HVAC system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems face inefficiencies in temperature control, as they often distribute heated or cooled air unnecessarily and consume excessive energy when trying to achieve selected temperatures across different locations within a structure, leading to uneven heating or cooling and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-unit building HVAC system using a closed loop intermediary fluid that transfers heat between a central riser stack and individual units, with a low-pressure closed loop fluid flow path isolated from the high-pressure riser stack, allowing for efficient temperature modulation and reduced risk of damage from leaks, along with a fan coil design that includes a modulation fluid flow path and a reversible motor and fan assembly for optimized air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional HVAC system distributes heated or cooled air throughout a structure, then temperature control is achieved, but excessive energy is consumed and uneven temperature distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple thermal zones with individual fan coils in each unit, allowing independent temperature control for each zone rather than forcing entire building air distribution, thereby reducing energy waste in already-conditioned areas
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophilic gel substance serves as a thermal energy storage intermediary, absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it during cooler periods, enabling passive temperature regulation without continuous energy input
2Temperature
If a conventional HVAC system distributes air throughout a structure, then temperature control is achieved, but uneven heating or cooling occurs in different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The building is segmented into independent thermal zones with dedicated fan coils in each unit, enabling precise local temperature control and eliminating the uneven distribution problems inherent in centralized air distribution systems
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit receives thermal energy locally through the gel-based heat exchanger system, allowing temperature conditions to be optimized for specific locations rather than relying on air flow patterns that create hot and cold spots
3Power
If a fan coil operates at high pressure, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage from leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophilic gel substance serves as an intermediary heat transfer medium that can operate at atmospheric pressure while maintaining effective thermal transfer, eliminating the need for high-pressure systems and their associated leak risks
Solution Approach 2:
The gel-based heat transfer system uses inexpensive, non-hazardous material that can be easily replaced if needed, and operates without the high-pressure containment requirements that create safety concerns
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 energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption and minimizing damage from leaks, while allowing for precise temperature control in each unit and flexible air distribution based on seasonal changes, thereby improving the overall performance of HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first heat exchanger exchanges heat between a riser stack fluid in the riser stack and the closed loop fluid in the closed loop fluid flow path
Implementation Method 2
the second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the closed loop fluid and a distribution fluid of the fluid distribution system
Implementation Method 3
An intermediary fluid is utilized to transfer heat between a single unit (such as a condominium or an office) and a riser stack
Implementation Method 4
a low volume, low pressure fluid may be used as the intermediary fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system for a multi-unit building having a riser stack in flow communication with a single unit HVAC system. The single unit HVAC system has a first heat exchanger thermally connected to the riser stack, a second heat exchanger thermally connected to a fluid distribution system within the unit, and a closed loop fluid flow path extending between the first and second heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger exchanges heat between a riser stack fluid in the riser stack and the closed loop fluid in the closed loop fluid flow path and the second heat exchanger exchanges heat between the closed loop fluid and a distribution fluid of the fluid distribution system.