Chilled Beam Pump Module for One-Loop Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chilled-beam HVAC systems face challenges such as the need for two separate water loops, high material and installation costs due to extensive piping, inefficient pumping energy, and issues with condensation control, which limit their adoption and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a controllable chilled-beam zone pump module that allows for a single water loop for both DOAS and chilled beam networks, reduces piping costs through a one-pipe design, enables local control of water flow for variable demand, and incorporates an active condensation control system to prevent surface condensation while maintaining cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single water loop is used for both DOAS and chilled beam networks, then piping material and installation costs are reduced, but water temperature control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments water flow control into zone-level pump modules, each independently controlling water flow to specific chilled beams. This allows a single water loop to serve multiple zones with different temperature requirements, reducing piping complexity while maintaining precise temperature control through decentralized pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
Variable speed pumps in each zone module dynamically adjust water flow rates based on real-time cooling demands. This dynamic control enables the single water loop to adapt to varying temperature requirements across different zones and times, resolving the conflict between simplified piping and complex temperature control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If moderate temperature chilled water is used, then cooling capacity is reduced, but energy efficiency is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of chilled water from conventional low temperatures to moderate temperatures (e.g., 65-75°F supply). This parameter change reduces the temperature differential required for heat transfer, allowing the use of less powerful pumps and reducing pumping energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through increased flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by increasing water flow rates to compensate for the reduced temperature differential. The zone-level pump modules optimize hydraulic performance by delivering higher flow volumes at lower pressure differentials, achieving energy-efficient heat transfer with moderate temperature chilled water.
3Use of energy by moving object
If outdoor air is used as the only blown air, then fan energy is reduced, but dehumidification capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces chilled water as an intermediary medium to enhance dehumidification. The moderate temperature chilled water circulating through the beams provides latent cooling capacity that complements the sensible cooling from outdoor air, enabling effective dehumidification without increasing fan energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the chilled water to moderate levels, which increases the relative humidity reduction capability per unit of cooling. This parameter change allows the outdoor air system to achieve both sensible and latent cooling with minimal fan energy input.
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 solution reduces energy consumption, increases system capacity, simplifies installation, and enhances chiller efficiency by allowing all coil passes to be used for either heating or cooling, while maintaining effective cooling and heating performance and preventing condensation issues.
Implementation Method 1
an eight-pass coil that would be used in a cooling-only beam to provide the maximum cooling output
Implementation Method 2
a chilled beam water distribution and control system that could respond to part load cooling and heating conditions by providing a greater delta T across the chiller or heat exchanger to increase chiller performance
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple-zone chilled beam air conditioning systems for cooling multiple-zone spaces, methods of controlling chilled beams in multi-zone air conditioning systems, and chilled-beam pump modules for controlling zones of a chilled-beam heating and air conditioning system. Embodiments include a pump serving each zone that both recirculates water within the module and chilled beam and circulates water in and out of a chilled water distribution system through one or more valves to control the temperature of the water delivered to the chilled beams. Different embodiments adjust the temperature of the beam to avoid condensation, change pump speed to save energy or increase capacity, provide heating as well as cooling, use check valves to reduce the number of control valves required, can be used in two- or four-pipe systems, or a combination thereof.