Outboard Heat Exchanger Modules for Maintainable HVAC Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity refrigeration systems in air conditioning installations are prone to breakdowns and inefficiencies due to their design, which can lead to prolonged disruptions and costly maintenance, especially in large buildings and urban areas, where expansion and maintenance are challenging.
Innovation Solution
A modular refrigeration system with separate evaporator and condenser heat exchangers mounted outboard and isolatable by valving, allowing for individual unit maintenance without shutting down the entire system, and a control system that progressively activates units based on load demand to equalize usage and manage failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-capacity refrigeration system is used to handle maximum load, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but the system becomes more prone to breakdown and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into multiple independent modular units, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by isolating failures to individual modules while maintaining overall cooling capacity through parallel operation of remaining units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration changes from a single large unit to multiple smaller modular units with adjustable operational parameters. This allows dynamic adjustment of the number of active units based on load requirements, improving both reliability and operational flexibility.
2Power
If a single large refrigeration unit is used, then the system handles high capacity loads, but repair time increases to days or weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modular units that can be serviced individually. When one unit requires repair, other units continue to operate, significantly reducing the operational downtime compared to a single large unit where any repair stops the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchangers are extracted and positioned outboard of the modular units, making them easily accessible for maintenance and repair without requiring shutdown of the entire system or complex disassembly procedures.
3Power
If a predesigned air conditioning system is installed for the completed building, then the system capacity matches the final load, but the system operates inefficiently at less than full load during construction stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-capacity design to a dynamic configuration where the number of active modular units can be adjusted based on current load requirements. This allows the system to operate efficiently at partial load by activating only the necessary number of units.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of operating a full-capacity system at partial load (excessive action), the system activates only the required number of modular units to match the current load demand, eliminating wasted energy while maintaining the capability to handle peak loads when all units are activated.
4Power
If a conventional single large unit is transported to an urban installation location, then the system provides sufficient capacity, but traffic routes must be shut down during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into multiple smaller modular units that can be transported using standard logistics routes without requiring traffic shutdowns. These units are then assembled at the installation location to achieve the required total cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple smaller modular units are combined at the installation location to form the complete air conditioning system. This merging approach allows for easier transportation and installation while maintaining the required system capacity.
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 design enhances the reliability and efficiency of air conditioning systems by enabling easy maintenance and operation, reducing downtime and costs, and allowing for scalable capacity adjustments without major disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator/chiller of a refrigeration system which removes heat from the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The heat is given up to a second heat exchange fluid which circulates passed the condenser of the refrigeration system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a modular air conditioning, heating, and heat recovery system. Particularly, the invention discloses a modular system having the condenser and/or evaporator heat exchangers mounted outboard of the modules and being easily removable and separatable by virtue of their positioning and valving.