Heating Medium Temperature Adjustment Using Flow-Split Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning systems face inefficiencies in cooling capability and energy consumption due to imbalances in sensible and latent heat processing, leading to discomfort and increased power usage, especially when adjusting room temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment apparatus with a flow rate regulator system that adjusts the flow rates of a heating medium through multiple pipes and heat exchangers, allowing for precise temperature control and optimization of cooling capability to match air-conditioning loads, thereby reducing unnecessary latent heat processing and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling capability is increased by lowering room temperature to target value, then temperature control performance is improved, but latent heat processing increases excessively causing dryness and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the water temperature parameter supplied to the indoor unit based on load conditions. By adjusting water temperature dynamically (e.g., supplying higher temperature water when load is low), the system reduces the temperature difference between water and air, thereby reducing latent heat processing while maintaining effective sensible heat cooling and preventing excessive dryness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water temperature according to air-conditioning load variations. Instead of using fixed temperature water, the heat source apparatus modifies water temperature in real-time based on current cooling demands, optimizing the balance between sensible and latent heat processing to prevent excessive latent heat removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water temperature is varied by heat source apparatus according to load, then temperature adjustment flexibility is improved, but temperature mismatch occurs in some rooms causing comfort degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water supply system by providing individual flow rate regulators to each indoor unit. This allows each room to independently control its water flow rate, enabling customized temperature adjustment for each room's specific load conditions while maintaining overall system coordination through the heat source apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality control by allowing each indoor unit to receive water at temperatures and flow rates optimized for its specific room conditions. Each room can have different water flow rates adjusted according to its individual load, ensuring comfortable and appropriate temperature control tailored to each space's requirements.
3Productivity
If flow rate regulator controls water flow to match room load, then cooling capability matching is improved, but unnecessary latent heat processing increases leading to excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the water temperature parameter in response to flow rate adjustments. When the flow rate regulator reduces water flow to match lower room loads, the heat source apparatus simultaneously increases water temperature to maintain effective cooling capability. This parameter coordination ensures adequate cooling while reducing the temperature difference that drives excessive latent heat processing.
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 achieves improved temperature adjustment performance while maintaining energy-saving performance, reducing discomfort and energy consumption by optimizing the cooling capability and humidity levels in air-conditioned spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a second heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between the heating medium that flows through the first branch pipe and the heating medium that flows through the first pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature adjustment apparatus adjusts a temperature of a heating medium that exchanges heat with air in an indoor heat exchanger connected to a heat source apparatus. It includes a first and second pipes through which the heating medium flows, the second pipe being branched into a first and second branch pipes which are thereafter merged, a second heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged between the heating medium in the first branch pipe and the heating medium in the first pipe, and a flow rate regulator that changes a flow rate of the heating medium in the first branch pipe and a flow rate of the heating medium in the second branch pipe. The second pipe supplies the heating medium from the heat source apparatus to the indoor heat exchanger. The first pipe returns the heating medium from the indoor heat exchanger to the heat source apparatus.