Window Air Conditioner Water Cooling Unit for Higher COP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window-type air conditioning systems have low Coefficient of Performance (COP), are noisy, and difficult to maintain, which limits their widespread use and encourages the adoption of split-type systems.
Innovation Solution
A window-type air conditioning system incorporating a water cooling unit that utilizes water as a cooling agent, featuring a water tank, pumping device, heat exchanging pipes, and a fan assembly to enhance energy efficiency, reduce noise, and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional air-cooled heat exchangers are used in window-type air conditioning systems, then the system structure is simple, but the Coefficient of Performance (COP) is low and energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary cooling medium between the refrigerant and the ambient environment. The water cooling unit uses heat exchanging pipes where refrigerant flows through, surrounded by cooling water that absorbs heat more efficiently than air cooling, thereby improving COP while maintaining a relatively compact structure suitable for window-type installations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from air-cooled (pneumatic) to water-cooled (hydraulic) heat exchange. By using water as the cooling medium in the outdoor heat exchanger, the system achieves superior heat transfer efficiency compared to air cooling, directly addressing the low energy efficiency problem of conventional window-type systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compressor and heat exchangers are installed in the same housing as in conventional systems, then the structure is compact, but noise levels are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into distinct functional zones: the compressor unit is separated from the water cooling unit, with the compressor located in one region and the water cooling components in another. This spatial segmentation reduces noise transmission and allows for better acoustic isolation of the noisy compressor from living spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water cooling unit as a separate functional module within the housing, distinct from the compressor assembly. This extraction allows for independent optimization of each component's position and noise control measures, reducing overall system noise while maintaining compactness
3Ease of repair
If conventional maintenance procedures are used for window-type systems, then no special maintenance structure is needed, but maintenance is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable maintenance panel that can be opened or removed to provide direct access to the water cooling unit components. This dynamic structural feature allows maintenance personnel to easily reach the heat exchanging pipes, water circulation system, and filter elements without disassembling the entire unit, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving accessibility
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 system achieves a higher Coefficient of Performance, reduces noise levels, and simplifies maintenance, ensuring improved energy efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a water cooling unit provided in the outdoor compartment, which comprises: a pumping device provided in the water tank for pumping the cooling water; a top water collection basin for collecting the cooling water from the pumping device; a fill material unit provided underneath the top water collection basin, wherein the cooling water collected in the top water collection basin is arranged to flow through the fill material unit; a bottom water collection basin provided underneath the fill material unit, the cooling water from the fill material unit being arranged to be collected in the bottom water collection basin; and at least one heat exchanging pipe provided in the bottom water collection basin and immersed in the cooling water
Implementation Method 2
a pumping device provided in the water tank for pumping the cooling water
Implementation Method 3
a fan assembly which comprises an outdoor fan unit and an indoor fan unit movably accommodated in the outdoor compartment and the indoor compartment respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A window-type air conditioning system includes an outer housing having an indoor compartment, an outdoor compartment, and a water tank, a fan assembly, a compressor unit, an evaporator unit, and a water cooling unit. The water cooling unit includes a pumping device provided in the water tank, a top water collection basin for collecting the cooling water from the pumping device, a fill material unit provided underneath the top water collection basin, a bottom water collection basin provided underneath the fill material unit, and at least one heat exchanging pipe immersed in the cooling water. The cooling water collected in the bottom water collection tank is arranged to be guided to flow back into the top water collection basin, while a predetermined amount of refrigerant is arranged to flow through the heat exchanging pipe for performing heat exchanging process with the cooling water.