A modular liquid based heating and cooling system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydronic heating and cooling systems, such as 4-pipe systems, are costly to install and maintain due to extensive piping requirements and complex valve configurations, which compromise comfort and increase maintenance challenges, while 2-pipe systems sacrifice comfort for cost savings.
Innovation Solution
A modular system that uses a primary riser system to supply both chilled and heated water to terminal units via flow control devices with integrated secondary pumps and valves, reducing piping needs and allowing simultaneous heating and cooling, while maintaining comfort levels at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 4-pipe system is used to provide simultaneous heating and cooling, then comfort level is improved, but installation cost and piping complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple thermal zones, each with independent temperature control capability. Each zone can be controlled separately to require heating or cooling, allowing the use of a single pipe system instead of four, while still providing simultaneous heating and cooling where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control of flow direction and temperature through variable speed pumps and control valves that can redirect chilled or heated water to different zones based on real-time thermal demands, enabling a single pipe system to perform functions traditionally requiring four pipes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a 4-pipe system is used to deliver hot and chilled water simultaneously, then simultaneous heating and cooling is achieved, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pipe system is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically switching between delivering chilled water and heated water to different zones. The system uses control valves and flow directors to make the single pipe universal, capable of providing both heating and cooling services simultaneously to different parts of the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature and flow direction parameters of the water in the single pipe system dynamically. By adjusting these parameters based on zone requirements, the system achieves simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities without requiring separate pipes for each function.
3Ease of operation
If valves are installed in the plenum above the ceiling for system control, then system functionality is achieved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system relocates valves and control components from the traditional plenum location (above ceiling) to accessible locations such as mechanical rooms, equipment closets, or exterior walls. This dimensional relocation maintains system control functionality while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If extensive piping is used to provide both heating and cooling zones, then comfort requirements are met, but pumping power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable speed pumps that dynamically adjust their operation based on actual zone requirements. When only heating or only cooling is needed, the pump operates at lower speeds. When simultaneous heating and cooling is required in different zones, the pump speed increases accordingly, optimizing energy consumption while meeting comfort requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular system reduces installation costs, simplifies maintenance, and enhances comfort by allowing simultaneous heating and cooling with reduced piping and valve complexity, achieving up to 30% less pumping power and improved efficiency compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger in communication with the single pipe and in communication with air in the zone, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to heat or cool the air in the zone depending upon liquid supplied thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular water based heating and cooling system for providing chilled or heated water to terminal devices in a building to heat/cool individual zones in the building. The system includes a flow control device in fluid communication with a riser chilled water supply line, a riser chilled water return line, a riser heated water supply line, and a riser heated water return line. The flow control device includes first control valves and second control valves. Terminal device supply lines extend from the flow control device and are connected to respective first control valves. Terminal device return lines extend from the flow control device and are connected to respective second control valves. The first control valves and the second control valves cooperate to supply required chilled water or heated water through the terminal device supply lines to terminal devices based on the cooling/heating requirements of the terminal devices.