Sirocco Fan Drain Pan Layout for Dew Scattering Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air-conditioning apparatus experiences 'dew scattering' where drain water from the heat exchanger is dispersed by sirocco fans, leading to potential water leakage and reduced heat exchange efficiency, necessitating increased shaft power to maintain efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning apparatus design featuring a dew-scattering-reducing part positioned outside the air outlet's flow path but inside the drain pan, comprising a first reducing portion and a second reducing portion to guide air and prevent drain water dispersion, ensuring airflow is not obstructed and maintaining heat exchange efficiency without increasing motor power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to block drain water scattering, then dew scattering is reduced, but heat exchange efficiency decreases and shaft power must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the functional requirements into two separate components: the heat exchanger maintains unobstructed airflow for heat exchange efficiency, while the dew-scattering-reducing part (formed by drain pan side walls) separately addresses drain water scattering. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other, eliminating the need to increase shaft power.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan's side walls act as an intermediary structure that intercepts and redirects scattered drain water without interfering with the primary airflow path between the sirocco fan and heat exchanger. This intermediary element solves the dew scattering problem while maintaining heat exchange efficiency, avoiding the power increase penalty of conventional cover solutions.
2Productivity
If the heat exchanger is disposed between air outlet and sirocco fans, then heat exchange is effective, but drain water scatters onto components and may leak
Solution Approach 1:
The solution addresses drain water scattering by utilizing the vertical dimension through the drain pan's side walls, rather than attempting to control horizontal dispersion. The side walls extend upward from the drain pan bottom to intercept falling drain water, confining it within the pan's receptacle space. This dimensional approach protects components from water contact while preserving the effective heat exchange arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow that would normally disperse drain water harmfully is redirected to serve a useful function: it flows along the heat exchanger surface and into the drain pan, where it helps direct drain water toward the drainage hole. The previously harmful scattering effect is converted into a beneficial drainage assistance mechanism.
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
Effectively reduces dew scattering of drain water without increasing the shaft power of the sirocco fan, preventing water leakage and maintaining heat exchange efficiency by strategically placing the dew-scattering-reducing part to guide air and water within the drain pan.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger causes air supplied by the sirocco fans to exchange heat to cool or heat the air
Implementation Method 2
During the heat exchange between air and refrigerant performed by the heat exchanger, moisture in the air is condensed
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a casing; a heat exchanger disposed in the casing; a sirocco fan disposed in the casing and located upstream of the heat exchanger along a flow passage such that an air outlet of the sirocco fan faces the heat exchanger; a drain pan disposed in the casing and located below the heat exchanger, the drain pan receiving drain water generated in the heat exchanger; and a dew-scattering-reducing part that reduces scattering of the drain water. The dew-scattering-reducing part is disposed outside a region enclosed by extension lines from the air outlet toward the heat exchanger and inside the drain pan.