Single-Package Air Conditioner with Integrated Make-Up Air Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems face limitations in providing adequate make-up air due to costly separate systems and small internal make-up air components, resulting in limited capacity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated make-up air module is incorporated into a single-package air conditioner unit, featuring a fan box with multiple make-up air fans and an outlet above the housing, which extends between the outdoor portion and outside, enhancing air exchange capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separate make-up air systems are used, then make-up air can be provided, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the make-up air system with the air conditioner unit by integrating the fan box and make-up air fans into the outdoor portion of the housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate make-up air systems, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the ability to provide adequate make-up air to the conditioned space.
2Device complexity
If conventional internal make-up air components are used, then the system remains compact, but the make-up air capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the make-up air system in the vertical dimension by positioning the outlet above the housing along the vertical direction. This dimensional extension allows the system to maintain a compact horizontal footprint while significantly increasing make-up air capacity through multiple fans arranged in the fan box, achieving both compactness and high productivity.
3Productivity
If multiple make-up air fans are installed, then make-up air capacity increases, but noise level may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the make-up air function into multiple separate fans within the fan box rather than using a single large fan. This segmentation allows each fan to operate at lower individual noise levels while collectively providing the required make-up air capacity. The distributed fan configuration reduces overall noise impact in occupied spaces compared to a single high-capacity 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 configuration provides a more efficient and cost-effective solution for air conditioning systems by increasing make-up air capacity while maintaining quiet operation, suitable for use in occupied spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an outdoor fan operable to rotate to motivate air through the outdoor portion
Implementation Method 2
an indoor fan operable to rotate to motivate air through the indoor portion
Implementation Method 3
A compressor is in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A single-package air conditioning appliance includes a housing defining an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. An outdoor heat exchanger assembly is disposed in the outdoor portion. The outdoor heat exchanger assembly includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor fan. An indoor heat exchanger assembly is disposed in the indoor portion. The indoor heat exchanger assembly includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. A compressor is in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The single-package air conditioner unit also includes a make-up air module. The make-up air module extends between the outdoor portion of the housing and an outside of the housing. The make-up air module includes a plurality of make-up air fans.