Insertable Divider Panel Assembly to Prevent HVAC Fan Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In HVAC systems, suspending the operation of a subset of fans reduces the efficiency of remaining fans due to air backflow and reduced air flow across active coils, leading to decreased system efficiency in cooling refrigerant and conditioning supply air.
Innovation Solution
A divider panel assembly is introduced into the condenser section to divide the volume into separate areas, blocking air flow between inactive and active fan sets, ensuring that air is directed efficiently across active coils, thereby maintaining fan efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a subset of fans is suspended to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but fan efficiency deteriorates due to air backflow and reduced air flow across active coils
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser section is divided into multiple volumes using divider panels, allowing independent air flow control for each fan. This segmentation enables inactive fans to be isolated from the air flow path, preventing backflow while maintaining efficient air flow across active coils, thus preserving fan efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Divider panels serve as intermediary structures that block and redirect air flow between active and inactive fan sections. These panels prevent harmful air backflow from inactive fans while directing air flow efficiently across active coils, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and efficiency maintenance.
2Device complexity
If fans share a common volume to cool refrigerant, then device complexity is reduced, but fan efficiency deteriorates when subset of fans are suspended due to air backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The common condenser volume is segmented into multiple separate volumes using divider panels. Each fan or fan group operates in its own dedicated volume, eliminating air backflow issues when fans are suspended. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device structure while significantly improving fan efficiency during partial operation.
3Reliability
If divider panel assembly is added to separate fan volumes, then fan efficiency is improved by preventing air backflow, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divider panel assembly is designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing flexible configuration based on operational requirements. Panels can be repositioned or removed as needed, providing dynamic adaptability that improves fan efficiency while minimizing permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider panels serve multiple functions: they block air backflow, direct air flow across active coils, and can be configured in different positions to accommodate various fan suspension scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device 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 divider panel assembly enhances fan efficiency by preventing air backflow and ensuring that air is directed effectively across active coils, improving the overall efficiency of the HVAC system and reducing energy consumption without requiring disassembly of existing components.
Implementation Method 1
A divider panel assembly is introduced into the condenser section to divide the volume into separate areas, blocking air flow between inactive and active fan sets
Implementation Method 2
Each panel of the plurality of panels includes a respective hook portion configured to engage with a support rail of a condenser section of the HVAC system
Implementation Method 3
Each brace of the plurality of braces is configured to couple to a respective panel of the plurality of panels and configured to capture the support rail between a respective brace and panel
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a condenser section and a plurality of panels configured to abut one another in a common plane to form a divider panel assembly. Each panel of the plurality of panels is sequentially insertable into and removable from the condenser section.