Flexible HVAC Air Distribution Device for Temperature Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems in vehicles, such as sleeper cabs, face inefficiencies in air distribution, leading to increased energy consumption and discomfort due to high velocity air jets conditioning unnecessary areas and the use of rigid ductwork that is difficult to relocate and can pose hazards.
Innovation Solution
A flexible air distribution device with a permeable front side and stiff back side that directs low velocity conditioned air to specific regions within a larger volume, reducing energy intensity and allowing for customization and safe interaction, while being easily retrofitted into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high velocity jets of air are used for air distribution, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but energy consumption increases and unnecessary areas are over conditioned
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple directional nozzles that can be independently controlled. Each nozzle directs conditioned air to specific zones within the sleeper cab, allowing targeted temperature control rather than conditioning the entire volume. This segmentation enables uniform temperature distribution in occupied areas while avoiding energy waste in unoccupied spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality control by directing high velocity air jets only to specific local regions where occupants are present. The directional nozzles allow the system to adapt air distribution to local conditions, providing uniform temperature distribution where needed while leaving other areas unconditioned, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
2Productivity
If rigid ductwork is used for air conveyance, then air distribution is effective, but the system is difficult to relocate and poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces rigid, fixed ductwork with dynamic, adjustable air distribution components. The directional nozzles can be repositioned and reoriented to adapt to different sleeper cab configurations and occupancy patterns. This dynamic approach maintains effective air distribution while enabling easy relocation and adaptation to various spatial arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs flexible air conveyance components instead of rigid ductwork. These flexible elements can be easily installed, relocated, and adjusted within the sleeper cab environment, maintaining effective air distribution while eliminating the safety hazards and relocation difficulties associated with rigid ductwork.
3Productivity
If rigid ductwork is used for air conveyance, then air distribution is effective, but the system presents safety hazards to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces rigid ductwork with flexible air distribution components that eliminate safety hazards. These flexible elements can be safely positioned within the sleeper cab without posing impact risks to occupants, while still maintaining effective air distribution through strategically placed directional nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rigid ductwork component from the system and replaces it with safer alternatives. By removing the hazardous rigid elements and using flexible air conveyance methods with directional nozzles, the system maintains air distribution effectiveness while eliminating safety risks to occupants.
4Temperature
If physical barriers are used to create temperature zones, then temperature control is achieved, but the space feels claustrophobic and interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic air distribution through directional nozzles to create temperature zones without physical barriers. Conditioned air is directed to specific regions using controlled air jets, establishing thermal boundaries that are invisible and non-intrusive. This approach maintains open space feel and full occupant interaction while achieving effective temperature control in different zones.
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 solution provides efficient thermal stratification and customized air distribution, reducing energy consumption and enhancing occupant comfort without the need for physical barriers, while being safe and easily installable.
Implementation Method 1
HVAC air distribution device to promote temperature stratification
Implementation Method 2
The front side of the device is configured with a permeable structure so that air may flow from an interior portion of the device to an external portion of the device position on the outside of the device front side external to the interior portion when a pressure differential exists
Implementation Method 3
rapid air movement within the lightly insulated walls of a vehicle can increase the convective heat transfer coefficient
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC air distribution device to promote temperature stratification within a larger volume. The device comprised of a front side coupled to a back side defining a cavity for directing a flow of air. The front side comprised of a pliable material and configured for the distribution of the flow of air within the channel. Accordingly, the front side comprises an air permeable portion to release flow from the channel to provide a low velocity of uniform air flow across a length of the device. This low velocity uniform air flow encourages temperature stratification within a distinct area of the larger volume to increase comfort of an occupant and promote efficiency of HVAC systems.