Heat exchanger unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger units for air conditioners, such as L-shaped and V-shaped designs, suffer from uneven air distribution and reduced heat exchange efficiency due to the orientation of their components, leading to suboptimal performance in limited installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
A V-shaped heat exchanger unit with a horizontally oriented centerline, featuring a connecting element at the apex to block fluid flow and guide condensation water, combined with backward curved centrifugal fans positioned downstream to ensure even air distribution and a compact design, and optionally a guide blade and drain pan for improved efficiency and water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an L-shaped heat exchanger is used, then the heat exchanger can be installed in a compact space, but the air distribution becomes uneven and the heat exchange surface is relatively small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional orientation of the heat exchanger by positioning the apex horizontally rather than vertically, and by directing airflow toward the opening rather than the apex. This inversion creates more uniform air distribution across the heat exchange surface while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for ceiling installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical L-shaped configuration to a horizontal V-shaped configuration, effectively changing the spatial dimension in which the heat exchanger operates. This dimensional change allows for better air distribution while maintaining a compact footprint for installation in limited spaces.
2Length of stationary object
If a V-shaped heat exchanger with horizontally oriented centerline is used, then the height is reduced and heat exchange surface is increased, but the air distribution remains uneven due to fan positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional fan positioning and airflow direction by placing the fan downstream and directing airflow toward the opening of the V-shape rather than toward the apex. This reversal creates a pressure gradient that promotes uniform air distribution across the entire heat exchange surface, eliminating the uneven distribution problem of previous designs.
3Speed
If the fan is positioned to blow air towards the apex of the V-shaped heat exchanger, then the air flow is directed through the heat exchanger, but the air distribution becomes uneven leading to reduced heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the airflow direction by positioning the fan downstream and directing air toward the opening rather than the apex. This inversion creates a pressure gradient that distributes air more uniformly across the heat exchange surface, improving heat exchange efficiency while maintaining adequate airflow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different flow conditions to different regions of the heat exchanger by directing airflow toward the opening, which creates a pressure gradient that naturally distributes air more uniformly across the entire heat exchange surface, including areas that were previously under-utilized.
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 achieves more even air distribution and higher heat exchange efficiency, reduces the unit's height, and minimizes noise and weight while maintaining high airflow rates, effectively addressing the limitations of prior designs.
Implementation Method 1
backward curved centrifugal fans which are configured to induce a flow of the fluid through the duct in a flow direction
Implementation Method 2
the fans are configured to induce a flow of the fluid through the duct in a flow direction
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger to be flown through by the fluid flowing through the duct by means of the fan/-s
Implementation Method 4
a connecting element connecting an upper and a lower heat exchanger portion at the apex and blocking the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger at the apex
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Heat exchanger unit (1) comprising a casing (2) defining a duct to be flown through by a fluid, a fan (20) disposed in the casing (2) and configured to induce a flow of the fluid through the duct in a flow direction (F), a heat exchanger (5) being V-shaped in side view with an apex (8) at one end and an opening (12) at the opposite end, the heat exchanger (5) being disposed in the duct with the opening (12) directed towards the flow direction (F), wherein a line (CL) passing the apex (8) of the V-shaped heat exchanger (5) in the side view extends horizontally, wherein the fan (20) is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger (5) in the flow direction (F).