Outdoor Air Handler Unit Design for Space-Constrained Mobile Homes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile homes and small structures, the scarcity of indoor space poses challenges for air conditioning systems, particularly with the increasing size of high-efficiency outdoor condenser and compressor units, leading to a need for solutions that conserve interior space while maintaining cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A universal air handler unit is designed with a compact, weather-resistant cabinet housing a blower and evaporator for outdoor installation, coupled with a stand-alone condenser/compressor unit, allowing for flexible duct connections and optional stacking or manifold configurations to optimize space usage and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a bifurcated system is used with indoor evaporator and blower, then outdoor condenser size can be reduced for high efficiency, but dedicated indoor space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the energy-intensive condenser/compressor operations (performed outdoors with no indoor space requirement) from the air handling functions (evaporator and blower contained in a compact indoor unit). This allows high-efficiency outdoor units to be used while the indoor space requirement is minimized to only the essential evaporator and blower components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If duct connections are made rigidly, then connection stability is improved, but damage to ducts during installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air handler unit incorporates flexible duct connections that can bend and adjust to accommodate installation variations and building settling. These flexible connections maintain stable airflow while reducing stress and damage to ductwork during installation and maintenance operations compared to rigid hard connections.
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 configuration allows for the use of higher efficiency outdoor units within the limited space constraints of mobile home parks, providing flexible installation options and reducing the need for dedicated indoor space, while minimizing damage to ducts and enhancing maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
Return air drawn by the blower into the cabinet passes across the evaporator core, then through the blower and back out through the adjacent cool air duct
Implementation Method 2
Return air drawn by the blower into the cabinet passes across the evaporator core, then through the blower and back out through the adjacent cool air duct
Data Source
AI summary
A universal air handler unit includes a blower and evaporator juxtaposed one another within a compact, weather resistant cabinet adapted for outdoor installation. Ports for cool and return air ducts disposed on one side of the cabinet couple directly to the blower and evaporator respectively. Return air drawn by the blower into the cabinet passes across the evaporator core, then through the blower and back out through the adjacent cool air duct. Coolant lines couple to a stand-alone condenser/compressor unit. In a particular embodiment, an adapter enables stacking the condenser/compressor unit atop the cabinet to reduce the overall footprint of the combination. In another embodiment, a manifold adapted to couple to the cool and return air ducts may be installed in various locations, the air handler unit slideably coupling to the manifold during installation, and easily decoupling and reecoupling for transportation and maintenance.