HVAC system for enhanced source-to-load matching in low load structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard HVAC systems are often oversized for dwellings with low BTU/hour loads, leading to inefficient airflow and heating/cooling delivery, resulting in suboptimal comfort and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcated HVAC system that separates airflow (CFM) delivery from BTU capacity output, using mini-split inverter technology and a blower assembly with a controller to optimize airflow and heating/cooling distribution, enabling variable frequency drive operation for enhanced source-to-load matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard HVAC systems are used in low load structures, then heating and cooling capacity is sufficient, but airflow delivery is inefficient and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the HVAC functionality into two independent controllable units: a heating/cooling unit (mini-split) and an airflow unit (blower assembly). This allows independent optimization of each function - the heating/cooling unit can be sized appropriately for low load structures while the blower assembly ensures adequate airflow delivery, resolving the contradiction between sufficient capacity and efficient airflow delivery.
2Power
If oversized HVAC systems are used to ensure sufficient capacity, then heating and cooling output is adequate, but airflow delivery becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heating/cooling function from the airflow delivery function into two independent units, the system allows the heating/cooling unit to be properly sized for the load while the blower assembly independently manages airflow delivery. This prevents the inefficiency caused by oversized systems and ensures both adequate power output and efficient airflow delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs variable speed control on both the heating/cooling unit and the blower assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of each function based on actual demand. This dynamic control ensures that airflow delivery efficiency is maintained across varying load conditions without sacrificing heating and cooling output capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mini-split inverter technology is used, then variable BTU capacity is achieved, but airflow delivery may be insufficient without additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the mini-split inverter heating/cooling unit with a separate blower assembly into a unified HVAC system. The heating/cooling unit provides variable BTU capacity through inverter technology, while the blower assembly provides the necessary airflow delivery. Together, they achieve both adaptability in cooling capacity and sufficient airflow delivery.
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 approach ensures optimal indoor air quality and comfort while reducing heating and cooling costs by approximately 60% compared to prior art systems, through efficient energy transfer and distribution in low-load environments.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter heat pump located outside the dwelling, the heat pump being operably engaged with the heating and cooling unit via a refrigerant line
Implementation Method 2
a blower assembly housed inside the return air plenum, the blower assembly being operable to receive the heating or cooling output from the return air plenum closet and transfer the BTU output to one or more interior rooms
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system for enhanced source-to-load matching without sacrificing airflow delivery in low load structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an HVAC system for enhanced source-to-load matching in a low load environment, i.e. dwellings with a BTU/hour capacity of less than 18,000. Prior art HVAC equipment is oversized for dwellings with a BTU/hour capacity of less than 18,000 that are insulated to minimum code requirements. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an HVAC system that separates the delivery of airflow (CFM) output from that of the BTU capacity output, thereby enabling a distributed delivery system for optimal source-to-load matching without sacrificing airflow delivery in low load environments. The source-to-load matching enabled by the present disclosure ensures optimal indoor air quality, enhanced comfort for occupants of the dwelling, and approximately a 60% reduction in heating and cooling costs when compared to prior art HVAC systems.