U.S. patent application number 13/222239 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for heating and cooling ventilation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is John C. Jordan. Invention is credited to John C. Jordan.
Application Number | 20130052936 13/222239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47744385 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130052936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jordan; John C. |
February 28, 2013 |
HEATING AND COOLING VENTILATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A heating and cooling ventilation system includes an enclosure
including a plurality of walls and a nose plate that are
interconnected to enclose an interior volume of the enclosure. An
air inlet opening, and a plurality of air outlet openings extending
through the nose plate, are in fluid communication with the
interior volume. At least one or more heat exchangers and a blower
are disposed within the interior volume. At least one airflow
damper plate is associated with one of the plurality of air outlet
openings and is adjustable relative to said one air outlet opening
to thereby adjust an amount of airflow passing through said one air
outlet opening. In various examples, the heat exchanger(s) are
hydronic and/or utilize other heat transfer fluids in a variety of
configurations, and at least one airflow damper plate is adjustable
from an exterior of the enclosure, and/or the nose plate is
interchangeable.
Inventors: |
Jordan; John C.; (Bay
Village, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jordan; John C. |
Bay Village |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47744385 |
Appl. No.: |
13/222239 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/0236 20130101;
F24F 1/0007 20130101; F24F 13/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/338 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/007 20060101
F24F007/007 |
Claims
1. A heating and cooling ventilation system, including: an
enclosure including a plurality of side walls, a top wall, a bottom
wall, a rear wall and a nose plate that are interconnected to
enclose an interior volume of the enclosure; an air inlet opening
in fluid communication with the interior volume; a plurality of air
outlet openings extending through the nose plate that are each in
fluid communication with the interior volume; a heat exchanger
disposed within the interior volume; a blower disposed within the
interior volume; and a plurality of airflow damper plates each
associated with a respective one of the plurality of air outlet
openings, each of the plurality of airflow damper plates being
linearly movable towards and away from the air outlet openings to
thereby adjust an amount of airflow passing through each of the
plurality of air outlet openings.
2. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 1, wherein
each of the plurality of airflow damper plates are independently
linearly movable, within the interior volume, towards and away from
a respective one of the plurality of air outlet openings.
3. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 1, wherein
each of the plurality of airflow damper plates includes at least
one adjustment screw to permit the linear movement of the airflow
damper plates towards and away from the air outlet openings.
4. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 3, wherein
each of the plurality of airflow damper plates includes at least a
pair of opposed adjustment screws.
5. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 3, further
including a threaded insert associated with each of the plurality
of air outlet openings and adapted for threaded engagement with the
at least one adjustment screw.
6. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 3, wherein
each of the plurality of airflow damper plates is adjustable via
the respective at least one adjustment screw from an exterior of
the enclosure.
7. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 1, wherein
each of the plurality of air outlet openings defines an outlet
cross-sectional area, and wherein each of the plurality of airflow
damper plates includes a major surface that defines a major
cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to the outlet
cross-sectional area of a respective air outlet opening.
8. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 7, wherein
the heat exchanger is capable of producing condensate, and wherein
the major surface of each of the plurality of airflow damper plates
is adapted to inhibit the condensate from being exhausted through
the plurality of air outlet openings.
9. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 7, wherein
at least one of the plurality of air outlet openings defines an
outlet cross-sectional area that may be different from the
remainder of the plurality of air outlet openings.
10. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 1, wherein
each of the plurality of airflow damper plates are adjustable
between a maximum amount of airflow and a minimum amount of
airflow, the minimum amount of airflow being greater than zero.
11. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of air outlet openings has a first configuration, and
wherein the nose plate is interchangeable with an alternative nose
plate having an alternative plurality of air outlet openings that
has a second configuration.
12. A heating and cooling ventilation system, including: an
enclosure including a plurality of side walls, a top wall, a bottom
wall, a rear wall and a first nose plate that are interconnected to
enclose an interior volume of the enclosure; an air inlet opening
in fluid communication with the interior volume; a plurality of air
outlet openings extending through the first nose plate that are
each in fluid communication with the interior volume; a heat
exchanger disposed within the interior volume; a blower disposed
within the interior volume; and a second nose plate that is
interchangeable with the first nose plate, wherein the first nose
plate includes a first configuration of the plurality of air outlet
openings, and the second nose plate includes a second configuration
of the plurality of air outlet openings that is different from the
first configuration.
13. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 12, wherein
the first configuration includes a first number of air outlet
openings, and wherein the second configuration includes a second
number of air outlet openings, the second number being different
from the first number.
14. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 12, wherein
the first configuration includes at least one air outlet opening
having a cross-sectional area in the range of about 3-50 square
inches, and wherein the second configuration includes at least one
air outlet opening having a different cross-sectional area in the
range of about 3-50 square inches.
15. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 14, wherein
the at least one air outlet opening of the first configuration
includes has a diameter in the range of about 2-8 inches, and
wherein at least one air outlet opening of the second configuration
has a different diameter in the range of about 2-8 inches.
16. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 14, wherein
the plurality of air outlet openings of the first and second
configurations define a geometry selected from the list including
circular, obround, square, and rectangular.
17. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 12, wherein
each of the plurality of air outlet openings includes a duct collar
that extends away from the nose plate and is adapted to be coupled
to airflow ducting.
18. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 17, wherein
the duct collar is integrated together with the nose plate.
19. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 17, wherein
at least a portion of the duct collar may be flexible.
20. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 17, further
including a length of flexible ducting interconnected between the
duct collar and a generally inflexible portion of the airflow
ducting.
21. A heating and cooling ventilation system, including: an
enclosure including a plurality of side walls, a top wall, a bottom
wall, a rear wall and a nose plate that are interconnected to
enclose an interior volume of the enclosure; an air inlet opening
in fluid communication with the interior volume; a plurality of air
outlet openings extending through the nose plate that are each in
fluid communication with the interior volume; a hydronic heat
exchanger cartridge disposed within the interior volume and in
fluid communication with the air inlet opening and the plurality of
air outlet openings; a blower disposed within the interior volume
to move air across the hydronic heat exchanger; and at least one
airflow damper plate associated with one of the plurality of air
outlet openings and being adjustable, within the interior volume,
relative to said one air outlet opening to thereby adjust an amount
of airflow passing through said one air outlet opening, wherein the
at least one airflow damper plate is configured to be adjusted from
an exterior of the enclosure.
22. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 21, wherein
the at least one airflow damper plate is linearly movable towards
and away from said one air outlet opening.
23. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 22, wherein
the at least one airflow damper plate includes at least one
adjustment screw to permit the linear movement of the airflow
damper plate towards and away from said one air outlet openings,
and wherein the at least one adjustment screw includes an operative
head that is operable from an exterior of the enclosure.
24. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 21, further
including a plurality of airflow damper plates each associated with
a respective one of the plurality of air outlet openings, each of
said plurality of airflow damper plates being independently
adjustable from an exterior of the enclosure.
25. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 24, wherein
each of the plurality of airflow damper plates are independently
adjustable between a maximum amount of airflow and a minimum amount
of airflow, the minimum amount of airflow being greater than
zero.
26. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 21, wherein
the heat exchanger is capable of producing condensate, and wherein
the bottom wall at least partially defines a condensate collection
pan that is disposed to collect condensate produced by the hydronic
heat exchanger cartridge.
27. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 26, wherein
the condensate collection pan includes at least first and second
discharge outlets, and wherein the first discharge outlet is
arranged at least partially below the second discharge outlet.
28. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 26, further
including a condensate baffle plate located vertically below the
plurality of air outlet openings and being configured to direct
condensate produced by the hydronic heat exchanger cartridge
towards the condensate collection pan.
29. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 28, wherein
the condensate baffle plate arranged between the heat exchanger
cartridge and the nose plate, and is angled downwards towards the
condensate collection pan.
30. The heating and cooling ventilation system of claim 26, wherein
the condensate collection pan is located downstream from the blower
such that the condensate collection pan experiences a positive air
pressure greater than ambient air pressure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an air
ventilation system, and more particularly, to an air ventilation
system that utilizes at least one or more heat exchangers to heat
and/or cool air.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of heat exchangers in residences and other buildings
is well known. Typically, heat exchangers employed in houses and
other buildings incorporate a blower, or other means, which causes
air to flow through the heat exchanger at sufficient flow and
pressure. Conventional systems include heat pump, or a bifurcated
heater and air-conditioner. A packaged small-duct, high-velocity
air conditioning is also known.
[0004] The heating and cooling ventilation system described herein
is a mid-velocity system (e.g., about 0.4-0.9 inches water column)
that uses one or more heat exchangers for heating and cooling of
the air stream to provide comfort and performance from a single
cabinet to a home or business with a balance of comfort, control
and convenience.
[0005] Unlike conventional HVAC systems or typical high velocity
systems, mid-velocity systems provide a balanced approach that
allows for several thermostatically controlled zones areas
throughout a structure. Each zone can be independently operated,
allowing the occupants to realize thermal comfort as well as
reduced energy bills.
[0006] There are many differences between conventional HVAC, high
velocity and mid-velocity system designs. Conventional systems have
been around for years and typically use large bulky ducting to
deliver conditioned air to a space at relatively low velocity and
pressure. These systems are popular because they are generally the
lowest cost, but are also considered to be the least comfortable of
the options available, primarily because they usually have only a
single thermostat to control the temperature of an entire home or
other structure. With these systems one usually has to heat every
room in the house just to have one room or area comfortable. This
sacrifices comfort and carries an energy penalty as well.
[0007] In comparison, well thought out designs for some high
velocity systems may provide room conditioning in two areas of a
two story home, such as one system for a second floor and one
system for the lower floor. This is a step in the right direction,
but tends to miss the mark when it is considered that occupants
usually tend to use various areas of the home at different times of
the day and life styles may require even more desired zoning than
just upper and lower floors.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention
in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects
of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify
critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the
invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some
concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
heating and cooling ventilation system includes an enclosure
including a plurality of side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a
rear wall and a nose plate that are interconnected to enclose an
interior volume of the enclosure. An air inlet opening is in fluid
communication with the interior volume, and a plurality of air
outlet openings extend through the nose plate that are each in
fluid communication with the interior volume. A heat exchanger is
disposed within the interior volume, and a blower is disposed
within the interior volume. A plurality of airflow damper plates
are each associated with a respective one of the plurality of air
outlet openings. Each of the plurality of airflow damper plates are
linearly movable towards and away from the air outlet openings to
thereby adjust an amount of airflow passing through each of the
plurality of air outlet openings.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a heating and cooling ventilation system includes an enclosure
including a plurality of side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a
rear wall and a first nose plate that are interconnected to enclose
an interior volume of the enclosure. An air inlet opening is in
fluid communication with the interior volume, and a plurality of
air outlet openings extends through the first nose plate that are
each in fluid communication with the interior volume. A heat
exchanger is disposed within the interior volume, and a blower
disposed within the interior volume. A second nose plate is
interchangeable with the first nose plate, wherein the first nose
plate includes a first configuration of the plurality of air outlet
openings, and the second nose plate includes a second configuration
of the plurality of air outlet openings that is different from the
first configuration.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a heating and cooling ventilation system includes an enclosure
including a plurality of side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a
rear wall and a nose plate that are interconnected to enclose an
interior volume of the enclosure. An air inlet opening is in fluid
communication with the interior volume, and a plurality of air
outlet openings extends through the nose plate that are each in
fluid communication with the interior volume. A hydronic heat
exchanger cartridge is disposed within the interior volume and in
fluid communication with the air inlet opening and the plurality of
air outlet openings. A blower is disposed within the interior
volume to move air across the hydronic heat exchanger. At least one
airflow damper plate is associated with one of the plurality of air
outlet openings and is adjustable, within the interior volume,
relative to said one air outlet opening to thereby adjust an amount
of airflow passing through said one air outlet opening, wherein the
at least airflow damper plate is configured to be adjusted from an
exterior of the enclosure.
[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description present example
and explanatory embodiments of the invention, and are intended to
provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and
character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying
drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the
invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this
specification. The drawings illustrate various example embodiments
of the invention, and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles and operations of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the
present invention relates upon reading the following description
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example heating and cooling
ventilation system with example airflow ducting;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side view of the heating and
cooling ventilation system of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the heating and
cooling ventilation system of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a front side view of the heating and
cooling ventilation system of FIG. 1 with an example nose
plate;
[0018] FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 4A, but illustrates another
example nose plate;
[0019] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 2, but with a side wall
removed;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the heating and cooling
ventilation system of FIG. 1, but with a top wall removed;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an example plurality of airflow damper
plates;
[0022] FIG. 8A illustrates one example airflow damper plate
geometry;
[0023] FIG. 8B illustrates another example airflow damper plate
geometry;
[0024] FIG. 8C illustrates yet another example airflow damper plate
geometry; and
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of another example heating and
cooling ventilation system, but with a top wall removed.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of
the present invention are described and illustrated in the
drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a
limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more
aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other
embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain
terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be
taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in
the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for
designating the same elements.
[0027] Turning to the shown example of FIG. 1, a modular heating
and cooling ventilation system 10 is shown together with associated
airflow ducting structure 12. While this system is described as a
"mid-velocity" ventilation system, this is not intended to provide
a limitation upon the appended claims. The ventilation system 10 is
configured to be easily installed and supported by mounting struts
13 or other building support structure via mounting brackets or the
like that may include vibration arrestors, etc. The airflow ducting
structure 12 can include various ducts, conduits, etc. for the
intake and exhaust of air through the ventilation system 10. For
example, a standard air return 16 with or without a filter can be
provided for intake of air. An optional air inlet 18 with or
without a damper can also be provided. The air return 16 can be in
fluid communication with the ventilation system 10 via rigid and/or
flexible ducting, etc. Additionally, one or more exhaust ducts 20
are provided for exhausting heated or cooled air from the
ventilation system 10 and into a desired conditioned space. The
exhaust ducts 20 can be generally rigid, and/or can include
flexible portions 22. The exhaust ducts 20 can include various duct
terminations 24, such as directional balance diffusers or the like.
The intake and exhaust ducting can be insulated or non-insulated.
It is understood that the illustrated example is a simplified
system view, and that more or less components can be utilized, as
desired.
[0028] Turning now to FIGS. 2-3, the heating and cooling
ventilation system 10 generally includes an enclosure 30 including
a plurality of side walls 32, a top wall 34, a bottom wall 36, a
rear wall 38, and a nose plate 40 that are interconnected to
enclose an interior volume 42 (see FIGS. 5-6) of the enclosure 30.
Generally, the enclosure is formed of a rigid material, such as
sheet metal and/or polymers, and it is understood that the various
walls 32-40 can be independent, or may include multiple walls
formed together. The various walls 32-40 can be coupled together in
various removable and non-removable manners, including mechanical
fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. It can be beneficial to make
the various walls removable to facilitate servicing the various
internal elements of the ventilation system 10. Additionally, the
enclosure 30 can be insulated, and/or various seals or the like can
be provided between adjacent walls to discourage airflow leakage.
It is understood that the terms "side", "top", "bottom", "rear",
and "nose" are used for clarity and ease of discussion, and are not
intended to provide any limitation hereto.
[0029] The heating and cooling ventilation system 10 supplies fresh
air into a home or other building, and can also heat or cool the
air. Thus, the enclosure 30 can include at least one air inlet
opening 44 and at least one air outlet opening 46, all of which are
in fluid communication with the interior volume 42. As shown, the
air inlet opening 44 can extend through the rear wall 38 and can
include a duct collar 48 that can be rigid, partially flexible, or
wholly flexible, and is adapted to be coupled to the airflow
ducting 12 leading to the air return 16. Although only a single air
inlet opening 44 is described, it is understood that multiple air
inlet openings can be provided.
[0030] Similarly, the system 10 can include a plurality of air
outlet openings 46 that extend through the nose plate 40 for fluid
connection with the airflow ducting 12 leading to the duct
terminations 24. In this way, multiple discharge ducting
connections can obviate the use of a manifold ducting distribution
system. For example, the duct collar(s) 50 can extend away from the
nose plate 40 and are adapted to be coupled to the airflow ducting
12 of the exhaust ducts 20. Each air outlet opening 46 can include
an associated duct collar 50 that can be rigid, partially flexible,
or wholly flexible. In one example, a duct collar 50 can be
removably or non-removably integrated together with the nose plate
40. In another example, a duct collar 50 can be rigid, or can have
at least a portion that is flexible. In yet another example, a duct
collar 50 can be wholly flexible. In still yet another example, a
length of flexible ducting can be interconnected between a duct
collar 50 and a generally rigid, inflexible portion of the airflow
ducting 20. Flexible ducting and/or duct collars can simplify
installation and/or isolate sound and vibration. It is further
contemplated that the various different duct collars 50 can have
similar or different configurations.
[0031] Turning briefly to FIGS. 4A-4B, the enclosure 30 can include
a plurality of interchangeable nose plates 40, 40B. In the shown
examples, a first nose plate 40 can include a first configuration
of the plurality of air outlet openings 50, and a second nose plate
40B can include a second configuration of the plurality of air
outlet openings 46, 46B that is different from the first
configuration. There can be many similarities and differences among
the plurality of interchangeable nose plates 40, 40B so as to
accommodate the myriad installation configurations found in new or
existing ventilation systems within homes and buildings. During
installation, the different interchangeable nose plates 40, 40B can
be easily installed onto the enclosure 30 to fit the unique ducting
setup of each home or building.
[0032] For example, the first configuration shown in FIG. 4A can
include a first number of air outlet openings 46, while wherein the
second configuration includes a second number of air outlet
openings 46, 46B. The second number is different from the first
number: FIG. 4A illustrates four separate air outlet openings 46,
while FIG. 4B illustrates three separate air outlet openings 46,
46B. It is understood that various numbers of openings can be
utilized.
[0033] In another example, the first configuration shown in FIG. 4A
can include at least one air outlet opening 46 having a
cross-sectional area in the range of about 3-50 square inches, and
the second configuration can include at least one air outlet 46B
opening having a different cross-sectional area in the range of
about 3-50 square inches. As shown in FIG. 4B, the various air
outlets 46, 46B include two generally similar outlets 46, and one
outlet 46B of a different size. The various air outlets can have
various geometries, such as circular, obround, square, rectangular,
polygonal, etc., that can define various cross-sectional areas.
Thus, for example, at least one air outlet opening 46 of the first
configuration can include a diameter in the range of about 2-8
inches, and wherein at least one air outlet opening 46B of the
second configuration can have a different diameter in the range of
about 2-8 inches.
[0034] In the example of FIG. 4B, the air outlets 46, 46B of the
second nose plate 40B can each have a generally circular geometry,
with two of the air outlets 46 having a four-inch diameter defining
a cross-sectional area of about 12.6 square inches each, and a
single larger air outlet 46B having a six-inch diameter defining a
cross-sectional area of about 28.2 square inches. Various numbers,
sizes, and configurations of air outlets 46, 46B are contemplated.
Additionally, it is contemplated that the associated duct collars
50, 50B will correspond to the numbers, sizes, and configurations,
etc. of air outlets 46, 46B.
[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, internal features of the
enclosure 30 will now be described. A blower 52 is disposed within
the interior volume 42 adjacent the air inlet opening 44 for
drawing intake air into the enclosure 30. The blower 52 can include
any type of airflow generation device adapted to move air at a
positive pressure through the enclosure 30 and out of the at least
one air outlet opening 46. Multiple blowers can also be utilized.
Additionally, an access plate 53 can be removably provided over an
access hole that extends through at least one of the walls of the
enclosure 30 for removing, replacing, or repairing the blower 52
without removal of the wall. Electrical service connections can be
internal or external.
[0036] Additionally, at least one heat exchanger 54 is disposed
within the interior volume 42 in fluid communication with the air
inlet opening 44 and the plurality of air outlet openings 46.
Various types of heat exchangers 54 can be utilized, although a
hydronic, water-based type is illustrated that utilizes heated or
cooled water flowing in a coiled array of tubing and metal fins to
heat or cool airflow passing therethrough. Hydronic heat exchangers
54 are beneficial in that they can be relatively simple to install
by one who is trained in the plumbing or HVAC trade. When connected
to chillers, boilers, water heaters or other alternative energy
systems, such as solar thermal panels, geothermal heating and
cooling systems, or thermal storage they can easily integrate with
virtually and type of system or construction to deliver heated or
chilled air to a home, building or other structure. Still, the heat
exchangers 54 can be configured to utilize other working fluids.
For example, the heat exchanger 54 can be a condensing gas coil or
direct expansion evaporator from a heat pump or other refrigeration
loop (e.g., evaporator, compressor, condenser, expansion device and
even some unit controls, etc.). These types of heat exchangers may
utilize R-134a or other commercially available refrigerants. Within
this document, the terms refrigerant and hydronic may used
interchangeably to define what could be considered a traditional
refrigerant, such as ammonia or other chemical, and a chilled or
heated fluid, such as but not limited, to chilled or heated water,
brine or glycol solution. Additionally, the system 10 could utilize
multiple types of heat exchangers. For example, the system 10 could
utilize a hydronic-type heat exchanger to provide heating, and a
condensing gas coil or direct expansion evaporator to provide
cooling (or vice-versa). Thus, while the following description
utilizes hydronic heat exchangers in descriptive examples, it is
understood that such language is not intended to be limiting and
that various types of heat exchangers and/or connected energy
systems may be utilized.
[0037] As shown, a pair of heat exchangers 54 are illustrated,
though it is contemplated that one or more heat exchangers 54 can
be used. The heat exchanger(s) 54 can be adapted for 2-pipe or
4-pipe water systems. For example, one heat exchanger 54 can be
coupled via plumbing 56 to a cool water supply, while another heat
exchanger 54B can be coupled via plumbing 56B to a hot water supply
to independently provide heating and cooling on demand. Still, all
of the heat exchangers 54 could be coupled to hot or cold water
supplies to thereby increase heating or cooling capacity.
Additionally, an access plate 55 can be removably provided over an
access hole that extends through at least one of the walls of the
enclosure 30 for removing, replacing, or repairing the heat
exchanger(s) 54, 54B without removal of the wall. Because the heat
exchanger(s) 54, 54B can have independent plumbing 56, 56B, each
heat exchanger 54, 54B can be independently removed, replaced, or
repaired as a cartridge unit without disturbing the remaining heat
exchanger 54, 54B. The heat exchangers 54, 54B can provide a range
of heating or cooling, such as between about 12,000 to 84,000
Btu/hours of heating and/or about 1 to 3.5 tons of cooling. In
addition or alternatively, a dual coil system may be employed in
the same fashion to provide increased capacity in either heating
and or cooling. In this embodiment both coils are connected to each
other in a parallel fashion and either heated or chilled fluid may
be circulated to both coils simultaneously to increase capacity, or
external devices can switch heating or chilled water to the dual
coil array. It is understood that the capacity of an energy system
may not be limited by the capacity of the unit as multiple units
are typically employed in a structure to match individual
thermostatically controlled areas and thereby can heat, cool and
ventilate homes, buildings and other structures of virtually any
size.
[0038] The heat exchangers 54, 54B are located downstream of the
blower 52. Structure can be provided to direct the airflow through
the heat exchangers 54, 54B. In one example, a partition wall 58
can separate the interior volume 42 into a first portion that
includes the blower 52, and a second portion that includes the heat
exchangers 54, 54B. An airflow opening can be provided in the
partition wall 58, and at least one movable louver 60 can be
arranged over the airflow opening to adjust an amount and/or
direction of air flowing over the heat exchangers 54, 54B. The
movable louver 60 may also reduce the amount of airflow out of the
blower 52, which can effectively reduce the airflow rate that is
experienced by the heat exchanger(s) 54, 54B. In addition or
alternatively, one or more baffle plates 62 can be provided to
direct the air flowing over the heat exchangers 54, 54B. The baffle
plate(s) 62 can be separate from or combined with a core support
plate for supporting the heat exchangers 54, 54B within the
enclosure 30. For example, a support plate can provide installation
space for the plumbing 56, 56B of the heat exchangers 54, 54B.
[0039] While being using in a cooling operation, the heat exchanger
is capable of producing water condensate from the air flowing
therethrough. Thus, it can be beneficial to provide water
condensate collection and disposal structure. As shown in FIG. 5,
the bottom wall 36 of the enclosure 30 can at least partially
define a condensate collection pan 70 that is located to collect
condensate produced by the hydronic heat exchanger cartridge(s) 54.
The condensate collection pan 70 can partially or completely occupy
the entire bottom of the enclosure 30. As shown, the condensate
collection pan 70 can occupy a portion of the bottom wall 36
generally underneath the hydronic heat exchanger cartridge(s) 54,
with another plate 72 occupying the remaining portion of the bottom
wall 36 generally underneath the blower 52. The condensate
collection pan 70 and plate 72 can have generally the same vertical
dimensions so that the enclosure 30 can sit level when upon the
ground. Where no condensate collection pan is used, it is also
contemplated that the bottom wall 36 can be similar to the top wall
34 and extend along the entire bottom of the enclosure 30.
[0040] The condensate collection pan 70 includes a sloped bottom
wall 74, and at least first and second discharge outlets 76, 78.
The first discharge outlet 76 is disposed generally towards the
lowermost end of the sloped bottom wall 74, while the second
discharge outlet 78 is located towards the uppermost end.
Additionally, the first discharge outlet 76 can be arranged at
least partially below the second discharge outlet 78. In one
example, a bottommost portion of the second discharge outlet 78 can
be arranged to be generally aligned with or overlapping an
uppermost portion of the first discharge outlet 76. Thus, a
majority of the collected condensate water will be discharged via
the first discharge outlet 76, while the second discharge outlet 78
remains as a back-up, secondary water outlet (e.g., when the first
discharge outlet 76 is clogged or otherwise unavailable).
[0041] Additionally, at least one of the first and second discharge
outlets 76, 78 of the condensate collection pan 70 can be located
downstream of the blower 52 so as to be located in a positive air
pressure environment that is greater than ambient air pressure. In
the shown example, both of the first and second discharge outlets
76, 78 are located in a positive air pressure environment. As a
result, condensate water is encouraged to flow out of the first and
second discharge outlets 76, 78, while debris is discouraged from
collecting in the first and second discharge outlets 76, 78. In
this way, the condensate discharge outlets 76, 78 may not utilize a
seal (e.g., trapped drain) to prevent the backflow of gasses from
connection to an atmospheric water drain Moreover, the positive air
pressure on start-up of the system 10 inhibits recirculation of air
or debris trapped in the condensate piping that is often associated
with the creation of disease or mold in inappropriately designed
condensate piping. Thus, the first and second discharge outlets 76,
78 can remain generally clog-free during operation.
[0042] In addition or alternatively, the enclosure 30 can include
structure to direct the water condensate towards the condensate
collection pan 70. In one example, at least one condensate baffle
plate 80 can be located vertically below the plurality of air
outlet openings 46. The condensate baffle plate 80 can be
configured to direct water condensate produced by the hydronic or
refrigerant heat exchanger cartridge 54 towards the condensate
collection pan 70. The condensate baffle plate 80 can extend at
least partially, such as completely, across the interior of the
enclosure 30. For example, the condensate baffle plate 80 can be
arranged within the interior volume 42 and between the heat
exchanger cartridge 54 and the nose plate 40 such that any water
condensate that collects on the nose plate 40 will drain downwards
and towards the condensate collection pan 70. The condensate baffle
plate 80 can even be coupled to or formed with the nose plate 40.
Additionally, the condensate baffle plate 80 can be angled
generally downwards towards the condensate collection pan 70.
Moreover, the condensate baffle plate 80 can be located so as to
provide a gap 82 to provide access for the water to drain down into
the condensate collection pan 70. The gap 82 can be located between
a terminal end of the condensate baffle plate 80 and other baffle
pates 62 supporting the heat exchanger(s) 54. Alternatively, the
condensate baffle plate 80 can be coupled to or formed with other
structure (e.g., other baffle pates 62, etc.) within the enclosure
and include one or more holes for condensate water to flow through.
Thus, water condensate that collects on the condensate baffle plate
80 can be directed to flow downwards into the condensate collection
pan 70, and eventually out of the first and/or second discharge
outlets 76, 78.
[0043] The hydronic heating and air-cooling ventilation system 10
may further include at least one airflow damper plate 90 associated
with at least one air outlet opening 46 to thereby adjust an amount
of airflow passing therethrough. Turning now to FIG. 7, a plurality
of airflow damper plates 90 are provided, each associated with a
respective one of the plurality of air outlet openings 46 to
provide individualized airflow adjustment for each outlet opening
46. While only two airflow damper plates 90 are illustrated, it is
understood that airflow damper plates 90 can be provided to any or
all of the air outlet openings 46 in a particular nose plate 40.
Thus, because each outlet opening 46 can provide a separate supply
circuit that is generally used to provide heating or cooling to
different locations or zones within a home or building, the system
10 can be adjusted and individualized for each unique
installation.
[0044] Each airflow damper plate 90 can be adjusted in various
manners. In one example, each of the plurality of airflow damper
plates 90 can be linearly movable towards and away from the
respective air outlet openings 46 to thereby adjust an amount of
airflow passing through each of the plurality of air outlet
openings 46. For example, an increase of the amount of airflow can
be accomplished by moving an airflow damper plate 90 (i.e., as
illustrated, the upper plate 90) away from the air outlet opening
46 to thereby increase the width of a gap 92 between the airflow
damper plate 90 and the nose plate 40. Conversely, a reduction of
the amount of airflow can be accomplished by moving an airflow
damper plate 90C (i.e., as illustrated, the lower plate 90C)
towards an air outlet opening 46C, to thereby decrease the width of
a gap 92C between the airflow damper plate 90C and the nose plate
40C. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, for the same incoming airflow 94,
one airflow damper plate 90 can provide a relatively greater
airflow output 96, while another airflow damper plate 90C can
provide a relatively lesser airflow output 96C to individual air
circuits. It is understood that the amount of airflow can be
measured variously, such as by mass, volume, velocity, pressure,
etc.
[0045] It can be beneficial to have each of the plurality of
airflow damper plates 90 be independently linearly movable, within
the interior volume 42, towards and away from respective ones of
the plurality of air outlet openings 46 to permit individualized
and discrete adjustment. Still, two or more of the airflow damper
plates 90 could be movable together, if desired. The adjustment can
be accomplished variously. In one example, each of the plurality of
airflow damper plates 90 may include at least one adjustment screw
100, 100C or the like to permit the linear movement of the airflow
damper plates 90, 90C towards and away from the air outlet openings
46, 46C. The at least one adjustment screw 100, 100C can also
mechanically support the airflow damper plates 90, 90C. As such, it
can be beneficial to utilize two or more screws or other fasteners
to provide a mechanically balanced system. In one example, each of
the plurality of airflow damper plates 90, 90C may include at least
a pair of opposed adjustment screws 100, 100C. Where two or more
screws are used, they may be arranged generally equally about the
airflow damper plates 90, 90C, or may also be arranged non-equally
in various other relative arrangements. In one example, the pair of
opposed adjustment screws 100, 100C may be diametrically
opposed.
[0046] The adjustment screws 100, 100C can interface with the
airflow damper plates 90, 90C variously. In one example, one or
more threaded inserts 102, 102C can be associated with each of the
plurality of air outlet openings 46, 46C, and can be adapted for
threaded engagement with the at least one adjustment screw 100,
100C. The threaded inserts 102, 102C can be secured to the nose
plate 40 in a non-movable fashion (i.e., non-rotating,
non-translating), such that rotation of the screws 100, 100C
relative to the threaded inserts 102, 102C will cause the advance
or retraction of the screws 100, 100C. Additionally, the screws
100, 100C can be coupled to the airflow damper plates 90, 90C in
various manners, such as via at least a secure nut 104, 104C or
other suitable complementary fastener. Additionally, the airflow
damper plates 90, 90C can include a non-threaded sleeve 106, 106C
or the like adjacent to the nut 104, 104C to support and/or guide
the screws 100, 100C. Utilizing this construction, rotation of the
screws 100, 100C relative to the threaded inserts 102, 102C will
cause the advance or retraction of the screws 100, 100C to thereby
cause the linear movement of the airflow damper plates 90, 90C.
Alternatively, the airflow damper plates 90, 90C could have an
over-sized hole to receive the screw 100, 100C in place of the
sleeve 106, 106C. Moreover, various anti-vibration structure (not
shown), stabilizing structure, or even locking structure (e.g.,
lock nut, etc.) could be provided.
[0047] Additionally, it can be beneficial to permit each of the
plurality of airflow damper plates 90, 90C to be adjustable via the
respective adjustment screw(s) 100, 100C from an exterior of the
enclosure 30. As a result, each outlet opening 46, 46C be
individually adjusted in situ from an exterior of the enclosure 30,
either before or after installation of the ventilation system 10,
to provide a unique and separate supply circuit for heating or
cooling to different locations or zones within a home or building.
In one example, each adjustment screw 100, 100C can include an
operative head 108, 108C that is operable from an exterior 110 of
the enclosure 30. The operative heads 108, 108C can include
standard configurations (i.e., flat, phillips, hex head, etc.) or
even non-standard configurations, such as a user-operable handle or
the like.
[0048] Each of the plurality of airflow damper plates 90, 90C can
thus be independently adjustable between a maximum amount of
airflow and a minimum amount of airflow. The maximum and minimum
amounts of airflow can be simply 100% and 0%, or can be within a
preselected range. In one example, the minimum amount of airflow
can be greater than zero to provide a protection against the
ventilation system 10 harming itself if, during operation, some or
all of the airflow damper plates 90, 90C were completely shut off.
The range of operation can be selected variously. In one example,
the maximum and minimum airflow range can be selected to provide a
60% shift in airflow from one discrete air outlet 46 to another.
For example, a minimum airflow can be about 10%, while the maximum
airflow can be about 70% (of maximum total airflow), although
various other minimums, maximums and ranges are contemplated. Thus,
even if one airflow damper plate 90 is completely close, around 10%
airflow will still flow therethrough. Similarly, if one airflow
damper plate 90 is completely opened, only about 70% airflow will
still flow therethrough, which can help to maintain an overall
balanced airflow among all of the various air outlet openings
46.
[0049] The minimums, maximums and ranges can be controlled in
various manners. In one example, the minimum airflow can be
controlled via an abutment between the threaded inserts 102, 102C,
and the non-threaded sleeves 106, 106C (or even the airflow damper
plates 90, 90C). For example, the lower airflow damper plate 90C of
FIG. 7 is illustrated in a minimum condition, which still provides
some gap 92C for the minimum airflow. Conversely, the maximum
airflow can be controlled via an abutment between the operative
head 108, 108C and the threaded inserts 102, 102C (or even the nose
plate 40). In addition or alternatively, various nuts or the like
can be provided at different positions on the adjustment screws
100, 100C to determine maximum and minimum conditions and ranges.
For example, the relative locations of the nuts 104, 104C,
non-threaded sleeves 106, 106C on the adjustment screws 100, 100C
and/or airflow damper plates 90, 90C can further determine maximum
and minimum conditions and ranges. It is understood that the
minimums, maximums and ranges can be preset or can even be field
adjustable depending upon the individual and unique nature of each
installation. While discussed herein as a generally manual
adjustment procedure, it is understood that the adjustment of one
or more of the various airflow damper plates 90, 90C could be
performed semi-automatically or even fully automatically via
suitable motors or other drive systems coupled to the adjustment
screws, and appropriate control hardware/software, thermostats,
etc.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 8A-8C, different example airflow damper
plates 110A, 1108, 110C are illustrated with different geometries.
It is understood that these are intended to be similar to the
airflow damper plates 90, 90C described above, but are re-numbered
for clarity. As described previously herein, the heat exchanger(s)
54 are capable of producing water condensate when operating in a
cooling mode, and the flowing airstream can cause water overspray
and misting. Thus, a major surface 112A, 112B, 112C of each of the
plurality of airflow damper plates 110A, 1108, 110C can be adapted
to inhibit the overspray and misting condensate from being
exhausted through the plurality of air outlet openings 46. For
example, the major surface 112A, 112B, 112C of each of the
plurality of airflow damper plates 110A, 1108, 110C is configured
to at least partially cover an associated air outlet opening 46.
Thus, condensate released into the airflow by the heat exchanger(s)
54 will strike the major surface 112A, 1128, 112C to thereby be
blocked from entry into the air outlet opening 46 or the
conditioned space. The blocked condensate can then fall by gravity
towards the baffle plate 80 and into the condensate collection pan
70.
[0051] To facilitate this, each of the plurality of airflow damper
plates 110A, 1108, 110C includes the major surface 112A, 1128, 112C
which defines a major cross-sectional area that is substantially
equal to the outlet cross-sectional area of a respective,
associated air outlet opening 46. The major surface 112A, 112B,
112C is sufficiently large to provide the condensate blocking
feature. Still, the major surface 112A, 112B, 12C may define a
major cross-sectional area that is somewhat larger or smaller
(e.g., +/-10% or other amount) than the outlet cross-sectional area
of a respective, associated air outlet opening 46, depending upon
the desired system operation and performance. As discussed
previously herein, the air outlet openings 46 can have various
geometries, such as circular, obround, square, rectangular,
polygonal, etc., that can define various cross-sectional areas.
Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the major surfaces 112A, 1128,
112C of the various airflow damper plates 110A, 1108, 110C can also
have various geometries (e.g., circular, obround, square,
rectangular, polygonal, etc.) to provide the desired
cross-sectional areas. It is understood that the geometries of the
major surfaces 112A, 112B, 112C can be the same or different from
that of the associated air outlet openings 46, provided that the
desired cross-sectional areas ratios are met.
[0052] The airflow damper plates 110A, 1108, 110C can include
various other features. For example, each airflow damper plate
110A, 1108, 110C can include one or more support arms 114A, 114B,
114C with appropriate holes for interfacing with the adjustment
screws 100. There can be a single support arm for each adjustment
screw, though more or less are contemplated. Additionally, the
placement or arrangement of the support arms 114A, 114B, 114C can
generally correspond to that of the adjust screws 100.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 9, a modified ventilation system 120 is
illustrated that can provide multi-zone functionality in a single
unit. The modified ventilation system 120 may include any or all of
the features described herein. Additionally, though illustrated as
a two-zone system, it is understood that the modified ventilation
system 120 could be configured to provide independent operation to
three or more zones.
[0054] The modified ventilation system 120 includes a modified
enclosure 122 that includes first and second blowers 124A, 124B
that are fed by at least one air inlet opening. As shown, a pair of
independent air inlet openings 126A, 126B are shown. An optional
baffle plate 128 can be provided between the first and second
blowers 124A, 124B to keep the incoming air streams separate and
inhibit cross flow. Each of the first and second blowers 124A, 124B
may also include movable louvers 125A, 125B. The first and second
blowers 124A, 124B can be operated independently or together
depending upon the needs of the various connected zones in a home
or building.
[0055] One or more hydronic heat exchanges can be provided within
the modified ventilation system 120. As shown, a pair of heat
exchangers 130, 132 can be provided for heating and/or cooling the
airflow. The heat exchangers 130, 132 can extend laterally across
the modified ventilation system 120 so as to heat or cool the
airflow in both zones, and/or alternatively each zone can include
separate heat exchangers. An optional baffle plate 134 can be
adapted to separate the airflow moving through the heat exchangers
130, 132 such that the airflow can be independently conditioned for
the separate zones, and undesirable cross flow can be inhibited
and/or prevented. The baffle plate 134 can extend longitudinally
through the interior to extend between the first and second blowers
124A, 124B and the nose plate(s) to keep the conditioned air
streams separate.
[0056] The modified ventilation system 120 can include one or more
nose plates with a plurality of air outlet openings. For example, a
pair of nose plates 136A, 136B can each include a plurality of air
outlet openings 138A, 138B that can be customized for each separate
zone in a home or building. Each of the nose plates 136A, 136B can
be individually removable and replaceable. Still, a single nose
plate could be provided to accommodate all of the air outlet
openings 138A, 1388. Moreover, each of the nose plates 136A, 136B
can include a plurality of airflow damper plates that can be each
individually adjusted per the associated air outlet openings to
provide a plurality of highly customizable airflow circuits to the
various zones in a home or building.
[0057] The invention has been described with reference to the
example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this
specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more
aspects of the invention are intended to include all such
modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *