HVAC Packaged System with Shared Motor Controller for Multiple Blowers

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems face limitations in varying indoor space temperatures due to the use of central heat exchangers, which can lead to increased space requirements and inefficiencies, especially in ducted systems where separate outdoor units are needed for each space with different temperature needs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an HVAC system with multiple blowers sharing a motor controller for synchronized operation, allowing for consistent airflow and temperature control across multiple indoor spaces, applicable in both split and packaged systems, and incorporating a shared motor controller to manage the operation of multiple blowers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate outdoor units are used for each indoor space with different temperature needs, then each space can have independent temperature control, but the space requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent temperature controlVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple outdoor units into a single packaged HVAC system with multiple heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser coils) and multiple blowers sharing a common cabinet space. This merging approach maintains the ability to serve multiple indoor spaces with different temperature requirements while reducing the total space occupied by consolidating what would otherwise be separate outdoor units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaged HVAC system performs multiple functions within a single unit: it includes both evaporator and condenser coils for heating and cooling operations, multiple blowers for serving different indoor spaces, and a shared motor controller for coordinated operation. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide independent temperature control to multiple spaces without requiring separate outdoor units for each space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate outdoor units are used for each indoor space, then each space can have independent temperature control, but the system complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent temperature controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple outdoor units into a single packaged system by consolidating heat exchangers, blowers, and control systems into one integrated unit. This reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate outdoor units while maintaining the capability to independently control temperatures in multiple indoor spaces through a shared refrigerant circuit and coordinated blower operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaged HVAC system is designed as a multi-functional unit that handles both heating and cooling operations through its evaporator and condenser coils, serves multiple indoor spaces through multiple blowers, and provides centralized control through a shared motor controller. This universal design reduces system complexity compared to having separate single-function outdoor units for each space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If multiple blowers are controlled by separate controllers, then each blower can be independently controlled, but operational consistency and synchronization between blowers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent blower controlVSAvoidoperational consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions for multiple blowers into a single shared motor controller that manages all blowers centrally. This unified control approach ensures operational consistency and synchronization between blowers by coordinating their operation through a common control logic, while still allowing independent control capabilities when needed through the shared controller's multiple output channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient temperature control across multiple indoor spaces with reduced space requirements and improved operational consistency, as the shared motor controller ensures synchronized operation of blowers, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of HVAC systems.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid transitioning from gas to liquid releases heat, while a fluid transitioning from liquid to gas absorbs heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

designed to transfer heat between the circulating refrigerant and flowing ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

a compressor and other flow-control devices to manipulate the refrigerant's flow and pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

Heated or cooled air is provided from the packaged HVAC system to the indoor space of a building, such as through a supply duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20230296100A1HVAC system having multiple blower motors and a shared motor controller
Publication Date: 2023.09.21 GOODMAN MFG CO LP
  • US20230296100A1 patent drawing
  • US20230296100A1 patent drawing
  • US20230296100A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An HVAC with multiple blowers and a shared motor controller is provided. In one embodiment, an HVAC system includes a first blower installed within a cabinet. The first blower has a motor and a fan connected to be driven by the motor of the first blower. The HVAC system further includes a second blower installed within the cabinet. The second blower also includes a motor and a fan connected to be driven by the motor of the second blower. A motor controller is connected to control operation of both the motor of the first blower and the motor of the second blower. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.