Split Outdoor Heat Exchanger Layout for Multi-Story Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-type air conditioners have limited heat exchange modes and structural issues, such as weight-related instability and difficulty in repairing or replacing outdoor units, especially when installed in multistoried buildings.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring an indoor heat exchange unit, multiple outdoor heat exchange units, and an intermediate connection unit that allows for various heat exchange modes using two refrigerants, with separate installation of outdoor units to minimize system load and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the compressor is mounted in the outdoor unit, then the outdoor unit can perform compression function, but the outdoor unit becomes heavy and may fall due to its own weight when installed in a multistoried building
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit is divided into two separate parts: the outdoor heat exchange unit (which remains lightweight) and the intermediate connection unit (which contains the compressor). This segmentation allows the heat exchange unit to be installed high on multistoried buildings without weight concerns, while the heavy intermediate connection unit with compressor can be installed separately at ground level or lower positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outdoor unit has a fixed structure with integrated compressor, then the system is simple to manufacture, but it is difficult to repair or replace the outdoor unit or compressor with a new one
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the outdoor heat exchange unit from the intermediate connection unit containing the compressor, the system allows independent replacement of either component. The outdoor heat exchange unit can be replaced without affecting the compressor, and vice versa, significantly improving maintenance flexibility and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate connection unit serves multiple functions: it contains the compressor, provides heat exchange between refrigerants, and acts as a control hub. This multi-functional design allows the compressor and heat exchange components to be separated while maintaining system functionality, enabling flexible repair and replacement strategies.
3Ease of operation
If the outdoor unit is installed as a single integrated component, then the installation process is simple, but the installation location is restricted especially in multistoried buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable outdoor heat exchange unit and intermediate connection unit, allowing them to be installed at different locations. The lightweight outdoor heat exchange unit can be mounted high on building exteriors, while the heavier intermediate connection unit can be positioned at ground level or accessible locations, greatly expanding installation options for multistoried buildings.
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 flexible heat exchange operations, improves installation and maintenance efficiency, and optimizes performance based on external environments by using multiple heat exchanger types and separating outdoor units from the intermediate connection unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor to compress the first refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a second compressor to compress the second refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a hybrid device to perform heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a thermal conductive fluid contained in the case such that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are heat-exchanged with each other via the thermal conductive fluid
Implementation Method 5
an indoor heat exchange unit to perform a heat exchange process by the supply and absorption of heat through the circulation of a first refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
at least one outdoor heat exchange unit to perform a heat exchange process by the absorption and supply of heat through the circulation of a second refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner including an indoor heat exchange unit to perform a heat exchange process by the supply and absorption of heat through the circulation of a first refrigerant, at least one outdoor heat exchange unit to perform a heat exchange process by the absorption and supply of heat through the circulation of a second refrigerant, and an intermediate connection unit to perform a heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant.