Split heating and cooling systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating and cooling systems are inefficient for low-load homes, leading to excessive costs and energy consumption, and existing room air conditioners lack aesthetic appeal and uniform climate control, making them unsuitable for newly constructed single-family homes.
Innovation Solution
A modular air conditioning system comprising a condenser unit and an evaporator unit connected by a sleeve that traverses the wall, allowing for easy installation and minimizing refrigerant loss, with a connecting mechanism that aligns and secures the units for efficient fluid and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional heating and cooling systems are installed in low-load homes, then the systems can provide space conditioning, but the systems result in excessive energy consumption and unnecessary costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent zone units, each capable of operating autonomously to condition specific areas of the home. This allows the total cooling capacity to be distributed and better matched to the actual load requirements of different zones, avoiding the excessive energy consumption of a single oversized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of cooling capacity by independently operating multiple zone units based on actual demand. Each zone can be turned on or off, and capacity can be adjusted according to occupancy and environmental conditions, providing adaptability that matches the static capacity of traditional systems to the dynamic needs of low-load homes.
2Power
If room air conditioners are used in newly constructed single-family homes, then higher cooling capacities can be provided, but the systems have poor aesthetics and fail to provide uniform climate control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple discrete zone units that can be strategically placed throughout the home rather than a single large unit. This segmentation allows for distributed cooling capacity that provides uniform climate control across different areas while maintaining aesthetic appeal by avoiding the appearance of a single large room air conditioner.
Solution Approach 2:
Each zone unit is designed as a universal module that can be installed in multiple locations and serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The units provide high cooling capacity while maintaining a design-friendly appearance, thus serving dual functions that address both the capacity requirement and the aesthetic/uniformity concern.
3Use of energy by moving object
If complicated systems are installed to provide efficient space conditioning, then energy efficiency can be improved, but the systems become more difficult and expensive to install
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized zone units that can be manufactured independently and installed modularly. This segmentation simplifies the installation process compared to complicated custom-designed systems, as each unit follows the same installation procedure and can be assembled by homeowners or renters with minimal expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be easily installed by homeowners or renters themselves without requiring professional HVAC technicians. The modular design with standardized connections and simple assembly procedures enables self-service installation, reducing both installation complexity and cost while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 provides efficient, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing space conditioning with improved energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and utility bills by over 20% compared to traditional window air conditioners, while minimizing air infiltration and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger positioned within the interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems and methods. An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a housing having an external surface and defining an interior volume, a heat exchanger positioned within the interior volume, a fluid line partially positioned within the interior volume, a sleeve extending from the external surface and terminating at a distal end of the sleeve, and a fluid connector. The sleeve has an outside wall spanning a length of the sleeve and defining an internal cavity, the fluid connector is positioned at or near the distal end, a portion of the fluid line is positioned within the internal cavity, and the fluid line provides a fluid connection between the heat exchanger and the fluid connector.