Modular air duct system for air coolers

By using a modular duct system with corrugated inner and outer walls and porous composite substrate made of plastic polymer, the problems of traditional ducts such as easy corrosion, high noise, and high energy consumption are solved, achieving a corrosion-resistant, quiet, and low-energy air delivery effect.

CN224340319UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-09GUANGDONG SYMPHONY KERUILAI AIR COOLERS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG SYMPHONY KERUILAI AIR COOLERS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-13
Publication Date
2026-06-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional air cooler duct systems suffer from problems such as easy corrosion, complex installation, high noise, and high energy consumption, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern buildings for high efficiency, energy saving, and a quiet environment.

Method used

The modular duct system, made of plastic polymer, features a corrugated structure on both the inner and outer walls. It utilizes porous composite substrates and thermoacoustic materials to absorb airflow noise and reduce heat dissipation. The components are connected by snap-fit ​​flanges for rapid installation.

Benefits of technology

It provides corrosion-resistant, quiet, and low-energy air delivery solutions, reducing installation complexity and transportation costs while improving acoustic performance and thermal insulation.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularization air duct system for air cooler, this modularization air duct system (100) includes: elbow assembly (102), connects to the export of air cooler at runtime, one or more flat tube sections (104) are connected to the end of elbow assembly (102) at runtime, at least one reducing section (106) is connected to the end of one or more flat tube sections (104) at runtime, and end cover (108) is installed in the end of one or more flat tube sections (104) at runtime.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ventilation system technology, and more particularly to a ventilation system for air coolers. More specifically, this invention relates to a modular ventilation system having modular ductwork for air coolers. Furthermore, the modular ductwork configuration provides thermal and sound insulation for the ductwork systems of conventional air coolers. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional ducts and vents are used in air coolers to achieve uniform air cooling and deliver cool air to different areas as needed. Additionally, duct-type air coolers are used in HVAC systems to deliver cool air and provide ventilation. Specifically, HVAC systems provide cool air through cooling towers and blow the cooled air into rooms, shops, offices, and other areas. In this process, the cool air is transported through ducts, vents, and pipes.

[0003] Traditional air conditioning ducts typically require external insulation to prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Common materials for heating and cooling ducts include fiberglass and metal. Conventional ducts are usually prefabricated in a workshop and transported to the installation site, where they are assembled into a heating system using bends, reducers, and other modification equipment. However, this approach has several limitations, such as difficulties in storing and transporting the duct system, high on-site installation risks, and increased costs. Furthermore, metal ducts are susceptible to corrosion and wear.

[0004] These types of metal ducts have significant drawbacks: they are prone to corrosion, produce abnormal noises during operation, and are complex to install. Airflow can easily cause vibration and noise, and metal expansion in winter may damage the ducts or cause malfunctions, increasing replacement needs and operating costs.

[0005] Based on the above issues, the market urgently needs an innovative duct system that is corrosion-resistant and easy to assemble on-site. Simultaneously, the system must possess characteristics such as requiring no insulation layer and excellent acoustic performance to meet the dual demands of modern buildings for high energy efficiency and a quiet environment. Utility Model Content

[0006] Given the limitations of existing traditional systems, it is clear that a modular duct system needs to be developed for conventional air coolers. This paper proposes a modular air duct for air conditioners made of plastic polymer (containing a porous substrate). Its porous structure absorbs noise generated during airflow, combining acoustic efficiency with corrosion resistance. The modular duct (as shown in the attached figure) features a corrugated structure design on both the inner and outer walls of its components. This absorbs air pressure fluctuations under extreme load conditions to reduce noise, thereby creating a comfortable acoustic environment. According to the embodiment, the duct is made of a thermoacoustic material, providing simultaneous thermoacoustic isolation, effectively suppressing vibration noise and reducing heat dissipation.

[0007] Specifically, this embodiment provides a high-efficiency air conditioner modular duct system (100), which includes: an elbow-shaped component (102) connected to the air conditioner outlet during operation; one or more flat components (104) installed at the end of the elbow-shaped component (102); at least one reducing component (106) connected to the end of the flat component (104); and an end cap (108) fixed to the end of the flat component (104). This overview is intended to concisely illustrate the core features of this technical solution and is not an exhaustive list of implementation methods. The following will describe this modular system in detail, including but not limited to independent or combined application schemes of the above features. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the implementation method based on actual needs. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of a modular duct system for an air cooler according to an embodiment of this article;

[0010] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of a porous composite substrate when viewed at a magnified level according to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The embodiments described herein, along with their various features and advantages, will be described in more detail with reference to the non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and will be further elaborated in conjunction with the following specific implementation methods. To avoid unnecessary ambiguity regarding the inventive concept, descriptions of well-known components and processes have been omitted. The examples provided herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are intended to aid in understanding its implementation and to enable those skilled in the art to practice it. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0012] In this specification, "modular duct" refers to pipes, ducts, channels, and other structures used to transport cool air in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This modular duct connects to the outlet of an air cooler, efficiently delivering cool air to different areas. For example, an HVAC system installed on the roof of a building can provide cooling, heating, and ventilation for the entire building. Typical applications include, but are not limited to, office buildings and shopping malls. Through the modular duct system, cool air generated by a cooling tower can be delivered to rooms, shops, and other spaces on each floor.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the modular air duct of the present invention has corrugated structures on both its inner and outer sides, which can effectively absorb airflow vibration noise and provide a comfortable acoustic environment at the air outlet. The air duct is made of sound- and heat-insulating materials to ensure quiet and efficient cooling in all areas of the building. Specifically, the air duct contains a porous composite substrate made of plastic polymers such as polyethylene, which can effectively absorb noise when subjected to airflow pressure fluctuations. The modular design includes multiple standardized components, which, when assembled, enable the delivery of cold air from the cooler to the target area.

[0014] Figure 1 The diagram shows a modular air duct system (100) for an air cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes an elbow assembly (102), one or more flat pipe sections (104), at least one reducing section (106), and an end cap (108).

[0015] The elbow assembly (102) is connected to the cooler outlet during operation. In this application, "elbow assembly" refers to a curved section in a piping system that changes the flow direction, used to guide airflow. Figure 1 As shown, the elbow assembly consists of a closed structure formed by a pair of symmetrical rhomboid triangular shells vertically joined together.

[0016] Flat pipe sections (104) are connected to both ends of the elbow assembly to extend the cold air delivery distance. These pipe sections may have different diameters or cross-sectional shapes. In a preferred embodiment, symmetrical cubic end caps are used to form pipe sections with uniform cross-sections to ensure uniform air pressure throughout the entire process.

[0017] A reducing section (106) is located at the end of the flat pipe section and is used to connect pipes of different diameters. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the component adopts a trapezoidal cubic structure, with a wide cross-section at one end gradually transitioning to a narrow cross-section at the other end, and the air pressure at the narrow end being higher than that at the wide end. Depending on actual needs, the surface of the variable-diameter section can be designed as a curved structure. Another embodiment uses a symmetrical trapezoidal end cap containing male and female connectors.

[0018] The end cap (108) is installed at the end of the flat pipe section and adopts a male and female double hinge design, which can open and close the air duct outlet as needed. This component ensures the system's airtightness and facilitates airflow control.

[0019] In one embodiment, the walls of the elbow assembly (102), one or more flat pipe sections (104), at least one reducing section (106), and end cap (108) include corrugated structures arranged on both the inner and outer sides. Furthermore, the corrugated structures described herein include wavy curves with crests and troughs on their surfaces to absorb noise caused by uneven air pressure. More importantly, when these corrugated structures are properly arranged, they can improve the acoustic efficiency of the entire modular piping system (100).

[0020] Figure 2This is an enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of the porous composite substrate (200) according to embodiments herein. The porous composite substrate (200) includes a porous core layer (202) sandwiched between plastic polymer layers (204) and pores (206). In this document, the materials used to manufacture the porous composite substrate (200) include, but are not limited to, plastics, semi-plastics, etc. Furthermore, modular piping systems (100) made of plastics, semi-plastics, etc., facilitate rapid and efficient installation, thereby reducing investment costs. At the same time, such materials have thermal insulation properties for cooling air, ensuring no temperature leakage. The elbow assembly (102), flat pipe section (104), reducing section (106), and end cap (108) are all made of thermoacoustic material, which has the advantage that the thermoacoustic insulation properties of this material can reduce the temperature loss of cooling air and maintain a comfortable acoustic environment.

[0021] In one embodiment, the elbow assembly (102), one or more flat pipe sections (104), at least one reducing section (106), and end cap (108) are all manufactured using a porous composite substrate (200) made of a plastic polymer.

[0022] In an extended embodiment, the components of the modular duct system (100) are connected by snap-fit ​​flanges. Specifically, the elbow assembly (102), the flat pipe section (104), and the reducing section (106) are equipped with integrated rubber seals and stainless steel spring clips at both ends to enable quick and non-destructive assembly.

[0023] In an extended embodiment, the duct wall employs a gradient density double-layer design:

[0024] Inner layer: 3mm thick porous polyethylene (PE) substrate with a gradient pore size distribution (100μm at the inlet end → 20μm at the end), which suppresses airflow regeneration noise through the tapered pore structure;

[0025] Outer layer: 2mm thick carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) shell with built-in vacuum insulation panel (VIP) interlayer;

[0026] Coupling layer: filled with nano-silica aerogel to achieve gradual acoustic impedance matching and improve sound insulation in the mid and low frequencies.

[0027] The foregoing description of the subject matter of this invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing detailed description, multiple features of the subject matter are combined in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects to simplify the disclosure. These features of embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternative ways to those discussed above. This disclosure should not be construed as implying that the invention requires more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims show, inventive aspects may be embodied in fewer than all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Therefore, all claims are incorporated herein by reference, each claim being an independent embodiment of the subject matter of this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, while the description of the subject matter of this invention includes one or more embodiments, configurations, aspects, and variations and modifications thereof, other variations, combinations, and modifications remain within the scope of this invention (e.g., solutions that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on their expertise after understanding this disclosure). We intend to cover all permissible alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects by means of the claims, including solutions that are equivalent, interchangeable, or alternative to the structures, functions, scope, or steps described in the claims, regardless of whether such solutions have been explicitly disclosed herein, and without publicly contributing any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A modular air duct system for an air cooler, characterized in that, The modular air duct system (100) includes: Elbow assembly (102) is connected to the air outlet of the air cooler during operation; One or more flat pipe segments (104) are connected to the end of the elbow assembly (102) during operation; At least one variable diameter section (106) is connected to the end of the one or more flat pipe sections (104) during operation; And an end cap (108), which is connected to the end of the one or more flat pipe segments (104) during operation.

2. The modular air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The walls of the elbow assembly (102), the one or more flat pipe sections (104), the at least one reducing section (106), and the end cap (108) include corrugated structures on the inner and outer sides.

3. The modular air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elbow assembly (102) includes a pair of symmetrical rhomboid-triangle composite housings.

4. The modular air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one variable diameter segment (106) comprises a trapezoidal cuboid structure.

5. The modular air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one variable diameter section (106) includes a pair of symmetrical trapezoidal end caps.

6. The modular air duct system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more flat tube segments (104) include a pair of symmetrical cubic end caps.

7. The modular air duct system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap (108) adopts a male and female double hinge design, which can be opened and closed as needed during operation.

8. The modular air duct system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elbow assembly (102), the one or more flat pipe sections (104), the at least one reducing section (106), and the end cap (108) are made of thermoacoustic material.

9. The modular air duct system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elbow assembly (102), the one or more flat pipe sections (104), the at least one reducing section (106), and the end cap (108) are constructed from a porous composite substrate made of plastic polymer.

10. The modular air duct system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The porous composite substrate includes a porous core layer (202) sandwiched between plastic polymer layers (204).