External Recirculation Air Supply for Compact Indoor Air Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems require significant installation space due to their complex design, making them unsuitable for spaces with limited structural availability, and they often generate noticeable noise and lack flexibility in operation.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning system design relocates essential recirculation components outside the housing, allowing for compact dimensions and noise reduction, with optional configurations that include a decentralized setup and passive air recirculation mode, utilizing a circulating air supply device with a silencer and adjustable air flow control to enhance efficiency and quiet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If all recirculation components are integrated inside the housing, then the system structure is compact and simple, but the housing dimensions become too large for confined installation spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system is segmented into two parts: essential components (heat exchanger, fan) remain inside the housing, while the recirculation air inlet is separated and positioned outside the housing. This allows the housing to maintain a compact size while the external inlet can be strategically placed in confined spaces or architectural features like floor gaps or wall cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation air inlet is extracted from the housing and repositioned externally. This extracted component can be installed in locations that would be inaccessible to a fully integrated system, such as through floor standing units with pot-shaped inlets or via flexible hoses connected to remote locations, thereby improving installation flexibility without increasing housing volume.
2Device complexity
If the air conveying device is placed inside the housing, then the system structure is simplified, but the operating noise becomes noticeable in the room
Solution Approach 1:
The air conveying device (fan) is extracted from the housing and repositioned externally as part of the recirculation unit. This physical separation removes the primary noise source from the living space, allowing the system to operate quietly while the housing remains structurally simple. The external positioning of the fan enables noise isolation without requiring complex internal acoustic treatments.
3Temperature
If a fully equipped air handling unit is used for recirculation, then the heating capacity is sufficient, but the system becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation unit merges the external air inlet with the existing heat exchanger inside the housing. Room air is drawn through the external inlet, passed through the heat exchanger (which can be a simple radiator or heat pump), and returned to the room. This combined approach achieves sufficient heating capacity using existing components rather than requiring a separate, fully equipped air handling unit, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary heating/cooling device for outside air and the heat exchange component for recirculated room air. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for duplicate heat exchange equipment, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining adequate heating capacity for both ventilation and recirculation modes.
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 configuration enables a space-saving, quiet, and flexible air conditioning system that can be easily implemented in cramped spaces, with the ability to adapt to varying operational needs, such as increased heat output without additional equipment and optional air recirculation modes for enhanced comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
fan-type air conveying device
Implementation Method 3
the recirculated air passing through the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An air-circulation device (21) has a feed device (22) for circulating air that fits outside a casing (6) and has an intake (41) for circulating air. The feed device for circulating air has a sound absorber (27) and a blocking device (25) for circulating air, especially a flap (26) for circulating air. An independent claim is also included for a method for cooling, heating or ventilating a room.