System for heating and cooling system with stand-alone modular units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centralized HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to distribution losses, high energy consumption, and limitations in climate-based performance and refrigerant use, while personalized comfort systems require costly integration and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A distributed heating and cooling system with temperature control units positioned throughout an environment, utilizing thermal storage, solid-state heat pumps, and environmental sensing to provide localized comfort, featuring thermal storage systems with high latent heat capacity, heat distribution surfaces, and solid-state heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If centralized HVAC systems are used, then heating and cooling can be provided to the building, but distribution losses reduce the overall Coefficient of Performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized HVAC function into multiple distributed temperature control units positioned throughout the environment. Each unit independently provides heating and cooling to its localized area, eliminating the need for long-distance air distribution ducts and reducing distribution losses. The segmentation of the system into modular units allows each unit to operate efficiently without the energy penalties of centralized air handling and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements localized temperature control by positioning individual temperature control units near specific occupants or areas. Each unit adjusts heating and cooling based on local conditions and individual preferences, rather than uniformly conditioning the entire space. This local approach reduces the energy required for air distribution and allows for precise temperature control where needed.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If highly efficient centralized equipment is invested in, then individual Coefficient of Performance improves, but distribution losses maintain detrimental effects on overall energy performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces centralized equipment with multiple distributed temperature control units, each operating as an independent module. This segmentation eliminates the distribution infrastructure that causes energy losses, allowing the high Coefficient of Performance of individual units to translate directly into overall system efficiency without being undermined by distribution penalties.
3Ease of operation
If personalized comfort systems are integrated into office furniture, then individual comfort preferences can be fine-tuned, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standalone temperature control units that can be independently installed and maintained, rather than integrating complex systems into furniture. Each unit is a self-contained module with standardized components, making installation straightforward and maintenance manageable. The modular design allows individual units to be replaced or serviced without affecting other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control units are designed to operate autonomously with built-in environmental sensing and control capabilities. Each unit independently monitors local conditions and adjusts heating and cooling without requiring complex integration with building infrastructure or centralized control systems, reducing both installation and maintenance requirements.
4Temperature
If distributed temperature control units are positioned throughout the environment, then localized thermal comfort is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heating and cooling function into multiple identical, standardized temperature control units. Each unit is a simple, self-contained module with uniform design and operation. While there are multiple units, their standardization and modularity actually reduce overall system complexity compared to a single complex centralized system, as each unit can be independently installed, operated, and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature control unit is designed as a universal module capable of providing both heating and cooling functions. The units use the same hardware platform and control logic for all locations, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance procedures. This multi-functionality in a standardized package reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from having different systems for different zones.
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
This system achieves efficient, personalized thermal comfort with reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs by distributing heating and cooling modules within occupied spaces, allowing for precise temperature control and significant energy savings through the use of thermoelectric heat pumps and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature control units include a thermal storage system including one or more substances of high latent heat capacity
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control units include a solid-state heat pump positioned between the thermal storage system and the heat distribution surface
Implementation Method 3
the temperature control units include an air distribution module positioned to assist convective heat transfer through the unit
Data Source
AI summary
One or more temperature control units are distributed throughout an environment to provide localized heating and cooling. The temperature control units include a thermal storage system including one or more substances of high latent heat capacity, a heat distribution surface, a solid-state heat pump positioned between the thermal storage system and the heat distribution surface, an environmental sensing module including a proximity sensor, and unit control modules in communication with the solid-state heat pumps. The solid-state heat pumps are individually controllable so that heating and cooling can be provided simultaneously from separate heat pumps in the same temperature control unit, or separate temperature control units in the same environment. The system also senses the presence and location of an individual in the environment, and turns the distributed temperature control units on and off accordingly to provide optimum heating and cooling to the individual without heating or cooling the entire environment.