HVAC Coil Segmentation to Reduce Partial-Load Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face a reduction in integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) due to reduced performance at partial loads, despite having high energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings at full capacity, as they direct airflow over inactive coils, reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating separators or partitions within the heat exchange units to isolate active and inactive coils, using fans and compressors efficiently, and employing a control system to block airflow over inactive coils, thereby increasing IEER by optimizing airflow distribution based on coil activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If airflow is directed over all coils in the heat exchange unit, then full cooling or heating capacity is achieved at full load, but energy efficiency decreases at partial loads due to airflow over inactive coils
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange unit is segmented into multiple independent coil sections (first coil, second coil, third coil) that can be independently activated or deactivated. Separators or partitions divide the airflow path into separate channels, allowing airflow to be directed only to active coils based on operational requirements, thereby improving energy efficiency at partial loads while maintaining full capacity when all coils are active.
2Power
If multiple coils are used to maintain capacity across varying loads, then full power output is achieved, but device complexity increases due to need for separators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange unit is divided into multiple independent coil sections with separators between them, allowing each coil to be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the system to maintain capacity across varying loads by activating only the necessary number of coils, reducing complexity compared to a single large coil system that would require more complex variable speed controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts airflow distribution by activating or deactivating specific coil sections based on the current load requirements. The control system monitors operational conditions and adjusts which coils are active, enabling the heat exchange unit to adapt its configuration to match varying demand levels efficiently.
3Use of energy by moving object
If airflow is blocked from inactive coils, then energy efficiency ratio improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control systems and barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange unit is segmented into multiple independent coil sections separated by physical partitions or separators. This segmentation allows the system to block airflow from inactive coils using simple physical barriers rather than complex active control mechanisms, improving energy efficiency ratio while minimizing the addition of complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow path is extracted and separated into distinct channels for each coil section using separators. This extraction allows independent control of airflow to each coil, enabling the system to block airflow from inactive coils using simple damper or louver mechanisms rather than complex centralized control 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 enhances the integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) of HVAC systems by preventing airflow over inactive coils, thereby improving efficiency at partial loads and maintaining high performance across varying operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil configured to receive the working fluid and to establish a first heat exchange relationship between the working fluid and a first airflow across the first coil, a second coil configured to receive the working fluid and to establish a second heat exchange relationship between the working fluid and a second airflow across the second coil
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a compressor configured to circulate a fluid through the HVAC system, a first coil configured to establish a first heat exchange relationship between the fluid and a first airflow across the first coil, a second coil configured to establish a second heat exchange relationship between the fluid and a second airflow across the second coil, and a fan configured to direct the first airflow across the first coil, the second airflow across the second coil, or both, and where the first airflow across the first coil is directed to be isolated from the second airflow across the second coil, and the first airflow is blocked from flowing across the first coil when the first coil is inactive and the second airflow is blocked from flowing across the second coil when the second coil is inactive.