U.S. patent application number 12/336325 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-14 for active fluid and air heat exchange and method.
Invention is credited to JOHN YENKAI PUN.
Application Number | 20090120630 12/336325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496609 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090120630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PUN; JOHN YENKAI |
May 14, 2009 |
ACTIVE FLUID AND AIR HEAT EXCHANGE AND METHOD
Abstract
The present invention relates to a modular apparatus and methods
for active heat exchange involving continuous atomization of
chilled or heated fluid droplets, droplets projection, and
formation of fluid film on a large surface for reciprocal two way
heat transfer with circulating air. A closed, pleated, corrugated,
thin-wall, heat conductive chamber (1) provides the large surface
for formation of fluid film and separation between fluid and air
offering short and rapid heat conductive path between fluid and
air. An axial blower (11) integrated with the heat exchanger module
provides re-circulation of air where the heat exchanger module (28)
is situated. The modular heat exchanger (28) or multiple of which
is integrated with other components such as a refrigeration unit
(37), a heating element (25), and a central fluid reservoir (23) in
which fluid is pre-chilled or preheated in the application of air
conditioning and heating. The fluid is conveyed by small bore tubes
to individual modules by a pump (26) then returns to the central
reservoir (23) for re-chill or reheat in a close loop fluid flow
configuration. A stepping motor (7c) controlled valve (7B)
regulated amount of fluid is processed by the heat exchanger.
Energy is actively saved by control of heat exchange rate.
Inventors: |
PUN; JOHN YENKAI; (Coos Bay,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Weaver Austin Villeneuve & Sampson LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Family ID: |
39496609 |
Appl. No.: |
12/336325 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11337883 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
7497252 |
|
|
12336325 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/247 ;
165/121; 165/60; 62/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/54 20130101;
F24F 5/0035 20130101; F24F 6/043 20130101; F24F 7/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/247 ; 165/60;
165/121; 62/515 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/02 20060101
F24F011/02; F24F 3/14 20060101 F24F003/14; F24H 3/02 20060101
F24H003/02; F25B 39/02 20060101 F25B039/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus of active fluid and air heat exchange for
refrigeration, cooling, and heating purposes in room, space,
structure, and dwelling comprising: means for controlling amount of
fluid entering the heat exchanger for processing coupled with
integrated temperature sensors deriving heat transfer rate
calculation means for producing controlled atomization and
projection droplets onto inner surface of a closed chamber forming
a fluid film for heat transfer, including perforated tube means to
deliver pre-chilled or preheated fluid for atomization, and
motorized spinning slotted cylinder means to atomize fluid into
droplets and project droplets by centrifugal force, and closed,
pleated, corrugated, heat conductive chamber means for forming a
fluid film on its inner wall surface and conducting heat energy
from outside ambient air to the fluid film in cooling and
conducting heat energy from fluid film to outside ambient air for
heating, and pump vane means to return excess fluid after the
process of heat exchange from fluid film to be chilled or heated
again, and motorized fan means to convey ambient air to outer
surface of said closed, pleated, corrugated, heat conductive
chamber to be cooled or heated.
2. The apparatus as in claim 1 includes said perforated tube closed
at one end with plurality of perforation at various intervals along
its length means for projecting pre-chilled or preheated fluid to
the inside surface of said motorized spinning slotted cylinder to
be atomized.
3. The apparatus as in claim 2 includes an electric motor mounted
outside at one end of said closed, pleated, corrugated, heat
conductive chamber, means to rotate said slotted cylinder for
atomization and projection of fluid droplets by centrifugal force
and driving said pumping vane.
4. The apparatus as in claim 3 includes said spinning cylinder with
plurality of open slots along its length covered with fine mesh
screen is connected to said electric motor for atomization and
projection of droplets by centrifugal force.
5. The apparatus as in claim 4 includes said closed, pleated,
corrugated, heat conductive chamber means to provide large surface
area for formation of a continuous fluid film from sprayed
droplets, for large capacity of heat transfer, and large amount of
air contact at its outer surface.
6. The apparatus as in claim 5 includes said pump vane means to
return processed excess fluid to be chilled or heated again.
7. The apparatus as in claim 6 includes multiple said active fluid
and air heat exchangers mounted in plurality of rooms and spaces
within a structure or dwelling for air conditioning and heating
system.
8. In an apparatus for active fluid and air heat exchange for
refrigeration, cooling, and heating purposes in rooms, spaces,
structures and dwellings includes tube means, motorized spinning
slotted cylinder means, rotary pump means, and closed heat
conductive, pleated, corrugated, chamber means, the method
comprising: introducing pre-chilled or pre-heated fluid for
producing atomized droplets shearing fluid into droplets by edges
formed by wire of said fine mesh screen covering the slot openings
of said spinning slotted cylinder by centrifugal force projecting
the atomized droplets by centrifugal force in radial and tangential
manner onto the inner surface of said closed heat conductive
chamber forming a continuous fluid film on the inner surface of
said closed, heat conductive chamber absorbing heat energy from
ambient air outside through heat conductive wall of said closed,
pleated, corrugated chamber transferring heat energy from said
fluid film through heat conductive wall of said closed, pleated,
corrugated chamber to ambient air pumping processed fluid from
continuously replenished fluid film to a reservoir to be chilled or
heated again in a closed loop fluid flow circuit.
9. In an apparatus as claim 8 the heat exchange method including:
supplying pre-chilled or preheated fluid to said active fluid and
air heat exchange by insulated small bore tube atomizing fluid into
droplets approximately less than 200 microns in diameter utilizing
fluid at a rate of substantially less than 200 milliliters per
minute pumping processed excess fluid via insulated small bore tube
back to a reservoir to be chilled or heated again in a closed loop
circulation.
10. Active fluid and air heat exchange method as in claim 9
achieves independent control of temperature in a room or space at
various locations within a structure or dwelling, by coupling a
thermostatic control valve regulating fluid supply to a particular
said active fluid and air heat exchanger to alter fluid amount
available for atomization.
11. Active fluid and air heat exchange method as in claim 10 for
independent temperature control within a room or space of a
structure or dwelling is accomplished by electronically altering
fan rotational speed of said active fluid and air heat exchanger,
thereby changing circulating air contact time and the amount of air
in contact with said closed heat conductive chamber.
12. A central air conditioning and heating system and method for a
structure or dwelling includes a plurality of said active fluid and
air heat exchangers comprising: a central refrigeration unit means
to cool fluid in a central reservoir a central reservoir containing
an immersed evaporator tube of said central refrigeration unit
means for cooling and an immersed electric resistive heater for
heating a central electric pump means to propel chilled or heated
fluid to a central fluid dispenser means to distribute fluid to
plurality of said heat exchangers small tubes means to convey fluid
to and from individual said heat exchanger in a closed loop fluid
flow configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
atomization of chilled or heated fluid, projection of droplets, and
formation of a fluid film in a chamber with large surface area for
heat exchange in the application of refrigeration, air
conditioning, and heating of room, space, structure or
dwelling.
[0002] Heat exchanger technology has long existed. Prior art for
heat exchanger in application of refrigeration, air conditioning,
commonly referred to as evaporator involves rapid expansion of
compressed liquid refrigerant converting to gas inside a small
diameter metal tube fitted with heat conductive fins. Heat is
absorbed while ambient air is blown over this assembly by use of a
motorized blower. For heating, the air is commonly heated by flame
or by an electrical resistive heater. In some cases hot fluid is
circulated inside a similar device as the evaporator described.
Various configurations of this basic heat exchanger are exemplified
by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,192,976; 6,035,927; 6,182,743; 6,178,766;
6,173,763, and 6,167,950. Disadvantages of this type of heat
exchanger are many. Small diameter tubing, even long in length,
does not possess large surface area for heat transfer. Narrow thin
fins, approximately on the order of 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2
inches) in width and 0.25 millimeter (0.01 inch) in thickness as
commonly used, attaching edgewise to the tubing, limit heat
transfer capacity. Heat conduction must also travel a distance from
the fins to reach the tubing. Air contact time with the evaporator
heat exchanger assembly is necessarily brief due to the limited
width of fins and high velocity of air travelling over the
evaporator, contributing to low heat energy transfer. Air molecules
in immediate direct contact with cold or hot surfaces only perform
heat exchange. Air is a poor heat conductor; molecule vibration
caused by heat is not easily transmitted to adjacent molecules due
to large distances separating them. Such inefficiency leads to
requirement of large capacity refrigeration and heating units to
provide a large temperature differential between the evaporator and
ambient air at a sacrifice of energy consumption.
[0003] Prior efforts to increase surface area for heat exchange,
particularly, in the application of cooling fluid, between fluid
and fluid employing small corrugated tubing, have been exemplified
by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,119,769 and 4,995,454. However, such modified
configurations are far from adequate for efficient heat exchange
between fluid and air in the application of air conditioning and
heating.
[0004] In a central air conditioning and heating system for a
structure or dwelling, a large centrifugal blower generating air
flow with high static pressure is needed to propel air through the
heat exchanger or evaporator and furnace into a system of large
ducts for distribution into various rooms and spaces through open
grills. It has been verified by scientific studies that energy loss
for a ducting system is greater than 20 percent of the total
consumed by a central air conditioning and heating system. This
energy deficit is primarily caused by heat gained or lost while
chilled or heated air travels through the ducts even insulated
according to recommended common practice. Significant air velocity
is also diminished due to resistance from friction while air is in
contact with large duct wall surface and confronting turns of the
ducts necessary for reaching final destinations. A large
centrifugal blower for a central air conditioning and heating
system for an average size dwelling consumes kilowatts of electric
power per hour.
[0005] One disadvantage of the above described ducting system is
the requirement of multiple size ducts to balance air flow and
temperature in various locations in a structure or dwelling
dependent upon sizes, lengths, shapes, and turns of ducts. Proper
balance of temperatures in all locations within a structure or
dwelling is seldom achievable with such a method.
[0006] Baffles or shutters, preset or motorized, have been placed
inside air ducts in larger or commercial buildings to regulate
amount of air flow into a room or area in an effort to provide
acceptable air flow and temperature regulation in air conditioning.
Such efforts are energy wasting and far from satisfactory in
delivering the right amount of conditioned air.
[0007] Another disadvantage of the above-described ducting system
is that temperature of specific room or space within a structure or
dwelling cannot be individually or incrementally controlled in an
easy manner. A grill with louver adjusting mechanism located in a
room or space has to be manually moved; therefore fine adjustment
of temperature is not possible.
[0008] Another prior art of heating a structure or dwelling
involves heating a large amount of fluid, generally water, with a
large capacity water heater and conveying the heated fluid to
various locations of a structure through a system of pipes. Once
reaching a particular location, the pipe is arranged in a back and
forth fashion and mounted under the floor, above the ceiling, or
behind a wall as a heat exchanger radiating heat into a room or
space. Such a heating system is commonly termed a "hydronic"
heating system. One disadvantage of such a heating system is that a
separate system is required for cooling. Another disadvantage is
that a large amount of fluid is needed to be continuously heated
thus requiring a large capacity heater with attending large energy
consumption. Generally, temperature control in various locations is
not available or possible. Furthermore, the structural element in
which the "heat exchanger" is enclosed must first be heated before
heat can radiate into a room or space. Occupants within feel the
increase in temperature with significant delay. A warm building
also radiates heat to cold outside environment wasting energy.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a
more efficient heat exchanger and its integration into a functional
system for refrigeration or air conditioning and heating purposes
without all the above mentioned deficiencies.
[0010] The present invention provides a modular apparatus that
continuously atomizes a small quantity of chilled or heated fluid
into a large number of small droplets and projects the droplets
onto a large surface area to form a fluid film for heat transfer.
Atomization and projection is accomplished by centrifugal force
generated by a rapidly spinning slotted and screen cylinder.
Rotating cylinders with perforations and cylindrical screens have
been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,145 and 4,659,013. These
various modes of atomization, primarily provided for agricultural
spraying, possess shortcomings that render them unsuitable for
application in this invention. They suffer the inability to
uniformly generate droplets along the entire cylinder length or
sustain the cylindrical shape for uniform droplet atomization under
high rotating speed or centrifugal force.
[0011] Earlier attempts in generating droplets along the long axis
of a rotating device by centrifugal force are also exemplified in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,022,956 and 3,168,596. Unfortunately these prior
arts generate narrow bands of droplets with large separation
between bands; therefore they are unsuitable in an application
requiring uniform and even droplet distribution.
[0012] The surface on which the fluid film is formed is the inner
surface of a closed pleated corrugated chamber composed of thin
gage heat conductive material for promotion of rapid and efficient
heat transfer. Ambient air, provided by a blower, circulating on
the outside of this chamber, has long contact time with the chamber
surface and large surface area for greater amount of heat energy
transfer.
[0013] Heat exchanger modules of this invention are intended to be
located in rooms or spaces where air conditioning or heating is
needed. A central fluid reservoir is employed for chilling and
heating fluid to be atomized by the heat exchanger. Small bore
tubes are used to convey pre-chilled or preheated fluid to a heat
exchanger and return for re-chill and reheat, eliminating the need
for large air ducts as in conventional practice. Small tubes are
also more economical as well as much easier to provide complete
insulation to maintain the heat-energy-state of the fluid in
transit. By providing a blower in the heat exchanger module at site
where the module is installed has many advantages. One such
advantage is the circulating air to be cooled or heated in the
immediate vicinity of the module. There is no need for a large
central blower that consumes a large amount of energy. The
temperature in a given room or space can be cooled or heated
quickly without the problem of heat conduction of air over a long
distance in returning to the central blower to be cooled or
reheated again. An added benefit of this invention is the ability
to control temperature where it is needed and to what extent in
individual room or space. The heat exchanger module or modules in
area or areas without human occupation within a structure or
dwelling can be shut off for further savings on energy use.
[0014] The present invention of heat exchange module is equipped
with a motorized variable valve for changing the rate of fluid
being processed. Since the large heat transfer surface is so
efficient, an increase of fluid entering the exchanger increases
the heat transfer rate as well. The heat exchange rate of any given
moment can be calculated by input fluid temperature, rate of fluid
being processed, and the outbound fluid temperature from an
integrated exiting processed fluid temperature sensor. This
arrangement provides the heat exchanger's unique ability to
actively respond to changing heat leakage (heat load) from amount
of heat transfer by increasing or decreasing fluid input to be
processed by the heat exchanger. After noting the heat transfer
amount information at any given moment we can program an increase
heat transfer rate to utilize available evaporator cooling or
heater's heating capacity optimally for purpose of energy savings.
It should be noted that all traditional air conditioners are
passive with heat exchange rates affected by environment conditions
from moment to moment resulting in greater waste of energy. This
invention is differentiated from tradition air conditioners by
being able to actively change heat transfer rate based on
information gleaned from temperature sensors and control of
motorized variable fluid valve (fluid processed rate).
[0015] A small air conditioner of this invention with a single heat
exchanger module operating with a thermostat control can be
employed as an instrument to measure a room's heat leakage (heat
load) which utilizes the major portion of an air conditioner's
capacity to counter. By keeping a room's temperature constant, the
heat absorption or distribution rate is essentially the heat
leakage rate which has not been able to measure previously.
SUMMARY
[0016] The present invention relates to a modular apparatus and
methods for active heat exchange involving fluid atomization,
droplets projection, fluid film formation on a large surface for
reciprocal two way heat transfer with air, and its integration with
other elements into a refrigeration, or air conditioning and
heating system.
[0017] More particularly, the present invention continuously
circulates a small quantity of pre-chilled or preheated fluid
through small tubes to self-contained active heat exchanger modules
located in specific rooms or spaces where fluid and air heat
transfer take place. More importantly, the processed fluid is
returned for re-chilling or re-heating in a closed loop fluid flow
circuit.
In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a
self-contained heat exchange apparatus comprised of an electric
motor, a stepping motor controlled variable fluid valve, a fluid
delivery tube, a spinning slotted and screened cylinder, a pumping
vane, a small enclosed chamber containing a temperature sensor for
measuring returning outbound fluid, an electric blower, a closed
heat conductive chamber, and a housing shell in a modular
configuration.
[0018] An aspect of the invention is the utilization of a motorized
variable fluid valve to change amount of fluid being processed by
the heat exchanger based on input and outbound temperature
information plus previous instant of input fluid rate denoting heat
transfer rate.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention
provides a functional air conditioning and heating system with a
single heat exchanger or multiple modules comprised of a central
fluid reservoir containing the evaporator of a refrigeration unit
and a submersible electric resistive heater, a refrigeration unit
(a compressor and condenser), an electric pump, a central fluid
dispenser, insulted small tubes, and appropriate electronic
temperature sensors and controls.
[0020] One important aspect is to employ fluid as a medium for heat
exchange instead of air as in common practice. A small quantity of
fluid is atomized into an extremely large number of small droplets,
and a large number of droplets are spread over a very large area
forming a fluid film. A large area for heat transfer results in
ample amount of heat energy being transferred between fluid and
air, achieving high efficiency. Another object of this invention is
to minimize heat energy conduction time between fluid and air
across the heat conductive barrier for rapid heat transfer. Use of
thin gage heat conductive material forming the wall of the closed
chamber, separating the fluid film and circulating air, provides
heat energy transfer efficiency in quantity as well as rapidity.
Ability to effect a large amount of heat transfer also renders
possible this invention to be active in changing heat transfer
rate. An important object is to maintain heat-energy-state of the
chilled or heated fluid during transit to individual heat
exchangers. This is made possible by transporting only a small
quantity of fluid with well-insulated small tubing for circulation
in the closed fluid loop. This arrangement makes possible the
elimination of energy-wasting large air ducts traditionally used
for heat energy transport in similar applications.
[0021] Another important aspect of this invention is that the rate
of fluid turnover during heat transfer for each heat exchanger is
so low, a much smaller and lower capacity refrigeration and heating
unit are employed in a functional system compared to conventional
air conditioning and heating systems. This aspect makes possible
large initial and continuing economical and energy savings.
[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompany drawings, which are incorporated and form a
part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention
and together with the descriptions, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a full cross section elevation view of the fluid
and air heat exchanger module in accordance with the present
invention, indicating the spatial relationship of components such
as fluid delivery tube, stepping motor controlled variable fluid
valve, small fluid chamber containing sensor measuring temperature
of process fluid, spinning slotted and screened cylinder, electric
motor driving the spinning slotted cylinder, closed thin wall heat
conductive pleated and corrugated chamber, blower, and housing
shell.
[0025] FIG. 1a is a full cross section elevation view of the fluid
and air heat exchanger with all the components described in FIG. 1
plus a pumping vane connected to the electric motor and spinning
slotted cylinder by an interconnecting rod.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fluid and air heat
exchanger with section of heat exchanger housing shell, portion of
the closed heat conductive pleated and corrugated chamber, and
portion of the spinning slotted cylinder removed exposing the
spatial relationship and arrangement of the components.
[0027] FIG. 3 Is a perspective view of a fluid to fluid heat
exchanger utilizing a Peltier device for absorbing or dispensing
heat energy to supply pre-chilled or preheated fluid to fluid heat
exchanger.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view showing the manner the
Peltier device heat exchanger is assembled for operation.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional elevation view of a fluid
reservoir with chilling component (evaporator tube) of a
refrigeration unit and heating element, and its relationship to a
electric pump for fluid delivery to fluid and air heat exchanger
module(s) and manual or electronic valves for regulating flow to
each module.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the relation of
components and closed loop fluid circulation when the Peltier
device fluid to fluid heat exchanger is supplying pre-chilled or
preheated fluid to fluid and air heat exchanger module.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing physical relationship
and closed loop fluid flow between a chilling and heating fluid
reservoir, a refrigeration unit, and associated pumps.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of multiple fluid
and air heat exchanger modules' physical and functional
relationship between a central chilling and heating reservoir and a
refrigeration unit.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of an alternate fluid
delivery tube with an elastic tubing cover providing slits over the
inner tube perforations.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of an alternate fluid
delivery tube as illustrated in FIG. 9 but oriented by turning 90
degrees showing pattern of fluid spray.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a possible arrangement of a horizontal mount heat
exchanger in perspective form.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an alternative arrangement of a horizontal mount
heat exchanger in side elevation with a centrifugal blower.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0037] 1 closed, thin wall, heat conductive, corrugated, and
pleated chamber [0038] 2 slotted and screened cylinder [0039] 3
open slot [0040] 3a fine mesh screen [0041] 4 perforated tube for
fluid delivery [0042] 4b elastic tubing [0043] 4c clamp [0044] 4d
fluid delivery tube perforation [0045] 4e slit on elastic tubing
[0046] 4f fluid delivery tube stopper [0047] 4g spray pattern
through slit of elastic tubing [0048] 5 electric motor [0049] 5a
mount for chamber assembly to heat exchanger shell cover [0050] 6
outer shell cover of heat exchanger [0051] 7 fluid inlet tube for
pre-chilled or preheated fluid [0052] 7a small tube carrying fluid
from central reservoir to heat exchanger outlet tube for processed
fluid [0053] 8a small tube returning fluid from heat exchanger to
reservoir [0054] 9 drain opening into reservoir [0055] 10 heat
exchanger reservoir [0056] 11 electric blower [0057] 12 struts for
mounting heat exchanger chamber to outer shell cover [0058] 13
Peltier device heat exchanger outlet to heat exchanger [0059] 14
Peltier device heat exchanger inlet from heat exchanger [0060] 15
Peltier device heat exchanger cover [0061] 16 Peltier device heat
exchanger body [0062] 17 channel or trough of Peltier device heat
exchanger [0063] 18 electronic Peltier device [0064] 19 heat
absorber or dissipater body [0065] 20 heat absorber or dissipater
cover [0066] 21 heat absorber or dissipater outlet [0067] 22 heat
absorber or dissipater inlet [0068] 23 central reservoir with
refrigeration evaporator tube and immersion heater [0069] 24
refrigeration evaporator tube fin [0070] 24a evaporator tube of
refrigeration unit [0071] 25 electric immersion heater [0072] 26
fluid delivery pump [0073] 27 electronic controlled valve [0074] 28
active fluid and air heat exchanger module [0075] 29 Peltier heat
exchanger assembly [0076] 30 Peltier device heat absorber or heat
dissipater heat exchanger (fluid and air) [0077] 31 blower for 30
[0078] 32 fluid reservoir associated with Peltier device heat
absorber or heat dissipater heat exchanger [0079] 33 electric pump
returning fluid to Peltier device heat exchanger assembly [0080] 34
optional exterior pump for circulating fluid between Peltier device
heat exchanger assembly and active fluid and air heat exchanger
[0081] 36 reservoir for independently functioning air conditioner
and heater [0082] 37 refrigeration unit [0083] 38 pump for active
fluid and air heat exchanger if no internal pump [0084] 39
connecting rod between slotted cylinder and pumping vane [0085] 40
pumping vane motor driving pumping vane [0086] 42 one piece solid
fin [0087] 43 corrugated or pleated chamber in shape of an air
bellow [0088] 44 centrifugal blower
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0089] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to those
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0090] As described above, the present invention provides an
apparatus and method for fluid and air heat exchange in the
application of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating of
rooms, spaces, structures or dwellings. More particularly, the
apparatus atomizes pre-chilled or preheated fluid from a central
reservoir into small uniform sized droplets, projects the droplets
by centrifugal force onto the inner surface of a closed, thin-wall,
heat conductive chamber and forms a continuous fluid film on the
chamber wall. Heat energy of ambient air circulating outside the
chamber is absorbed through the chamber wall and transferred to the
fluid film inside the chamber in the process of heat exchange
during refrigeration or air conditioning. Heat energy is conducted
through the chamber wall from the fluid film and transferred to the
ambient air in the process of heat exchange for heating. The fluid
film is continuously being supplied with newly arriving droplets,
and excess fluid from the fluid film is collected and continuously
returned to the central reservoir to be re-chilled or reheated,
providing a closed loop fluid flow system.
[0091] In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides
a modular fluid and air heat exchanger comprised of a
electronically controlled stepping motor driven fluid valve, a
perforated tube for delivery of fluid, a motorized spinning slotted
screened cylinder, a closed thin wall, heat conductive pleated and
corrugated chamber, an integrated pumping element, a small chamber
containing a sensor measuring exit fluid temperature, an axial
blower, and an outer enclosure. These components interact to
perform the functions of delivery of fluid to be atomized,
atomization of fluid into droplets, projection of droplets,
formation of a fluid film, pumping of processed fluid for re-chill
or reheat, and circulating air within the module for fluid and air
heat exchange. Temperature and humidity sensors and associated
electronic controls enable the temperature of the room where the
heat exchanger is situated, to be set and controlled by direct or
remote control individually. Other components that are needed for
the module to function as an independent air conditioning and
heating device include a refrigeration unit. a heating element, a
fluid reservoir with the evaporator of the refrigeration unit and
the heating element immersed in the fluid, an electric pump, and
small tubes for delivery and return of fluid to and from the
module. These components interact to perform the function of fluid
to air heat exchange in an independently functioning device for air
conditioning and heating for a room or space within a structure or
dwelling. In another aspect of the invention, multiple modules are
integrated with other components to form a complete air
conditioning and heating system for a structure or dwelling. These
other components are comprised of a refrigeration unit, a heating
element, a central fluid reservoir with refrigeration evaporator
and heating element immersed, an electric pump for fluid delivery,
a central fluid dispenser, and multiple small tubes for delivery
and return of fluid from and to the central reservoir.
[0092] An important aspect of this invention is the use of fluid
instead of air for conveying heat energy to be absorbed or
dispensed due to fluid's significantly higher heat energy
absorption and retention capacity than air of equal volume. Another
important aspect of this invention is that the fluid processing
rate per fluid and air heat exchanger in atomization is exceedingly
low, on the order of less than 200 milliliter per minute for a
22.86 centimeter (9 inch) diameter heat exchanger suitable for
central air conditioning and heating purpose. Another aspect of the
invention is that low fluid turnover rate for re-chill or reheat
requires small bore tubes on the order of 6.35 millimeter (0.25
inch) diameter for fluid conveyance between central reservoir and
individual heat exchange modules. There are two importance
consequences as a result of this invention. One aspect is the
elimination of the need for large air ducts for heat conveyance
used in conventional central air conditioning and heating systems
with resulting higher efficiency and low initial costs. Another
aspect is the small amount of fluid required on the order of 1.6
liter from 8 modules for continuous re-chilling and rehearing in an
average size dwelling of 833 square meters (2,500 square feet),
leading to requirements of much smaller capacity refrigeration and
heating unit compared to conventional systems. These two aspects
result in significant power savings. Another aspect of this
invention is that each heat exchange module can be independently
regulated for raising or lowering the ambient temperature of
environment in which it is situated within a structure or dwelling,
adding to occupants' choice of desirable temperature comfort level.
Modules in areas without human occupation can be independently shut
off by electrically operated valves and switches without affecting
other modules in operation, leading to further power savings.
[0093] Referring now to the drawings and with specificity to FIGS.
1, 1a, and 2, a fluid and air heat exchange apparatus in accordance
with the present invention is shown. An fluid atomizer is comprised
of an electric motor 5, with its output shaft connected to cylinder
2, with multiple longitudinal slots 3, covered from inside with
fine mesh screen 3a, for atomization of fine uniform size fluid
droplets. A tube 4, with multiple small perforations on the side of
the tube at closest proximity to the inside cylinder wall at
various intervals, closed at distal end, and connected to inlet
fluid supply tube 7 is mounted off-center inside cylinder 2. Amount
of fluid entering the heat exchanger is governed by variable fluid
valve 7b set by stepping motor 7c. Mounting position of tube 4
accounts for two important aspects of fluid delivery. Firstly,
fluid streams sprayed from the tube perforations have minimal
distance to travel, thus requiring only a low pressure pump
supplying the fluid with attending low electrical power
consumption. Secondly, the center space within the cylinder is
reserved for an interconnecting rod linking the motor to pump vane
40. When small fluid streams from tube 4 strike the screens of
rapidly spinning slotted cylinder 2 part of the fluid migrates
through the screen openings by centrifugal force. Upon arriving at
edges of the screen wires, the fluid is sheared into uniform size
droplets and projected outward in tangential and radial manner by
centrifugal force from cylinder 2. Fluid striking the closed
concave section of the cylinder accumulates until overcome by
gravity and moves downward and sideways due to centrifugal action
and gravity until reaching the next open slot's wire screen and
sheared into droplets at a slightly lower position. These factors
enable fluid to be atomized and projected along the entire length
of the slots.
[0094] The droplet atomization and projection device described
above is enclosed within a closed, thin wall, heat conductive,
pleated, and corrugated chamber 1. The important objects for the
chamber configuration include: [0095] 1. providing a surrounded
surface for fluid droplets projected from the spinning cylinder to
form a continuous fluid film [0096] 2. providing a very large
surface area for heat exchange between fluid film and ambient air
outside the chamber [0097] 3. providing a short conductive path for
fluid and air heat transfer [0098] 4. providing connection to a
reservoir where processed fluid is pumped out of the heat exchanger
and returned to central reservoir to be re-chilled or reheated
again [0099] 5. providing a mounting platform for electric motor
5.
[0100] Droplets arriving at the inner surface of the closed chamber
1 possess enough kinetic energy to cause the droplets to flatten
and spread. The spreading droplets, due to their close proximity to
each other, merge to form a continuous fluid film Newly arriving
droplets continuously replenish the film, and excess processed
fluid from the film runs downward by the effect of gravity to the
bottom of chamber 1 into the connected reservoir 10 to be pumped
away from the heat exchanger. Returning fluid is expelled from the
heat exchanger by pumping vane 40 into small chamber 8a containing
temperature sensor 8b measuring temperature of output fluid.
[0101] An axial fan 11, located inside the heat exchanger housing 6
mounted either on top or below the heat exchanger assembly, propels
or sucks in ambient air through space 12 between chamber 1 and
inside the housing 6 wall. Ambient air traversing the length of the
chamber wall allows long contact time between air and chamber wall
for more efficient fluid and air heat transfer.
[0102] Other elements are needed for the active fluid and air heat
exchanger to function as an independently functioning device or as
a complete system in multiple modules in central air conditioning
and heating within a structure or dwelling. These necessary
elements are comprised of a refrigeration unit, a heating
component, a reservoir in which the fluid is chilled or heated, a
pump that delivers the fluid to module(s), and plural tubes for
conveying fluid to and from the module(s). These, also, are
important elements for the active fluid and air heat exchanger to
function as a closed loop fluid flow system.
[0103] A preferred embodiment of the central reservoir is
illustrated in FIG. 5 with inclusion of an evaporator coil fitted
with fin 24 from a refrigeration unit and a sealed electric
resistive element 25 immersed in reservoir 23 covered with
insulation 22. A tube delivers chilled or heated fluid from the
reservoir 23 to a pump 26. The pump in turn propels the fluid under
low pressure to a single module or to a central dispenser FIG. 8,
26 then conveys the pre-chilled or preheated fluid through
insulated small bore tubes to multiple active fluid and air heat
exchange modules. The processed fluid with heat gained or heat
dispensed from the module(s) is returned by the integrated pumping
element of the module(s) to the central reservoir to be chilled or
heated again in a closed loop flow system.
[0104] FIG. 7 illustrates the components required for a
independently functioning air conditioner and heater. This
functioning unit is comprised of a refrigeration unit (compressor
and condenser) 37, a central reservoir 36, a pump 26 for propelling
chilled or heated fluid to a heat exchanger module 28, and small
bore tubes for fluid circulation represented by solid lines. An
optional pump 38 for returning fluid to the central reservoir 36 is
included in the illustration should the pumping elements not be
included with the heat exchanger module.
[0105] A complete central air conditioning and heating system is
represented in FIG. 8 for a structure or dwelling. This system is
comprised of a refrigeration unit (compressor and condenser
portion) 37, a central reservoir 36, a pump 26, a central dispenser
26a, tubes represented by solid lines for delivery of pre-chilled
and preheated fluid to multiple modules 28, and tubes for returning
processed fluid to central reservoir 36 represented by dotted
lines.
[0106] Since the fluid flow requirement for each heat exchanger
module is so small, less than 200 milliliters per minute as an
example, there are various other possibilities for pre-chilling or
preheating the fluid. One possibility is utilizing a Peltier device
to heat or cool the fluid. This method is illustrated in FIGS. 3,
4, and 6. A separate assembled heat exchanger is represented in
FIG. 4 comprising two mirror-imaged heat transfer bodies 16 and 19
with channels, two mirror-imaged heat exchanger covers 15 and 20
fitted with small tubes 13, 14, and 21, 22. The Peltier device 18
is sandwiched between the two heat exchanger bodies 16 and 19. The
entire assembly is well insulated. This air conditioning and
heating system is suitable for cooling and heating a smaller space
such as a refrigerator or the passenger compartment of an
automobile with a scaled down fluid and air heat exchanger. A
scaled down version of the heat exchanger module with a 10
centimeter (4 inch) diameter closed chamber inside a 15.24
centimeter (6 inch) diameter module housing is suitable for such
applications. Required components for this system to operate and
fluid flow circuit are illustrated in FIG. 6. They comprise a
scaled down fluid and air heat exchanger 28, a small reservoir 35
associated with the fluid and air heat exchanger 28, an assembly of
Peltier device heat exchanger 29, a conventional fluid and air heat
exchanger 30, a blower 37, and a small reservoir 32 associated with
the conventional heat exchanger 30. Arrows in the diagram represent
direction of fluid flow. Other possibilities of heating fluid
include use of conventional water heating solar panel or parabolic
mirror. A more conventional method is to immerse a length of tube
from the inlet loop of the central reservoir into a hot water
heater of a dwelling, then return and connect the central
reservoir.
[0107] The fluid and air heat exchanger can be scaled to any size
within certain parameters. Diameter of the closed, heat conductive,
pleated, corrugated chamber is only limited by the distance
droplets can travel determined by the centrifugal force in
projection of the droplets. The rotational speed and diameter of
the slotted cylinder determine the size of the droplets and
distance droplets can be projected by centrifugal force. Optimum
droplet size during formation of a continuous fluid film in turn
determines the rotational speed and diameter of the slotted
cylinder. These factors determine the upper limit on the size of
the fluid and air heat exchanger module.
[0108] Another aspect regarding the spinning cylinder is that no
wire screen is needed to cover the slot openings if the diameter of
the spinning slotted cylinder is larger than 5 centimeters and the
rotation rate is greater than 3,000 revolutions per minute. The
high rotational speed of the cylinder is so great that virtually
all the fluid streams projected by the fluid delivery tube is
sheared into droplets before the fluid can escape through the open
slots.
[0109] An alternative construction of the fluid delivery tube is
illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 for providing a wider spray
pattern with more even distribution of droplets impacting the inner
surface of the rotating slotted and screened cylinder 2. An elastic
tubing 4b, a silicon rubber tubing for example, is slipped over the
perforated fluid delivery tube 4. Fine longitudinal slits 4e are
made at center of each perforation. A ring clamp 4c is attached to
the elastic tubing above, below, and in-between each slit 4e
preventing the slit 4e to move out of intended position due to
fluid pressure. FIG. 10 illustrates a view in which the elastic
covered fluid delivery tube assembly as in FIG. 9 is turned 90
degrees to the left showing the spray pattern 4g obtainable with
this construction.
[0110] The active fluid and air heat exchanger module thus
described has been shown in a vertical arrangement. However it is
also possible to modify the heat exchanger module to function in a
horizontal position. This modification is illustrated in FIG. 11.
The closed, thin wall, heat conductive corrugated, and pleated
chamber is modified leaving the lower section without corrugation
and pleating to accommodate unobstructed flowing of processed fluid
to the reservoir to be pumped away. Fins, exemplified by 42, are
attached to the smooth area for compensation of lost heat exchange
area due to lack of corrugation and pleating of the chamber wall.
The reservoir 10 where the processed fluid is accumulating is
located perpendicular to the chamber orientation. An extra motor 41
with a pumping vane 40 attached inside the reservoir 10 is mounted
below the reservoir 10.
[0111] Another version of the horizontally mounted heat exchanger
employs a pleated chamber in the form of an air bellow 43 and a
centrifugal blower 44 mounted perpendicularly to the heat exchanger
direction. Such an arrangement is suitable for automobile air
conditioning and other applications.
[0112] Accordingly, the reader will see that the fluid and air heat
exchanger and its integration with other elements into an
independently functioning unit or a central air conditioning and
heating system provide many advantages. These advantages include
energy conservation due to high efficiency energy use, low energy
consumption, economical initial cost, ease of initial installation
or retrofit, and independent rapid temperature adjustment in
individual room or space. These benefits are achievable due to the
embodiments of the elements and method of this invention such as:
[0113] chilling or heating fluid in a central reservoir [0114]
propelling under low pressure chilled or heated fluid in small
tubes to individual room or space within a structure or dwelling,
thus eliminating inefficient traditional air ducts [0115]
calculating heat transfer rate for any given instant and actively
adjusting input fluid amount according to increase or decrease of
heat transfer rate [0116] atomizing fluid into small uniform size
droplets by centrifugal force [0117] projecting droplets by same
centrifugal force onto a large surface of thin, heat conductive
material forming a fluid film [0118] conducting heat energy through
an exceedingly short path between fluid film and air [0119]
returning processed fluid to be chilled or heated again in a
continuous closed loop cycle utilizing only a small amount of
fluid.
[0120] Although the description above contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the
closed chamber or the outer shell of the fluid and air heat
exchanger module does not have to be circular in shape or size
limited to that described. Furthermore, the orientation of the heat
exchanger module can be horizontal or tilted at an angle with
suitable modification of the chamber shape. Other examples include
heating slow moving fluid in a heat transparent tube with parabolic
solar mirror or microwave beam or pre-chilling the tube in slow
moving cool tap, well, stream, lake, or ocean water prior to being
delivered to the central reservoir for final chilling or heating
saving additional energy.
[0121] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *