Modular chiller unit with dedicated cooling and heating fluid circuits and system comprising a plurality of such units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular heating and cooling systems require inter-module isolation valves to achieve simultaneous heating and cooling, increasing system footprint, complexity, and risk of energy transfer issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular chiller system with dedicated heating and cooling headers in each unit, eliminating the need for inter-module valves by using valves only in pipes connecting heat exchangers to headers, allowing for efficient switching between modes without cross-contamination of hot and cold water streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inter-module isolation valves are used to achieve simultaneous heating and cooling, then the system can provide both functions, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the modular units into dedicated heating modules and dedicated cooling modules, with each module type having its own separate fluid circuit. This segmentation eliminates the need for inter-module isolation valves while maintaining simultaneous heating and cooling capability, as each module type is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a common fluid distribution manifold that serves both heating and cooling circuits, allowing a single infrastructure to support multiple functions. The manifold distributes fluid to both dedicated heating modules and dedicated cooling modules, eliminating the need for separate valve systems while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inter-module isolation valves are installed between modular units, then simultaneous heating and cooling can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into dedicated heating modules with one fluid circuit and dedicated cooling modules with another fluid circuit, the patent eliminates the need for complex inter-module valve systems. Each module type has simplified internal circuitry, and the common manifold provides straightforward distribution, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the inter-module isolation valves from the system entirely. Instead of managing complex valve systems between modules, the design uses dedicated module types with separate fluid circuits that connect to a common manifold, eliminating the source of complexity while preserving functional versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inter-module isolation valves are used to control heating and cooling modes, then mode switching is possible, but the risk of energy transfer issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments heating and cooling functions into separate dedicated modules with separate fluid circuits. This physical separation eliminates the risk of energy transfer issues that could occur through inter-module valves, as hot and cold fluid streams are isolated in different circuits throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes inter-module isolation valves entirely from the system architecture. By eliminating these valves, the potential failure points and energy transfer risks associated with valve leakage or improper sealing are removed, while mode switching is achieved through the dedicated module configuration.
4Device complexity
If a single set of headers supplies both heating and cooling loads, then system simplicity is maintained, but cross-contamination of hot and cold water streams occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the header system into separate dedicated heating headers and dedicated cooling headers. Each set of headers is exclusively supplied by its corresponding fluid circuit, preventing cross-contamination of hot and cold water streams while maintaining clear organizational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a common fluid distribution manifold that universally serves both heating and cooling circuits, allowing a single infrastructure component to support multiple functions without causing cross-contamination. The manifold distributes fluid to dedicated headers based on circuit type, maintaining both simplicity and stream separation.
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 design reduces system footprint, simplifies design and controls, and maximizes heat transfer efficiency by maintaining cross counterflow configuration in both heating and cooling modes, while reducing the risk of valve failures and energy transfer issues.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger having a shell and a tube bundle extending through the shell
Implementation Method 2
the condenser in the heating mode, the condenser condensing the refrigerant and heating the heating fluid circulating through the condenser
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger having a shell and a tube bundle extending through the shell
Implementation Method 4
the evaporator in the cooling mode, the evaporator evaporating a refrigerant and cooling the cooling fluid circulating through the evaporator
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchanger having a shell and a tube bundle extending through the shell
Data Source
AI summary
A modular heating and cooling unit comprising an independent set of headers for each of the heating and cooling loads and the source. A bank of these modular units provides a system that is capable of incremental simultaneous heating and cooling and redundancy. Valves in the internal piping of the unit eliminate the need for valves in the headers between units. This substantially reduces the overall footprint of the unit. Because of the parallel flow between the heat exchangers and the heating and cooling load, the modules can be operated in cooling mode and heating mode in any order.