Packaged chilling systems for building air conditioning and process cooling

Abstract

Disclosed is a packaged chilling system for providing chilled water to an air conditioning system for a building that includes: a duct system; an air handling system; and a water chilling system; wherein: the duct system is in operable communication with a building that has a plurality of rooms, at least one of the rooms having a sensor for detecting the room air temperature in the room, the duct system comprising at least one supply duct for directing low temperature air from the air handling system to the building and at least one return duct for directing high temperature air from the building to the air handling system; the air handling system includes a plurality of air handling units, each air handling unit comprising an air inlet for receiving high temperature air from the building, a cooling coil that includes at least one conduit through which chilled water flows, the cooling coil having multiple passes and positioned for heat transfer contact with the high temperature air, and a fan for increasing the velocity of air in the air handling unit; the water chilling system is installed at a location proximate the building, and is operably connected to the air handling system; and the water chilling system includes a moveable support structure comprising a support base on which a plurality of water chilling system components are affixed, the components including at least one water chiller for lowering the temperature of water from a high temperature to a low temperature. This packaged chilling system may also be used to provide chilled water to industrial processes such as chemical plants, automotive plants, textile mills, paper mills, computer cooling, and factory air-conditioning.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 206,856 filed Jul. 26, 2002, which claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 961,711 filed Sep. 24, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 369,788 filed Aug. 6, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,065.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of Inventions [0003] The inventions described herein generally relate to air conditioning, and particularly to air conditioning systems for buildings and process cooling. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] A continuing need exists for improved air conditioning systems for buildings, particularly large, multi-room and multi-level buildings, e.g., schools, office buildings, hospitals and sports facilities, such as arenas. A variety of air conditioning systems have been proposed and developed, including those described in earlier patents identified on the cove...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an air conditioning system for buildings that includes a duct system, an air handling system, and a water chilling system. The duct system is connected to the building and has ducts that direct low temperature air from the air handling system to the rooms. The air conditioning system also has multiple water chillers that can be arranged in series to provide a staged water temperature drop. The high temperature air has a temperature of about 100-50 °F, and the low temperature air has a temperature of about 40-75 °F. The water chilling system can be installed on a moveable support structure that is easily moved to the building. The system also includes a water temperature sensor and controller to adjust the water temperature. The system can also include a cooling tower and a chilled water thermal energy storage tank. The technical effects of the patent are improved cooling efficiency, reduced energy usage, and improved comfort for building occupants."

Problems solved by technology

Persons skilled in the art have recognized various challenges in designing systems that can be used to control the inside air temperatures in common areas and different rooms of those buildings.

However, installing air conditioning systems and the components of air conditioning systems presents challenges as well.

Installing an air conditioning system is not as simple as it might appear, particularly when the air conditioning system is associated with a building that has numerous rooms, each requiring individual temperature control.

Installing air conditioning systems for large buildings and building systems is often highly complex, requiring the selection and coordination of air conditioning equipment, control systems, electrical switchgear, building materials and supplies, and also organizing the various subcontractors and construction workers, and securing building permits, etc.

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