Split Heat Recovery Layout Using Thermosyphon Run-Around Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transferring systems in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems impose location restrictions, are not safe, ecological, or energy efficient, and lack economical solutions for transferring heat.
Innovation Solution
A split heat recovery system comprising a room with inlet and outlet registers, an air duct assembly, a thermosyphon run-around heat pipe assembly with outside and exhaust air coils, vapor and liquid lines, and control devices like modulating return dampers and air filters, allowing for safe, ecological, and energy-efficient heat transfer without location restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heat transferring systems are used, then heat transfer is achieved, but location restrictions are imposed and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat recovery system is divided into separate components: an air handling unit with heat exchange coils and a remote air source unit with additional coils connected by ductwork. This segmentation allows the system to be installed in various locations without requiring the heat exchange components to be adjacent, thereby improving location flexibility while maintaining heat transfer efficiency through the distributed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid medium (refrigerant or heat transfer fluid) that circulates through the heat exchange coils to transfer thermal energy between the supply air and exhaust air streams. This intermediary enables efficient heat transfer over extended distances between air handling units, resolving the contradiction between location flexibility and energy efficiency by decoupling the physical proximity requirement from the heat transfer function.
2Reliability
If conventional heat transferring systems are used, then heat transfer is achieved, but safety and ecological concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs variable speed fans and modulating dampers that adjust operational parameters based on thermal load conditions. By dynamically changing flow rates and heat transfer coefficients, the system maintains safe and efficient operation across varying conditions, preventing harmful effects such as condensation, freezing, or excessive energy consumption while adapting to different environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor temperature, humidity, and airflow conditions throughout the heat recovery system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments to maintain safe and ecologically sound operation, preventing harmful conditions such as freezing in cold climates or overheating in hot environments, thereby improving reliability while minimizing ecological impact.
3Loss of energy
If conventional heat transferring systems are used, then heat transfer is achieved, but cost effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling unit is designed with multi-functional heat exchange coils that can operate in both heating and cooling modes, serving multiple climate conditions with a single system configuration. This universality improves energy recovery efficiency across different seasonal conditions while reducing installation costs by eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems, thereby addressing the cost-effectiveness contradiction.
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
Enables efficient heat transfer within HVAC systems in a safe, ecological, and economical manner, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining system reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigerant is adapted to change state and move between the air coils and the lines. In this manner thermal energy is transferred during operation and use.
Implementation Method 2
a thermosyphon run around heat pipe assembly with outside and exhaust air coils
Implementation Method 3
thermal energy is transferred during operation and use
Implementation Method 4
outside air coils positioned within the entrance chamber... exhaust air coils located within the exit chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A space has inlet and outlet registers and outside and exhaust air ducts. The outside air duct is located adjacent to the inlet register. The exhaust air duct is located adjacent to the outlet register. The space has an outside air passageway through the outside air duct adjacent to the inlet register. The space has an exhaust air passageway through the exhaust air duct adjacent to the outlet register. A thermosyphon run around heat pipe assembly includes outside air coils and exhaust air coils. Vapor lines and liquid lines couple the coils. The outside air coils are positioned adjacent to the air inlet duct. The exhaust air coils are located adjacent to the air outlet duct. A control device, in the form of a modulating return damper, is located between the air ducts. An air filter is provided upstream of and adjacent to the outside air coils.