Relay Unit Layout for Leak-Safe Air-Conditioning Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning systems face issues with refrigerant leakage indoors, increased energy consumption due to longer water circulation paths, and complex installation processes, especially when heating and cooling water simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a refrigeration cycle with a refrigerant flow path switching apparatus, an intermediate heat exchanger for heat exchange with a different heat medium, and a relay unit installed separately from the outdoor and indoor units, using two pipelines for refrigerant and heat medium circulation to reduce energy consumption and simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refrigerant is made to circulate into the indoor unit, then cooling or heating can be performed directly, but refrigerant leakage indoors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat medium (water or anti-freeze liquid) as an intermediary substance that circulates between the outdoor heat source apparatus and indoor units. This heat medium replaces the refrigerant in the indoor circulation path, preventing refrigerant leakage into occupied spaces while still enabling heat transfer through the heat exchangers in indoor units.
2Ease of operation
If water circulation path is made longer to reach indoor units from outdoor heat source apparatus, then heating or cooling can be performed, but energy consumption becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into three distinct components: outdoor heat source apparatus, relay units, and indoor units. By placing relay units at intermediate locations (such as rooftop spaces or mechanical rooms near the building), the circulation path is divided into shorter segments, reducing the total length of pipelines and minimizing energy consumption for heat medium circulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four water pipelines are connected to supply both heated and cooled water simultaneously, then heating and cooling can be provided, but number of pipelines increases and installation time grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-function heat medium circulation system where the same circulation path and heat medium can serve both heating and cooling functions. By using the heat medium in different temperature states and controlling flow directions through valves, the system can simultaneously provide heated water to some indoor units and cooled water to others, eliminating the need for separate four-pipeline configurations.
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 prevents refrigerant ingress into conditioned spaces, reduces energy consumption by shortening heat medium circulation paths, and facilitates easier installation by allowing separate placement of the relay unit, improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a heat medium different from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a pump that makes, the heat medium related to heat exchange of the intermediate heat exchanger circulate
Implementation Method 3
a heat source side heat exchanger that makes the refrigerant perform heat exchange
Implementation Method 4
an expansion valve that adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle is configured by connecting a compressor, a four-way valve, a heat source side heat exchanger, expansion valves, and intermediate heat exchangers by piping. A heat medium circulation circuit is configured by connecting intermediate heat exchangers, pumps, and use side heat exchangers by piping. The outdoor unit accommodates the compressor, the four-way valve, and the heat source side heat exchanger, and the relay unit that is installed in a non-subject space which is different from an indoor space and is on an installation floor separated by two or more floors and accommodates the expansion valves, the pump, and intermediate heat exchangers are connected by two pipelines. The relay unit and an indoor unit that accommodates use side heat exchangers and is installed at a position where an indoor space can be air-conditioned are connected by two pipelines.