Variable refrigerant package
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional through-the-wall air conditioning units, such as PTACs and VPACs, fail to effectively ventilate and dehumidify spaces, leading to humidity issues and musty smells, particularly in coastal areas, as they do not adequately remove moisture and often require additional systems or ductwork that are complicated and costly.
Innovation Solution
A variable refrigerant package (VRP) system that includes a control system for dehumidifying outside air before it enters the conditioned space, using pulse width modulation to adjust compressor and fan power, and incorporating a reheat system for enhanced dehumidification, allowing for longer operation to maintain humidity control and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional through-the-wall air conditioning units (PTACs/VPACs) are used to cool spaces, then cooling function is provided, but effective ventilation and dehumidification are not achieved, leading to humidity buildup and musty smells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ventilation and dehumidification functions into the air conditioner unit itself. The control system integrates multiple functions (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation) that were previously separate systems, allowing the unit to perform both ventilation and effective dehumidification without requiring additional ancillary devices or ductwork.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including refrigerant flow rate, compressor speed, and fan speed to optimize dehumidification performance. By varying these parameters based on humidity sensors and operational conditions, the system achieves effective moisture removal while maintaining cooling efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ancillary dehumidifiers or ductwork are added to improve dehumidification, then humidity control is enhanced, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner unit is designed with multi-functionality, integrating cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation capabilities into a single system. The control system manages multiple operational modes and functions within one unit, eliminating the need for separate dehumidifiers or complex ductwork installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own refrigeration cycle and existing components (evaporator coil, condenser, compressor, fans) to perform dehumidification and ventilation functions. The control system orchestrates these self-contained components to achieve moisture removal without requiring external ancillary devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If standard air conditioners run only until temperature is satisfied, then energy consumption is reduced, but dehumidification is insufficient and humidity continues to build
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates humidity sensors and temperature sensors that provide continuous feedback to the control algorithm. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts compressor operation, refrigerant flow, and fan speeds to maintain both temperature and humidity within desired ranges, preventing humidity buildup while optimizing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of the refrigeration cycle and airflow even after the temperature setpoint is reached, specifically to continue removing moisture from the air. The control system extends runtime beyond traditional temperature-based shutdown to ensure adequate dehumidification occurs.
4Ease of operation
If outside air is forced through ductwork into the conditioned space to provide ventilation, then ventilation is achieved, but the system requires additional ductwork and dehumidifiers, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ventilation and dehumidification functions into the air conditioner unit itself. The control system integrates multiple functions (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation) that were previously separate systems, allowing the unit to perform both ventilation and effective dehumidification without requiring additional ancillary devices or ductwork.
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 VRP system effectively dehumidifies and ventilates enclosed spaces, reducing humidity and musty smells, while allowing for easy installation by non-skilled personnel and optimizing power usage through active power factor control.
Implementation Method 1
the condensate water extracted from the air by the evaporator coil
Implementation Method 2
the condenser fan onto the condenser coil surface
Implementation Method 3
the condensate water extracted from the air by the evaporator coil
Data Source
AI summary
A variable refrigerant package air conditioner is shown that is easy to install in new construction with a unique base that causes collected mixture that overflows to drain outside the building. A control system is shown that has motors and compressor that are pulse width modulated so the air conditioner is infinitely variable while maintaining the highest possible power factor. Dehumidification of outside air occurs as it is mixed with inside air. By gradually approaching a temperature set point and even reheating after dehumidification, moisture is removed from the room.