Modular two phase loop distributed HVACandR system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC&R systems are inefficient in simultaneously heating and cooling different areas of a building, leading to energy waste due to reheating cooled air and operating at a single temperature lift.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase loop distributed HVAC&R system with multiple secondary and primary units, each equipped with heat pumps and heat exchangers, and a controller to manage the flow of a two-phase medium, including carbon dioxide and refrigerants, to minimize temperature lift and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional single-phase HVAC systems are used to cool areas, then cooling is achieved, but energy is wasted by reheating the cooled air for areas that require heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple thermal zones, each with independent temperature control capability through secondary HVAC units. Each zone can be heated or cooled independently based on its specific requirements, eliminating the need to reheat cooled air for heating zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal state of the two-phase medium by controlling phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) at different temperatures in different zones. This allows simultaneous heating and cooling at different temperature levels without energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If conventional single-phase heat transfer loops operate at a single temperature lift, then system simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency between different areas is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer system is segmented into multiple primary loops and secondary loops, each operating at different temperature lifts optimized for specific heating or cooling demands. This segmentation enables efficient heat transfer at multiple temperature levels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes two-phase medium with controlled phase transitions (liquid to vapor and vapor to liquid) at different locations and temperatures. This enables efficient heat transfer by leveraging the high latent heat of vaporization, achieving superior heat transfer efficiency compared to single-phase systems.
3Productivity
If conventional HVAC systems operate, then basic heating and cooling functions are provided, but simultaneous heating and cooling of different areas is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The two-phase medium circulation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cooling to some zones while heating other zones, and enables heat recovery between zones. The primary and secondary HVAC units can operate in different modes (heating, cooling, heat recovery) at the same time, maximizing system productivity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts what would normally be waste heat from cooling operations into useful heating for other zones. The heat rejected by cooling zones is captured and utilized for heating zones, transforming a potential energy loss into a beneficial resource.
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 system efficiently heats and cools different areas of a building by reducing energy waste and improving heat transfer efficiency between areas, allowing for simultaneous heating and cooling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a two-phase loop distributed HVAC&R system
Implementation Method 2
improving heat transfer efficiency between areas
Implementation Method 3
Each of the first plurality of secondary HVAC&R units and the second plurality of secondary HVAC&R units may include a heat pump
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC&R system that includes a first pumping device configured to circulate a first volume of a first two-phase medium, a second pumping device configured to circulate a second volume of the first two-phase medium, a first plurality of secondary HVAC&R units, a second plurality of secondary HVAC&R units, a first primary HVAC&R unit, and a second primary HVAC&R unit. At least one of the first plurality of secondary HVAC&R units is operably coupled to the first pumping device. At least one of the second plurality of secondary HVAC&R units is operably coupled to the second pumping device. The first primary HVAC&R unit is operably coupled to at least one of the first plurality of secondary HVAC&R units and the first pumping device. The second primary HVAC&R unit is operably coupled to at least one of the second plurality of secondary HVAC&R units and the second pumping device.