Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a renewable energy-based chiller plant system that integrates renewable energy sources and efficient water condensation to enhance cooling performance. Moreover specifically, the proposed system generates chilled water and provides air conditioning, for offering energy-efficient cooling solutions for a variety of applications, including residential, industrial, and commercial purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In areas where electricity is either unavailable or unreliable, staying cool in hot weather has long been a challenge. Traditionally, people relied on cooling systems like air conditioners and fans, which worked by circulating cool air or using refrigerants to lower the temperature. However, these systems have significant drawbacks. As these often require a stable power supply, which can be costly or inaccessible in remote areas. Additionally, many traditional cooling systems rely on chemical refrigerants that are harmful to the environment and contribute to ozone depletion. Furthermore, the energy consumption of such equipment’s makes them expensive to run, especially in regions with limited electricity access. As a result, alternative cooling methods that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and operate without a constant power source are becoming increasingly important. This is where more sustainable cooling systems, needs to be developed that utilize natural processes and renewable energy, for offering a practical solution of the above-mentioned problems.

[0003] Traditionally, chillers used vapor-compression systems that relied on compressors, condensers, and expansion valves to circulate refrigerants like ammonia or Freon. These systems were widely used in industrial settings, including food preservation, air conditioning, and chemical processing. However, chiller plants, like these used for large-scale cooling, consume significant amounts of electricity. This leads to high operational costs, particularly in regions where electricity is expensive. So, refrigerants like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are used, as these allows for more efficient and safer refrigeration cycles. These plants might cool large buildings, factories, efficiently. But the use of refrigerants like Freon or CFCs in older systems has a detrimental effect on the ozone layer and contributes to global warming.

[0004] WO2017024133A1 discloses about an invention that includes a chiller plant including at least two chillers operating at different temperatures are disclosed. Process fluid circuits of the chillers can form fluid communication when, for example, one or more of the at least two chillers may fail, so that the other chiller(s) of the at least two chillers may provide backup operation to the failed chiller(s).

[0005] KR20100120323A discloses about an invention that includes a chiller system comprises a compressor system, a condenser system, and a cooling water system. The compressor system includes a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion side, a hot gas control valve, a liquid refrigerant control valve, and capillary tubes. The compressor compresses refrigerant gas to be high pressure and temperature. The evaporator condenses the compressed refrigerant to be liquid. A condenser system comprises condensers, condensing pressure control valves, and a cooling fan motor

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed that are capable of operating chiller plant system via renewable energies. However, these systems are incapable of harnessing solar energy for powering components of the system, which creates dependency on conventional energy sources. Additionally, these existing systems also lack in converting air moisture into water, thereby failing to effectively integrate the condensation process for sustainable water recovery.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to facilitate efficient use of harnessed solar energy in powering components of the system, thereby reducing dependency on conventional energy sources and promoting sustainability. In addition, the developed system also needs to convert air moisture into water, in view of utilizing a chemical solution to absorb water from the air, thereby effectively integrating the condensation process for sustainable water recovery.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that enables efficient production of chilled air or water through a multi-stage process that integrates renewable energy and natural environmental interactions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is able to facilitate efficient use of harnessed solar energy for powering components of the system, thereby reducing dependency on conventional energy sources and promoting sustainability.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of converting air moisture into water, in view of utilizing a chemical solution to absorb water from the air, thereby effectively integrating the condensation process for sustainable water recovery.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of regulating temperature and humidity in a controlled environment, by adapting to environmental changes through automatic adjustment means.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a renewable energy-based chiller plant system that facilitates efficient generation of chilled air or water through a multi-stage process that incorporates renewable energy sources and leverages natural environmental interactions.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a renewable energy-based chiller plant system comprises of a chamber developed to be installed on a fixed support, a lower portion of the chamber is integrated with an inlet valve to allow surrounding air to pass inside the chamber which reacts with a lithium bromide solution stored in the chamber to form water, an outlet valve arranged on top portion of the chamber to extract air from inside of the chamber, outside of the chamber, the formed water is transferred to a container configured with the system for storing the water which is further transferred to a heating tank connected in continuation with the container, plurality of coiled conduits integrated in the heating tank through which the transferred water is passed, the heating tank is positioned in front of radiator of an auxiliary engine due to which the passing water is heated which is further transferred to a storage tank, a set of magnifying glasses arranged on the storage tank in a manner that sunlight is focused on the storage tank resulting in high temperature of the storage tank which in turn vaporizes the heated water, and a condenser connected in continuation with the storage tank which condenses the heated water vapors into cool water droplets.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a pipeline connected with the condenser for transferring cool water droplets from the condenser towards an evaporation chamber configured with the system, the pipeline acquires a coiled structure inside the evaporation chamber through which the cool water droplets are passed, plurality of regulatory valves are integrated in the conduits and pipeline for regulating flow of water, steam and water droplets at different stages, a fan arranged in the evaporation chamber to blow air inside the evaporation chamber to further cool the water in view of developing a chiller module and a solar panel is configured with the system for harnessing solar energy which is converted into electrical energy and stored in a battery configured with the system for supplying electrical power to electronically powered components associated with the system.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a renewable energy-based chiller plant system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a renewable energy-based chiller plant system that facilitates effective utilization of solar energy by harnessing it to power system components, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and supporting sustainability. Additionally, the system converts air moisture into water by using a chemical solution to absorb moisture from the air, thereby integrating a condensation process that enables efficient water recovery in a sustainable manner.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a renewable energy-based chiller plant system is illustrated, comprising a chamber 101 developed to be installed on a fixed support, a lower portion of the chamber 101 is integrated with an inlet valve 102, an outlet valve 103 arranged on top portion of the chamber 101, a container 104 configured with the system, a heating tank 105 connected in continuation with the container 104, plurality of coiled conduits 106 integrated in the heating tank 105.

[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates a storage tank 107 is integrated in to the system, a set of magnifying glasses 108 arranged on the storage tank 107, a condenser 109 connected in continuation with the storage tank 107, a pipeline 110 connected with the condenser 109 for transferring cool water droplets from the condenser 109 towards a evaporation chamber 111 configured with the system, a fan 112 arranged in the evaporation chamber 111, plurality of regulatory valves 113 are integrated in the conduits 106 and pipeline 110, a solar panel 114 is configured with the system.

[0025] The proposed system comprises of a chamber 101 designed to be securely affixed to a fixed support structure, providing a stable platform for operation. The chamber 101 is configured with a lower portion that is specifically integrated with an inlet valve 102, which serves as a conduit for the ingress of surrounding ambient air into the chamber 101. The operation of the inlet valve 102 is governed by an inbuilt microcontroller, which is programmed to control the flow of air into the chamber 101 in a precise manner based on predefined system parameters.

[0026] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives the data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0027] The inlet valve 102 is electronically controlled by the microcontroller, which responds to environmental conditions requirements to open or close the valve, thereby regulating the entry of air into the chamber 101. When the valve is open, ambient air is drawn into the chamber 101 where the air is allowed to mix with a lithium bromide (LiBr) solution stored within the chamber 101. This chemical solution, due to its hygroscopic nature, absorbs moisture from the air, which facilitates a reaction between the lithium bromide and the water vapor present in the incoming air.

[0028] The interaction between the air and the lithium bromide solution results in the formation of water. This reaction is an example of a process used for absorbing water vapor from the air, commonly utilized in air conditioning systems, chiller plant system and cooling technologies. The formation of water as a byproduct is a crucial function of the system, as that enables further processing of the condensed water for subsequent stages of the cooling cycle.

[0029] An outlet valve 103 is strategically positioned at the upper portion of the chamber 101. This valve is a critical component in the system’s operation, functioning through which the air within the chamber 101 is evacuated. The outlet valve 103, like the inlet valve 102, is controlled by the microcontroller that regulates its operation. Upon receiving the appropriate signal from the microcontroller, the outlet valve 103 103 is actuated to open, allowing the air inside the chamber 101 to be drawn out, thereby creating a pressure differential that facilitates the extraction of air from the chamber 101.

[0030] The purpose of this extraction is to enable the expulsion of the air after the air has interacted with the lithium bromide solution, as described previously. This evacuation of air ensures that the chamber 101 remains in a controlled state, for enabling the system to function efficiently and continuously without the buildup of excess air pressure inside the chamber 101. The microcontroller governs this process, for ensuring that the valve operates at the optimal time to maintain the proper air-to-solution interaction and to prevent any excess air or pressure from hindering the system's operation.

[0031] Simultaneously, during the operation of the outlet valve 103, the system is designed to transfer the water formed by the reaction between the lithium bromide solution and the incoming air. The water generated in this process is directed to a container 104 that is configured as part of the system. The formed water, now collected within the container 104, is stored temporarily for further processing.

[0032] In order to perform further operation, the water is subsequently transferred from the storage container 104 to a heating tank 105, which is connected in continuation with the container 104. The transfer of water from the container 104 to the heating tank 105 is facilitated by a suitable conduit, designed to ensure smooth and controlled flow. The heating tank 105 raises the temperature of the stored water in preparation for further processing or utilization within the cooling cycle.

[0033] The heating tank 105 is equipped with plurality of coiled conduits 106 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) that are strategically integrated within the tank 107. These coiled conduits 106 are designed to facilitate the flow of transferred water, which is received from the storage container 104. The coiled configuration serves multiple purposes, including maximizing the surface area for heat exchange, ensuring efficient transfer of heat from the heating source, and promoting a more even distribution of temperature throughout the water flowing through the conduits 106.

[0034] The coiled conduits 106 herein allow the water to pass through them in a controlled and efficient manner, such that it is subjected to heating while in transit. The heating tank 105 itself is positioned in close proximity to the radiator of an auxiliary engine. The auxiliary engine’s radiator functions as the heat source for the system, with the heated air from the radiator providing the thermal energy necessary to raise the temperature of the passing water. The radiator, by design, serves to transfer heat from the engine’s cooling system to the water flowing through the coiled conduits 106 within the heating tank 105.

[0035] The positioning of the heating tank 105 in front of the radiator ensures that the water flowing through the coiled conduits 106 is heated effectively, thereby utilizing the thermal energy produced by the auxiliary engine. The heat exchange process occurs as the water flows through the conduits 106, absorbing thermal energy from the heated air radiating from the engine’s radiator.

[0036] Once the water has been sufficiently heated while passing through the coiled conduits 106, the heated water is transferred to a storage tank 107 connected in continuation with the heating tank 105. The water, now at an elevated temperature, is directed into the storage tank 107, where the water is temporarily stored until needed for further processing in the system’s subsequent stages.

[0037] The storage tank 107, which contains the heated water transferred from the via the coiled conduits 106, is equipped with a set of magnifying glasses 108 that are strategically arranged to focus and concentrate sunlight onto the surface of the storage tank 107. The magnifying glasses 108 are positioned in such a manner that the sunlight is directed precisely towards the surface of the storage tank 107. By concentrating the solar radiation, the magnifying glasses 108 increase the intensity of sunlight impinging upon the tank 107, thereby raising the temperature of the water stored within the tank 107. This focused sunlight contributes to a further increase in the thermal energy available within the system, which in turn enhances the heating process.

[0038] As the temperature of the water in the storage tank 107 increases due to the focused sunlight, the water reaches a boiling point, which resulting in the formation of water vapours. These vapours are generated as the heated water undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas. This process of vaporization is enhanced by the high temperature induced by the solar concentration, which accelerates the transition from liquid water to vapor.

[0039] Once the water has vaporized, the generated water vapours are directed towards a condenser 109 that is connected in continuation with the storage tank 107. The condenser 109 is an essential component of the system, as the condenser 109 serves to cool and condense the heated water vapours back into liquid form. The condenser 109 achieves this by cooling the vaporized water, which causes the water molecules to lose energy and transition back into a liquid state.

[0040] The condenser 109 operates by receiving heated water vapor from the storage tank 107. The vapor passes through the condenser 109, where it is cooled, typically by air or water flow, causing the vapor to lose its heat energy. As a result, the vapor condenses into liquid water. The cool water droplets are then collected at the output of the condenser 109 and transferred to the next stage of the system. This process ensures the conversion of vapor into liquid, facilitating the ongoing operation of the cooling cycle. The condenser 109 maintains the thermal balance necessary for efficient water circulation and cooling.

[0041] A pipeline 110 is positioned in direct connection with the condenser 109, the function of which is to transfer the cool water droplets produced by the condensation process. The pipeline 110 facilitates the movement of these cool droplets from the condenser 109 towards an evaporation chamber 111 integrated within the system. The pipeline 110 is specifically designed to incorporate a coiled structure within the evaporation chamber 111. This design enhances the distribution of the cool water droplets as they pass through the coiled configuration. The coiled structure serves to maximize the surface area in contact with air or other cooling mediums inside the chamber 111, thereby increasing the efficiency of the evaporation process.

[0042] The cool water droplets, after passing through the coiled pipeline 110, are intended to undergo further cooling, aiding in the generation of chilled air or water depending on the specific application of the system. The transfer of cool water droplets through this pipeline 110 ensures the continuity of the cooling cycle by maintaining consistent fluid flow and optimizing the performance of the evaporation process.

[0043] In synchronization, plurality of regulatory valves 113 is integrated at various points along the conduits 106 and pipeline 110 within the system to regulate the flow of water, steam, and water droplets at different stages of the cooling process. These valves 113 are strategically placed to control the precise flow of fluids throughout the system, ensuring that each phase involves the transport of heated water, vapor, or cool water droplets occurs efficiently and in accordance with system requirements.

[0044] The valves 113 are actuated by the microcontroller, for enabling the dynamic adjustment of flow rates depending on the phase of the cooling process. For example, during the condensation process, the valves 113 regulate the release of water vapor from the condenser 109 to the pipeline 110, while in other stages, they may control the flow of cool water droplets toward the evaporation chamber 111.

[0045] The precise regulation of these flows is essential for maintaining optimal conditions within the system, by ensuring energy efficiency and preventing overloading or underperformance of any individual component. By controlling the flow of steam, water, and droplets, these regulatory valves 113 help optimize the cooling process and maintain stable, reliable operation of the overall system.

[0046] A fan 112 is arranged within the evaporation chamber 111 of the system, where the fan 112 plays a critical role in enhancing the cooling process. The fan 112 is actuated by the microcontroller or another control unit, which triggers it to blow air inside the chamber 111. As the cool water droplets pass through the coiled pipeline 110 within the chamber 111, the fan 112 circulates air over them, promoting the evaporation of the water. This air movement increases the rate of evaporation, which in turn lowers the temperature of the water, further contributing to the cooling effect.

[0047] By blowing air across the cool water droplets, the fan 112 facilitates the efficient transfer of heat from the water into the surrounding air, aiding in the cooling and vaporization processes. The cooled air that exits the chamber 111 helps regulate the temperature within the chamber 111 and aids in the overall development of the chiller module. This setup ensures that the system produces chilled air or water with enhanced efficiency, ultimately contributing to the energy-efficient cooling solutions provided by the system.

[0048] A battery is associated with the system for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the system and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the system, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the system. In addition, a solar panel 114 is configured with the system for harnessing energy from sunlight incident on the system and transducing the harnessed energy into electric charge that is further stored within the battery.

[0049] The solar panel 114 are made out of photovoltaic cells that convert the sun’s heat energy into electrical energy. Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials ideally silicon. Each layer of silicon has different electronic properties that gets energized when hit by photon particles absorbed from the sunlight, to create an electric field and generates a photoelectric effect. This photoelectric effect creates the current needed to produce electricity. The solar panel 114 generate a direct current of electricity that gets passed through an inverter to convert it into an alternating current that is stored in the battery.

[0050] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the chamber 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be installed on the fixed support. Then the lower portion of the chamber 101 is integrated with the inlet valve 102 that allow surrounding air to pass inside the chamber 101 which reacts with the lithium bromide solution stored in the chamber 101 to form water. Now the outlet valve 103 extract air from inside of the chamber 101, outside of the chamber 101. Then the formed water is transferred to the container 104 configured with the system for storing the water which is further transferred to the heating tank 105 connected in continuation with the container 104. Afterwards plurality of coiled conduits 106 integrated in the heating tank 105 through which the transferred water is passed. Thereafter the heating tank 105 is positioned in front of radiator of the auxiliary engine due to which the passing water is heated which is further transferred to the storage tank 107. Afterwards the set of magnifying glasses 108 arranged on the storage tank 107 in the manner that sunlight is focused on the storage tank 107 resulting in high temperature of the storage tank 107 which in turn vaporizes the heated water.

[0051] In continuation, now the heated water vapors are passed to the condenser 109 connected in continuation with the storage tank 107 which condenses the heated water vapors into cool water droplets. Thereafter the pipeline 110 connected with the condenser 109 for transferring cool water droplets from the condenser 109 towards the evaporation chamber 111 configured with the system. Also, the pipeline 110 acquires the coiled structure inside the evaporation chamber 111 through which the cool water droplets are passed Then plurality of regulatory valves 113 is integrated in the conduits 106 and pipeline 110 for regulating flow of water, steam and water droplets at different stages. Synchronously, the fan 112 arranged in the evaporation chamber 111 to blow air inside the evaporation chamber 111 to further cool the water in view of developing the chiller module. Moreover, the solar panel 114 is configured with the system for harnessing solar energy which is converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery configured with the system for supplying electrical power to electronically powered components associated with the system.

[0052] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A renewable energy-based chiller plant system, comprising:

i) a chamber 101 developed to be installed on a fixed support, wherein a lower portion of said chamber 101 is integrated with an inlet valve 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller associated with said system to allow surrounding air to pass inside said chamber 101 which reacts with a lithium bromide solution stored in said chamber 101 to form water;
ii) an outlet valve 103 arranged on a top portion of said chamber 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extract air from inside of said chamber 101, outside of said chamber 101, wherein said formed water is transferred to a container 104 configured with said system for storing said water which is further transferred to a heating tank 105 connected in continuation with said container 104;
iii) plurality of coiled conduits 106 integrated in said heating tank 105 through which said transferred water is passed, wherein said heating tank 105 is positioned in front of radiator of an auxiliary engine due to which said passing water is heated which is further transferred to a storage tank 107;
iv) a set of magnifying glasses 108 arranged on said storage tank 107 in a manner that sunlight is focused on said storage tank 107 resulting in high temperature of said storage tank 107 which in turn vaporizes said heated water, wherein said heated water vapors are passed to a condenser 109 connected in continuation with said storage tank 107 which condenses said heated water vapors into cool water droplets; and
v) a pipeline 110 connected with said condenser 109 for transferring cool water droplets from said condenser 109 towards a evaporation chamber 111 configured with said system, wherein said pipeline 110 acquires a coiled structure inside said evaporation chamber 111 through which said cool water droplets are passed, followed by actuation of a fan 112 arranged in said evaporation chamber 111 to blow air inside said evaporation chamber 111 to further cool said water in view of developing a chiller module.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of regulatory valves 113 are integrated in said conduits and pipeline 110 for regulating flow of water, steam and water droplets at different stages.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar panel 114 is configured with said system for harnessing solar energy which is converted into electrical energy and stored in a battery configured with said system for supplying electrical power to electronically powered components associated with said system.