VRF Conditioning System Integrating Air and Water Heating/Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) conditioning systems are limited to controlling room temperatures and cannot simultaneously heat or cool air and liquids, requiring separate systems for air and liquid temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A VRF conditioning system with a single outdoor unit and multiple terminals, where one terminal conditions air and another terminal heats or cools liquids, using a main controller to vary refrigerant supply based on demand, allowing simultaneous air and liquid heating or cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional VRF conditioning system is used to condition room temperatures, then air temperature control is achieved, but liquid temperature control cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The VRF system is modified to perform multiple functions: it can condition both air and liquids (water heating/cooling). The outdoor unit connects to both air-handling terminals and water terminals, allowing the single system to replace what would traditionally require separate HVAC and water heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines air conditioning and water heating/cooling functions into a single integrated VRF system. The refrigerant circulation system serves both air terminals and water terminals simultaneously, merging two previously separate system functions into one unified system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated systems are installed for air and liquid temperature control, then both functions are provided, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VRF system is modified to perform multiple functions: it can condition both air and liquids (water heating/cooling). The outdoor unit connects to both air-handling terminals and water terminals, allowing the single system to replace what would traditionally require separate HVAC and water heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines air conditioning and water heating/cooling functions into a single integrated VRF system. The refrigerant circulation system serves both air terminals and water terminals simultaneously, merging two previously separate system functions into one unified system
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate systems are used for air conditioning and water heating, then each system can be optimized, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers waste heat from spaces that are being cooled and uses it to heat water or heat other spaces that require heating. Similarly, waste cold from spaces being heated can be recovered for water cooling or other space cooling, significantly improving overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The VRF system is modified to perform multiple functions: it can condition both air and liquids (water heating/cooling). The outdoor unit connects to both air-handling terminals and water terminals, allowing the single system to replace what would traditionally require separate HVAC and water heating systems
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 efficient and precise temperature regulation of both air and liquids, reducing the need for multiple systems and providing energy savings through independent and simultaneous control of air and liquid temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The outdoor unit can include a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan
Implementation Method 2
The outdoor unit can include a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan
Implementation Method 3
The outdoor unit can include a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of terminals can include a first terminal having an evaporator and configured to condition air of a room
Implementation Method 5
The plurality of terminals can include a first terminal having an evaporator and configured to condition air of a room
Implementation Method 6
The outdoor unit can include a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) conditioning system including a single outdoor unit and a VRF path extending between the single outdoor unit and a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals can include a first terminal configured to condition air of an interior room and a second terminal configured to heat or cool a liquid. The VRF system can provide heating or cooling of air in different rooms or zones within a building or home while also providing heating or cooling of water. In response to a demand for heating or cooling at each terminal, the VRF system can vary the supply of refrigerant to each terminal, such that efficient and precise temperature regulation of air and liquid can be provided.