Universal variable multi flow system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems are inefficient and costly as they require separate systems for heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water, leading to high initial investments, complex installations, and expensive maintenance due to their reliance on split system principles and different fluid sources, which are not suitable for all climate zones and often result in underutilization and over-sizing of components.
Innovation Solution
A universal Variable Multi Flow (VMF) system that integrates a frame with insulated panels, air flow regulators, heat exchangers, fans, coils, a brushless DC compressor, and an intelligent control system to provide simultaneous heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water, working with a wide temperature range and capable of treating 100% fresh air, thus eliminating the need for multiple external units and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate HVAC systems are used for heating, cooling, and ventilation, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water production into a single integrated heat pump system. The heat pump unit includes heat exchangers, compressors, and control systems that can simultaneously perform multiple functions by directing refrigerant flow to different components, eliminating the need for separate HVAC systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can provide heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water. The system uses a single heat pump compressor and heat exchanger assembly that can be configured through electronic expansion valves and control systems to deliver any of the four functions or combinations thereof, making the system adaptable to various climate zones and building requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple external units are installed for different HVAC functions, then each unit can be specialized, but the installation footprint and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple external HVAC units into a single heat pump unit. The integrated design includes all necessary components (compressors, heat exchangers, expansion valves, control systems) in one location, reducing the installation footprint from multiple outdoor units to a single compact unit while maintaining all specialized functions through internal component configuration.
3Reliability
If split system principles are used with different fluid sources, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system uses a single refrigerant loop that serves multiple functions. The refrigerant circulates through heat exchangers that can simultaneously provide heating to building spaces, cooling to other zones, and hot water production for domestic use. This multi-functional approach allows heat recovery between different functions, improving overall energy efficiency compared to separate single-function systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers heat that would otherwise be discarded in one function and uses it for another function. For example, when the heat pump provides cooling, the rejected heat is recovered to provide domestic hot water or heating to other building zones. Similarly, excess heat from hot water production can be used for space heating, maximizing energy utilization and reducing overall energy consumption.
4Reliability
If conventional HVAC systems are designed for specific climate zones, then they can be optimized for local conditions, but they cannot operate efficiently in extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump system is designed with a wide operating temperature range by incorporating robust compressors, efficient heat exchangers, and adaptive control systems. The system can switch between heating and cooling modes and adjust refrigerant flow to maintain efficiency across extreme temperatures, making it suitable for various climate zones without requiring climate-specific customization.
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 VMF system offers a unified solution for heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water, reducing installation footprint, energy usage, and maintenance costs while maintaining optimal comfort across various climate conditions, eliminating the need for separate systems and Building Management Systems, and ensuring efficient operation without refrigerant leaks or noise pollution.
Implementation Method 1
a counter flow plate heat exchanger with a bypass damper (or rotary type heat exchanger) configured to extract cool/heat/humidity from the room air
Implementation Method 2
a supply coil configured to re-cool or re-heat the air in separate enclosed areas
Implementation Method 3
a supply coil configured to re-cool or re-heat the air in separate enclosed areas
Implementation Method 4
an extract coil configured to additionally recover the heat from the room
Implementation Method 5
at least one condenser/evaporator coil configured to extract heat of the ambient air
Implementation Method 6
at least one condenser/evaporator coil configured to extract heat of the ambient air
Implementation Method 7
at least one brushless DC (BLDC) scroll compressor configured to produce warm or cold refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A universal Variable Multi Flow system includes a hosing comprising a frame and a plurality of insulated panels; a fresh air inlet damper configured to regulate an air flow; a return air inlet damper; a fresh air inlet filter coupled to the fresh air inlet damper; a return air inlet filter coupled to the return air inlet damper; a counter flow plate heat exchanger with a bypass damper configured to extract cool/heat/humidity from the air; at least one supply and at least one return air fan configured to support circulation of the air through the VMF; a supply coil configured to re-cool or re-heat the air in separate enclosed areas; at least one brushless DC (BLDC) scroll compressor configured to produce warm or cold refrigerant; at least one variable frequency drive configured to control capacity of the at least one BLDC scroll compressor; and an Intelligent Control Box-Master Controller configured to control operations of the VMF system.