Modular Duct HVAC Unit for Room Temperature and Humidity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized HVAC systems in large commercial buildings struggle to maintain precise temperature and humidity control in individual rooms, especially in environments like hospital operating rooms, due to inefficiencies and space constraints of standalone modular units, which often conflict with central systems and result in energy inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular heating, cooling, and humidifying unit designed to fit within existing air ducting systems, equipped with a plenum, heating and cooling coils, a humidifier, dampers, and air filters, allowing for manual and automatic control of temperature and humidity, operating in concert with central HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standalone modular HVAC units are installed in individual rooms, then individual temperature and humidity control is achieved, but the units occupy substantial space in the room and conflict with central HVAC systems
Solution Approach 1:
The modular HVAC unit is nested within the existing air ducting system of the building. The unit fits inside the ductwork structure, utilizing the existing spatial infrastructure rather than occupying additional room space. This allows individual room control while maintaining the aesthetic and spatial integrity of the room environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular unit acts as an intermediary between the central HVAC system and the individual room environment. It receives conditioned air from the central system through the ductwork, then independently adjusts temperature and humidity before delivering it to the specific room, resolving the conflict between centralized and localized control.
2Measurement precision
If standalone modular HVAC units are installed in individual rooms, then individual temperature and humidity control is achieved, but energy inefficiencies occur due to conflict with central HVAC systems
Solution Approach 1:
The modular unit incorporates feedback controls that monitor room conditions and communicate with both the local environment sensors and the central HVAC system. This feedback mechanism allows the unit to coordinate its operation with the central system, adjusting its heating and cooling cycles to complement rather than conflict with centralized operations, thereby reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The modular unit can switch between different operational modes (heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying) and adjust its intensity based on the central HVAC system's current state and the specific room's requirements, optimizing energy efficiency through adaptive control.
3Productivity
If centralized HVAC systems are used in large commercial buildings, then entire building cooling and heating requirements are met, but precise control of temperature and humidity in individual rooms is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the building's HVAC control into two levels: the central HVAC system handles overall building-wide temperature and humidity management, while the modular units in each room provide localized precision control. This segmentation allows both centralized efficiency and individualized precision to coexist, with each level operating independently but cooperatively.
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
Enables precise and consistent temperature and humidity control within individual rooms without occupying physical space, while synchronizing with central HVAC systems, reducing energy inefficiencies and maintaining balance across areas.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling coil is provided with a liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
the heating coil is provided with a supply of hot water or steam
Implementation Method 3
the humidifier is supplied with water
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a modular heating, cooling and humidifying unit designed to fit within, or be interposed between segments of existing air ducting systems. The invention includes a plenum through which air is received from a central system within a structure, and which discharges heated, cooled and/or humidified air to a particular compartment within the structure, such as a room. The invention includes within the plenum a heating coil, a cooling coil and a humidifier, one or more dampeners and one or more air filters. Each of these elements is provided with controls which may be both manually and automatically operated to regulate the temperature and humidity of air being discharged into the desired room or compartment.