Air handling unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard air handling units face mechanical stresses during transportation, leading to potential damage and tightness issues in the condensate recuperator due to the weight of the heat exchanger, which is typically borne by the recuperator and can cause welding damage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
An air handling unit design featuring a stop member attached to the heat exchanger with sliding means that interfaces with a support member, allowing the heat exchanger and recuperator ensemble to slide transversally, thereby transferring the weight to a non-critical area and reducing mechanical stress on the recuperator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the heat exchanger weight is borne by the condensate recuperator, then the support structure is simplified, but mechanical stresses damage the recuperator welding and cause tightness issues
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two distinct components: the support member bears the weight of the heat exchanger, while the condensate recuperator handles only condensate collection. This separation prevents the recuperator from experiencing mechanical stresses that would compromise its welding and tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat exchanger and the condensate recuperator. This intermediary absorbs the mechanical load, preventing direct transmission of weight-induced stresses to the recuperator's welded joints.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heat exchanger is fixed rigidly to the recuperator, then structural stability is improved, but movement during transportation causes shocks and welding damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the heat exchanger and condensate recuperator is made dynamic rather than rigid. The heat exchanger can move vertically on the support member during transportation to absorb shocks, while remaining stable during operation. This dynamic capability prevents welding damage from transport vibrations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat exchanger can move along the air flow direction, then installation flexibility is improved, but shocks against side walls cause welding damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support member provides localized support at the heat exchanger's weight-bearing location, allowing movement flexibility in installation while preventing lateral shocks against the recuperator walls. The support is positioned to bear weight without restricting necessary installation adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This air handling unit (1) comprises an enclosure (3) in which air circulates along a flow direction (X), at least one heat exchanger (5) mounted in the enclosure (3), a condensate recuperator (15) placed under the at least one heat exchanger (5), and a support member (13, 19) stationary with respect to the enclosure (3), and which supports the condensate recuperator (15). The air handling unit (1) comprises a stop member (21) attached to the heat exchanger (5), and cooperating with a portion (132) of the support member (13, 19), the heat exchanger (5) is mounted in the recuperator (15), and an ensemble formed by the heat exchanger (5) and the recuperator (15) is blocked with respect to the support member (13) longitudinally to the flow direction (X) during transportation by the stop member (21).