Modular Multicoil HVAC System for Dynamic Humidity and Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to fixed capacity, single coil, and fixed airflow, leading to energy inefficiency and inadequate air quality, particularly in homes with low load conditions, where they struggle to balance sensible and latent loads and maintain optimal relative humidity.
Innovation Solution
A modular HVAC system with interchangeable components, including air inlet, filtration, purification, and cooling modules, that can adjust airflow and sensible heat ratio (SHR) in response to humidity set points, using sensors and actuators for feedback control, enabling variable speed operation and integration with external components for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional HVAC systems use fixed capacity and single coil design, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and humidity control deteriorate in low-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system is divided into multiple independent coils (first cooling coil, second cooling coil, first heating coil, second heating coil) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary coils based on load conditions, improving energy efficiency while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates variable speed blowers and adjustable dampers that dynamically adapt to changing load conditions. The blowers can operate at different speeds to match airflow requirements, and dampers can modulate airflow distribution to different zones, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions without excessive energy consumption.
2Device complexity
If conventional HVAC systems use fixed airflow, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to balance sensible and latent loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable speed blowers and adjustable dampers that dynamically adapt to changing load conditions. The blowers can operate at different speeds to match airflow requirements, and dampers can modulate airflow distribution to different zones, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as blower speed, damper positions, and coil selection based on sensed environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow requirements). This allows the system to optimize the sensible heat ratio and balance sensible and latent loads by adjusting these parameters in response to real-time conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If modular HVAC system dynamically adjusts capacity and SHR, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components (multiple coils, blowers, dampers, control units) that can independently function but work together as an integrated system. This modular architecture manages complexity by allowing each component to be controlled separately while contributing to overall system optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control logic that continuously monitor environmental conditions and system performance, then automatically adjust blower speeds, damper positions, and coil operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic optimization of energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or oversimplified fixed-mode operation.
4Loss of energy
If air sealing and air-tight construction are implemented, then energy reduction is achieved, but airflow and ventilation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable speed blowers that can dynamically adjust airflow output to match the reduced infiltration characteristics of air-sealed homes. This allows the system to provide adequate ventilation and airflow performance even when building envelope tightness reduces natural air exchange, maintaining both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
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 modular system enhances energy efficiency and air quality by dynamically adjusting capacity and SHR, improving humidity control and reducing energy consumption, especially in low-load conditions, while maintaining performance matching with various HVAC components.
Implementation Method 1
When engaged in a cooling mode, a conventional HVAC unit passes air typically over a single cooling evaporator coil
Implementation Method 2
a conventional HVAC unit passes air typically over a single cooling evaporator coil
Implementation Method 3
HVAC systems are well known in the prior art, and function to selectively circulate conditioned air throughout a home or structure
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained, integrated, modular HVAC system includes a plurality of adaptive or interchangeable components or swappable modules interconnected to enable the modulation of total airflow and total cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) to meet variable loads, and adjust a sensible heat ratio (SHR) to meet a variable latent ratio of a conditioned space. The components comprise one or more air inlet, damper, inlet damper, air filtration module, air purification module, air freshener module, dehumidifying module, cooling module, air bypass module, blower module, air outlet, I/O panel, and a control cabinet. The components have sensors and actuators that allows a programmable control system to coordinate diagnostics and operations of internal and external components of a refrigeration/heating cycle using various feedback control logics. The HVAC system allows users to remotely determine a chosen relative humidity (RH) set-point, airflow, and temperature of a conditioned space using wireless data communication devices.