Modular Compressor Circuit Array for Dynamic HVAC Load Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air management systems for indoor spaces, such as pool rooms and grow rooms, face inefficiencies due to being designed for maximum capacity, leading to wasted energy when the actual load is lower, and struggle to dynamically adjust dehumidification and cooling needs based on varying occupancy and plant requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular air management system comprising a series of smaller, independently operating circuits (2-40 tons each) that can be activated or deactivated to match the specific load, allowing for incremental capacity adjustment and energy efficiency by sharing fluid pumps, check valves, and modulating valves within a hydronic loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equipment is designed for maximum capacity, then it can handle peak loads, but it operates at the same or similar levels required for maximum capacity even when load is lower, resulting in wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air management capacity into multiple independent circuits (2-40 tons each) that can be individually activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to match capacity to actual load requirements, avoiding energy waste from operating all circuits at full capacity when only partial capacity is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational capacity by selectively activating or deactivating individual circuits based on real-time load conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain reliability for peak loads while reducing energy consumption during partial load operation.
2Device complexity
If equipment operates at fixed capacity levels, then it is simpler to design and operate, but it cannot dynamically adjust to varying occupancy and plant requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent, standardized circuits, the design maintains simplicity through modularity while enabling adaptability. Each circuit can be independently controlled to match varying occupancy and plant requirements without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized circuit design provides universal applicability across different load conditions and applications. Each circuit serves multiple functions and can be deployed in various configurations to meet diverse occupancy and plant requirements while maintaining design simplicity.
3Power
If large compressors are used to meet maximum capacity, then peak cooling and dehumidification needs are met, but the system requires capacity cycling which reduces control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces large compressors with multiple smaller, independent circuits that can be individually controlled. This segmentation eliminates the need for capacity cycling of large compressors and provides precise control over cooling and dehumidification by activating only the necessary number of circuits to meet current load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using full capacity compressors that require cycling, the system employs partial action by activating only the specific number of circuits needed to meet the current load. This approach achieves precise control without the inefficiencies of capacity cycling while still meeting peak capacity requirements when all circuits are activated.
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 approach enables precise control of dehumidification and cooling, reduces energy waste, and allows for easy maintenance and scalability, enhancing energy efficiency and serviceability by matching capacity to actual needs in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator, a compressor, and a plate heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a compressor
Implementation Method 3
a plate heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an array of modularized circuits that work individually but collectively to provide a system that can manage an indoor environment. The system is designed in order to match the delivered load more closely to the required load then has been done in the past. The system is also designed in order to enhance and ease of serviceability of the individual circuits when needed.