Modular cooling system for high-rise building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems for high-rise buildings face limitations due to the vertical separation constraint between compressor/condenser units and evaporator units caused by lubrication oil, leading to reduced efficiency and maintenance challenges, as well as space and billing issues.
Innovation Solution
The system separates lubrication oil from the refrigerant using an oil separator located between the compressor and condenser unit, allowing the compressor to be placed at a lower floor than the condenser unit, with the condenser unit at the rooftop, enabling longer vertical separation and efficient air conditioning distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If compressor/condenser units are located on the rooftop, then air conditioning can be provided to upper floors, but the vertical separation between compressor and evaporator is limited to about 200 feet due to lubrication oil accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: compressor unit at lower floor, condenser unit at rooftop, and oil separator between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without being constrained by the need to keep all components together, thereby increasing vertical separation distance while maintaining system reliability through the oil separator.
Solution Approach 2:
An oil separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressor and condenser. This intermediary device removes lubrication oil from the refrigerant line, preventing oil accumulation in the evaporator and enabling greater vertical separation between compressor and evaporator units while maintaining system efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If compressor/condenser units are located on the rooftop, then high-voltage wiring is required for electricity supply, but this complicates billing and maintenance responsibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the compressor (high-power component requiring high-voltage wiring) from the condenser (low-power component). By placing the compressor at a lower floor with easier electrical access and the condenser at the rooftop, the system reduces electrical wiring complexity and improves maintenance accessibility for the high-voltage components.
3Length of stationary object
If additional compressor/condenser units are located at lower floors to provide air conditioning, then vertical separation is reduced, but large areas are consumed that could be used for income-generating purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the condenser unit to the rooftop (vertical dimension) while keeping the compressor at a lower floor. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the required vertical separation without occupying additional floor space at lower levels, preserving income-generating areas while providing air conditioning.
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 allows for more efficient and cost-effective air conditioning in high-rise buildings by reducing the structural burden on the rooftop, simplifying electricity metering, and enabling taller building cooling without the need for high-voltage wiring.
Implementation Method 1
an oil separator to separate oil from the refrigerant. The oil separator is in a path of the refrigerant from the compressor to the condenser unit
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system for a high-rise building includes a condenser unit and a compressor separate from the condenser unit and in fluid communication with the condenser unit. The compressor is to be located at a floor of a high-rise building that is below a location of the condenser unit at a roof top of the high-rise building. The system may also include an oil separator to separate oil from a refrigerant. The oil separator is in a path of the refrigerant from the compressor to the condenser unit, where the oil separator is distal from the condenser unit and proximal to the compressor.