Chilled Solution HVAC Loop for Lower Refrigerant and Peak Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems consume significant energy, leading to high demand charges and inefficiencies due to multiple independent condensing units and refrigerant usage, which results in peak energy consumption and refrigerant-related hazards.
Innovation Solution
A compact chilled or heated solution system replaces traditional air-to-air HVAC systems, utilizing a biodegradable proprietary fluid in a closed loop that reduces refrigerant use and energy demand by sequencing condensing units and eliminating refrigerant lines within the building, with a digital controller for dynamic temperature modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional air-to-air HVAC systems with multiple independent condensing units are used, then temperature regulation is achieved, but energy consumption and demand charges increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent condensing units and air handlers into a single centralized HVAC system with one condensing unit serving multiple air handlers through a shared refrigerant distribution network. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and optimizes energy usage by coordinating the operation of multiple air handlers through a single controller, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature regulation across the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized condensing unit serves multiple functions by providing cooling to multiple different air handlers and zones simultaneously. The system uses a universal refrigerant distribution network that can serve various air handlers with different cooling demands, making the single condensing unit multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple separate condensing units, thus reducing energy consumption.
2Power
If multiple independent condensing units operate simultaneously, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but demand charges increase due to peak energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the operation of multiple air handlers based on real-time cooling demands of different zones. The single controller activates only the necessary air handlers and modulates their operation accordingly, rather than running all condensing units simultaneously. This dynamic operation maintains sufficient cooling capacity while avoiding peak energy consumption that triggers demand charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized system maintains continuous cooling capacity through coordinated operation of multiple air handlers served by a single condensing unit. Rather than having multiple independent units that may all operate at peak demand simultaneously, the system ensures continuous useful cooling action is distributed across multiple zones while optimizing the timing and intensity of operation to avoid demand charge peaks.
3Temperature
If refrigerant lines are installed within the building for air-to-air systems, then cooling is delivered to conditioned spaces, but refrigerant-related hazards and leaks become a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refrigerant distribution network from the building's conditioned spaces by relocating the condensing unit and refrigerant lines to exterior locations. The system delivers cooling to indoor spaces through air handlers that receive conditioned air without requiring refrigerant lines to penetrate occupied areas. This extraction of refrigerant infrastructure from the building interior eliminates the hazard of refrigerant leaks in occupied spaces while maintaining effective cooling delivery.
4Extent of automation
If extensive electrical connections are made to existing HVAC systems for control purposes, then system control is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a centralized controller as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple air handlers through a simplified control architecture. Rather than requiring extensive electrical connections between multiple independent condensing units and controllers, the single controller manages all air handlers through a unified control system, reducing electrical complexity while maintaining advanced automation and coordination capabilities.
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 significantly reduces energy consumption, extends equipment life, lowers electrical demand, eliminates refrigerant hazards, and achieves up to 60% reduction in refrigerant usage, while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures with improved load factors and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger, cools the refrigerant by a proprietary fluid
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant changes to gas and evaporates, it extracts heat from the cooling solution
Implementation Method 3
the chilled solution enters the building and its air handlers and adjusts the air temperature to the desired level
Data Source
AI summary
An improved, energy-efficient HVAC system and method of use employing a solution that is run parallel to refrigerant lines in a chiller unit. The solution is directed through the chiller unit through its proximity to chilled refrigerant wherein the chilled solution, rather than refrigerant, enters an air handler or an air pump and used to adjust the air temperature to a desired level. The system and method permits the place of a refrigerant based system external an enclosed building and a non refrigerant based system position internal the enclosed building.