Chilled Beam Zone Pump Module for Single-Pipe 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
A chilled-beam zone pump module with a controllable one-pipe design that uses a zone pump and valves to recirculate water, allowing for localized control of water flow and temperature, and an active condensation control system to prevent surface condensation while maintaining cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate water loops are used for chilled beam systems, then cooling capacity is maintained, but piping costs and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate water loops (chilled water loop and condensation control loop) into a single integrated water loop. The system uses a single pump and piping infrastructure to perform both cooling and condensation control functions, eliminating the need for separate loops while maintaining both cooling capacity and condensation prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single water loop is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides chilled water for cooling the beam surfaces and simultaneously enables condensation control by allowing water circulation through the condensation control mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate loops for each function.
2Area of stationary object
If extensive piping is installed for chilled beam systems, then cooling coverage is improved, but material and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the chilled water distribution and condensation control into a single piping system, the patent reduces the total amount of piping required. The same pipes that deliver chilled water also serve the condensation control function, eliminating redundant piping infrastructure and reducing both material and installation costs.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional pumping systems are used, then water circulation is maintained, but pumping energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a condensation control mechanism that utilizes the natural flow characteristics and pressure differentials within the single water loop to regulate water circulation. The condensation control valve automatically modulates based on condensation detection, eliminating the need for high-energy conventional pumping systems with complex control mechanisms.
4Productivity
If chilled water temperature is reduced for better cooling, then cooling efficiency improves, but condensation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a condensation detection system that provides feedback to the condensation control valve. When condensation is detected on the beam surfaces, the system automatically modulates the water flow through the condensation control mechanism to prevent further condensation, allowing the use of lower chilled water temperatures for improved cooling efficiency without excessive condensation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation control valve acts as an intermediary between the chilled water supply and the beam surfaces. It regulates and modulates the water flow to maintain optimal temperature conditions that prevent condensation while still allowing efficient cooling to occur.
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, decreases piping costs, enhances chiller efficiency, and allows for flexible response to varying load conditions, thereby improving the overall performance and acceptance of chilled-beam technology.
Implementation Method 1
They incorporate a chilled coil or plate and rely on natural convection and radiant heat transfer to condition the space
Implementation Method 2
They incorporate a chilled coil or plate and rely on natural convection and radiant heat transfer to condition the space
Implementation Method 3
They typically work with a reverse chimney effect, meaning that the cooler air near the beam's chilled surface has a higher density than the surrounding air and therefore the cool air flows downward to the occupied space
Implementation Method 4
The zone pump can be mounted in the supply portion of the conduit or in the return portion of the conduit
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 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.