Air Handler Faceplate Damper Design for Compact Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air handlers with recirculation dampers face challenges in optimizing airflow recirculation paths while maintaining compact designs and efficient pressure drop properties, often requiring larger spaces for damper placement on unit walls.
Innovation Solution
The air handler incorporates recirculation dampers on its faceplate instead of the unit wall, allowing for more compact airflow paths and improved pressure drop properties by separating the recirculation paths with a septum, enabling independent operation of damper sections for efficient airflow recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If recirculation dampers are installed on the unit wall, then the recirculation function can be achieved, but the space requirements increase and the design becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the recirculation damper installation location with the faceplate structure. Instead of installing dampers on the unit wall, the dampers are integrated into the faceplate, merging two functional elements into one compact structure. This eliminates the need for separate damper mounting space on the unit wall while maintaining the recirculation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the damper installation from a three-dimensional space requirement on the unit wall to a two-dimensional arrangement on the faceplate surface. By utilizing the faceplate's surface area rather than requiring depth or lateral space on the unit wall, the design achieves compactness without sacrificing recirculation functionality.
2Ease of operation
If recirculation dampers are installed on the unit wall, then the recirculation function can be achieved, but the pressure drop properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damper installation with the faceplate structure, allowing for optimized airflow path design. The integrated faceplate configuration enables smoother airflow transitions and reduces turbulence compared to separate unit wall installation, thereby improving pressure drop properties while maintaining recirculation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation location parameter from unit wall to faceplate, which fundamentally alters the airflow characteristics. This parameter change enables optimization of the airflow path length, velocity distribution, and pressure gradient, resulting in reduced pressure drop across the recirculation system.
3Volume of moving object
If the air handler is designed more compactly, then space is saved, but the damper placement options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damper functionality with the faceplate structure, creating a compact integrated assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate damper mounting locations on the unit wall, allowing the air handler to be designed more compactly without limiting damper placement options.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the front cover of the air handler, provides structural support, and serves as the installation surface for the recirculation dampers. This multi-functionality ensures that compact design does not compromise damper placement versatility.
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
This configuration enhances airflow recirculation efficiency and space savings by allowing for more compact designs without compromising pressure drop performance, leading to improved energy recovery and reduced energy consumption in HVACR systems.
Implementation Method 1
The vented indoor air and the fresh air exchange energy in the core and recapture a portion of the energy from the vented indoor air
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An air handler includes a housing with a heat exchanger core. The housing includes a faceplate, a roof panel, a base panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A first tunnel and a second tunnel are connected to the housing at the faceplate. A septum protrudes from the faceplate and connects the core at a front edge. The air handler further includes a first recirculation path and a second recirculation path inside the housing. The first and second recirculation paths are defined by the septum, the housing, and the core. The first and second recirculation paths are configured to direct a portion of airflow from the first tunnel to the second tunnel. The air handler further includes a first damper and a second damper disposed on the faceplate and configured to obstruct the first recirculation path and the second recirculation path respectively.