Psychrometric Chart Interface for Desiccant HVAC Equipment Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems require engineering expertise for load determination and equipment selection, leading to upfront costs and potential operational issues due to inadequate design, with existing selection systems being time-consuming and lacking flexibility and visualization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a psychrometric chart to analyze air characteristics, determine a subset of air processing units, and generate output data for selecting HVAC equipment, allowing users to make informed decisions based on criteria such as cost, energy usage, and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional HVAC equipment selection methods are used, then engineering expertise is required for accurate load determination and equipment selection, but this leads to increased upfront costs and potential operational issues due to inadequate design
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform HVAC equipment selection independently without requiring external engineering expertise. The automated psychrometric analysis and equipment matching algorithms allow end-users to conduct what previously required professional engineering services, eliminating the need for external consultants while maintaining accurate load determination and equipment selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual engineering calculations and expert judgment with an automated computational system. The psychrometric chart analysis, load determination algorithms, and equipment selection criteria are implemented through software that automatically processes air characteristics and matches suitable HVAC equipment, substituting the mechanical process of expert engineering analysis with an automated digital system
2Reliability
If existing equipment selection systems are used, then some engineering support is provided, but these systems are time-consuming and lack flexibility and visualization capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores psychrometric data, equipment performance characteristics, and selection criteria in databases. When a user inputs basic air characteristics, the system quickly retrieves pre-prepared data and performs automated matching, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual calculations and iterative analysis that characterize traditional selection processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a psychrometric chart visualization as an intermediary between raw air characteristic data and equipment selection decisions. This visual representation serves as a mediator that translates complex thermodynamic parameters into an intuitive graphical format, allowing users to quickly assess air processing requirements and select appropriate equipment without lengthy analytical procedures
3Productivity
If detailed engineering analysis is performed to ensure optimal equipment selection, then equipment performance is maximized, but the process becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex HVAC equipment selection process into distinct modular components: air characteristic input, psychrometric chart generation, load calculation, equipment filtering, and selection recommendation. Each module handles a specific aspect of the analysis independently, allowing the system to maintain comprehensive engineering analysis while presenting a simplified, step-by-step user interface that guides users through the process without overwhelming them
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the selection process by adding a visual dimension through the psychrometric chart. Instead of requiring users to navigate complex numerical parameters and calculation sheets, the system projects air characteristics and equipment performance onto a two-dimensional psychrometric diagram, enabling users to visually assess suitability and make informed decisions through graphical representation rather than tedious data analysis
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method for analysis of a desiccant air processing unit includes receiving an air characteristic and generating, based on the air characteristic, a psychrometric chart with a representation of the air characteristic. The method includes determining, based on the air characteristic and a plurality of air processing units, a subset of air processing units and generating, based on the subset of air processing units and the air characteristic, output data associated with possible outputs from the subset of air processing units. The method includes defining a set of regions on the psychrometric chart based on the output data associated with each air processing unit from the subset of air processing units, each region from the set of regions being associated with a different air processing unit from the subset of air processing units and sending, to a user device, the psychrometric chart for output.