Hybrid heating and cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaged rooftop units (RTUs) for HVAC applications are limited in their ability to provide efficient and flexible heating and cooling solutions, often relying on vapor compression heat pumps or combinations that are not commercially viable.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid heating and cooling system that integrates an indirect-direct evaporative cooler (IDEC) subsystem with a heat pump subsystem, featuring a mixing plenum to combine fluid flows from both subsystems, allowing for independent operation and multiple modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vapor compression heat pumps or combined systems are used for heating and cooling, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but energy efficiency is reduced and electrical consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the HVAC functionality into separate subsystems: an IDEC subsystem for cooling and a heat pump subsystem for heating. Each subsystem operates independently and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to use only the necessary subsystem based on environmental conditions, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing electrical consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (IDEC-only cooling, heat pump-only heating, or combined operation) based on ambient temperature and humidity conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy efficiency by selecting the most appropriate subsystem for current conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional packaged RTUs are used, then heating and cooling are provided, but system flexibility and operational modes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independently operable IDEC and heat pump subsystems, each capable of functioning autonomously. This segmentation provides flexibility to operate in multiple modes (IDEC-only, heat pump-only, or combined) without requiring complex integrated control, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing plenum serves multiple functions: it combines cooled air from the IDEC subsystem and heated air from the heat pump subsystem, distributes mixed air to the space, and enables various operational modes. This multi-functionality increases system versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Temperature
If evaporative cooling is used, then cooling capacity is provided, but dehumidification capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates cooling and dehumidification functions into different subsystems: the IDEC subsystem provides cooling through evaporative processes, while the heat pump subsystem provides dehumidification through condensation. This segmentation allows the system to address both temperature and humidity control needs independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the IDEC subsystem and heat pump subsystem through a common mixing plenum and air distribution system. This combination allows the system to leverage the cooling capacity of evaporative cooling while simultaneously providing dehumidification capability through the heat pump, achieving both temperature and humidity control.
4Area of stationary object
If compact design is implemented, then installation footprint is reduced, but component integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system places the mixing plenum centrally, with the IDEC subsystem and heat pump subsystem positioned around it. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of components while maintaining independent operability and clear functional separation, reducing installation footprint without excessive integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing plenum serves as a multi-functional component that combines airflows from both subsystems, distributes mixed air, and enables various operational modes. This universal component reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving compact design without proportionally increasing integration complexity.
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 hybrid system achieves enhanced efficiency and flexibility by providing a range of heating and cooling modes, improving indoor air quality, and reducing electrical consumption, while maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
an indirect-direct evaporative cooler (IDEC) subsystem
Implementation Method 2
a heat pump subsystem
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid heating and cooling system, the system comprising an indirect-direct evaporative cooler (IDEC) subsystem; a heat pump subsystem; and a mixing plenum located between and in fluid communication with the IDEC subsystem and the heat pump subsystem, the mixing plenum being configured to mix a flow of fluid from the IDEC subsystem and a flow of fluid from the heat pump subsystem. The IDEC subsystem and the heat pump subsystem are independently operable to achieve a plurality of heating and/or cooling modes of operation.