Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Casing for Quiet Building Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pump systems for building cooling, air conditioning, or heating often compromise aesthetics and increase noise pollution due to the external placement of heat exchange units, and they can disrupt the appearance of buildings while generating noise that affects nearby residents.

Innovation Solution

A heat pump system with separate heat exchange units, where one unit is housed in a box placed inside the building, featuring telescopic air separation means and a design that channels discharge air effectively, reducing noise and improving aesthetics by internalizing the heat exchange components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the outdoor unit is placed outside the building, then the heat exchange function is maintained, but the aesthetics of the building is harmed and noise pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetics and noise pollutionVSAvoidair inlet access
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The noisy compressor and fan components are extracted from the outdoor unit and relocated to an indoor unit, separating the noise-generating elements from the outdoor installation. This allows the outdoor unit to maintain only the heat exchange function while the indoor unit houses the noisy components, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetic/noise requirements and operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pump system is divided into two separate units: an outdoor unit containing only the heat exchanger and an indoor unit containing the compressor, fan, and control elements. This segmentation allows the outdoor unit to be aesthetically pleasing and quiet while the indoor unit handles the noisy components, resolving the contradiction between external appearance and internal functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the outdoor unit is placed close to the wall, then the space requirement is reduced, but the air inlet cannot function properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidair circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air inlet of the outdoor unit is oriented parallel to the wall surface rather than perpendicular to it, changing the dimensional approach from front-facing to side-facing air intake. This allows the unit to be installed close to the wall while maintaining proper air circulation through the heat exchanger, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and air circulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the heat exchange unit is fixed in position, then the installation is simplified, but the maintenance access is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The indoor unit is designed with movable components and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the heat exchange unit to be easily relocated for maintenance purposes. The unit can be moved along guide rails or removed from its mounting position without complex disassembly, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enhances aesthetic appeal, reduces noise pollution, and allows for easier installation and maintenance by internalizing noise-generating components, while maintaining efficient air handling and heat exchange functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchange unit which provides heat exchange with the air outside said unit and which comprises at least one heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

means for sucking in the air at the inlet so that it passes through the said at least one exchanger and is discharged at the outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2977687B1Cooling, air-conditioning or heating system with separate units and casing enclosing one of the units
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 SOCI IND DE CHAUFFAGE SIC
  • EP2977687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2977687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2977687B1 patent drawingFigure 3~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (20) based on the principle of the heat pump using the outside air as an outside source and is of the type with separate heat exchange units in which, on the one hand, the condenser and, on the other hand, On the other hand, the compressor, the evaporator and the expansion device are distributed in two separate units which are distant from each other. The system comprises: - a unit (22) providing heat exchange with the outside air and comprising a heat exchanger (32) in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, the unit comprising an inlet for outside suction air, an outlet (40) discharge air, - a box (24) housing the unit and open on one side (24e) facing the outlet (40).