Electric air handling unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air handling units in automotive manufacturing facilities rely on fossil fuels for heating, which is not environmentally friendly, and there is a need for an electric alternative that operates solely on electricity.
Innovation Solution
An electric air handling unit with an electric heating coil assembly, an electric heating control panel, and a first disconnect switch that enables and isolates electrical power flow, housed in a compartmentalized system with maintenance access to facilitate efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems are used in air handling units, then heating function is provided, but emissions are generated and environmental friendliness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical combustion-based heating system with an electric heating system. The electric heating coil assembly replaces the fossil fuel burner, eliminating combustion processes and associated emissions while providing the same heating function through electrical energy conversion to thermal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental energy source parameter from chemical energy (fossil fuels) to electrical energy. This parameter change transforms the heating mechanism from combustion to resistive heating, thereby eliminating harmful emissions while maintaining effective heating capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electric heating coil assembly is used instead of fossil fuel heating, then emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air handling unit into distinct functional compartments, including a dedicated electric heating compartment and maintenance compartment. This segmentation organizes the electric heating components separately, making the system more manageable and easier to maintain despite the increased complexity of electric heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control panel as an intermediary device that manages the electric heating coil assembly. The control panel receives signals, regulates power delivery to the heating coils, and provides user interface functions, thereby simplifying the overall system control and reducing the operational complexity of the electric heating system.
3Ease of operation
If disconnect switch is located external to control panel housing, then safety and ease of maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the disconnect switch from the control panel housing, placing it in an externally accessible location. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and operate the disconnect switch without opening the control panel housing, improving safety and maintenance efficiency while adding a separate structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the disconnect switch to a different spatial dimension relative to the control panel - specifically, external to the housing rather than internal. This dimensional relocation provides external accessibility for safety and maintenance purposes while maintaining a compact internal control panel structure.
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 electric air handling unit provides a fossil fuel-free heating solution for manufacturing facilities, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions by utilizing electricity for heating, while ensuring safe maintenance practices.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating coil assembly including at least one electric heating coil
Data Source
AI summary
An electric air handling unit for a vehicle manufacturing facility includes an electric heating coil assembly including at least one electric heating coil, an electric heating control panel configured to receive electrical power from a power distribution panel of the air handling unit and supply the electrical power to the electric heating coil assembly, and a first disconnect switch coupled between the power distribution panel and the electric heating control panel. The first disconnect switch is located external to a housing of the electric heating control panel, and the first disconnect switch is configured to selectively enable flow of the electrical power from the power distribution panel to the electric heating control panel and electrically isolate the electric heating control panel from the electric heating control panel.