Solar Air Heater Barrier for No-Modification RTU Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar air heaters are expensive to construct and 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 that connects to RTUs without modifying them, using a chamber and barrier system with a porous fabric material to preheat air, which includes a plenum and air ducts to direct preheated air to the RTU, and a diverter mechanism to switch between preheated and external air based on temperature, allowing for efficient heating without altering the RTU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional solar air heaters are used to preheat air, then energy efficiency is improved, but construction cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar air heater is divided into separate modular components: a solar collector assembly that can be independently installed and positioned, and a RTU connection interface. This segmentation allows the solar heating function to be added without requiring complex integration into the existing RTU structure, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary connection system is introduced between the solar collector and the RTU, including flexible ducting and adapter components. This intermediary interface simplifies the connection process, allowing the solar heater to be attached to the RTU without modifying the RTU itself, thereby reducing installation complexity while enabling effective heat transfer.
2Power
If solar air heaters are installed on rooftop RTUs, then heating capability is improved, but the RTU may be damaged or its efficiency decreased due to modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The solar heating function is extracted as a separate, standalone assembly that attaches to the RTU externally rather than requiring modifications to the RTU structure. This extraction approach allows the heating capability to be enhanced while preserving the original RTU integrity and avoiding potential damage from drilling, welding, or other invasive modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collector utilizes a flexible, lightweight housing and thin-film selective absorber coating that can be easily attached to the RTU surface without heavy structural modifications. This flexible design reduces the mechanical load and structural requirements, thereby protecting the RTU from damage while maintaining effective solar heat collection and transfer capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to RTUs to install solar heaters, then solar heating integration is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector assembly is designed with universal mounting features and standardized connection interfaces that can be attached to various RTU models and configurations without custom fabrication. This universality enables broad adaptability across different installations while using standardized, cost-effective components, thereby reducing overall installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collector employs cost-effective, easily replaceable components such as disposable selective absorber coatings and simple metallic fin structures. These inexpensive components can be quickly installed and, if necessary, replaced without requiring expensive specialized tools or skilled labor, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining functional adaptability.
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 modifications to the RTU, and enhances energy efficiency by providing preheated air to the RTU, thereby reducing the energy needed for heating buildings.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surface of the solar collector is covered with one or more layers of air permeable radiant heat absorbing fabric
Implementation Method 2
air permeable radiant heat absorbing fabric
Implementation Method 3
The shape of the solar collector is maintained by a lattice support underneath the radiant heat absorbing fabric
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.