Integrated Heat-Medium Flow Control for Compact Multi-Zone Air Conditioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-zone air conditioning systems require multiple heat-medium flow-path switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices for each indoor unit, leading to increased size and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate control parts, motors, and extensive piping.
Innovation Solution
Integration of heat-medium flow-path switching devices that combine the functions of both switching and flow-rate adjustment, using a single drive unit to reduce the number of control parts and piping, allowing for compact design and lower manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate heat-medium flow-path switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices are provided for each indoor unit, then individual temperature control for each indoor unit is achieved, but the system size increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat-medium flow-path switching function and flow-rate adjusting function into a single integrated device for each indoor unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices, thereby reducing system size and manufacturing costs while maintaining individual temperature control capability for each indoor unit
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat-medium flow-path switching device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it switches between heating and cooling heat-medium flow paths while also adjusting the flow rate of heat-medium to the indoor unit. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate heat-medium flow-path switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices are provided for each indoor unit, then individual temperature control for each indoor unit is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat-medium flow-path switching function and flow-rate adjusting function into a single integrated device for each indoor unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices, thereby reducing system size and manufacturing costs while maintaining individual temperature control capability for each indoor unit
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat-medium flow-path switching device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it switches between heating and cooling heat-medium flow paths while also adjusting the flow rate of heat-medium to the indoor unit. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system
3Ease of operation
If extensive piping and connection parts are used to connect separate switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices, then individual indoor units can be controlled independently, but the system becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat-medium flow-path switching function and flow-rate adjusting function into a single integrated device for each indoor unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate switching devices and flow-rate adjusting devices, thereby reducing system size and manufacturing costs while maintaining individual temperature control capability for each indoor unit
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 integrated heat-medium flow-path switching devices enable efficient temperature control in indoor spaces by selecting between heated and cooled media, reducing the complexity and cost of the air conditioning system while maintaining effective operation across various modes.
Implementation Method 1
use-side heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the heat medium with air in interior spaces to be air conditioned
Implementation Method 2
intermediate heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the heat-source side refrigerant and a use-side heat medium
Data Source
AI summary
A heat-medium flow-path switching device and a heat-medium flow-rate adjusting device are integrated into an integrated heat-medium flow-rate adjusting device. The integrated heat-medium flow-rate adjusting device is configured to perform the heat-medium flow-path switching function and the meat-medium flow-rate adjusting function by driving and controlling a single drive unit. Moreover, the integrated heat-medium flow-path switching device is configured to perform a function of closing flow paths from/to a use-side heat exchanger added to the heat-medium flow-rate adjusting function.