Window air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window air conditioners with fresh air and dehumidification functions require dual compressors and refrigeration systems, leading to high costs, low energy efficiency, high noise, and poor production technology and efficiency, as well as uncomfortable temperature conditions due to inadequate dehumidification that lowers indoor air temperature.
Innovation Solution
A window air conditioner design featuring stacked indoor heat exchangers that can operate in both heating and cooling modes, integrated with a fresh air device to deliver fresh air and improve dehumidification efficiency, eliminating the need for additional condensers and evaporators, and utilizing a single compressor for both dehumidification and heat exchange systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an independent dehumidification module is added to the original air conditioning system, then fresh air dehumidification function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to dual compressors and dual refrigeration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dehumidification function with the existing refrigeration system by integrating a dehumidification heat exchanger into the refrigerant circulation path. The refrigerant from the compressor flows through the dehumidification heat exchanger before reaching the evaporator, allowing the same refrigeration system to perform both cooling and dehumidification functions simultaneously, thereby eliminating the need for dual compressors and dual refrigeration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system is designed to serve multiple functions: the compressor, evaporator, and condenser participate in both the cooling cycle and the dehumidification cycle. The dehumidification heat exchanger is positioned in the refrigerant flow path to enable moisture removal from fresh air while the system operates in cooling mode, making the single refrigeration system universal for both cooling and dehumidification purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual compressors and dual refrigeration systems are used, then fresh air dehumidification function is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dehumidification process with the existing refrigeration cycle, so that the compressor drives both the cooling refrigerant flow and the dehumidification refrigerant flow through proper circuit design. The refrigerant absorbs moisture from fresh air in the dehumidification heat exchanger while being cooled by the evaporator, eliminating the need for a separate dehumidification compressor and reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system serves itself by using its own refrigerant and components to perform dehumidification. The evaporator cools the refrigerant that then passes through the dehumidification heat exchanger, creating a self-sustaining dehumidification process without requiring additional energy input from separate dehumidification components
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual compressors and dual refrigeration systems are used, then fresh air dehumidification function is achieved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dehumidification function into the existing single refrigeration system, so that only one compressor operates instead of two. The refrigerant circulation path is designed to route refrigerant through the dehumidification heat exchanger during dehumidification mode, eliminating the need for a second compressor and its associated noise, while still achieving effective fresh air dehumidification
4Productivity
If dehumidification is performed on fresh air with small volume, then local dehumidification effect is achieved, but the air effect in the entire room cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by heating the fresh air after dehumidification to compensate for the temperature drop caused by moisture removal. The condenser or a dedicated heating element raises the temperature of the dehumidified air before it is supplied to the room, preventing the uncomfortable cold sensation and ensuring that the dehumidified air can effectively raise the overall room air quality rather than just creating a localized cold dehumidified zone
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 design achieves efficient dehumidification and constant temperature control, enhancing user comfort while reducing manufacturing costs and energy consumption by utilizing the indoor heat exchangers effectively and eliminating the need for dual refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor heat exchanger are configured to be stacked in an air inlet direction of the indoor air duct; and in the constant temperature dehumidification mode, one of the first indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor heat exchanger is configured to be in a heating mode, and the other one of the first indoor heat exchanger and the second indoor heat exchanger is configured to be in a cooling mode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a window air conditioner having a constant temperature dehumidification mode. A first indoor heat exchanger and a second indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner are stacked in an air inlet direction of an indoor air duct of the air conditioner. In the constant temperature dehumidification mode, one of the indoor heat exchangers is configured to be in a heating mode, and the other one is configured to be in a cooling mode. In this way, both fresh air and indoor air may be dehumidified and heated, a user may feel the fresh air and the temperature of the dehumidified air is comfortable.