Outdoor heating or cooling system creating an open temperature-controlled zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor workers and athletes in extreme weather conditions face challenges of overheating or hyperthermia due to the lack of efficient, portable, and cost-effective systems for localized cooling or heating in open environments.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop outdoor heating and cooling system comprising a seating structure with a HVAC apparatus, air outlets, and a central air intake that recycles conditioned air, reducing energy costs by reconditioning air within the system rather than continuously conditioning ambient air, and is transportable for use in various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional air conditioning system is used in an open outdoor environment, then the personnel can be cooled or heated, but the energy consumption is high because the system continuously conditions ambient air without recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles conditioned air from the temperature-controlled zone back through the HVAC apparatus for reconditioning. The air intake is positioned to draw primarily recycled air rather than continuously introducing new ambient air, thereby recovering the thermal energy already invested in conditioning the air and significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the air intake draws conditioned air from the temperature-controlled zone and feeds it back through the HVAC system. This feedback loop maintains temperature control while minimizing energy input by reusing the conditioned air rather than continuously processing new ambient air.
2Temperature
If a fully enclosed environment is created for temperature control, then the temperature can be maintained effectively, but the system becomes immobile and difficult to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a localized temperature-controlled zone rather than enclosing a large space. By concentrating the temperature control in a specific area (such as a seating zone) and using strategic air intake and outlet positioning, the system achieves effective temperature maintenance in a compact, portable configuration that can be easily relocated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the temperature control function into a compact, self-contained unit with integrated HVAC apparatus, air outlets, and air intake. This segmentation allows the temperature-controlled zone to be created portably without requiring a fully enclosed structure, enabling easy relocation while maintaining temperature stability.
3Temperature
If air outlets are positioned to maximize air distribution in the zone, then the temperature control effectiveness improves, but the air intake may draw in unconditioned ambient air reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses strategically positioned air outlets as intermediaries that distribute conditioned air in a pattern that promotes circulation back to the air intake. The air outlets are positioned and oriented to create airflow patterns that draw conditioned air back into the intake rather than allowing it to escape as unconditioned ambient air, thereby reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous circulation of conditioned air through the temperature-controlled zone and back to the intake. By positioning air outlets to maximize distribution while maintaining circulation patterns, the system ensures continuous useful action where conditioned air is constantly recycled rather than lost to the ambient environment.
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 effectively maintains a temperature-controlled zone in open environments, reducing energy consumption and providing efficient temperature regulation for personnel, while being portable and adaptable for different scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a high volume air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus for conditioning air by producing a heating or cooling temperature change to air
Implementation Method 2
a high volume air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus for conditioning air by producing a heating or cooling temperature change to air
Implementation Method 3
The HVAC apparatus forces conditioned air through air delivery conduits to the air outlets, where it is expelled generally vertically and horizontally
Implementation Method 4
The central air intake is disposed between the lower and upper air outlets so as to reside in the interior of the temperature-controlled zone... Air having a depleted charge is then retrieved from the temperature-controlled zone via the central air intake
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling or heating system creating an open temperature-controlled zone for personnel, the system having HVAC equipment for producing and delivering cooled or heated air, a lower air outlet disposed in a deck member, an upper air outlet disposed in a wall member, and a central air intake disposed between the lower and upper air outlets, whereby conditioned air expelled from the lower and upper air outlets is recycled through the central air intake and HVAC equipment.