Window-mounted climate control system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems, such as window and split systems, suffer from noise issues due to concentrated components, limited user serviceability, and inflexibility in cooling directionality, with split systems requiring professional installation and complex piping networks.
Innovation Solution
A modular air conditioning system comprising an outdoor unit with a compressor, air-cooled condenser, and fluid heat exchanger, and an indoor unit with a fan, fluid pump, and cold fluid storage tank, connected via a user-serviceable hose that allows decoupling of cooling functions and flexible reconfiguration, including multiple hose connections and servo-directed louvers for improved airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If components are concentrated in a single housing (window air conditioner), then the system structure is simple, but noise increases and cooling directionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system is divided into separate indoor and outdoor units. The outdoor unit contains noisy components (compressor, condenser) while the indoor unit contains quiet components (evaporator, air handler). This segmentation physically separates noise sources from occupied spaces, reducing noise impact while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The noisy compressor and condenser components are extracted from the indoor housing and placed in a separate outdoor unit. This extraction removes the primary noise sources from the indoor environment, allowing the indoor unit to operate quietly while the outdoor unit handles the noisy refrigerant compression and heat rejection functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If split systems are used to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but professional installation and complex piping are required
Solution Approach 1:
A service channel acts as an intermediary structure that pre-integrates the necessary piping, electrical wiring, and condensate drainage pathways between the indoor and outdoor units. This intermediary structure simplifies installation by providing pre-configured connection paths, eliminating the need for complex field-installed piping networks while maintaining the noise-reducing split configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the entire unit is contained in one housing, then installation is simple, but cooling directionality and airflow control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The indoor unit incorporates adjustable louvers and directional airflow components that can be dynamically repositioned to control cooling directionality. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt airflow patterns based on room temperature distribution needs, providing versatility in cooling coverage while keeping the unit installation relatively simple.
4Reliability
If standard refrigerant piping is used in split systems, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but user serviceability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The service channel serves as an accessible intermediary structure that provides user-friendly access points to the refrigerant piping system. Users can open the service channel to reach quick-connect fittings and service ports, enabling them to perform basic maintenance tasks like filtering refrigerant or replacing the refrigerant tank without requiring professional technicians, while the piping itself maintains standard efficiency specifications.
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 modular system provides efficient room cooling with reduced noise, enhanced user serviceability, and flexibility in system configuration, allowing for optimal cooling distribution and reduced installation costs by decoupling indoor and outdoor cooling operations and using a non-toxic coolant fluid.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation hose connected between a fluid side of said fluid to air heat exchanger and a second side of said fluid to fluid heat exchanger, said circulation hose allowing a circulating fluid to transport heat between said at least one interior unit and said exterior unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one user positionable interior unit, said interior unit including a fluid to air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
an exterior unit including a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger and a system for supplying a working fluid having a controlled temperature to a first side of said fluid to fluid heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a fan to circulate air across said fluid to air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
The outdoor unit can contain a compressor
Implementation Method 6
an air-cooled condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control system coupled within an opening of a structure, with the opening separating an internal area within the structure and an exterior area external to the structure, the climate control system straddling the opening. The climate control system includes: an interior unit disposed at the opening within the internal area; an exterior unit disposed at the opening in the exterior area; and a connector between the interior unit and the exterior unit that extends through the opening, the connector including: a circulation hose that extends through the opening to connect the exterior unit and the interior unit, and a controls system configured to operate the interior unit and the exterior unit.