Compact Water-Cooled Split HVAC for High-Rise Space Constraints
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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 HVAC system comprising a smaller condensing unit measuring 38″ W×17″ H×11″ D and a fan coil unit capable of handling up to 0.7″ external static pressure drop, allowing for reduced space requirements and flexible installation, including the option to fit within a standard clothing closet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical heat pump unit is used in high-rise buildings, then the system provides heating and cooling functionality, but it requires a dedicated closet with clear inside dimensions of at least 30 inches by 30 inches (over 10 square feet of valuable space)
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a condensing unit and a fan-coil unit. The condensing unit contains the compressor and condenser, while the fan-coil unit contains the evaporator and fan. This segmentation allows the condensing unit to be placed in a dedicated closet and the fan-coil unit to be distributed to different locations, reducing the need for large dedicated spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single vertical heat pump unit occupying floor space to a split system where components can be arranged in different spatial dimensions. The condensing unit can be placed vertically in a closet while the fan-coil unit is positioned horizontally in the conditioned space, optimizing space utilization across multiple dimensions.
2Productivity
If a water cooled split system with a commercial-sized condensing unit is used, then the system provides sufficient cooling capacity, but the condensing unit dimensions are still relatively large (40″ H by 31″ W by 22″ D)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the condensing unit, specifically optimizing the refrigerant flow rate, condensing temperature, and compressor capacity to match the actual cooling load requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves sufficient cooling capacity with a smaller condensing unit volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified version of the commercial condensing unit design, copying only the essential components (compressor, condenser, refrigerant lines) and eliminating unnecessary features. This allows the system to achieve the required cooling capacity with a more compact design.
3Ease of operation
If a commercially available fan coil unit is used, then the unit is designed for low static pressure drops (0.25″ ESP), but this creates problems when filters are required or there is a need for extensive ductwork
Solution Approach 1:
The fan coil unit is designed with a dynamic fan system that can adjust its operating characteristics based on the system requirements. The fan can operate at different speeds and pressure levels, allowing the unit to handle both low static pressure applications and high static pressure applications with filters and extensive ductwork.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the static pressure parameter of the fan coil unit from the conventional 0.25″ ESP to a higher value that can accommodate filters and extensive ductwork. This parameter change allows the unit to maintain adequate airflow performance even when operating against higher resistance from filters and long duct runs.
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 compact HVAC system effectively provides 3 tons of cooling or less, minimizing space needs and enabling installation in smaller spaces, such as clothing closets, while accommodating higher static pressure drops for improved filter usage and ductwork compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
water cooled split system
Implementation Method 2
condensing unit
Implementation Method 3
capable of handling up to 0.7″ external static pressure drop
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling system for use in high-rise residential and commercial buildings may include 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.