Ductless Air Handler Vanes for Uniform Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air handling systems with ductwork face issues such as high installation and maintenance costs, uneven air distribution, increased energy consumption, and noise due to the need for field fabrication and higher-static fans, while ductless systems lack control over airflow and integration of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation safely.
Innovation Solution
The Johnson LITE 'Mini' Air Rotation unit is a ductless air handler with a base housing a fan, heating, and cooling elements, featuring adjustable vanes and a conduit system that allows for uniform airflow distribution without ducts, incorporating an optional ultraviolet germicidal irradiation chamber for pathogen elimination and sound-dampening materials for reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ductwork is used to distribute conditioned air, then air can be delivered to specific positions throughout a space, but installation costs increase due to required ductwork, cranes, and curbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ductwork component from the air handling system entirely. The air handler unit distributes conditioned air directly into the space without requiring ducts, eliminating the need for field-installed ductwork, cranes, and curbs while maintaining the core function of air distribution to various positions in the space.
Solution Approach 2:
The air handler unit incorporates multiple adjustable air outlets that can be independently directed to different positions throughout the space. This segmentation of air delivery points allows the system to achieve comprehensive air distribution without requiring a complex duct network.
2Ease of operation
If higher-static fans are used to overcome ductwork resistance, then air can be delivered through ducts, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the ductwork from the system, the patent eliminates the air resistance and pressure drop that ducts create. This allows the use of lower-static fans that consume less energy while still achieving effective air delivery directly into the space through multiple adjustable outlets.
3Ease of operation
If ductwork is installed to distribute air, then air can be conditioned and delivered, but sound levels increase due to fan noise and duct resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates ductwork from the system, removing the duct resonance and noise amplification effects that occur in traditional ducted systems. The direct air discharge into the space reduces overall sound levels while maintaining effective air conditioning capability.
4Power
If rooftop units with ductwork are used, then air handling capacity is sufficient for large spaces, but installation requires rooftop access and heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for rooftop installation by eliminating the need for ductwork and heavy structural support. The air handler unit can be installed in various locations including ground level, and distributes air directly without requiring cranes or specialized rooftop access equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple adjustable air outlets on the air handler unit that can be directed to different areas of the space. This segmented air distribution approach allows ground-level or flexible location installation while still achieving comprehensive coverage of large spaces.
5Ease of operation
If ductwork is used for air distribution, then air can be delivered to specific zones, but maintenance costs increase due to cleaning and repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ductwork from the system, eliminating the complex network of ducts that require regular cleaning, sealing, and repair. The open-air distribution system has fewer components that can fail or accumulate contaminants, significantly reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining zoned air delivery capability through adjustable outlets.
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 provides efficient, cost-effective, and quiet air handling with uniform airflow distribution, reduced installation time and energy consumption, and enhanced safety through adjustable vanes and integrated UV germicidal irradiation, addressing the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
integrate an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system within an air handler that takes advantage of the ultraviolet light proven to eliminate and deactivate airborne pathogens
Implementation Method 2
sound-dampening materials for reduced noise
Data Source
AI summary
The ductless air handling system draws return air from a low level and discharges conditioned supply air at a high level, thereby de-stratifying and covering a large area without the need for field-installed ductwork. The outlet is composed of a series of vertical and horizontal vanes with respective adjustable louvers and flaps as well as an integral turning vane. This outlet turns the airflow from vertical to horizontal, straightens the airflow and subsequently directs the airflow for uniform distribution throughout the space without the need for ductwork. Further, a germicidal irradiation chamber within the conduit connecting the base to the outlet can disinfect air as it is circulated by the air handler.