Compact Fan Coil and Condensing Unit for High Static Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems, particularly heat pump units and water cooled split systems, occupy excessive space due to their large size, posing design challenges in high-rise buildings and requiring dedicated closets, and commercially available fan coil units are limited by low static pressure drops when filters or extensive ductwork are needed.
Innovation Solution
A compact condensing unit and fan coil system is developed, with the condensing unit measuring 38″ W×17″ H×11″ D and the fan coil unit capable of handling up to 0.7″ of external static pressure drop, allowing for installation in smaller spaces such as clothing closets and incorporating high-efficiency MERV 13 filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a typical commercial-sized water cooled condensing unit is used (3-6 tons capacity), then sufficient cooling capacity is provided, but the unit size becomes large (e.g., 40'' H by 31'' W by 22'' D) requiring dedicated closets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by scaling down the condensing unit to a smaller capacity range (1-3 tons) that matches typical apartment requirements, thereby reducing the physical dimensions from commercial sizes (40'' H x 31'' W x 22'' D) to residential sizes (38'' W x 17'' H x 11'' D) while maintaining adequate cooling performance for the target application
2Ease of operation
If commercially available fan coil units are used, then cooling is provided, but the external static pressure drop is limited to low values (0.25'') which creates problems when filters are required or extensive ductwork is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the external static pressure drop capability from the conventional 0.25'' to 0.7'', enabling the fan coil unit to overcome the resistance introduced by MERV 13 filters and extensive ductwork while maintaining adequate airflow for effective cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling system for use in high-rise residential and commercial buildings may include a condensing unit having dimensions no greater than 12 inches deep by 40 inches wide by 20 inches tall and a fan coil unit coupled to the condensing unit via refrigeration tubing. The fan coil unit may have dimensions of no greater than 14 inches deep by 43 inches wide by 11 inches tall. The condensing unit may include a condenser water connection, a refrigeration tubing connection, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The fan coil unit may include a filter rack configured to hold a MERV 13 filter, two in-line high-pressure fans, and at least one access panel on a bottom surface of the fan coil unit.