Solar air heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar air heaters are expensive to construct and cumbersome to install, often requiring modifications to rooftop air handling units (RTUs) that can decrease their efficiency or cause damage, and lack cost-effective solutions for connecting to RTUs without altering them.
Innovation Solution
A solar air heating system comprising a chamber connected to an RTU, utilizing a barrier system with porous fabric materials to preheat air and an air duct to transfer heated air, which can be integrated without modifying the RTU, using a motor-actuated diverter to switch between preheated and external air based on temperature thresholds, and adjustable support structures for flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional solar air heaters are constructed using traditional methods, then they provide solar heating functionality, but they are expensive to construct and cumbersome to install
Solution Approach 1:
The solar air heater is divided into separate modular components: a solar collector assembly and a rooftop air handling unit (RTU) assembly. These modules can be manufactured independently and installed separately, reducing construction complexity and enabling flexible installation configurations without requiring complex integration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The RTU assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the air handling unit for the building HVAC system and the mounting structure for the solar collector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the number of components required, simplifying both manufacturing and installation.
2Reliability
If conventional solar air heaters are installed on RTUs, then solar heating is achieved, but modifications to the RTU are required which can decrease efficiency or cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the solar collector and the RTU. This barrier prevents direct thermal contact, allowing the solar collector to heat air without transferring excessive heat to the RTU, thereby protecting the RTU from thermal damage while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar heating function is extracted from the RTU and implemented as a separate solar collector assembly that interfaces with the RTU through controlled thermal pathways. This separation allows the RTU to maintain its original design and efficiency while the solar collector provides additional heating capability independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar air heaters are installed, then heating functionality is provided, but they lack cost-effective solutions for connecting to RTUs without altering them
Solution Approach 1:
The RTU assembly is designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that can accommodate various RTU models without requiring custom modifications. The solar collector assembly can be mounted on different RTU configurations using the same basic mounting mechanism, enhancing adaptability across existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates localized adaptation features at specific connection points on the RTU, such as adjustable brackets and flexible thermal barriers, that allow the solar collector to be properly installed on various RTU types without modifying the entire RTU structure or requiring expensive custom fabrication.
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 system reduces construction costs, avoids RTU modifications, maintains efficiency, and provides a flexible installation method that integrates with existing RTUs, enhancing energy efficiency by preheating air before it is circulated in buildings.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a barrier system with porous fabric materials to preheat air
Implementation Method 2
barrier system with porous fabric materials to preheat air
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.