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, especially in coastal areas, and require additional ancillary devices or complex systems for effective dehumidification.
Innovation Solution
A variable refrigerant package (VRP) system that dehumidifies outside air before introducing it into the conditioned space, using pulse width modulation to control compressor and fan speeds, incorporates a reheat system for extra dehumidification, and includes a control system for active power factor correction, allowing for efficient and controlled dehumidification and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional PTAC/VPAC units are used for cooling, then the space temperature is satisfied, but humidity builds up and ventilation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dehumidification of outside air before introducing it into the conditioned space. The evaporator coil removes moisture from the outside air in advance, preventing humidity buildup in the room while still providing ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by conditioning outside air through the evaporator coil before mixing it with room air. This intermediary dehumidification process allows ventilation without directly introducing humid outside air into the space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outside air is introduced for ventilation, then air exchange is provided, but humidity is introduced into the space
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dehumidification of outside air before introducing it into the conditioned space. The evaporator coil removes moisture from the outside air in advance, preventing humidity buildup in the room while still providing ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of outside air by passing it through the evaporator coil, which reduces its humidity content while maintaining its cooling capability. This parameter change allows the air to serve both ventilation and dehumidification functions.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dehumidification of outside air before it enters the conditioned space, reducing the overall dehumidification burden on the main cooling cycle and allowing for more efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of the evaporator coil to handle both cooling and dehumidification functions, ensuring that humidity control is ongoing rather than intermittent, which improves overall efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If ancillary dehumidifiers are added to PTAC/VPAC units, then dehumidification capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the evaporator coil universal by using it for both cooling and dehumidification functions. By routing outside air through the evaporator coil, the same component performs multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate dehumidification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the dehumidification function with the existing cooling system by integrating outside air handling through the evaporator coil. This combines what would traditionally be separate functions into a unified system.
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 reduces humidity and noise, providing stable and efficient dehumidification and ventilation, allowing for longer operation to maintain desired conditions and reducing the need for additional equipment, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator coil, which draws some of its cooling capacity from the outside air to dehumidify the air
Implementation Method 2
a sound dampening snorkel
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. A snorkel that delivers fresh air to be mixed with inside entering air in front of the evaporator for a maximum dehumidification is also shown.