Portable Coil Cleaning Machine with Segmented Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC installations face inefficiencies due to deposits and oxidized coatings on coils, which reduce heat exchange efficiency and require regular cleaning to maintain operational costs and extend equipment life.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained coil cleaning machine with separate tanks for water and cleaning chemicals, an electrical system for pressurized delivery, and interchangeable nozzles for various spray patterns and flow rates, allowing for efficient cleaning of both outdoor and indoor coils, including those in ductwork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable, self-contained coil cleaning machine is used, then mobility and accessibility to remote ductwork coils are improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated operating components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided vertically into compartments with two upper side-by-side top loading compartments defining a water tank and a chemical tank, and two side-by-side lower compartments with one enclosing electric power components and the other enclosing plumbing components. This segmentation allows for organized storage and easy maintenance of different system components while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to clean both outdoor coils and indoor coils located within ductwork, and can be used in other applications such as agricultural spraying. The electrical system provides for either battery or line power operation, and the plumbing system can deliver water, chemical, or a mixture of them, making the device universally applicable to multiple cleaning scenarios.
2Reliability
If separate tanks for water and chemical are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two upper side-by-side top loading compartments define a water tank and a chemical tank separately. This segmentation allows for independent filling, storage, and delivery of water and chemical solutions, ensuring that each cleaning agent can be delivered in the correct proportions and conditions for optimal cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The plumbing system integrates water and chemical delivery through selector valves and fluid lines that can deliver either water or chemical or a mixture of them. This merging of delivery systems allows for flexible cleaning options while maintaining the benefits of separate storage tanks.
3Ease of operation
If battery power is used for backpacked arrangement, then accessibility to remote ductwork coils is improved, but weight and power limitations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system provides for either battery or line power operation of an electric pump. This dual power source capability allows the machine to be used in remote locations with battery power while also being operable from line power when available, providing flexibility that reduces the need for heavy battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source can be dynamically selected between battery and line power based on the working conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the operator to choose the appropriate power source for each situation, optimizing both portability and power availability without being constrained by a single heavy battery system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an array of interchangeable nozzles is used, then adaptability to different coil types and locations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An array of interchangeable nozzles provides for selection of spray pattern and flow rate appropriate to location and type of coil being cleaned. This universal nozzle array allows a single device to effectively clean various coil types (outdoor condenser coils, indoor evaporator coils) and adapt to different cleaning requirements without needing multiple specialized devices.
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 machine enables time and labor-efficient routine maintenance, optimizing thermal efficiency and extending the life of HVAC equipment by effectively removing deposits and coatings from coils.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical system provides for either battery or line power operation of an electric pump for pressurized delivery of cleaning water and cleaning chemical
Implementation Method 2
delivering either water or chemical or a mixture of them for cleaning coils
Implementation Method 3
An array of interchangeable nozzles provides for selection of spray pattern and flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for cleaning coils in HVAC installations including particularly the coils located in outdoor HVAC units and coils located in interior ductwork the machine comprising a shell housing enclosing cleaning fluids, an electrical system for line power or battery operation, and a fluid control system for selecting cleaning fluid and the pressure and volume of fluid applied in cleaning coils.