Condensate Discharge Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently managing condensate, leading to potential drainage issues and reduced condenser efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a condensate discharge tray that directs condensate over the condenser in a dispersed fashion, utilizing longitudinal tanks and spillways with apertures to facilitate evaporation, thereby minimizing drainage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If condensate is collected in a drain pan and removed through a drain plug, then condensate is effectively removed from the system, but drainage infrastructure is required and condenser efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drainage requirement entirely from the system by eliminating the need for drain plugs and drainage infrastructure. Instead of collecting condensate in a drain pan for later removal, the system directly evaporates condensate at the source on the condenser surface, removing the harmful liquid phase without requiring any drainage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser surface serves its own condensate management function by evaporating condensate directly on its surface. The condenser's thermal energy, which would otherwise be wasted, is utilized to evaporate the condensate, making the system self-sufficient for condensate removal without external drainage infrastructure.
2Productivity
If condensate is discharged in a concentrated stream, then discharge is efficient, but condenser efficiency is reduced and drainage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the condensate discharge into multiple discrete locations across the condenser surface rather than allowing it to flow in a single concentrated stream. By creating numerous droplet discharge points distributed across the condenser, the system maintains efficient discharge while maximizing the surface area over which evaporation can occur, thereby preserving condenser efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local conditions to different regions of the condenser surface. Instead of uniform condensate flow, the system creates localized droplet formation and discharge at specific points across the surface. This local variation in discharge quality allows efficient evaporation in each local region while maintaining overall system efficiency.
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
This solution enhances condenser efficiency by evaporating condensate, reducing the need for drainage, and maintaining the HVAC system in a fully dry state.
Implementation Method 1
The condensate discharge tray includes a plurality of longitudinal spillways formed adjacent to the plurality of longitudinal tanks and aligned to deliver condensate in a dispersed fashion on the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
In a heating, ventilating, and cooling (HVAC) context, a condensate distribution tray is used to receive condensate produced by an evaporator coil and deliver the condensate in a distributed, controlled fashion to the condenser to evaporate the condensate. The condensate distribution tray may have a plurality of tanks for receiving condensate and a plurality of spillways for directing and controlling the rate of the condensate on the condenser. In some instances, a plurality of apertures in the spillways may be sized differently to control the rate of condensate delivery onto different portions of the condenser. Other systems and devices are presented.