, and the sorbents that were on the upper side will turn to the bottom side to adsorb the steam.
  • FIG. 5 illustrating a dynamic solar adsorber according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a fluidic connection is made between upper and bottom compartments of an element of an adsorber 502 and a radiator 104, also having two compartments.
  • Each compartment of each element 502a and 502b of the solar adsorber should be connected to a separate compartment 104a and 104b of radiator 104, respectively, through separate condenser 106a and 106b in order to prevent bypass of the adsorbing/desorbing process.
  • Heat exchanging is allowed between the two compartments of radiator 104 whether through partition or by allowing the liquids to diffuse from one compartment to the other. In order to enable liquid diffusion between the compartments of the radiator, it is possible to perform a non-complete separation between the two compartments, where the separation is only at the gaseous phase of the radiator, or by puncturing the bottom side of the partition.
  • Solar adsorber 102 is positioned on the top/roof of a vehicle 600 while the vehicle can be a trailer, a caravan or even a yacht, and is connected to heat supply from the engine, for example, from the exhaust 602.
  • the heat exchanger 604 is preferably constructed on exhaust 602, but can be mounted on any other heat source of the vehicle.
  • Heat sources of the engine such as the engine's cooling system or the oil system contributes the engine's thermal energy to the liquids, such as anti-freeze or oil, flowing through the heat supply pipe by the aid of a pump into the heat exchanging pipes in adsorber 102.
  • the liquid is utilized for desorption, with or instead of solar heat.
  • Set of radiators 104 are located all over the vehicle or on parts of it, including on the roof and walls, capable of cooling the air inside the vehicle.
  • the cooling effect exists also when the vehicle is parking.
  • the engine heat can replace the solar heat.
  • the engine does not form sufficient heat and the engine heat should be combined with solar radiation.
  • FIG. 7 illustrating a solar cooling application for vehicles according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the ventilation system of the vehicle is a part of chilling unit 702, while evaporator 104 is coupled with an isolation layer 202 and is located in the vehicle's baggage or under the seats or in any free space in the vehicle.
  • Chilling unit 702 is connected to radiator 104 through circulation pipe 704 and the liquid in the evaporator or in the circulating system, are circulated between radiator 104 and chilling unit 702.
  • the air sucked from the interior of the vehicle by the vehicle's ventilation system flows through chilling unit 702 and returns to the indise of the vehicle.
  • Circulating pipe 704 is provided with a pump 706.
  • FIG. 9 illustrating solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the apparatus essentially consists of three components: solar adsorber 102, evaporator 902 and connecting pipe 904.
  • the surface of evaporator 902 is increased by filaments 906 or any alternative design, which increases the evaporation surface area.
  • Loops 908 located on connecting pipe 904, or on any other place on the dripper, enable to connect few drippers together or to tie them for easy allocation, spreading and collection.
  • FIG. 10 illustrating solar dripper according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • This illustration is a cross sectional view of the dripper.
  • a solar adsorber 102 contains absorbing materials that adsorb vapor upon exposure to vapor and as a consequence reduces steam pressure inside evaporator 902.
  • the adsorbed vapor is being desorbed from the sorbents and by entering into a connecting pipe 904, which acts as a condenser, the steam is condensed to liquid and flow by gravitation force back into evaporator 902.
  • Evaporator 902 contains a mixture of water with organic liquid 1004 with boiling and freezing temperatures below the boiling and condensation temperature of water, correspondingly. At the bottom of evaporator 902, a weight 1010 is placed that is keeping the dripper balanced.
  • the ratio between the water and the organic liquid is not constant and could range from 100% water to 100% organic liquid. It is optional to cover the liquid mixture of water with solvents and/or detergents by a thin layer of oil.
  • the thin layer of oil allows better cooling performances as a result of the vapor that passes through the layer of oil and expend into a vapor section 1006.
  • the oil layer enables better control of the cooling conditions and the rate probably due to changes in oil viscosity under different internal and external temperatures.
  • the solar dripper contains a shell 1102 consists of isolated pipe 1104 that can be made of two concentric pipe with vacuum between the internal and the external layers, or any king of heat isolating material that covers the external part of shell 1102 and filaments 906.
  • the shell has an opening 1106 at the upper side so as to allow fresh air to enter the dripper and another opening 1108 at the bottom side enabling airflow from the opening 1106 through the bottom opening 1108.
  • the cooled dried airflow exits through opening 1108 and is being replaced with fresh air.
  • the shell also acts as a heat barrier that reduces heat exchange between the evaporator and the ambient air. It is also possible to construct a pipe at the bottom opening 1108 that is being controlled with temperature or humidity sensor.
  • the long solar dripper includes long evaporator 902, long solar adsorber 102 and few connecting pipes (condensers) 106.
  • the weight that is being used for the small size solar dripper can be replaces by stands 1202.
  • FIG. 13 illustrating solar dripper with flexible condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a connecting pipe (condenser) in this preferred embodiment 1302 is made of flexible material.
  • Flexible condenser 1302 enables optimization exposure of solar adsorber to solar radiation, even when objects from the environment partially conceal the adsorber such as irrigated plants that are grown up if the solar adsorber is in a place of growing plants or the adsorber is hidden or far.
  • Flexible condenser 1302 can be used for any design of the solar dripper, including the pipe-style solar dripper described in Figure 12.
  • Figure 14 illustrating pipe style solar dripper with water collector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the pipe style solar dripper has the capability to accumulate water.
  • shell 1102 of the former embodiment is replaced by external pipe 1402 that collect the condensed water and transfer it into a water container 1404.
  • Fresh air enters the pipe through one or more breathing pipes 1406 and is being released through one or more ventilation pipes 1408 equipped with wind turbine 1410.
  • the accumulated water can be pumped out with water-pump that could be an electric pump operating by electricity supplies by an electric solar panel.
  • Evaporator 902 and the external pipe 1402 can be concealed underground while the solar adsorber 102 remains exposed to solar radiation. In this way, the ground provides additional cooling to the external pipe and the air humidity can be condensed on its inside surface as well, and the ground also acts as an isolating environment to minimize heat exchanging with the ambient conditions

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Sorption Type Refrigeration Machines (AREA)

Abstract

Methods and apparatii are provided for utilizing radiation as a resource. The apparatii are based on an adsorber containing adsorbing material capable of utilizing the infrared radiation for desorption of liquid from the adsorbing material and evaporator that contains mixture of liquids covers by thin layer of oil capable of operating under negative pressure or vacuum. A condenser is fluidically connecting the adsorber and the evaporator while pressure and steam gradient is kept within the apparatus. When liquid evaporates from the evaporator, the temperature of the liquid left in the evaporator is reduced and can exchange heat and cool ambient air. The apparatii can be used for many applications, some of them are disclosed.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SOLAR COOLING AND AIR
CONDITIONING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and method for cooling and air conditioning utilizing solar heat. More particularly, the present invention relates to reducing consumption of fuel, or oil, or electricity by replacing conventional energy sources with solar or waste heat for air-conditioning and cooling. The present invention also suggests different applications of the method such as water supply based on air humidity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Global warming is not anymore a hypothesis. The increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are supposed to cause the global warming because of the 'Greenhouse effect' . This led to the Kyoto Convention forcing to reduce fossil oil consumption and thereby to reduce carbon dioxide emission. Air conditioners are of the highest electricity gluttonous equipments that have a significant contribution to carbon dioxide emission. Utilizing solar radiation as energy resource can reduce the consumption of conventional energy sources and thereby contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases emission.
There is a wide use of solar radiation to regenerate electricity. However, the efficacy of solar-voltaic technologies is very limited, mainly due to the nature of the materials being used. Although the use of solar heat technologies is about 300% more efficient than solar-voltaic technologies, its applications are limited and serve mainly for water heating and in limited amount of solar electric plants. Water-desiccants-based cooling methods could be useful for many applications, including air conditioners and refrigeration and may replace the need of electricity. Air conditioners are more and more abundant as a result of improved life quality, urbanization, and the increased areas and periods where air conditioners are required. Cooling apparatii and devices are also widely in use, including for agricultural products storage, animal farms, production plants and even for transportation facilities, where electricity is limited or not available. In addition, water production is sometimes associated with cooling technologies. Solar water-desiccants cooling methods can also be used for humidity condensation and thereby to be utilized for water supply and/or irrigation in regions suffering from lack in water or in water supply infrastructure, but rich in solar radiation and high relative humidity.
Water evaporation is one of the most effective methods for air cooling or conditioning. Upon water evaporation, about 2,258kj/kg water are consumed, energy sufficient to reduce the temperature of 1kg water by about 50degC. By evaporating ethanol about 838kj/kg alcohol are consumed, energy sufficient to reduce 1kg of water by about 20degC. Under standard temperature and pressure conditions, water is boiling at about IOOdegC while ethanol evaporation temperature is about 78degC. By applying low pressure or vacuum, it is possible to evaporate the liquids at lower temperatures, even at temperature below OdegC. Naturally, even under standard temperature and pressure conditions, liquids evaporate although the temperature is lower than their boiling temperature, but this process is relatively slow and limited by steam pressure, which is a dynamic equilibrium between the liquid phase and the gaseous. By removing the steam, for example by wind or vacuum, it is possible to encourage evaporation. This is the basic concept of 'desert coolers' based on wet "mattress" and air-flow or cooling towers. The main disadvantages of desert coolers are the increased level of the relative humidity in the chilled space, their ineffectiveness under high relative humidity, and the water lost by both desert coolers and cooling towers. In order to overcome these problems and others, closed evaporating systems combining water container and desiccants and/or adsorbing materials are in use.
Water can be adsorbed by desiccants and/or other adsorbing materials, consisting essentially silica gel or LiCI solution, while the desiccants and/or adsorbing materials can be regenerated by heat, including solar heat.
US Patent No. 6,513,339 entitled "Solar Air Conditioner" by Kopko, filed on
2000 discloses an air conditioning system that can be driven by solar energy.
Such cooling systems suffer from several disadvantages such as: 1) water evaporation is ineffective under low temperatures; 2) it is difficult to achieve temperatures bellow OdegC, even by adding salt to the water; 3) by utilizing solar heat, the system is not effective when solar radiation is not available; 4) the desiccants can't simultaneously adsorb and desorb water vapors; meaning that when solar heat is available and the desiccants are hot, the cooling process could not take place. There is a need to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide an effective cooling or conditioning apparatus and method that can utilize solar heat as an energy resource for cooling and air conditioning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective air-cooling apparatus and method utilizing solar heat as an energy resource. It is another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooler or air conditioner in which the solar adsorber contains absorbing materials (sorbents), such as silica gel, LiCI salt, zeolite or activated carbon that upon exposure to vapors reduce steam pressure inside the evaporator.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooler or air conditioner in which the evaporator contains a mixture of water with organic liquid(s) with boiling and freezing temperatures below the boiling and condensation temperature of water, correspondingly. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooler or air conditioner in which a thin layer of oil covers liquid mixture of water and organic solvents and enables better cooling performances and cooling control.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooler or air conditioner in which negative pressure or vacuum is being applied through a valve or a vacuum valve in order to enable effective evaporation at temperatures below the boiling temperature of the liquids in the evaporator.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner using a single pipe(s) condenser or a separate chilling unit.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner consisting of solar adsorber, radiator that acts as an evaporator, and condenser.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner that is sealed from the atmosphere.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner utilizing pressure controlling valve enabling effective evaporation at temperatures below the boiling temperature of the liquids in the radiator/evaporator. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner that reduces the temperature of the liquids in the radiator /evaporator due to evaporation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner that controls the temperature in a space using a pump circulating the liquids.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner comprising a heat exchanger immersed inside the liquids in the radiator/evaporator.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner circulating the evaporator's liquids into a circulating pipe for chilling the liquids. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner with temperature control capability.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling apparatus or air conditioner with temperature control capability achieved by applying bypass connection to additional liquid(s)' tank(s) while valve(s) are being assembled on the pipe for control.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a dynamic solar adsorber with condenser(s) and radiator(s).
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a dynamic solar adsorber comprising a set of elements corresponding to very hot regions, allowing separation between the adsorption occurring in one compartment, and desorption occurring in a second compartment.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar cooling application for vehicles. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar air condition applications for vehicles, including yachts, caravans and sea containers, consisting of solar adsorber located on top of and connected to heat supply source from the engine, for example the exhaust.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar air condition applications for vehicles, including yachts, caravans and sea containers, contributing the engine's thermal energy to the liquids, and utilizing the liquid for desorption, with or instead of solar heat.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar cooling applications for vehicles, including yachts, caravans and sea containers, in which the ventilation system of the vehicle acts as the ventilation part of the chilling unit, while the radiator is coupled with an isolation layer and is located in any free space in the vehicle.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar water supplier or dripper consisting of solar adsorber, evaporator and connecting pipe(s).
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar water supply apparatus or dripper increasing the surface of the evaporator by filaments or any alternative design causing better connection with the air and higher surface for condensation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar dripper containing loops enabling connection of few drippers together. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solar dripper containing loops for easy allocation, spreading and collection.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar water supply apparatus or dripper containing a shell consists of isolated pipe.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar water supply apparatus or dripper containing a shell enabling air flow through holes in the upper side and bottom side.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar water supply apparatus or dripper containing a shell that acts as a heat barrier that reduces heat exchange between the evaporator and the ambient air. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide pipe style solar water supply apparatus or dripper comprising long evaporator, long solar adsorber and few connecting pipes (condensers).
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solar water supply apparatus or dripper with flexible condenser enabling optimization exposure of the solar adsorber to solar radiation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide pipe style solar water supply apparatus or capable of accumulating water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are attached and referenced herein. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals. It should be noted that the figures are given as examples and preferred embodiments only and in no way limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the appending Description and Claims. Figure 1 illustrates a solar cooling apparatus with a single pipe condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a solar cooling apparatus with a separate chilling unit according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a solar cooling apparatus with temperature control capability according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a dynamic solar adsorber(s) in square or cylinders frame with separate compartments according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 illustrates a dynamic solar adsorber according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a solar cooling application for vehicles according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a solar cooling application for vehicles according to a yet another preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 8a, b illustrate cross sectional views of solar adsorbers according to two preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 illustrates solar dripper according to a yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 11 illustrates solar dripper with a shell according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 12 illustrates pipe style solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 13 illustrates solar dripper with flexible condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 14 illustrates pipe style solar dripper with water collector according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND FIGURES
The present invention provides unique and novel method and apparatii for effectively cooling air by utilizing solar heat as an energy resource. Reference is now made to Figure 1 illustrating a solar cooling apparatus with a single pipe condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. An apparatus 100 comprising three main components: solar adsorber 102, radiator 104 acting as evaporator of liquids 108, and a condenser 106 comprising connecting pipes that enable heat exchange between the steams flowing from radiator 104 and the condensed steams flowing from adsorber 102. Solar adsorber 102, which structure will be shown in details herein after, contains sorbents, which can be in the form of desiccants, solid, and/or liquid adsorbing materials, such as silica gel, LiCI solution, zeolite or activated carbon. The system is sealed from the atmosphere so that vacuum or negative pressure can be applied in the system. When the sorbents are exposed to vapor, the vapor is being adsorbed onto the sorbents and gradient of steam pressure is formed that consequently cause the steam from radiator 104 to flow into condenser 106 and to solar adsorber 104; thereby reducing the steam pressure in radiator 104 and enabling continuation of evaporation. When the sorbents are heated, preferably by solar radiation but can be also heated by any other heat source, the pressure of the gaseous phase in solar adsorber 102 increases; conditions that cause the desorbed liquids to condense. The liquids then flow through condenser 106 back into radiator 104. Condenser 106 acts also as a heat exchanger; while the liquids flow from solar adsorber 102 to condenser 106, they exchange heat with the vapor coming from radiator 104 and thereby, the steam is condensed in the condenser 106 and return to radiator 104. This process effectively occurs only under low pressure or vacuum of about -0.6 atm and more. As mentioned herein before, radiator 104 contains liquid 108 that is preferably a mixture of liquids. Liquid 108 consist of water and at least one organic liquid having a boiling temperature that is below the boiling temperature of water. The ratio between the water and the organic liquids is not constant and could range from 100% water to 100% organic liquids.
When using mixture of water with organic solvents, it is optional to cover the liquid mixture of water with solvents and/or detergents by a thin layer of oil. The thin layer of oil allows better cooling performances as a result of the vapor that pass through the layer of oil and expend into a vapor section 1006. In addition, the oil layer enables better control of the cooling conditions and the rate probably due to changes in oil viscosity under different internal and external temperatures. Accordingly, under low temperatures, the oil viscosity increases and subsequently cause the evaporation process to slow down. Under high temperatures, the oil viscosity is reduced while enabling faster evaporation.
The low pressure or vacuum is being applied to apparatus 100 through pressure controlling valve 110 enabling effective evaporation at temperatures below the boiling temperature of the liquids in the radiator, and enables effective evaporation of the liquids without the need for vapor adsorption by the sorbent due to condensation in condenser 106. The low pressure or vacuum in radiator 104 is preferably about -0.6 atm or more under room temperature, but might be different depending on the composition of the liquids, the temperature of the system, the nature of the sorbents, the dimensions of the system, etc. Due to the evaporation of liquids in radiator 104, the temperature of the remaining liquids is reduced. The cold liquids in radiator 104 exchange heat with ambient air and cool the ambient air.
When no heat source can heats the adsorbing materials, vapors continue to be adsorbed by the adsorbing materials, but the adsorbed vapors are not released and the process continues until the adsorbing materials are saturated, or heat is being applied. In case where the adsorbing process stops, vacuum through pressure controlling valve 110 might applied in order to maintain the process. Reference is now made to Figure 2 illustrating a solar cooling apparatus with a separate chilling unit according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. In apparatus 200, an isolation layer 202 encloses evaporator 104; therefore the evaporator is not in direct contact with the outside environment. In this configuration, evaporator 104 exchanges heat through a heat exchanger 204 located inside liquids 108 in evaporator 104. Evaporator 104 separates liquid flowing through heat exchanger 204 to a chilling unit 206 through circulating pipes 208 and to condenser 106.
The ambient temperature is controlled by a pump 210 circulating the liquids 108 to chilling unit 206 and back into evaporator 104. Heat exchanger 204 is immersed inside liquids 108 in the evaporator can be designed as a spiral pipe or any other alternative design enabling effective heat-exchange. Alternatively, instead of using a heat exchanger 204, it is possible to circulate liquids 108 from evaporator 104 through circulating pipe 208 and into chilling unit 206. The liquid in circulating pipe 208 flows into chilling unit 206 that is equipped with a blower 207 located in the environment.
Reference is now made to Figure 3 illustrating a solar cooling apparatus with temperature control capability according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In apparatus 300, temperature control could be achieved by applying bypass connection to additional liquid tank 302 while valve 304 is provided on the pipe for control. It should be mentioned that although in this embodiment, only one tank is shown, several tanks can be used without limiting the scope of the present invention. This construction is necessary since the adsorbing/desorbing process in adsorber 102 continues also in periods when cooling is not required. Additional tank 302 enables the process to continue in a shortcut manner while the process does not involve cooling of radiator 104. In a similar configuration, the additional liquid tank 302 could be replaced by solar heater, or any water heater, while circulating water system includes water pump and pipe. Thereby it is possible to use radiator 104 for solar heating when cooling is not required.
Possible structures of a solar adsorber are shown in Figures 8a and b. Reference is now made to Figures 8a and b illustrating cross sectional views of solar adsorbers according to two preferred embodiments of the present invention. Solar adsorber 80 comprises a partially isolated housing 82 accommodating sorbents 84 that can be a solid material or a liquid as discussed herein before. The bottom portions of housing 82 are isolated so as to prevent heat exchange through them.
The upper face of housing 82 that faces the sun is made of glass 86 or any other transparent material allowing visible radiation to pass through. Housing 82 is not full with sorbents 84 so that free space 88 is left to receive vapor through a connected condenser 90.
In Figure 8b, a similar structure is shown, however, solar adsorber 92 is provided with a heater 94 placed preferably beneath sorbents 84 so as to heat the sorbents in case there is no sufficient solar radiation available for some time or in cases when waste heat in available.
Reference is now made to Figure 4 illustrating a dynamic solar adsorber in square or cylinders frame with separate compartments according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In configuration (a), the solar adsorber 102 comprises a set of elements having a square 402 profile frame. In configuration (b) cylindrical 404 profile frame is provided. It should be emphasized that other shapes providing equivalent function, where each element is divided into two identical sections can be configured. The elements are divided into two parallel and adjacent compartments 102a and 102b while adsorber 102 can be rotated in 180 deg's in order to allow separation between the adsorption occurring in the bottom compartment 102a, and desorption occurring in the upper compartment 102b.
The importance of this configuration arises mainly when vapor absorption occurs and the sorbent temperature is high as a result of exposure to sunlight or other heating means. In such configuration, absorption will take place in the bottom compartment while desorption will occur is the upper compartment, the compartment that is exposed to sunlight or other heat sources.
At every time interval, which is determined by the temperature of vapor outside the elements, adsorbers 102 are turned up side down in a way that the function of each compartment 102a and 102b is changed, i.e.; the sorbents that were on the bottom side will turn to the upper side in order to recover the sorbent, and the sorbents that were on the upper side will turn to the bottom side to adsorb the steam.
Optionally, different profiles can be employed such as a triangular and then, more compartments can be required. In these cases, the rotation angle will be adjusted accordingly; in the triangular example, 60 deg's for each rotation.
Reference is now made to Figure 5 illustrating a dynamic solar adsorber according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In apparatus 500, a fluidic connection is made between upper and bottom compartments of an element of an adsorber 502 and a radiator 104, also having two compartments. Each compartment of each element 502a and 502b of the solar adsorber should be connected to a separate compartment 104a and 104b of radiator 104, respectively, through separate condenser 106a and 106b in order to prevent bypass of the adsorbing/desorbing process. Heat exchanging is allowed between the two compartments of radiator 104 whether through partition or by allowing the liquids to diffuse from one compartment to the other. In order to enable liquid diffusion between the compartments of the radiator, it is possible to perform a non-complete separation between the two compartments, where the separation is only at the gaseous phase of the radiator, or by puncturing the bottom side of the partition.
Reference is now made to Figure 6 illustrating a solar cooling application for vehicles according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Solar adsorber 102 is positioned on the top/roof of a vehicle 600 while the vehicle can be a trailer, a caravan or even a yacht, and is connected to heat supply from the engine, for example, from the exhaust 602. The heat exchanger 604 is preferably constructed on exhaust 602, but can be mounted on any other heat source of the vehicle. Heat sources of the engine such as the engine's cooling system or the oil system contributes the engine's thermal energy to the liquids, such as anti-freeze or oil, flowing through the heat supply pipe by the aid of a pump into the heat exchanging pipes in adsorber 102. The liquid is utilized for desorption, with or instead of solar heat. Set of radiators 104, similar to the radiators described above, are located all over the vehicle or on parts of it, including on the roof and walls, capable of cooling the air inside the vehicle. The cooling effect exists also when the vehicle is parking. When the engine is operating, the engine heat can replace the solar heat. For electric vehicle, the engine does not form sufficient heat and the engine heat should be combined with solar radiation.
Reference is now made to Figure 7 illustrating a solar cooling application for vehicles according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation system of the vehicle is a part of chilling unit 702, while evaporator 104 is coupled with an isolation layer 202 and is located in the vehicle's baggage or under the seats or in any free space in the vehicle. Chilling unit 702 is connected to radiator 104 through circulation pipe 704 and the liquid in the evaporator or in the circulating system, are circulated between radiator 104 and chilling unit 702. The air sucked from the interior of the vehicle by the vehicle's ventilation system flows through chilling unit 702 and returns to the indise of the vehicle. Circulating pipe 704 is provided with a pump 706.
Reference is now made to Figure 9 illustrating solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus essentially consists of three components: solar adsorber 102, evaporator 902 and connecting pipe 904. The surface of evaporator 902 is increased by filaments 906 or any alternative design, which increases the evaporation surface area. Loops 908 located on connecting pipe 904, or on any other place on the dripper, enable to connect few drippers together or to tie them for easy allocation, spreading and collection.
Reference is no made to Figure 10 illustrating solar dripper according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. This illustration is a cross sectional view of the dripper. A solar adsorber 102 contains absorbing materials that adsorb vapor upon exposure to vapor and as a consequence reduces steam pressure inside evaporator 902. When the sorbents 1002 are heated by sun, the adsorbed vapor is being desorbed from the sorbents and by entering into a connecting pipe 904, which acts as a condenser, the steam is condensed to liquid and flow by gravitation force back into evaporator 902.
Evaporator 902 contains a mixture of water with organic liquid 1004 with boiling and freezing temperatures below the boiling and condensation temperature of water, correspondingly. At the bottom of evaporator 902, a weight 1010 is placed that is keeping the dripper balanced. The ratio between the water and the organic liquid is not constant and could range from 100% water to 100% organic liquid. It is optional to cover the liquid mixture of water with solvents and/or detergents by a thin layer of oil. The thin layer of oil allows better cooling performances as a result of the vapor that passes through the layer of oil and expend into a vapor section 1006. In addition, the oil layer enables better control of the cooling conditions and the rate probably due to changes in oil viscosity under different internal and external temperatures. Accordingly, under low temperatures, conditions sufficient for atmospheric humidity condensation, the oil viscosity increases causing the evaporation process to slow down. Under higher temperatures, the oil viscosity is reduced while enabling faster evaporation. Low pressure or vacuum is being applied through a vacuum valve 1008 in order to enable effective evaporation at temperatures below the boiling temperature of the liquids in the evaporator. The vacuum or negative pressure also enables the process to occur when the solar adsorber is hot. In this case, instead of adsorption of vapor by the sorbent, the vapor is being condensed in connecting pipe 904. When the solar adsorber is heated by solar radiation, the adsorbed liquid in the sorbent are evaporated and the pressure in the solar adsorber increase. These conditions enable simultaneous adsorption and desorption. Due to evaporation of the liquids in the evaporator 902, the temperature of the remaining liquids 1004 is reduced and the evaporator surface is cooled; a condition causing condensation of air humidity.
Reference is now made to Figure 11 illustrating solar dripper with a shell according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The solar dripper according to this preferred embodiment contains a shell 1102 consists of isolated pipe 1104 that can be made of two concentric pipe with vacuum between the internal and the external layers, or any king of heat isolating material that covers the external part of shell 1102 and filaments 906. The shell has an opening 1106 at the upper side so as to allow fresh air to enter the dripper and another opening 1108 at the bottom side enabling airflow from the opening 1106 through the bottom opening 1108. The cooled dried airflow exits through opening 1108 and is being replaced with fresh air. The shell also acts as a heat barrier that reduces heat exchange between the evaporator and the ambient air. It is also possible to construct a pipe at the bottom opening 1108 that is being controlled with temperature or humidity sensor.
Reference is now made to Figure 12 illustrating pipe style solar dripper according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The long solar dripper includes long evaporator 902, long solar adsorber 102 and few connecting pipes (condensers) 106. The weight that is being used for the small size solar dripper can be replaces by stands 1202.
Reference is now made to Figure 13 illustrating solar dripper with flexible condenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A connecting pipe (condenser) in this preferred embodiment 1302 is made of flexible material. Flexible condenser 1302 enables optimization exposure of solar adsorber to solar radiation, even when objects from the environment partially conceal the adsorber such as irrigated plants that are grown up if the solar adsorber is in a place of growing plants or the adsorber is hidden or far. Flexible condenser 1302 can be used for any design of the solar dripper, including the pipe-style solar dripper described in Figure 12. Reference is now made to Figure 14 illustrating pipe style solar dripper with water collector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pipe style solar dripper according to this preferred embodiment has the capability to accumulate water. In this configuration, shell 1102 of the former embodiment is replaced by external pipe 1402 that collect the condensed water and transfer it into a water container 1404. Fresh air enters the pipe through one or more breathing pipes 1406 and is being released through one or more ventilation pipes 1408 equipped with wind turbine 1410. Optionally, the accumulated water can be pumped out with water-pump that could be an electric pump operating by electricity supplies by an electric solar panel. Evaporator 902 and the external pipe 1402 can be concealed underground while the solar adsorber 102 remains exposed to solar radiation. In this way, the ground provides additional cooling to the external pipe and the air humidity can be condensed on its inside surface as well, and the ground also acts as an isolating environment to minimize heat exchanging with the ambient conditions
It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope as covered by the following Claims.
It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification can make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the following Claims.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. An apparatus for utilizing radiation comprising: adsorber containing adsorbing material capable of utilizing radiation for desorption of liquid from said adsorbing material; at least one evaporator capable of operating under negative pressure or vacuum, wherein the evaporator contains liquid; at least one connector fluidically connecting said adsorber and said at least one evaporator; wherein upon liquid evaporation from said at least one evaporator to the adsorber, the temperature of the liquid in the evaporator is reduced and can exchange heat and cool ambient air.
2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said adsorbing material is selected from a group of materials such as silica gel, LiCI solution, zeolite or activated carbon.
3. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein negative pressure or vacuum is applied to the apparatus through a pressure controlled valve.
4. The Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said liquid is a mixture of water and organic solvents.
5. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said organic solvents are selected from a group of solvents such as alcohol and acetone.
6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said liquid is water.
7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said liquid is an organic solvent.
8. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 or 4, wherein the liquid is covers by thin layer of oil.
9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said connector is a condenser.
10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprising a chilling unit fluidically connected to said at least one evaporator wherein the liquid is allowed to circulate between the chilling unit and the evaporator.
11. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said at least one evaporator is enclosed in an isolating layer.
12. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein a heat exchanger is provided within the liquid in said at least one evaporator and wherein a circulating pipe circulates the liquid between the evaporator and said chilling unit.
13. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein a pump is provided to said circulating pipe.
14. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said chilling unit is provided with a blower positioned externally from the chilling unit.
15. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , further comprising at least one tank fluidically connected to said connector and wherein a control valve is provided in order to control the transfer of liquid from the apparatus to and said at least one tank and vice versa.
16. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said adsorber is a solar adsorber operating under infrared radiation.
17. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the solar adsorber making utilize of infrared radiation.
18. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said absorber is a dynamic solar adsorber made of several discrete elements wherein each element has at least two compartments.
19. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said elements have a selected profile and wherein said dynamic solar adsorber is capable of rotating about an angle of rotation that is determined according to said selected profile and compartments.
20. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, wherein each compartment is fluidically connected through a separate condenser to a separate evaporator.
21. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the separate evaporators are allowed to be partially fluidically connected so as to exchange heat.
22. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is installed onto a vehicle wherein said adsorber is exposed on top of said vehicle and said condenser is positioned in the vicinity of a heat source of the vehicle.
23. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein said heat source is the engine.
24. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 wherein said evaporator is positioned in any space available in the vehicle.
25. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 wherein a ventilation system of the vehicle is used as at least a portion of a chilling unit of the apparatus wherein a circulating pipe is provided to circulate the liquid between said evaporator and the chilling unit.
26. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein oil is provided in said evaporator wherein said oil has a density that is smaller then the density of said liquid.
27. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said evaporator has a significant surface area capable of condensing humidity from ambient air so as to be used for water supply.
28. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26 wherein said surface area is provided with a plurality of filaments for increasing the surface area.
29. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said evaporator is provided with a weight positioned at the bottom.
30. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein an isolation layer is provided about said evaporator and wherein said isolation layer is provided with an upper opening and a bottom opening allowing fresh air to pass through between said evaporator and said isolation layer.
31. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said evaporator is in a shape of an elongated pipe having a plurality of connecting pipes fluidically connecting said evaporator and said adsorber.
32. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said connecting pipe is made of a flexible material.
33. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said evaporator is provided with a shell capable of directing accumulated water to a storage tank.
34. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said evaporator has an elongated shape and wherein a shell surrounds said evaporator so fresh air can be transferred in the vicinity of said surface area.
35. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 33, wherein a wind turbine is provided in an opening of one of said shell.
36. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said adsorber comprises a housing in which said adsorbing material is accommodated and wherein said housing is provided with a transparent side.
37. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 35, wherein said adborber is provided with a heater placed beneath the adsorbing materials.
38. A method of cooling or conditioning air comprising: exposing solar absorber with sorbents capable of adsorbing vapor to radiation; applying negative pressure or vacuum in an evaporator provided with liquid; fluidically connecting between the solar adsorber and the evaporator so as to allow transfer of the liquid or vapor in between; controlling the pressure within said evaporator so as to increase or decrease the evaporation; preserving a pressure gradient between the evaporator and the adsorber.
39. The method as claimed in Claim 37, further comprising providing a chilling unit fluidically connected to said evaporator.
40. The method as claimed in Claim 37, further comprising providing a condenser between said solar adsorber and said evaporator.
41. The method as claimed in Claim 37, further comprising dividing said adsorber into an upper compartment and a bottom compartment and allowing said adsorber to rotate about a rotation axis so as to exchange the positioning of the compartments.
42. The method as claimed in Claim 37, further comprising significantly increasing the surface area of said evaporator so as to be used as a dripper.
43. The method as claimed in Claim 37, further comprising covering the liquid with a layer of oil.
PCT/IL2008/000397 2007-03-22 2008-03-20 Apparatus and method for solar cooling and air conditioning Ceased WO2008114266A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL182120 2007-03-22
IL182120A IL182120A0 (en) 2007-03-22 2007-03-22 Method, technology and apparatus for solar cooling and air conditioning
IL183073 2007-05-09
IL183073A IL183073A0 (en) 2007-05-09 2007-05-09 Method, technology and apparatus for solar dropper

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008114266A2 true WO2008114266A2 (en) 2008-09-25
WO2008114266A3 WO2008114266A3 (en) 2010-02-25

Family

ID=39766584

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2008/000397 Ceased WO2008114266A2 (en) 2007-03-22 2008-03-20 Apparatus and method for solar cooling and air conditioning

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008114266A2 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2402205A1 (en) 2010-07-01 2012-01-04 Nation-E AG Real-time system and method for tracking, locating and recharging electric vehicles in transit
DE202012105091U1 (en) 2011-12-31 2013-06-25 Nation-E Ltd. Real-time system for tracking, locating and charging electric vehicles in transit
US8506675B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2013-08-13 Joseph Ellsworth Composite desiccant and air-to-water system and method
EP2998904A1 (en) 2014-09-22 2016-03-23 Nation E Ltd. System and method for energy management of mobile devices
US10017053B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2018-07-10 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Fluid turbine systems for harnessing light radiant energy, thermal energy and kinetic energy in vehicles and methods of operating thereof
WO2019083445A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-05-02 Agency For Science, Technology And Research Radiant cooler based on direct absorption and latent heat transfer, methods of forming and operating the same
JP2022170136A (en) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-10 矢崎エナジーシステム株式会社 air conditioning panel

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5666818A (en) * 1995-12-26 1997-09-16 Instituto Tecnologico And De Estudios Superiores Solar driven ammonia-absorption cooling machine
US6513339B1 (en) * 1999-04-16 2003-02-04 Work Smart Energy Enterprises, Inc. Solar air conditioner
US20030033805A1 (en) * 2001-08-08 2003-02-20 Laviolette Paul A. Advective solar collector for use in multi-effect water distillation and power production
EP1774230A2 (en) * 2004-06-08 2007-04-18 Nanopore, Inc. Sorption cooling systems, their use in automotive cooling applications and methods relating to the same

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8506675B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2013-08-13 Joseph Ellsworth Composite desiccant and air-to-water system and method
EP2402205A1 (en) 2010-07-01 2012-01-04 Nation-E AG Real-time system and method for tracking, locating and recharging electric vehicles in transit
DE202012105091U1 (en) 2011-12-31 2013-06-25 Nation-E Ltd. Real-time system for tracking, locating and charging electric vehicles in transit
EP2998904A1 (en) 2014-09-22 2016-03-23 Nation E Ltd. System and method for energy management of mobile devices
US10017053B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2018-07-10 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Fluid turbine systems for harnessing light radiant energy, thermal energy and kinetic energy in vehicles and methods of operating thereof
WO2019083445A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-05-02 Agency For Science, Technology And Research Radiant cooler based on direct absorption and latent heat transfer, methods of forming and operating the same
US11333433B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2022-05-17 Agency For Science, Technology And Research Radiant cooler based on direct absorption and latent heat transfer, methods of forming and operating the same
JP2022170136A (en) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-10 矢崎エナジーシステム株式会社 air conditioning panel
EP4332464A4 (en) * 2021-04-28 2024-09-25 Yazaki Energy System Corporation CLIMATE PANEL
JP7620491B2 (en) 2021-04-28 2025-01-23 矢崎エナジーシステム株式会社 Air conditioning panel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008114266A3 (en) 2010-02-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Peeters et al. Energy performance and climate dependency of technologies for fresh water production from atmospheric water vapour
Khalil et al. A review: dew water collection from radiative passive collectors to recent developments of active collectors
Shehadi Review of humidity control technologies in buildings
Tu et al. Performance analyses of a new system for water harvesting from moist air that combines multi-stage desiccant wheels and vapor compression cycles
KR102099693B1 (en) Methods and systems for mini-split liquid desiccant air conditioning
JP6028799B2 (en) Carbon dioxide supply device
JP6395801B2 (en) Method and system for retrofitting liquid desiccant air conditioning system
US20030221438A1 (en) Energy efficient sorption processes and systems
WO2008114266A2 (en) Apparatus and method for solar cooling and air conditioning
US20100043462A1 (en) Air Conditioning System
EP3830490B1 (en) Liquid dessicant cooler system and method
IL186032A (en) System and method for managing water content in a fluid
Narayanan Heat-driven cooling technologies
Tchernev Natural zeolites in solar energy heating, cooling, and energy storage
US4269170A (en) Adsorption solar heating and storage system
WO2009043179A1 (en) Night sky cooling system
US4272268A (en) Chemical heat pump
US4441484A (en) Chemical heat pump
US4224803A (en) Chemical heat pump
Núñez THERMALLY DRIVEN COOLING: TECHNOLOGIES, DEVELOPMENTS AND APPLICATIONS.
US4429684A (en) Chemical heat pump
Nóbrega et al. An introduction to solid desiccant cooling technology
CN2447673Y (en) Solar air conditioner
US4425903A (en) Chemical heat pump
US20250020344A1 (en) Refrigeration system using thermally responsive liquids

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08720022

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08720022

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2