Air system
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently handling outdoor air ventilation, requiring energy conditioning, safety protocols for servicing, adaptability to changing conditions, and efficient energy use, especially in compact installations without auxiliary heating or cooling inputs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, self-contained air system with a closed refrigerant loop, including a compressor, energy exchange devices, and a specific piping layout for refrigerant control, allowing for psychrometric and non-psychrometric air handling, and enabling easy installation and maintenance without 'hot work' permits, with energy exchange devices for efficient heating and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional HVAC equipment is used to condition outdoor air, then the air can be heated or cooled to proper temperature and humidity, but the equipment requires large cabinet volume and footprint, exterior mounting on roof, or split configuration needing separate remotely located components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outdoor air handler, energy recovery device, and refrigeration system into a single integrated packaged unit. This merging of previously separate components (outdoor air intake, conditioning equipment, and energy recovery systems) allows the system to provide full HVAC functionality while reducing overall footprint and eliminating the need for exterior mounting or split configurations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compressor servicing follows traditional safety protocols, then fire safety is ensured, but the process requires hot work permits, presence of two knowledgeable persons, fire extinguisher, and documentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brazing process with an electronic quick-connect system for compressor replacement. The quick-connect fittings allow the compressor to be disconnected and reconnected without torch brazing, eliminating the need for hot work permits, fire safety personnel, and fire extinguishers while maintaining safety through sealed electrical and refrigerant connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor air is brought into the building for ventilation, then healthier air is provided, but energy must be expended to condition the air to proper temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the energy recovery device to capture waste energy from exhaust air and transfer it to incoming outdoor air. This converts the previously harmful waste energy into a beneficial resource that pre-conditions the outdoor air, reducing the energy burden on the refrigeration system and lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining proper temperature and humidity control.
4Device complexity
If the same equipment handles both heating and cooling of incoming air, then auxiliary inputs like electric heaters are eliminated, but the outside air has much larger temperature swing than building air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reversible refrigeration cycle that can operate in both heating and cooling modes by reversing the direction of refrigerant flow. This parameter change in the refrigeration system's operational state allows the same equipment to handle the large temperature swings of outdoor air in both directions (heating in winter, cooling in summer) without requiring auxiliary heating or cooling inputs.
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 efficient air conditioning and heating of incoming air over a wide temperature range without auxiliary inputs, reduces installation complexity and safety risks, and allows for accurate airflow measurement and control, enhancing energy efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor, a first energy exchange device, an expansion device, and a second energy exchange device each positioned in or along the enclosure and connected in a closed refrigerant loop
Implementation Method 2
a first energy exchange device, an expansion device, and a second energy exchange device each positioned in or along the enclosure and connected in a closed refrigerant loop
Implementation Method 3
a third energy exchange device positioned in or along the enclosure for exchanging energy between the psychrometrically controlled air and the non-psychrometrically controlled air
Implementation Method 4
a compressor, a first energy exchange device, an expansion device, and a second energy exchange device each positioned in or along the enclosure and connected in a closed refrigerant loop
Implementation Method 5
a compressor, a first energy exchange device, an expansion device, and a second energy exchange device each positioned in or along the enclosure and connected in a closed refrigerant loop
Data Source
AI summary
An air system includes an enclosure. A compressor, a first energy exchange device, an expansion device, and a second energy exchange device are each positioned in or along the enclosure and connected in a closed refrigerant loop. A first inlet receives air being psychrometrically controlled in the enclosure from a first source. A first outlet removes the psychrometrically controlled air from the enclosure. A second inlet receives air being non-psychrometrically controlled in the enclosure from a second source. A second outlet removes the non-psychrometrically controlled air from the enclosure. A third energy exchange device positioned in or along the enclosure exchanges energy between the psychrometrically controlled air and the non-psychrometrically controlled air. The enclosure is adapted for insertion through an opening having opposed parallel sides having a dimension of 36 inches or less.