Mixer assembly and method for operating a mixer assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning systems in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face challenges in efficiently managing temperature control and energy usage due to varying heating and cooling requirements across different vehicle regions, leading to suboptimal energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mixer assembly that divides recirculation air into multiple stages for mixing with air-conditioning air, allowing for adjustable ratios of recirculation to air-conditioning air, enabling flexible temperature adaptation to meet specific heating and cooling demands in different vehicle regions, thereby optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single mixing region is used to mix recirculation air with air-conditioning air, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different temperature requirements in different vehicle regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer assembly is divided into multiple mixing regions (first mixing region and second mixing region) along the recirculation air line. Each mixing region independently mixes recirculation air with air-conditioning air to serve different vehicle regions with different temperature requirements, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the mixing process by creating multiple mixing regions at different positions along the recirculation air line. This allows different mix ratios to be achieved at different locations, enabling temperature adaptation to different vehicle regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Reliability
If more air-conditioning air is supplied to meet cooling demands in all vehicle regions, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different mixing regions are configured to provide different mix ratios of recirculation air to air-conditioning air based on the specific cooling or heating demands of different vehicle regions. This allows the system to optimize energy consumption by supplying air-conditioning air only where and when it is needed, rather than uniformly to all regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the mix ratio parameter of recirculation air to air-conditioning air across different mixing regions and operating conditions. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system achieves reliable temperature control while minimizing energy consumption, as each region receives the appropriate amount of conditioned air based on its specific requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If recirculation air is extensively used to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature control precision deteriorates due to insufficient cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the mix ratio of recirculation air to air-conditioning air in each mixing region based on real-time temperature requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to maximize the use of energy-efficient recirculation air while maintaining precise temperature control by supplementing with air-conditioning air only when and where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the air distribution into multiple mixing regions, the patent enables precise control of temperature in each region independently. This allows extensive use of recirculation air for energy efficiency while maintaining temperature control precision through localized adjustment of air mix ratios in each mixing region.
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 solution allows for energy-saving operation by adjusting the temperature of mixed air to match the specific requirements of each vehicle region, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the efficiency of the air-conditioning system.
Implementation Method 1
A first mixing region of the mixer assembly is connected to the recirculation air line and to the air-conditioning air line, for the purpose of mixing the recirculation air from the recirculation air line with the air-conditioning air from the air-conditioning air line
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer assembly for an air-conditioning system comprising a recirculation air line, connectable to a vehicle region to be air-conditioned, to remove recirculation air from the region, and an air-conditioning air line, connectable to an air-conditioning unit to remove conditioned air from the air-conditioning unit. A first mixing region, for mixing the recirculation air with the conditioned air, is connected to the two air lines. A second mixing region, for mixing the first mixing region air with recirculation air, is connected to the recirculation air line and the first mixing region. Also, a first supply line is connected to the first mixing region to supply air from the first mixing region to a first partial region of the vehicle region, and a second supply line is connected to the second mixing region to supply air from the second mixing region to a second partial region of the vehicle region.