Modular Solar Air Heater for Non-Invasive RTU Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar air heaters are expensive to construct and cumbersome to install, often requiring modifications to rooftop air handling units (RTUs) that can decrease their efficiency or cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A solar air heating system that connects to an RTU without modifying it, using a chamber and barrier system with porous fabric barriers to preheat air, which includes a plenum and air ducts to efficiently transfer heat from solar collectors to the RTU, and a diverter mechanism to switch between preheated and external air based on temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar air heaters are used, then solar energy conversion to heat energy is achieved, but construction cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar air heater is divided into separate modular components: solar collector panels, porous fabric barriers, plenum chambers, and air ducts. These modules can be independently manufactured and assembled on-site, reducing installation complexity while maintaining solar energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal components that can be integrated with various RTU configurations without requiring custom modifications. The porous fabric barriers and plenum chambers serve multiple functions: solar energy absorption, heat transfer, and air distribution, simplifying the overall device design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar air heaters are modified to connect to RTU, then integration is achieved, but RTU efficiency decreases or damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A plenum chamber acts as an intermediary component between the solar air heater and the RTU. This intermediate structure receives preheated air from the solar collector and delivers it to the RTU air intake without requiring modifications to the RTU itself, thereby maintaining RTU reliability while achieving integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to connect to the RTU using the RTU's existing air intake openings and mounting structures, allowing the RTU to serve its own integration needs without external modifications. The solar air heater components are configured to interface with standard RTU configurations.
3Loss of energy
If porous fabric barriers are used in the chamber, then heat transfer to air is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Porous fabric barriers are used within the plenum chamber to enhance heat transfer from the solar collector to the air passing through the chamber. The porous structure provides large surface area for thermal exchange while allowing air flow, improving heat transfer efficiency despite the additional material cost.
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
Reduces construction costs and installation complexity while maintaining or improving the efficiency of the RTU by preheating air before it is circulated, thus reducing the energy needed for heating buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a solar air heating system that connects to an RTU without modifying it, using a chamber and barrier system with porous fabric barriers to preheat air
Implementation Method 2
a plenum and air ducts to efficiently transfer heat from solar collectors to the RTU
Implementation Method 3
a plenum and air ducts to efficiently transfer heat from solar collectors to the RTU
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.