COMPACT AIR HANDLER WITH MULTIPLE FANS

Abstract

A HVAC system for conditioning an interior zone includes an air handler configured to operate at least one of a plurality air distribution modules affixed to the air handler.

Claims

1. A HVAC system for conditioning an interior zone comprising: an air handler configured to operate at least one of a plurality air distribution modules affixed to the air handler.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an outdoor unit assembly operatively coupled to the air handler for exchange of a refrigerant therebetween.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit affixed to each of the plurality of air distribution modules to distribute air to an interior zone.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the outdoor unit assembly is selected from the group consisting of: a heat pump and an air conditioner.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a ventilation device operatively coupled to the air handler for circulating fresh air to an interior zone.

6. An air distribution module comprising: an enclosure having an interior volume, a distribution air inlet opening, and a distribution air outlet opening that are adapted for communication of a distribution air stream; a damper, disposed within the enclosure, configured to operate between an open and closed position, and a number of positions therebetween; and a fan, disposed within the enclosure, configured to circulate air through the enclosure wherein the enclosure is configured to be affixed on an air handler.

7. The air distribution module of claim 6 further comprising: an electrical heating element, disposed within the enclosure, configured to provide auxiliary heat.

8. An air handler comprising: a plurality of fans configured to provide and direct conditioned air or fresh air to respective multiple zones of a building.

9. The air handler of claim 8, further comprising a first enclosure, wherein a coil and a controller are disposed within the first enclosure; a plurality of second enclosures, wherein at least one of the plurality of fans is disposed inside each of the plurality of second enclosures; wherein each of the second enclosures are affixed to the first enclosure, and wherein the plurality of second enclosures are adapted for communication of a distribution air stream. a damper disposed within each the plurality of second enclosures; wherein the controller is in operable communication with the plurality of fans and the damper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] FIGS. 1A and B schematically illustrate, respectively, a front view and a side view of an air handler with multiple fans with panels removed to show interior components therein;

[0008] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an HVAC system using an air handler with multiple fans.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

[0010] FIGS. 1A and B illustrate an embodiment of an air handler with multiple fans, generally indicated at 10. The front and side walls of the air handler 10 have been removed to illustrate the interior components of the air handler 10. Air handler 10 includes a first enclosure 12 to contain the components therein, and a plurality of air distribution modules 14 affixed to the first enclosure 12. Air handler 10 also includes a controller 16 to operate at least one of the plurality of air distribution modules 14. Air handler 10 further includes a coil 18 disposed within the first enclosure 12 to allow a liquid to flow therethrough.

[0011] The first enclosure 12 contains a first interior volume 20. In one embodiment, a ventilation device 36 is operatively coupled to air handler 10 to draw fresh air into the first interior volume 20 through a first air inlet opening (not shown). A second air inlet opening (not shown) may be provided in the air handler first enclosure 12. The second air inlet opening can be covered by an air filter, to name one non-limiting example that allows ambient air in the environment surrounding the first enclosure 12 to easily pass through the opening and enter the first interior volume 20. Air handler 10 includes the coil 18 disposed within the first enclosure 12. The coil 18 allows a liquid to flow therethrough when responding to a demand for conditioning an interior zone. The coil 18 may be composed of copper or aluminum, and arranged in a tube and fin configuration, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0012] Each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14 includes a second enclosure 22 enclosing a second interior volume 24. The second enclosure 22 is adapted for communication of an air distribution stream from the first interior volume 20 to the second interior volume 24. The second enclosure 22 is further adapted for communication of an air distribution stream from the second interior volume 24 to an external environment of the first enclosure 12 and second enclosure 22.

[0013] The front and side walls of each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14 has been removed to illustrate the interior components therein. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14 includes a damper 26 disposed within the second enclosure 22. Damper 26 may be of any desired shape, such as a rectangular, square, or oval shape blade, composed of any desired material, such as aluminized steel or stainless steel, to name just a few non-limiting examples. Damper 26 operates between an open and a closed position, and a number of positions therebetween, to regulate an amount of air allowed to flow through the second interior volume 24. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14 includes a fan 28 disposed within the second enclosure 22. Fan 28 may be a brushless direct-current powered axial fan, to name just one non-limiting example. Fan 28 operates to circulate air through the second interior volume 24.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14 includes an electrical heating element 30 disposed within the second enclosure 22 for providing auxiliary heating. In one embodiment, the electrical heating element 30 is a nickel chromium conductive wire, to name just one non-limiting example.

[0015] A controller 16 is provided in communication, such as electrical communication, with each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14. Controller 16 may be disposed within first enclosure 12. In one embodiment, the controller 16 includes a microprocessor, pre-programmed with software stored in non-volatile memory for executing instructions to operate the air handler 10.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a HVAC system, generally indicated at 32 The HVAC system 32 includes an air handler with multiple fans 10 operatively coupled to an outdoor unit assembly 34 via conduits 38. The air handler 10 and the outdoor unit assembly 34 are configured to circulate a refrigerant therethrough. In one embodiment, outdoor unit assembly unit 34 may be a heat pump, while in another embodiment, outdoor unit assembly 34 may be an air conditioner, to name just two non-limiting examples. In one embodiment, the HVAC system 32 includes conduits 40 and 42 coupled to air distribution modules 14A and 14B respectively, of air handler 10 to distribute air into different interior zones. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be more than two air distribution modules and more than two conduits depending on the configuration of the interior zones. In another embodiment, the HVAC system 32 includes a ventilation device 36 operatively coupled to the air handler 10.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of HVAC system 32, controller 16 receives a signal from a sensor designating a demand to condition an interior zone. The demand to condition an interior zone may come from Zone A, Zone B, or both. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be more than two zones designating a demand call to condition an interior zone. For the purpose of illustration, it is designated that Zone A initiated a demand call. If a demand was initiated from Zone B, the system 32 would operate in similar fashion. Controller 16 sends a signal to the outdoor unit assembly 34 to begin circulating the refrigerant through a conduit circuit 38 to the coil 18. Once the refrigerant has circulated through the coil 18 for a specified period of time, controller 16 sends an electrical signal to damper 26A to be placed in an open position. Controller 16 sends an electrical signal to begin rotating fan 28A to circulate air. Fan 28A circulates the conditioned air from the first interior volume 20 through the second interior volume 24 to the desired zone, via conduit 40, to satisfy the demand. After the demand is satisfied, controller 16 sends an electrical signal to remove power from fan 28A. Controller 16 also sends an electrical signal to place damper 26A into a closed position. Controller 16 additionally sends an electrical signal to the outdoor unit assembly 34 to stop circulating the refrigerant.

[0018] If auxiliary heating is required, power is supplied to the electrical heating element 30A. Controller 16 sends a signal to damper 26A to be placed in an open position. Controller 16 also sends a signal to begin rotating fan 28A to circulate air. Fan 28A circulates the conditioned air through the second interior volume 24 to the desired zone, via conduit 40, to satisfy the demand. After the demand is satisfied, controller 16 sends an electrical signal to remove power from the electrical heating element 30A. Controller 16 also sends an electrical signal to remove power from fan 28A. Controller 16 additionally sends an electrical signal to place damper 26A in a closed position.

[0019] In another embodiment of HVAC system 32, if more than one zone is designating a demand to condition the interior zone, controller 16 will operate each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14A and 14B in the manner described herein.

[0020] In another embodiment of HVAC system 32, system 32 circulates fresh air through an interior zone by adding ventilator device 36. Controller 16 sends a signal to ventilation device 36 to begin operating fans therein to pull fresh air into the device while simultaneously exhausting stale air from the interior space. Controller 16 also sends a signal to damper 26A to be placed in an open position. Controller 16 additionally sends a signal to begin rotating fan 28A. Fan 28A circulates the fresh air, pulled from the ventilation device 36, from the first interior volume 20 through the second interior volume 24 to the desired zone to satisfy the demand. After the demand is satisfied, controller 16 sends an electrical signal to ventilation device 36 to stop operating. Controller 16 also sends an electrical signal to remove power from fan 28A. Controller 16 additionally sends a signal to place damper 26A in a closed position. If more than one zone is designating a demand to provide fresh air to the interior zone, controller 16 will operate each of the plurality of air distribution modules 14A and 14B in the manner described herein.

[0021] It will be appreciated that, air handler 10 can satisfy a demand for conditioned or fresh air within two or more interior zones by operating an air distribution module 14 associated with each interior zone. Air handler 10 operates a fan 28 and a damper 26, within each air distribution module 14, to direct and circulate conditioned or fresh air to each interior zone.

[0022] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.