CA2883645A1 - Air conditioning device and method - Google Patents
Air conditioning device and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2883645A1 CA2883645A1 CA2883645A CA2883645A CA2883645A1 CA 2883645 A1 CA2883645 A1 CA 2883645A1 CA 2883645 A CA2883645 A CA 2883645A CA 2883645 A CA2883645 A CA 2883645A CA 2883645 A1 CA2883645 A1 CA 2883645A1
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- Prior art keywords
- coolant
- pressure
- heating unit
- temperature
- heat pump
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D15/00—Other domestic- or space-heating systems
- F24D15/04—Other domestic- or space-heating systems using heat pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0096—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater combined with domestic apparatus
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H4/00—Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
- F24H4/02—Water heaters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2203/00—Devices or apparatus used for air treatment
- F24F2203/02—System or Device comprising a heat pump as a subsystem, e.g. combined with humidification/dehumidification, heating, natural energy or with hybrid system
- F24F2203/021—Compression cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2221/00—Details or features not otherwise provided for
- F24F2221/18—Details or features not otherwise provided for combined with domestic apparatus
- F24F2221/183—Details or features not otherwise provided for combined with domestic apparatus combined with a hot-water boiler
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/12—Hot water central heating systems using heat pumps
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Other Air-Conditioning Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A multi-function air conditioning device comprising a coolant compressor, a heat pump, a heating unit, and a cool exchanger connected in series by pipelines.
The device further comprises solenoid valves for selectively controlling coolant flow within the device, an expansion valve for depressurizing the coolant, and a water-drawing pipeline for transferring moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit.
The device can provide indoor cooling-dehumidifying and/or indoor heating-humidifying functions and can optionally supply hot water via its heat pump.
The device further comprises solenoid valves for selectively controlling coolant flow within the device, an expansion valve for depressurizing the coolant, and a water-drawing pipeline for transferring moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit.
The device can provide indoor cooling-dehumidifying and/or indoor heating-humidifying functions and can optionally supply hot water via its heat pump.
Description
AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE AND METHOD
Field The present invention relates to air conditioning devices and methods, and more particularly to a multi-function air conditioning device and a method that provides functions of supplying hot water and/or (i) cooling-dehumidifying and heating with humidifying; or (ii) cooling-dehumidifying.
Background Substantially enclosed indoor spaces, including for example residential dwellings, commercial buildings, garages, temporary buildings, tents, vehicles, hospitals, etc., especially in cold regions, are usually equipped with heating systems for creating indoor warmth. However, the atmosphere is relatively dry during the winter months in these cold regions, when warm air coining from conventional heating systems not only lower the relative humidity of the indoor atmosphere, but also cause the indoor space to be excessively dehumidified and uncomfortable for the people therein.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that is capable of providing waiiii and humidified air without dehumidifying the indoor atmosphere.
WSLega1\073788 \00001 \ I 1442983v4 Summary of Invention An aspect of the present invention is to provide a multi-function air conditioning device, which features an air-conditioning function that provides warm and humidified air and/or cool dehumidified air, especially for enclosed indoor spaces.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning device comprising: a coolant compressor; a heat pump; a heating unit; a cool exchanger, and the coolant compressor, heat pump, heating unit, and cool exchanger being connected in series, respectively, by a plurality of pipelines, and the coolant compressor being in fluid communication with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, and the heating unit and the cool exchanger being in fluid communication with each other; a first solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the heating unit, the first solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; a second solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; an expansion valve connected in series with the cool exchanger for depressurizing any fluid entering the cool exchanger; and a water-drawing pipeline connecting the cool exchanger and the heating unit, for transporting moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit, wherein when the first solenoid valve is open and the second solenoid valve is closed, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump to the heating unit and from the heating unit to the cool exchanger; and when the first solenoid valve is closed and the WSLegah 073788 \ 0000 I \ 11442983v4 second solenoid valve is open, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump directly to the cool exchanger, while bypassing the heating unit.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for air conditioning and/or supplying hot water comprising: compressing a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; extracting heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant;
and one of: (i) condensing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant; depressurizing the high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; and (ii) depressurizing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant.
Brief Description of the Drawings Drawings are included for the purpose of illustrating certain aspects of the invention.
Such drawings and the description thereof are intended to facilitate understanding and should not be considered limiting of the invention. Drawings are included, in which:
FIG 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-function air conditioning device WSLega1\073788\00001 \11442983v4 according to the present invention.
FIG 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the coolant circulates in the multi-function air conditioning device of FIG. 1 for supplying hot water and providing cooling-dehumidifying and heating-humidifying functions.
FIG 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the coolant circulates in the multi-function air conditioning device of FIG. 1 for supplying hot water and providing cooling-dehumidifying function.
Detailed Description of Various Embodiments The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor.
The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function air conditioning device comprising a coolant compressor, a heat pump, a heating unit, a cool exchanger, two solenoid valves, an expansion valve, a water-drawing pipeline and other pipelines for connecting the various components.
WSLega1\073788 \00001 \11442983v4 The coolant compressor is connected to one end of a first pipeline and one end of a seventh pipeline; the first pipeline is served as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof and the seventh pipeline is served as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof; further, an opposite end of the first pipeline is connected to the heat pump, and an opposite end of the seventh 5 pipeline is connected to the cool exchanger.
The heat pump takes a second pipeline as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof.
The second pipeline has an end which is far away from the heat pump and connected in parallel to a third pipeline and a fourth pipeline, while an end of the third pipeline far away from the second pipeline is connected to the heating unit.
The heating unit acts as a condenser and has a vent that discharges humidified, warm air produced by the heat exchange. The heating unit takes a fifth pipeline as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof, while an end of the fifth pipeline far away from the heating unit is connected in parallel to the fourth pipeline and a sixth pipeline, wherein the expansion valve is provided on the sixth pipeline .
One of the two the solenoid valves is provided on the third pipeline, and the other is provided on fourth pipeline respectively, both jointly control the coolant whether entering the heating unit first and subsequently entering the cool exchanger or directly entering the cool exchangers without passing through the heating unit.
The cool exchanger acts as an evaporator and has a reservoir for collecting moisture generated when the heat exchange outputs cold air, and the cool exchanger takes the WISLegan073788\00001\11442983v4 sixth pipeline as a coolant inlet pipeline thereof and takes the seventh pipeline as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof.
The water-drawing pipeline has its one end coupled to a vent of the heating unit and has its opposite end submerged in a reservoir of the cool exchanger.
The multi-function air conditioning device may optionally further comprises a hot water supplying unit that at least includes a cold water inlet pipeline, a hot water outlet pipeline, and a hot water collecting tank. Cold water entering the hot water supplying unit from a make-up water source flows through the cold water inlet pipeline and into the heat pump, wherein the cold water undergoes heat exchange with heated and pressured coolant and becomes hot water, after which it is delivered along the hot water outlet pipeline to the hot water collecting tank for storage and later on-site use.
In the disclosed multi-function air conditioning device, the fifth pipeline is equipped with a check valve for preventing the coolant that flows along the fourth pipeline from entering the fifth pipeline, so as to ensure that the coolant can smoothly flow into the sixth pipeline.
In the disclosed multi-function air conditioning device, the fourth pipeline is equipped with a check valve in addition to the above-mentioned solenoid valve. The check valve serves to prevent the coolant that flows along the fifth pipeline from entering the fourth pipeline, so as to help ensure that the coolant can smoothly flow into the WSLegaB073788\00001\11442983v4 sixth pipeline.
The disclosed multi-function air conditioning device may be configured to be a portable appliance that can be easily repositioned and/or transported by a user. Not only can the device supply hot water, the device can also provide indoor cooling-dehumidifying function as well as heating-humidifying function, thus being a useful air-conditioning device for enclosed indoor spaces in cold regions. Two or more of the functions of the device may be provided simultaneously.
Referring to FIG 1, according to the present invention, an air conditioning device 10 is capable of waste heat recovery and hot water supply, and can also provide indoor cooling-dehumidifying function as well as heating-humidifying function.
Particularly, the air conditioning device 10 may be configured to be a portable appliance that can be easily repositioned and/or transported by a user.
In a broad aspect of the present invention, the device 10 comprises a coolant compressor 30, a heat pump 40, a heating unit 50, and a cool exchanger 60 connected in series, respectively, by a number of pipelines. Coolant flows through the pipelines in the direction of: (i) the compressor; (ii) the heat pump; (iii) the heating unit; (iv) the cool exchanger; and then back to the compressor. A first solenoid valve Si is provided to selectively permit and restrict coolant flow from the heat pump to the heating unit.
A second solenoid valve S2 is provided to selectively permit and restrict coolant flow from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 The device 10 further comprises an expansion valve El, through which the coolant flows prior to entering the cool exchanger. The expansion valve El depressurizes any coolant flowing therethrough. Still further, the device 10 comprises a water-drawing pipeline that allows moisture generated in the cool exchanger to be delivered to the heating unit for humidifying the warm air output by the heating unit. A first check valve V1 may be included to ensure that coolant flows only in the direction from the heating unit to the cool exchanger. A second check valve V2 may be included to ensure that coolant flows only in the direction from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
Optionally, the device 10 may further comprise a hot water supplying unit 70 in communication with the heat pump, for recovering energy and providing hot water, as described in more detail below.
In a sample embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioning device primarily comprises coolant compressor 30, heat pump 40, heating unit 50, cool exchanger 60, solenoid valves Si and S2, expansion valve El, check valves V1 and V2, and pipelines P1 through P8 connecting the aforementioned components. In another embodiment, the air conditioning device 10 optionally comprises hot water supplying unit 70 to recover energy and provide hot water.
Therein, the first pipeline P1 is connected to the coolant compressor 30 and acts as the compressor's coolant outlet pipeline. The seventh pipeline P7 is connected to compressor 30 and acts as the compressor's coolant inlet pipeline.
WSLegal\ 073788 \ 00001 \11442983v4 The heat pump 40 and the coolant compressor 30 are connected by the first pipeline Pl. The second pipeline P2 is connected at a first end to the heat pump 40.
The second pipeline P2 acts as the coolant outlet pipeline of the heat pump 40, so that the high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous coolant product of the compressor 30 can be delivered to the heat pump 40 through the first pipeline P1 for heat discharge, and then the coolant becomes a high-pressure, cool liquid coolant that exist the heat pump 40 through the second pipeline P2.
The second end of the second pipeline P2 is connected in parallel to the third pipeline P3 and the fourth pipeline P4. The third pipeline P3 has a solenoid valve Si for controlling the flow direction of the coolant so that the coolant is prevented from flowing through the third pipeline P3 when the solenoid valve is inactivated.
Further, when the solenoid valve Si is activated, the coolant is allowed to flow through the third pipeline P3.
The fourth pipeline P4 has a solenoid valve S2 for controlling the flow direction of the coolant so that the coolant is prevented from flowing through the fourth pipeline P4 when the solenoid valve S2 is inactivated. When the solenoid valve S2 is activated, the coolant is allowed to flow through the fourth pipeline P4.
In a preferred embodiment, when the solenoid valve Si is activated, the solenoid valve S2 is inactivated, and vice versa.
The heating unit 50 has therein coolant pipelines (not shown) for acting as a WSLegan073788 \ 0000 I \ 1 1442983v4 condenser to provide the indoor atmosphere with warm air.
The third pipeline P3 is connected to the heating unit 50 and acts as the heating unit's coolant inlet pipeline. The first end of the fifth pipeline P5 is connected to the heating unit 50 and acts as the heating unit's coolant outlet pipeline.
5 If the solenoid valve Si is activated, the high-pressure, cold liquid coolant exiting the heat pump 40 via the second pipeline P2 flows through the third pipeline P3 and enters the heating unit 50, wherein the coolant condenses and becomes a colder, high-pressure liquid coolant, while releasing heat to the surrounding air, so the heating unit 50 heats the indoor atmosphere.
10 The second end of the fifth pipeline P5 is connected in parallel to the fourth pipeline P4 and a sixth pipeline P6. The fifth pipeline P5 is provided with a check valve V1 for preventing the coolant that flows in the fourth pipeline P4 from entering the fifth pipeline P5, to help ensure that the coolant can enter the sixth pipeline P6 smoothly.
Similarly, the fourth pipeline P4 is equipped with a check valve V2 in addition to the solenoid valve S2. The check valve V2 serves to prevent the coolant that flows in the fifth pipeline P5 from entering the fourth pipeline P4, to help ensure that the coolant can enter the sixth pipeline P6 smoothly.
The sixth pipeline P6 is connected to the cool exchanger 60 and acts as the exchanger's coolant inlet pipeline. The sixth pipeline P6 has an expansion valve El.
When the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output from the heat pump WSLegal\073788\00001\11442983v4 40 passes through the second pipeline P2 and the fourth pipeline P4, respectively, and reaches the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, or when the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output of the heating unit 50 passes through the fifth pipeline P5 and arrives at the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant is depressurized by the expansion valve El into the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant before exiting the sixth pipeline P6 and entering the cool exchanger 60.
The cool exchanger 60 acts as an evaporator that allows the coolant to absorb heat.
The cool exchanger 60 is connected to the seventh pipeline P7, which acts as a coolant outlet pipeline of the exchanger 60.
When the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant product of the depressurizing process performed by the expansion valve El passes through the cool exchanger 60, the product absorbs heat from the surrounding air and evaporates to become a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant. The low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant then enters the compressor 30 through the seventh pipeline P7 and the coolant cycle restarts therefrom.
A water-drawing pipeline P8 connects the heating unit 50 and the cool exchanger 60 so that the heating unit 50 can emit warm air while providing the humidifying effect.
More specifically, the water-drawing pipeline P8 has one end coupled to the vent of the heating unit 50, and has the opposite end fixedly submerged in the reservoir of the cool exchanger 60. When the heating unit 50 starts to emit warm air, a pressure drop WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 exists between the two ends of the water-drawing pipeline P8, with the heating unit end of the pipeline P8 being at a lower pressure. At this time, the moisture generated in the cool exchanger 60 as a product of the heat exchange between the air and the coolant is delivered to the vent of the heating unit 50 as a result of the siphonage of the water-drawing pipeline P8 and the moisture is then drop-wise added from the vent into the warm air output by the heating unit 50, thereby providing humidified warm air.
I. Energy Recovery and Hot Water Supply Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in one mode of operation the air conditioning device 10 is capable of waste heat recovery and hot water supply. In this embodiment, device 10 includes the hot water supplying unit 70. During operation, the compressor compresses the coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state, which is then transported to the heat pump 40 through the first pipeline P1 for heat discharge, so that the hot water supplying unit 70 can perform energy recovery and thereby supply hot water. For example, the hot water produced may have a temperature in the range of 50 C to 55 C.
The hot water supplying unit 70 comprises a cold water inlet pipeline 71, a hot water outlet pipeline 72 and a hot water collecting tank 74. The hot water supplying unit 70 is in communication with a make-up water source (not shown), which supplies low-temperature make-up water to the hot water collecting tank, 74. The tank 74 has an outlet for releasing hot water to a site (not shown). The site may be, for example, a hot WSLegah073788\00001\11442983v4 water tank for supplying hot water to laundry machines, bathrooms, etc.
For recovering the waste heat discharged by the heat pump 40, the heat pump 40 is connected to the cold-water inlet pipeline 71 and the hot water outlet pipeline 72.
When the air conditioning device 10 is in operation, the low-temperature make-up water coming into the hot water supplying unit 70 is pumped into the heat pump 40 by the pump M through the cold-water inlet pipeline 71 and, in the heat pump, heat exchange occurs between the make-up water and the high-pressure, high-temperature coolant, thereby turning the make-up water into hot water, which is then sent to the hot water collecting tank 74 through the hot water outlet pipeline 72 for storage and on-site use.
II. Heating with Humidifying and Cooling with Dehumidifying In another mode of operation, with reference to FIG. 2, when the air conditioning device 10 uses the solenoid valve Si to allow coolant to flow in the pipeline P3 and into the heating unit and uses the solenoid valve S2 to restrict coolant flow in the pipeline P4, the device 10 provides both functions of cooling-dehumidifying at the cool exchanger 60 and heating-humidifying at the heating unit 50. If the hot water supplying unit 70 is included, the device 10 further provides the function of recovering heat energy to supply hot water.
As coolant circulates within device 10, the coolant is compressed by the compressor 30 into the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. The gaseous coolant flows WSLegan 073788 \00001 \11442983v4 through the first pipeline P1 to the heat pump 40 for heat recovery and hot water supply by the hot water supplying unit 70, if included. The high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output by the heat pump 40 then flows out through the second pipeline P2, and passes through the third pipeline P3 to enter the heating unit 50 for condensation and heat discharge, after which the coolant becomes a colder, high-pressure liquid coolant. The low-temperature, high-pressure liquid coolant undergoes heat exchange in the heating unit 50 so that the heat discharged supplies warm air to the indoor atmosphere. For example, the heating temperature of heating unit 50 may be in the range of 40 C to 45 C. The coolant then exits the heating unit 50 through the fifth pipeline P5 and flows into the sixth pipeline P6.
When passing through the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, the coolant is depressurized into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous state before entering the cool exchanger 60. In the cool exchanger, the coolant absorbs heat and is evaporated into a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. Finally, from the cool exchanger, the coolant flows back to the compressor 30 through the seventh pipeline P7 for recirculation and the above-described cycle is repeated as long as the device 10 is in operation.
During the aforementioned operation of the air conditioning device 10, the cool exchanger 60 outputs cold air to achieve the cooling and dehumidifying effects.
Through the water-drawing pipeline P8, the moisture generated during the heat exchanges in the cool exchanger 60 is added into the warm air output by the heating unit 50, thereby supplying humidified warm air to the indoor living space.
WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 III. Cooling-Dehumidifying In yet another mode of operation, with reference to FIG. 3, when the air conditioning device 10 uses the solenoid valve Si to restrict coolant flow into the pipeline P3 from the heat pump 40 and uses the solenoid valve S2 to allow coolant to flow into the 5 pipeline P4 from heat pump 40, device 10 provides the function of cooling-dehumidifying the surrounding air. If the hot water supplying unit 70 is included, the device 10 further provides the function of recovering heat energy to supply hot water.
As coolant circulates within device 10, the coolant is compressed by the compressor 30 into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. The gaseous coolant flows 10 through the first pipeline P1 to the heat pump 40 for heat recovery and hot water supply by the hot water supplying unit 70, if included. The high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output by the heat pump 40 then flows out through the second pipeline P2, and enters the fourth pipeline P4 and the sixth pipeline P6, respectively. When passing through the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, 15 the coolant is depressurized into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous prior to entering the cool exchanger 60. In the cool exchanger, the coolant absorbs heat and is evaporated into a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. Finally, from the cool exchanger, the coolant flows back to the compressor 30 through the seventh pipeline P7 for recirculation and the above-described cycle is repeated as long as the device 10 is in operation.
During the aforementioned operation of the disclosed air conditioning device 10, the WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 cool exchanger 60 outputs cold air to achieve the cooling and dehumidifying effects, while the heating unit 50 is deactivated as a result of the coolant bypassing same.
Besides being able to supply hot water, the air conditioning device 10 of the present invention can also selectively provide a single function of cooling-dehumidifying or both functions of cooling-dehumidifying and heating-humidifying. The device may be useful in various enclosed spaces where hot water, heating, and/or cooling are required. For example, in a slaughter house, cold storage is required for meats;
heating may be required in the processing facilities; and hot water is required for cleaning and washing the animals, the carcasses, and equipment. Therefore, device 10 may be especially useful in places where simultaneous heating-humidifying, cooling-dehumidifying, and/or hot water supply are required.
The multi-function device may provide a single solution that replaces the heating system, water boiler system, humidifier system, and air conditioning system of a typical home. Operating a single device rather than several separate systems to provide multiple functions is likely to reduce energy consumption, which may translate into cost savings.
Depending on the amount of heating, cooling, and/or hot water required, the device of the present invention may be scaled accordingly by selecting the various components of the device accordingly. Further, the device may be configured to be portable. For example, all the components of the device may be accommodated in a portable housing, with an inlet for connecting to the make-up water source, an outlet for WSLegah 073788 \ 00001 \ I 1442983v4 connecting to the hot water site, an outlet for emitting heat generated by the heating unit, and an inlet for collecting heat by the cool exchanger.
For operation, the power source for the various components of the device is preferably electrical, but can also be fossil fuel, such as natural gas.
Accordingly, there is provided a device comprising: a coolant compressor; a heat pump; a beating unit; a cool exchanger, and the coolant compressor, heat pump, heating unit, and cool exchanger being connected in series, respectively, by a plurality of pipelines, and the coolant compressor being in fluid communication with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, and the heating unit and the cool exchanger being in fluid communication with each other; a first solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the heating unit, the first solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; a second solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; an expansion valve connected in series with the cool exchanger for depressurizing any fluid entering the cool exchanger; and a water-drawing pipeline connecting the cool exchanger and the heating unit, for transporting moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit, wherein when the first solenoid valve is open and the second solenoid valve is closed, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump to the heating unit and from the heating unit to the cool exchanger; and when the first solenoid valve is closed and the second solenoid valve is open, fluid communication WSLega1\073788\00001 \11442983v4 is permitted from the heat pump directly to the cool exchanger, while bypassing the heating unit.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises a hot water supplying unit having: a hot water collecting tank in fluid communication with the heat pump; and a cold water inlet pipeline in fluid communication with the heat pump, the cold water inlet pipeline being connectible to a water source.
In a further embodiment, the device comprises a first check valve connected in series with the heating unit and the cool exchanger, the first check valve allowing fluid communication only in the direction from the heating unit to the cool exchanger. In a still further embodiment, the device comprises a second check valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second check valve allowing fluid communication only in the direction from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
A method for air conditioning and/or supplying hot water is also provided here. The method comprises: compressing a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; extracting heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant; and one of: (i) condensing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant;
depressurizing the high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, WSLegal\ 073788 \00001 \I l442983v4 gaseous coolant; and (ii) depressurizing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant.
In one embodiment, condensing the coolant is performed by a heating unit and the method further comprises transferring moisture generated from heating and evaporating the coolant to the heating unit.
In a further embodiment, the method comprises heating water using the heat extracted from the coolant. The method may further comprise storing the water in a tank and/or supplying the water to a site.
Preferably, the method comprises repeating the steps of compressing;
extracting heat;
and one of: (i) condensing; depressurizing; and heating and evaporating; and (ii) depressurizing; and heating and evaporating.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such WSLegal\ 073788 \00001 \11442983v4 as by use of the article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are know or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art 5 are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims.
Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.
WSLegan 073788 \ 00001 \ 11442983v4
Field The present invention relates to air conditioning devices and methods, and more particularly to a multi-function air conditioning device and a method that provides functions of supplying hot water and/or (i) cooling-dehumidifying and heating with humidifying; or (ii) cooling-dehumidifying.
Background Substantially enclosed indoor spaces, including for example residential dwellings, commercial buildings, garages, temporary buildings, tents, vehicles, hospitals, etc., especially in cold regions, are usually equipped with heating systems for creating indoor warmth. However, the atmosphere is relatively dry during the winter months in these cold regions, when warm air coining from conventional heating systems not only lower the relative humidity of the indoor atmosphere, but also cause the indoor space to be excessively dehumidified and uncomfortable for the people therein.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that is capable of providing waiiii and humidified air without dehumidifying the indoor atmosphere.
WSLega1\073788 \00001 \ I 1442983v4 Summary of Invention An aspect of the present invention is to provide a multi-function air conditioning device, which features an air-conditioning function that provides warm and humidified air and/or cool dehumidified air, especially for enclosed indoor spaces.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning device comprising: a coolant compressor; a heat pump; a heating unit; a cool exchanger, and the coolant compressor, heat pump, heating unit, and cool exchanger being connected in series, respectively, by a plurality of pipelines, and the coolant compressor being in fluid communication with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, and the heating unit and the cool exchanger being in fluid communication with each other; a first solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the heating unit, the first solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; a second solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; an expansion valve connected in series with the cool exchanger for depressurizing any fluid entering the cool exchanger; and a water-drawing pipeline connecting the cool exchanger and the heating unit, for transporting moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit, wherein when the first solenoid valve is open and the second solenoid valve is closed, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump to the heating unit and from the heating unit to the cool exchanger; and when the first solenoid valve is closed and the WSLegah 073788 \ 0000 I \ 11442983v4 second solenoid valve is open, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump directly to the cool exchanger, while bypassing the heating unit.
According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for air conditioning and/or supplying hot water comprising: compressing a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; extracting heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant;
and one of: (i) condensing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant; depressurizing the high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; and (ii) depressurizing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant.
Brief Description of the Drawings Drawings are included for the purpose of illustrating certain aspects of the invention.
Such drawings and the description thereof are intended to facilitate understanding and should not be considered limiting of the invention. Drawings are included, in which:
FIG 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-function air conditioning device WSLega1\073788\00001 \11442983v4 according to the present invention.
FIG 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the coolant circulates in the multi-function air conditioning device of FIG. 1 for supplying hot water and providing cooling-dehumidifying and heating-humidifying functions.
FIG 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the coolant circulates in the multi-function air conditioning device of FIG. 1 for supplying hot water and providing cooling-dehumidifying function.
Detailed Description of Various Embodiments The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor.
The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function air conditioning device comprising a coolant compressor, a heat pump, a heating unit, a cool exchanger, two solenoid valves, an expansion valve, a water-drawing pipeline and other pipelines for connecting the various components.
WSLega1\073788 \00001 \11442983v4 The coolant compressor is connected to one end of a first pipeline and one end of a seventh pipeline; the first pipeline is served as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof and the seventh pipeline is served as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof; further, an opposite end of the first pipeline is connected to the heat pump, and an opposite end of the seventh 5 pipeline is connected to the cool exchanger.
The heat pump takes a second pipeline as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof.
The second pipeline has an end which is far away from the heat pump and connected in parallel to a third pipeline and a fourth pipeline, while an end of the third pipeline far away from the second pipeline is connected to the heating unit.
The heating unit acts as a condenser and has a vent that discharges humidified, warm air produced by the heat exchange. The heating unit takes a fifth pipeline as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof, while an end of the fifth pipeline far away from the heating unit is connected in parallel to the fourth pipeline and a sixth pipeline, wherein the expansion valve is provided on the sixth pipeline .
One of the two the solenoid valves is provided on the third pipeline, and the other is provided on fourth pipeline respectively, both jointly control the coolant whether entering the heating unit first and subsequently entering the cool exchanger or directly entering the cool exchangers without passing through the heating unit.
The cool exchanger acts as an evaporator and has a reservoir for collecting moisture generated when the heat exchange outputs cold air, and the cool exchanger takes the WISLegan073788\00001\11442983v4 sixth pipeline as a coolant inlet pipeline thereof and takes the seventh pipeline as a coolant outlet pipeline thereof.
The water-drawing pipeline has its one end coupled to a vent of the heating unit and has its opposite end submerged in a reservoir of the cool exchanger.
The multi-function air conditioning device may optionally further comprises a hot water supplying unit that at least includes a cold water inlet pipeline, a hot water outlet pipeline, and a hot water collecting tank. Cold water entering the hot water supplying unit from a make-up water source flows through the cold water inlet pipeline and into the heat pump, wherein the cold water undergoes heat exchange with heated and pressured coolant and becomes hot water, after which it is delivered along the hot water outlet pipeline to the hot water collecting tank for storage and later on-site use.
In the disclosed multi-function air conditioning device, the fifth pipeline is equipped with a check valve for preventing the coolant that flows along the fourth pipeline from entering the fifth pipeline, so as to ensure that the coolant can smoothly flow into the sixth pipeline.
In the disclosed multi-function air conditioning device, the fourth pipeline is equipped with a check valve in addition to the above-mentioned solenoid valve. The check valve serves to prevent the coolant that flows along the fifth pipeline from entering the fourth pipeline, so as to help ensure that the coolant can smoothly flow into the WSLegaB073788\00001\11442983v4 sixth pipeline.
The disclosed multi-function air conditioning device may be configured to be a portable appliance that can be easily repositioned and/or transported by a user. Not only can the device supply hot water, the device can also provide indoor cooling-dehumidifying function as well as heating-humidifying function, thus being a useful air-conditioning device for enclosed indoor spaces in cold regions. Two or more of the functions of the device may be provided simultaneously.
Referring to FIG 1, according to the present invention, an air conditioning device 10 is capable of waste heat recovery and hot water supply, and can also provide indoor cooling-dehumidifying function as well as heating-humidifying function.
Particularly, the air conditioning device 10 may be configured to be a portable appliance that can be easily repositioned and/or transported by a user.
In a broad aspect of the present invention, the device 10 comprises a coolant compressor 30, a heat pump 40, a heating unit 50, and a cool exchanger 60 connected in series, respectively, by a number of pipelines. Coolant flows through the pipelines in the direction of: (i) the compressor; (ii) the heat pump; (iii) the heating unit; (iv) the cool exchanger; and then back to the compressor. A first solenoid valve Si is provided to selectively permit and restrict coolant flow from the heat pump to the heating unit.
A second solenoid valve S2 is provided to selectively permit and restrict coolant flow from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 The device 10 further comprises an expansion valve El, through which the coolant flows prior to entering the cool exchanger. The expansion valve El depressurizes any coolant flowing therethrough. Still further, the device 10 comprises a water-drawing pipeline that allows moisture generated in the cool exchanger to be delivered to the heating unit for humidifying the warm air output by the heating unit. A first check valve V1 may be included to ensure that coolant flows only in the direction from the heating unit to the cool exchanger. A second check valve V2 may be included to ensure that coolant flows only in the direction from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
Optionally, the device 10 may further comprise a hot water supplying unit 70 in communication with the heat pump, for recovering energy and providing hot water, as described in more detail below.
In a sample embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioning device primarily comprises coolant compressor 30, heat pump 40, heating unit 50, cool exchanger 60, solenoid valves Si and S2, expansion valve El, check valves V1 and V2, and pipelines P1 through P8 connecting the aforementioned components. In another embodiment, the air conditioning device 10 optionally comprises hot water supplying unit 70 to recover energy and provide hot water.
Therein, the first pipeline P1 is connected to the coolant compressor 30 and acts as the compressor's coolant outlet pipeline. The seventh pipeline P7 is connected to compressor 30 and acts as the compressor's coolant inlet pipeline.
WSLegal\ 073788 \ 00001 \11442983v4 The heat pump 40 and the coolant compressor 30 are connected by the first pipeline Pl. The second pipeline P2 is connected at a first end to the heat pump 40.
The second pipeline P2 acts as the coolant outlet pipeline of the heat pump 40, so that the high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous coolant product of the compressor 30 can be delivered to the heat pump 40 through the first pipeline P1 for heat discharge, and then the coolant becomes a high-pressure, cool liquid coolant that exist the heat pump 40 through the second pipeline P2.
The second end of the second pipeline P2 is connected in parallel to the third pipeline P3 and the fourth pipeline P4. The third pipeline P3 has a solenoid valve Si for controlling the flow direction of the coolant so that the coolant is prevented from flowing through the third pipeline P3 when the solenoid valve is inactivated.
Further, when the solenoid valve Si is activated, the coolant is allowed to flow through the third pipeline P3.
The fourth pipeline P4 has a solenoid valve S2 for controlling the flow direction of the coolant so that the coolant is prevented from flowing through the fourth pipeline P4 when the solenoid valve S2 is inactivated. When the solenoid valve S2 is activated, the coolant is allowed to flow through the fourth pipeline P4.
In a preferred embodiment, when the solenoid valve Si is activated, the solenoid valve S2 is inactivated, and vice versa.
The heating unit 50 has therein coolant pipelines (not shown) for acting as a WSLegan073788 \ 0000 I \ 1 1442983v4 condenser to provide the indoor atmosphere with warm air.
The third pipeline P3 is connected to the heating unit 50 and acts as the heating unit's coolant inlet pipeline. The first end of the fifth pipeline P5 is connected to the heating unit 50 and acts as the heating unit's coolant outlet pipeline.
5 If the solenoid valve Si is activated, the high-pressure, cold liquid coolant exiting the heat pump 40 via the second pipeline P2 flows through the third pipeline P3 and enters the heating unit 50, wherein the coolant condenses and becomes a colder, high-pressure liquid coolant, while releasing heat to the surrounding air, so the heating unit 50 heats the indoor atmosphere.
10 The second end of the fifth pipeline P5 is connected in parallel to the fourth pipeline P4 and a sixth pipeline P6. The fifth pipeline P5 is provided with a check valve V1 for preventing the coolant that flows in the fourth pipeline P4 from entering the fifth pipeline P5, to help ensure that the coolant can enter the sixth pipeline P6 smoothly.
Similarly, the fourth pipeline P4 is equipped with a check valve V2 in addition to the solenoid valve S2. The check valve V2 serves to prevent the coolant that flows in the fifth pipeline P5 from entering the fourth pipeline P4, to help ensure that the coolant can enter the sixth pipeline P6 smoothly.
The sixth pipeline P6 is connected to the cool exchanger 60 and acts as the exchanger's coolant inlet pipeline. The sixth pipeline P6 has an expansion valve El.
When the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output from the heat pump WSLegal\073788\00001\11442983v4 40 passes through the second pipeline P2 and the fourth pipeline P4, respectively, and reaches the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, or when the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output of the heating unit 50 passes through the fifth pipeline P5 and arrives at the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant is depressurized by the expansion valve El into the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant before exiting the sixth pipeline P6 and entering the cool exchanger 60.
The cool exchanger 60 acts as an evaporator that allows the coolant to absorb heat.
The cool exchanger 60 is connected to the seventh pipeline P7, which acts as a coolant outlet pipeline of the exchanger 60.
When the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant product of the depressurizing process performed by the expansion valve El passes through the cool exchanger 60, the product absorbs heat from the surrounding air and evaporates to become a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant. The low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant then enters the compressor 30 through the seventh pipeline P7 and the coolant cycle restarts therefrom.
A water-drawing pipeline P8 connects the heating unit 50 and the cool exchanger 60 so that the heating unit 50 can emit warm air while providing the humidifying effect.
More specifically, the water-drawing pipeline P8 has one end coupled to the vent of the heating unit 50, and has the opposite end fixedly submerged in the reservoir of the cool exchanger 60. When the heating unit 50 starts to emit warm air, a pressure drop WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 exists between the two ends of the water-drawing pipeline P8, with the heating unit end of the pipeline P8 being at a lower pressure. At this time, the moisture generated in the cool exchanger 60 as a product of the heat exchange between the air and the coolant is delivered to the vent of the heating unit 50 as a result of the siphonage of the water-drawing pipeline P8 and the moisture is then drop-wise added from the vent into the warm air output by the heating unit 50, thereby providing humidified warm air.
I. Energy Recovery and Hot Water Supply Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in one mode of operation the air conditioning device 10 is capable of waste heat recovery and hot water supply. In this embodiment, device 10 includes the hot water supplying unit 70. During operation, the compressor compresses the coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state, which is then transported to the heat pump 40 through the first pipeline P1 for heat discharge, so that the hot water supplying unit 70 can perform energy recovery and thereby supply hot water. For example, the hot water produced may have a temperature in the range of 50 C to 55 C.
The hot water supplying unit 70 comprises a cold water inlet pipeline 71, a hot water outlet pipeline 72 and a hot water collecting tank 74. The hot water supplying unit 70 is in communication with a make-up water source (not shown), which supplies low-temperature make-up water to the hot water collecting tank, 74. The tank 74 has an outlet for releasing hot water to a site (not shown). The site may be, for example, a hot WSLegah073788\00001\11442983v4 water tank for supplying hot water to laundry machines, bathrooms, etc.
For recovering the waste heat discharged by the heat pump 40, the heat pump 40 is connected to the cold-water inlet pipeline 71 and the hot water outlet pipeline 72.
When the air conditioning device 10 is in operation, the low-temperature make-up water coming into the hot water supplying unit 70 is pumped into the heat pump 40 by the pump M through the cold-water inlet pipeline 71 and, in the heat pump, heat exchange occurs between the make-up water and the high-pressure, high-temperature coolant, thereby turning the make-up water into hot water, which is then sent to the hot water collecting tank 74 through the hot water outlet pipeline 72 for storage and on-site use.
II. Heating with Humidifying and Cooling with Dehumidifying In another mode of operation, with reference to FIG. 2, when the air conditioning device 10 uses the solenoid valve Si to allow coolant to flow in the pipeline P3 and into the heating unit and uses the solenoid valve S2 to restrict coolant flow in the pipeline P4, the device 10 provides both functions of cooling-dehumidifying at the cool exchanger 60 and heating-humidifying at the heating unit 50. If the hot water supplying unit 70 is included, the device 10 further provides the function of recovering heat energy to supply hot water.
As coolant circulates within device 10, the coolant is compressed by the compressor 30 into the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. The gaseous coolant flows WSLegan 073788 \00001 \11442983v4 through the first pipeline P1 to the heat pump 40 for heat recovery and hot water supply by the hot water supplying unit 70, if included. The high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output by the heat pump 40 then flows out through the second pipeline P2, and passes through the third pipeline P3 to enter the heating unit 50 for condensation and heat discharge, after which the coolant becomes a colder, high-pressure liquid coolant. The low-temperature, high-pressure liquid coolant undergoes heat exchange in the heating unit 50 so that the heat discharged supplies warm air to the indoor atmosphere. For example, the heating temperature of heating unit 50 may be in the range of 40 C to 45 C. The coolant then exits the heating unit 50 through the fifth pipeline P5 and flows into the sixth pipeline P6.
When passing through the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, the coolant is depressurized into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous state before entering the cool exchanger 60. In the cool exchanger, the coolant absorbs heat and is evaporated into a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. Finally, from the cool exchanger, the coolant flows back to the compressor 30 through the seventh pipeline P7 for recirculation and the above-described cycle is repeated as long as the device 10 is in operation.
During the aforementioned operation of the air conditioning device 10, the cool exchanger 60 outputs cold air to achieve the cooling and dehumidifying effects.
Through the water-drawing pipeline P8, the moisture generated during the heat exchanges in the cool exchanger 60 is added into the warm air output by the heating unit 50, thereby supplying humidified warm air to the indoor living space.
WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 III. Cooling-Dehumidifying In yet another mode of operation, with reference to FIG. 3, when the air conditioning device 10 uses the solenoid valve Si to restrict coolant flow into the pipeline P3 from the heat pump 40 and uses the solenoid valve S2 to allow coolant to flow into the 5 pipeline P4 from heat pump 40, device 10 provides the function of cooling-dehumidifying the surrounding air. If the hot water supplying unit 70 is included, the device 10 further provides the function of recovering heat energy to supply hot water.
As coolant circulates within device 10, the coolant is compressed by the compressor 30 into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. The gaseous coolant flows 10 through the first pipeline P1 to the heat pump 40 for heat recovery and hot water supply by the hot water supplying unit 70, if included. The high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant output by the heat pump 40 then flows out through the second pipeline P2, and enters the fourth pipeline P4 and the sixth pipeline P6, respectively. When passing through the expansion valve El of the sixth pipeline P6, 15 the coolant is depressurized into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous prior to entering the cool exchanger 60. In the cool exchanger, the coolant absorbs heat and is evaporated into a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous state. Finally, from the cool exchanger, the coolant flows back to the compressor 30 through the seventh pipeline P7 for recirculation and the above-described cycle is repeated as long as the device 10 is in operation.
During the aforementioned operation of the disclosed air conditioning device 10, the WSLega1\073788\00001\11442983v4 cool exchanger 60 outputs cold air to achieve the cooling and dehumidifying effects, while the heating unit 50 is deactivated as a result of the coolant bypassing same.
Besides being able to supply hot water, the air conditioning device 10 of the present invention can also selectively provide a single function of cooling-dehumidifying or both functions of cooling-dehumidifying and heating-humidifying. The device may be useful in various enclosed spaces where hot water, heating, and/or cooling are required. For example, in a slaughter house, cold storage is required for meats;
heating may be required in the processing facilities; and hot water is required for cleaning and washing the animals, the carcasses, and equipment. Therefore, device 10 may be especially useful in places where simultaneous heating-humidifying, cooling-dehumidifying, and/or hot water supply are required.
The multi-function device may provide a single solution that replaces the heating system, water boiler system, humidifier system, and air conditioning system of a typical home. Operating a single device rather than several separate systems to provide multiple functions is likely to reduce energy consumption, which may translate into cost savings.
Depending on the amount of heating, cooling, and/or hot water required, the device of the present invention may be scaled accordingly by selecting the various components of the device accordingly. Further, the device may be configured to be portable. For example, all the components of the device may be accommodated in a portable housing, with an inlet for connecting to the make-up water source, an outlet for WSLegah 073788 \ 00001 \ I 1442983v4 connecting to the hot water site, an outlet for emitting heat generated by the heating unit, and an inlet for collecting heat by the cool exchanger.
For operation, the power source for the various components of the device is preferably electrical, but can also be fossil fuel, such as natural gas.
Accordingly, there is provided a device comprising: a coolant compressor; a heat pump; a beating unit; a cool exchanger, and the coolant compressor, heat pump, heating unit, and cool exchanger being connected in series, respectively, by a plurality of pipelines, and the coolant compressor being in fluid communication with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, and the heating unit and the cool exchanger being in fluid communication with each other; a first solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the heating unit, the first solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; a second solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough; an expansion valve connected in series with the cool exchanger for depressurizing any fluid entering the cool exchanger; and a water-drawing pipeline connecting the cool exchanger and the heating unit, for transporting moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit, wherein when the first solenoid valve is open and the second solenoid valve is closed, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump to the heating unit and from the heating unit to the cool exchanger; and when the first solenoid valve is closed and the second solenoid valve is open, fluid communication WSLega1\073788\00001 \11442983v4 is permitted from the heat pump directly to the cool exchanger, while bypassing the heating unit.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises a hot water supplying unit having: a hot water collecting tank in fluid communication with the heat pump; and a cold water inlet pipeline in fluid communication with the heat pump, the cold water inlet pipeline being connectible to a water source.
In a further embodiment, the device comprises a first check valve connected in series with the heating unit and the cool exchanger, the first check valve allowing fluid communication only in the direction from the heating unit to the cool exchanger. In a still further embodiment, the device comprises a second check valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second check valve allowing fluid communication only in the direction from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
A method for air conditioning and/or supplying hot water is also provided here. The method comprises: compressing a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; extracting heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant; and one of: (i) condensing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant;
depressurizing the high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, WSLegal\ 073788 \00001 \I l442983v4 gaseous coolant; and (ii) depressurizing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant.
In one embodiment, condensing the coolant is performed by a heating unit and the method further comprises transferring moisture generated from heating and evaporating the coolant to the heating unit.
In a further embodiment, the method comprises heating water using the heat extracted from the coolant. The method may further comprise storing the water in a tank and/or supplying the water to a site.
Preferably, the method comprises repeating the steps of compressing;
extracting heat;
and one of: (i) condensing; depressurizing; and heating and evaporating; and (ii) depressurizing; and heating and evaporating.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such WSLegal\ 073788 \00001 \11442983v4 as by use of the article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are know or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art 5 are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims.
Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.
WSLegan 073788 \ 00001 \ 11442983v4
Claims (10)
1. An air conditioning device comprising:
a coolant compressor;
a heat pump;
a heating unit;
a cool exchanger, and the coolant compressor, heat pump, heating unit, and cool exchanger being connected in series, respectively, by a plurality of pipelines, and the coolant compressor being in fluid communication with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, and the heating unit and the cool exchanger being in fluid communication with each other;
a first solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the heating unit, the first solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough;
a second solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough;
an expansion valve connected in series with the cool exchanger for depressurizing any fluid entering the cool exchanger; and a water-drawing pipeline connecting the cool exchanger and the heating unit, for transporting moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit, wherein when the first solenoid valve is open and the second solenoid valve is closed, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump to the heating unit and from the heating unit to the cool exchanger; and when the first solenoid valve is closed and the second solenoid valve is open, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump directly to the cool exchanger, while bypassing the heating unit.
a coolant compressor;
a heat pump;
a heating unit;
a cool exchanger, and the coolant compressor, heat pump, heating unit, and cool exchanger being connected in series, respectively, by a plurality of pipelines, and the coolant compressor being in fluid communication with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, and the heating unit and the cool exchanger being in fluid communication with each other;
a first solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the heating unit, the first solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough;
a second solenoid valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second solenoid valve being selectively openable to allow fluid flow therethrough and selectively closeable to restrict fluid flow therethrough;
an expansion valve connected in series with the cool exchanger for depressurizing any fluid entering the cool exchanger; and a water-drawing pipeline connecting the cool exchanger and the heating unit, for transporting moisture from the cool exchanger to the heating unit, wherein when the first solenoid valve is open and the second solenoid valve is closed, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump to the heating unit and from the heating unit to the cool exchanger; and when the first solenoid valve is closed and the second solenoid valve is open, fluid communication is permitted from the heat pump directly to the cool exchanger, while bypassing the heating unit.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a hot water supplying unit having:
a hot water collecting tank in fluid communication with the heat pump; and a cold water inlet pipeline in fluid communication with the heat pump, the cold water inlet pipeline being connectible to a water source.
a hot water collecting tank in fluid communication with the heat pump; and a cold water inlet pipeline in fluid communication with the heat pump, the cold water inlet pipeline being connectible to a water source.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a first check valve connected in series with the heating unit and the cool exchanger, the first check valve allowing fluid communication only in the direction from the heating unit to the cool exchanger.
4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second check valve connected in series with the heat pump and the cool exchanger, the second check valve allowing fluid communication only in the direction from the heat pump to the cool exchanger.
5. A method for air conditioning and/or supplying hot water comprising:
compressing a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant;
extracting heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant; and one of:
(i) condensing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant; depressurizing the high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; and (ii) depressurizing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant.
compressing a low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant;
extracting heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant into a high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant; and one of:
(i) condensing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant; depressurizing the high-pressure, lower-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, lower-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant; and (ii) depressurizing the high-pressure, low-temperature, liquid coolant into a low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant; and heating and evaporating the low-pressure, low-temperature, gaseous coolant into the low-pressure, high-temperature, gaseous coolant.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein condensing the coolant is performed by a heating unit and the method further comprising transferring moisture generated from heating and evaporating the coolant to the heating unit.
7. The method of claim 5 further comprising heating water using the heat extracted from the coolant.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising storing the water in a tank.
9. The method of claim 7 further comprising supplying the water to a site.
10. The method of claim 5 further comprising repeating the steps of compressing;
extracting heat; and one of: (i) condensing; depressurizing; and heating and evaporating; and (ii) depressurizing; and heating and evaporating.
extracting heat; and one of: (i) condensing; depressurizing; and heating and evaporating; and (ii) depressurizing; and heating and evaporating.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2883645A CA2883645A1 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2015-02-24 | Air conditioning device and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2883645A CA2883645A1 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2015-02-24 | Air conditioning device and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2883645A1 true CA2883645A1 (en) | 2016-08-24 |
Family
ID=56741255
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2883645A Abandoned CA2883645A1 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2015-02-24 | Air conditioning device and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2883645A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107314424A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2017-11-03 | 宝莲华新能源技术（上海）股份有限公司 | A kind of high-efficiency heat pump heating unit heated suitable for north of china in winter |
| CN112944712A (en) * | 2021-02-01 | 2021-06-11 | 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 | Heat pump system and control method |
| CN113790479A (en) * | 2021-08-10 | 2021-12-14 | 中山市爱美泰电器有限公司 | Heat pump air conditioner with dehumidification and hot water function |
-
2015
- 2015-02-24 CA CA2883645A patent/CA2883645A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107314424A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2017-11-03 | 宝莲华新能源技术（上海）股份有限公司 | A kind of high-efficiency heat pump heating unit heated suitable for north of china in winter |
| CN112944712A (en) * | 2021-02-01 | 2021-06-11 | 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 | Heat pump system and control method |
| CN112944712B (en) * | 2021-02-01 | 2023-09-05 | 青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司 | Heat pump system and control method |
| CN113790479A (en) * | 2021-08-10 | 2021-12-14 | 中山市爱美泰电器有限公司 | Heat pump air conditioner with dehumidification and hot water function |
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