Outdoor Air Chase Knockout Plate for Adjustable HVAC Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack the ability to efficiently control and regulate the introduction of outdoor air, which is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor environments as buildings become increasingly sealed, and existing solutions do not provide flexible airflow adjustments to meet varying regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A packaged HVAC system with a configurable flow regulating plate that allows for adjustable outdoor air flow rates by removing knockout panels, enabling precise control of outdoor air introduction from 2% to 15% of rated system air in increments, integrated within an outdoor air chase system that can be easily installed and adjusted to meet specific airflow needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If outdoor air introduction is increased to maintain healthy indoor environments in sealed buildings, then indoor air quality improves, but system energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating plate provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the outdoor air intake to be varied from fully closed to fully open positions. This enables the system to adapt outdoor air introduction levels to actual needs, optimizing the balance between indoor air quality and energy efficiency rather than operating at fixed extremes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of outdoor air continuously through the adjustable flow regulating plate. By modifying this parameter based on operational requirements, the system can introduce sufficient outdoor air for air quality while minimizing unnecessary energy loss from excessive air intake.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed outdoor air intake designs are used, then system manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying regulatory requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating plate is segmented into multiple discrete positions or settings, each corresponding to a specific outdoor air intake level. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a relatively simple manufactured structure while providing multiple adaptable configurations to meet different regulatory requirements through selective positioning of the plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable flow regulating plate introduces dynamic adaptability to an otherwise static system structure. The plate can be positioned at different angles or openings during installation or operation, enabling the same manufactured unit to adapt to varying regulatory requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
3Volume of moving object
If outdoor air chase is integrated into cabinet structure, then system compactness improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor air chase is segmented into modular sections that can be assembled in stages during installation. This segmentation maintains the compact integrated design while allowing installers to work with manageable sections, reducing the overall installation complexity compared to installing a single large integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated outdoor air chase is designed with universal connection points and standardized interfaces that can accommodate different installation configurations and building types. This multi-functionality allows the same compact integrated structure to be installed in various orientations and locations, simplifying the installation process across different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating ventilating and cooling (HVAC) system includes an outdoor air chase having a first end and a second end. The second end of the outdoor air chase is fluidly coupled to a condenser compartment at a location to receive outside air from the condenser compartment and the first end is fluidly coupled to the return air compartment. The outdoor air chase has a conduit through the outdoor air chase. The system includes a configurable flow regulating plate disposed in the outdoor air chase member across the conduit or otherwise across the outdoor airflow that has a plurality of discharge apertures. Initially, the plurality of discharge apertures is covered by a plurality of knockout panels. Each panel is removably secured to the plate. In installation, the installer removes as many of the knockout panels as required for a desired flow of outdoor air. Other systems and methods are presented.