Heat transfer system and environmental control system with heat transfer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional environmental control systems face challenges in efficiently distributing heated or cooled air within structures, often resulting in uneven temperature distribution and excessive energy consumption across different locations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed environmental control system incorporates an HVAC system, a primary distribution system, an ambient energy distribution system that is fluidically separate, and a control unit. The ambient energy distribution system allows for the transfer of heat between specific locations using an ambient energy moving member, which is controlled by the system to optimize energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heated or cooled air is distributed throughout a structure using conventional HVAC systems, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the structure into multiple thermal zones with independent temperature control. Each zone has its own HVAC register and is controlled by a separate thermostat, allowing localized temperature management rather than uniform whole-structure control, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption in already comfortable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces ambient air as an intermediary medium for heat transfer between zones. Instead of directly heating or cooling each zone independently, the system utilizes the ambient air in one zone to transfer thermal energy to another zone that requires heating or cooling, reducing overall energy consumption.
2Temperature
If heated or cooled air is distributed throughout a structure, then temperature control is achieved, but temperature distribution becomes uneven across different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different thermal conditions to different locations within the structure. Each zone can be independently heated or cooled based on its specific requirements, allowing for localized temperature optimization rather than forcing uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines conventional HVAC distribution with ambient air-to-ambient air heat transfer. By merging these two approaches, the system achieves more uniform temperature distribution across different locations while utilizing the thermal energy already present in the ambient air of various zones.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat is transferred directly between specific locations, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables zones to serve each other thermally. When one zone has excess thermal energy (hotter than ambient), it automatically becomes a heat source for cooler zones. The ambient air itself performs the heat transfer function, eliminating the need for additional active heating or cooling equipment in those zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient air distribution system serves multiple functions: it provides conventional HVAC distribution, enables inter-zone heat transfer, and maintains temperature uniformity. This multi-functionality is achieved using the same ambient air medium and distribution infrastructure, avoiding the need for separate complex systems.
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
This solution enables more precise control over temperature distribution within a structure, reducing energy consumption by allowing heat to be transferred directly between locations that require it, thereby improving the overall efficiency of environmental control.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient energy distribution system extending between the first and second locations... to control transfer of heat between the first and second locations through the ambient energy distribution system
Implementation Method 2
an ambient heat exchanger in each location coupled to the fluid conduits to transfer heat energy between air in the location and the thermal fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control system comprises a fluid flow path which has a pump and circulates liquid to a first heat exchanger in a first room and to a second heat exchanger in a second room. The fluid flow path comprises a pump. A user inputs a target temperature for the first room via a first user interface that is located in the first room, which is communicated to the control unit and a sensor located in the room communicates the temperature in the first room to the control unit. A user inputs a target temperature for the second room via a second user interface that is located in the second room, which is communicated to the control unit and a sensor located in the room communicates the temperature in the second room to the control unit. The control is physically isolated from the user interfaces and temperatures sensors.