Modular Air Handler with Hydronic Coil to Eliminate Defrost Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems face challenges in efficiency, space constraints, and adaptability due to changing regulations and consumer demands, requiring customization and increased maintenance costs, especially in high-density apartment complexes where space and mounting locations are limited.
Innovation Solution
A highly configurable air handler system using standardized components with a programmable control circuit that can incorporate a hydronic coil for supplemental heat, eliminating the need for a defrost cycle and allowing flexible installation and maintenance, reducing inventory and labor costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HVAC systems use separate components placed outside the conditioned space, then the system can provide heating and cooling functionality, but the system requires substantial customization for different installation locations and configurations, increasing labor and material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different components (refrigeration cycle type coil, hydronic coil, fan, control circuit) in various configurations. The standardized housing with pre-configured mounting locations and access panels allows the same basic structure to serve different installation needs without customization, thereby reducing labor and material costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If HVAC systems are designed for high efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system requires larger components that may not fit in limited installation spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated housing that can accommodate both refrigeration cycle components and hydronic coil components. By combining these subsystems in a compact standardized housing with efficient spatial arrangement, the design achieves high energy efficiency through multiple heat exchange options while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for limited installation spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is configured to dynamically select between different heating and cooling sources (refrigeration cycle coil, hydronic coil, or combination) based on environmental conditions and efficiency requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining a compact component layout.
3Ease of manufacture
If HVAC systems use standardized components, then inventory and labor costs are reduced, but the system may lack flexibility for specific installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into standardized modules with pre-defined mounting locations for different components (refrigeration cycle coil, hydronic coil, fan, control circuit). Access panels are strategically positioned to allow installation and maintenance personnel to reach specific components from different sides of the housing. This segmentation enables standardized manufacturing while providing flexibility to configure the system for specific installation requirements through simple component placement variations.
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 system enhances energy efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the life expectancy of HVAC systems by using standardized parts, flexible configurations, and programmable controls, making it adaptable to various installation parameters and energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration cycle coil adapted for connection to a heat pump positioned out of doors
Implementation Method 2
a hydronic coil adapted for connection to any suitable source of heated water
Implementation Method 3
the heat pump works to extract heat from outside atmospheric air (the heat source) and, using a refrigeration process, transfer it to the inside target space (the heat sink)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an HVAC apparatus, method, and system. Aspects of the invention include a supplemental heat source with an air handler unit for a conventional forced air heating and cooling system. The supplemental heat source in one example is a hydronic subsystem. It can be used alone or to supplement the forced air subsystem. Another aspect of the invention includes an air handling subsystem that has a housing that can be highly flexible in configuration and installation. The housing can support internal components, including a hydronic or other supplemental heat source with the forced air components. At least two sides of the housing can be configured for access for maintenance and repair. A control system can be designed to eliminate need for defrost cycle for forced air refrigeration-type subsystem and/or for better maintenance for comfort in the air conditioned space.