Dual-Outlet Fan Convector for Uniform Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan convectors are inefficient in both cooling and heating modes due to the fixed position of air intake and discharge openings, leading to uneven temperature distribution and comfort issues, as hot and cold air behave differently in terms of density and natural stratification.
Innovation Solution
A fan convector design with a movable valve system that alternates the discharge of air through two openings, allowing air to be directed either upwards or downwards based on the operating mode, ensuring uniform heating and cooling by intercepting the airflow and redirecting it through either the upper or lower delivery opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is discharged from the upper opening in heating mode, then the hot air can be delivered to the room, but the hot air rises towards the ceiling causing uneven temperature distribution and reduced comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable valve system that dynamically switches between two delivery openings based on operating mode. In heating mode, the valve directs air flow through the lower delivery opening so that hot air is discharged downwards and distributes evenly throughout the room, avoiding the problem of hot air rising to the ceiling. This dynamic configuration change resolves the contradiction between temperature distribution uniformity and heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the air delivery function into two separate openings: an upper delivery opening for cooling mode and a lower delivery opening for heating mode. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function, with the lower opening enabling proper hot air distribution in heating mode without compromising cooling performance in summer mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed opening configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fan convector cannot be used efficiently in both cooling and heating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal air handling system that can efficiently perform both cooling and heating functions by incorporating a valve mechanism with two delivery openings. The same device structure serves dual purposes: the upper delivery opening optimizes cooling mode performance while the lower delivery opening optimizes heating mode performance, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate devices for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple dynamic valve system that switches between two fixed configurations rather than using complex adjustable mechanisms. The valve has discrete positions for heating and cooling modes, providing adaptability through simple positional changes rather than continuous adjustment, thus maintaining relatively low device complexity while achieving dual-mode operation capability.
3Ease of operation
If hot air is discharged upwards in heating mode, then the delivery opening position is fixed and simple, but vertical temperature gradients increase causing comfort reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air delivery function by providing separate upper and lower delivery openings for different operating modes. In heating mode, the lower delivery opening discharges hot air downwards, creating proper vertical temperature distribution. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex airflow direction control mechanisms while effectively reducing vertical temperature gradients and improving thermal comfort.
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 design achieves uniform temperature distribution and improved comfort by minimizing vertical temperature gradients, optimizing the efficiency of the fan group and heat exchanger, and reducing costs, with temperature differences reduced from 4-5°C to 1-2°C in winter conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a finned heat exchanger is housed, which is equipped with a coil, for the circulation of a heat exchange fluid
Implementation Method 2
a fan group that creates a forced convection of the air through the finned exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a fan group that creates a forced convection of the air through the finned exchanger from a lower intake opening to an upper delivery opening
Implementation Method 4
valve means to intercept the flow of air towards the delivery openings and allow the discharge of the air alternatively through the first delivery opening or the second delivery opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fan convector (1) suitable for operating in cooling and heating mode and equipped with a casing (2) with: an intake opening (11) arranged at the lower end of the casing (2), a first delivery opening (21) arranged at the upper end of the casing (2), a second delivery opening (22) arranged on a front side of the casing (2) and a heat exchanger (3) and a fan group (4) housed in said casing (2). The fan group (4) is intended to suck air from the intake opening (11) and discharge air towards the heat exchanger (3) and from this towards the delivery openings (21, 22). The casing (2) also comprises valve means (50) to intercept the flow of air flowing towards the delivery openings (21, 22) and allow the discharge of the air alternatively from the first delivery opening (21) or from the second delivery opening (22). The valve means (50) is also mobile between a first position associated with a heating operating mode of the fan convector and a second position associated with a cooling operating mode of the fan convector. In the heating operating mode the valve means (50) is in a position such that the air sucked in by the fan group (4) and treated by the heat exchanger is discharged from the second delivery opening (22), whereas in the second cooling mode, the valve means (50) is in a position such that the air sucked in by the fan group (4) and treated by the heat exchanger (3) is discharged from the first delivery opening (21).