DESC:PRIORITY CLAIM:
[0001] This application claims priority from the provisional application numbered 201841032228 filed with Indian Patent Office, Chennai on 28th August 2018 titled “A Hybrid Air Conditioner”, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Preamble to the Description
[0002] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which is to be performed:
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Technical field of the invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a hybrid air conditioning system. More particularly, the invention relates to a hybrid all year around for cooling air using direct evaporative cooling and indirect cooling. The system is designed as a split air conditioner and a standalone air conditioner.
Background of the invention
[0004] Most of the conventional air conditioner used for air conditioning involves the use of normal evaporative pad circuits to cool the ambient air entering into the air conditioners. Such a cooling mechanism is applicable in conditions where the air is not humid, such as for dry air. These conventional conditioners are used to carry out air cooling through evaporative cooling only employing evaporator pads for the purpose.
[0005] Various systems have been disclosed in the prior art that are used to perform air cooling using direct evaporative cooling.
[0006] The US Patent document US3877244A titled “Modular dry-air evaporative cooler” discloses an air conditioning apparatus or the sensible cooling of useable air by the evaporative process at a cost of operation substantially lower than that of mechanical refrigeration of the same capabilities and advantageously comprised of modular evaporator and blower units and multiple stages thereof with the use of substantially permanent inexpensive plastic materials conducive to the efficient absorption of heat between separate columns of air, one column subjected to the evaporative cooling process with no energy change and the other column subjected to the sensible cooling process with a subtraction of energy from the useable air.
[0007] The US Patent document US5727394A titled “Air conditioning system having improved indirect evaporative cooler” discloses a method of conditioning a process stream of air in an air conditioning system where the air is dehumidified and cooled to provide a conditioned stream of air for introducing to a conditioned space. The method comprises the steps of providing an adsorption wheel having a multiplicity of passages through which process air can flow for adsorbing moisture therefrom, the wheel capable of adsorption of moisture from the process air and of regeneration on a continuous basis as the wheel rotates. An indirect evaporative cooler is provided with a dry side and a wet side separated by a moisture-impervious wall wherein heat is extracted from the dry side through the wall to the wet side. Cooling in the dry side is achieved by evaporation of water into air passing through the wet side. The process air is passed through the adsorption wheel to remove moisture therefrom to provide a moisture-depleted stream of process air exiting the adsorption wheel. The adsorption wheel is regenerated by passing hot gases to remove moisture from the adsorption wheel. The moisture-depleted stream of process air exiting said adsorption wheel is divided into a relatively hot stream and a relatively cool stream, and the relatively hot stream of process air is introduced into the wet side of the indirect evaporative cooler. The relatively cool stream is introduced into the dry side, the relatively hot stream evaporating water thereinto thereby cooling the moisture-impervious wall and removing heat from the relatively cool stream to provide cooled air to be introduced to a conditioned space.
[0008] The US Patent document US8578726B2 titled “Multi-mode cooling system and method with evaporative cooling” discloses air channeling sub-system which includes a mechanical cooling section and a direct evaporative cooling section. The direct evaporative cooling section may be downstream from the mechanical cooling section. Cooling air is channeled through the air channeling sub-system and into the room. If a first set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-systems is operated in an adiabatic mode. The adiabatic mode includes channeling cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air. If a second set of control conditions is met, the air channeling sub-system is operated in a hybrid mode. The hybrid mode includes channeling cooling air through the mechanical cooling section to remove heat from the cooling air and channeling the cooling air through the direct evaporative cooling section to evaporate water into the cooling air.
[0009] The claimed system or apparatus above used for cooling air through direct evaporative cooling are only effective in case of dry air but not compatible for air cooling purpose during humid conditions. Hence, there is a need of an air conditioning system that is useful for air cooling even during humid conditions or a system, which is effective even with humid air.
Summary of the invention
[0010] The invention overcomes the existing drawbacks of the prior art by providing an Air Conditioner (AC) for air cooling using direct evaporative cooling and indirect cooling. The invention relates to a hybrid AC. More particularly, to a hybrid all year around conditioner.
[0011] The air conditioning system is designed as a split AC and a standalone AC system and functions either with a thermoelectric engine or a compressor.
[0012] The air conditioning system mainly comprises an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit of the system further comprises a filter or a purifier, a stage 1 heat exchanger and a stage 2 heat exchanger connected to a fan. The outdoor unit comprises a stage 1 water tank installed with a level sensor and attached to a pump P1, a hot side management water tank installed with a level sensor attached with a pump P2, a stage 2 water tank installed with a level sensor attached to a pump P3, a stage 1 evaporator pad, a stage 1 filter, a fan, a stage 2 evaporator pad, a radiator or a condenser and a safety sensor. The cooling and heating effect is based on either a thermoelectric engine or a compressor.
[0013] Another embodiment of the invention comprises the components as described in the indoor and outdoor unit of the split system but functions with a compressor instead of thermoelectric engine. The radiator is replaced with a condenser and additionally comprises the components such as expansion valve, capillary tube, a sprinkling arrangement.
[0014] Another embodiment of the invention comprises the components as described in the indoor and outdoor unit of the system. The system performs cooling based on thermoelectric engine or a compressor, but the indoor unit comprises Reverse Osmosis (RO) waste water source connected to a pump attached with a solenoid valve to regulate the water flow the from RO water source to the stage 1 water tank of the outdoor unit and additionally has another valve to control water flow to the hot side management water tank.
[0015] The invention provides a hybrid air conditioner compatible for cooling even under humid conditions by providing both direct evaporative cooling and indirect cooling. Additionally, the hybrid air conditioner is designed as hybrid split AC and hybrid standalone AC system both operable either by thermoelectric engine or compressor.
Brief description of the drawings
[0016] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing first stage air of cooling effect.
[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing two stage of cooling effect.
[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system thermoelectric based performing air heating.
[0020] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system condenser based performing cooling effect.
[0021] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) stand-alone system of with a thermoelectric based cooling effect.
[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) stand-alone system with a compressor based cooling effect.
[0023] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing first stage of cooling effect.
[0024] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing two stages of cooling effect.
[0025] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system thermoelectric based performing heating cycle.
[0026] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system compressor based performing cooling effect.
Detailed description of the invention
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.
[0028] The invention relates to a hybrid air conditioning system. More particularly, relates to a hybrid all year around for cooling air using direct evaporative cooling and indirect cooling. The components and functioning of a hybrid AC standalone system is similar to the hybrid AC split system and performs cooling either using a thermoelectric engine or a compressor.
[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing first stage air of cooling effect. The air conditioning system mainly comprises an indoor unit (100a) and an outdoor unit (100b). The indoor unit (100a) of the system further comprises a filter or a purifier (108b), a stage 1 heat exchanger (105a) and a stage 2 heat exchanger (105b), a fan (106b). The outdoor unit comprises a stage 1 water tank (101a) installed with a level sensor (102a) and attached to a pump P1 (103a, a thermoelectric hot side management water tank (101b) installed with a level sensor (102b) and attached with a pump P2 (103b), a stage 2 water tank (101c) installed with a level sensor (102c) and attached to a pump P3 (103c), a stage 1 evaporator pad (104a), a stage 1 filter (108a), a fan (106a), a stage 2 evaporator pad (104b), a radiator (110) a safety sensor (109a), a thermoelectric engine (107) with a cold side (107a) and a hot side (107b).
[0030] The FIG 1 illustrates the cooling effect during high ambient temperature and low humidity. The ambient air from outside enters the outdoor unit (100b) of the hybrid air conditioner (100). The outdoor unit (100b) comprises of the insulated tank (101a) including pump P1 (103a) connected to the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) performing cooling of both air and water. The water tank is connected to a level sensor (102a). The cooled water from the pump P1 (103a) is pumped through the micro channels of the stage 1 heat exchanger (105a) making the air conditioned. In indoor unit (100a), a 1-micron air filter or purifier (108b) is used for the purification of air. The thermoelectric engine (107) is switched off during the circuit running time.
[0031] The system involves stage 1 indirect evaporative cooling of air using the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) connected with the pump (103a) and indirect cooling using micro channel of the stage 1 heat exchanger(105a).
[0032] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing two stage of cooling effect. The FIG 2 illustrates cooling effect during high ambient temperature and low humidity. The ambient air from outside enters the outdoor unit of the hybrid air conditioner (100). The outdoor unit (100b) comprises an insulated tank (101a) including pump P1 (103a) connected to the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) performing cooling of both air and water. The pump P1 (103a) pumps the cooled water through the micro channel to the stage 1 heat exchanger (105a). The thermoelectric engine (107) is provided with both cold side (107a) and hot side (107b), in which the cold side (107a) is connected with the pump P3 (103c). The pump P3 (103c) pumps the cooled water through the micro channel to the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) thus performs stage 2 air cooling. The stage 2 cooling comprises stage 2 evaporator pad (104b), pump P2 (103b), a second fan (106b), the thermoelectric engine (107) with both cold side (107a) and hot side (107b) and the outdoor unit (100b) enclosing the pumps P1 (103a) and P2 (103b). The pump P2 (103b) is connected with a safety sensor (109a) and stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) and the hot side (107b) of thermoelectric engine (107) is connected with the pump P2 (103b) in order to cool water. In the indoor unit (100a), 1-micron air filter or purifier (108b) is used for the air purification.
[0033] The stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) is connected to the pump P2 (103b) of the hot side management water tank (101b) and the stage 2 radiator (110) connected to the hot side management water tank (101b).
[0034] The level sensor (102a) installed in stage 1 water tank (101a), level sensor (102b) installed in hot side management water tank (101b) and level sensor (102c) installed in stage 2 water tank (101c), measures the water levels in the tank and avoids damage to the components if the water level decreases severely below the optimum level.
[0035] The safety sensors (109a and 109b) senses the room temperature and allows normal operation of air cooling based on the room temperature and air humidity.
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system thermoelectric based performing air heating. The second circuit of heating cycle is illustrated. The FIG 3 illustrates air heating effect during low ambient temperature. The first evaporator pad (104a) connected with the pump P1 (103a) is switched off. A thermoelectric engine (107) provided with both hot side (107b) and cold side (107a) are interchanged by reversing the thermoelectric engine (107). The cold side (107a) is connected with the pump P2 (103b) and the hot side (107b) is connected with pump P3 (103c). The pump P3 (103c) pumps the hot water through the micro channels to the heat exchanger (105b) making stage 2 air hotter. In the indoor unit (100a), 1-micron air filter or purifier (108b) is used for the air purification.
[0037] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) split system compressor based performing cooling effect. The third circuit of air cooling is illustrated in FIG 4. Another embodiment of the invention comprises the components as described in the indoor unit (100a) and outdoor unit (100b) of the system but functions with a compressor (111) instead of the thermoelectric engine (107), the radiator (110) is replaced with a condenser (110a), and additionally comprises the components such as an expansion valve (112), a capillary tube (113) and a sprinkling arrangement (114). The thermoelectric engine (107) is replaced with a compressor (111) for performing the cooling effect. The components as described in the FIG 1 of the thermoelectric engine-based system are also installed in the compressor-based system. The cooling effect of the hybrid AC comprises the compressor (111) attached to the condenser (110a), through the expansion valve (112) and the capillary tube (113) connected to the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b). Water is pumped from pump (103b) and passed above the condenser (110a) surface wherein the small amount of water is heated. The hot side management water tank (101b) is connected with the condenser (110a) and the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) to sprinkle the water through the sprinkling arrangement (114). The water passes from the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) through the pump (103b) connected with the condenser (110a) and stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) through the sprinkling arrangement (114) to cool the heated water.
[0038] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) stand-alone system of with thermoelectric based cooling effect. The functions and the components of the stand-alone AC is same as the hybrid split AC (100) as described in FIG 1 and FIG 2. The system is an improvement of the floor standing indoor and outdoor unit assembled together.
[0039] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of hybrid air conditioner (100) stand-alone system with a compressor based cooling effect. The cooling effect of the hybrid stand-alone AC is same as the hybrid split AC system with a compressor-based system as described in FIG 4.
[0040] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing first stage of cooling effect. Another embodiment of the invention comprises the components as described in the indoor unit (100a) and outdoor unit (100b) split AC system and functions on either the thermoelectric engine (107) or the compressor (111). The system additionally comprises a RO machine waste water or other water source (115) and a pump (116), connected to a solenoid valve (117a) of the outdoor unit (100b). As illustrated in FIG 7, the RO machine waste water source (115) is connected with the pump (116). The pump (116) pumps the water from RO machine water source (115) to Phase Change Material (PCM) coated water tank (101a) through the solenoid valve (117a). The solenoid valve (117a) is used to regulate the flow of the water. Further, the stored water from the water tank (101a) is transferred to the micro channel of the stage 1 heat exchanger (105a) within the indoor unit (100a). The indoor unit (100a) includes ambient air passing from filter or purifier (108b) to the stage 1 heat exchanger (105a). The stage 1 heat exchanger (105a) is connected with the fan (106b) to blow cold air inside the room. The outlet water is transferred from the micro channel of stage 1 heat exchanger (105b) to the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a). The fan (106a) is coupled with the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) and used to cool hot water. The water is transferred from the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) to the water tank (101a).
[0041] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system performing two stages of cooling effect. In an embodiment of the invention, the thermo electric engine (107) is connected with the hot (107b) and the cold side (107a). The hot side management water tank (101b) is connected with the valve (117b) and hot side (107b) of the thermoelectric engine (107). A valve (117b) is used to receive water from the RO machine (115) through the pump (116). The water is supplied from the hot side management water tank (101b) to the radiator (110) wherein the small amount of water is cooled. Further, the radiator (110) is connected to the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b)and is used to cool water up to 20C. The stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) is coupled with the hot side management water tank (101b) to store water. The stage 2 water tank (101c) is connected with the cold side (107a) through which water is supplied through micro channel to the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b). In indoor unit (100a), the ambient air flows through the filter or purifier (108b) to stage 2 heat exchanger (105b), which is connected with the fan (106b) to blow cold air inside the room. The outlet water is transferred from the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) through the micro channels to the water tank (101c).
[0042] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system thermoelectric based performing heating cycle. In an embodiment of the invention, the thermoelectric engine (107) is connected with the cold side (107a) and hot side (107b). The hot side management water tank (101b) is connected with cold side (107a) through which water is supplied to a condenser (110) or radiator (110a) wherein the small amount of water is cooled. Further, the condenser (110) or radiator (110a) is connected to the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) and used to cooled water up to 2 degree. The stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) is coupled with cold side water tank (101b) to store water. The stage 2 water tank (101c) is connected with the hot side (107b) through which water is supplied to the micro channel of the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b). The indoor unit (100a) comprises flow of ambient air through filter or purifier (108) to stage 2 heat exchanger (105b). The stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) is connected with the fan (106b) to blow hot air inside the room. The outlet water is transferred from the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) to the water tank(101c).
[0043] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the hybrid air conditioner (100) split system compressor based performing cooling effect. The embodiment of the present invention comprises a compressor (111) having a suction line and a discharge line. The discharge line is used to pass refrigerant to the condenser (110a) through the expansion valve (112) to micro channel of stage 2 heat exchanger (105b). In the indoor unit (100a), the ambient air flows through the filter or purifier (108b) to the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b). The stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) is connected with the fan (106b) to blow cold air inside the room. The outlet refrigerant is transferred from the micro channel of the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) to the compressor (111). Further, the hot side management water tank (101b) is connected the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) to sprinkle the water from the top side wherein the small amount of water is cooled.
[0044] The functioning of the hybrid air conditioner is similar to the split system or the standalone system or the RO waste water source connected system. Moreover, all the system performing the thermoelectric based cooling and heating cycles are similar. Additionally, the compressor based cooling cycle performed by split, stand alone and the RO waste water source connected AC system are similar.
[0045] The main advantage of the system is the efficient cooling effect even during high ambient temperature and low humidity and heating during low ambient temperature. The system employs direct evaporative cooling and indirect cooling.
,CLAIMS:1. A hybrid air conditioning system, the system (100) comprising:
a. an indoor unit (100a), further comprising a filter or a purifier (108b), a stage 1 heat exchanger (105a), a stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) connected to a fan (106b) and a safety sensor (109b); and
b. an outdoor unit (100b), further comprising a filter (108a), a stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) connected to a fan (106a), a stage 1 water tank (101a) installed with a level sensor (102a) and attached to a pump P1 (103a), a hot side management water tank (101b) installed with a level sensor (102b) and attached to a pump P2 (103b), a stage 2 water tank (101c) installed with a level sensor (102c) and attached to a pump P3 (103b), a stage 2 evaporator pad (104a), a radiator (110), a thermoelectric engine (107) and a safety sensor (109a).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stage 1 evaporator pad (104a) is connected to the pump P1 (103a) of the stage 1 water tank (101a) and the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) connected to the pump P2 (103b) of the hot side management water tank (101b).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric engine (107) is provided with a cold side (107a) connected to the pump P3 (103c) and a hot side (107b) connected to the pump (103b).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric engine (107) is optionally replaced with a compressor (111), connected to a condenser (110a) or a radiator (110) and further to an expansion valve (112) connected to the stage 2 heat exchanger (105b) through a capillary tube (113) the stage 2 evaporator pad (104b) connected to the pump P2 (103b) on end and a sprinkling management (114).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first stage of cooling is achieved through evaporative process during high ambient temperature and low humidity.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hybrid air conditioner is designed as a split system or a standalone system and the said system functions with a thermoelectric engine to perform cooling and heating effect or a compressor to perform the cooling effect.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hybrid air conditioner split unit alternatively is connected to a water source from an RO machine or water source (115) attached to a pump (116) to pump water through a solenoid valve (117a) to the stage 1 water tank (101a).
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of level sensors (102a), (102b) and (102c) measures the level of water and avoid damage to the components if the water level decreases severely below the optimum level.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of safety sensors (109a and 109b) senses the room temperature and allows normal operation of air cooling based on the room temperature and air humidity.