Compact Heat Exchanger Layout for Flexible Residential Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for residential buildings face challenges in efficiently managing temperature and humidity, particularly in varying climates, and require complex configurations with separate air channels for bypasses, leading to inefficiencies and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system with parallel air-to-air plate heat exchangers and adjustable vanes allows for independent control of airflow paths, enabling flexible operation of HRV and ERV units, and incorporates a compact design with integrated bypasses without separate channels, enhancing energy efficiency and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate air channels are provided for bypasses in ventilation systems, then airflow control flexibility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bypass function with the main heat exchanger structure by providing bypass openings directly in the heat exchanger plates. This integration eliminates the need for separate bypass air channels while maintaining the ability to divert airflow around the heat exchanger when needed, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing airflow control flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger plates serve multiple functions: they act as both the primary heat exchange surface and as the structure containing bypass openings. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both heat transfer and airflow diversion, reducing the overall number of components needed in the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate air channels are provided for bypasses in ventilation systems, then airflow control flexibility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass function is merged into the heat exchanger structure itself through bypass openings in the plates. This eliminates the need for separate bypass channels that would occupy additional space, allowing the system to maintain airflow control flexibility within the existing heat exchanger volume
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass openings are nested within the heat exchanger plate structure, utilizing the existing plate geometry to provide bypass functionality. This nesting approach allows the bypass feature to be contained within the overall heat exchanger footprint without requiring additional external space
3Loss of energy
If HRV and ERV units are combined in serial configuration, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines HRV and ERV units in a serial configuration within a single integrated housing. The first heat exchanger (HRV) and second heat exchanger (ERV) are arranged in sequence, allowing exhaust air to pass through both units before being discharged. This merging approach maintains energy efficiency by maximizing heat recovery while keeping the system contained within one compact unit
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves as a universal container for both HRV and ERV functions, with a single control system managing both heat exchangers. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform both sensible heat recovery (HRV) and latent heat recovery (ERV) without requiring separate system controls or multiple independent units
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 system provides precise control over temperature and humidity, adapts to varying weather conditions, and reduces space requirements while maintaining energy efficiency, allowing for flexible use of HRV and ERV units without separate air channels.
Implementation Method 1
An HRV unit exchanges sensible heat between two air streams. In this way, it is possible to heat up the incoming air flow in winter and cool it down in summer.
Implementation Method 2
An ERV unit exchanges energy between two air streams and can transfer both sensible heat and latent heat. In this way, it is possible to heat up and/or humidify the incoming air flow in winter and cool down and/or dehumidify it in summer.
Implementation Method 3
An ERV unit exchanges energy between two air streams and can transfer both sensible heat and latent heat.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ventilation system for a residential building. The ventilation system comprises a compact heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises: a housing through which two flow paths pass and at least one air-to-air plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can further be provided with: a condensation discharge that allows several mutually orthogonal orientations of the heat exchanger; an angled filter unit in combination with a plurality of inlets per flow path; and/or a plurality of valves in combination with a plurality of air-to-air plate heat exchangers for avoiding a physical bypass channel. Furthermore, a mounting bracket can be provided for the heat exchanger that allows simplified mounting on a ceiling.