System and method for operating a packaged terminal air conditioner unit
Solution Overview
Problem
Packaged terminal air conditioner units often face challenges in providing sufficient make-up air while minimizing auxiliary fan noise and energy usage, as existing fans may not meet flow rate requirements or are inefficient in operation.
Innovation Solution
A packaged terminal air conditioner unit with a controller that determines a target make-up air flow rate based on room occupancy status, using an auxiliary fan and an exhaust fan to work together, where the auxiliary fan provides a flow rate equivalent to the target minus the exhaust flow rate, optimizing air supply while reducing fan noise and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the auxiliary fan operates at higher flow rates to meet make-up air requirements, then the make-up air supply is sufficient, but the auxiliary fan generates too much noise and consumes too much energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the make-up air supply function into two separate components: the auxiliary fan and the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan handles the primary make-up air supply, while the auxiliary fan provides supplemental flow only when needed. This segmentation allows the auxiliary fan to operate at lower, quieter levels while still meeting overall make-up air requirements through coordinated operation with the exhaust fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the auxiliary fan and exhaust fan into a coordinated system controlled by a single controller. The controller manages both fans to achieve the target make-up air flow rate, allowing the system to leverage the exhaust fan's higher capacity while using the auxiliary fan only for fine-tuning or supplemental flow, thereby reducing overall noise and energy consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If the auxiliary fan operates at higher flow rates to meet make-up air requirements, then the make-up air supply is sufficient, but the auxiliary fan consumes too much energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the make-up air supply task between the exhaust fan and auxiliary fan, with the exhaust fan handling the bulk of the flow requirement. This allows the auxiliary fan to consume less energy by operating at lower flow rates or remaining off during periods when the exhaust fan alone can meet the make-up air requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the auxiliary fan operation through the controller, which adjusts the auxiliary fan's flow rate based on real-time conditions such as occupancy status and the exhaust fan's performance. This dynamic adjustment ensures the auxiliary fan operates only when and to the extent necessary, minimizing energy consumption while still meeting make-up air requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the auxiliary fan is used to provide make-up air, then the make-up air flow rate can be controlled, but the system complexity increases with coordination between auxiliary fan and exhaust fan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that manages both the auxiliary fan and exhaust fan, allowing a single control system to perform multiple functions: monitoring occupancy status, calculating target make-up air flow rates, and coordinating both fans to achieve the desired flow rate. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate control systems for each fan.
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 solution ensures efficient make-up air supply that meets regulatory requirements, reduces auxiliary fan noise and energy usage, and maintains guest comfort by dynamically adjusting fan operations based on occupancy levels.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary fan positioned proximate the vent aperture and being configured for urging the flow of make-up air from the outdoor portion through the vent aperture to the indoor portion
Implementation Method 2
The controller operates the exhaust fan to urge a flow of exhaust air through an exhaust duct at an exhaust flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods for operating the same are provided. The PTAC includes a vent aperture defined in a bulkhead of the PTAC and an auxiliary fan for urging a flow of make-up air through the vent aperture. A controller is configured for obtaining a room occupancy status from an occupancy system and determining a target make-up air flow rate based on the room occupancy status. The controller operates an exhaust fan, such as a bathroom fan, to urge a flow of exhaust air through an exhaust duct at an exhaust flow rate and operates the auxiliary fan to urge the flow of auxiliary air at an auxiliary flow rate, the auxiliary flow rate being substantially equivalent to the target make-up air flow rate minus the exhaust flow rate.