Fresh Air Plenum Pressure-Gradient Mixing for Low-Energy Fan Coils
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fan coil units lack an efficient method to utilize fresh ambient air for improving their operational efficiency, leading to suboptimal air conditioning performance and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fresh air plenum module is introduced, which connects to the fan coil unit and air handling unit, using a pressure gradient generated by outdoor air flow to induce conditioned air circulation, enabling enhanced airflow and reduced energy consumption through three operational modes: induction, boost, and eco modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fan coil units operate without fresh air injection, then the fan must run continuously to maintain air circulation, but this leads to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fresh air plenum module as an intermediary component that connects the air handling unit to the fan coil unit. This module includes a merging volume where fresh air from the AHU mixes with conditioned air from the FCU, creating a pressure gradient that drives air circulation through the FCU coil without requiring the FCU fan to operate continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining air circulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by creating a pressure gradient through the injection of fresh air into the merging volume. The pressure differential (higher pressure in the merging volume relative to the FCU outlet) drives the airflow through the FCU coil passively, eliminating the need for continuous fan operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective air circulation
2Productivity
If the fan coil unit operates in traditional mode, then air conditioning is provided, but the operational efficiency is suboptimal due to continuous fan operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the fresh air plenum module automatically generates the driving force for air circulation through pressure gradient formation. The mixed air flow from the merging volume self-drivenly pulls air through the FCU coil, eliminating the need for continuous fan operation and achieving air conditioning with reduced energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the FCU by introducing a new operating mode where the FCU fan operates intermittently or at reduced speed. The pressure gradient parameter, created by fresh air injection, replaces the fan as the primary driving force, fundamentally changing how air circulation is achieved and improving overall system efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fresh air plenum module is added to existing fan coil units, then fresh air injection capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air handling system by introducing a separate, modular fresh air plenum module that can be added to existing FCUs. This segmentation allows the fresh air injection function to be implemented as a distinct component with standardized connections, minimizing integration complexity while maximizing adaptability and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The fresh air plenum module is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with various existing FCU models. The module performs multiple functions: mixing fresh air with conditioned air, generating pressure gradient, and enabling both traditional and energy-efficient operating modes, thereby providing high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
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 fresh air plenum module increases the airflow rate through the fan coil unit by up to 300% and reduces energy consumption by allowing air conditioning without fan operation, improving efficiency and providing a new mode of operation with reduced energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a flow of the outdoor air from the second inlet through the merging volume to the outlet generates a pressure gradient which induces a flow of conditioned air through the first inlet and into the fresh air plenum module from the fan coil unit
Implementation Method 2
the flow of outdoor air through the merging volume induces an airflow through the fan coil unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fresh air plenum module (10) for attachment to a fan coil unit (12) for introducing air from an outdoor setting, wherein the fresh air plenum module includes: a first inlet (14) for connection to an outlet (24) of the fan coil unit; a second inlet (16) for connection to an air handling unit; an outlet (18) for discharge of the outdoor air and the conditioned air; and a merging volume (20) in communication with the first inlet, the second inlet and the outlet; in use, a flow of the outdoor air from the second inlet through the merging volume to the outlet generates a pressure gradient which induces a flow of air through the first inlet and into the fresh air plenum module from the fan coil unit.