Improved air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems lack the ability to efficiently control humidity while maintaining a suitable temperature, leading to health issues in human-occupied spaces and limitations in horticultural applications.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with an adjustable heat exchanger, where the temperature can be controlled below or above the dew point to manage humidity, using a cooling coil with a coolant system and sensors to adjust fan speed and coolant flow for precise temperature and humidity regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling coil temperature is maintained at a fixed set point in conventional HVAC systems, then the cooling function is reliable, but the ability to control humidity is lost and energy consumption increases due to binary operation mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed set-point temperature control system to a dynamic system where the cooling coil temperature is continuously adjusted based on real-time humidity sensor feedback. The controller dynamically modifies the cooling coil temperature to match the dew point temperature calculated from humidity measurements, enabling adaptive humidity control while maintaining reliable cooling through continuous system adjustment rather than binary on/off operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling coil temperature is reduced below the dew point to dehumidify air, then humidity control is improved, but condensation occurs which can lead to harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring humidity levels with sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust the cooling coil temperature. The system calculates the dew point temperature from humidity measurements and adjusts the cooling coil temperature to match this calculated dew point, preventing excessive cooling that would cause condensation while maintaining effective dehumidification. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for fixed set-point operation and prevents harmful condensation effects.
3Temperature
If airflow through the system is increased to maintain space temperature, then temperature control is improved, but humidity control capability is lost due to the binary operation mode of the chiller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by shifting the primary control parameter from fixed temperature set-point to dynamic humidity-based temperature adjustment. Instead of maintaining a constant cooling coil temperature and using airflow variation for temperature control, the system changes the control parameter to humidity level, calculating the appropriate cooling coil temperature based on real-time humidity measurements and dew point calculations. This enables simultaneous control of both temperature and humidity by changing the fundamental control parameter from temperature-centric to humidity-centric operation.
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 allows for efficient air cooling and humidity control, reducing energy consumption and maintaining optimal conditions in enclosed spaces, such as greenhouses or vertical growth towers, by preventing condensation or inducing it as needed.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanged between the air and the heat exchanger is controlled
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the heat exchanger may be reduced to below the dew point of the air to induce condensation when the air contacts the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
There is presented a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for conditioning air within a chamber, the system comprising: an inlet, an outlet, and a conditioning unit, the conditioning unit comprising a fan, and a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the air within the conditioning unit, wherein during operation, air is urged through conditioning unit by the fan such that heat is exchanged between the air and the heat exchanger, wherein the fan is configured to vary the flow rate of air urged through the conditioning unit to thereby control the amount of heat transferred between the air and the heat exchanger.