Latent Heat Extraction Coil Layout Without a Run-Around Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chilled water air conditioning systems require a specialized fluid pump for energy exchange between return and supply air flows, adding cost, complexity, and maintenance needs, while also being inefficient in peak cooling demands and dehumidification requirements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the primary chilled water coil with the run-around system's precooling coil and reheat coils allows for shared cooling duties, eliminating the need for a separate pump and enabling continuous operation across varying conditions, with the chilled water flow being diverted between coils as needed for reheat and humidity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized fluid pump is used for energy exchange between return and supply air flows, then the system can achieve latent heat extraction, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the specialized fluid pump from the system by utilizing the existing chilled water supply pressure to drive the run-around loop circulation. This removes the problematic component while preserving the latent heat extraction function through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing chilled water supply pressure to circulate the run-around loop fluid, making the system self-sufficient without requiring an external pump. The chilled water supply system serves dual purposes: cooling and driving the heat recovery loop.
2Ease of operation
If a separate pump is added to the system, then fluid circulation is enabled, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chilled water supply system is made multi-functional by using it to both cool the air and provide the driving pressure for the run-around loop circulation. This eliminates the need for a separate pump and reduces overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own chilled water supply pressure to circulate the run-around loop, making it self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional pumping equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements.
3Temperature
If the primary cooling coil is used alone, then cooling is provided, but dehumidification efficiency is insufficient during peak cooling demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary cooling coil with a run-around loop system that includes a precooling coil and reheat coil. This merged system enhances both cooling and dehumidification capabilities by utilizing heat exchange between the two air streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a composite cooling approach by integrating two different cooling mechanisms: direct cooling through the primary coil and indirect precooling through the run-around loop, thereby enhancing overall dehumidification efficiency.
4Productivity
If a run-around system is integrated with the primary chilled water coil, then shared cooling duties are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The run-around system is integrated by merging its fluid pathways with the existing chilled water supply system, allowing both systems to share common infrastructure and reducing the net increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chilled water supply system serves dual functions: providing cooling through the primary coil and driving the run-around loop circulation, thereby justifying the integration despite increased configuration 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
This configuration enhances cooling and dehumidification efficiency, reduces equipment size, and eliminates the need for a separate pump, providing continuous operation and improved humidity control independent of sensible cooling requirements, while also allowing for heating through alternative heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
The precooling coil portion (1040''') receives a first portion (1054) of the working fluid (1050) and exchanges thermal energy between the return air flow (1020) and the first portion (1054) of the working fluid (1050) flowing through the precooling coil portion (1040''')
Implementation Method 2
The cooling coil portion (1040'') is in operative fluid communication with the associated chilled water source conduit (162), and as such receives the working fluid (1050) from the associated chilled water source (160) via the associated chilled water source conduit (162) and flows the working fluid (1050) therethrough thereby absorbing thermal energy from the return air flow (1020)
Implementation Method 3
The reheat coil (1070) receives a second portion (1056) of the working fluid (1050), and exchanges thermal energy between the second portion (1056) of the working fluid (1050) flowing through the reheat coil (1070) and the supply air flow (1030)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for latent heat extraction of an air stream eliminates the need for recirculation pumps and uses the pressure in the chilled water supply to the primary chilled water cooling coil to motivate the water through the precooling and reheat coils of a run-around system. The energy transfer lowers the air temperature entering the primary coil so that the primary coil can provide a greater amount of latent heat extraction from the air stream. Both the precooling and the primary coils can share the primary cooling function for periods of peak cooling demand when precooling is not required thereby reducing the required primary cooling coil size. Enhancements combine the function of the precooling coil and the primary cooling coil into a single coil which is specially circuited for installation in the space of a standard chilled water coil eliminating the need for larger equipment rooms.