Single Duct Terminal Unit with Downstream Damper for Uniform Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-duct terminal units face inefficiencies due to upstream damper placement causing uneven airflow, turbulence, and inconsistent temperature control, leading to increased energy consumption and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A high-efficiency single duct terminal unit design with a damper positioned downstream of the heat exchanger and an upsized outlet relative to the inlet, allowing for uniform airflow and improved mixing of heated air, enhancing temperature accuracy and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the damper is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger to regulate airflow, then airflow control is achieved, but uneven airflow distribution and turbulence occur over the heat exchanger, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and inefficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional damper positioning by placing it downstream of the heat exchanger instead of upstream. This reversal allows the damper to regulate airflow exiting the unit without disrupting the uniform airflow distribution over the heat exchanger surface, thereby maintaining accurate temperature readings while still achieving effective airflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the airflow control function from the heat exchange function by separating the damper positioning from the heat exchanger. The damper is positioned downstream to handle airflow regulation independently, while the heat exchanger operates with undisturbed uniform airflow, allowing each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other.
2Loss of energy
If the damper closes to meet ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC standards, then energy efficiency requirements are satisfied, but airflow is restricted to only 50% of maximum capacity, compounding turbulence issues and increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the damper position to downstream, the system can restrict airflow to meet energy efficiency standards while avoiding the turbulence and heat transfer inefficiencies that occur with upstream positioning. This allows the system to operate at 50% capacity with reduced energy loss compared to conventional designs operating at the same capacity level.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed air inlet and outlet configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the range of achievable airflow is restricted and optimal airflow dynamics cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the air inlet configuration, allowing the inlet size and orientation to be varied. This enables the system to optimize airflow dynamics for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple fixed outlet configuration, thus balancing manufacturing ease with operational versatility.
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 design achieves more precise temperature readings and reduced energy consumption by ensuring uniform airflow and mixing, resulting in improved HVAC control and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger designed to heat the incoming air
Implementation Method 2
hot water which is then circulated through the heating element, where it acts as the primary medium for transporting thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
a damper that controls the flow of the air exiting the unit
Implementation Method 4
a sensing element that monitors the ambient or outside temperature
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a single duct terminal unit includes an air inlet coupled to a casing that allows air to enter the casing, a heat exchanger disposed within the casing and downstream of the inlet relative to airflow entering the casing, a damper disposed downstream of the heat exchanger relative to the airflow entering the casing, the damper controlling airflow through an air outlet, and a control unit in communication with the damper, where the control unit adjusts a positioning of the damper based upon airflow through the air inlet and a requested temperature of airflow through the air outlet.