Introduction
Our summers have become the reason that the rest of the year our planet suffers to make up for the carbon footprint and the overall toxicology that we indulge in while trying to make it a little bearable for ourselves. Now, not opting for methods to make the heat slightly bearable is not something we can go for, rather making it environmental and a little more sustainable is a solution that we pick out. A typical air conditioning compressor can easily produce as low as 70 bars or atmospheres but higher pressure may be needed. To achieve this sustainably, there are multiple approaches under trial and if a favourable outcome is derived, it will lead to revolutionizing the entire industry into this sustainable practice.
Outline
This can be divided into the answers to three different questions that can be posed:
1. How is the idea different functioning-wise?
2. How is this environment-friendly and how will it lower the usage of refrigerants and emission of harmful gasses like CFCS, Co2, etc.?
3. How does it make it more customer-friendly?
Magnetic Air Conditioners:
Traditional air conditioners use a liquid refrigerant to cool air. Heat is absorbed from the environment, Heat is absorbed from the environment. The temperature is reduced and over time when it cools down the gas changes into a liquid. With the pre-existing and ideal approach, compressors and refrigerants are used. Instead magnets and water are used to achieve the same. The mechanism of this work is explained further. This prototype was developed and designed by the Astronautics Corporation of America and has a wheel that contains Gadolinium(a rare earth element). A stationary magnet is a part of the setup where the wheel spins. This magnetic material generates heat and is then exposed to a magnetic field and then is cooled down when the entire setup is switched off. This effect in scientific terms is called the magnetocaloric effect.
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| LG 1 Ton 4 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC |
Gadolinium is an alloy and its properties are of utility to us. When passed through a magnetic field, this cools down, cooling the water around it. It has certain benefits that can be highlighted as to why if this prototype works, we should put it to commercial use. These are sustainable and environment friendly considering no toxins or CFCs are produced in their work. To add on they are more efficient than the conventionally accepted air conditioners. Compressors are not needed since they work on electricity. To add, since no toxins are released in this process, they not only keep our indoors cool but also the planet.
Application of Evaporation and Condensation:
Refrigerants can be produced based on the principle of evaporation and condensation found in plants. These bio-inspired refrigerants are sought to mimic the intensity and utility of the refrigerants with a tormenting aftermath. They are based on a fundamentally very simple idea. In plants, Xylem is a part of the transportation system of the plant that transports water and minerals from the roots to the other parts of the plant. Xylem uses a capillary action and an evaporation application model to transport and cool the air around them. In the quest for a coolant, this bio-inspired refrigerant can be a replacement which is sustainable and accountable as well as effective in beating the heat.
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Whirlpool |
Phase Changing Refrigerants:
In this refrigerant, a phase change will produce a temperature change, in turn causing the system to cool down. This prevents the utility of traditional refrigerants and provides an effective solution for the problem of fighting heat.
Integration of an AI-ML System
Ideation
AIML integration into developing a personalized climate control system with utility ranging from homes to commercial properties and also workspaces. This system will be programmed to monitor an individual's body temperature, skin moisture levels and other relevant metrics to tailor the climate inside their comfort bubble. External factors like changing weather, temperature extremes outside at different times of the day and continual physical activity will also be taken into account.
Construction and The Technology Angle
AIMS
These systems would use a combination of wearable sensors, smart thermostats, and AI algorithms to create individualized comfort zones for occupants. Wearables like watches or app tracking can monitor the user's physical activity and vitals to customize and optimize this smart climate control system. This could also reduce the utility of excess power going to waste by not generating excessive heating or cooling model applications. Inculcating an extension in pre-existing variables and its integration with AI would monitor the climatic impact and personalize the entire experience, making it user-friendly.
Radiative Cooling systems can find their applications here. The entire cooling system can be connected and the user's vitals can be included making an average optimum temperature that would suit all the people in the vicinity. In case someone wants a change or deviation from this average temperature the freedom of personalizing their unit can also be made. To add on with sensors and ML, significant energy consumption can be observed just by not having cooling devices switched on in vacant and empty rooms. Sensors here would be of great application. This can be programmed and presented to offices or even homes, reducing significant carbon footprint for each of us. In radiative cooling systems, specially designed surfaces emit thermal radiation in the form of infrared light, which can pass through the atmosphere and into outer space. This allows the surfaces to "shed" heat effectively, cooling down without relying on traditional refrigerants or electricity.
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Bosch MaxFlex Convert |
AC Pooling
To add to this, the inculcation of AC pooling in our lifestyle would make this a possible success to the scale wherein the reduction of carbon footprint would be significant. These systems require concise and articulate planning and a very strong technology-based interface that would bind the entire ideation of this. Firstly, Advanced control systems can be developed wherein sophisticated control systems can be synchronized. These systems should use sensors to monitor temperature and humidity levels in each room and adjust the cooling settings of each unit accordingly. Secondly, a user-friendly interface needs to be built and provided to adjust cooling settings in different rooms. Thirdly, airflow management to ensure proper airflow distribution throughout the interconnected spaces. Use ductwork or fans to evenly distribute cooled air and prevent hot spots. In addition, Usage of data analytics to track system performance and identify areas for improvement. This can help optimize cooling strategies and improve overall efficiency. This entire system will provide an optimum solution to the issue and the entire system integration will not only prove to be environmental but also be an effective solution to this problem.
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| Godrej |
Refrigerant replacement
Refrigerants are used in commercial refrigeration systems; in household appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators; in refrigerated containers used for carrying perishable goods; as air conditioning systems on board cars, trains, aircraft, and ships; in industrial cooling systems; and more. They include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and natural refrigerants, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. CFCs have been phased out under the Montreal Protocol; HCFCs are also being phased out. Refrigerants are emitted into the environment during the production process, from refrigerant banks (existing equipment) due to leakages, and during end-of-life disposal of appliances. Because the release of refrigerants has a large impact on global warming, world leaders agreed in 2016 to phase out HFCs and replace them with natural refrigerants with much less warming potential under the Kigali Accord of October 2016.
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| Whirlpool |
We therefore have listed some possible replacements to the current refrigerants. Hydrofluroolefins are a new class of non-ozone-depleting refrigerants having low GWPs. Natural refrigerants have also been considered as replacements with advancements in technology making them as or more effective than the refrigerants used at the moment. Ammonia, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrocarbons like propane and isobutane have been gaining popularity lately due to a less harmful environmental impact and being a sustainable option. Adding onto this, Ionic Liquids with low flammability have also been proven to be good refrigerants.
Temporary Solutions available on E-commerce platforms
Mini AC or cooler options are available on platforms like Amazon, which are not as effective but environmentally and sustainable and can act as temporary and personal level solutions that also serve as a pocket-friendly alternative. Thermistor temperature sensors and the Basic-level components are available but prototype building and experimenting are still being done in various parts of the world at the moment.
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| Portable Air Conditioner Fan |
Conclusion
To conclude, with this ideation and application of the system with their integration with AIML but also at a fundamental manufacturing level, opting for magnetic air conditioning systems and alternative refrigerants, an environmentally and comparatively sustainable option can be inculcated in our lifestyle.
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