Multi-Zone Chilled Beam Pump Module to Reduce System Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-zone chilled-beam HVAC systems inefficiently utilize pump modules, as each zone typically has its own pump module, leading to suboptimal performance, increased installation costs, and reduced energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system where multiple zones are served by a single pump module, utilizing a digital controller to manage temperature and humidity based on zone-specific inputs from thermostats and humidistats, with modulating valves to adjust chilled water temperature and flow, and the ability to switch between heating and cooling modes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each zone has its own pump module, then zone-specific temperature control is achieved, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump modules into a single integrated pump module that serves multiple zones. This single pump module includes multiple compressors, condensers, and expansion valves that work together to provide zone-specific temperature control through a shared refrigerant distribution system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump module is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple zones simultaneously. It includes multiple compressors that can operate independently or in combination, and a refrigerant distribution system that can direct refrigerant to different zones based on their specific cooling or heating needs, allowing one device to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If each zone has its own pump module, then independent zone control is achieved, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump modules into a single integrated unit that reduces installation complexity and costs. By combining compressors, condensers, and refrigerant distribution systems into one module that serves multiple zones, the number of installation points, electrical connections, and maintenance access points is reduced, thereby lowering overall installation costs while preserving independent zone control capability.
3Device complexity
If multiple zones are served by a single pump module, then system complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump module is segmented into multiple independent compression stages, each with its own compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. This segmentation allows each zone to receive independently controlled refrigerant flow, maintaining precise temperature control for each zone while benefiting from the simplified architecture of a single integrated module rather than multiple separate modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module employs dynamic control mechanisms including variable speed compressors and electronically controlled expansion valves that can adjust refrigerant flow rates and pressures in real-time based on zone-specific temperature demands. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures precise temperature control is maintained even though multiple zones are served by a single module.
4Ease of operation
If each zone has its own pump module, then zone autonomy is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated pump module enables continuous operation with optimized energy consumption by allowing compressors to run at lower, more efficient capacities rather than cycling on and off. The system can continuously adjust refrigerant flow to match actual zone demands, eliminating the energy waste associated with frequent start-stop cycles that occur in smaller, zone-specific modules, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining zone autonomy.
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 approach simplifies system design and installation, reduces costs, and enhances energy efficiency by optimizing the use of pump modules and improving temperature control across multiple zones.
Implementation Method 1
a module pump that delivers the chilled water to the at least one chilled beam in the plurality of the multiple zones
Implementation Method 2
temperature of the chilled water delivered from that pump module to the plurality of the multiple zones is lowered
Data Source
AI summary
Air conditioning systems for cooling multiple-zone spaces, each zone having a thermostat, where each of multiple pump modules delivers chilled water to chilled beams in a plurality of zones and a chilled-water distribution system circulates chilled water through a chilled-water distribution loop to the multiple pump modules. Current dew points are determined in zones that call for cooling, and temperature of chilled water delivered to the chilled beams is maintained for each pump module at least a predetermined temperature differential above the highest dew point within the zones served by that pump module. Each zone has a zone control valve to shut off flow to that zone. Serving a plurality of zones from each pump module reduces how many pump modules are required. Zones served by one pump module may be selected to have similar thermal loads. Pump modules may supply hot water when heat is needed instead of cooling.