WO2020141339A1

WO2020141339A1 - Direction and orientation adjusting heat exchanging system for air-conditioner, refrigerator and any hvac device/equipment which changes direction according to local/prevailing wind direction

Info

Publication number: WO2020141339A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/060722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eman Purneet Singh Tiwana
Original assignee: Eman Purneet Singh Tiwana
Priority date: 2018-12-30
Filing date: 2018-12-30
Publication date: 2020-07-09

Abstract

In order to maximize the air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s/s which dissipate heat absorbed by Air Conditioning, refrigeration and any HVAC device/equipment/system. The heat exchanger/s changes or adjusts its direction in the relevant plane/s according to the local or prevailing wind direction. The air flow sensors attached at strategic points to the system, measure the effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s. The Microcomputer detects and compares the air intrusion level into the heat exchanger/s to find out the maximum effective air intrusion level with respect to the angular position of the heat exchanger/s in the relevant plane/s. Then the microcomputer directs the rotating drive to position the heat exchanger/s at the corresponding angular position where the maximum air intrusion level was found. In case the prevailing wind conditions change the microcomputer redirects the heat exchanger/s in the position of maximum air intrusion level. In this way the heat exchanger/s always obtain maximum heat exchanging rate for the given set of operating conditions. Thus, improving the energy efficiency, effectiveness and co-efficient of performance of the system.

Description

Title of Invention

Direction and orientation adjusting heat exchanging system for air-conditioner, refrigerator and any HVAC device/equipment which changes direction according to local/prevailing wind direction.

Field of Invention

This invention is related to the field of refrigeration and air conditioning more particularly to the heat rejecting unit responsible for rejecting the heat absorbed by the refrigeration and air conditioning system to the atmosphere. Whether it is vapour absorption or vapour compression type air conditioning and refrigeration system, where heat is exchanged with the atmospheric air this invention is applicable.

Background Art

In the prior art many useful inventions are made to improve the heat exchange rate by improving the design of heat exchanger/s tubes, fins and fans but in all these inventions the heat exchanger/s or the complete heat rejecting unit and/or fins of heat exchanger/s is not allowed to change its direction or orientation to increase the air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s in order to improve the heat exchanging rate.

Summary of Invention

In this invention a novel way is invented to increase the heat exchanging rate of the heat exchanger/s by making it sensibly change its direction and orientation according to the local wind direction in which it is operating. So that the effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s is always at the maximum level for the given size and design of the equipment

Advantageous Effects of Invention

Improves the energy efficiency, effectiveness and co-efficient of performance of the system.

Description of Invention

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. This invention is related to the field of refrigeration and air conditioning more particularly to the heat rejecting unit responsible for rejecting the heat absorbed by the refrigeration and air conditioning system to the atmosphere. Whether it is vapour absorption or vapour compression type air conditioning and refrigeration system, where heat is exchanged with the atmospheric air this invention is applicable. In the prior art many useful inventions are made to improve the heat exchange rate by improving the design of heat exchanger/s tubes, fins and fans but in all these inventions the heat exchanger/s or the complete heat rejecting unit and/or fins of heat exchanger/s is not allowed to change its direction or orientation to increase the air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s in order to improve the heat exchanging rate. In this invention a novel way is invented to increase the heat exchanging rate of the heat exchanger/s by making it sensibly change its direction and orientation according to the local wind direction in which it is operating. So that the effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s is always at the maximum level for the given size and design of the equipment. The effective air intrusion is the per unit time of volume of air acting as coolant entering into the gap between the fins, plates or tubes of the heat exchanger/s. The amount of air entering or the effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s depends upon the combined effect of amount of air entering due to circulating fan/s (in case the heat exchanger/s is forced convection type) and amount of air naturally entering into it. The effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s is sensitive to wind direction prevailing in vicinity of the heat exchanger/s .Whether the heat exchanger/s is forced circulation or naturally circulating the wind direction plays an important role in determining the air intrusion level into the heat exchanger/s. For a given size and type of heat exchanger/s used in a refrigeration and air conditioning system the air intrusion level is different in different direction for the given time. This invention provides an effective arrangement to seek the air intrusion level into the heat exchanger/s in all the possible directions and detect the maximum air intrusion level in one particular direction. Then the system keeps heat exchanger/s in that particular direction during its working cycle as long as not prompted by the system to adjust its direction again.

It is based on the fact that maximum heat exchange (in this case the heat rejecting units of ACs/Refrigerator/any other HVAC system) shall take place when the maximum per unit flow of the coolant occurs under the given set of conditions. If the heat exchange is maximised the efficiency, effectiveness and co-efficient of performance will improve.

The system is applied to any cooling load/s or space/s (1 1 ). The heat absorption unit (24) of the system which absorbs heat from the cooling space is separated from the heat rejection unit (27) and are connected through refrigerant pipes (15). Heat rejection unit consists of heat exchanger/s (20) in this case only one heat exchanger is shown but there can be more than one. The heat exchanger/s may contain draught fan/s or may be a naturally circulating heat exchanger/s. In the system, the microcomputer (12) compares and detects the highest air flow level attainable under the given set of operating conditions through the heat exchanger/s with respect to the angle of rotation in the relevant planes. The microcomputer is also equipped with Local area Network adapter in order to connect itself with other computer/s directly or through internet. The data of air flow is provided by the Airflow Sensor/s (which may be of any kind, working on any principle) which are capable of measuring the effective air flow through the heat exchanging coil and are connected (25 shows connecting wires) to the microcomputer. These airflow sensor/s are strategically placed on the heat exchanger/s. Based on this data the microcomputer commands the motor which is responsible for rotating the heat exchanger/sin relevant planes to position the heat exchanger/s in that particular orientation where maximum air flow was detected. In this way the system will operate in the maximum heat exchanging rate under the given set of operating conditions. Thus the efficiency and coefficient of performance of the system is maximised under the given set of operating conditions.

The sensing of air flow can be a continuous process or can be an intermittent process at appropriate increments of angles in the relevant plane/s. It depends upon the type of air flow sensor/s used and the logical capacity of the microcomputer used in the system.

The air flow sensor/s (23) are strategically located and placed on the heat rejecting unit by keeping in mind the following things:

a) Number of air flow sensor/s required to sense the air intrusion level into the heat exchanger/s it can be one or more than one in number. This is based on the dimensions and type of heat exchanger.

b) Air flow sensor/s are placed on that side/s and direction/s where placing them results in providing the most accurate data of air intrusion into the entire heat exchanger/s across its dimensions. Effort is done to get the maximum possible data of air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s over its entire dimension with minimum possible obstruction and minimum number of air flow sensors. These are placed keeping in mind the accuracy required, associated cost and operating conditions of the system. In case of multiple air flow sensors are used the average air intrusion level is calculated by the microcomputer in every incremental change in direction of the heat exchanger.

The logical unit or the microcomputer directs heat exchanger/s unit to the maximum air flow under the given set of wind condition with the help of the above said air flow sensing arrangement. It takes the logical decisions and then commands the motor (22) or the drive which rotates the heat rejecting unit (27) or in another type of arrangement the microcomputer can command the motor (26) which rotates only the heat exchanger/s (20). The angle and sense of rotation is such that it places the heat rejecting unit in the orientation at which maximum air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s is sensed. In this way the heat rejecting unit achieves the maximum air flow thus the maximum heat exchanging rates. It must be noted that by maximising the heat exchange rate of the heat rejecting unit the overall efficiency, effectiveness and co efficient of performance of the system improves.

Rotating Joints or Flexible Joints in Refrigerant Pipes

The degree of freedom to rotate or swing the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s is obtained by providing rotating joints (swivel joints) or flexible joints in refrigerant pipes. It is in any/ or combination of the following design arrangements:

1 ) By providing rotating joint in the pipe connecting the heat absorbing unit (14) with the heat rejecting unit (13) and the heat rejecting unit with the compressor.

2) By providing flexible piping (15) of suitable material (Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene) which can handle the cyclic loading or repetitive bending caused in the pipe due to swinging motion of the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s.

3) By providing rotating joints inlet and outlet (16, 17) manifold of the compressor itself.

Further, to decrease the number of rotating joints only the heat rejecting unit’s heat exchanger/s alone can be made to swing to get the maximum effective airflow or air intrusion, also in order to increase the heat exchanging rate of the heat exchanger/s fins (28) of the heat exchanger/s, are made swing (as described in the Diagram 3) to adjust or change the direction according to the wind direction in which it is operating, by placing the fins on a cross slider plate (29). The cross slider plates is connected to a motor (22a) facilitating the reciprocating motion of the slider plate on which the fins are hinged. These are the options provided in the design of this invention which can be opted alone or in combination with one another depending upon the cost benefit analysis, level of complexity required in the system and nature of application.

Gear Drive

Gear drive is required to swing the heat rejecting unit or only the heat exchanger/s to get the maximum effective airflow level in the heat exchanger/s and can be designed in the following ways:

1 ) Gear drive can be coupled with the draught fan motor.

2) Gear drive can be coupled with the compressor motor.

3) Gear drive can be provided with a dedicated motor (servo motor or stepper motor) of sufficient power capacity to swing.

This all depends upon the size of the Air Conditioning plant, application and level of energy efficiency required. Pivot

Pivot of the axis of rotation can be single or multiple. If complete heat rejection unit is to be rotated then pivot (18) connected to motor (22) is used. If only heat exchanger/s is to be rotated then pivot (19) connected to motor (26) is used (as shown in Diagram 1 and Diagram 2). It can be supplemented with supporting wheel and rail if weight of the rotating heat rejecting unit is too large. It can be provided at any suitable point to maximise stability, durability and cost effectiveness of the entire system. If only fins are to be rotated then the fins rotate on the pivots provided on the sliding plates and the sliding plate is moved forward and backward with the help of motor 22a (as shown in Diagram 3).

Direction adjustment of the heat exchanger/s or heat rejecting unit can be programmed in the microcomputer on the basis of one or a combination of more than one of the following basis:

1 ) On fixed time interval (say after half an hour or hour of working).

2) At every start of the system.

3) Can be prompted by change in wind direction which can be sensed or detected by;

3.1 ) By providing wind direction sensor of any type on the heat exchanger/s itself.

3.2) By wirelessly connecting the microcomputer of the system through internet to the real time local weather monitoring station by means of mobile application program connected to both the system and the station. Any change in local wind direction will be sent as signal to the microcomputer of the system which prompts the required direction change of the heat exchanger/s or the heat rejecting unit.

3.3) In the systems which can afford comparatively advanced microcomputers, the microcomputer is equipped with its own application program that will connect the microcomputer directly with the real time local weather monitoring system. Thus microcomputer can command the drive motor/s to rotate in particular direction and orientation directly on the basis of weather data supplied by local weather monitoring station. In this way the system can work independently without any operator. This option is more suitable for the system applied in air conditioning of computer server rooms, control rooms of power station and other industrial applications. Industrial Applicability

The system is applicable to any industrial or residential field. Where refrigeration and air conditioning is used by using air cooled condensing or heat rejecting units.

Reference Signs List

AC: Air conditioner

HVAC: Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Operational Definitions

1 . The System: In this the system consists of any device, equipment or a machine designed to absorb heat from a specific space or spaces (cooling load/s) and reject the heat to the atmosphere. The system requires some external work to be done on the system to remove heat from the specific space (cooling load). The system works on the principle of any refrigeration cycle known till date.

2. The Heat Rejecting Unit: it is the part of the system through which the system rejects the heat absorbed from the specific space or spaces (cooling load/s) to the atmosphere or any other kind of heat sink.

3. The Heat Exchanging Unit or the Exchanger/s: It is part of the heat rejecting unit through which the actual heat exchange of the heat absorbed by the system to the atmosphere or any other kind of heat sink takes place. The coolant which acts as a medium to absorb heat and reject it to the atmosphere is generally the air present in the vicinity of the system. It can be any other type of the coolant used in heat exchanger/s. The heat exchanging unit or the heat exchanger/s can be a single unit or can be more than one depending upon the application of the system.

4. Application of the system: The system can be applied to any use where heat is absorbed from a specific space (cooling load) and rejected into atmosphere or a heat sink. It can be used in any AC, refrigeration, HVAC unit/device/equipment or a machine. The system may be more preferably applied to those applications where the heat absorbing unit/s is split away or separated by some distance from the heat rejecting unit/s. The system can be applied to domestic, commercial, industrial and space exploration application/s. The system can be applied to stationary or mobile application.

5. Relevant Plane/s: It is the vertical and horizontal plane with respect to the position of the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s. In these planes the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s can be made to rotate or swing. The angle of rotation can be 360 degrees in the horizontal plane depending upon the installation settings of the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s for example in case of rooftop mounted heat rejecting units or heat exchanger/s. For side wall mounted heat rejecting units required heat exchanger/s the degree of rotation is constrained to 180 degrees. Degree of freedom and degree of rotation allowed in each of the plane can be decided on the basis of application of the system and efficiency levels required from it. In most instances only horizontal plane rotation is required to keep the system simple and cost effective. Rotation in vertical plane can also be added where it is required.

6. Operating Conditions: Operating conditions are the conditions in which the system is working namely; wind condition, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and ambient temperature.

Claims

1 . CLAIM 1 : A novel method to increase the heat exchanging rate of the heat exchanger/s by making it sensibly change its direction and orientation according to the local wind direction in which it is operating. So that the effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s is always at the maximum level. Thus, improving the energy efficiency, effectiveness and co-efficient of performance of the system. The change in direction of the heat exchanger/s can be done in vertical plane, in horizontal plane or in the both planes. (Please refer to diagram 1 and 2).

2. CLAIM 2: A novel method to increase the heat exchanging rate of the heat exchanger/s by making the complete heat rejecting or outdoor unit to sensibly change its direction and orientation in case of split air conditioners according to the local wind direction in which it is operating. So that the effective air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s is always at the maximum level. Thus, improving the energy efficiency, effectiveness and co-efficient of performance of the system. The change in direction of the heat exchanger/s can be done in vertical plane, in horizontal plane or in the both planes. (Please refer to diagram 1 and 2).

3. CLAIM 3: A novel method to increase the heat exchanging rate of the heat exchanger/s by making fins (28) of the heat exchanger/s to adjust or change the direction and orientation according to the wind direction in which it is operating, by placing the fins on a cross slider plate (29) which is connected to a motor facilitating the reciprocating motion of the slider plate on which the fins are fixed. This method can be used along with the method explained in claim 1 and claim 2 or can be used alone. (Please refer to diagram 3).

4. CLAIM 4: In addition to claim 1 , claim 2 and claim 3 the heat exchanger/s are equipped with the air flow sensor/s(23) are strategically located and placed on the heat rejecting unit by keeping in mind the number of air flow meters required to sense the air intrusion level into the heat exchanger/s. It can be one or more than one in number. In case of multiple air flow sensors being used in the system the average value of air intrusion is taken into account, where the average value is maximum the heat exchanger/s or heat rejecting unit is directed by the microcomputer in that direction.

5. CLAIM 5: In addition to claim 1 , claim 2, claim 3 and claim 4 the air flow sensor/s are placed on that side/s and direction/s where placing them results in providing the most accurate data of air intrusion into the entire heat exchanger/s across its dimensions. Effort is done to get the maximum possible data of air intrusion into the heat exchanger/s over its entire dimension with minimum possible obstruction and minimum number of air flow sensors. In case of multiple air flow sensors being used in the system the average value of air intrusion is taken into account, where the average value is maximum the heat exchanger/s or heat rejecting unit is directed by the microcomputer in that direction.

6. CLAIM 6: In addition to all the design features of claim 1 to claim 5 the degree of freedom to rotate or swing the heat rejecting unit is obtained by providing rotating joints or flexible joints in refrigerant pipes. This is done by providing rotating joint in the pipe connecting the heat absorbing unit (14) with the heat rejecting unit (13) and the heat rejecting unit with the compressor.

7. CLAIM 7: In addition to all the design features of claim 1 to claim 6 the degree of freedom to rotate or swing the heat rejecting unit is obtained by providing flexible piping (15) of suitable material (Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene) which can handle the cyclic loading or repetitive bending caused in the pipe due to swinging motion of the heat rejecting unit.

8. CLAIM 8: In addition to all the design features and options from claim 1 to claim 7 the Gear Drive is required to swing the heat rejecting unit or only the heat exchanger/s to get the maximum effective airflow level in the heat exchanger/s. The Gear Drive is coupled with the draught fan motor with suitable coupling.

9. CLAIM 9: In addition to all the design features and options from claim 1 to claim 7 the Gear Drive is required to swing the heat rejecting unit or only the heat exchanger/s to get the maximum effective airflow level in the heat exchanger/s. Gear Drive is coupled with the compressor motor with suitable coupling.

10. CLAIM 10: In addition to all the design features and options from claim 1 to claim 7 the Gear Drive is required to swing the heat rejecting unit or only the heat exchanger/s to get the maximum effective airflow level in the heat exchanger/s. Gear Drive is provided with a dedicated motor of sufficient power capacity.

1 1 . CLAIM 1 1 : Pivots on which the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s as mentioned in claim 1 and claim 2 can be one or more than one. Depending upon the weight required to rotate and stability required.

12. CLAIM 12: In addition to the design features of claim 1 1 the rotation of the heat rejecting unit or the heat exchanger/s can be assisted and/or powered by wheel and rail supporting at the hanging side of the unit/s to improve stability.

13. CLAIM 13: In addition to all the design features and/ or options from claim 1 to claim 10 the direction adjustment of the heat rejecting unit, heat exchanger/s and the heat exchanger fins takes place on fixed time interval (say after half an hour or hour of Working of the system). The microcomputer can be programmed to readjust the direction of the above said unit/s and fins after any particular time

14. CLAIM 14: In addition to all the design features and/ or options from claim 1 to claim 10 the direction adjustment of the heat rejecting unit, heat exchanger/s and the heat exchanger fins takes place on every start of the system. The microcomputer can be programmed to readjust the direction of the above said unit/s and fins at every start of the system.

15. CLAIM 15: In addition to all the design features and/ or options from claim 1 to claim 10 the direction adjustment of the heat rejecting unit, heat exchanger/s and the heat exchanger fins takes place when prompted by the operator of the system. The microcomputer can be programmed to readjust the direction of the above said unit/s and fins when prompted by the operator of the system.

16. CLAIM 16: In addition to all the design features and/ or options from claim 1 to claim 10 the direction adjustment of the heat exchanger/s takes place on being prompted by change in wind direction is sensed or detected by providing wind direction sensor (30) of suitable type on the heat exchanger/s or heat rejecting unit (please refer to Diagram 3).

17. CLAIM 17: In addition to all the design features and/ or options from claim 1 to claim 10 the direction adjustment of the heat exchanger/stakes place when prompted or commanded by the local weather monitoring station. The microcomputer of the system is wirelessly connected through internet to the local weather monitoring station server. Either directly through the application program or by means of mobile application program. Any change in local wind conditions is sent as signal to the microcomputer of the air conditioning and refrigeration system. Which in turn prompts the microcomputer to send command to the drive motor responsible for rotating heat rejecting unit or heat exchanger/s.

18. I claim Patent for all the Claims (from Sr No Claim 1 to Claim 17) for the method, design and apparatus.