Ceiling-Mountable Low-Height Heat Pump for Space-Constrained Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings are bulky, consume valuable space, and are difficult to service, particularly in high-rise buildings where space is limited and access is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A low-height heat pump system with a compact cabinet configuration that includes a compressor, heat exchanger, blower assembly, and air coil, all mounted within a 9-inch tall cabinet that can be ceiling-mounted, allowing for easy access and service from below.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional floor-mounted vertical heat pump is used, then heating and cooling performance is achieved, but valuable floor space is consumed and service access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is reconfigured from a vertical floor-mounted orientation to a horizontal ceiling-suspended orientation. This dimensional change moves the equipment from occupying floor space to utilizing ceiling space, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining serviceability and reducing floor space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the heat pump vertically on the floor as conventionally done, the system inverts the mounting approach by suspending it horizontally from the ceiling. This inversion allows service providers to access components from above while eliminating floor space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If a split system with fan coil unit hanging from ceiling is used, then floor space is reduced, but ceiling height is reduced or floor height must be increased consuming valuable vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the condensing unit and fan coil unit into a single integrated heat pump package. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ceiling-suspended fan coil units, allowing the entire system to be installed in shallow ceiling spaces without requiring additional vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat pump system is designed with a horizontal orientation when suspended from the ceiling, changing the dimensional footprint from vertical to horizontal. This allows the system to fit within shallow ceiling cavities without reducing ceiling height or increasing floor height.
3Area of stationary object
If ceiling-mounted fan coil unit is used, then floor space consumption is reduced, but service access to internal components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is divided into modular components with removable access panels that allow service providers to access internal components from above. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while maintaining the ceiling-suspended configuration that saves floor space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring service providers to access ceiling-mounted equipment from below, the system is designed with serviceable components accessible from above. This inverted service approach maintains the space-saving ceiling installation while improving ease of repair.
4Reliability
If HVAC system components are arranged in conventional configurations, then system performance is maintained, but space requirements are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system employs a compact nested arrangement where components are arranged in concentric or layered configurations, maximizing space utilization. This nesting allows the system to maintain full performance while occupying minimal space suitable for shallow ceiling installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in component orientation and configuration, arranging components horizontally rather than vertically, and optimizing their spatial relationships to achieve compact dimensions without compromising thermal exchange performance or system reliability.
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 system achieves efficient heating and cooling performance while significantly reducing space requirements, allowing for installation in shallow ceiling spaces and reducing the overall height of each floor, thereby increasing available floor space and facilitating easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger installed vertically in the compressor compartment
Implementation Method 2
a compressor installed horizontally in the compressor compartment
Implementation Method 3
a blower assembly installed in the blower compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An example heat pump system includes a low-height cabinet configured to be mounted to a ceiling. The low-height cabinet includes a frame and a plurality of panels that define a compressor compartment, a blower compartment, and a plenum compartment. The frame includes one or more dividers that separate the blower compartment, the plenum compartment, and the compressor compartment from each other. The example heat pump system also includes a compressor installed horizontally in the compressor compartment, a heat exchanger installed vertically in the compressor compartment, a blower assembly installed in the blower compartment, and an air coil installed in the blower compartment.