U.S. patent application number 12/336709 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus.
Invention is credited to Shaam P. Sundhar.
Application Number | 20090158760 12/336709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40787000 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090158760 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sundhar; Shaam P. |
June 25, 2009 |
High Efficiency Cooling and Heating Apparatus
Abstract
A high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus comprises an
outdoor condensing unit having a high speed fan disposed within a
housing. Also disposed with the housing is a micro compressor run
by a high speed brushless DC motor with a custom winding to
increase efficiency and decrease weight. A control circuit allows
the motor to operate at high speeds almost instantaneously. The fan
pulls air across a dual condenser coil disposed within the housing.
An indoor evaporative unit also houses a high speed fan along with
a control circuit to allow an operator to select cooling or heating
an air flow. The indoor and out door units are connected with hoses
to provide heat exchange. The apparatus can be operated at a much
higher ambient temperature than conventional air cooling and
heating systems.
Inventors: |
Sundhar; Shaam P.;
(Princeton, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATWRITE LLC
408 W. MAIN ST.
MARSHALLTOWN
IA
50158-5759
US
|
Family ID: |
40787000 |
Appl. No.: |
12/336709 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61007866 |
Dec 17, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 2500/29 20130101;
F24F 1/0003 20130101; F24F 2221/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/159 |
International
Class: |
F25B 29/00 20060101
F25B029/00 |
Claims
1. A high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus comprises: a
first housing; a condenser coil disposed within said first housing;
a fan mounted in front of said condenser coil; said fan arranged to
pull air through said condenser coil; a high speed brushless DC
motor disposed within said first housing; a micro compressor
disposed within said first housing and driven by said high speed
brushless DC motor; a heat exchanging unit in thermodynamic
communication with said micro compressor; and a control circuit in
electrical communication with said fan and said high speed
brushless motor.
2. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said first housing is made of aluminum.
3. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said high speed brushless DC motor is designed with
a custom winding to achieve up to 7,600 revolution per minute.
4. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 3 wherein said control circuit is adapted to allow said high
speed brushless DC motor to operate at a high speed as soon as unit
is switched on.
5. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said condenser coil is filled with a super
efficient refrigerant.
6. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 5 wherein said super efficient refrigerant is Ikon B.
7. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 5 wherein said super efficient refrigerant is R132a.
8. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 1 further comprising a switching means for switching said
high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus from operating in a
cooling or heating mode.
9. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 8 wherein said switching means is a solenoid.
10. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said high speed brushless DC motor has a
coefficient of performance of approximately 3.5.
11. The high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said heat exchanging unit further comprises: a
second housing; a heat exchanging coil disposed within said second
housing; and a DC powered fan mounted in front of said heat
exchanging coil.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and herein incorporates by
reference U.S. provisional patent application 61/007,866, filed
Dec. 17, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Maintaining a comfortable temperature; cooling in hot
ambient environments and heating in colder climates, is essential
for human comfort and safety. This becomes critical when the space
is limited and regular household or industrial AC power is
unavailable. This is especially true for a moving vehicle where is
not desirable to have an engine belt driven air conditioner. For
example, the crew compartment in any Army Vehicle, such as a Tank
which is heavily armored. In hot whether conditions, like in desert
operations, the crew chamber gets extremely hot and to make matters
worse, the hatch must be kept closed for safety and security
reasons. Another example is in a stationary application such as a
"Watchman" or observer cabin in a remote areas where a battery
powered electric air conditioner is desirable to maintain a
comfortable interior temperature in spite of any vagaries in
outside temperature fluctuations. Also, in offshore oil platforms,
the need for air conditioning to keep the crew members comfortable
is clear. A problem with some prior art air conditioning systems is
that they require significant power requirements and are generally
heavy and bulky.
[0003] Weight is a big issue especially in applications such as
those listed above where weight and space is limited.
[0004] Prior art "Vapor Compression" air conditioners are built to
operate at a maximum ambient temperature of 113.degree. F.
(45.degree. C.). In this condition the condensing temperature of
refrigerant is about 120.degree. F. (49.degree. C.). If the ambient
temperature rises beyond 113.degree. F., then the condensing
temperature also raises past 120.degree. F. This makes the
Compressor to shut off temporarily. When the ambient temperature
drops, the compressor restarts automatically.
[0005] In the desert, the ambient may reach 130.degree. F.
(55.degree. C.). In addition to the ambient heat load, there are
other heat loads like engine, personnel emitting heat and the
apparatus they use inside their chamber. The condensing temperature
may reach 150.degree. F. (65.degree. C.). For prior art
refrigerants, this temperature level is abnormal and ordinary
compressors quit working.
[0006] Another problem is that the regular AC power may not be
available in remote areas like cabins, off-shore oil platforms and
in vehicles like military tanks. Air conditioners must be designed
which will operate on battery power (DC power source). Also, the
refrigerant condensing temperature must be brought down.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus comprises an
outdoor condensing unit having a high speed fan disposed within a
housing. Also disposed with the housing is a micro compressor run
by a high speed brushless DC motor with a custom winding to
increase efficiency and decrease weight. A control circuit allows
the motor to operate at high speeds almost instantaneously. The fan
pulls air across a dual condenser coil disposed within the housing.
An indoor evaporative unit also houses a high speed fan along with
a control circuit to allow an operator to select cooling or heating
an air flow. The indoor and out door units are connected with hoses
to provide heat exchange. The apparatus can be operated at a much
higher ambient temperature than conventional air cooling and
heating systems.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the instant invention will
become apparent from the following description of the invention
which refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram for a high efficiency cooling
and heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of an outdoor condenser unit
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of an indoor unit according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the outdoor condenser unit shown in
FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the indoor unit shown in FIG.
3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer
to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of
illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized
and that structural changes may be made without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a circuit diagram of a high efficiency
cooling and heating apparatus is shown having a compressor switch
102 in electrical communication with a thermostat 106 connected to
a bus. A heating switch 104 is provided for heating operation. An
evaporator fan 108 is a high output type for efficient movement of
air across the evaporative coils. A condenser fan 114 is also
provided to efficiently move air across the condenser coils.
[0016] Again condenser fan 114 is a high efficiency type fan. A
mini circuit breaker 112 is provided to prevent damage to the
system. A solenoid 116 is provided to allow operation in cooling
mode or heating mode. An on/off switch 110 is provided to operate
the unit. A speed controller 120 controls operating speed of the
unit. A mini compressor with DC brushless motor 118 is provided to
allow high speed operation at greatly improved efficiency.
[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 4, a high efficiency
cooling and heating apparatus 200 is shown having a housing 210
having a plurality of air openings 220 for allowing air to travel
across a dual row of condensing coils 225. A high speed and
powerful fan 230 is used to pull air through coils 225 which
greatly lowers the refrigerant condensing temperature which leads
to much greater range of operating temperatures than is possible
with prior art devices. A micro compressor 235 provides the
necessary compression of a super efficient refrigerant such as Ikon
B or R132a. Ikon B is a non-flammable, non-ozone depleting and
ultra efficient refrigerant compared with R22 and other
refrigerants which are extensively used in today's air conditioning
industry. The use of Ikon B increases the system efficiency by
additional 25%. Micro compressor 235 is made of aluminum to reduce
weight and to increase thermal efficiency.
[0018] A high speed brushless DC motor 240 is used to operate micro
compressor 235. Motor 240 is designed with a custom winding to
achieve higher RPMs (Revolutions per Minute) of up to 7,600. This
causes about a 35% reduction in size and about a 50% reduction in
its weight. Higher RPMs results in the reduction of amount of
refrigerant displacement per one rotation. This reduced
displacement allows compressor 235 to be more compact.
[0019] A control circuit and power source 245 is provided to
control the operation of high efficiency cooling and heating
apparatus 200. Control circuit 245 utilizes advanced electronics to
cause motor 240 to operate at very high speed as soon as the unit
is switched-on. This enables micro compressor 235 to operate at
higher efficiency.
[0020] An indoor evaporative unit 300 is shown having a housing
310, containing a plurality of air louvers 320 which can be
positioned to direct cool or warm air as selected by a user.
Switches 330 provide control such as on/off, cool/heat air flow
speed, etc. A plurality of connectors 340 are used to connect
inside unit 300 with outside unit 200 with hoses (not shown).
[0021] Indoor unit 300 has heat exchanger 350 mounted within
housing 310. A high speed DC fan 360 causes air to flow through air
louvers 330. Air will either be cooling or heating depending on the
user selection of solenoid 116 that directs the direction of
flow.
[0022] Specific Examples of Prototypes.
[0023] 1. Out Door Unit (Heat Exchanger)
[0024] Body: Stainless Steel (1.00 mm thick)
[0025] Dimensions=15.0 (Left to Right).times.12.25 (Front to
Back).times.12.5 (Top to Bottom) in Inches b) Weight=35.0 Pounds c)
Interior: Contains Heat exchanger with 30,000 Hours brush less D.C.
Fan and
[0026] Hermitically sealed DC micro compressor; capable of both
heating and cooling.
[0027] 2. Indoor Unit: (Heat Exchanger)
[0028] Body: Stainless Steel (1.00 mm thick) Dimensions=15.5 (Left
to Right).times.13.0 (Front to Back).times.7.0 (Top to Bottom) in
Inches) Weight=20 Pounds
[0029] Interior Unit: Contains Heat exchanger with 30,000 Hour D.C.
Fan
[0030] 3. Electrical:
[0031] Input Voltage=24 Volts, D.C. (22 to 28 Volts Range)
[0032] Operating Current=33.84 Amp. D.C. (MAX: 38.83 A)
[0033] Operating Power=812 Watts (MAX: 919.2 W)
[0034] 4. Air Flow, BTUs and Temperature:
[0035] From Indoor Unit=470 Cubic Meter per Hour
[0036] Air Temp from Indoor Unit=Approx 70 F
[0037] Cooling Capacity=8,100 BTU/hr
[0038] Heating Capacity 32 10,000 BTU/hr
[0039] Operating Temperature=10 F to 140 F (-12.8 C to +60 C)
[0040] 5. Mechanical:
[0041] Out door unit is mechanically fastened with the Welded
Brackets and supported by springs
[0042] Indoor Unit is attached to the inside wall by 1.0 Inch Steel
Screws. Any other suitable mechanical fastening may be adopted if
necessary.
[0043] 6. Supplemental Personal Cooling System:
[0044] Three individual Cell Phone size "Solid State Cooling"
devices are available any time to get cold relief via rapid cooling
of forehead, cheeks and neck area. These wirelesses devices come
with self recharging batteries. They are placed on recharging
stands, thus they are recharged when not in use. The crew or its
passengers may just pick up these devices from the stand and press
a red button on it. This makes the "Cold and Smooth" blue disc
reach almost freezing temperatures in less than 30 seconds. Gently
press this smooth disc against cheeks, forehead and neck to get
instant cool relief. After using, replace it on its charging stand.
This allows the personal cooler to be charged and ready for use
whenever desired.
[0045] HEAT LOAD CALCULATION for Use in Vehicle (Military
Tank):
[0046] 1. Conduction and Convection: The heat infiltration through
the insulated Crew Cabin walls due to both conduction and
convection from all its 6 sides (Qc): From 140 degree F. ambient
(Max) to Cabin's interior temp 70 degree F.:
Q c = A .times. DT x / k + 1 / h ##EQU00001##
[0047] Where:
[0048] Qc=Heat Flow in BTU/hour
[0049] A=Total area of all 6 sides in square feet
[0050] DT=Temperature difference between ambient and interior of
crew compartment in degree F.
[0051] x=thickness of insulation in feet* (1.0+0.02)/12=0.085
Ft.
[0052] k=Thermal conductivity in BTU/(hr ft.sup.2 F) (for example:
Polyisocyanurate, k=0.01)
[0053] h=Thermal convection coefficient (For Turbulent air, h=15 to
20) *Super insulation: Polyisocyanurate has an `R` value of 8 (Per
Inch Thickness). In addition to this, a 20 mil thick ( 0.02 inch)
coat of Ceramic paint called "Supertherm.RTM." (Energy Star Rated
Green) is sprayed on external walls of crew compartment. This
enhances the insulation capacity, anticorrosion as well as serving
as a sound barrier. This paint's color is transparent. Any die may
be added to get a particular color if so desired.
[0054] These super insulations are approved by FDA and used in Food
Storage and deep freezing.
Example
[0055] Insulation: Polyisocyanurate Super Insulation Thickness
"x"=1.0 inch=0.083 ft+20 mil Supertherm.RTM. Ceramic Spray.
[0056] Where A=420.3 ft.sup.2.
[0057] DT=(140.degree. F.-70.degree. F.)=70.degree. F.
[0058] k=0.01 (R-Factor: R=1/12k=1/12.times.0.01=8.3)
[0059] h=20 (for Turbulent Air)
[0060] x=1.02/12=0.085 ft
Q c = 420.3 .times. 70 ( 0.085 12 + 1 20 ) ##EQU00002##
[0061] Q.sub.c=3,442 BTU/hr
[0062] 2. Heat Infiltration Due to Radiation:
Q.sub.r=(.sigma.)(A)(.epsilon.)(T.sub.h.sup.4-T.sub.c.sup.4)
[0063] Where:
[0064] Q.sub.r=Heat flow due to radiation in BTU/hr
[0065] .sigma.=Stefan-Boltzmann Constant=1.71 4.times.10.sup.-9
BTU/(hr-ft.sup.2-.sup.0R.sup.4)
[0066] .epsilon.=Emissivity Min=0 (Example: Smooth light
surface)
[0067] Max=1 (Black Body, non-smooth surface) 0.030 (approx) for
tank's steel surface
[0068] A=Area of exposed surface in ft.sup.2
[0069] T.sub.h=Absolute temperature of warmer surface in .degree.R
(459.67+140)
[0070] T.sub.c=Absolute temperature of colder surface in .degree.R
(459.67+70)
[0071] R=Rankine Absolute Zero Temperature=(459.67+.degree.F.)
[0072] Q.sub.r=(1.714.times.10.sup.-9)(420.3)(0.030)((599.67).sup.4
-(529.67).sup.4)
[0073] Q.sub.r=1,098 BTU/hr
[0074] 3. Heat Load Due to Active Crew Members (Q.sub.h)
[0075] Every Active adult human being generates about 200 BTU/hr on
the average. Three crew members=600 BTU/hr +Energy Dissipated by
Meters +Misc=400 BTU/hr
[0076] Q.sub.h=1,000 BTU/hr
[0077] 4. Heat Infiltration through the back wall due to Main
Engine (Q.sub.e)
[0078] Main Engine is rated at about 1050 HP (Mounted in rear).
[0079] Approximately 30% of useful Mechanical Power is derived from
this I.C. engine.
[0080] Wasted heat is =70%=0.7 .times.1050 HP=735
HP=735.times.746.times.3.41 Wasted heat=1,869,737 BTU/hr
[0081] High volume air blower mounted at the rear will blast all
most all of the heat to the tail end side of the tank, away from
front end.
[0082] Giving an allowance of one-tenth of one percent of heat will
still infiltrate into crew through the insulated back wall,
then:
[0083] Heat Load due to main
engine=(0.1/100).times.1,869,737=1,869.7 BTU/hr
[0084] In the trial application if this allowance seems not enough
then we may have to increase the back wall insulation. But this is
highly unlikely.
[0085] Q.sub.e=1,870 BTU/hr
[0086] Total BTU's of heat that must be removed per hour:
[0087] Q.sub.t=Q.sub.c+Q.sub.r+Q.sub.h+Q.sub.e
[0088] Total heat load:
[0089] Q.sub.t=3,442+1,098+1,000+1,870
[0090] Q.sub.t=7,410 BTU/hr
[0091] This is the amount of heat that must be removed from the
crew cabin to maintain the interior temperature around 70.degree.
F.
[0092] Although the instant invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art.
* * * * *