Multi-Outlet Window Heat Pump Layout for Reduced Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window air conditioners and heat pumps often have limited airflow directionality and can recirculate air, reducing their effectiveness in heating and cooling buildings.
Innovation Solution
A window heat pump design featuring an interior portion with multiple air outlets positioned at different angles to direct airflow into the room, including one outlet directing air towards the ceiling and another towards the floor, thereby enhancing airflow distribution and reducing recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air outlet is used in conventional window air conditioners, then the device structure is simple, but the airflow distribution is limited and air recirculation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is divided into multiple segments (first air outlet and second air outlet) positioned at different locations and angles on the interior portion. The first air outlet directs air toward the ceiling while the second air outlet directs air along the floor, creating multiple airflow paths that improve room coverage and prevent recirculation without requiring complex external ductwork
2Device complexity
If air is injected in a single direction, then the outlet structure is simple, but the room conditioning coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-direction airflow to multi-dimensional airflow by positioning outlets at different vertical levels and angles. Air is injected both upward toward the ceiling and horizontally along the floor, creating a three-dimensional airflow pattern that distributes conditioned air throughout the entire room volume rather than concentrating it in one area
3Productivity
If air outlets are positioned to maximize airflow distance, then the airflow reach is improved, but the risk of air recirculation back into the inlet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlets are positioned asymmetrically relative to the air inlet, with the first air outlet directed toward the ceiling and the second air outlet directed along the floor. This asymmetric positioning ensures that airflow travels across the room rather than returning directly to the inlet, maximizing reach while preventing recirculation through strategic geometric arrangement
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 improves airflow distribution within the room, allowing for more effective heating and cooling by directing air streams at optimal angles, and reduces air recirculation, enhancing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
For effective air mixing in a room, fluid dynamics dictates that cold air should be injected toward the top of the room while hot air should be injected toward the bottom of the room. The momentum carries the injected air from the injecting device away from the device. Thereafter, buoyancy forces take over as the jet of air slows. Specifically, the hot jet rises away from the floor while the cold jet drops toward the floor. A jet can also reach farther into the room if this jet is injected along the surface (e.g., floor, ceiling, wall) as opposed to spaced away from the surface. This fluid dynamic behavior is generally known as a 'wall jet'.
Implementation Method 2
The interior heat exchanger and the interior fan impeller are positioned on a fluidic pathway between the air inlet and each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet
Implementation Method 3
an exterior portion comprising a compressor, an exterior heat exchanger, and an exterior fan impeller
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are window heat pumps that are configured to heat or cool building interiors while providing simple installation options. A heat pump may comprise interior, exterior, and interconnecting portions such that the interconnecting portion extends between and mechanically, fluidically, and electrically interconnects the interior and exterior portions. When installed, the interconnecting portion extends through a window and supports the interior and exterior portions relative to each other and the building. The interior and exterior portions protrude below with windowsill thereby reducing obstructions to the window. The interior portion comprises two or more air outlets spaced apart from each other and directing air into the building interior at different angles. For example, a first air outlet may direct air at least in part toward the ceiling, while the second air outlet may direct air along the floor.