Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a panel cooling system for use in cooling and air conditioning of panels employed in power distribution, control and automation, data storage, data transfer, communication, signalling and similar operations.

Prior Art Currently, air conditioners specially designed with a compressor and a refrigerant, hot air extraction fans or wall-mounted or free-standing air conditioners are used for cooling and air conditioning panels employed in power distribution, control and automation, data storage, data transfer, communication, signalling and similar operations.

Fans used in the field for this purpose perform cooling by exhausting hot air generated inside the panel to the outer environment. While hot air inside the panel is discharged, fresh air entering through the panel openings slightly provides a cooling effect. While the fans release hot air to the outside, no effective cooling could be achieved as hot air continues to enter through the panel openings particularly during the summer months.

On the other hand, just like regular air conditioners, panel air conditioners let the ambient air in, cool the air by means of a compressor and refrigerant and redistribute the cooled air inside the panel to produce a cooling effect. Since the equipment used in these systems are required to work on a continuous basis particularly during the summer and are exposed to hot ambient air, their maintenance, repair and breakdown frequency is increased. Especially during the summer, a separate air conditioner is needed to make these systems work efficiently. One of the biggest disadvantages of these systems is that they are not suitable to work in corrosive environments. Copper tubes which circulate the refrigerant can get punctured in corrosive environments, while compressor field winding and similar parts can get damaged due to corrosion, leading to burning in the motor. Domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants, textile paint shops, etc. are among the business operations with corrosive environments. Due to all these disadvantages and their sheer size, it is also not possible to use these air conditioners in systems exposed to direct sunlight during summer, including base and radio stations and city surveillance cameras.

Wall-mounted and/or free-standing air conditioners are also used in the technical field to perform cooling by means of cooling the ambient temperature and delivering cool air through the panel openings. Since these air conditioners initially cool the environment before the panels, high amounts of energy are wasted during the process. As the cool air produced by the air conditioners enter the panel by means of its own gravity, not enough cool air can reach inside the panel. These systems have the same issues with the abovementioned panel air conditioners.

In conclusion, the drawbacks explained above and the shortcomings in existing solutions to the problems have necessitated improvement in the related technical field.

Summary of the Invention

The primary object of the invention is to perform panel cooling operations by means of an array of thermoelectric coolers (Peltier modules) coupled in parallel, also known as a Peltier plate. Another object of the invention is to eliminate the need for use of equipment such as compressors employed in the technical field for cooling panels which can break down and require maintenance/repair.

Another object of the invention is to provide a panel cooling system that is more resistant to corrosion and outside conditions thanks to ceramic external plating of Peltier modules, which are the main equipment behind the cooling operation, and other insulation materials used in the system. This will provide the users with the means to use a longer-lasting equipment with less effort.

One other object of the invention is to provide a system that is easier to use thanks to its lighter and corrosion-resistant nature compared to existing systems used for the same purpose, suitable for convenient use in cooling panels employed in hard-to-reach base stations, radio stations, city surveillance cameras, etc. which are directly exposed to sunlight, rain and humidity to ensure long and efficient operation of the equipment vital for these systems. Another object of the invention is to provide a panel cooling system that is easily integrable to any panel without any further need for overhaul. Since the panel cooling system can be directly assembled inside the panel, it yields maximum cooling efficiency with minimum loss in the desired cooling area.

Another object of the invention is to provide more efficient cooling by preventing energy waste thanks to catering for easy assembly inside the panel and positioning in the area that needs to be cooled directly.

One other object of the invention is to deliver effective and efficient panel cooling operation by means of the cool air generated through the Peltier plate modules.

Another object of the invention is to ensure easy assembly/disassembly of the Peltier plate on the panel cooling system. Faulty Peltier modules on the Peltier plate can be easily and locally identified and replaced thanks to the control and automation system. From this perspective, the panel cooling system also provides ease of use.

Another object of the invention is to ensure power generation by making use of the temperate difference between the two surfaces of the Peltier plate, which performs the cooling operation. Thanks to this, the panel cooling system can produce the operating power itself and store the power in an accumulator, etc. during the times when panels do not need to be cooled off. The produced energy can also be used in operating/reducing the energy consumption of another device.

In order the achieve the objectives specified above, the invention relates to a panel cooling system for use in cooling the ambient air and therefore panels employed in power distribution, control and automation, data storage, data transfer, communication, signalling and similar operations, comprising: a control and automation panel which operates and controls the panel cooling system; an indoor air suction fan which absorbs the hot air that heats and rises inside the panel; a Peltier plate that contains Peltier modules which, when powered, cool from one side and heat on the other side, and cools the hot air absorbed by the indoor air suction fan; a cool air blower fan which discharges the air cooled by the said Peltier plate to the outside through the panel cooling system; a hot air blower fan which discharges the hot air on the heating surface of the Peltier plate to the outside environment (outside the panel).

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises at least one aluminum block positioned on both sides of the said Peltier plate, wherein the aluminum block positioned on the cooling surface of the Peltier plate is cooled and the one positioned on the heating surface of the Peltier plate is heated to speed up the cool and hot air conduction on the surfaces of the Peltier plate.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises at least one temperature sensor positioned on each aluminum block to measure the surface temperature of the Peltier modules.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: a fibre filter positioned on the suction line of the panel indoor air suction fan to filter the dust and particles inside the absorbed indoor air; and grills which open and close automatically by absorption and are positioned in upward direction to capture the air that heats and rises inside the panel.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: an air filter on the cool air blower fan which holds the humidity inside the cool air discharged outside by the panel cooling system; grills which open and close automatically by absorption and are positioned in downward direction to discharge the cooled air to panel base.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the said air filter is a silica gel air filter.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: grills which open and close automatically by absorption and are positioned in upward direction to enable the hot air extraction fan to discharge the heated air to the outside (outside the panel).

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: a humidity container which holds the humidity/water generated due to the temperature difference between the heating and cooling surfaces of the Peltier plate; a discharge element formed to discharge the water collected inside the humidity container to the outside; a discharge valve positioned on the tip of the discharge element to discharge the water.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: a handle positioned on top of the humidity container to pull the humidity container from the bottom side of the panel cooling system.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: a front body which houses the panel indoor air suction fan and the cool air blower fan; a rear body which houses the hot air extraction fan and the control and automation panel.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises: a control and automation panel, which puts the panel cooling system into power generation mode when the panel cover is opened or no cooling is needed and notifies the user of potential system failures, all vital system parameters and all warnings and guidance related to effective operation of the system; a power storage unit including all relevant indicators, which stores the power generated by the temperature difference between the Peltier surfaces of the Peltier modules in power generation mode thanks to its energy conversion system. ln one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel cooling system comprises a temperature sensor positioned inside the panel to measure the ambient temperature of the panel. Brief Description of the Drawings

The panel cooling system according to the invention is shown in the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 Shows the front perspective view of the panel cooling system configuration according to the invention. Figure 2 Shows the rear perspective of the panel cooling system configuration according to the invention.

Figure 3 Shows Peltier modules, Peltier plate, aluminum block, fibre filter and silica gel air filter in the panel cooling system configuration according to the invention.

Figure 4 Shows a representative view of the humidity container separately positioned on both the heating and cooling surfaces of the panel cooling system at the bottom side.

Figure 5 Shows the perspective view of an alternate configuration of the panel cooling system.

List of Reference Numerals

A. Panel cooling system

I. Peltier plate

1.1. Peltier module 2. Aluminum blocks

3. Temperature sensor

4. Panel indoor air suction fan

5. Fibre filter

6. Cool air blower fan 7. Air filter

8. Hot air extraction fan

9. Humidity container

9.1. Discharge element

9.2. Handle 9.3. Discharge valve

10. Control and automation panel

II. Power storage unit

12. Front body

13. Rear body 14. Fresh air suction fan

Detailed Description of the Invention

This detailed description presents the preferred embodiments of the panel cooling system (A) for use in cooling and air conditioning of panels employed in power distribution, control and automation, data storage, data transfer, communication, signalling and similar operations.

The panel cooling system (A) principally comprises a Peltier plate (1), an aluminum block (2), a temperature sensor (3), panel indoor air suction fan (4), a fibre filter (5), a cool air blower fan (6), an air filter (7), a hot air extraction fan (8), a humidity container (9), a control and automation panel (10), a power storage unit (11), a front body (12) and a rear body (13). The features and functions of these materials are separately described below:

The Peltier plate (1) consists of an array of thermoelectric coolers known as Peltier modules (1.1) (Figure 2). Peltier modules (1.1) are coupled electrically in parallel to form the Peltier plate (1). When the Peltier modules (1.1) are energized, one side of the Peltier modules (1.1) and therefore the Peltier plate (1) cools down, while the other side heats up. Each Peltier module (1.1) on the Peltier plate (1) is positioned to face the same side as the heating and cooling sides of other Peltier modules (1.1). The number of Peltier modules (1.1) on the Peltier plate (1) can vary depending on the area of the respective panel. The Peltier plate (1) is formed in a way that ensures ease of assembly and disassembly between two aluminum blocks (2) located on the panel cooling system (A), and the Peltier modules (1.1) that constitute the Peltier plate (1) are formed in a way that ensures individual mounting and dismounting of the Peltier modules (1.1) on the Peltier plate (1), which allows for easy replacement of any faulty Peltier module (1.1). Moreover, each Peltier module (1.1) on the Peltier plate (1) has a unique number for easy identification of faulty Peltier modules (1.1). Peltier modules (1.1) are coated in ceramic, which allows for a panel cooling system (A) that is more resistant to corrosion and outside conditions.

The aluminum blocks (2) (Figure 1 and Figure 3) are positioned so that there is no spacing between them and the heating and cooling surfaces of the Peltier plate (1). The aluminum blocks (2) have the same dimensions (width and length) as the Peltier plate (1). A total of two separate aluminum blocks (2) are positioned on the cooling surface and the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1). The aluminum blocks (2) serve to speed up the cool and hot air conduction on the surfaces of the Peltier plate (1 ). A temperature sensor (3) (Figure 1) is positioned on each aluminum block (2), and preferably one temperature sensor (3) is configured on three different points to be designated on each aluminum block (2). The average of the temperature values measured by the said three temperature sensors (3) yields the actual temperature result. The temperature sensors (3) measure the surface temperature of the Peltier modules (1.1.) on the Peltier plate (1) and are used for checking whether the surfaces have reached their maximum cooling or heating temperatures.

The panel indoor air suction fan (4) absorbs the air which heats and rises inside the panel and conducts it to the aluminum block (2) environment located on the cooling surface of the Peltier plate (1). This makes it possible to cool the air that heats and rises inside the panel for recirculation inside the panel. Preferably, grills (not shown the drawings) are configured on the panel indoor air suction fan (4) in upward direction to capture the air that heats and rises inside the panel. These grills are also designed to automatically open and close by absorption effect.

The fibre filter (5) (Figure 3) is located on the suction line of the panel indoor air suction fan (4), between the panel indoor air suction fan (4) and the grills. The fibre filter (5) is used for filtering the dust and particles inside the absorbed panel indoor air.

The cool air blower fan (6) blows/discharges the cooled ambient air to the panel. Preferably, grills are configured on the cool air blower fan (6) and positioned in a way that ensures discharging the cooled air towards the panel base. Since the cooled air becomes denser and descends towards the ground, the grill direction also facilitates the process. These grills are also designed to automatically open and close by blowing effect.

Preferably, a silica gel air filter (7) is configured between the cool air blower fan (6) and the grills. The air filter (7) serves to hold the humidity inside the cool air transferred to the panel.

The cooling efficiency and useful life of Peltier modules (1.1) improves with the cooling performance on the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1). The hot air extraction fan (8) discharges the hot air on the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1) through the panel cooling system (A) to the outside, therefore enabling cooling of the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1) and hence improving the cooling efficiency and useful life of the Peltier plate (1). Preferably, grills are configured on the hot air extraction fan (8) and positioned in a way that ensures discharging the heated air to the outside environment (outside the panel). These grills are also designed to automatically open and close by blowing effect.

The humidity container (9) (Figure 4) is located at the bottom of the panel cooling system with separate humidity containers (9) placed on the heating surface and the cooling surface to collect the potential humidity generated by the temperature difference on the heating and cooling surfaces of the Peltier plate (1). The humidity container (9) comprises a handle (9.2) positioned on top of the humidity container (9) to pull the humidity container (9) from the bottom side of the panel cooling system (A), a discharge element (9.1) (preferably in the form of a pipe) configured to discharge the water collected inside the humidity container (9), and a discharge valve (9.3) positioned on the tip of the discharge element (9.1) to discharge the water to the outside. The discharge valve (9.3) can be manually opened by the user, and in another embodiment of the invention, can be automatically opened to discharge the collected water by means of configurations to be made on the control and automation panel (10) and additional elements to be linked to the discharge valve (9.3).

The control and automation panel (10) is the management, monitoring and warning mechanism of the panel cooling system (A). The control and automation panel (10) is used for monitoring whether each Peltier module (1.1) of the Peltier plate (1) functions effectively. This makes it possible to easily identify and replace faulty or inefficient Peltier modules (1.1). The temperature sensors (3) serve to monitor the temperature details of the cooling and heating surfaces of the Peltier plate (1). The panel indoor air temperature can also be monitored through the control and automation panel (10) by means of a temperature sensor (3) placed inside the panel. Therefore, it is made possible to prevent extreme heating or cooling of the panel by means of a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) monitoring software installed to the control and automation panel (10) to monitor the temperature sensor (3) and the Peltier modules (1.1). Moreover, software installed on the control and automation panel (10) enables moving the panel cooling system (A) from cooling mode into power generation mode when the panel cover is opened by the user. The amount of power generated can be monitored through the control and automation panel (10). The control and automation panel (10) can also check the panel ambient air temperature and put the panel cooling system (A) into power generation mode when cooling is not needed. The amount of energy produces increases as the temperature difference increases between the heating and cooling surfaces of the Peltier modules (1.1). While the system is in power generation mode, the temperature values at the heating and cooling sides need to be kept stable. For this reason, the panel indoor air suction fan (4), the cool air blower fan (6) and the hot air extraction fan (8) are designed to automatically open and close by absorption or blowing effect. These fans will stop when the system is in power generation mode, and the grills will close to keep the temperature values stable for a longer time.

As described above, when the panel cover is opened by the user or no cooling is needed, the control and automation panel (10) will move the panel cooling system (A) to power generation mode and power will be generated by the temperature difference between the Peltier surfaces of the Peltier plate (1). The energy produced by the Peltier modules (1.1) will be stored in an accumulator by means of the energy conversion system of the power storage unit (11). The panel cooling system (A) can meet its energy requirement wholly or in part from the stored energy. Optionally, the stored power can also be used for operating/reducing the energy consumption of another device inside the panel.

In addition to the above, the panel cooling system (A) also comprises a front body (12) and a rear body (13). The said front body (12) and rear body (13) protect the components of the panel cooling system (A) from external impacts and insulate the heating and cooling surfaces. Preferably, the panel indoor air suction fan (4) and the cool air blower fan (6) are configured on the front body (12), while the hot air extraction fan (8), the control and automation panel (10) and the power storage unit (11) are configured on the rear body (13).

Figure 5 shows an alternate configuration of panel cooling system (A). The system includes a fresh air suction fan (14), which pushes the ambient air (outside the panel) towards the cooling section of the system. Unlike the hot air extraction fan (8), a fibre filter is configured between the fan and the grills to hold the dust and particles. At the same time, the grills automatically open during absorption and automatically close when no absorption is performed to avoid blocking the absorption. When out of use, this also prevents ambient airflow to the cooling system due to temperature difference.

Intended Use: In case of extreme heat inside the panel, if the panel cooling system (A) fails to effectively cool the hot air taken inside by the indoor air suction fan (4), the control and automation panel (10) compares the ambient air temperature with the temperature of the air that heats and rises inside the panel by means of a temperature sensor included in the system but configured outside the panel. If the ambient air is cooler than the air which heats and rises inside the panel, the indoor air suction fan (4) will stop working while the fresh air suction fan (14) keeps operating or both suction fans will operate in a combined manner to transfer air with reduced temperature to the cooling system. This decision-making mechanism is provided by the software installed to the control and automation panel. Therefore, the system can perform efficient cooling even in extremely demanding operating conditions.

The panel cooling system (A) according to the invention performs the cooling function according to the following steps: First, the panel cooling system (A) is operated through the control and automation panel (10). When powered up, the Peltier modules (1.1) are energized, wherein one side of the Peltier plate (1) cools, while the other side heats up. The aluminum block (2) located on the cooling surface of the Peltier plate (1) cools, while the aluminum block (2) located on the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1) heats up. The panel indoor air suction fan (4) configured on the front body (12) absorbs the air that heats and rises inside the panel and transfers it to the aluminum block (2) environment on the cooling surface of the Peltier plate (1), hence the hot air cools by coming into contact with the aluminum block (2). The cooled air is discharged outside through the panel cooling system (A), or in other words transferred inside the panel by means of the cool air blower fan (6). On the other hand, the hot air extraction fan (8) located on the rear body (13) serves to discharge the hot air on the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1) to outside (outside the panel), thereby cooling the heating surface of the Peltier plate (1). The panel cooling system (A) according to the invention can be used in the industry and agriculture sectors. The panel cooling system (A) is particularly suitable for use in cooling the electric, control and automation boards of water pumps in agricultural lands during dry summer months. In this way, electrical equipment and systems can work in a continuous and efficient manner with reduced maintenance and repair costs.

The panel cooling system (A) according to the invention enables cooling of the panels employed in extremely hot and corrosive environments in the industry, including textile paint shops, rolling mills and wastewater treatment plants, thereby ensuring continuous and efficient operation of the systems and reduction in maintenance and repair costs.