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11859800 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS.1A-1O, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral10ais a first embodiment of the present light fixtures. In the embodiment shown, fixture10acomprises a base14having a sidewall18extending between a first end22and a second end26to define an interior passageway30. In this embodiment, first end22defines an aperture34, whereby light may travel from second end26to first end22through the interior passageway and exit through aperture34. In the depicted embodiment, base14is rounded (e.g., base14, or a portion thereof, has a circular cross-section); however, in other embodiments, the present fixtures can comprise respective bases with any suitable shape (e.g., having cross-sections that are circular, elliptical, and/or otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal, and/or the like). In the embodiment shown, fixture10acomprises a light mount38aconfigured to be coupled to a light source (e.g.,42, described below). The present light fixtures may be used with any suitable light source, whether electroluminescent (e.g., light-emitting diodes), fluorescent (e.g., fluorescent tubes), incandescent (e.g., incandescent light bulbs), and/or the like, and light source42is provided only by way of illustration. For example, in this embodiment, light source42includes a light-emitted diode (LED) light source, with a heat sink46, a reflector52, and a lens60. In the depicted embodiment (FIG.1J), light source42is sized and/or shaped so as to be capable of passing through interior passageway30of base14, such that, for example, light source42may be installed into and/or removed from fixture10athrough aperture34(e.g., facilitating installation, replacement, and/or the like of light source42when fixture10ais installed in a structure). In the embodiment shown, light mount38acomprises an elongated slot48(FIGS.1H-1K) configured to releasably secure a light source (e.g.,42) relative to the light mount. In this embodiment, elongated slot48extends through light mount38aand is sized to slidably receive a portion of light source42(e.g., a portion of heat sink46, and/or a coupling member56coupled to light source42, as shown) such that light source42may be releasably secured relative to light mount38aand/or elongated slot48by way of a retaining spring50(FIG.1K). In the depicted embodiment, retaining spring50comprises a flat spring and is biased towards a locked position in which the retaining spring physically obstructs passage of light source42(e.g., coupling member56coupled to heat sink46) out of light mount38a(e.g., elongated slot48) when the light source is coupled to the light mount. In the depicted embodiment, retaining spring50may be moved to an unlocked position via application of a lateral force (e.g., generally in a direction indicated by arrow64) to tab54, thereby allowing light source42to be removed from and/or installed into light mount38a(e.g., from first end22). In the embodiment shown (FIGS.1J and1K), tab54is accessible through aperture34(e.g., to allow a user to remove and/or install light source42from and/or into light mount38awhen fixture10ais installed in a structure). In other embodiments, a light source can be coupled to a respective light mount in any suitable fashion, such as, for example, by integral formation, fasteners, and/or the like. In the embodiment shown, light mount38ais movably coupled to base14such the light mount (and light source42, when coupled to the light mount) may rotate and/or translate relative to the base (e.g., fixture10acomprises an adjustable light fixture). For example, in this embodiment, and as described in more detail below, mechanical actuator58agenerally functions to move light mount38arelative to base14along an (e.g., planar) arcuate path78(e.g., compareFIGS.1B and1CwithFIGS.1D and1E). In the embodiment shown, mechanical actuator58acomprises a guide62acoupled to base14. In this embodiment, guide62ais coupled to the base (e.g., a rotatable portion142thereof, described in more detail below) via one or more fasteners; however, in other embodiments, respective guides may be unitary with respective bases (e.g., or respective portions thereof). In the depicted embodiment, as shown inFIG.1B, guide62ahas a maximum transverse dimension66smaller than a maximum transverse dimension70defined by sidewall18of base14(e.g., to facilitate installation of fixture10ainto a structure by minimizing interferences between the structure and guide62a). In the embodiment shown, guide62acomprises one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74(e.g., defined by slots, in this embodiment), which define an arcuate path (e.g., generally indicated as78) along which movement of light mount38arelative to base14is permitted (e.g., between a first position, as shown inFIGS.1B and1C, and a second position, as shown inFIGS.1D and1E, in which light mount38ais angularly (and translationally) displaced relative to base14). Embodiments of the present fixtures can comprise any suitable number of arcuate bearing surfaces, such as, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, or more arcuate bearing surfaces. In this embodiment, each of one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74is configured to support one or more sliders82a(e.g., pins, dowels, and/or the like), which in this embodiment, are coupled to light mount38asuch that the one or more sliders, supported by the one or more arcuate bearing surfaces, carry the light mount relative to base14. In this way, one or more sliders82amay slide along one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74, thus causing light mount38ato move (e.g., rotate and translate) relative to base14along arcuate path78. In the depicted embodiment, movement of the one or more sliders laterally away from the one or more arcuate bearing surfaces may be limited by one or more retaining members86, which may be coupled to the one or more sliders82aon either side of guide62a(e.g., such that the guide is disposed between two or more retaining members). In the embodiment shown, at least by including at least two arcuate bearing surfaces74, each of which supports at least one slider82a, translational motion and rotational motion of light mount38arelative to base14may be coupled along the arcuate path. In other words, in this embodiment, at given translational position of the light mount relative to the base, mechanical actuator58a, and more particularly guide62a, may dictate a corresponding rotational position of the light mount relative to the base. For example, in the depicted embodiment, as light mount38amoves relative to base14along arcuate path78, the light mount may tend to rotate in a first direction as a distance between the arcuate bearing surfaces increases, and the light mount may tend to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, as a distance between the arcuate bearing surfaces decreases. Thus, the present fixtures, and more particularly, respective mechanical actuators of the present fixtures, may be configured to reduce the occurrence of binding and/or undesirable movements of a light mount and/or light source (e.g., rolling, yawing, undesired lateral translation, and/or the like) which might otherwise occur during adjustment. Control of light mount38amovement relative to base14along arcuate path78can be accomplished in any suitable fashion. Provided by way of illustration, in the embodiment shown, mechanical actuator58acomprises an input shaft90configured to control movement of (e.g., and/or to allow a user to adjust the orientation of) the light mount relative to the base along the arcuate path. In this embodiment, as described in more detail below, such control is achieved via rotation of input shaft90relative to base14; however, in other embodiments, such control may be achieved via translation (lateral and/or longitudinal) of input shaft90relative to base14. In the depicted embodiment, mechanical actuator58acomprises an adjustment knob94coupled (directly or indirectly) to input shaft90such that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the input shaft. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of input shaft90and/or adjustment knob94is accessible through aperture34(e.g., to facilitate adjustments to light mount38aposition relative to base14when fixture10ais installed). Referring additionally toFIGS.1L and1M, in this embodiment, adjustment knob94is movably coupled to input shaft90and movable from a retracted state (FIG.1L) to an extended state (FIG.1M) (e.g., longitudinally, generally along a direction indicated by arrow400). In the depicted embodiment, a user may apply a longitudinal force to move adjustment knob94relative to input shaft90between the retracted state and the deployed state, where the applied longitudinal force may be sufficient to overcome a force (e.g., supplied via releasable fasteners, a frictional fit, interlocking features, and/or the like, such as, for example, ball plunger402) that retains the adjustment knob relative to the input shaft. For example, in the embodiment shown, adjustment knob94is coupled to input shaft90via a shaft404, which may be slidably received within an interior channel408defined by the input shaft. In this embodiment, adjustment knob94, via shaft404, may be rotatably engaged with input shaft90whether or not the adjustment knob is in the extended state. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a portion412of shaft404comprises a non-circular cross-section, which may correspond to a non-circular cross-section defined by interior channel408of input shaft90(e.g., to define a slidable, yet rotatably engaged, coupling), thus facilitating rotatable engagement of the adjustment knob and the input shaft, regardless of movement of the adjustment knob relative to the input shaft between the retracted and extended states. As described in more detail below, mechanical actuator58a, and more particularly, input shaft90, may be coupled to a rotatable portion of fixture10a(e.g., rotatable portion142of base14). In this way, adjustment knob94and/or input shaft90may be configured to allow a user to adjust a tilt of light mount38aand/or light source42relative to base14(e.g., along arcuate path78), by rotating the adjustment knob and/or input shaft about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment knob and/or input shaft (e.g., generally along a direction indicated by arrow416), and/or adjust a swivel of light mount38aand/or light source42(e.g., generally along a direction indicated by arrow146, shown inFIG.3A) by translating adjustment knob94in a lateral direction relative to base14or a portion thereof (e.g., stationary portion138) (e.g., generally along a direction indicated by arrow420). In some embodiments, movement of the adjustment knob out of the extended state (e.g., and to the retracted state) may releasably secure an orientation of a rotatable portion (e.g.,142) of base14relative to a stationary portion (e.g.,138) of the base (e.g., by engaging the rotatable portion, thus securing the rotatable portion relative to the stationary portion). In this embodiment, mechanical actuator58acomprises a carrier member98movably coupled to input shaft90such that the carrier member is longitudinally movable relative to the input shaft. For example, in the depicted embodiment, carrier member98is threadably coupled to a threaded portion102of input shaft90such that rotation of the input shaft and/or adjustment knob94causes the carrier member to longitudinally displace relative to the input shaft. In at least this way, the present fixtures, and more particularly, respective mechanical actuators of the present fixtures, may be configured mitigate inadvertent movement of a light mount and/or light source relative to a base (e.g., the present fixtures may be less prone to falling out of adjustment, as the rotatable and threaded coupling between carrier member98and input shaft90may be resistant to movement when longitudinally acted upon by the weight of light mount38aand/or light source42as supported in a given orientation). In the depicted embodiment, guide62ais configured to restrict rotational movement of carrier member98relative to input shaft90, for example, via slot106, which may receive a portion of the carrier member (e.g., to prevent the carrier member from rotating with the input shaft as the input shaft is rotated). In the embodiment shown, mechanical actuator58acomprises a lever110apivotally coupled to base14(e.g., to guide62a, as shown, at a pivot point114). In this embodiment, lever110ais configured to move one or more sliders82aalong one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74in response to movement of carrier member98relative to input shaft90. For example, in the embodiment shown, lever110acomprises a first portion118coupled to carrier member98, and a second portion122coupled to one or more sliders82a, where the first and second portions are disposed on opposing sides of pivot point114. In this way, movement of first portion118in response to movement of carrier member98may cause movement of second portion122, thus causing one or more sliders82ato move along one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74. In the embodiment shown, lever110acomprises a slot128configured to movably couple the lever to carrier member98. Similarly, in this embodiment, lever110acomprises a slot130configured to movably couple the lever to at least one of one or more sliders82a. In these and other ways, lever110amay be a unitary piece and/or be pivotally coupled to base14at a single pivot point114, while still being capable of controlling movement of light mount38arelative to base14along arcuate path78(e.g., while being resistant to binding). However, in other embodiments, such movable coupling of a light mount relative to a respective base may be accomplished in any suitable fashion, and the description of fixture10a, and more particularly, mechanical actuator58a, is provided only by way of illustration. Referring additionally toFIGS.1N and1O, in the embodiment shown, guide62ais pivotally coupled to base14and movable (e.g., in a lateral plane) between a first position (FIG.1N) and a second position (FIG.1O) (e.g., generally along a direction indicated by arrow424) in which no portion of the guide (and/or mechanical actuator58aand/or light mount38a) extends beyond an outer perimeter220defined by sidewall18of base14. In this embodiment, guide62amay be releasably secured relative to base14in the first position by way of a latch428; however, in other embodiments, such releasable securing can be accomplished in any suitable fashion (e.g., fasteners, other interlocking features, and/or the like). In this way, for example, during installation, guide62a(and/or mechanical actuator58aand/or light mount38a) may be moved to the second position (FIG.1O) (e.g., without a light source42coupled to the light mount), fixture10aor a portion thereof (e.g., base14) may be inserted into an opening of a structure, the guide (e.g., and/or mechanical actuator and/or light mount) may be moved to the first position (FIG.1N) (e.g., once the guide, mechanical actuator, and/or light mount have passed through the opening in the structure), and the light source may be received by the light mount (e.g., through aperture34) (e.g., allowing the fixture to be installed into a relatively small opening in a structure, for example, having a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to a shape and dimensions of outer perimeter220). While such pivotal coupling is described with respect to mechanical actuator58a, and more particularly, guide62a, other components of a fixture (e.g., drivers, motors, electronics, other adjustment mechanisms, and/or the like) may be configured in a same or substantially similar way (e.g., pivotally coupled to base14and movable between a first position and a second position in which no portion of the component extends beyond outer perimeter220defined by sidewall18), to achieve the same or similar functionality (e.g., an opening in a structure is not required to be sized to accommodate the component in the first position). Referring now toFIGS.2A-2H, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral10bis a second embodiment of the present light fixtures, shown without a light source (e.g.,42) for clarity. Fixture10bmay be substantially similar to fixture10a, with the primary exceptions described below. In the embodiment shown, light mount38bincludes a first support116aand a second support116b, each movably coupled to base14(e.g., via a first guide62band a second guide62c, respectively, each described in more detail below). In this embodiment, light mount38bincludes a brace120coupled to and extending between first support116aand second support116b. In the depicted embodiment, light mount38bincludes one or more mounting tabs124, each coupled to and extending from one of first support116aand second support116b, and each configured to be coupled to a light source (e.g.,42) (e.g., via one or more fasteners, which may be disposed through one or more openings defined by the mounting tab). In these ways and others, light mount38bmay support a light source (e.g.,42) relative to base14from opposite sides of interior passageway30, thereby mitigating the occurrence of binding and/or undesirable movements of the light mount and/or light source during movement of the light mount and/or light source relative to the base along arcuate path78. In the embodiment shown, fixture10bincludes one or more first sliders82bcoupled to light mount38b, and more particularly, to first support116aof the light mount. In this embodiment, fixture10bincludes a first guide62bcoupled to base14and defining one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74, each configured to support at least one of one or more first sliders82b. First guide62bmay be substantially similar to guide62a, with the primary exception that first guide62bis not pivotally coupled to base14(e.g., to rotatable portion142thereof). In the depicted embodiment, no portion of first guide62bextends beyond an outer perimeter220defined by sidewall18of base14. In the embodiment shown, fixture10bincludes one or more second sliders82ccoupled to light mount38b, and more particularly, to second support116bof the light mount. In this embodiment, at least one of first slider(s)82band/or second slider(s)82ccomprises a fastener, which may have a threaded portion configured to be received by light mount38band/or a head configured to prevent lateral movement of the slider away from a respective arcuate bearing surface74(e.g., the head of the fastener may function as and/or comprise a retaining member86). In the depicted embodiment, fixture10bincludes a second guide62ccoupled to base14(e.g., to rotatable portion142thereof) opposite first guide62band defining one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74(e.g., two arcuate bearing surfaces, as shown), each configured to support at least one of one or more second sliders82c. In this embodiment, second guide62chas a maximum transverse dimension132that is smaller than a maximum transverse dimension70of base14. More particularly, in the depicted embodiment, no portion of second guide62cextends beyond an outer perimeter220defined by sidewall18of base14. In these ways and others, first guide62band second guide62cmay cooperate to guide movement of light mount38brelative to base14along arcuate path78, thereby mitigating the occurrence of binding and/or undesirable movements of the light mount and/or a light source (e.g.,42) coupled to the light mount. In the embodiment shown, mechanical actuator58b, similarly to mechanical actuator58a, comprises a lever110bpivotally coupled to base14and configured to move one or more first sliders82balong one or more arcuate bearing surfaces74of first guide62bin response to movement of carrier member98relative to input shaft90. In this embodiment, lever110bis coupled to at least one of one or more first sliders82bvia a linkage134(e.g., as opposed to slot130). More particularly, in the depicted embodiment, linkage134extends between a first end that is pivotally coupled to lever110band a second end that is pivotally coupled to at least one of one or more sliders82b. In the embodiment shown, fixture10bincludes a tilt indicator136configured to indicate an angular position of light mount38b(e.g., and thus a light source42coupled to the light mount) relative to base14. For example, in this embodiment, tilt indicator136includes a lever144extending between a first end that is pivotally coupled to base14and a second end that is coupled to light mount38b. More particularly, in the depicted embodiment, the second end of the lever defines a slot148configured to slidably engage at least one of second slider(s)82c. Thus, in the embodiment shown, as light mount38bmoves relative to base14along arcuate path78, lever144, due to slidable engagement with at least one of second slider(s)82c, may pivot at its first end relative to base14. In this embodiment, the first end of the lever includes a gauge160including markings (e.g., raised, relieved, and/or printed markings) that are each indicative of an angular position of light mount38brelative to base14. In the depicted embodiment, tilt indicator136includes an indicator or pointer164, which may be fixed relative to base14(e.g., a rotatable portion142thereof), configured to cooperate with gauge160to indicate an angular position of light mount38brelative to base14(e.g., by identifying a marking of gauge160that corresponds to the angular position of the light mount relative to the base). Some embodiments of the present methods for moving a light mount (e.g.,38a,38b, and/or the like) of a light fixture (e.g.,10a,10b, and/or the like) comprise adjusting a position of an input shaft (e.g.,90) to move the light mount relative to the base along an arcuate path (e.g.,78) defined by one or more arcuate bearing surfaces (e.g.,74) of a guide (e.g.,62a,62b,62c, and/or the like) coupled to the base, where the light mount comprises one or more sliders (e.g.,82a,82b,82c, and/or the like), each supported by one of the one or more arcuate bearing surfaces, and where the input shaft is coupled to the one or more sliders through a lever (e.g.,110a,110b, and/or the like) pivotally coupled to the base. Referring additionally toFIGS.3A and3B, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral14is a first embodiment of the present bases. While, in the present disclosure, base14is sometimes described as a component of and/or with reference to fixture10a(e.g.,FIGS.1A-1O) (e.g., with some components of base14introduced and described above), the present bases can be a component of and/or used with any suitable fixture. In the embodiment shown, base14comprises a stationary portion138and a rotatable portion142configured to rotate relative to the stationary portion (e.g., in a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by aperture34, such as a lateral plane, and generally along a direction indicated by arrow146). In this embodiment, stationary portion138is “stationary” in that the stationary portion is configured to secure base14(and thus light fixture10a) to and/or at least partially within a structure150(e.g., a wall, ceiling, floor, other structure, and/or the like), for example, via one or more mounting tabs228, described in more detail below. In this embodiment, rotatable portion142of base14is configured to be coupled to a light source (e.g.,42). For example, in the depicted embodiment, light source42is coupled to rotatable portion142via one or more fasteners coupling mechanical actuator58a, and more particularly, guide62a, which supports light mount38aand light source42, to the rotatable portion. In the embodiment shown, stationary portion138comprises a body154having a sidewall158, which, in some embodiments, may not comprise sidewall18, defining an interior volume162, which, in some embodiments, may not coincide with interior passageway30. For example, in some embodiments, the present bases may comprise a respective sidewall18and a respective sidewall158, which may be (e.g., laterally) offset from sidewall18, to define an interior volume162between sidewall18and sidewall158(e.g., a sidewall158may at least partially separate interior volume162and interior passageway30). In the depicted embodiment, stationary portion138comprises a ledge166projecting from sidewall158and, though not required, into interior volume162. As shown, ledge166is coupled to stationary portion138, and more particularly, body154, via one or more fasteners (FIG.5A); however, in other embodiments, respective ledges may be integrally formed with respective stationary portions and/or respective bodies thereof. In this embodiment, stationary portion138, and more particularly, body154, or a portion thereof, comprises a circular cross-section. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, ledge166is annular or comprises an annular segment (e.g., ledge166may or may not circumscribe interior volume162). However, in other embodiments, the present bases can comprise respective stationary portions, or respective bodies thereof, with any suitable shape (e.g., having cross-sections that are circular, elliptical, and/or otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal, and/or the like). In this embodiment, rotatable portion142comprises an (e.g., annular) body178defining an opening in communication with interior passageway30(e.g., such that light from light source42may pass through the opening of body178and into interior passageway30). In the depicted embodiment, rotatable portion142comprises a first retaining member170and a second retaining member174configured to be longitudinally spaced from the first retaining member, where the first and second retaining members are configured to receive ledge166therebetween (FIG.3B). Such retaining members (e.g.,170and174) of the present bases (e.g.,14) may be unitary with a body (e.g.,178) of a respective rotatable portion (e.g.,142) (e.g., retaining member174is unitary with body178) and/or coupled to the body of the respective rotatable portion (e.g., retaining member170is coupled to body178via one or more fasteners186). In the embodiment shown, retaining members170and174are annular or ring-like; however, retaining members (e.g.,170and/or174) of the present bases (e.g.,14) may comprise any suitable structure. For instance, in fixture10b, at least one of one or more fasteners186comprises a first retaining member170; for example, in fixture10b, ledge166is retained between a second retaining member174(e.g., which is unitary with body178) and a head of the at least one fastener (FIG.2A). In the depicted embodiment, ledge166of stationary portion138is configured to be received between first and second retaining members,170and174, respectively, such that an interface between the ledge and the retaining members is at least partially defined by one or more smooth surfaces. For example, in the embodiment shown, base14comprises one or more low-friction materials182disposable between ledge166and at least one of first and second retaining members,170and174, respectively, such that the one or more low-friction materials define at least a portion of the interface between the ledge and the at least one of the first and second retaining members. Respective low-friction materials182of the present bases can comprise any suitable low-friction material, such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, metals, such as copper, brass, aluminum, steel, and/or the like, plastics, composites, and/or the like, and such low-friction materials may have any suitable structure, such as, for example, a body, a film, a coating, and/or the like. However, in other embodiments, an interface between a ledge (e.g.,166) and a first retaining member (e.g.,170) and a second retaining member (e.g.,174) may be at least partially defined by a smooth surface (e.g., a smooth surface finish) of the ledge, the first retaining member, and/or the second retaining member (e.g., as in fixture10b). In these ways and others, the present fixtures, and more particularly, bases of the present fixtures, may be configured to provide a smooth and consistent feel during rotational adjustment. In the embodiment shown, a compression applied by retaining members170and174to ledge166may be adjustable, whereby a frictional force that resists rotation of rotatable portion142relative to stationary portion138can be varied. For example, in this embodiment, one or more fasteners186are configured to secure ledge166between retaining members170and174, such that the one or more fasteners may be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease, respectively, a compression applied by the retaining members to the ledge. Through selection of a surface finish of ledge166, a surface finish of retaining members170and/or174, low-friction materials182(if present), the compressive force applied to the ledge by the retaining members, and/or the like, the characteristics (e.g., feel, resistive force, and/or the like) of rotation of rotatable portion142relative to stationary portion138can be varied. In the depicted embodiment, as shown, no components associated with rotation of rotatable portion142relative to stationary portion138extend beyond an outer perimeter220defined by sidewall18(e.g., rotatable portion142, or body178thereof, ledge166, first retaining member170, second retaining member174, low-friction materials182, fasteners186, and/or the like). In other embodiments, such rotatable coupling of a rotatable portion relative to a respective stationary portion can be accomplished in any suitable fashion, and the description of base14is provided only by way of illustration. Referring now toFIG.4, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral14bis a second embodiment of the present bases. Base14bmay be substantially similar to base14, with the primary differences described below. In the embodiment shown, base14bdoes not define an aperture (e.g., base14bis closed on second end26and/or first end22). Nevertheless, stationary portion138(e.g., or a body154thereof) defines an interior volume162, which may be sized to receive lighting components (e.g., a power supply, control circuitry, other lighting components, and/or the like). In this embodiment, stationary portion138is configured to secure base14b(e.g., generally at second end26) relative to structure150, and rotatable portion142is configured to be coupled to a light source (e.g.,42) (e.g., at mounting surface140). In the depicted embodiment, ledge166may comprise a component and/or portion of rotatable portion142, and first retaining member170and second retaining member174may comprise a component and/or portion of stationary portion138. In these and similar embodiments, ledge166may be unitary with rotatable portion142(e.g., or a body178thereof), and/or first and/or second retaining members,170and174, respectively, may be unitary with stationary portion138(e.g., or a body154thereof). In this embodiment, base14bincludes a protrusion or stop198that extends longitudinally from rotatable portion142and is configured to rotate with the rotatable portion. In this way, rotatable portion142may rotate, along with protrusion or stop198, relative to stationary portion138until the protrusion or stop contacts a projection or tooth202, which may be coupled in fixed relation to, and/or unitary with a body154of, stationary portion138, thus physically limiting the range of permitted rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary portion. Some embodiments of the present methods comprise rotating a rotatable portion (e.g.,142) of a light fixture (e.g.,10a,10b, and/or the like) relative to a stationary portion (e.g.,138) of the light fixture, the rotatable portion configured to be coupled to a light source (e.g.,42) and the stationary portion configured to secure the light fixture to a structure (e.g.,150), where a ledge (e.g.,166) of the stationary portion is received between first and second retaining members (e.g.,170and174, respectively) of the rotatable portion, and where an interface between the ledge and the first and second retaining members is at least partially defined by one or more smooth surfaces. In some embodiments, the light fixture comprises one or more low friction materials (e.g.,182) disposed between the ledge and at least one of the first and second retaining members, the one or more low-friction materials defining at least a portion of the interface between the ledge and the at least one of the first and second retaining members. Some embodiments of the present methods comprise rotating a rotatable portion (e.g.,142) of a light fixture (e.g.,10a,10b, and/or the like) relative to a stationary portion (e.g.,138) of the light fixture, the rotatable portion configured to be coupled to a light source (e.g.,42) and the stationary portion configured to secure the light fixture to a structure (e.g.,150), where a ledge (e.g.,166) of the rotatable portion is received between first and second retaining members (e.g.,170and174, respectively) of the stationary portion, and where an interface between the ledge and the first and second retaining members is at least partially defined by one or more smooth surfaces. Referring additionally toFIGS.5A-5E, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral214is one embodiment of the present mounts. In the embodiment shown, mount214may be substantially similar to and/or comprise base14(though, in some embodiments, as shown, rotatable portion142and associated components, such as, for example, first retaining member170, second retaining member174, low-friction materials182, and/or the like may be omitted). While, in the present disclosure, mount214is sometimes described as a component of and/or with reference to fixture10a(e.g., with some components introduced and described above, particularly with respect to base14), the present mounts can be a component of and/or used with any suitable fixture. In the embodiment shown, mount214comprises one or more latching mechanisms216extending from sidewall18and/or sidewall158and into interior passageway30. In this embodiment, one or more latching mechanisms216are configured to releasably secure light fixture components (e.g., shroud assembly264aor264b, each described in more detail below) relative to the mount. For example, in the depicted embodiment, latching mechanisms216comprise ball plungers; however, other embodiments may comprise any suitable latching mechanisms, such as, for example, detents, slots, ridges, fasteners, and/or the like. In yet other embodiments, latching mechanisms may be omitted. In the embodiment shown, sidewall18defines an outer perimeter220and a transverse dimension222(FIG.5E). In this embodiment, first end22of base14defines and/or comprises a lip224that extends outwardly from sidewall18and beyond outer perimeter220. At least due to the retractable nature of mounting tabs228, some embodiments of the present mounts can be configured to be received within a relatively small opening in a structure (e.g., having a perimeter that substantially corresponds to outer perimeter220), as described in more detail below. In these and similar embodiments, lip224may function as a trim ring (e.g., some embodiments of present mounts may be used without an external trim or “goof” ring). In the embodiment shown, lip224comprises a substantially planar surface, uninterrupted by mounting features (e.g., tabs, fasteners, and/or the like). In this embodiment, lip224defines a groove226, which may be configured to receive an O-ring, gasket, seal, and/or the like (e.g., to seal the mount against structure150) (e.g., the present mounts may be suitable for use in dry, damp, or wet mount light fixture installations). In the embodiment shown, mount214comprises one or more mounting tabs228movably coupled to base14. In this embodiment, mount214comprises three (3) mounting tabs228; however, other embodiments may comprise any suitable number of respective mounting tabs, such as, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4 5, or more mounting tabs. In the depicted embodiment, each mounting tab228is movable between a deployed state (FIG.5B), in which at least a portion of the mounting tab extends outwardly from base14and beyond outer perimeter220, and a retracted state (FIG.5C), in which a majority of (e.g., up to and including all of) the mounting tab is disposed within the outer perimeter (e.g., and, in some embodiments, within interior volume162and/or interior passageway30). In the embodiment shown, each of mounting tabs228is axially (e.g., and laterally) movable between the retracted state and the deployed state (e.g., generally along a direction indicated by arrow234, via slidable engagement with tracks238coupled to sidewall18and/or sidewall158); however, in other embodiments, the respective mounting tabs may be rotatably movable (e.g., in a lateral plane) between the deployed state and the retracted state. In some embodiments, each of one or more mounting tabs228may be biased towards the deployed state (e.g., via one or more springs and/or the like, which may be coupled between the mounting tab and sidewall18and/or sidewall158), and in some embodiments, each of the one or more mounting tabs may be biased towards the retracted state (e.g., in a same or similar fashion). In this embodiment, sidewall18defines one or more openings232, each configured to receive at least a portion of one of one or more mounting tabs228as the mounting tab moves between the deployed state and the retracted state (e.g., to allow the mounting tab to move between the retracted state and the deployed state unhindered by sidewall18). In the depicted embodiment, each of one or more mounting tabs228comprises a portion230that, when the mounting tab is the deployed state, is disposed within interior volume126and/or interior passageway30and accessible through aperture34. In this way, one or more mounting tabs228may be readily movable from the deployed state to the retracted state via access through aperture34(e.g., when installing and/or removing mount214into and/or from a structure150). In the embodiment shown, mount214comprises one or more retaining posts236, each configured to limit outward movement of one of one or more mounting tabs228beyond the deployed state and inward movement of the mounting tab beyond the retracted state. For example, in this embodiment, each retaining post236is received within a slot240of a mounting tab228, whereby the slot and retaining post cooperate to physically limit movement of the mounting tab relative to the base beyond the deployed state and/or beyond the retracted state. In the depicted embodiment, one or more retaining posts236may be configured to selectively and releasably secure one or more mounting tabs228relative to base14. To illustrate, in the embodiment shown, each retaining post236comprises a (e.g., threaded) fastener244, which may be tightened to secure a mounting tab228relative to base14(e.g., between or at the retracted state and/or the deployed state), and loosened to allow movement of the mounting tab relative to the base between the retracted state and the deployed state. For example, in this embodiment, each fastener244is received by a threaded portion of a track238, and each track238is slidably engaged with an opening232, where threading of the fastener causes the track, and a mounting tab228received within the track, to longitudinally move relative to base14(e.g., generally along a direction indicated by arrow242). In this way, for example, a structure (e.g.,150) may be received longitudinally between a deployed mounting tab228(or a support248attached to the mounting tab) and lip224, and a fastener244may be tightened to secure the mounting tab relative to mount214(e.g., by engaging the mounting tab or support with an interior surface of the structure) (e.g., thus securing the mount214relative to the structure). In the embodiment shown, each of one or more retaining posts236are disposed within outer perimeter220(e.g., and within interior volume162and/or interior passageway30). By minimizing and/or eliminating mounting hardware (e.g., mounting tabs228, retaining posts236, latching mechanisms216and/or the like) disposed outside of outer perimeter220, and particularly during installation and/or removal of the present mounts (e.g., when mounting tabs228may be in the retracted state), the present mounts may be configured to be received within a relatively small opening152in a structure. For example, in this embodiment (FIG.5E), opening152may substantially correspond to outer perimeter220, having a transverse dimension156substantially equal to a transverse dimension222defined by sidewall18. In the depicted embodiment, each of one or more mounting tabs228comprises a support248that extends from the mounting tab and towards first end22of base14. In the embodiment shown, each of one or more supports248is configured to rest on an interior surface of a structure150(e.g., a wall, ceiling, floor, and/or the like), when the mount is installed within the structure (FIG.5E). Thus, one or more supports248may function to support the mount and/or a light fixture coupled to the mount against inadvertent separation of the mount and/or light fixture from the structure. In this embodiment, each support248is removably coupled to one of one or more mounting tabs228. For example, in the depicted embodiment, each support248comprises one or more snap-fit or latching members252configured to be received within an enlarged portion258of a slot240of a mounting tab228(e.g., such that the snap-fit or latching members, when the support is coupled to the mounting tab, do not interfere with slidable engagement of the slot with a retaining post236). However, in other embodiments, the respective supports can be coupled to the respective mounting tabs in any suitable fashion, such as, for example, via fasteners, adhesive, and/or the like. In at least this way, the present mounts, and more particularly, respective mounting tabs of the present mounts, may be used with a variety of supports248of differing sizes (e.g., heights), such that the present mounts can be configured to be mounted within and/or to various structures150(e.g., having various thicknesses). However, in other embodiments, one or more respective supports may be integrally formed one or more respective mounting tabs. Some embodiments of the present methods for installing a light fixture comprise inserting a base (e.g.,14) of a mount (e.g.,214) into an opening (e.g.,152) in a wall, ceiling, or floor (e.g., structure150), the base comprising a sidewall (e.g.,18) extending between a first end (e.g.,22) and a second end (e.g.,26), the sidewall defining an outer perimeter (e.g.,220), and moving one or more mounting tabs (e.g.,228) of the mount between a deployed state (FIG.5B) in which at least a portion of each of the one or more mounting tabs extends outwardly from the base and beyond the outer perimeter, and a retracted state (FIG.5C), in which a majority of (e.g., up to and including all of) each of the one or more mounting tabs is disposed within the outer perimeter. Referring now toFIGS.6A-6G, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral264ais a first embodiment of the present removable shroud assemblies. While, in the present disclosure, shroud assembly264ais sometimes described as a component of and/or with reference to fixture10a(FIG.1I), the present shroud assemblies can be used in and/or with any suitable fixture. In the embodiment shown, shroud assembly264acomprises a shroud268having a sidewall272extending between a first end276and a second end280to define an interior passageway284. In this embodiment, first end276defines an aperture288, whereby light may travel from second end280to first end276through the interior passageway and exit through aperture288. In the depicted embodiment, shroud268is rounded (e.g., shroud268, or a portion thereof, has a circular cross-section); however, in other embodiments, the present shroud assemblies can comprise respective shrouds having any suitable shape (e.g., having cross-sections that are circular, elliptical, and/or otherwise rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, and/or otherwise polygonal, and/or the like). In the embodiment shown, shroud assembly264a, and more particularly shroud268, is configured to be removably coupled to and/or within a light fixture (e.g., a recessed light fixture) (e.g., light fixture10a, and more particularly, to and/or within base14and/or mount214). For example, in this embodiment, shroud268comprises one or more projections or ribs290extending from sidewall272and away from interior passageway284, the one or more projections or ribs configured to removably couple the shroud to and/or within a light fixture (e.g., by interfacing with latching mechanisms216of mount214). For further example, in the depicted embodiment, two projections or ribs290are longitudinally spaced apart from one another to define an (e.g., annular) groove294, within which latching mechanisms216of mount214may be received. In the embodiment shown, shroud assembly264a, and more particularly, shroud268, is sized to be closely received within base14and/or mount214. For example, in this embodiment, aperture288of shroud268substantially corresponds to aperture34of base14(e.g., aperture288has a perimeter having a substantially similar size and shape to a perimeter of aperture34, as shown inFIG.1I), and aperture288may be substantially co-planar with aperture34. In the embodiment shown, shroud268comprises a ledge or shelf298, which defines a lip302configured to locate and/or physically limit movement of the shroud assembly relative to a light fixture (e.g., aligning shroud assembly264awithin base14and/or mount214, for example, such that aperture34is substantially parallel with aperture288, preventing the shroud assembly from being inserted into the base and/or mount beyond a desired distance from first end22towards second end26, and/or the like). In this embodiment, ledge or shelf298and/or lip302may function to (e.g., physically) resist undesired movement of shroud268relative to base14and/or mount214as lens306is moved relative to the shroud, as described below. In the depicted embodiment, shroud assembly264acomprises a lens306movably coupled to second end280of shroud268and accessible through interior passageway284. For example, in the embodiment shown, lens306is movable relative to shroud268between a first position (FIG.6F) and a second position (FIG.6G), in which a portion of the lens is not in contact with second end280of the shroud (e.g., such that, in the second position, lens306is angularly displaced at a non-zero angle308relative to the second end of the shroud). Thus, in this embodiment, second end280(e.g., and/or an edge and/or surface thereof) of shroud268is accessible through interior passageway284when lens306is in the second position. In this way, a user, via access through interior passageway284and whether or not using an implement, may cause lens306to displace to the second position, whereby a surface or edge of second end280may be available to the user to facilitate removal of the shroud assembly from a fixture (e.g., by presenting an edge or surface to the user to which a longitudinal removing force can be applied). In at least this way, the present removable shroud assemblies may be configured to be removed from a light fixture (e.g.,10a,10b, and/or the like) and/or a base (e.g.,14) and/or mount (e.g.,214), without requiring features (e.g., tabs, recesses, notches, and/or the like) disposed in a path of light from the fixture (e.g., extending into interior passageway284) (e.g., surfaces of sidewall272facing interior passageway284are smooth). In the depicted embodiment, shroud assembly264acomprises a lens retaining cup310aconfigured to locate lens306relative to shroud268when the lens is between and/or at the first position and/or second position. For example, in the embodiment shown, lens retaining cup310adefines a recess314within which lens306may be received such that the lens retaining cup, via recess314, physically limits undesirable (e.g., lateral) movement of lens306relative to shroud assembly264a, and more particularly, shroud268. For further example, in this embodiment, lens retaining cup310ais configured to overlie at least a portion of sidewall272when lens306is in the first position (e.g., recess314is dimensioned to receive a portion of shroud268, which may facilitate locating and/or securing of lens306between lens retaining cup310aand shroud268when the lens is in the first position). In the depicted embodiment, lens retaining cup310aand lens306are separate components that may or may not be attached to one another; however, in other embodiments, respective lens retaining cups may be integrally formed with respective lenses. In the embodiment shown, lens retaining cup310acomprises one or more openings or slots318and is coupled to shroud268via one or more fasteners322, each disposed through an opening or slot318and received by shroud268. In this embodiment, such coupling is movable in that each opening or slot318is configured to slidably engage a fastener322at a shaft portion326, such that, as lens306is moved between the first position and the second position, the opening or slot, and thus the lens retaining cup and/or lens, may move relative to the fastener, and thus shroud268. In the depicted embodiment, fasteners322may be configured to limit movement of lens306and/or retaining cup310arelative to shroud268. For example, as shown, each fastener322comprises a head330sized such that the head portion cannot pass through a corresponding opening or slot318(e.g., to physically limit movement of the lens retaining cup and/or lens relative to the shroud). However, in other embodiments, movable coupling of a lens relative to a respective shroud can be accomplished in any suitable fashion, and the description of shroud assembly264ais provided only by way of illustration. In the embodiment shown, lens306and/or lens retaining cup310ais biased towards the first position. For example, in this embodiment, shroud assembly264acomprises one or more springs334aconfigured to bias the lens and/or lens retaining cup towards the first position. To illustrate, in the depicted embodiment, each spring334ais disposed around a shaft portion326of a fastener322and retained between lens retaining cup310aand a head330of the fastener (e.g., thus supplying a biasing force tending to hold the lens retaining cup and/or lens in the first position). Referring now toFIGS.7A-7E, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral264bis a second embodiment of the present removable shroud assemblies. Shroud assembly264bmay be substantially similar to shroud assembly264a, with the primary exceptions described below. In the embodiment shown, one or more springs334bmay be characterized as cantilever springs, each comprising a first portion338coupled or couplable to shroud268(e.g., via fasteners) and a second portion342coupled or couplable to lens retaining cup310b. In this embodiment, for each spring334b, first portion338is angularly disposed relative to second portion342, such that, for example, the first and second portions define a generally V-shaped cross-section (e.g., when lens306is in the first position relative to shroud268). In the depicted embodiment, first portion338of each spring334bis coupled to second portion342of the spring via a third, generally open portion346that extends from and away from (e.g., outwardly or inwardly, relative to a respective plane of) one or each of the first and second portions (e.g., providing additional spring material and thereby permitting a larger range of relative elastic movement between the first and second portions). In these ways and others, one or more springs334bmay permit an increased range of relative movement between lens306and shroud268(e.g., in one or both of a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, relative to the shroud), thereby facilitating removal of shroud assembly264bfrom a light fixture. In the embodiment shown, each spring334bis unitary and/or integrally formed with lens retaining cup310b. In at least this way, shroud assembly264bmay provide for reduced manufacturing costs, assembly time, and/or complexity (e.g., by including a relatively small number of separate components). Some embodiments of the present shroud assemblies (e.g.,264a,264b, and/or the like) may include an O-ring, gasket, seal, and/or the like disposed or disposable around at least a portion of a shroud (e.g.,268) such that the shroud assembly may be sealingly coupled to and/or within a light fixture (e.g., to and/or within a base14and/or a mount214such that the O-ring, gasket, seal and/or the like contacts an interior surface of sidewall18and/or sidewall158), thereby protecting fixture component(s) from moisture and/or contaminants. To illustrate, in this embodiment, shroud assembly264bincludes an O-ring350disposed or disposable within a groove354defined by an exterior portion of shroud268. Some embodiments of the present methods for removing a shroud assembly (e.g.,264a,264b, and/or the like) from a light fixture (e.g., light fixture10aor10b, from base14and/or mount214) comprise accessing a second end (e.g.,280) of a shroud (e.g.,268) through an interior passageway (e.g.,284) of the shroud by moving a lens (e.g.,306) that is coupled to the second end from a first position (e.g.,FIG.6F) to a second position (e.g.,FIG.6G) in which a portion of the lens is not in contact with the second end, and removing the shroud assembly from the light fixture, where the shroud comprises a sidewall (e.g.,272) extending between a first end (e.g.,276) and the second end to define the interior passageway. The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example, elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections may be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively. | 55,565 |
11859801 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE With reference toFIGS.1to4for an adjustable solar spotlight with various fixing methods in accordance with this disclosure, the adjustable solar spotlight includes a lamp head10, a positioning stand20for pivoting the lamp head10, a solar power supply module30disposed at the back of the lamp head10, and a pivot assembly40pivotally connected between the lamp head10and the solar power supply module30. The bottom of the positioning stand20is provided with a rod body21, and the top end211of the rod body21is upwardly split and outwardly extended to form two pivot rods22which are arranged substantially into a V-shape, and a hook part23is formed at a joint position of the top end211of the rod body21and the two pivot rods22and provided for hanging. The lamp head10includes a casing11installed between the two pivot rods22, and the casing11has an illuminated front112, a back113configured to be opposite to the front112, and two sides111disposed between the front112and the back113. The two sides111of the casing11are respectively and pivotally connected to the adjacent pivot rods22, so that the illuminated front112of the lamp head10can be deflected upwardly or downwardly relative to the positioning stand20to provide different lighting angles. The solar power supply module30includes a main body301electrically connected to the lamp head10, and the main body301includes an assembling part31, a solar panel32mounted onto the top side of the main body301, a switch33installed at the bottom side of the main body301for controlling the lamp head10to emit light, and a battery34installed in the main body301and disposed between the top side and the bottom side, and the solar panel32, the switch33and the battery34are electrically connected to one another, and the battery34can store electric power and supply the electric power required for the operation of the lamp head10. The pivot assembly40is installed between the back113of the casing11of the lamp head10and the assembling part31of the solar power supply module30, and the pivot assembly40has two ends communicated with each other, and one of the ends is axially connected to the back113of the casing11of the lamp head10by a rotating part41, such that the solar power supply module30can be rotated using the rotating part41as an axis relative to the lamp head10. The other end of the pivot assembly40is pivotally connected to the assembling part31of the solar power supply module30by a pivot part42, such that the solar power supply module30can be deflected upwardly or downwardly relative to the lamp head10through the pivot part42, so as to adjust angles towards different directions to receive and convert solar radiation into electrical energy for charging the battery34. By the above structure, the solar power supply module30of this disclosure can be deflected upwardly or downwardly relative to the lamp head10by the pivot part42of the pivot assembly40, or axially rotated using the rotating part41as an axis relative to the lamp head10, so as to adjust angles towards different directions. As described above, the lamp head10can be deflected upwardly or downwardly relative to the positioning stand20to provide different lighting angles, so that in an operation as shown inFIG.5, a user can adjust the lamp head10to be deflected upwardly relative to the positioning stand20and the solar power supply module30to be deflected upwardly relative to the lamp head10to provide lighting; or as shown inFIG.6, the solar power supply module30is axially rotated using the pivot assembly40as an axis relative to the lamp head10to allow the solar power supply module30to be rotated and adjusted to an angle facing the sun according to the different irradiation angle of sunlight in different seasons, so as to achieve a better light collection effect and improve the charging efficiency. In addition, the positioning stand20integrates various positioning functions, and the bottom end of the rod body21is removably mounted with a positioning seat24and a plug-in part25. This disclosure can fix the positioning seat24of the spotlight to a column, a wall, or any plane by a plurality of screws or nails, or plug the spotlight into the soil ground of a garden walkway by the plug-in part25to make this disclosure serve as a garden lamp or a walkway lamp. When this disclosure is used in a place where the screws or nails cannot be used for fixation, the users can use a rope, a long rod, a hook or even a tree branch to fix the hook part23to hang and positioning the spotlight as shown inFIG.7, so as to improve the convenience of use. During implementation, the rod body21of the positioning stand20and the two pivot rods22can be made of metal or integrally formed by plastic injection molding, and the angle included between the two pivot rods22is preferably not greater than 90 degrees, so that the hook part23can be stably positioned after hanging. The implementation of the solar power supply module30and the pivot assembly40are further illustrated byFIGS.2and3and described as follows: During implementation, the assembling part31of the solar power supply module30is groove-shaped, and two sides of the pivot part42of the pivot assembly40are provided with a shaft43, and the groove-shaped assembling part31of the solar power supply module30is pivotally connected, so that the solar power supply module30can be deflected upwardly or downwardly using the shaft43as an axis relative to the lamp head10, and the deflection angle is not greater than 180 degrees. The shaft43has a plurality of positioning grooves431formed around the outer periphery of the shaft43and arranged equidistantly in a round shape, and the inner periphery of the groove-shaped assembling part31has at least one elastic bump35configured to be opposite to the plurality of positioning grooves431of the shaft43. After the pivot part42is rotated using the shaft43as an axis, the elastic bump35can be elastically latched into any one of the positioning grooves431for positioning and producing an obvious feeling of mechanical stages. In addition, the back113of the casing11of the lamp head10is formed with a shaft hole12, and the rotating part41of the pivot assembly40in in the shape of a round rod with two ends, and one of the ends is axially installed into the shaft hole12, and the other end is fixed to the pivot part42, so that the solar power supply module30can be rotated using the rotating part41of the pivot assembly40as an axis relative to the lamp head10. In order to prevent the power cable electrically connected between the solar power supply module30and the lamp head10from being bent or twisted too much, a stopper36is installed between the solar power supply module30and the pivot assembly40, and the stopper36can restrict the rotation angle of the solar power supply module30using the rotating part41as an axis for the rotation within 360 degrees. While the disclosure has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as set forth in the claims. | 7,193 |
11859802 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to the drawings, and in particular toFIGS.1through5thereof, a new mood device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral10will be described. As best illustrated inFIGS.1through5, the mood indicating assembly10generally comprises a housing12that is positionable on a support surface14. The housing12has a recess16that is integrated into a top wall18of the housing12and the recess16covers a substantial area of the top wall18. The housing12may have a length of approximately 15.0 cm, a width of approximately 8.0 cm and a thickness of approximately 16.0 mm. A plurality of light bars20is disposed on the housing12to emit light outwardly from the housing12and the plurality of light bars20is arranged in a column22on the housing12. Each of the plurality of light bars20is independently actuatable. Furthermore, a selected number of the plurality of light bars20is actuatable ranging between a minimum number of the plurality light bars20and a maximum number of the plurality of light bars20. In this way the plurality of light bars20facilitates a user24to visually communicate an intensity of their mood to a colleague25. Each of the plurality of light bars20emits light of a unique color with respect to each other to facilitate the user24to visually communicate their stress level to the colleague. In this way the colleague can choose to avoid disturbing the user24. Each of the plurality of light bars20is positioned in the recess16in the top wall18of the housing12and each of the plurality of light bars20is elongated to extend across a substantial width of the recess16. Furthermore, the plurality of light bars20is evenly spaced apart from each other and is distributed between a top side26and a bottom side28of a perimeter wall30of the housing12. Each of the plurality of light bars20may comprise a light emitting diode or other type of electronic light emitter. A window32is positioned in the recess16such that the window32covers the plurality of light bars20and the window32has an outer edge34which is bonded to a bounding edge35of the recess16. The window32is comprised of a translucent material configured to pass light through the window32. A control circuit36is integrated into the housing12and the control circuit36receives an on input, and off input, a flash input, a color input and a distress input. Each of the plurality of light bars20is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. The plurality of light bars20is actuated into a standby condition when the control circuit36receives the on input and the plurality of light bars20is de-actuated when the control circuit36receives the off input. The plurality of light bars20is actuated to repeatedly flash on and off when the control circuit36receives the flash input and the plurality of light bars20is actuated to emit a selected color of light when the control circuit36receives the color input. Furthermore, all of the plurality of light bars20is actuated when the control circuit36receives the distress input to visually communicate that the user24is under distress. A color button38is movably integrated into the perimeter wall30of the housing12and the color button38is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. The control circuit36receives the color input each time the color button38is depressed to facilitate the user24to chose the color of light emitted by the plurality of light bars20. The colors of light may range between white to communicate a mild mood to increasing intensities of red to communicate increasingly negative moods. A flash button40is movably integrated into the perimeter wall30of the housing12and the flash button40is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. The control circuit36receives the flash input when the flash button40is depressed. A power button42is movably integrated into the perimeter wall30of the housing12and the power button42is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. The control circuit36receives the on input when the power button42is initially depressed and the control circuit36receives the off input when the power button42is subsequently depressed. A distress button44is movably integrated into the perimeter wall30of the housing12and the distress button44is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. Additionally, the control circuit36receives the distress input when the distress button44is depressed. A power supply46is integrated into the housing12and the power supply46is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. The power supply46comprises at least one battery48that is integrated into the housing12. The at least one battery48is electrically coupled to the control circuit36. The power supply46includes a charge port50that is recessed into the perimeter wall30of the housing12thereby facilitating the charge port50to receive a charge cord52. The charge port50is electrically coupled to the at least one battery48for charging the at least one battery48. In use, the housing12is placed in a conspicuous location, such as a desk in the user's24office, for example, or other location that is visible to the user's colleagues25. The user24depresses the power button42to actuate the plurality of light bars20and the user24depresses the power button42a chosen number of times to turn on a chosen number of the light bars20. In this way the user24can visually communication the intensity of their mood based on the number of light bars20that is illuminated. Additionally, the color button38is depressed to select the color of light emitted by the plurality of light bars20. In this way the user24can visually communicate the type of their mood with respect to negative moods or positive moods. In this way the user's colleagues25can quickly identify if they should not disturb the user24or if the user24is in an approachable mood. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements. | 7,264 |
11859803 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1is a simplified perspective view of an example lighting device100, (e.g., a linear lighting fixture). The lighting device100may include a housing110, a cover lens120, and end caps130A,130B. The housing110may be elongate (e.g., in the x-direction). The housing110may be configured to be mounted to a structure (e.g., a horizontal structure) such that the linear lighting device is attached to the structure. For example, the lighting device100may be configured to be mounted underneath a cabinet, a shelf, a door, a step, and/or some other structure. The housing110may define an upper surface112and a lower surface114. The upper surface112may be configured to be proximate to the structure and the lower surface114may be distal to the structure when the housing110is mounted to the structure. The lighting device100may define a first end106A (e.g., an input end) and an opposed second end106B (e.g., an output end). The end cap130A may be an input end cap located at the first end106A and the end cap130B may be an output end cap located at the second end106B. The lighting device100may define connectors132A,132B that are accessible via the respective end caps130A,130B. The connectors132A,132B may be configured to connect the lighting device100to a fixture controller (e.g., a controller, a lighting controller and/or a fixture controller such as the fixture controller520shown inFIG.6) and/or other lighting devices. For example, the connector132A may be configured to connect the lighting device100to the controller or another lighting device and the connector132B may be configured to connect the lighting device100to another lighting device. FIG.2is an exploded view of the example lighting device100. The housing110may define a cavity115extending along a longitudinal axis108(e.g., in the x-direction) of the lighting device100(e.g., the housing110). The lighting device100may comprise one or more lighting modules (e.g., light-generation modules)150A,150B,150C that may be received within the cavity115. The lighting modules may each comprise a respective printed circuit board (PCB)152A,152B,152C. The lighting modules may each comprise one or more emitter modules154(in this example, each lighting module150A,150B,150C includes four respective emitter modules154), which may each include one or more emitters, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The emitter modules154may be mounted to the respective PCBs152A,152B,152C. Each of the PCBs152A,152B,152C may include an emitter processor156A,156B,156C configured to control the emitter modules154of the respective lighting module150A,150B,150C. When the lighting modules150A,150B,150C include a plurality of emitter modules154, each of the plurality of emitter modules154of a respective lighting module (e.g., lighting module150A) may be controlled by one emitter processor (e.g., emitter processor156A). Controlling multiple emitter modules154with one emitter processor may reduce the power consumption of the lighting module, reduce a size of the PCB, and/or reduce a number of messages sent. The lighting modules150A,150B,150C (e.g., the PCBs152A,152B,152C) may be secured within the cavity115, for example, using thermal tape170. The thermal tape170may be an adhesive that enables heat dissipation from the emitters154of the PCBs152A,152B,152C to the housing110, for example, while also affixing the PCBs152A,152B,152C to the housing110. The thermal tape170may be separated into segments (e.g., two or more) for each of the PCBs152A,152B,152C. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the thermal tape170may be continuous along the length (e.g., in the x-direction) of the lighting device100. The PCBs152A,152B,152C of the lighting modules150A,150B,150C may be connected together using cables160(e.g., ribbon cables). The cables160may mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively connect adjacent PCBs of the PCBs152A,152B,152C. For example, the PCB152A may be connected to the PCB152B via one of the cables160and the PCB152B may be connected to the PCB152C via another one of the cables160. For example, the ends of the cables160may be inserted into sockets159, such as zero-insertion force (ZIF) connectors, on PCBs of the adjacent lighting modules. The cables160may be flat flexible cable jumpers, as shown. Alternatively, the cables160may be round flexible jumpers, rigid jumpers, and/or the like. The lighting modules150A may be a master module (e.g., a starter module). For example, the master module may be a first module of the lighting device100that is located proximate to the first end106A. For example, each lighting device100may start with a master module (e.g., such as the lighting module150A). A master module may receive messages (e.g., including control data and/or commands) and may be configured to control one or more other lighting modules, for example, drone lighting modules, based on receipt of the messages. For example, each master module may include an additional processor (e.g., a master processor158). The lighting modules150B,150C may be drone lighting modules. Each drone lighting module may be controlled by a master module. For example, the lighting modules150B,150C may be controlled by the lighting module150A. The master processor158of the lighting module150A may control the emitter processors156A,156B,156C to control the emitter modules154of each of the lighting modules150A,150B,150C. Drone lighting modules may be either a middle drone lighting module or an end drone module. Middle drone lighting modules (e.g., such as the emitter module150B) may be connected between a master module and another drone lighting module. Middle drone lighting modules may be connected between other drone lighting modules. End drone lighting modules (e.g., such as the lighting module150C) may be connected between a master module or another drone lighting module of its respective lighting device and another lighting device. End drone lighting modules may be connected between another drone lighting module and another master module (e.g., when the lighting device100includes multiple master modules). Although the lighting device100is shown having three lighting modules, for example, a master module150A, a middle drone lighting module150B, and an end drone lighting module150C, it should be appreciated that a lighting device may include a plurality of master modules. Each master module may control a plurality (e.g., one or more) of drone lighting modules (e.g., up to five drone lighting modules). Each master module (e.g., the lighting module150A) of the lighting device100may include a connector132A (e.g., an input connector) attached thereto. For example, the connector132A may be a female connector. The connector132A may be configured to enable connection of the lighting device100to a fixture controller (e.g., a controller and/or a fixture controller, such as fixture controller520shown inFIG.6). The connector132A may be configured to enable connection of the lighting device100to another lighting device. The connector132A may be configured to enable connection of the master module (e.g., the lighting module150A) of the lighting device100to a drone lighting module (e.g., an end drone lighting module) of another lighting device. Each end drone lighting module (e.g., the lighting module150C) of the lighting device100may include a connector132B (e.g., an input connector) attached thereto. For example, the connector132B may be a male connector. The connector132B may be configured to enable connection of the lighting device100to another lighting device. The connector132B may be configured to enable connection of the end drone lighting module (e.g., the lighting module150C) of the lighting device100to a master module of another lighting device. The lighting device100may comprise end caps130A,130B. The end caps130A,130B may define apertures134A,134B that are configured to receive the connector132A and/or the connector132B. The end caps130A,130B may be secured to the housing110, for example, using fasteners136A,136B. Light gaskets190A,190B may be configured to prevent light emitted by the emitter PCBs150A,150B,150C from escaping between the end caps130A,130B and the housing110. The light gasket190A may be configured to be located between the end cap130A and the housing110. The light gasket190B may be configured to be located between the end cap130B and the housing110. The lighting device100may comprise total internal reflection (TIR) lenses140A,140B,140C. The TIR lenses140A,140B140C may be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the emitters154of the lighting modules150A,150B,150C. For example, each of the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C may be configured to be located proximate to a respective one of the lighting modules150A,150B,150C. That is, the TIR lens140A may be located proximate to (e.g., directly above) the lighting module150A, the TIR lens140B may be located proximate to (e.g., directly above) the lighting module150B, and the TIR lens140C may be located proximate to (e.g., directly above) the lighting module150C. Each of the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C may define a plurality of polytopes (e.g., hexahedrons) connected together. Each of the plurality of polytopes may be funnel portions that are configured to funnel the light from the emitter modules154toward the cover lens120. Each of the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C may have a number of funnel portions that is equal to the number of emitter modules154of the respective lighting module over which the respective TIR lens is located. Each of the plurality of polytopes may define a plurality of faces. The lower surface144and side surfaces146A,146B of each of the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C (e.g., upper and side faces of each of the plurality of polytopes) may define a plurality of ridges142A,142B,142C. The plurality of ridges142A,142B,142C may be parallel to one another. Each of the plurality of ridges142A,142B,142C may extend in a direction perpendicular to a length of the housing110(e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis108of the housing). For example each of the plurality of ridges142A,142B,142C may oriented in a direction parallel to the y-direction. A length of the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C may correspond to a length of a corresponding one of the lighting modules150A,150B,150C. The TIR lenses140A,140B,140C may be made of a UV resistant material, for example, such as an acrylic, a polycarbonate, and/or the like. The TIR lenses140A,140B,140C may be transparent, semi-transparent, and/or colored. The lighting device100may also comprise mounting brackets180A,180B. The mounting brackets180A,180B may be configured to attach the lighting device100to the structure. For example, the mounting brackets180A,180B may engage the upper surface112of the housing110. The mounting brackets180A,180B may define respective holes182A,182B that are configured to receive respective fasteners184A,184B configured to attach the mounting brackets180A,180B to the structure. Although the figures depict the lighting device100with the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C, it should be appreciated that the lighting device100may not include the TIR lenses140A,140B,140C. In this case, a height of the housing110may be reduced in the z-direction which would enable a lower profile for the lighting device100. FIGS.3A-3Eare perspective views of example lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E (e.g., such as the lighting modules150A,150B,150C shown inFIG.2). The lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E may be configured to be used in a lighting device (e.g., such as the lighting device100). Each of the lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E may comprise respective printed circuits board (PCB)202(e.g., such as the PCBs152A,152B,152C of the lighting device100). Each of the PCBs202may have a length of 3 or 4 units (e.g., 3 or 4 inches, centimeters, etc.). When the PCBs202of the lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E have a length of 3 or 4 units, the lighting device may be configured to have any length of 10 units or greater in one unit increments. Also, when the PCBs202have a length of 3 or 4 units, the lighting device may be configured to have a length of 3 units (e.g., one 3 unit PCB), 4 units (e.g., one 4 unit PCB), 6 units (e.g., two 3 unit PCBs), 7 units (e.g., one 3 unit PCB and one 4 unit PCB), 8 units (e.g., two 4 unit PCBs), or 9 units (e.g., three 3 unit PCBs). Each of the lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E may include a plurality of emitter modules210(e.g., the emitter modules154) mounted to the respective PCBs202. The number of emitter modules210may be based on a length of the PCB of the respective emitter lighting module. For example, a 3-inch lighting module may include three emitter modules210and a 4-inch lighting module may include four emitter modules210. The emitter modules210may be aligned linearly on each printed circuit board202as shown inFIGS.3A-3E. For example, the emitter modules210may be equally spaced apart, e.g., approximately one inch apart. Although the lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E are depicted inFIGS.3A-3Ewith three or four emitter modules210linearly aligned and equally spaced apart, the lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E could have any number of emitter modules in any alignment and spaced apart by any distance. The emitter modules210on the lighting modules200A,200B,200C,200D,200E may be rotated (e.g., in a plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis) with respect to one another. For example, a first emitter module may be arranged in a first orientation and an adjacent emitter module may be arranged in a second orientation that is rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the first orientation. Successive emitter modules may be arranged in orientations that are rotated by the predetermined angle with respect to an adjacent emitter module. When lighting modules have a length of 4 units (e.g., inches), each of the emitter modules210may be rotated by 90 degrees with respect to adjacent emitter modules210. For example, the second emitter module (e.g., in the x-direction) may be rotated 90 degrees (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) from the first emitter module, the third emitter module (e.g., in the x-direction) may be rotated 90 degrees in the same direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise), and the fourth emitter module may be rotated 90 degrees in the same direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) with respect to the third emitter module. Stated differently, the second emitter module may be oriented 90 degrees offset from the first emitter module, the third emitter module may be oriented 180 degrees offset from the first emitter module, and the fourth emitter module may be oriented 270 degrees offset from the first emitter module. When lighting modules have a length of 3 units (e.g., inches), each of the emitter modules210may be rotated by 120 degrees with respect to adjacent emitter modules210. For example, the second emitter module (e.g., in the x-direction) may be rotated 120 degrees (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) from the first emitter module, and the third emitter module (e.g., in the x-direction) may be rotated 120 degrees in the same direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) with respect to the second emitter module. Stated differently, the second emitter module may be oriented 120 degrees offset from the first emitter module, the third emitter module may be oriented 240 degrees offset from the second emitter module. FIG.3Adepicts an example master lighting module200A (e.g., such as the lighting module150A shown inFIG.2). The master lighting module200A may include a plurality of emitter modules210(e.g., four) mounted to a PCB202. The PCB202of the master lighting module200A may have a length that is defined in four units (e.g., four inches, four centimeters, etc.). It should be appreciated that the master lighting module200A may also have a length that is defined in three units. The master lighting module200A may include a master control circuit220(e.g., the master processor158shown inFIG.2) and an emitter control circuit230(e.g., the emitter processor156A shown inFIG.2). The master lighting module200A may also comprise a drive circuit (not shown) configured to conduct current through one or more emitters of each of the emitter modules210to cause the emitter modules to emit light. The emitter control circuit230may be configured to control the drive circuit to control the intensity level and/or color of the light emitted by the plurality of emitter modules210mounted to the PCB202of the master lighting module200A. The master control circuit220may be configured to receive messages (e.g., from a fixture controller such as the fixture controller520shown inFIG.6), for example, via the communication circuit240. The messages may include control data and/or commands for controlling the emitter modules210. The master control circuit220may be configured to control one or more other lighting modules, for example, drone lighting modules, based on receipt of the messages. For example, the messages may be received by the communication circuit240. The communication circuit240may relay the messages to the master control circuit220. The master control circuit220may send the messages to the emitter control circuit230of the master lighting module200A and to the emitter control circuit230of any other drone lighting module (e.g., such as the drone lighting modules200B,200C,200D,200E) of the lighting device. The master lighting module200A may include a connector250A (e.g., the connector132A shown inFIG.2) that is configured to connect the master lighting module200A to a fixture controller (e.g., such as the fixture controller520shown inFIG.6) or another lighting module (e.g., a drone lighting module). The connector250A may be a female connector. The master lighting module200A may include a socket260(e.g., one of the sockets159shown inFIG.2) that is configured to connect the master lighting module200A to an adjacent drone lighting module. The socket260may be configured to receive a cable (e.g., such as the cable160shown inFIG.2). For example, the socket260may comprise a zero-insertion force (ZIF) connector. AlthoughFIG.3Adepicts the master module200A having one socket260, it should be appreciated that the master module200A may have two sockets260(e.g., one at each end of the board202). For example, a lighting device may have more than one master module200A. When there are two or more master modules in a lighting device, the first master module may be a starter master module (e.g., such as master module200A) with one socket260and the second master module may be a master middle module with two sockets260. The master middle module may be configured to connect to two drone lighting modules (e.g., one on each side of the master middle module). FIG.3Bdepicts an example drone lighting module200B (e.g., a middle drone lighting module, such as the lighting module150B shown inFIG.2). The drone lighting module200B may include a plurality of emitter modules210(e.g., four) mounted to a PCB202. The PCB202of the drone lighting module200B may have a length that is defined in four units (e.g., four inches, four centimeters, etc.). The drone lighting200B may include an emitter control circuit230(e.g., the emitter processor156B shown inFIG.2). The drone lighting module200B may also comprise a drive circuit (not shown) configured to conduct current through one or more emitters of each of the emitter modules210to cause the emitter modules to emit light. The emitter control circuit230of the drone lighting module200B may receive messages from the master lighting module200A. The emitter control circuit230may be configured to control the drive circuit to control the intensity level and/or color of the light emitted by the plurality of emitter modules210mounted to the PCB202of the drone lighting module200B. The drone lighting module200B may include a pair of sockets260(e.g., two of the sockets159shown inFIG.2) that are configured to connect the drone lighting module200B to one or more adjacent drone lighting modules and/or a master lighting module. The sockets260may be configured to receive cables (e.g., such as the cables160shown inFIG.2). For example, the sockets260may comprise a zero-insertion force (ZIF) connectors. FIG.3Cdepicts another example drone lighting module200C (e.g., a middle drone lighting module). The drone lighting module200C may include a plurality of emitter modules210(e.g., three) mounted to a PCB202. The PCB202of the drone lighting module200C may have a length that is defined in three units (e.g., three inches, three centimeters, etc.). The drone lighting module200C may include an emitter control circuit230(e.g., an emitter processor). The emitter control circuit230of the drone lighting module200C may receive messages from the master lighting module200A. The drone lighting module200C may also comprise a drive circuit (not shown) configured to conduct current through one or more emitters of each of the emitter modules210to cause the emitter modules to emit light. The emitter control circuit230may be configured to control the drive circuit to control the intensity level and/or color of the light emitted by the plurality of emitter modules210mounted to the PCB202of the drone lighting module200C. The drone emitter PCB200C may include a pair of sockets260(e.g., two of the sockets159shown inFIG.2) that are configured to connect the drone lighting module200B to one or more adjacent drone lighting module and/or a master lighting module. The sockets260may be configured to receive cables (e.g., such as the cables160shown inFIG.2). For example, the sockets260may comprise a zero-insertion force (ZIF) connectors. FIG.3Ddepicts an example drone lighting module200D (e.g., an end drone lighting module, such as the lighting module150C shown inFIG.2). The drone lighting module200D may include a plurality of lighting modules210(e.g., four) mounted to a PCB202. The PCB202of the drone lighting module200D may have a length that is defined in four units (e.g., four inches, four centimeters, etc.). The drone lighting module200D may include an emitter control circuit230(e.g., the emitter processor156C shown inFIG.2). The emitter control circuit230of the drone lighting module200D may receive messages from the master lighting module200A. The drone lighting module200D may also comprise a drive circuit (not shown) configured to conduct current through one or more emitters of each of the emitter modules210to cause the emitter modules to emit light. The emitter control circuit230may be configured to control the drive circuit to control the intensity level and/or color of the light emitted by the plurality of emitter modules210mounted to the PCB202of the drone lighting module200D. The drone lighting module200D may include a connector250B (e.g., the connector132B shown inFIG.2) that is configured to connect the drone lighting module200D to another lighting device (e.g., a master lighting module of the other lighting device). The connector250B may be a male connector. The drone lighting module200D may include a socket260(e.g., one of the sockets159shown inFIG.2) that is configured to connect the drone lighting module200D to an adjacent drone lighting module or a master lighting module. The receptacle260may be configured to receive a cable (e.g., such as the cable160shown inFIG.2). For example, the socket260may comprise a zero-insertion force (ZIF) connector. FIG.3Edepicts an example drone lighting module200E (e.g., an end drone lighting module). The drone lighting module200E may include a plurality of emitter modules210(e.g., three) mounted to a PCB202. The PCB202of the drone lighting module200E may have a length that is defined in three units (e.g., three inches, three centimeters, etc.). The drone lighting module200E may include an emitter control circuit230(e.g., an emitter processor). The emitter control circuit230of the drone lighting module200E may receive messages from the master lighting module200A. The drone lighting module200E may also comprise a drive circuit (not shown) configured to conduct current through one or more emitters of each of the emitter modules210to cause the emitter modules to emit light. The emitter control circuit230may be configured to control the drive circuit to control the intensity level and/or color of the light emitted by the plurality of emitter modules210mounted to the PCB202of the drone lighting module200E. The drone lighting module200E may include a connector250B (e.g., the connector132B shown inFIG.2) that is configured to connect the drone lighting module200E to another lighting device (e.g., a master lighting module of the other lighting device). The connector250B may be a male connector. The drone lighting device200E may include a socket260(e.g., one of the sockets159shown inFIG.2) that is configured to connect the drone lighting device200E to an adjacent drone lighting module or a master lighting module. The socket260may be configured to receive a cable (e.g., such as the cable160shown inFIG.2). For example, the socket260may comprise a zero-insertion force (ZIF) connector. FIG.4Ais a top view of an example emitter module300(e.g., such as the emitter modules154shown inFIG.2and/or the emitter modules210shown inFIGS.3A-3E).FIG.4Bis a side cross-section view of the emitter module300taken through the center of the emitter module (e.g., through the line shown inFIG.4A). The emitter module300may comprise an array of four emitters310(e.g., emission LEDs) and two detectors312(e.g., detection LEDs) mounted on a substrate314and encapsulated by a dome316. The emitters310, the detectors312, the substrate314, and the dome316may form an optical system. The emitters310may each emit light of a different color (e.g., red, green, blue, and white or amber), and may be arranged in a square array as close as possible together in the center of the dome316, so as to approximate a centrally located point source. The detectors312may be any device that produces current indicative of incident light, such as a silicon photodiode or an LED. For example, the detectors312may each be an LED having a peak emission wavelength in the range of approximately 550 nm to 700 nm, such that the detectors312may not produce photocurrent in response to infrared light (e.g., to reduce interference from ambient light). For example, a first one of the detectors312may comprise a small red, orange or yellow LED, which may be used to measure a luminous flux of the light emitted by the red LED of the emitters310. A second one of the detectors312may comprise a green LED, which may be used to measure a respective luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the green and blue LEDs of the emitters310. Both of the detectors312may be used to measure the luminous flux of the white LED of the emitters310at different wavelengths (e.g., to characterize the spectrum of the light emitted by the white LED). The substrate314of the emitter module300may be a ceramic substrate formed from an aluminum nitride or an aluminum oxide material or some other reflective material, and may function to improve output efficiency of the emitter module300by reflecting light out of the emitter module through the dome316. The dome316may comprise an optically transmissive material, such as silicon or the like, and may be formed through an over-molding process, for example. A surface of the dome316may be lightly textured to increase light scattering and promote color mixing, as well as to reflect a small amount of the emitted light back toward the detectors312mounted on the substrate314(e.g., about 5%). The size of the dome316(e.g., a diameter of the dome in a plane of the LEDs310) may be generally dependent on the size of the LED array. The diameter of the dome may be substantially larger (e.g., about 1.5 to 4 times larger) than the diameter of the array of LEDs310to prevent occurrences of total internal reflection. The size and shape (e.g., curvature) of the dome316may also enhance color mixing when the emitter module300is mounted near other emitter modules (e.g., in a similar manner as the emitter modules210mounted to the emitter PCBs200A,200B,200C,200D,200E of the lighting device100). For example, the dome316may be a flat shallow dome as shown inFIG.4B. A radius rdomeof the dome316in the plane of the emitters310array may be, for example, approximately 20-30% larger than a radius rcurveof the curvature of the dome316. For example, the radius rdomeof the dome316in the plane of the LEDs310may be approximately 4.8 mm and the radius rcurveof the dome curvature (e.g., the maximum height of the dome316above the plane of the LEDs310) may be approximately 3.75 mm. Alternatively, the dome316may have a hemispherical shape. In addition, one skilled in the art would understand that alternative radii and ratios may be used to achieve the same or similar color mixing results. By configuring the dome316with a substantially flatter shape, the dome316allows a larger portion of the emitted light to emanate sideways from the emitter module300(e.g., in an X-Y plane as shown inFIGS.5A and5B). Stated another way, the shallow shape of the dome316allows a significant portion of the light emitted by the emitters310to exit the dome at small angles ° side relative to the horizontal plane of the array of emitters310. For example, the dome316may allow approximately 40% of the light emitted by the array of emitters310to exit the dome316at approximately 0 to 30 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of the array of emitters310. When the emitter module300is mounted near other emitter modules (e.g., as in a linear light source such as the lighting device100), the shallow shape of the dome316may improve color mixing in the lighting device by allowing a significant portion (e.g., 40%) of the light emitted from the sides of adjacent emitter modules to intermix before that light is reflected back out of the lighting device. Examples of emitter modules, such as the emitter module200, are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 10,161,786, issued Dec. 25, 2018, entitled EMITTER MODULE FOR AN LED ILLUMINATION DEVICE, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIG.5is a perspective view of a lighting fixture assembly401comprising a plurality of example lighting devices400A,400B,400C (e.g., linear lighting fixtures) connected (e.g., serially-connected) together. The lighting devices400A,400B,400C may be an example of the lighting device100shown inFIGS.1,2. The lighting devices400A,400B,400C may be directly connected (e.g., via an end-to-end connection410) or via a wired connection420. For example, the lighting device400A may be directly connected to the lighting device400B using an end-to-end connection410. The end-to-end connection410may include a male connector (e.g., such as the connector132B shown inFIG.1and/or the connector250B shown inFIGS.3D,3E) of the lighting device400A engaging with (e.g., received within) a female connector (e.g., such as the connector132A shown inFIGS.1,2and/or the connector250A shown inFIG.3A). Although the end-to-end connection410is shown as a straight connection, it should be appreciated that the end-to-end connection410may also include an angled connection (e.g., such as a 90-degree connection). The lighting device400B may be connected to the lighting device400C using the wired connection420. The wired connection420may include a cable422that is configured to engage (e.g., received by or within) with a connector (e.g., such as the connector132B shown inFIG.1and/or the connector250B shown inFIGS.3D,3E) of the lighting device400B. The cable422may be configured to engage (e.g., received by or within) with a connector (e.g., such as the connector132A shown inFIGS.1,2and/or the connector250A shown inFIG.3A) of the lighting device400C. For example, the cable422may define connectors424A,424B configured to mate with the connectors of the lighting device400A,400B. The length of the cable422may be configured based on the installation location of the lighting devices400B,400C. AlthoughFIG.5depicts three lighting devices400A,400B,400C connected together using the end-to-end connection410and the wired connection420, it should be appreciated that more or fewer than three lighting devices may be connected together using any combination of end-to-end connections410and/or wired connections420. FIG.6is a simplified block diagram of a lighting system500. The lighting system500may include a fixture controller520(e.g., a controller and/or a lighting controller) and a lighting fixture assembly (e.g., such as the lighting fixture assembly401shown inFIG.5) that includes a plurality of serially-connected lighting devices510A,510B (e.g., such as the lighting device100shown inFIGS.1,2and/or the lighting devices400A,400B,400C shown inFIG.5), and wiring that is used to connect the fixture controller520and/or lighting devices510A,510B to one another (e.g., the cable422). The fixture controller520may receive a line voltage input (e.g., an alternating-current (AC) mains line voltage from an AC power source) and may generate a bus voltage (e.g., a direct-current (DC) bus voltage) on a power bus530(e.g., power wiring) for powering the plurality of lighting devices510A,510B. Each of the lighting devices510A,510B may include one or more master lighting modules512(e.g., such as the master lighting module200A shown inFIG.3A) and one or more drone lighting modules514(e.g., such as the drone lighting modules200B,200C,200D,200E shown inFIGS.3B-3E). Each of the master lighting modules512and the drone lighting modules514of the lighting devices510A,510B may be coupled to the power bus530for receiving the bus voltage. Although the master lighting module512is illustrated in closest proximity to the fixture controller520, in some examples the lighting devices510A may be connected to the fixture controller520(e.g., rotated or flipped) such that the drone lighting module514is located between the fixture controller520and the master lighting module512. The fixture controller520may comprise one or more communication circuits that are configured to communicate (e.g., transmit and/or receive) messages. The fixture controller520may be configured to communicate the messages on a wireless communication link, such as a radio-frequency (RF) communication link (e.g., via wireless signals) and/or via a wired communication link (e.g., a digital or analog communication link). The fixture controller520may be configured to receive messages including control data and/or commands for controlling the lighting devices510A,510B (e.g., for controlling the intensity level and/or color of the lighting devices510A,510B) from external devices for example, other control devices of a load control system, such as a remote control device and/or a system controller. In addition, the fixture controller520may be configured to transmit messages including control data and/or commands for controlling the lighting devices510A,510B (e.g., for controlling the intensity level and/or color of the lighting devices510A,510B) to the lighting devices510A,510B (e.g., the master lighting modules512). One fixture controller (e.g., such as the fixture controller520) may be used to control and/or power a plurality of lighting devices (e.g., such as the lighting devices510A,510B) of the lighting system500that are connected together (e.g., serially-connected together). The fixture controller520may be configured to communicate messages with the plurality of linear lighting devices510A,510B. For example, the fixture controller520may transmit one or more messages to the master lighting modules512in each of the plurality of lighting devices510A,510B via a master communication bus540(e.g., a first wired digital communication link, such as an RS-485 communication link). In some examples, the master communication bus540may be connected to the master lighting modules512(e.g., all of the master lighting modules512), but not the drone lighting modules514. Each of the master lighting modules512may comprise a master communication circuit for transmitting and/or receiving messages on the master communication bus540. In some examples, such as when the master communication bus540is an RS-485 communication link, the master communication circuit may be an RS-485 transceiver. The messages may include control data and/or commands for controlling the lighting devices510A,510B (e.g., intensity level, color control information, and/or the like, requests for information, e.g., such as address information, from the lighting devices510A,510B, etc). The master lighting module512may be coupled to a plurality of the drone lighting modules514via one or more electrical connections, such as a drone communication bus550(e.g., an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) communication link), timing signal lines560(e.g., timing signal electrical conductors), and/or an interrupt request (IRQ) signal line570(e.g., an IRQ electrical conductor). The master lighting modules512may receive the messages from the fixture controller520, and may relay the messages to the drone lighting modules514via the drone communication bus550. For example, the master lighting modules512may convert the messages from the RS-485 communication protocol to the I2C communication protocol for transmission over the drone communication bus550. In some examples, the master lighting module512may communication control messages including control data and/or command (e.g., intensity level and/or color control commands) over the drone communication bus550. The fixture controller520may be configured to control the intensity level and/or color (e.g., color temperature) of the light emitted by each of the master lighting modules512and the drone lighting modules514. The fixture controller520may be configured to individually or collectively control the intensity levels and/or colors of each of the master lighting modules512and the drone lighting modules514. For example, the fixture controller520may be configured to control the master lighting modules512and the drone lighting modules514of one of the lighting devices510A,510B to the same intensity level and/or the same color, or to different intensity levels and/or different colors. Further, in some examples, the fixture controller520may be configured to control the master lighting modules512and the drone lighting modules514of one of the lighting devices510A,510B to different intensity levels and/or colors in an organized manner to provide a visual effect, for example, to provide a gradient of intensity levels and/or colors along the length of one or more of the linear lighting devices510A,510B. Each of the drone lighting modules514may be configured to use the IRQ signal line570to signal to the respective master lighting module512that service is needed and/or that the drone lighting module512has a message to transmit to the master lighting module512. In some examples, the IRQ signal line570may be used to configure the drone lighting modules514, for example, to determine the order and/or location of each drone lighting module514that is part of the lighting device. As described in more detail herein, the master lighting modules512may receive messages from the fixture controller520via the master communication bus540. In some examples, the fixture controller520may be configured to interrupt the transmission of the messages on the master communication bus540to generate a synchronization pulse (e.g., a synchronization frame). The fixture controller520may generate the synchronization pulse periodically on the master communication bus540during periods where other communication across the master communication bus540is not occurring. The master lighting modules512may be configured to generate a timing signal that is received by the drone lighting modules514on the timing signal lines560. In some examples, the master lighting module512may receive the synchronization pulse from the fixture controller520, and in response, generate the timing signal on the timing signal lines560, where for example, the timing signal may be a sinusoidal waveform that is generated at a frequency that is determined based on a frequency of synchronization pulse received from the fixture controller120. The master lighting module512and the drone lighting modules514may use the timing signal to coordinate a timing at which the master lighting module512and the drone lighting modules514can perform a measurement procedure (e.g., to reduce the likelihood that any module causes interference with the measurement procedure of another module). For example, the master lighting module512and the drone lighting modules514may use the timing signal to determine a time to measure optical feedback information of the lighting loads of its module to, for example, perform color and/or intensity level control refinement, when other master and drone lighting modules are not emitting light. FIG.7is a simplified block diagram of an example fixture controller700(e.g., a lighting controller such as the fixture controller520shown inFIG.6). The fixture controller700may comprise a radio frequency interference (RFI) filter and rectifier circuit750, which may receive a source voltage, such as an AC mains line voltage VAC, via a hot connection H and a neutral connection N. The radio frequency interference (RFI) filter and rectifier circuit750may be configured to generate a rectified voltage VRfrom the AC mains line voltage VAC. The radio frequency interference (RFI) filter and rectifier circuit750may also be configured to minimize the noise provided on the AC mains (e.g., at the hot connection H and the neutral connection N). The fixture controller700may also comprise a power converter circuit752that may receive the rectified voltage VRand generate a bus voltage VBUS(e.g., having a magnitude of approximately 15-20V) across a bus capacitor CBUS. The fixture controller700may output the bus voltage VBUSvia connectors730to a power bus (e.g., the power bus530) between the fixture controller700and one or more lighting modules. The power converter circuit752may comprise, for example, a boost converter, a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a flyback converter, a single-ended primary-inductance converter (SEPIC), a Ćuk converter, and/or any other suitable power converter circuit for generating an appropriate bus voltage. In some examples, the power converter circuit752may comprise a controller (e.g., processor) that is internal to the power converter circuit752that is configured to control the operation of the power converter circuit752. The fixture controller700may comprise a power supply748that may receive the bus voltage VBUSand generate a supply voltage VCCwhich may be used to power one or more circuits (e.g., low voltage circuits) of the fixture controller700. The fixture controller700may comprise a fixture control circuit736. The fixture control circuit736may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable processing device or controller. The fixture control circuit736may be powered by the power supply748(e.g., the supply voltage VCC). The fixture controller700may comprise a memory746configured to store information (e.g., one or more operational characteristics of the fixture controller700) associated with the fixture controller700. For example, the memory746may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the fixture control circuit736. The fixture controller700may include a serial communication circuit738, which may be configured to communicate on a serial communication bus740via connectors732. For example, the serial communication bus740may be an example of the master communication bus540(e.g., a wired digital communication link, such as an RS-485 communication link). The serial communication bus740may comprise a termination resistor734, which may be coupled across the lines of the serial communication bus740. For example, the resistance of the termination resistor734may match the differential-mode characteristic impedance of the master communication bus740to minimize reflections on the master communication bus740. The fixture control circuit736may control the serial communication circuit738to transmit messages to one or more master lighting modules (e.g., the master lighting modules200A, the master lighting modules512, and/or the master lighting module800) via the serial communication bus740, for example, to control one or more characteristics of the master lighting modules. For example, the fixture control circuit736may transmit control signals to the master lighting modules for controlling the intensity level (e.g., brightness) and/or the color (e.g., color temperature) of light emitted by the master lighting module(s) (e.g., light sources of the master lighting module). Further, the fixture control circuit736may be configured to control the operation of drone modules (e.g., middle and/or end drone modules, such as the drone lighting modules200B,200C,200D,200E, and/or514) indirectly by communicating messages to the master lighting modules via the serial communication circuit738and the serial communication bus740. For example, the fixture control circuit736may control the intensity level and/or the color of light emitted by the drone lighting modules. The fixture control circuit736may receive an input from a line sync circuit754. The line sync circuit754may receive the rectified voltage VR. Alternatively or additionally, the line sync circuit754may receive the AC mains line voltage VACdirectly from the hot connection H and the neutral connection N. For example, the line sync circuit754may comprise a zero-cross detect circuit that may be configured to generate a zero-cross signal VZCthat may indicate the zero-crossings of the AC mains line voltage VAC. The fixture control circuit736may use the zero-cross signal VZCfrom the line sync circuit754, for example, to generate a synchronization pulse on the master communication bus740(e.g., the master communication bus540), for instance, to synchronize the fixture controller700and/or devices controlled by the fixture controller700in accordance with the frequency of the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., utilizing the timing of the zero crossings of the AC mains line voltage VAC). The fixture control circuit736may be configured to generate a synchronization pulse (e.g., a synchronization frame) on the serial communication bus740. The fixture control circuit736may use the zero-cross signal VZCfrom the line sync circuit754, for example, to generate the synchronization pulse on the serial communication bus740in accordance with the frequency of the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., utilizing the timing of a zero crossing of the AC mains line voltage VAC). The synchronization pulse may include either a digital or analog signal. In some examples, the synchronization pulse is a synchronization frame that is generated on the serial communication bus740. In such examples, the fixture control circuit736may be configured to halt transmitting messages on the serial communication bus740when generating the synchronization pulse on the serial communication bus740. As such, the synchronization pulse may be used by the master lighting modules to generate a timing signal that may be used by the master lighting module and the drone lighting modules to coordinate the timing at which the master lighting module and the drone lighting modules can perform a measurement procedure. For example, the synchronization pulse may be generated during a frame sync period that may occur on a periodic basis and during which the synchronization pulse may be generated. Further, as described in more detail herein, the synchronization pulse may be received by the master lighting module(s) connected to the serial communication bus740, and the master lighting modules may be configured to generate a timing signal that may be received by the drone lighting modules514via a separate electrical connection (e.g., the timing signal lines560). The fixture control circuit736may be configured to receive messages (e.g., one or more signals) from the master lighting modules via the serial communication bus740. For example, the master lighting modules may transmit feedback information regarding the state of the master lighting modules and/or the drone lighting modules via the serial communication bus740. The serial communication circuit738may receive messages from the master lighting modules, for example, in response to a query transmitted by the fixture control circuit736. Further, in some examples, the fixture control circuit736may be configured to receive an overload signal VOLfrom the power converter circuit752, where the overload signal VOLmay indicate that the power converter circuit752is experiencing an overload condition. As described in more detail herein, an overload condition may arise when there is too much load connected to the fixture controller700, such as when there are too many lighting modules connected to the fixture control700(e.g., the total length of lighting modules connected to the fixture controller700exceeds a maximum allowable length for the lighting assembly (e.g., 50 feet)). Also, in some examples, the power converter circuit752may be configured to shut down in response to an overload condition. For instance, the power converter circuit752may be configured to render a controllable switching device(s) of the power converter to be non-conductive) in response to the overload condition (e.g., in response to detecting too much load connected to the fixture controller700). Further, in some instances, if the power converter circuit detects too much load (e.g., more than the maximum number of lighting modules), the power converter circuit may shut down, which may bring the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto below the threshold voltage, and then turn back on, which may cause the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto swing. The fixture controller700may comprise a wireless communication circuit744. The fixture control circuit736may be configured to transmit and/or receive messages via the wireless communication circuit744. The wireless communication circuit744may comprise a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna742for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit744may be an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, or an infrared (IR) transmitter and/or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuit744may be configured to transmit and/or receive messages (e.g., via the antenna742). For example, the wireless communication circuit744may transmit messages in response to a signal received from the fixture control circuit736. The fixture control circuit736may be configured to transmit and/or receive, for example, feedback information regarding the status of one or more lighting devices such as the lighting devices100,400A,400B,400C,510A,510B and/or messages including control data and/or commands for controlling one or more lighting devices. The fixture controller700may comprise a voltage feedback circuit756. The voltage feedback circuit756may be coupled across the power bus (e.g., the portion of the power bus530that resides within the fixture controller700) between the output of the power converter circuit752and the connectors730. The voltage feedback circuit756may generate a voltage feedback signal VV-FBthat indicate the magnitude of the voltage of the bus voltage VBUS, and may provide the voltage feedback signal VV-FBto the fixture control circuit736. As such, the fixture control circuit736may be configured to determine the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSbased on the voltage feedback signal VV-FB. Further, as described in more detail herein, in some examples the fixture control circuit736may be configured to detect an overload condition based on the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSdropping below a threshold voltage (e.g., 15 V) (e.g., and in some instance rises above another threshold voltage, such as 19 V, multiple times). In response to detecting an overload condition, the fixture control circuit736may be configured to cause one or more of the lighting modules of the lighting assembly connected to the power bus to reduce their maximum power (e.g., the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters of the emitter module of each of the one or more lighting modules). The fixture controller700may comprise a current feedback circuit758. The current feedback circuit758may be coupled in series on the power bus (e.g., the portion of the power bus530that resides within the fixture controller700) between the output of the power converter circuit752and the connectors730. The current feedback circuit758may generate a current feedback signal VI-FBthat indicate the magnitude of a current of a bus current IBUS, and may provide the current feedback signal VI-FBto the fixture control circuit736. As such, the fixture control circuit736may be configured to determine the magnitude of the bus current IBUSbased on the current feedback signal VI-FB. FIG.8is a simplified block diagram of an example master lighting module800(e.g., a starter module such as the master modules150A,200A, and/or512) of a lighting device (e.g., such as the lighting device100shown inFIGS.1,2the lighting devices400A,400B,400C shown inFIG.5, and/or the lighting devices510A,510B shown inFIG.6) of a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system500shown inFIG.6). Each lighting device of the lighting system may include a master lighting module800and one or more drone lighting modules (e.g., the drone modules150B,150C,200B-200E,514). The master lighting module800may be the first module of the lighting device. That is, when reviewing the physical order of the master and drone lighting modules of a lighting device, the master lighting module800may be the first lighting module to receive the bus voltage. Alternatively, in other examples, one or more drone lighting modules may be the first module of the lighting device (e.g., the drone lighting modules may receive the bus voltage prior to the master lighting module800). The master lighting module800may comprise one or more emitter modules810(e.g., the emitter modules154,210, and/or300), where each emitter module810may include one or more strings of emitters811,812,813,814. Although each of the emitters811,812,813,814is shown inFIG.8as a single LED, each of the emitters811,812,813,814may comprise a plurality of LEDs connected in series (e.g., a chain of LEDs), a plurality of LEDs connected in parallel, or a suitable combination thereof, depending on the particular lighting system. In addition, each of the emitters811,812,813,814may comprise one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). For example, the first emitter811may represent a chain of red LEDs, the second emitter812may represent a chain of blue LEDs, the third emitter813may represent a chain of green LEDs, and the fourth emitter814may represent a chain of white or amber LEDs. The master lighting module800may control the emitters811,812,813,814to adjust an intensity level (e.g., a luminous flux or a brightness) and/or a color (e.g., a color temperature) of a cumulative light output of the master lighting module800. The emitter module810may also comprise one or more detectors816,818(e.g., the detectors312) that may generate respective detector signals (e.g., photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2) in response to incident light. In examples, the detectors816,818may be photodiodes. For example, the first detector816may represent a single red, orange or yellow LED, or multiple red, orange or yellow LEDs in parallel, and the second detector818may represent a single green LED or multiple green LEDs in parallel. The master lighting module800may comprise a power supply848that may receive a source voltage, such as a bus voltage (e.g., the bus voltage VBUSon the power bus530), via a first connector830. The power supply848may generate an internal DC supply voltage VCCwhich may be used to power one or more circuits (e.g., low voltage circuits) of the master lighting module800. The master lighting module800may comprise an LED drive circuit832. The LED drive circuit832may be configured to control (e.g., individually control) the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters811,812,813,814of the emitter module810. The LED drive circuit832may receive the bus voltage VBUSand may adjust magnitudes of respective LED drive currents ILED1, ILED2, ILED3, ILED4conducted through the emitters811,812,813,814. The LED drive circuit832may comprise one or more regulation circuits (e.g., four regulation circuits), such as switching regulators (e.g., buck converters) for controlling the magnitudes of the respective LED drive currents ILED1-ILED4. An example of the LED drive circuit832is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,485,813, issued Nov. 1, 2016, entitled ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AVOIDING AN OVER-POWER OR OVER-CURRENT CONDITION IN A POWER CONVERTER, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The master lighting module800may comprise a receiver circuit834that may be electrically coupled to the detectors816,818of the emitter module810for generating respective optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2in response to the photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2. The receiver circuit834may comprise one or more trans-impedance amplifiers (e.g., two trans impedance amplifiers) for converting the respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2into the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2. For example, the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2may have DC magnitudes that indicate the magnitudes of the respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2. The master lighting module800may comprise an emitter control circuit836for controlling the LED drive circuit832to control the intensities and/or colors of the emitters811,812,813,814of the emitter module810. The emitter control circuit836may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable processing device or controller. The emitter control circuit836may be powered by the power supply848(e.g., receiving the voltage VCC). The emitter control circuit836may generate one or more drive signals VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, VDR4for controlling the respective regulation circuits in the LED drive circuit832. The emitter control circuit836may receive the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2from the receiver circuit834for determining the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by the emitters811,812,813,814. The emitter control circuit836may receive a plurality of emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1, VFE2, VFE3, VFE4from the LED drive circuit832and a plurality of detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2from the receiver circuit834. The emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4may be representative of the magnitudes of the forward voltages of the respective emitters811,812,813,814, which may indicate temperatures TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4of the respective emitters. If each emitter811,812,813,814comprises multiple LEDs electrically coupled in series, the emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4may be representative of the magnitude of the forward voltage across a single one of the LEDs or the cumulative forward voltage developed across multiple LEDs in the chain (e.g., all of the series-coupled LEDs in the chain). The detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2may be representative of the magnitudes of the forward voltages of the respective detectors816,818, which may indicate temperatures TD1, TD2of the respective detectors. For example, the detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2may be equal to the forward voltages VFDof the respective detectors816,818. The master lighting module800may comprise a master control circuit850. The master control circuit850may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable processing device or controller. The master control circuit850may be electrically coupled to a fixture controller (e.g., the fixture controllers520,700) via a communication bus840(e.g., a master communication bus, such as an RS-485 communication link). The master control circuit850may be electrically coupled to the drone lighting modules via one or more electrical connections, such as a communication bus842(e.g., a drone communication bus, such as an I2C communication link), a timing signal lines844, and/or an IRQ signal line846. The master control circuit850may be powered by the power supply848(e.g., receiving the voltage VCC). The master lighting module800may comprise a serial communication circuit854that couples the master control circuit850to the communication bus840. The serial communication circuit854may be configured to communicate with the fixture controller on the communication bus840. For example, the communication bus840may be an example of the communication bus540and/or the communication bus740. The master lighting module800may comprise a termination resistor858coupled in series with a controllable switching circuit856between the lines of the communication bus840. For example, the resistance of the termination resistor858may match the differential-mode characteristic impedance of the master communication bus840to minimize reflections on the communication bus840. The master control circuit850may be configured to control the controllable switching circuit856to control when the termination resistor858is coupled between the liens of the communication but840. The master control circuit850be configured to determine the target intensity level LTRGTfor the master lighting module800and/or one or more drone lighting modules in response to messages received via the serial communication circuit854(e.g., via the communication bus840from the fixture controller). For example, the master control circuit850may be configured to control the emitter control circuit836to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness or luminous flux) and/or the color (e.g., color temperature) of the cumulative light emitted by the emitter module810of the master lighting module800, for example, in response to messages received via the communication bus840. That is, the master control circuit850may be configured to control the emitter control circuit836, for example, to control the LED drive circuit832and the emitter module810. The master control circuit850may be configured to communicate with the one or more drone lighting modules via the communication bus842(e.g., using the I2C communication protocol). The communication bus842may be, for example, the drone communication bus550. For example, the master control circuit850may be configured to transmit messages including control data and/or commands to the drone lighting modules via the communication bus842to control the emitter modules of one or more drone lighting modules to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness or luminous flux) and/or the color (e.g., color temperature) of the cumulative light emitted by the emitter modules of the drone lighting modules, for example, in response to messages received via the communication bus840. The master control circuit850may be configured to adjust a present intensity level LPRES(e.g., a present brightness) of the cumulative light emitted by the master lighting module800and/or drone lighting modules towards a target intensity level LTRGT(e.g., a target brightness). The target intensity level LTRGTmay be in a range across a dimming range, e.g., between a low-end intensity level LLE(e.g., a minimum intensity level, such as approximately 0.1%-1.0%) and a high-end intensity level LHE(e.g., a maximum intensity level, such as approximately 100%). The master lighting module800(e.g., and/or the drone lighting modules) may be configured to adjust a present color temperature TPRESof the cumulative light emitted by the master lighting module800(e.g., and/or the drone lighting modules) towards a target color temperature TTRGT. In some examples, the target color temperature TTRGTmay be in a range between a cool-white color temperature (e.g., approximately 3100-4500 K) and a warm-white color temperature (e.g., approximately 2000-3000 K). In examples, the master control circuit850may receive a synchronization pulse on the communication bus840(e.g., from the fixture controller700). The synchronization pulse may include either a digital or analog signal. In some examples, the synchronization pulse is a sync frame that is generated on the communication bus840. In such examples, the master control circuit850may be configured to not transmit messages with the fixture controller on the communication bus840during a frame sync period when the synchronization pulse may be received. As such, the synchronization pulse may be used by the master control circuit850to generate a timing signal that may be used by the master lighting module and the drone lighting modules to coordinate the timing at which the master lighting module800and the drone lighting modules can perform a measurement procedure. For example, the synchronization pulse may be generated during a frame sync period that may occur on a periodic basis and during which the synchronization pulse may be generated. The master control circuit850may be configured to generate a timing signal, for example, on the timing signal lines844(e.g., the timing signal lines560). The master control circuit850may be configured to generate the timing signal in response to the synchronization pulse. In some examples, the timing signal may be a sinusoidal waveform that is generated at a frequency that is determined based on the frequency of synchronization pulse received from the fixture controller. The emitter control circuit836of the master lighting module800and emitter module control circuits of the drone lighting modules (e.g., the drone lighting modules connected to the communication bus844) may receive the timing signal generated by the master control circuit850. As noted herein, the master lighting module800and the drone lighting modules may use the timing signal to coordinate a timing at which the master lighting module800and the drone lighting modules514can perform the measurement procedure (e.g., to reduce the likelihood that any module causes interference with the measurement procedure of another module). For example, the master lighting module800and the drone lighting modules may use the timing signal to determine a time to measure optical feedback information of the lighting loads of its module to, for example, perform color and/or intensity level control refinement, when other master and drone lighting modules are not emitting light. The master control circuit850may also be configured to receive an indication from the emitter control circuit836and/or an emitter control circuit of one of the drone lighting modules requires service and/or has a message to transmit to the master lighting module800via the IRQ signal line846(e.g., such as the IRQ signal line570shown inFIG.6). In examples, an emitter control circuit may signal to the master control circuit850via the IRQ signal line846that the emitter control circuit needs to be serviced. In addition, an emitter control circuit may signal to the master control circuit850via the IRQ signal line846that the emitter control circuit has a message to transmit to the master control circuit850. Further, the master control circuit850may be configured to determine the order and/or location of each drone lighting module using the IRQ signal line846. The master lighting module800may comprise a memory852configured to store information (e.g., one or more operational characteristics of the master lighting module800such as the target intensity level LTRGT, the target color temperature TTRGT, the low-end intensity level LLE, the high-end intensity level LHE, and/or the like). The memory852may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the master control circuit850. When the master lighting module800is powered on, the master control circuit850may be configured to control the master lighting module800(e.g., the emitters of the master lighting module800) to emit light substantially all of the time. The emitter control circuit836may be configured to disrupt the normal emission of light to execute the measurement procedure during periodic measurement intervals. During the periodic measurement intervals, the emitter control circuit836may measure one or more operational characteristics of the master lighting module800. The measurement intervals may occur based on the timing signal on the synchronization lines844(e.g., which may be based on zero-crossing events of the AC mains line voltage VAC). The emitter control circuit836may be configured to receive the timing signal and determine the specific timing of the periodic measurement intervals (e.g., a frequency of a periodic measurement intervals) based on (e.g., in response to) the timing signal. For example, during the measurement intervals, the emitter control circuit836may be configured to individually turn on each of the different-colored emitters811,812,813,814of the master lighting module800(e.g., while turning off the other emitters) and measure the luminous flux of the light emitted by that emitter using one of the two detectors816,818. For example, the emitter control circuit836may turn on the first emitter811of the emitter module810(e.g., at the same time as turning off the other emitters812,813,814) and determine the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by the first emitter811in response to the first optical feedback signal VFB1generated from the first detector816. In addition, the emitter control circuit836may be configured to drive the emitters811,812,813,814and the detectors816,818to generate the emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4and the detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2during the measurement intervals. Methods of measuring the operational characteristics of emitter modules in a lighting device are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,598, issued May 3, 2016, entitled INTERFERENCE-RESISTANT COMPENSATION FOR ILLUMINATION DEVICES HAVING MULTIPLE EMITTER MODULES; U.S. Pat. No. 9,392,660, issued Jul. 12, 2016, entitled LED ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND CALIBRATION METHOD FOR ACCURATELY CHARACTERIZING THE EMISSION LEDS AND PHOTODETECTOR(S) INCLUDED WITHIN THE LED ILLUMINATION DEVICE; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,392,663, issued Jul. 12, 2016, entitled ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ILLUMINATION DEVICE OVER CHANGES IN DRIVE CURRENT AND TEMPERATURE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Calibration values for the various operational characteristics of the master lighting module800may be stored in the memory852as part of a calibration procedure performed during manufacturing of the master lighting module800. Calibration values may be stored for each of the emitters811,812,813,814and/or the detectors816,818of the emitter module800. For example, calibration values may be stored for measured values of luminous flux (e.g., in lumens), X-chromaticity, y-chromaticity, emitter forward voltage, photodiode current, and/or detector forward voltage. For example, the luminous flux, x-chromaticity, and/or y-chromaticity measurements may be obtained from the emitters811,812,813,814using an external calibration tool, such as a spectrophotometer. In examples, the master lighting module800may measure the values for the emitter forward voltages, photodiode currents, and/or detector forward voltages internally. An external calibration tool and/or the master lighting module800may measure the calibration values for each of the emitters811,812,813,814and/or the detectors816,818at a plurality of different drive currents, and/or at a plurality of different operating temperatures. After installation, the master lighting module800of the lighting device may use the calibration values stored in the memory852to maintain a constant light output from the master lighting module800. The master control circuit850may determine target values for the luminous flux to be emitted from the emitters811,812,813,814to achieve the target intensity level LTRGTand/or the target color temperature TTRGTfor the master lighting module800. The emitter control circuit836may determine the magnitudes for the respective drive currents ILED1-ILED4for the emitters811,812,813,814based on the determined target values for the luminous flux to be emitted from the emitters811,812,813,814. When the age of the master lighting module800is zero, the magnitudes of the respective drive currents ILED1-ILED4for the emitters811,812,813,814may be controlled to initial magnitudes LED-INITIAL. The light output (e.g., a maximum light output and/or the light output at a specific current or frequency) of the master lighting module800may decrease as the emitters811,812,813,814age. The emitter control circuit836may be configured to increase the magnitudes of the drive current IDR for the emitters811,812,813,814to adjusted magnitudes LED-ADJUSTED to achieve the determined target values for the luminous flux of the target intensity level LTRGTand/or the target color temperature TTRGT. Methods of adjusting the drive currents of emitters to achieve a constant light output as the emitters age are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,769,899, issued Sep. 19, 2017, entitled ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND AGE COMPENSATION METHOD, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Further, in some examples, the master lighting module800may comprise a voltage feedback circuit866. The voltage feedback circuit866may be coupled across the power bus (e.g., the portion of the power bus530that resides within master lighting module800) between the connectors830. The voltage feedback circuit866may generate a voltage feedback signal VV-FBthat indicate the magnitude of the voltage of the bus voltage VBUS, and may provide the voltage feedback signal VV-FBto the master control circuit850. As such, the master control circuit850may be configured to determine the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSbased on the voltage feedback signal VV-FB. As noted in more detail below, in some examples, if the master control circuit850detects that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSfalls below a threshold voltage (e.g., 15 V), the master control circuit850may be configured to cause the emitters of the master lighting module800to turn off (e.g., control the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters811,812,813,814of the emitter module810to zero). The master control circuit850may turn off the emitters when the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSfalls below the threshold voltage to, for example, ensure that the control circuits and communication circuitry (e.g., the master control circuit850, the emitter control circuit836, and/or the serial communication circuit854) of the master lighting module800remains powered. Further, although described in reference to the master control circuit850, in some examples the emitter control circuit836may receive the voltage feedback signal VV-FBand control the emitters accordingly. The master lighting module800may comprise a current feedback circuit868. The current feedback circuit868may be coupled in series on the power bus (e.g., the portion of the power bus530that resides within the master lighting module800) between the connectors830. The current feedback circuit868may generate a current feedback signal VI-FBthat indicate the magnitude of a current of a bus current IBUS, and may provide the current feedback signal VI-FBto the master control circuit850. As such, the master control circuit850may be configured to determine the magnitude of the bus current IBUSbased on the current feedback signal VI-FB. Further, although described in reference to the master control circuit850, in some examples the emitter control circuit836may receive the current feedback signal VI-FB. FIG.9is a simplified block diagram of an example drone lighting module900(e.g., a middle drone lighting module such as middle drone lighting modules150B,200B, and/or200C shown inFIGS.2,3B, and3C) of a lighting device (e.g., such as the lighting device100shown inFIGS.1,2the lighting devices400A,400B,400C shown inFIG.5, and/or the lighting devices510A,510B shown inFIG.6) of a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system500shown inFIG.6). The middle drone lighting module900may be a middle module of the lighting device. The middle drone lighting module900may include any drone lighting module that resides between the master lighting module (e.g., the master module150A,200A,512, and/or the master lighting module800) and another drone lighting module of the lighting device. The middle drone lighting module900may comprise one or more emitter modules910(e.g., such as the emitter modules154,210, and/or300). For example, the middle drone lighting module900may comprise an emitter module910that may include one or more strings of emitters911,912,913,914. Each of the emitters911,912,913,914is shown inFIG.9as a single LED, but may each comprise a plurality of LEDs connected in series (e.g., a chain of LEDs), a plurality of LEDs connected in parallel, or a suitable combination thereof, depending on the particular lighting system. In addition, each of the emitters911,912,913,914may comprise one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). For example, the first emitter911may represent a chain of red LEDs, the second emitter912may represent a chain of blue LEDs, the third emitter913may represent a chain of green LEDs, and the fourth emitter914may represent a chain of white or amber LEDs. The middle drone lighting module900may control the emitters911,912,913,914to adjust an intensity level (e.g., a luminous flux or a brightness) and/or a color (e.g., a color temperature) of a cumulative light output of the middle drone lighting module900. The emitter module910may also comprise one or more detectors916,918(e.g., the detectors312) that may generate respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2(e.g., detector signals) in response to incident light. In examples, the detectors916,918may be photodiodes. For example, the first detector916may represent a single red, orange or yellow LED or multiple red, orange or yellow LEDs in parallel, and the second detector918may represent a single green LED or multiple green LEDs in parallel. The middle drone lighting module900may comprise a power supply948that may receive a source voltage, such as a bus voltage (e.g., the bus voltage VBUSon the power bus530), via a first connector930. The power supply948may generate an internal DC supply voltage VCCwhich may be used to power one or more circuits (e.g., low voltage circuits) of the middle drone lighting module900, such as the emitter control circuit936. The middle drone lighting module900may comprise an LED drive circuit932. The LED drive circuit932may be configured to control (e.g., individually controlling) the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters911,912,913,914of the emitter module910. The LED drive circuit932may receive the bus voltage VBUSand may adjust magnitudes of respective LED drive currents ILED1, ILED2, ILED3, ILED4conducted through the emitters911,912,913,914. The LED drive circuit932may comprise one or more regulation circuits (e.g., four regulation circuits), such as switching regulators (e.g., buck converters) for controlling the magnitudes of the respective LED drive currents ILED1-ILED4. The middle drone lighting module900may comprise a receiver circuit934that may be electrically coupled to the detectors916,918of the emitter module910for generating respective optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2in response to the photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2. The receiver circuit934may comprise one or more trans-impedance amplifiers (e.g., two trans impedance amplifiers) for converting the respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2into the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2. For example, the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2may have DC magnitudes that indicate the magnitudes of the respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2. The middle drone lighting module900may comprise an emitter control circuit936for controlling the LED drive circuit932to control the intensities and/or colors of the emitters911,912,913,914of the emitter module910. The emitter control circuit936may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable processing device or controller. The emitter control circuit936may be electrically coupled to a master lighting module via one or more electrical connections, such as the communication bus842(e.g., a drone communication bus, such as an I2C communication link), the timing signal line844, and/or the IRQ signal line846. The emitter control circuit936may be configured to communicate with a master lighting module via the communication bus842(e.g., using the I2C communication protocol). The communication bus842may be, for example, the drone communication bus550. For example, the emitter control circuit936may be configured to receive messages including control data and/or commands from the master lighting module via the communication bus842to control the emitter modules910to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness or luminous flux) and/or the color (e.g., color temperature) of the cumulative light emitted by the emitter modules910of the middle drone lighting module900. The emitter control circuit936may be powered by the power supply948(e.g., receiving the voltage VCC). The emitter control circuit936may generate one or more drive signals VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, VDR4for controlling the respective regulation circuits in the LED drive circuit932. The emitter control circuit936may receive the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2from the receiver circuit934for determining the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by the emitters911,912,913,914. The emitter control circuit936may be configured to transmit an indication to the master control circuit850when the emitter control circuit936requires service and/or has a message to transmit to the master lighting module800via the IRQ signal line846(e.g., such as the IRQ signal line570shown inFIG.6). For example, the emitter control circuit936may signal the master control circuit (e.g., the master control circuit850) via the IRQ signal line846that the emitter control circuit936needs to be serviced. In addition, the emitter control circuit936may signal to the master control circuit via the IRQ signal line846that the emitter control circuit936has a message to transmit to the master control circuit. The emitter control circuit936may receive a plurality of emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1, VFE2, VFE3, VFE4from the LED drive circuit932and a plurality of detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2from the receiver circuit934. The emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4may be representative of the magnitudes of the forward voltages of the respective emitters911,912,913,914, which may indicate temperatures TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4of the respective emitters. If each emitter911,912,913,914comprises multiple LEDs electrically coupled in series, the emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4may be representative of the magnitude of the forward voltage across a single one of the LEDs or the cumulative forward voltage developed across multiple LEDs in the chain (e.g., all of the series-coupled LEDs in the chain). The detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2may be representative of the magnitudes of the forward voltages of the respective detectors916,918, which may indicate temperatures TD1, TD2of the respective detectors. For example, the detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2may be equal to the forward voltages VFDof the respective detectors916,918. Notably, the middle drone lighting module900is not connected to the communication bus840(e.g., an RS-485 communication link). Accordingly, the emitter control circuit936of the middle drone lighting module900may receive messages (e.g., control messages) via a communication bus842(e.g., using the I2C communication protocol). For example, the middle drone lighting module900may receive messages from a master lighting module (e.g., the master module150A,200A,512, and/or the master lighting module800). A master control circuit of the master lighting module (e.g., master control circuit850) may be configured to control the middle drone lighting module900to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness or luminous flux) and/or the color (e.g., color temperature) of the cumulative light emitted by the middle drone lighting module900. The master control circuit may be configured to adjust a present intensity level LPRES(e.g., a present brightness) of the cumulative light emitted by the middle drone lighting module900towards a target intensity level LTRGT(e.g., a target brightness). The target intensity level LTRGTmay be in a range across a dimming range of the middle drone lighting module900, e.g., between a low-end intensity level LLE(e.g., a minimum intensity level, such as approximately 0.1%-1.0%) and a high-end intensity level LHE(e.g., a maximum intensity level, such as approximately 100%). The master control circuit may be configured to adjust a present color temperature TPRESof the cumulative light emitted by the middle drone lighting module900towards a target color temperature TTRGT. In some examples, the target color temperature TTRGTmay range be in a range between a cool-white color temperature (e.g., approximately 3100-4500 K) and a warm-white color temperature (e.g., approximately 2000-3000 K). When the middle drone lighting module900is powered on, the master control circuit may be configured to control the middle drone lighting module900(e.g., the emitters of the middle drone lighting module900) to emit light substantially all of the time. The emitter control circuit936may be configured to receive a timing signal (e.g., via the timing signal lines844and/or an IRQ signal line846). The emitter control circuit936may use the timing signal to coordinate the timing at which the emitter control circuit936can perform a measurement procedure (e.g., to reduce the likelihood that any module causes interference with the measurement procedure of another module). For example, the emitter control circuit936may use the timing signal to determine a time to measure optical feedback information of the lighting loads of its module to, for example, perform color and/or intensity level control refinement, when other master and drone lighting modules are not emitting light. The emitter control circuit936may be configured to disrupt the normal emission of light to execute the measurement procedure during periodic measurement intervals. During the periodic measurement intervals, the emitter control circuit936may measure one or more operational characteristics of the middle drone lighting module900. The measurement intervals may occur based on the timing signal on the synchronization lines844(e.g., which may be based on zero-crossing events of the AC mains line voltage VAC). The emitter control circuit936may be configured to receive the timing signal and determine the specific timing of the periodic measurement intervals (e.g., a frequency of periodic measurement intervals) based on (e.g., in response to the timing signal. For example, during the measurement intervals, the emitter control circuit936may be configured to individually turn on each of the different-colored emitters911,912,913,914of the middle drone lighting module900(e.g., while turning off the other emitters) and measure the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by that emitter using one of the two detectors916,918. For example, the emitter control circuit936may turn on the first emitter911of the emitter module910(e.g., at the same time as turning off the other emitters912,913,914and determine the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by the first emitter911in response to the first optical feedback signal VFB1generated from the first detector916. In addition, the emitter control circuit936may be configured to drive the emitters911,912,913,914and the detectors916,918to generate the emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4and the detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2during the measurement intervals. Calibration values for the various operational characteristics of the middle drone lighting module900may be stored in a memory as part of a calibration procedure performed during manufacturing. For example, the memory852of the master lighting module800. Calibration values may be stored for each of the emitters911,912,913,914and/or the detectors916,918of the middle drone lighting module900. For example, calibration values may be stored for measured values of luminous flux (e.g., in lumens), x-chromaticity, y-chromaticity, emitter forward voltage, photodiode current, and detector forward voltage. For example, the luminous flux, x-chromaticity, and/or y-chromaticity measurements may be obtained from the emitters911,912,913,914using an external calibration tool, such as a spectrophotometer. In examples, the middle drone lighting module900may measure the values for the emitter forward voltages, photodiode currents, and/or detector forward voltages internally. An external calibration tool and/or the middle drone lighting module900may measure the calibration values for each of the emitters911,912,913,914and/or the detectors916,918at a plurality of different drive currents, and/or at a plurality of different operating temperatures. After installation, a master lighting module of the lighting device (e.g., the master lighting module800) may use the calibration values stored in memory (e.g., the memory852) to maintain a constant light output from the middle drone lighting module900. The emitter control circuit936may determine target values for the luminous flux to be emitted from the emitters911,912,913,914to achieve the target intensity LTRGTand/or the target color temperature TTRGTfor the middle drone lighting module900. The emitter control circuit936may determine the magnitudes for the respective drive currents ILED1-ILED4for the emitters911,912,913,914based on the determined target values for the luminous flux to be emitted from the emitters911,912,913,914. When the age of the middle drone lighting module900is zero, the magnitudes of the respective drive currents ILED1-ILED4for the emitters911,912,913,914may be controlled to initial magnitudes LED-INITIAL. The light output (e.g., a maximum light output and/or the light output at a specific current or frequency) of middle drone lighting module900may decrease as the emitters911,912,913,914age. The emitter control circuit936may be configured to increase the magnitudes of the drive current IDR for the emitters911,912,913,914to adjusted magnitudes LED-ADJUSTED to achieve the determined target values for the luminous flux of the target intensity LTRGTand/or the target color temperature TTRGT. FIG.10is a simplified block diagram of an example drone lighting module1000(e.g., an end drone module such as end drone lighting modules150C,200D, and/or200E shown inFIGS.2,3D, and3E) of a lighting device (e.g., such as the lighting device100shown inFIGS.1,2the lighting devices400A,400B,400C shown inFIG.5, and/or the lighting devices510A,510B shown inFIG.6) of a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system500shown inFIG.6). The end drone lighting module1000may be an end lighting module of the lighting device. The end drone lighting module1000may comprise one or more emitter modules1010(e.g., the emitter modules154,210, and/or300shown inFIGS.2,3A-3E,4A, and4B). The emitter module1010may include one or more strings of emitters1011,1012,1013,1014. Although each of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014is shown inFIG.10as a single LED, each of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014may comprise a plurality of LEDs connected in series (e.g., a chain of LEDs), a plurality of LEDs connected in parallel, or a suitable combination thereof, depending on the particular lighting system. In addition, each of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014may comprise one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). For example, the first emitter1011may represent a chain of red LEDs, the second emitter1012may represent a chain of blue LEDs, the third emitter1013may represent a chain of green LEDs, and the fourth emitter1014may represent a chain of white or amber LEDs. The end drone lighting module1000may control the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014to adjust an intensity level (e.g., brightness or luminous flux) and/or a color (e.g., a color temperature) of a cumulative light output of the end drone lighting module1000. The emitter module1010may also comprise one or more detectors1016,1018(e.g. the detectors312) that may generate respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2(e.g., detector signals) in response to incident light. In examples, the detectors1016,1018may be photodiodes. For example, the first detector1016may represent a single red, orange or yellow LED or multiple red, orange or yellow LEDs in parallel, and the second detector1018may represent a single green LED or multiple green LEDs in parallel. The end drone lighting module1000may comprise a power supply1048that may receive a source voltage, such as a bus voltage (e.g., the bus voltage VBUSon the power bus530), via a first connector1030. The power supply1048may generate an internal DC supply voltage VCCwhich may be used to power one or more circuits (e.g., low voltage circuits) of the end drone lighting module1000, such as the emitter control circuit1036. The end drone lighting module1000may comprise an LED drive circuit1032. The LED drive circuit1032may be configured to control (e.g., individually controlling) the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014of the emitter module1010. The LED drive circuit1032may receive the bus voltage VBUSand may adjust magnitudes of respective LED drive currents ILED1, ILED2, ILED3, ILED4conducted through the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014. The LED drive circuit1032may comprise one or more regulation circuits (e.g., four regulation circuits), such as switching regulators (e.g., buck converters) for controlling the magnitudes of the respective LED drive currents ILED1-ILED4. The end drone lighting module1000may comprise a receiver circuit1034that may be electrically coupled to the detectors1016,1018of the emitter module1010for generating respective optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2in response to the photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2. The receiver circuit1034may comprise one or more trans-impedance amplifiers (e.g., two trans impedance amplifiers) for converting the respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2into the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2. For example, the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2may have DC magnitudes that indicate the magnitudes of the respective photodiode currents IPD1, IPD2. The middle drone lighting module1000may comprise an emitter control circuit1036for controlling the LED drive circuit1032to control the intensities and/or colors of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014of the emitter module1010. The emitter control circuit1036may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable processing device or controller. The emitted control circuit1036may be powered by the power supply1048(e.g., receiving the voltage VCC). The emitter control circuit1036may generate one or more drive signals VDR1, VDR2, VDR3, VDR4for controlling the respective regulation circuits in the LED drive circuit1032. The emitter control circuit1036may receive the optical feedback signals VFB1, VFB2from the receiver circuit934for determining the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014. The emitter control circuit1036may be configured to transmit an indication to the master control circuit850when the emitter control circuit1036requires service and/or has a message to transmit to the master lighting module800via the IRQ signal line846(e.g., such as the IRQ signal line570shown inFIG.6). For example, the emitter control circuit1036may signal the master control circuit (e.g., the master control circuit850) via the IRQ signal line846that the emitter control circuit1036needs to be serviced. In addition, the emitter control circuit1036may signal to the master control circuit via the IRQ signal line846that the emitter control circuit1036has a message to transmit to the master control circuit. The emitter control circuit1036may receive a plurality of emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1, VFE2, VFE3, VFE4from the LED drive circuit1032and a plurality of detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2from the receiver circuit1034. The emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4may be representative of the magnitudes of the forward voltages of the respective emitters1011,1012,1013,1014, which may indicate temperatures TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4of the respective emitters. If each emitter1011,1012,1013,1014comprises multiple LEDs electrically coupled in series, the emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4may be representative of the magnitude of the forward voltage across a single one of the LEDs or the cumulative forward voltage developed across multiple LEDs in the chain (e.g., all of the series-coupled LEDs in the chain). The detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2may be representative of the magnitudes of the forward voltages of the respective detectors1016,1018, which may indicate temperatures TD1, TD2of the respective detectors. For example, the detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2may be equal to the forward voltages VFDof the respective detectors1016,1018. The emitter control circuit1036of the end drone lighting module1000may receive messages (e.g., control messages) via a communication bus842(e.g., the drone communication bus550), for example, using the I2C communication protocol. For example, the end drone lighting module1000may receive messages from a master lighting module (e.g., the master module150A,200A,512, and/or the master lighting module800). A master control circuit of the master lighting module (e.g., master control circuit850) may be configured to control the end drone lighting module1000to control the intensity level (e.g., brightness or luminous flux) and/or the color (e.g., the color temperature) of the cumulative light emitted by the end drone lighting module1000. The master control circuit may be configured to adjust a present intensity level LPRES(e.g., a present brightness) of the cumulative light emitted by the end drone lighting module1000towards a target intensity level LTRGT(e.g., a target brightness). The target intensity level LTRGTmay be in a range across a dimming range of the end drone lighting module1000, e.g., between a low-end intensity level LLE(e.g., a minimum intensity level, such as approximately 0.1%-1.0%) and a high end intensity level LHE(e.g., a maximum intensity level, such as approximately 100%). The master control circuit may be configured to adjust a present color temperature TPRESof the cumulative light emitted by the end drone lighting module1000towards a target color temperature TTRGT. The target color temperature TTRGTmay be in a range between a cool-white color temperature (e.g., approximately 3100-4500 K) and a warm-white color temperature (e.g., approximately 2000-3000 K). When the end drone lighting module1000is powered on, the master control circuit may be configured to control the end drone lighting module1000(e.g., the emitters of the end drone lighting module1000) to emit light substantially all of the time. The emitter control circuit1036may be configured to receive a timing signal (e.g., via the timing signal lines844and/or an IRQ signal line846). The emitter control circuit1036may use the timing signal to coordinate the timing at which the emitter control circuit1036can perform a measurement procedure (e.g., to reduce the likelihood that any module causes interference with the measurement procedure of another module). For example, the emitter control circuit1036may use the timing signal to determine a time to measure optical feedback information of the lighting loads of its module to, for example, perform color and/or intensity level control refinement, when other master and drone lighting modules are not emitting light. The emitter control circuit1036may be configured to disrupt the normal emission of light to execute the measurement procedure during periodic measurement intervals. During the periodic measurement intervals, the emitter control circuit1036may measure one or more operational characteristics of the end drone lighting module1000. The measurement intervals may occur based on the timing signal on the synchronization lines844(e.g., which may be based on zero-crossing events of the AC mains line voltage VAC). The emitter control circuit1036may be configured to receive the timing signal and determine the specific timing of the periodic measurement intervals (e.g., a frequency of periodic measurement intervals) based on (e.g., in response to the timing signal. For example, during the measurement intervals, the emitter control circuit1036may be configured to individually turn on each of the different-colored emitters1011,1012,1013,1014of the end drone lighting module1000(e.g., while turning off the other emitters) and measure the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by that emitter using one of the two detectors1016,1018. For example, the emitter control circuit1036may turn on the first emitter1011of the emitter module1010(e.g., at the same time as turning off the other emitters1012,1013,1014and determine the luminous flux LEof the light emitted by the first emitter1011in response to the first optical feedback signal VFB1generated from the first detector1016. In addition, the emitter control circuit1036may be configured to drive the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014and the detectors1016,1018to generate the emitter forward voltage feedback signals VFE1-VFE4and the detector forward voltage feedback signals VFD1, VFD2during the measurement intervals. Calibration values for the various operational characteristics of the end drone lighting module1000may be stored in a memory as part of a calibration procedure performed during manufacturing. For example, the memory852of the master lighting module800. Calibration values may be stored for each of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014and/or the detectors1016,1018of the end drone module1000. For example, calibration values may be stored for measured values of luminous flux (e.g., in lumens), x-chromaticity, y-chromaticity, emitter forward voltage, photodiode current, and/or detector forward voltage. For example, the luminous flux, x-chromaticity, and/or y-chromaticity measurements may be obtained from the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014using an external calibration tool, such as a spectrophotometer. In examples, the end drone lighting module1000may measure the values for the emitter forward voltages, photodiode currents, and/or detector forward voltages internally. An external calibration tool and/or the end drone lighting module1000may measure the calibration values for each of the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014and/or the detectors1016,1018at a plurality of different drive currents, and/or at a plurality of different operating temperatures. After installation, a master lighting module of the lighting device (e.g., the master lighting module800) may use the calibration values stored in memory (e.g., the memory852) to maintain a constant light output from the end drone module1000. The emitter control circuit1036may determine target values for the luminous flux to be emitted from the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014to achieve the target intensity level LTRGTand/or the target color temperature TTRGTfor the end drone module1000. The emitter control circuit1036may determine the magnitudes for the respective drive currents ILED1-ILED4for the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014based on the determined target values for the luminous flux to be emitted from the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014. When the age of the end drone module1000is zero, the magnitudes of the respective drive currents ILED1-ILED4for the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014may be controlled to initial magnitudes LED-INITIAL. The light output (e.g., a maximum light output and/or the light output at a specific current or frequency) of end drone module1000may decrease as the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014age. The emitter control circuit1036may be configured to increase the magnitudes of the drive current IDR for the emitters1011,1012,1013,1014to adjusted magnitudes LED-ADJUSTED to achieve the determined target values for the luminous flux of the target intensity level LTRGTand/or the target color temperature TTRGT. FIG.11depicts example waveforms associated with the generation of a timing signal1130on a synchronization line (e.g., the synchronization lines844) that is coupled between one or more master and drone lighting modules. For example, a master lighting module (e.g., the master module150A,200A,512, and/or the master lighting module800) of a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system500) may be configured to generate the timing signal1130. The lighting system may include a fixture controller (e.g., the fixture controller520and/or the fixture controller700), one or more master lighting modules, and a plurality of drone lighting modules (e.g., the drone lighting module900and/or the drone lighting module1000). The fixture controller may receive an AC mains voltage1110. The fixture controller may be configured to transmit messages (e.g., as represented by communication waveforms1120) to the master lighting control modules via a communication bus (e.g., the communication bus540,840) during a communication period TCOMM. In addition, the fixture controller may be configured to generate a synchronization pulse1122on the communication bus. The fixture controller may be configured to determine the zero-crossings of the AC mains voltage1110and begin generating the synchronization pulse1122at the zero-crossings (e.g., once per line cycle of the AC mains voltage). The fixture controller may be configured to pause communications on the communication bus during a synchronization period TSYNCduring which the fixture controller may generate the synchronization pulse1122. In some examples, the fixture controller may poll (e.g., query) each of the master lighting modules in a looping manner on the communication bus. If a master lighting module has a message to transmit, the master lighting module will only communication on the communication bus in response to being polled by the fixture controller. In such examples, the fixture controller may pause communication on the communication bus by ceasing to poll the master lighting modules on the communication bus. In other examples, the fixture controller may transmit a communicate message to the master lighting modules on the communication bus to indicate that the master lighting modules may communicate on the communication bus, and may pause the communication on the communication bus by sending a pause message on the communication bus. The fixture controller may determine the length of the synchronization period TSYNCbased on the time of the zero-crossing event. For example, the fixture controller may determine when to end the synchronization period TSYNCbased on the time of the zero-crossing event, which means that the length of the synchronization period TSYNCmay vary from on half-cycle to the next. Further, the time between the zero-crossing and the end of the synchronization period TSYNCmight be a fixed or predetermined time. Accordingly, in some examples, the time between the end of the communication period TCOMMand the next zero-crossing might vary. Each of the master lighting modules may generate a timing signal1130in response to receiving the synchronization pulse1122on the communication bus, and for example, based on the frequency of the synchronization pulse1122(e.g., based on the frequency of a plurality of synchronization pulses1122). The timing signal1130may be a sinusoidal wave (e.g., as shown), or alternatively, may be a square wave or other suitable timing signal. For instance, the timing signal1130may be a sinusoidal waveform having the same frequency and period as the synchronization pulses1122. For example, the master lighting modules may be configured to determine a frequency of synchronization pulses1122on the communication bus (e.g., which may be indicative of the frequency and/or zero-crossing events of the AC mains voltage1110). In some examples, the master lighting modules may be configured to measure a period between the beginnings (e.g., or ends) of the synchronization pulses1122to determine the frequency of the synchronization pulses1122. The plurality of master and drone lighting modules may be configured to use the timing signal1130to determine the timing of a respective measurement interval during which the master and drone lighting modules may execute a measurement procedure (e.g., as described above), since, for example, the timing signal1130may be indicative of the frequency and/or zero-crossing events of the AC mains voltage1110. Accordingly, the master and drone lighting modules may coordinate a measurement procedure with respect to the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., the zero-crossing event of the AC mains line voltage VAC), even though the master and drone lighting modules do not receive the AC mains line voltage VAC. Although described primarily in the context of a linear lighting device, the procedures and examples provided herein may be application to lighting devices of other designs, shapes, and sizes. For instance, the procedures and examples described herein may be implemented in one or more devices within a lighting system that comprises other lighting devices (e.g., lighting devices having a different form factor), such as but not limited to, downlights, pendants, linear downlight fixtures, strip lighting, track lighting, sconces, accent lighting, chandeliers, etc. FIG.12is a flowchart depicting an example procedure1200for generating a synchronization pulse across a communication bus for receipt by one or more master lighting modules of a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system500). The procedure1200may be executed by a control circuit of a fixture controller (e.g., the fixture control circuit736of the fixture controller700). The control circuit may execute the procedure1200periodically. The control circuit may execute the procedure1200to synchronize the fixture controller and/or devices controlled by the fixture controller (e.g., one or more master and/or drone lighting modules) in accordance with the frequency of the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., utilizing the timing of the zero crossings of the AC mains line voltage VAC). The control circuit may execute the procedure1200in response to a signal from a zero-cross detect circuit indicating a zero-crossing of the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., the zero-cross signal VZC) at1202. For example, a rising or falling edge of the zero-cross signal VZCmay trigger an interrupt in the control circuit that may cause the execution of the procedure1200at1202. The control circuit may execute the procedure1200in response to the zero-cross signal VZCat approximately the times of zero-crossings of the AC mains lines voltage VAC. For example, the control circuit may execute the procedure1200once per line cycle, for example, at the positive-going zero-crossings (e.g., or the negative-going zero-crossings). At1204, the control circuit may generate a synchronization pulse (e.g., a synchronization frame and/or the synchronization pulse1122) on a communication bus (e.g., the serial communication bus740) based on the time of the zero-crossing event. For example, the control circuit may generate the synchronization pulse such that the synchronization pulse begins at begins at the zero-crossing event. At1206, the control circuit may determine whether a synchronization period TSYNCis has ended. If the control circuit determines that the synchronization period TSYNChas not ended at1206, the control circuit may continue to generate the synchronization pulse. During the synchronization period TSYNC, the control circuit may be configured to pause communications on the communication bus to allow the control circuit to generate the synchronization pulse. For instance, the control circuit may be configured to halt transmitting messages on the communication bus in order to generate the synchronization pulse on the communication bus. The control circuit may determine the length of the synchronization period TSYNCbased on the time of the zero-crossing event. For example, the control circuit may determine when to end the synchronization period TSYNCbased on the time of the zero-crossing event, which means that the length of the synchronization period TSYNCmay vary from on half-cycle to the next. For example, the control circuit may start a timer in response to detecting a zero-crossing at1202, and may determine the end of the synchronization period TSYNCat1206after a predetermined amount of time has expired from the detected zero-crossing. Alternatively, the control circuit may determine the length of the synchronization period TSYNCbased on the time that a previous communication period TCOMMended. When the control circuit determines that the synchronization period TSYNChas ended at1206, the control circuit may restart communication on the communication bus during a communication period TCOMM. During the communication period TCOMM, the control circuit of the fixture controller may be configured to transmit messages to the master lighting control modules via the communication bus. The control circuit may wait for the length of the communication period TCOMMat1210, and during the length of the communication period TCOMMthe fixture controller and the one or more master lighting control modules may communication over the communication bus. The control circuit may pause communication on the communication bus at the end of the communication period TCOMMat1212, before exiting the procedure1200. The control circuit may set the length of the communication period TCOMMsuch that the communication period TCOMMends before the next zero-crossing event of the AC mains line voltage VAC. For example, the control circuit may enable communication across the communication bus during the communication period TCOMM, and then pause the communication on the communication period TCOMMprior to the next zero-crossing event so that the control circuit can wait for and receive the signal from the zero-cross detect circuit indicating the next zero-crossing and execute the procedure1200again. For example, the control circuit may start a timer in response to detecting a zero-crossing at1202, and may determine the end of the communication period TCOMMat1212after a predetermined amount of time has expired from the detected zero-crossing. FIG.13is a flowchart depicting an example procedure1300for generating a timing signal that may be used by the master lighting modules and the drone lighting modules of a lighting assembly (e.g., the lighting system500). The procedure1300may be executed by one or more control circuits (e.g., the master control circuit850) of a master lighting module (e.g., the master module150A,200A,512, and/or the master lighting module800). The control circuit may perform the procedure1300to coordinate the timing at which the master lighting module and the drone lighting modules (e.g., the emitter control circuits836,936,1036) can perform a measurement procedure modules. The control circuit may execute the procedure1300periodically. The control circuit may execute the procedure1300to coordinate the timing of a respective measurement intervals during which the master and drone lighting modules may execute a measurement procedure (e.g., as described above). The control circuit may start the procedure1300at1302. At1304, the control circuit may receive one or more synchronization pulses (e.g., synchronization frames) on a communication bus (e.g., the serial communication bus740), for example, from a fixture controller (e.g., the fixture control circuit736of the fixture controller700) of the lighting assembly. For instance, the control circuit may receive the synchronization pulse from a fixture controller that executes the procedure1200. In some examples, a pulse detector of the master lighting module (e.g., of a master control circuit of the master lighting module) may receive (e.g., detect) the synchronization pulse on the communication bus. For instance, the pulse detector may be implemented using microprocessor hardware peripherals (e.g., timer input capture) of the master lighting module. At1306, the control circuit may determine a frequency of the synchronization pulse. For example, the control circuit may be configured to measure a period between the beginning of a first synchronization pulse and a second subsequent synchronization pulse (e.g., the next synchronization pulse after the first synchronization pulse) to determine the frequency of the synchronization pulses on the communication bus. The control circuit may be configured to measure the periods between the beginnings of a plurality of the synchronization pulses (e.g., a plurality of first and second synchronization pulses) to determine the frequency of the synchronization pulses on the communication bus. In some instances, the control circuit may update the frequency after each synchronization pulse (e.g., based on a sliding window of samples of synchronization pulses). Further, in some examples, the control circuit may filter and/or average the determined frequency over time. At1308, the control circuit may generate a timing signal on a timing signal line (e.g., the timing signal lines560and/or the timing signal lines844) based on the frequency of the synchronization pulse. The timing signal may be a sinusoidal wave, a square wave, or other suitable timing signal. In some examples, the timing signal may be a sinusoidal waveform having the same frequency and period as the synchronization pulses. Further, and for example, the control circuit may generate the timing signal using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), where the control of the DAC is updated based on the frequency of the synchronization pulses across the communication bus. The plurality of master and drone lighting modules (e.g., the emitter control circuits836,936,1036) may be configured to use the timing signal to perform a measurement procedure. As such, the plurality of master and drone lighting modules may coordinate a measurement procedure with respect to zero-crossings of the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., the zero-crossing event of the AC mains line voltage VAC), even though the master and drone lighting modules do not receive the AC mains line voltage VAC. For example, the plurality of master and drone lighting modules may determine a frequency of periodic measurement intervals based on the frequency of the timing signal received on the synchronization line (e.g., determine the timing of a respective measurement interval during which the master and drone lighting modules may execute a measurement procedure). Accordingly, in some examples, the plurality of master and drone lighting modules may determine a time to measure optical feedback information of the lighting loads of their respective modules based on the frequency of the timing signal to, for example, perform color and/or intensity level control refinement. Finally, in some examples, the control circuit may compensate for any phase delay between detection of the synchronization pulse and the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., the zero-crossing events of the AC mains line voltage VAC), and may generate the timing signal at the actual times of the zero crossings events of the AC mains line voltage VAC(e.g., using a phase delay compensation procedure). Lighting systems (e.g., the lighting system500) may be configured to protect against damage caused by transient spikes in a magnitude of a bus voltage VBUSand/or a sustained low magnitude of the bus voltage VBUS, which for example, may be due to a power bus (e.g., power wiring, such as the power bus530) being too long, too many lighting fixtures and/or modules connected to the power bus, or other unexpected conditions. As such, a lighting system may be configured to detect a brownout event, such as an overload condition and/or a long wire-run condition, and prevent the event from continuing. For instance, the lighting system may be specified to handle a maximum power rating (e.g., 20 or 25 watts). In some examples, such as with linear lighting devices, the maximum power rating may be defined in terms of a maximum length of a lighting fixture assembly of the lighting system, which may include the total length of lighting devices (e.g., the lighting device100shown inFIGS.1,2the lighting devices400A,400B,400C shown inFIG.5, and/or the lighting devices510A,510B shown inFIG.6) plus the total length of the power bus (e.g., the power wiring between the lighting devices). The power draw of the lighting assembly may be a function of number of emitters of the lighting assembly. Too many emitters along a power bus may cause an overload condition. When there is too much resistance on the line, such as in a long wire-run condition, the lighting devices located far from the power converter may receive the bus voltage VBUSat a magnitude that is below a threshold (e.g., 15 V). The wire may include both the power wiring between lighting devices and the power wiring within the lighting devices. As is appreciated, a linear lighting device may have more power wiring located within the lighting device than lighting devices of other form factors, such as downlights. If a lighting device receives the bus voltage VBUSat a magnitude that is below the threshold (e.g., 15 V), the emitters of the lighting device may turn off (e.g., flicker on and off) due to the low bus voltage. If more than the maximum number of lighting modules are connected to the power bus of a single fixture controller (e.g., the number of lighting module connected to the power bus exceeds a maximum length), then the fixture controller (e.g., the fixture controller700) may detect too much power draw on the power bus, which for example, may cause the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto drop below a threshold voltage (e.g., 15V). For instance, if the total length of the lighting modules and cable connected to a single fixture controller exceeds a threshold (e.g., a threshold that corresponds to a load that is greater than a set power rating, such as 20 watts), the power converter circuit may shut down, which may cause the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto drop below the threshold voltage (e.g., 15V). In some examples, a control circuit of the power converter circuit may cause the power converter to shut down (e.g., render a controllable switching device(s) of the power converter to be non-conductive) in response to the overload condition. Further, in some instances, if the power converter circuit detects too much load (e.g., more than the maximum number of lighting modules), the power converter circuit may shut down, which may bring the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto below the threshold voltage, and then turn back on. This may continue (e.g., oscillating on and off) until the overload condition is fixed (e.g., a system administrator removes one or more lighting modules from the linear lighting fixture). As such, too many lighting modules connected to the power bus (e.g., the total length of the lighting modules and cable connected to a single fixture controller exceeds a threshold) may create an overload condition in the lighting fixture assembly (e.g., on the power bus). Further, and for example, the linear lighting assembly may be specified to handle a power bus that can be up to a maximum length (e.g., approximately 50 feet). The maximum length may define the maximum length of wiring (e.g., the wiring of the power bus) from the fixture controller that a lighting module can be connected to the power bus and still receive the bus voltage VBUSat a magnitude (e.g., 20 V) that allows the emitters of the lighting module to reliably maintain their emitted light output (e.g., at the high-end intensity Um). The wiring length may, for example, include just the length of the cable (e.g., the cable422) connecting each lighting module, or may include both the length of the cable connected each lighting module and the length of the lighting modules themselves (e.g., the length of the wiring between the power bus connectors, such as the connectors830, that resides within the lighting module). For example, the power bus may include the cumulative length of the electrical conductors within the lighting modules (e.g., the electrical traces between the connectors, etc.) and the electrical conductors between the lighting modules and/or fixture controller (e.g., the wiring between fixtures). In other examples, the maximum length (e.g., 50 feet) may define the maximum length of cable (e.g., the cable422) that can be used to connect each lighting module to one another and/or the fixture controller. If the linear lighting assembly is configured with a power bus that exceeds the maximum length, such that one or more lighting modules are connected to the power bus at a wiring length from the fixture controller that exceeds the maximum length, these lighting modules that are located on the power bus at an excess of the maximum length may receive the bus voltage VBUSat a magnitude that is below a threshold (e.g., 15 V). This, for example, may be caused by the power loss due to the resistance of the wiring of the power bus. If a lighting module receives the bus voltage VBUSat a magnitude that is below the threshold (e.g., 15 V), the lighting modules may turn off the emitters of the lighting module (e.g., cause the emitters to not emit light), for example, to ensure that the control circuits (e.g., the master control circuit, the emitter control circuits, etc.) and the communication circuits (e.g., the serial communication circuit) do not shut off too. For instance, the lighting module (e.g., a control circuit of the lighting module) may detect that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis below the threshold and turn off its emitters, which in turn may cause the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto rise above the threshold. As such, the emitters of the lighting modules that are located at a wiring length from the fixture controller that exceeds the maximum length may flicker on and off (e.g., due to the low voltage received on the power bus by these lighting modules) and/or otherwise react undesirably. Accordingly, one or more of the linear lighting fixtures may experience a long wire-run condition when those lighting modules that are located at a wiring length from the fixture controller that exceeds the maximum length. As described in more detail herein, the linear lighting assembly may be configured to detect instances where the linear lighting assembly is experiencing an overload condition (e.g., the fixture controller is overloaded due to too many lighting modules attached to the power bus) and/or a long wire-run condition (e.g., the wiring of the lighting fixture assembly exceeds a maximum wiring length). In response to an overload condition and/or a long wire-run condition, the fixture controller and/or the lighting modules of one or more of the linear lighting assembly may be configured to react accordingly. For instance, in some examples, the fixture controller may be configured to cause one or more of the lighting modules of the linear lighting assembly connected to the power bus to reduce their maximum power (e.g., the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters of the emitter module of each of the one or more lighting modules). For instance, the fixture controller may instruct the one or more lighting modules connected to the power bus to reduce their high-end intensity LHE(e.g., by a percentage and/or a step). After reducing their high-end intensity level LHE, the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSon the power bus may stabilize (e.g., maintain a magnitude above the threshold voltage across the entire power bus). If not, the fixture controller may repeatedly instruct the one or more lighting modules connected to the power bus to reduce their high-end intensity LHEuntil the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSstabilizes (e.g., the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSremains above the threshold voltage across the entire power bus). FIG.14is a flowchart depicting an example procedure1400for detecting a brownout event (e.g., an overload condition and/or a long wire-run condition) with a fixture controller of a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system500). The procedure1400may be executed by a control circuit of a fixture controller (e.g., the fixture control circuit736of the fixture controller700). The control circuit may execute the procedure1400periodically, or in response to receiving one or more messages from one or more lighting modules (e.g., the master lighting module800, the drone lighting module900, and/or the drone lighting module1000) of the lighting system. The control circuit may execute the procedure1400to detect and respond to a brownout event on a power bus (e.g., the power bus530). For example, the control circuit may execute the procedure1400to detect a brownout event that is caused by an overload condition (e.g., more than the maximum number, or length, of lighting devices connected to the power bus) and/or a long wire-run condition (e.g., too long of a power bus, such that one or more lighting devices are connected to the power bus at a length that exceeds the maximum length for the lighting system). The control circuit may start the procedure1400at1402. At1404, the control circuit may determine if a brownout event has been detected (e.g., by the fixture controller and/or one or more lighting modules of the lighting devices). For example, the control circuit may detect a brownout event by receiving a signal (e.g., a message) from a power converter circuit (e.g., the overload signal VOLfrom the power converter circuit752) of the fixture controller, where for instance, the signal from the power converter indicates that a brownout event (e.g., an overload condition) is occurring. For example, the power converter circuit may be configured to detect that the magnitude of the bus current IBUS(e.g., the bus current IBUSas indicated by the bus current feedback signal VT-Bus) indicates an overload condition (e.g., the magnitude of the bus current IBUSexceeds a threshold current), and generate the signal (e.g., the overload signal VOL) in response. The bus current IBUSmay equate to the load current of the fixture controller. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit of the fixture controller may detect the brownout event based on the reception of a signal (e.g., a brownout event message, such as a brownout status flag) from at least one of the lighting modules indicating that the lighting module is experiencing the brownout event. Each of the lighting modules may be configured to send the signal if a magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSreceived on the power bus at the lighting module drops below a threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 15V). The threshold voltage may be referred to as a brownout threshold voltage. Further, in some instances, each of the lighting modules may be configured to send the signal if the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSdrops below the threshold voltage but remains above a second threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 5V), which for example, may be greater than the supply voltage VCCat the fixture controller. The signal may be useful in situations where, for instance, one or more lighting modules are located along the power bus at a wiring length greater than the maximum wiring length (e.g., the wiring of the power bus), such that those lighting modules receive the bus voltage VBUSat a magnitude that is below the threshold voltage (e.g., brownout threshold voltage) (e.g., which may be below approximately 15 V). In some instances, the control circuit may receive the signal (e.g., the brownout event message) in response to a query message that the fixture controller sends to the lighting modules. For example, the control circuit may be configured to send (e.g., periodically send) a query message (e.g., health message) to the one or more lighting modules across a communication bus (e.g., the communication bus540, such as an RS-485 communication link). The query message may be a general or specific request that the lighting module send the signal (e.g., the brownout event message) if a magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSreceived on the power bus at the lighting module is below and/or drops below the threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 15V), and in some instances, remains above the second threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 5V) that is greater than the supply voltage VCCat the fixture controller. The query message may request additional information from the lighting modules, such as a minimum measured magnitude of the bus voltage on the power bus at the lighting module, a maximum measured magnitude of the bus voltage on the power bus at the lighting module, and an average measured magnitude of the bus voltage on the power bus at the lighting module over a period of time. Further, in some examples, the control circuit may be configured to detect the brownout event based upon the reception of a plurality of consecutive signals (e.g., at least 3 consecutive brownout event messages) from at least one of the lighting modules. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit of the fixture controller may detect the brownout event based on the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUS. For instance, the control circuit may detect a brownout event when the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSdrops below a first threshold voltage (e.g., 15V). In some examples, the control circuit may detect a brownout event in response to the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSswinging between different magnitudes with respect to time. For instance, the control circuit may detect a brownout event in response to the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSdropping below the threshold (e.g., 15V) and then rising above a third threshold voltage (e.g., 19V), for example, multiple times (e.g., at least three times) within a predetermined time period (e.g., six seconds). As noted above, the control circuit of the fixture controller may determine the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSbased on a voltage feedback signal (e.g., the voltage feedback signal VV-FB). Further, to detect a brownout event, in some examples the control circuit is further configured to determine that a magnitude of the AC mains line voltage VACis stable during the detection of the brownout event. As such, in some examples, regardless of how the control circuit detects the brownout event at1404(e.g., based on a signal from the power converter circuit, based on a signal from a lighting module, and/or based on the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUS), the control circuit may be configured to detect the brownout event if (e.g., only if) the control circuit also confirms that the magnitude of the AC mains line voltage VACis stable during the brownout event. As such, in some examples, the control circuit may be configured to ensure that the brownout event is a result of the linear lighting device and not a byproduct of an unstable AC mains line voltage VAC. If the control circuit does not detect a brownout event at1404, then the procedure1400may exit. However, if the control circuit detects a brownout event at1404, the control circuit may send a power message to the lighting modules of the linear lighting device at1406. For instance, the control circuit may send the power message to the lighting modules across the communication bus (e.g., the communication bus540, such as an RS-485 communication link). After the control circuit sends the power message, the procedure1400may exit. The power message may be configured to cause the lighting modules to scale back their power usage. For instance, the power message may be configured to instruct the lighting modules to adjust the high-end intensity level LHEof the lighting module (e.g., decrease the high-end intensity level LHEby a percentage, such as 5%, and/or a step). In some examples, the power message may include a Boolean data type (e.g., a command to scale back or a command to not scale back). The lighting modules may be configured to store the adjusted intensity level (e.g., the adjusted high-end intensity level Lam) in in memory of the lighting module. Inn some examples, the control circuit of the fixture controller may determine a stable high-end intensity level LHEfor the system. For example, the control circuit of the fixture controller may send the power message to cause the lighting modules to scale back their power usage. The control circuit may send one or more power messages to the lighting modules, for example, until the lighting modules no longer experience a brownout event. Next, the control circuit may send one or more scale up messages that cause the lighting modules to scale up their power usage (e.g., the high-end intensity level LHE), for example, to identify the true limit of the system. The control circuit may send the scale up messages until the lighting modules experience another brownout event. The scale up messages may be in a smaller increment than the power message (e.g., the scale up messages may cause the lighting modules to increase the high-end intensity level LHEby 1%). Finally, the control circuit may second a small power message that causes the lighting modules to scale back their power usage in a smaller increment than the power message (e.g., cause the high-end intensity level LHEto decrease by 1%). In some examples, the small power message may be of equal size and/or increment as the scale up message. Further, in some examples, the control circuit of the fixture controller may perform the procedure1400multiple times to periodically reduce the power usage (e.g., by reducing the high-end intensity level LHE) of the lighting modules until the brownout event no longer occurs. Finally, in some examples, the control circuit of the fixture controller may send a report of the brownout event to a remote control device and/or a system controller. In some examples, the fixture controller may be configured to cause the one or more lighting modules to turn off (e.g., cause the lighting modules to turn off the emitters of the lighting modules) in response to the detection of a brownout event. For example, the control circuit may cause the magnitude of the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto drop to approximately zero volts in response to the detection of a brownout event, for example, by controlling the power converter circuit to shut down. For instance, the control circuit may know the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSand/or the magnitude of the bus current IBUSbased on one or more feedback signals (e.g., the voltage feedback signal VV-FBand/or the current feedback signal VI-FB), and detect the brownout event based on the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSand/or the bus current IBUS(e.g., when the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis below a threshold voltage and/or the magnitude of the bus current IBUSexceeds a threshold current). Further, in some instances, the fixture controller may cause the lighting modules to turn off prior to the control circuit sending the power message to the lighting modules. Further, in examples where the fixture controller causes the lighting modules to turn off prior to the control circuit sending the power message to the lighting modules, the time period between the control circuit of each lighting module (e.g., the master control circuit and/or the emitter control circuits) booting up and the emitters of the lighting module turning back on may be relatively short. In some instances, the control circuit of the fixture controller may be configured to send the power message to the lighting modules during this short time period. However, in other examples, the time period may be too short for the control circuit of the lighting module to receive the power message from the fixture controller prior to turning the emitters back on. Accordingly, the control circuit may transmit a hold signal (e.g., a hold message) to the one or more lighting modules on the communication bus, for example, in situations where the time period is too short. The power message may be configured to cause the lighting modules to scale back their power usage (e.g., before causing the emitters to turn back on and emit light). For example, prior to transmitting the power message, the control circuit of the fixture controller may transmit the hold signal to the lighting modules to instruct the lighting modules to wait before turning back on (e.g., before causing the emitters to turn back on and emit light). In some examples, the hold signal may comprise a pulse (e.g., a hold pulse) generated on the communication bus (e.g., during the synchronization period TSYNC). For example, the hold pulse may be longer than the length of a synchronization pulse (e.g., double the length of the synchronization pulse1122). The control circuit of the fixture controller may be configured to pause communications on the communication bus during a time period (e.g., the synchronization period TSYNC) during which the control circuit may generate the hold signal. For instance, the control circuit of the fixture controller may be configured to determine the zero-crossings of the AC mains voltage VACand begin generating the hold signal (e.g., the hold pulse) at the zero-crossings. Accordingly, by generating the hold signal on the communication bus, the control circuit of the fixture controller may cause the lighting modules to wait until the power message is received before the lighting modules turn back on their emitters. This may allow the lighting modules to reduce their power usage (e.g., decrease the high-end intensity level LHEby an amount, e.g., such as 5%) after the lighting modules power down in response to a brownout event and before they turn back on. Further, in some instances, the hold signal may also include the instruction to scale back their power usage. FIG.15is a flowchart depicting an example procedure1500for detecting a brownout event (e.g., an overload condition) by monitoring a voltage (e.g., the bus voltage VBUS) at a fixture controller of a linear lighting assembly (e.g., the fixture controller520of the lighting system500). For example, the procedure1500may be executed by a control circuit of the fixture controller (e.g., the fixture control circuit736of the fixture controller700). The control circuit may execute the procedure1500periodically. The control circuit may execute the procedure1500to detect a brownout event on a power bus (e.g., the power bus530) and cause the lighting modules (e.g., the master lighting module800, the drone lighting module900, and/or the drone lighting module1000) to reduce their power accordingly. The control circuit may execute the procedure1500in addition to or as an alternative to the procedure1400. For example, the control circuit may execute the procedure1500to detect a brownout event that is caused by an overload condition (e.g., too many lighting modules connected to the power bus). The control circuit may start the procedure1500at1502. At1504, the control circuit may monitor a magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSof the power bus. For example, the control circuit may determine the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUS. At1506, the control circuit may determine whether the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis changing (e.g., alternating and/or swinging) between different magnitudes with respect to time (e.g., oscillating). For instance, the control circuit may determine whether the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSdrops below a first threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 15V) and then rises above a second threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 19V), for example, multiple times (e.g., at least three times) within a predetermined time period (e.g., approximately six seconds). The second threshold may, for example, be configured such that it is greater than a nominal magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSgenerated by the fixture controller. If the control circuit determines that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis not changing at1506, the control circuit may exit the procedure1500. In some examples, the fixture controller may be configured to cause the one or more lighting modules to turn off (e.g., cause the lighting modules to turn off the emitters of the lighting modules) in response to detecting the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis changing at1506(e.g., in response to the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSfalling below the first voltage and rising above the second threshold voltage). In some examples, the power converter may automatically shut down when the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUS(e.g., a DC bus voltage VBUS) falling below the first threshold voltage. In other examples, the power converter circuit may cause the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSto drop to approximately zero volts in response to the detection of an overload condition (e.g., by controlling the power converter circuit to shut down). In addition, the control circuit may determine the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSand/or the magnitude of the bus current IBUSbased on one or more feedback signals (e.g., the voltage feedback signal VV-FBand/or the current feedback signal VI-FB), and detect the brownout event based on the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSand/or the magnitude of the bus current IBUS(e.g., when the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis below a threshold and/or the magnitude of the bus current IBUSexceeds a threshold). At1508, the control circuit may instruct the lighting modules to wait before turning on. For instance, the control circuit may transmit a hold signal (e.g., a hold message) to the one or more lighting modules on a communication bus (e.g., the communication bus540,740,840, such as an RS-485 communication link). The hold signal may instruct the control circuit of each of the lighting modules to wait a predetermined amount of time before turning the respective emitters back on (e.g., before causing the emitters to turn back on and emit light). In some examples, the hold signal may comprise a pulse (e.g., a hold pulse) generated on the communication bus (e.g., during the synchronization period TSYNC). For example, the hold pulse may be longer than the length of a synchronization pulse (e.g., double the length of the synchronization pulse1122). For instance, the control circuit may be configured to determine the zero-crossings of the AC mains voltage VACand begin generating the hold signal (e.g., the double-length synchronization pulse) at the zero-crossings. The control circuit may be configured to pause communications on the communication bus during a time period (e.g., the synchronization period TSYNC) during which the control circuit may generate the hold signal. Further, in some examples, the fixture controller may also determine whether a magnitude of the AC mains line voltage VACis stable prior to causing the lighting modules to turn off and/or transmitting the hold signal at1508. As such, in some examples, regardless of whether the control circuit detects that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis swinging, the control circuit may be configured to proceed to1508if (e.g., only if) the control circuit also confirms that the magnitude of the AC mains line voltage VACis stable during the brownout event. Accordingly, in such examples, the control circuit may be configured to ensure that the brownout event is a result of the linear lighting device and not a byproduct of an unstable AC mains line voltage VAC. If the control circuit determines that the AC mains line voltage VACis not stable, then the control circuit may exit the procedure1500instead of advancing to1508. At1510, the control circuit may send a power message to the lighting modules of the linear lighting device, for example, via the communication bus. The power message may be configured to cause the lighting modules to scale back their power usage. For instance, the power message may be configured to instruct the lighting modules to adjust (e.g., reduce) the high-end intensity level LHEof the lighting module (e.g., decrease the high-end intensity level LHEby a percentage, such as 5%, or a step). In some examples, the power message may include a Boolean data type (e.g., a command to scale back or a command to not scale back). The lighting modules may be configured to store the adjusted power level (e.g., the adjusted high-end intensity level LHE) in in memory of the lighting module. Further, in some examples, the control circuit may perform the procedure1500multiple times to periodically reduce the power usage (e.g., the high-end intensity level LHE) of the lighting modules until the brownout event no longer occurs. Finally, in some examples, the control circuit may send a report of the brownout event to a remote control device and/or a system controller. After the control circuit sends the power message, the procedure1500may exit. Accordingly, the control circuit may cause the lighting modules to wait to receive the power message before the lighting modules turn back on their emitters. This may allow the control circuit to cause the lighting modules to reduce their power usage (e.g., decrease the high-end intensity level LHEby a percentage, such as 5%) after the lighting modules power down in response to a brownout event and before they turn back on. Finally, in some instances,1508may be omitted, and the control circuit may be configured to send the power message to the lighting modules after the lighting modules turn off and without sending the lighting modules the hold signal. FIG.16is a flowchart depicting an example procedure1600for detecting a brownout event (e.g., a long wire-run condition) by monitoring a bus voltage VBUSat a lighting module of a linear lighting assembly (e.g., the lighting system500). The procedure1600may be executed by a control circuit of a lighting module (e.g., the master control circuit850of the master lighting module800, the emitter control circuit936of the drone lighting module900, and/or the emitter control circuit1036of the drone lighting module1000). The control circuit may execute the procedure1600periodically. The control circuit may execute the procedure1600to detect a brownout event on the power bus (e.g., the power bus530) and report back to a fixture controller (e.g., the fixture controller700) accordingly. For example, the control circuit may execute the procedure1600to detect a brownout event that is caused by a long wire-run condition. The control circuit may start the procedure1600at1602. At1604, the control circuit may monitor the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUS. Since the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSmay reduce along the length of the power bus (e.g., due to the impedance of the electrical wiring of the power bus), the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSreceived at the lighting modules that reside further from the fixture controller may be reduced. So, the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSreceived at the lighting modules that are located closer to the fixture controller may be higher than the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSreceived at the lighting modules that are located farther from the fixture controller. At1606, the control circuit may determine whether the magnitude of the DC bus voltage VBUSis less than a threshold voltage VTH. In some examples, the threshold voltage VTHmay be the same as the threshold voltage VTH(e.g., the first threshold voltage) used in the procedure1400. For instance, the threshold voltage VTHmay be approximately 15 V. In some examples, the control circuit may determine whether the magnitude of the DC bus voltage VBUSis less than an upper threshold (e.g., 15V) but greater than a lower threshold (e.g., 5 V). The lower threshold may be configured to be greater than an internal supply voltage VCCof the lighting module (e.g., 3.3 V). If the control circuit determines that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis greater than the threshold voltage VTHat1606, the control circuit may exit the procedure1600. If the control circuit determines that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSis less than the threshold voltage VTHat1606, the control circuit may cause the emitters to turn off at1608. For example, the control circuit may control the power delivered to and/or the luminous flux of the light emitted by each of the emitters of the emitter module (e.g., the emitter module810, the emitter module910, and/or the emitter module1010) to cause the emitters to turn off. At1610, the control circuit may send a message (e.g., a brownout event message, such as a brownout status flag) to the fixture controller, and the procedure1600may exit. The brownout event message may indicate that the lighting module is experiencing or has experienced a brownout event. The control circuit may send the message to the fixture controller across a communication bus (e.g., the communication bus540, such as an RS-485 communication link). In some examples, the control circuit may send the message in response to a query message that is received from the fixture controller. For example, the fixture controller may be configured to send (e.g., periodically send) a query message (e.g., a health message) to the one or more lighting modules across the communication bus. The query message may request that the lighting module send the message if the lighting module detects a brownout event. The message may be useful in situations where, for instance, one or more lighting modules are located along the power bus at a wiring length greater than the maximum wiring length (e.g., the wiring of the power bus), such that the magnitude of the bus voltage VBUSreceived by those lighting modules is below the threshold voltage VTH(e.g., below 15 V). As noted above, the fixture controller may send a power message to the lighting modules of the lighting device in response to receiving the message (e.g., the brownout event message). The power message may be configured to cause the lighting modules to scale back their power usage. For instance, the power message may be configured to instruct the lighting modules to adjust (e.g., reduce) the high-end intensity level LHEof the lighting module (e.g., decrease the high-end intensity level LHEby a percentage, such as 5%). Further, in some examples, the fixture controller may be configured to detect the brownout event based upon the reception of a plurality of consecutive messages (e.g., at least 3 consecutive brownout event messages) from at least one of the lighting modules. Further, in some instances, the message (e.g., the brownout event message) may be a status flag that the control circuit sets and sends to the fixture controller in response to the query message. In such instances, the fixture controller may be configured to send a clear message to the lighting device to instruct the lighting devices to clear the status flag associated with the message (e.g., brownout event message) after the control circuit sends the power message. Finally, in some examples, the control circuit of the lighting module may cause the emitters to turn on (e.g., after1608). In some instances, the control circuit may cause the emitters to turn on at a bus voltage magnitude that is higher than the threshold voltage VTH(e.g., at a turn on voltage of 17 V). The difference between the threshold voltage VTHthat triggers the control circuit to cause the emitters to turn off at1608and the threshold voltage that triggers the control circuit to cause the emitters to turn on may help to prevent the emitters from flashing on and off repeatedly. | 157,979 |
11859804 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION InFIG.1, a lighting apparatus includes a base plate105, a driver module107, a light source106, a mechanical switch107, a main housing102, and a manual switch101. The driver module107is disposed on a top surface of the base plate105. The light source106is also disposed on the top surface of the base plate105. The mechanical switch108is disposed on the base plate105. The mechanical switch108is coupled to the driver module107. For example, the mechanical switch108may have a sliding pin that can be moved to stay at several positions. Each position routes one or more electronic components to render a detectable state, e.g. a resistance value. The driver module may have a controller that reads the resistance value or a derived value and determines accordingly how to control the light source106, e.g. to change to another color temperature, another color, or other types of control. The base plate105is installed to the main housing102. The main housing102has a rim part for concealing an installation hole for installing the lighting apparatus. Such installation hole may be a hole reserved in a ceiling or an installation box for installing the lighting apparatus. The main housing102has a back cover104with a hole so that a connecting part of the manual switch101is coupled to the mechanical switch108. There are two fixing arms113for attaching the main housing103to an installation box or an installation hole. There is a reflector cup109with a trumpet shape. The narrow side faces to the light source106and the lateral wall separates the light source106from the driver module107. Such design increases light efficiency for the driver module108does not affect light movement. There is also a light passing cover110that may have a lens or a light diffusion layer. FIG.2shows a second embodiment of a lighting apparatus. InFIG.2, there is a manual switch201with a connecting part202that is coupled to a mechanical switch205. In this example, the connecting part202forms a groove for a protruding pin204of the mechanical switch to insert. The connecting part202may carry the protruding pin204to move to align with one of five option positions2061,2062,2063,2064,2065. A driver module215, a light source207and the mechanical switch205are placed on the base plate210. The driver module215and the light source207are both placed at the top surface2101of the base plate210. There is a reflector cup208with a first reflector opening2081facing to the light source207. The reflector cup208has a second reflector opening2082facing to the light opening209. The second reflector opening2082is larger than the first reflector opening2081. The main housing203has a rim part211. In some embodiments, an antenna212and an augment switch213are integrated as a module installed on a bottom surface of the rim part211facing downwardly to users. The antenna212and the augment switch213are connected to the driver module215via a conductive path214disposed in the main housing203. The manual switch201is concealed by the rim part211when the lighting apparatus is installed. The augment switch213is exposed to users to operate so as to continue adjust the setting of the driver module214. In some embodiments, the augment switch213and the manual switch201handle different settings. For example, the manual switch201may be controlled to set a base color temperature or a color while the augment switch213is used for setting a working mode. In addition, the antenna212exposed outside the main housing203ensures wireless signals being received successfully. In some embodiments, the rim part211may be detached to replace with another rim part so as to change to a different setting, e.g. from a Bluetooth device to a Wi-Fi device when two rim parts respectively include Bluetooth component and Wi-Fi component. By selecting a different rim part211to attach to the main housing203, a different function is provided. Such design is flexible and useful on reducing stock cost. The mechanical switch multiple states to be selected. The driver reads a selected state to control the light source. The main housing encloses the base plate. The manual switch is disposed on the main housing. An operating part of the manual switch is exposed outside the main housing to be operated by a user. A connecting part of the manual switch is coupled to the mechanical switch. When a user moves the operating part of the manual switch, the connecting part of the manual switch carries the mechanical switch to change the selected state. In some embodiments, a switch hole is disposed on the base plate for fixing the mechanical switch. In some embodiments, the connecting part and the mechanical switch are coupled on a side of the base plate opposite to the top surface. In some embodiments, the connecting part of the manual switch is a switch groove. A protruding pin of the mechanical switch is inserted into the switch groove. In some embodiments, the connecting part is a protruding lever inserting into the mechanical switch. In some embodiments, the mechanical switch is moved for coupling a different resistor combination to multiple transistors corresponding to different selected states. In the circuit example ofFIG.6, there are two transistors601,602. The mechanical switch603is operated to couple different resistor combination604to the transistors601,602. The transistors respectively determine driving currents supplied to multiple types of LED modules605,606of the light source associated to the coupled resistor combination to emit a mixed light corresponding to the selected state. In some embodiments, the multiple types of LED modules comprise a first LED set emitting a first light of a first color temperature and includes a second LED set emitting a second light of a second color temperature. In some embodiments, there are more than three resistor combinations to select from the mechanical switch. In the example ofFIG.6, there are two sets of five resistor combinations604. InFIG.6, the multiple transistors comprise a first transistor selectively connects to one of five first resistors and comprise a second transistor selectively connects to one of five second resistors. The connected first resistor and the connected second resistor determine a current ratio between a first driving current supplied to the first LED set and a second driving current supplied to the second LED set. InFIG.6, a Zeiner diode607is coupled to gates of the first transistor and the second transistor. In some embodiments, the main housing is a cup shape with a light opening. The base plate is disposed on an inner side of the main housing facing to the light opening. In some embodiments, a power socket is placed on a back cover of the main housing. A power wire is inserted to the power socket for guiding an AC power directly to the driver module disposed on the base plate. FIG.3shows a power wire301with one end having an Edison cap to connect to an external AC (Alternative Current) power source like 110V AC power source. There is a power socket302to connect to the power wire301. The power socket302may be placed on the back cover of the main housing for guiding an external AC power to the driver module. In the embodiments mentioned above, there is no additional driver circuit except the driver module ton the base plate, which may be regarded as a DoB (Device on Board) solution. Unlike other downlight devices that need an additional driver box, the embodiments mentioned here incorporate the driver circuits directly on the base plate which is also used for holding the light source. In some embodiments, a reflector cup is placed for reflecting a light of the light source to the light opening. The reflector has a trumpet shape with a first reflector opening facing to the light source and with a second reflector opening facing to the light opening. The second reflector opening is larger than the first reflector opening. The reflector cup separates the light source from the driver module on the base plate. The reflector cup conceals the driver module behind the reflector cup so as the driver module is not visible from the light opening. In some embodiments, the main housing has a rim part extending from the light opening for concealing an installation hole for installing the lighting apparatus. An antenna is placed on the rim part connecting to the driver module for receiving an external command. In some embodiments, an augment switch is integrated with the antenna and is placed on a bottom surface of the rim part exposed to be operated by a user when the lighting apparatus is installed in the installation hole. In some embodiments, the driver module includes multiple driver circuits placed in a peripheral area of the base plate. The light source is placed in a central area of the base plate. In some embodiments, the multiple driver circuits comprise an electrolysis capacitor. InFIG.8, the electrolysis capacitor801has two feet802connected to the base plate806. The two feet802of the electrolysis capacitor801are bent so that the angle between the axial direction and the surface of the base plate806is more than 40 degrees. InFIG.8, the electrolysis capacitor801has a capacitor body803kept non-contact to the top surface of the base plate806. InFIG.8, a silicone glue805is disposed between the capacitor body803and the top surface of the base plate806. In some embodiments, the driver module has two charging stages. An inductor is charged first and supplying a driving current to the light source. The inductor charges a capacitor and the capacitor supplies the driving current to the light source. FIG.4shows an example with the inductor and capacitor components401to perform the two-steps driving solution. FIG.5shows a linear solution402in which the driving power is converted directly to driving currents supplied to the LED modules, without a conversion phase, thus to further reduce manufacturing cost. FIG.7shows an example of a linear solution, in which no inductor-capacitor mechanism mentioned here are used in the driving circuit. The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. | 11,148 |
11859805 | The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Referring toFIG.1, a tape light termination system100and an example of a light emitting diode (LED) tape light are illustrated. The tape light termination system100includes a housing104having a first side106configured to receive conductors108and a second side112configured to receive the LED tape light102. The first side106and the second side112may be located on opposite sides of the housing104. The housing104may be formed of plastic or some other rigid material capable of being molded into predetermined dimensions and clearances. The conductors108may be wires or other conductive material surrounded by insulation capable of carrying control signals and/or power signals to control operation of the LED tape light102. The LED tape light102may include one or more LED diodes114mounted on a planar surface116of a flexible strip118. The flexible strip118has a length greater than a width of the flexible strip118, and a thickness of the flexible strip is less than the width. Portions of the planar surface116of the flexible strip118includes conductive pads120. In some examples, the conductive pads120may be included on a top planar surface116alongside the LED diodes114, or on a bottom planar surface116of the flexible strip118on a side of the flexible strip118that is opposite the planar surface116on which the LEDs114are positioned. In still other examples, the conductive pads120may be included on opposing planar surfaces116, such as on the top planar surface116and the opposing bottom planar surface116of the flexible strip118, either in a back-to-back configuration or a staggered configuration along the edges of the flexible strip118. In other examples, the conductive pads120may be in different locations on the planar surfaces116. In the illustrated example, two LED diodes114are illustrated as sequentially spaced apart on the planar surface116with conductive pads120along opposing edges of the flexible strip118positioned in the space adjacently between the two LED diodes114. In other examples, other configurations/positions of LED diodes114and/or electrically conductive pads120on the planar surfaces116of the flexible strip118are possible. The housing104may also include a landing shelf124formed in the housing to receive and align the LED tape light102with parallel slots126. Each of the parallel slots126are shared slots formed in the housing104to receive a respective portion of the flexible strip118extending outwardly from the LED diode(s)114, on opposite sides of the LED diode(s)114. The landing shelf124may be a flat planar surface defined on three sides by first, second and third curved surfaces128A,128B and128C. First and third curved surfaces128A and128C are on opposite sides of the landing shelf124and extend from an upper surface132of the housing104a predetermined length toward the landing shelf124so as to leave a gap134of, for example, in a range of between about 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm between a bottom edge136of the curved surfaces128A and128C and the landing shelf124. (where about is +/−0.1 mm) The gaps134are entrances to the parallel slots126, and are sized to receive and align a portion of the LED tape light102when the planar surface116of the LED tape light102on the side opposite the LED diodes114is received by and contiguously contacts the landing shelf124. The flat planar surface of the landing shelf124is aligned with the parallel slots126formed in the housing on either side of the landing shelf124such that a portion of the LED tape light102extends through the gap134into the parallel slots126when the lower planar surface116is contiguously aligned with the landing shelf124. The landing shelf124positioned between the slots126may contiguously contact a planar surface116of the flexible strip118on the side opposite LED diodes114such that the landing shelf124cooperatively operates with the slots126to align an electrically conducting contact area of the terminal202to contiguously contact the electrically conductive pad120and enable the current flow path therebetween. The second curved surface128B extends from the upper surface132to form a wall abutting the landing shelf124and operable as a stop to preclude further progress of the LED tape light102into the housing104when the LED tape light102is inserted into the parallel slots126and is received by the landing shelf124. An end or edge140of the flexible strip118may be positioned to abut the second curved surface128B where the second curved surface128B meets the landing shelf124. Thus, the second curved surface128B in cooperative operation with the parallel slots126provides three-dimensional alignment of the LED light strip102. FIG.2is a cutaway perspective side view of an example housing104. In the example ofFIG.2, with reference toFIG.1, the LED tape light102is received by the landing shelf124, and the peripheral edges of the LED tape light102are inserted through the gap134and into the respective parallel slots126to engage a terminal202mounted in the housing104. In the illustrated example ofFIG.2, there is a top terminal202A positioned in the housing104to lie above the LED tape light102and a bottom terminal202B positioned in housing104below the LED tape light102. Accordingly, a dual sided electrical connection with the LED tape light102is provided when the LED tape light102is inserted into the housing104through the shared slots126. The terminal202may be formed of metal or some other rigid but flexible electrically conductive material. The terminal202may be mounted in the housing104such that a conductor termination end204of the terminal202is aligned with the second side106of the housing104. The conductor termination end204may be configured to electrically couple with one of the conductors108, such as with a compression connection, lugs, solder, mechanical connection or any other fixed coupling providing an electrically conducting bond between the one of the conductors108, and a respective terminal202. The terminal202may also include an LED tape light receptacle end206accessible from the first side112of the housing104. The LED tape light receptacle end206of the terminal202is positioned in the housing104to electrically couple with the LED tape light102, and more particularly, to the conductive pads120inserted into the parallel slots126through the gap134. In the cut-way view ofFIG.2, the terminals202A and202B are inserted into separate cavities in the connector assembly housing104positioned above and below the parallel slots126. The terminals202A and202B in adjacent cavities are separated and electrically isolated from each other by an alignment wall210formed in the housing104at the conductor termination end204. The alignment wall210may be a shared wall between cavities/compartments and extending only partially through the housing104to hold the terminals202A and202B in position in respective cavities/compartments. The terminal202A in a respective first compartment may be in contiguous contact with a first side214of the alignment wall210and the terminal202B in a respective second compartment is in contiguous contact with a second side216of the alignment wall210. The first side214and the second side216may be opposite sides of the alignment wall210. At the LED tape light receptacle end206, the terminals202A and202B are mounted to be separated apart when parallel slots126are empty, and when the portion of the flexible strip118is inserted into the parallel slots126the terminals202A and202B are separated and electrically isolated by the opposing planar surfaces116of the flexible strip118. The end or edge140of the flexible strip118may be inserted into the housing104to abut an end215of the alignment wall210. Thus, the end140of the LED tape light positioned on the landing shelf124is slidable into the housing104to butt up against the end215of the alignment wall210to align the LED tape light102in the housing104such that the terminals202A and202B are aligned with respective conductive pads120on the LED light tape102. The terminals202A and202B are independently connected to respective conductors108to provide different input signals/power to the conductive pads120on the opposing sides of the flexible substrate planar surface. In the illustrated example, there are two top terminals202A mounted on opposite sides of the housing104and two bottom terminals202B mounted on opposite sides of the housing104, such that four independent and different power/control signals may be provided by the terminals202A and202B to drive the LED circuitry. Control may, for example, include sensing temperature sensing, power consumption, and the like, in order to control the operation of the LEDs, such as dimming and color. This allows the size of the conductive pads120on the opposing planar surfaces of the flexible substrate to be as wide as the flexible strip118allows while also providing four separate connections. FIG.3Ais a schematic of an example of a top view of an LED tape light102.FIG.3Bis a schematic of an example of a bottom view of an LED tape light102. The LED tape light102may include a flexible substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) having opposed planar surfaces116with a predetermined width between peripheral edges, such as 10 mm, and having a variable length. The LED tape light102may use surface mount technology to mount LED circuitry302to one of the planar surfaces to form a flexible continuous strip of light emitting diodes and include an adhesive, such as two-sided tape, on the opposite planar surface to provide an installation/mounting mechanism. In the illustrated example, the LED tape light102is a RGB (red, green, blue) multicolor LED tape light. In other examples, the LED tape light102may be other types of LED tape lights, such as a white color tunable (CCT) LED tape light. In the example ofFIG.3A, the top schematic of the LED tape light102includes LED circuitry302having LED diodes D4and D5and a resistor R4electrically coupled with a first top surface conductive pad supply power V+ 120 A. The conductive pad supply power V+ 120 A may be electrically coupled with a conductor108used for providing a voltage and current supply to the LED tape light102. A second top surface conductive pad RED GND120B may provide a ground path to the LED circuitry302. Accordingly, switching the ground path of a conductor108may energize and de-energize the tape LED102to provide red light using the current flow path through the conductive pad RED GND120B. In the example schematic ofFIG.3B, a conductive pad BLUE GND120C and a conductive pad GREEN GND120D may similarly energize the LED circuitry302to produce blue and green light respectively when switched to a ground connection. In the illustrated example, the conductive pads120A-D are positioned at an end of the top and bottom planar surfaces116of the flexible strip118. In the example ofFIGS.3A and3B, the LED tape light102is a red green blue (RGB) tape light and respective terminals202in respective compartments in the housing104have electrically conductive termination points aligned with opposing first and second planar surfaces116of the LED tape light102which correspond to red and blue electrically conductive pads on a first planar surface116of the LED tape light102, and green and supply power electrically conductive pads on a second planar surface116of the LED tape light102. The first and second planar surfaces116are on opposite sides of the flexible strip118of the LED tape light102as illustrated. In other examples, other locations on the top and bottom planar surfaces116are possible for the conductive pads120A-D. In addition, in other examples fewer conductive pads, such as a conductive pad supply power V+ and a conductive pad WHT GND, may be on the opposing planar surfaces116. In still other examples, additional conductive pads may be included on the opposing planar surfaces116of the flexible strip118for example, conductive pad supply power V+, conductive pads120A-D, and conductive pad WHT GND may be included in on opposing planar surfaces of the same LED tape light102. This solution could be extended to additional top/bottom conductive pads may be accomplished by increasing the width of the flexible strip118, or reducing the width of the conductive pads120. Since the tape LED102is closely aligned with the terminals202by the parallel slots126, the area of each of the conductive pads120may be advantageously sized to optimize available real estate on the portion of the flexible strip118contained in the parallel slots126. Even with relatively large conductive pads120, the opposed surfaces provide twice the possible number of electrical connections when compared to a design having electrical connections with only one side of the strip118. Thereby allowing for increased functionality in the same space. The tape light termination system therefore provides additional electrical connections to power and control the LED tape light102in a variety of application with more reliability and ease of use. FIG.4is a cutaway side view of an example housing104with the terminals202removed to outside the housing for clarity of explanation. As illustrated inFIG.4, each of the terminals202are disposed in a separate compartment or cavity402in the housing such that a first terminal202A is positioned above the parallel slots126for electrical coupling with a first side of the LED tape light102and a second terminal202B is positioned below the parallel slots126for electrical coupling with a second side of the LED tape light102, the first and second sides being the opposing planar surfaces116of the LED tape light102. The conductor termination ends204of the first and second terminals202A and202B are separated by the alignment wall210extending partially through the housing104, and the LED tape light receptacle end206of the first and second terminals202A and202B are spaced away a predetermined distance such that the portion of the LED tape light102received in the parallel slots126is compressively held between the first and second terminals202A and202B, as illustrated inFIG.2. The terminals202A and202B may be slidably installed in the respective cavities402by entry via the first side112of the housing104. The installation may be performed by positioning the LED tape light receptacle end206in the housing104on the alignment wall210. The cavity402in the housing104is sized to receive the terminal202between the centrally positioned alignment wall210and an outer interior wall408of the housing104. The outer interior wall408forms part of the housing104and is formed to include a slot or channel410sized and shaped to receive a keeper tab412included on the terminal202. The keeper tab412may be a piece of the terminal202that has been partially punched and bent away from the body. The keeper tab412may be release-able or have a non-release-able locking functionality for the system. In other examples, other forms of latches may be used in place of the keeper tab402and/or the channel410, such as a clasp arrangement, friction fit, releasable socket, and the like. In the example ofFIG.4, with reference also toFIG.2, when the terminal202is inserted into the cavity402the keeper tab412may be compressed into the body of the terminal202by the terminal202being placed between the outer interior wall408and the alignment wall210. When the releaseable keeper tab412aligns with the channel410, the releaseable keeper tab412may move away from the body of the terminal202and into the channel410due to memory in the material forming the keeper tab412. When the keeper tab412is extended into the channel410, the position of the terminal202in the cavity402is fixedly maintained. Manual compression of the keeper tab412out of the channel410and toward the body of the terminal202may allow slideable removal of the terminal from the cavity402. With reference toFIGS.1and4, when the LED tape light102is installed on the landing shelf124in the parallel slots126, the portion of the LED light strip102in the parallel slots126is maintained electrically coupled with the respective terminals202on opposite sides of the landing shelf124by the terminal202being biased to fit within the passageway or cavity402in the housing104in which the terminal202resides. The conductive pads120on the top and bottom of the LED tape light102are aligned by these features of the housing104in the slots126to compresses the respective terminals202between the respective conductive pads120and the outer interior wall408of the housing104to securely create and maintain the electrical coupling. FIG.5is a perspective cutaway view of an example of the housing104. InFIG.5, four cavities402are illustrated. In other examples, additional or fewer cavities or compartments402may be formed in the housing104to position terminals202above and below alignment wall210to electrically couple with opposing planar surfaces of the LED tape light102. The compartments402on a same side of the housing are formed to commonly align with a respective slot126such that one cavity402extends above the slot126, and one cavity402extends below the slot410. Referring now toFIGS.1-5, since cavities402are sized to receive and hold a respective terminal402electrically isolated from other terminals202positioned in other compartments402, the terminals402are also aligned with the slots134. The slots134are positioned and dimensioned to receive opposing edges of a light emitting diode (LED) tape light102, which includes a flexible strip118having LED diode circuitry302mounted in a central area of a first planar surface116of the flexible strip118. The flexible strip118may also include electrically conductive pads120on the first planar surface116and a second opposing planar surface116adjacent at least one edge of the opposing edges of the LED tape light. Thus, each of the slots126provide access in the housing104to the electrically conductive contact point of respective terminals202in the compartments402, and alignment of the electrically conducting contact point of the respective terminal202to contiguously contact the electrically conductive pad and enable a current flow path between the terminal202and the LED diode circuitry302. As also discussed with reference to at leastFIG.2, the end or edge140of the LED tape light102that is positioned on the landing shelf124is slidable into the housing104to butt up against an end215of the alignment wall210to align the LED tape light102in the housing104. FIG.6is a perspective view of an example terminal202. The terminal202includes an electrically conducting contact area602within the LED tape light receptacle end206. In the illustrated example, the LED tape receptacle area206is formed by a flexible material that is bent into an overlapped condition having a first straight member section604, a curved member section606, and a second straight member section608rigidly aligned in parallel with the first straight member section604by the curved member section606. The electrically conducting contact area602may include the entirety of the first straight member section604, or may be a smaller area less than the entirety of the first straight member section604. The second member section606may include the releaseable keeper tab412. In some examples, the releaseable keeper tab412may include memory to snap into the slot or channel410as described elsewhere. In other examples, the memory may be provided by the curved member section606to compressibly maintain the terminal202in the compartment402. In addition, the releaseable keeper tab412may provide memory bias to urge the electrically conducting contact area602into contiguous contact with the conducting pads on the LED tape light102. In addition, or alternatively, curved member section606may include memory bias to urge the electrically conducting contact area602into contiguous contact with the conducting pads on the LED tape light102. As also described elsewhere, respective terminals202are disposed in the respective compartments402in the housing104to align with opposing planar surfaces116of the LED tape light102. Each of the opposing planar surfaces116may have at least one electrically conductive pad102adjacent at least one edge of the opposing edges of the LED tape light102to create the current flow path for each respective terminal202to the LED diode circuitry302. Within the conductor termination end204of the terminal202, is a conductor termination point612. The conductor termination point612may be a mechanical termination point having a conductive area614that is in electrical communication with the electrically conducing contact area602. In the illustrated example, the conductor termination point includes wire crimp arms616to mechanically press a conductive part of a conductor108into contiguous electrical contact with the conductive area614, and insulation crimp arms618to mechanically grip an insulation sheath on the conductor108. Referring toFIGS.2,4and5, when the LED tape light102is absent from the housing104, the electrically conductive contact area602of the terminal202in a respective first compartment402and the electrically conductive contact area602of the terminal202in a respective second compartment402are spaced away from each other a predetermined distance with an airspace therebetween. The airspace is sized to receive a portion of the flexible strip of the LED tape light in the airspace when the LED tape light is inserted into the slots126via the gaps134. The airspace is maintained when the LED tape light102is not positioned between the terminals due to the conductor termination end204of each of the terminals202being contiguously aligned with the alignment wall210. Thus, it is the thickness of the alignment wall210that may establish and maintain the air space between the respective electrically conducting contact areas602when the LED light tape102is absent from the slots126. A second action may be said to be “in response to” a first action independent of whether the second action results directly or indirectly from the first action. The second action may occur at a substantially later time than the first action and still be in response to the first action. Similarly, the second action may be said to be in response to the first action even if intervening actions take place between the first action and the second action, and even if one or more of the intervening actions directly cause the second action to be performed. For example, a second action may be in response to a first action if the first action sets a flag and a third action later initiates the second action whenever the flag is set. To clarify the use of and to hereby provide notice to the public, the phrases “at least one of <A>, <B>, . . . and <N>” or “at least one of <A>, <B>, . . . <N>, or combinations thereof” or “<A>, <B>, . . . and/or <N>” are defined by the Applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definitions hereinbefore or hereinafter unless expressly asserted by the Applicant to the contrary, to mean one or more elements selected from the group comprising A, B, . . . and N. In other words, the phrases mean any combination of one or more of the elements A, B, . . . or N including any one element alone or the one element in combination with one or more of the other elements which may also include, in combination, additional elements not listed. While various embodiments have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are examples, not the only possible embodiments and implementations. | 23,954 |
11859806 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.1and2respectively are side and front assembly views on embodiment of a deterrent device20having an integrated electronic apparatus100. In this embodiment, deterrent device20comprises a firearm assembly22and a separable attachment24. In the embodiment ofFIGS.1and2, firearm assembly22comprises all of the components necessary to enable a bullet (not shown) to be discharged from a barrel25of firearm assembly22when a trigger23is moved while separable attachment24provides a handle surface26to help aim and otherwise manipulate a firearm assembly22when separable attachment24is joined thereto. In the embodiment that is illustrated, separable attachment24has a handle housing28with recessed areas30and32and into which firearm assembly22can be positioned. When firearm assembly22is positioned in recessed areas30and32, openings34and36in handle housing28align with a passageway38in firearm assembly22into which a screw40or other fastener can be located in order to hold firearm assembly22and separable attachment24together. Firearm assembly22and separable attachment24can be joined together in other ways. Similarly, housing28can have a shape that conforms to a shape of an external surface of a deterrent device so as to enable reliable mounting to the deterrent device. One example of such a shape is one that can be assembled to a trigger guard or handle of a deterrent device such as is found in the Centerfire brand of laser aiming devices sold by LaserMax, Inc. Rochester, NY, U.S.A. As is also shown inFIGS.1and2, handle housing28includes area walls50,52and54around an open area60. In this embodiment, firearm assembly22and handle housing28are defined so that when firearm assembly22and separable attachment24are joined together firearm assembly22combines with area walls50,52and54to define sides of open area60. Open area60is further defined by an internal end wall62and an external end wall64. External end wall64has a light passage segment66through which light can pass. Light passage segment66can comprise for example and without limitation, an opening in external end wall64, a transparent area of external end wall64and/or an area having an optical element such as a lens formed or provided therein. FIG.3shows perspective view of a first embodiment of an electronics assembly100of attachment24. As is shown inFIG.3, electronics assembly100comprises a support board110on which a thermal source150is positioned and a drive board130on which a drive circuit140is positioned. FIGS.4and5show side and front views of support board110. As is shown inFIGS.4and5, support board110has a first bend114between a first end portion112and a support portion116and a second bend118between support portion116and a second end portion120. In the embodiment ofFIGS.3,4and5, thermal source150is a light source that generates light and heat when energized and can comprise for example and without limitation a light emitting diode or combination of light emitting diodes, a laser diode, a laser gain medium, a quantum dot light source or any other known light emitter. In the embodiment illustrated, thermal source150has a base152with two electrical paths154and156extending therefrom. Electrical paths154and156travel along a first side122of support board110to a tab portion124of support board110and terminate at contacts158and160respectively. FIG.6is a cutaway side view of a metal clad board111of a type that can be used to from support board110. In the embodiment ofFIG.6, metal clad board111has a metal base layer190formed from a copper or aluminum and is, in this embodiment, about 1.5 mm thick. However, in other embodiments, metal base layer190can be for example between about 0.3 mm to 2.5 millimeters thick. A first electrically insulating layer192is formed on metal base layer190and has a thickness of about 125 microns. In other embodiments, first electrically insulating layer192can have other thicknesses. A conductor layer194is provided on the first electrically insulating layer192and is electrically insulated from metal base layer190by first electrically insulating layer192. In this embodiment conductor layer194has a thickness of about 13 microns and can range for example between 5 and 20 microns in thickness. Using this embodiment of a metal clad board111, electrical paths154,156, and contacts158and160can be formed by etching copper from conductor layer194and, after etching, another insulator such as paint or other material is applied. In one embodiment paint can be applied that has a thickness of about 75 to 80 microns. Other types of metal clad boards111can be used. Alternatively, any metal sheet can be used on which an insulated conductor can be formed such as by printing, screen printing or coating processes or on which an insulated conductor can be joined, mounted or bonded thereto. Returning toFIG.3, drive board130is shown with a drive circuit140illustrated conceptually as a combination of drive circuit components140aand140b. Drive circuit components140aand140bcan take the form of any circuit know to those of skill in the art for converting power stored in a power supply (not shown inFIG.3) into a supply of electrical energy that is of a type that is required to energize thermal source150. In the embodiment that is illustrated inFIG.3, drive circuit140includes at least one activation switch142that can be actuated by a user to signal that the user desires to change a state of activation of a drive circuit140. In one embodiment, actuation of the activation switch causes drive circuit140to transition between energizing thermal source150and not energizing thermal source150. Other types of activating switches, such as multi-position switches, slide switches, and other sensors and systems known in the art can be used for activation switch142. In one embodiment, driver circuit140can energize solid thermal source150in a continuous mode where energy is supplied to maintain continuous light emission from thermal source150. However, in other embodiments driver circuit140can energize thermal source150in a pulsed mode such that light is emitted from thermal source150on a periodic basis or such that the intensity of light emitted from thermal source150is varied between a higher and a lower level. In still other embodiments, driver circuit140can be operable in either of a continuous or pulsed mode. Drive board130has an opening132through which tab portion124can be inserted orthogonally to the plane of the drive board. When this is done, contacts158and160are positioned proximate to terminals146and148respectively. Electrical paths are then formed between terminal146and contact158and, separately, between terminal148and contact160. In the embodiment that is shown inFIGS.3-5this is done using conventional soldering techniques. This board-to-board soldering approach eliminates the need for board-to-board wire based connections reducing the cost and complexity of electronics assembly100. Drive board130also has a hole134through which a fastener (not shown inFIG.3) can be inserted. Additionally, in this embodiment, support board110is sized, shaped and bent so that when support board110is joined to drive board130, first end portion112is proximate a first lateral edge136of drive board130to allow a first mechanical connection170to be made bonding the first end portion112to a first lateral edge136of drive board130. Similarly, support board110is sized, shaped and bent so that when support board110is joined to drive board130, second end portion120is proximate a second lateral edge138of drive board130so that a second mechanical connection172can be made bonding second end portion122to a second lateral edge136of drive board130. This process joins support board110and drive board130at four different solder points, advantageously forming a relatively rigid structure. This, in turn, allows support board110and drive board130to be assembled into an electronics assembly100outside of open area60and then joined to battery leads145and147as is shown inFIG.7. This can be done for example by way of soldering. The assembled support board110, drive board130, battery leads145and147can then be inserted into open area60. Importantly, this is done without requiring that the entire module itself be packaged within some kind of containing enclosure such as a potting or conventional metal or plastic box. This lowers the weight, volume and cost of such a light emitting apparatus as compared to modular assemblies that require such potting or box and lowers manufacturing complexity by allowing assembly to occur outside of housing28. In the embodiment ofFIGS.3-7, support board110is positioned at least in part between area walls50,52, and54with support portion116and thermal source150are arranged to direct light generated by thermal source150toward the light passage segment66with the first end portion112and second end portion120extending at least in part away from light passage segment66. In this embodiment, metal base layer190provides a boundary free path for heat that is generated by thermal source150to spread from thermal source150and be dissipated. FIG.8shows a top down view of one example of an open area60into which a modularly assembled support board110and drive board130can be assembled. In the example ofFIG.8, open area60includes a mesa80extending up from area wall52having an opening82and a support extension84. Opening82permits a fastener such as screw to be threaded into mesa80. To facilitate such a modular assembly process, support board110is shown with optional capture ready insert forms174and176on a lower insert178portion thereof that can be inserted between optional capture surfaces57and59on area walls50and54as shown inFIGS.2and7to allow rapid and efficient modular assembly. Capture surfaces57and59have a shape that is complementary to the shape of insert forms174and176. Such a modular combination of support board110and drive board130can additionally be joined to24at other points as desired. Other assembly features can be incorporated onto support board110or onto drive board130with mating features incorporated into open area60. Alternatively conventional fasteners and adhesives can be used for such purposes. Similarly, in other embodiments, capture ready shaped insert forms174and176can be omitted in favor of such conventional fasteners or adhesives. FIG.9shows at top down view of open area60with electronics assembly100positioned therein. As is shown inFIG.9, fastener88is also optionally passed through hole134of drive board130to fasten drive board130and all other structures joined to drive board130to mesa80. Also show in phantom inFIG.9is a battery144that is positioned between battery leads145and147to supply power to drive circuit140that drive circuit140can use to energize thermal source150. FIG.10is a top down view of the open area60after assembly with drive board130shown in phantom to illustrate the placement of support board110.FIG.10illustrates, conceptually, the thermal advantages of support board110. As is shown inFIG.10, thermal source150is in contact with portions of support board110in support portion116. This contact can be direct or indirect such as where substrates, coatings, intermediate mountings or other structures, articles or materials are used to help position, align, mount, bond, join or otherwise link thermal source150to support portion116in a way that does not substantially thermally insulate thermal source150from support portion116. As is shown here, portions of support board110in support portion116absorb heat (conceptually illustrated as block arrows) as thermal source150emits such heat during operation. The heated support portion116transfers heat into first end portion112and second end portion120raising the temperature of first end portion112and second end portion120. In the embodiment illustrated here, first end portion112is positioned proximate to area wall50and second end portion120is positioned proximate to an opposing area wall54. Accordingly, rather than using the prior art approach of first heating a heat sink located proximate to thermal source150and waiting for heat to transfer across a boundary from thermal source to some heat sink and then across another boundary between the heat sink and another heat dissipation mechanism, what occurs here is the rapid transfer of heat across through metal base layer190into a comparatively large surface areas at first end portion112and at second end portion120of support board110. This comparatively large surface area enables support board110to more rapidly dissipate heat into adjacent materials despite any inefficiency in thermal transfer that may exist at the boundaries between the metal layer and adjacent materials. As is generally illustrated inFIG.10, in this embodiment, support board110is positioned apart from area wall50and area wall52such that air in separation areas200and202separate metal base layer190from area wall50and area wall52. Air is not an efficient thermal conductor. Accordingly, the air in separation areas200and202limits the extent to which area walls50and52are heated by heat dissipated by support board110. This may be advantageous for a variety of reasons such as for limiting the possible effects that thermal expansion of area wall50and area wall52might have on the relative positioning of thermal source150and then optional lens68in light transfer area66. It will be appreciated that, the inefficiency of air as a thermal conductor that makes it useful in limiting the extent to which area walls50and52are heated by makes it more difficult for support board110to effectively dissipate heat from thermal source150at a rate that is sufficient for use with thermal source150. However, thermal transfer is a function of the surface area of the thermal radiator accordingly, by providing first end portion112and second end portion120that can have a surface area that can be defined that is sufficient to radiate a requisite amount of thermal energy from support board110per unit of time of operation of thermal source150to allow thermal source150and any other components of electronics assembly100to operate within a temperature range in which thermal source150and such other components of electronics assembly100emit light reliably and efficiently notwithstanding the heat generated by thermal source150. As is generally illustrated inFIG.11, thermal energy or heat (shown as block arrow) generated by thermal source150flows into support board110and is conducted principally by metal base layer190(not shown inFIG.11) However, as is illustrated here, contact between support board110air in separation areas200and202occurs across heat transfer surface areas that are defined by length70and72respectively. The comparatively large surface areas provided therein enable even inefficient thermal transfer into air at separation areas200,202and in open area60can provide sufficient thermal dissipation without requiring active cooling solutions. Additionally, it will be appreciated that this approach is readily extensible. That is, the capacity of electronics assembly100to dissipate heat over time can be increased by increasing the surface area of support board110. Such increases can conveniently be provided by extending either or both of length70of first end portion112and length72of second end portion120of support board110. In some embodiments, extending length70or length72can be done within the confines of open area60and in other embodiments extending lengths70or72can be done by extending either or both of first end portion112and second end portion120outside of open area60as will be described in greater detail below. A further advantage of this approach is also illustrated inFIG.11. As is shown inFIG.11, in an embodiment where light passage segment66takes the form of a lens that is positioned in part by area walls50and54a risk exists that a length74between an optical element shown here as lens68forming part of light passage segment66and thermal source150can be increased by thermal expansion to move thermal source150away from lens68. If too much movement of this type occurs, length74between thermal source150and lens68can become greater than a desired range of lengths within which an optical element such as lens68will have a planned on range of effects. For example, such thermal effects can cause thermal source150to move of a focus distance of lens68. However, as is generally illustrated inFIG.11, using support board110it becomes possible to position heat dissipation in locations adjacent to portions of area walls50and54that are more removed from the portions of area walls50and54that define length74between light lens68and thermal source150. Accordingly, to the extent that area walls50and54are heated by heat dissipated by support board110, such heating in any resultant thermal expansion will principally occur in portions of area walls50and54that are less likely to create unwanted thermal expansion of area walls50and54in length74that defines the relative positions of lens68and thermal source150. This reduces the extent of the risk that portions of area walls50and54between thermal source150and lens68will be heated enough to create focus problems. In particular, it will be noted that in the embodiment ofFIG.11, all heat transfer into area walls50and54occurs along portions of area walls50and54that are in areas that are not between thermal source150and lens68. Accordingly, there is a reduced risk that thermal expansion of area walls50and54will cause unwanted optical effects in this embodiment. In similar fashion, an air gap (not shown) can be left between area wall52and any or all of first end portion112, support portion116, and second end portion120. As is shown inFIG.11, in another embodiment, mesa80can be defined that projects up from area wall52having a size and shape that allows, for example, a shaped mesa80to contact a second side123of support board110to allow direct thermal transfer from support board110into mesa80. In the embodiment shown inFIG.12, an optional air gap206is provided proximate support portion116of support board110. This optional feature can be used where there is a risk that providing mesa80proximate to thermal source150will raise the temperature of support portion116to a level that is greater than desired for contact with materials forming mesa80. Other structures can also be provided in open area60for such a purpose. It will be appreciated that here too the area for heat transfer between mesa80and first end portion112and second end portion120occurs over extended lengths to enable an overall rate of thermal transfer into mesa80. FIG.12shows a top down view of another embodiment of a support board110. In this embodiment, metal base layer190is thicker in support portion116so as to provide some degree of thermal buffering or heat sink capability near the source of heat. Here this is done by providing a region of metal base layer190in support portion116than in first end portion112and second end portion120. As can be seen inFIG.12, this thermal buffering or heat sink capability is provided without creating a heat transfer boundary between the heat sink and first end portion112and second end portion120. Thermal transfer from support board110and area walls50and54may be acceptable in certain embodiments.FIG.12illustrates this feature in addition to those features described above. Here too, support board110can be arranged so that first contact between first end portion112and area wall50and between second end portion120and area wall54occurs across broad surface areas along lengths70and72. Further, lengths70and72can be arranged at places apart from length74within which area walls50separate a lens68from thermal source150. This can reduce the risk that thermal dissipation from support board110into area walls50and54will cause length74to change in a manner that disrupts operation of electronics assembly100. FIG.13shows a top down view a thermal source150may be used that is of the type that emits light from an emission edge155thereof and, that therefore requires a platform210on which such an edge emitting thermal source150can be positioned to direct the emission face155toward light transmission area66.FIG.14is a cut away side view of open area60as shown inFIG.13illustrating platform210. Here too it will be observed that heat that is transferred from base152of thermal source150transfers into platform210and from there is distributed into metal base layer190at support portion116for distribution into first end portion112and second end portion120as described above without requiring that such heat pass through an additional material boundary. Also shown in this embodiment is the optional positioning of first end portion112and second end portion120against area walls50and54to enable direct thermal transfer into area walls50and54. This can be done in embodiments where thermal transfer into area walls50and54will not disrupt proper operation of electronics assembly100. FIG.15illustrates another embodiment of a support board110positioned in an open area60of a deterrent device20wherein thermal source150has a base152that is joined to support board110by inserting base152into a recess212formed in support portion116of support board110. This approach allows metal base layer190to receive heat directly from base152along multiple sides thereof and does not require the provision of a platform200. Optionally, recess204can extend into support192to provide mechanical stability where necessary. FIG.16shows a top down view of yet another embodiment of support board110located in an open area60of a deterrent device. In this embodiment, a first end portion112and second end portion120extend at least in part through openings214and216in area walls50and54to provide a barrier free path for heat to flow from support portion116to areas outside of open area60where there is the possibility that greater ambient airflow, cooler temperatures or other factors that facilitate dissipation of heat. In such an embodiment first end portion112and second end portion120can be shaped to provide increased surface area such as by forming channels, v-patterns or other patterns known to those of skill in the art as increasing airflow in ways that are useful for heat dissipation. Support board110can be manufactured or fabricated in any of a variety of different manners known to those of skill in the art of forming metal clad surfaces. For example,FIG.17Aillustrates a profile220that can be used for fabricating a support board110of the type that is illustrated generally inFIG.12. In one example of this type a metal layer can be extruded according to this profile with other layers formed thereon after extrusion. Alternatively, a metal layer and other layers of a support board110can be co-extruded according to profile220. Similarly, as is shown inFIG.17Ba form224having a recess228for forming a support board110with an integral platform200such as is illustrated inFIGS.13and14. Other designs are possible. For example,FIG.17Cshows a profile230having recesses236and238that form relief features on a support board110that tend to increase the surface area of a support board (not shown inFIG.17C) so as to increase the surface area of the support board made using profile230. Profile230can be usefully applied to form a support board110for use in the embodiment ofFIG.16where such increased surface area will be provided at a first end portion112and at second end portion120of a support board110formed using such profile230that can be used to help transfer heat from thermal source150into an environment surrounding deterrent device20. Such additional surface area provided by such shapes can also be used in other embodiments as well. Additionally as is shown inFIG.17A, optional notches240,242,244,246,248and250can be provided in a substrate profile such as profile222to facilitate bending of a support board110so that support board can be bent to form first bend114and second bend118with improved precision and possible with improved control over positioning of bends formed in a support board110co-extruded in such a fashion. It will be appreciated that such benefits can be obtained in other embodiments by pre-scoring metal clad board111or other substrate used to form a support board110. It will be understood that while the forgoing has described the use of electronics assembly100in connection with a deterrent device, can be used into other types of devices including any other products into which what is described herein can be integrated and, in addition, standalone illumination devices such as portable or stationary lighting solutions, illuminators, designators, pointers, markers, beacons and the like. It will also be appreciated that the light emitted by light emitter150can be visible, infrared including near visible, short wave, mid-wave and long wave infrared, and ultraviolet light. FIG.18is a top down view of open area60of the embodiment ofFIG.9and another embodiment of an electronics assembly100having a support board110that is assembled to a drive board130(shown in phantom to illustrate the placement of support board110). In the embodiment ofFIG.18, electronics assembly100has a support board110having a metal layer with a first bend114between a first end portion112and a support portion116. A thermal source150is joined to or otherwise in contact with support portion116and generates light and heat when energized. However, as is illustrated inFIG.18, in this embodiment support board110has first end portion112, a first bend114and a support portion116but does not have the second bend118and the end portion120found in the preceding embodiments. FIG.18also illustrates, conceptually, the thermal advantages of this embodiment of support board110. As is shown inFIG.18, support portion116of support board110absorbs heat (conceptually illustrated as block arrows) as thermal source150emits such heat during operation. Heated support portion116transfers heat into first end portion112raising the temperature of first end portion112. In the embodiment illustrated here first end portion112is positioned proximate area wall50and dissipates heat across a broad surface area along length70. This embodiment of support board110can be used for example, and without limitation, for the purposes such as reducing the weight or cost of support board110or conforming support board110to particular configurations of open area60. The broad surface area of first end portion112can be sized, for example, to provide a rate of thermal dissipation that is generally equal to or greater than a rate at which thermal source150introduces thermal energy into support portion116of support board110or at some of the rate sufficient to support operation of thermal source150over a desired runtime or duty cycle. FIG.19is a top down view of open area60of the embodiment ofFIG.19having an embodiment of an electronics assembly100having another embodiment of a support board110that is assembled to a drive board130(shown in phantom to illustrate the placement of support board110). In the embodiment ofFIG.19, support board110has a metal layer with a first bend114between a first end portion112and a support portion116. A thermal source150is joined to support portion116and generates light and heat when energized. As is shown inFIG.19, support portion116of support board110absorbs heat (conceptually illustrated as block arrows) as thermal source150emits such heat during operation. Heated support portion116rapidly transfers heat into first end portion112and second end portion120rapidly raising the temperature of first end portion112and second end portion112. In the embodiment illustrated here first end portion112extends in a first direction and dissipates heat across a broad surface area along length70. Additionally, in this embodiment, first end portion112has a first end bend113allowing first end portion112to additionally extend in a second direction such that the surface area for heat dissipation provided by first end portion112extends along a length that is defined by length70plus an additional length73. Similarly, in this embodiment second end portion120has a second end bend115allowing second and a portion122extend in a different direction such that the surface area provided by second end portion120extends along a length that is defined by length72plus an additional length75. In the embodiment that is illustrated here, first end bend113and second and bend115are configured to bend first end portion112and second end portion120into open area60so as to provide additional surface area for thermal dissipation within open area60. Other arrangements are possible that do not bend into open area60. For example and without limitation one of lengths70and72can be shorter than the other so that bends113and115are staggered so that first end portion112and second end portion120are bend to form an interleaving arrangement in open area allowing lengths73and75to be longer. This embodiment of support board110can be used for example, and without limitation, to provide enhanced surface area for thermal dissipation within open area60or conforming support board110to particular configurations of open area60. Here too, the broad surface area of first end portion112and second end portion120can be sized, for example, to provide a rate of thermal dissipation that is generally equal to or greater than a rate at which thermal source150introduces thermal energy into support portion116of support board110or at some of the rate sufficient to support operation of thermal source150over a desired runtime or duty cycle. In the embodiments described above, thermal source150has been described as being a light emitter. However, in other embodiments thermal source150can comprise other types of devices that generate heat including semiconductor devices such as microprocessors, imagers, transformers or other circuits or systems that generate heat either for a functional purpose or as a byproduct of a functional purpose. In one embodiment, thermal source150can comprise a temperature regulator such as thermo-electric cooler that is operated to provide a cooled surface and a heated surface with the heated surface being joined to support portion116. In these embodiments, drive circuit140can be adapted to drive or control operation of such other thermal sources150using any known circuits or systems for controlling such other types of thermal sources150. The drawings provided herein may be to scale for specific embodiments however, unless stated otherwise these drawings may not be to scale for all embodiments. All block arrow representations of heat flow are exemplary of potential thermal patterns and are not limiting except as expressly stated herein. The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. | 31,106 |
11859807 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS Certain embodiments of a mirror assembly are disclosed in the context of a portable, free-standing vanity mirror, as it has particular utility in this context. However, the various aspects of the present disclosure can be used in many other contexts as well, such as wall-mounted mirrors, mirrors mounted on articles of furniture, automobile vanity mirrors (e.g., mirrors located in sun-visors), and otherwise. None of the features described herein are essentially or indispensable. Any feature, structure, or step disclosed herein can be replaced with or combined with any other feature, structure, or step disclosed herein, or omitted. As shown inFIGS.1-7, the mirror assembly2can include a housing portion8and a visual image reflective surface, such as a mirror4. The housing portion8can include a support portion20, a shaft portion12, and/or a base portion14. The housing portion8can also include a pivot portion16connecting the support portion20and the shaft portion12. Certain components of the housing portion8can be integrally formed or separately formed and connected together to form the housing portion8. The housing8can include plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or other suitable materials. The mirror assembly2can include one or more of the components described in connection withFIGS.8A and8B.FIG.8Billustrates a mirror assembly102including many components similar to the mirror assembly2components. The similar components include similar reference numbers in the 100s (e.g., mirror4can be similar to mirror104). The mirror4can include a generally flat or generally spherical surface, which can be convex or concave. The radius of curvature can depend on the desired optical power. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature can be at least about 15 inches and/or less than or equal to about 30 inches. The focal length can be half of the radius of curvature. For example, the focal length can be at least about 7.5 inches and/or less than or equal to about 15 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature can be at least about 18 inches and/or less than or equal to about 24 inches. In some embodiments, the mirror4can include a radius of curvature of about 20 inches and a focal length of about 10 inches. In some embodiments, the mirror4is aspherical, which can facilitate customization of the focal points. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the mirror4is controlled such that the magnification (optical power) of the object is at least about 2 times larger and/or less than or equal to about 7 times larger. In certain embodiments, the magnification of the object is about 5 times larger. In some embodiments, the mirror can have a radius of curvature of about 19 inches and/or about 7 times magnification. In some embodiments, the mirror can have a radius of curvature of about 24 inches and/or about 5 times magnification. As shown inFIG.8A, the mirror4can have a generally circular shape. In other embodiments, the mirror4can have an overall shape that is generally elliptical, generally square, generally rectangular, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the mirror4can have a diameter of at least about 8 inches and/or less than or equal to about 12 inches. In some embodiments, the mirror4can have a diameter of about 8 inches. In certain embodiments, the mirror4can have a diameter of at least about 12 inches and/or less than or equal to about 16 inches. In some embodiments, the mirror4can include a thickness of at least about 2 mm and/or less than or equal to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness is less than or equal to about two millimeters and/or greater than or equal to about three millimeters, depending on the desired properties of the mirror4(e.g., reduced weight or greater strength). In some embodiments, the surface area of the mirror4is substantially greater than the surface area of the base14. In other embodiments, the surface area of the image-reflecting surface of the mirror4is greater than the surface area of the base14. The mirror4can be highly reflective (e.g., has at least about 90% reflectivity). In some embodiments, the mirror4has greater than about 70% reflectivity and/or less than or equal to about 90% reflectivity. In other embodiments, the mirror4has at least about 80% reflectivity and/or less than or equal to about 100% reflectivity. In certain embodiments, the mirror has about 87% reflectivity. The mirror4can be cut out or ground off from a larger mirror blank so that mirror edge distortions are diminished or eliminated. One or more filters can be provided on the mirror to adjust one or more parameters of the reflected light. In some embodiments, the filter comprises a film and/or a coating that absorbs or enhances the reflection of certain bandwidths of electromagnetic energy. In some embodiments, one or more color adjusting filters, such as a Makrolon filter, can be applied to the mirror to attenuate desired wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. The mirror4can be highly transmissive (e.g., nearly 100% transmission). In some embodiments, transmission can be at least about 90%. In some embodiments, transmission can be at least about 95%. In some embodiments, transmission can be at least about 99%. The mirror4can be optical grade and/or comprise glass. For example, the mirror4can include ultra clear glass. Alternatively, the mirror4can include other translucent materials, such as plastic, nylon, acrylic, or other suitable materials. The mirror4can also include a backing including aluminum or silver. In some embodiments, the backing can impart a slightly colored tone, such as a slightly bluish tone to the mirror. In some embodiments, an aluminum backing can prevent rust formation and provide an even color tone. The mirror4can be manufactured using molding, machining, grinding, polishing, or other techniques. The mirror assembly2can include one or more light sources30configured to transmit light. For example, as shown inFIG.9, the mirror assembly can include a plurality (e.g., two) of light sources30. Various light sources30can be used. For example, the light sources30can include light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent light sources, incandescent light sources, halogen light sources, or otherwise. In some embodiments, each light source30consumes at least about 2 watts of power and/or less than or equal to about 3 watts of power. In certain embodiments, each light source30consumes about 2 watts of power. In certain embodiments, the width of each light source can be less than or equal to about 10.0 mm. In certain embodiments, the width of each light source can be less than or equal to about 6.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the width of each light source can be less than or equal to about 5.0 mm. In certain embodiments, the width of each light source can be about 4.0 mm. The light sources30can be configured to mimic or closely approximate natural light with a substantially full spectrum of light in the visible range. In some embodiments, the light sources30have a color temperature of greater than or equal to about 4500 K and/or less than or equal to about 6500 K. In some embodiments, the color temperature of the light sources30is at least about 5500 K and/or less than or equal to about 6000 K. In certain embodiments, the color temperature of the light sources30is about 5700 K. In some embodiments, the light sources30have a color rendering index of at least about 70 and/or less than or equal to about 90. Certain embodiments of the one or more light sources30have a color rendering index (CRI) of at least about 80 and/or less than or equal to about 100. In some embodiments, the color rendering index is high, at least about 87 and/or less than or equal to about 92. In some embodiments, the color rendering index is at least about 90. In some embodiments, the color rendering index can be about 85. In some embodiments, the luminous flux can be at least about 80 lm and/or less than or equal to about 110 lm. In some embodiments, the luminous flux can be at least about 90 lm and/or less than or equal to about 100 lm. In some embodiments, the luminous flux can be about 95 lm. In some embodiments, the forward voltage of each light source can be at least about 2.4 V and/or less than or equal to about 3.6 V. In some embodiments, the forward voltage can be at least about 2.8 V and/or less than or equal to about 3.2 V. In some embodiments, the forward voltage is about 3.0 V. In some embodiments, the illuminance at an outer periphery of the sensing region is at least about 500 lux and/or less than or equal to about 1000 lux. The illuminance level can be higher at a distance closer to the face of the mirror. In some embodiments, the illuminance at an outer periphery of the sensing region is about 700 lux. In some embodiments, the illuminance at an outer periphery of the sensing region is about 600 lux. In some embodiments, the sensing region extends about 8 inches away from the face of the mirror. Many other sensing regions can also be utilized, some of which are described below. In certain variants, the mirror assembly2can include a dimmer to adjust the intensity of the light. In some embodiments, the light sources30are configured to provide multiple colors of light and/or to provide varying colors of light. For example, the light sources30can provide two or more discernable colors of light, such as red light and yellow light, or provide an array of colors (e.g., red, green, blue, violet, orange, yellow, and otherwise). In certain embodiments, the light sources30are configured to change the color or presence of the light when a condition is met or is about to be met. For example, certain embodiments momentarily change the color of the emitted light to advise the user that the light is about to be deactivated. As shown inFIG.9, the light sources can be positioned near the uppermost region of the mirror assembly2. In other embodiments, the light sources30are positioned at other portions of the mirror assembly2, such as, within the light pipe10or directly mounted to the mirror4at spaced-apart intervals around the periphery of the mirror4. For example, the light sources30can be positioned around some, substantially all, or all of the periphery of the mirror4. In certain embodiments, the light sources30is separate from and does not connect with the mirror assembly2. The light sources30can be positioned in various orientations in relation to each other, such as side-by-side, back-to-back, or otherwise. In certain embodiments, the light sources30can be positioned to emit light in opposing directions. For example, as shown inFIG.9, a first light source30aprojects light in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) around the periphery of the mirror4, and a second light source30bprojects light in a second direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) around the periphery of the mirror4. In certain embodiments, the light sources30can be positioned to emit light generally orthogonally to the viewing surface of the mirror assembly2. In certain embodiments, the light sources30can be positioned to emit light tangentially in relation to the periphery of the mirror4. The mirror assembly2can include a mechanism to actively or passively dissipate, transfer, or radiate heat energy away from the light sources30, such as a fan, vent, and/or one or more passive heat dissipating or radiating structures34. The support portion20can include a receiving portion22near an upper region of the mirror assembly2for receiving a heat dissipating structures34. The heat dissipating structures34can formed of materials with a high rate of heat conduction, such as aluminum or steel, to help remove heat from the mirror assembly that is generated by the light sources30. Many other heat dissipating materials, such as copper or brass, can be used. The heat dissipating structures34can dissipate heat created by the light sources30and/or conduct electricity to the light sources. The heat dissipating structures34that both dissipate heat and conduct electricity to the light sources30reduce the total number of necessary components. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the heat dissipating structure34can include one or more components that are generally comparatively long in one dimension, generally comparatively wide in another dimension, and generally comparatively narrow in another dimension, to provide a large surface area over a thin surface to conduct heat efficiently through the heat dissipating structure34and then readily transfer such heat into the surrounding air and away from heat-sensitive electronic components in the mirror assembly. For example, the length of the heat dissipating structure34can be substantially greater than the width of the heat dissipating structure34, and the width of the heat dissipating structure34can be substantially greater than the thickness. The heat dissipating structures34can be electrically connected circuit boards and/or provides electric power and signals to the light sources30attached directly or indirectly thereto. In some embodiments, the temperature of the light sources30with the heat dissipating structures34is less than or equal to about 70° F. In some embodiments, the temperature of the light sources30with the heat dissipating structures34is between about 50° F. and 60° F. As shown inFIG.8A, the heat dissipating structure34can be a single structure including a support panel34cpositioned substantially parallel to the mirror4. In some embodiments, the support panel34cis a circuit board. The heat dissipating structure34can also include one or more fins mounted to the support panel34c. As shown inFIG.8A, the heat dissipating structure34can include two fins34a,34b. The fins34a,34bcan be positioned between the support panel34cand the mirror4. The fins34a,34bcan also be positioned such that the first ends of each of the fins34a′,34b′ are closer together than the second ends of the fins34a″,34h″ (e.g., V-shaped). The fins34a,34bcan be directly or indirectly connected to the light sources30. For example, each fin34a,34bcan receive a light source30. As shown inFIG.8B, the heat dissipating structures134a,134bcan be separate components. Similar toFIG.8A, the heat dissipating structures134a,134bcan be positioned such that the first ends of each of the structures134a′,134b′ are closer together than the second ends of the fins134a″,134b″ (e.g., generally V-shaped). The structures134a,134bcan be directly or indirectly connected to the light sources130. For example, each of the structures134a,134bcan receive a light source130. FIG.10shows a rear side of the mirror assembly102without a rear cover portion118. The second end of each of the heat dissipating structures134a″,134b″ can be positioned between the first end140aand the second end140bof the light pipe and on either side of the sensor assembly128. The heat dissipating structures134a,134bcan be positioned behind the support structure120. For example, the heat dissipating structures134a,134can be positioned between a circuit board170and the rear cover portion (not shown). The support portion120can also include one or more clasps172or other structures for engaging the circuit board170. The support portion20can support the mirror4and a light conveying structure, such as a light pipe10, positioned around at least a portion of a periphery of the mirror4. In some embodiments, the light pipe10is positioned only along an upper portion of mirror4or a side portion of the mirror4. In other embodiments, the light pipe10extends around at least majority of the periphery of the mirror4, substantially the entire periphery of the mirror4, or around the entire periphery of the mirror4. As shown inFIG.8A, the support portion20can include a structure, such as a ridge21, which can support the light pipe10(e.g., a portion of the light pipe10can be disposed along the ridge21). Some or all of the light from the light sources30can be transmitted generally toward, or into, the light pipe10. For example, as shown inFIG.8A, the light pipe10can include ends40a,40b, and the light sources30can emit light into one or both of the ends40a,40bof the light pipe10. The light sources30can be positioned such that the light is emitted generally toward a user facing the viewing surface of the mirror assembly2. For example, some or all of the light from the light sources30and/or the light pipe10can be emitted toward, and reflected off of, another component before contacting the user. In some embodiments, the light sources30are positioned behind the mirror4(e.g., creating a backlighting effect of the mirror4). In some embodiments, the light sources30are positioned (e.g., by tilting) such that light emitted from the light sources30contacts the viewing surface of the mirror assembly2at an angle, such as an acute angle. In some embodiments, the light sources30are positioned such that light emitted from the light sources30contacts the viewing surface of the mirror assembly2at an obtuse angle. When installed on the support member20, the light pipe10has a radial width and an axial depth. Some variants have a radial width that is greater than or equal to than the axial depth. In certain implementations, the light pipe10is configured to provide adequate area for the reflecting surface of the mirror4and to provide sufficient area for light to be emitted from the light pipe10, as will be discussed in more detail below. For example, the ratio of the radial width of the light pipe10to the radius of the mirror4can be less than or equal to about: ⅕, 1/15, 1/30, 1/50, values in between, or otherwise. As shown inFIG.8A, the light pipe10can be substantially circularly shaped. The light pipe10can include a gap44, and the sensor assembly28and/or the light sources30can be positioned in the gap44. In some embodiments, the light pipe10can be substantially linearly shaped, or the light pipe10has a non-linear and non-circular shape. The light pipe10can include acrylic, polycarbonate, or any other clear or highly transmissive material. The light pipe10can be at least slightly opaque. The light can pass along and through a portion of the light pipe10and/or emit from the light pipe10via an outer face42of the light pipe10. In some embodiments, the light pipe10is configured to transmit at least about 95% of the light emitted from the light sources30. The light sources30can be configured, in combination with light pipe10, to emit light generally around the periphery of the mirror4. The light pipe10can be configured to disperse light from the light sources30through the light pipe10. The light sources30and the light pipe10can be configured such that the amount of light emitted from the outer face42is substantially constant along the length of the light pipe10. Many different ways of achieving a substantially constant intensity of conveyed light around the light pipe10can be used. The support portion20and/or the light pipe10can include features to facilitate generally even or uniform diffusion, scattering, and/or reflection of the light emitted by the light sources30around the periphery of the mirror. For example, the support portion20and/or light pipe10can include an irregular anterior and/or posterior surface that is molded in a non-flat and/or non-planar way, etched, roughened, painted, and/or otherwise surface modified. The light scattering elements can be configured to disperse a substantially constant amount of light along the periphery of the mirror4. These features can help achieve high energy-efficiency, reducing the total number of light sources necessary to light substantially the entire periphery of the mirror and reducing the temperature of the mirror assembly2. The light pipe10can comprise a generally translucent material with varying degrees of scattering, such that the minimum amount of scattering occurs in a region near the light source(s) and the maximum scattering occurs in a region of the light pipe10that is located furthest from the light source(s). The light pipe10can comprise a region configured to scatter light in a varying manner. In some embodiments, the light conveying pathway or light pipe10can comprise a varying, non-constant, non-smooth anterior, posterior, and/or interior surface formed from any suitable process, such as molding, etching, roughening painting, coating, and/or other methods. In some embodiments, one or more surface irregularities can be very small bumps, protrusions, and/or indentations. In some embodiments, light passing through the light pipe10can be scattered at a plurality of different intensity levels, depending on the location of the light within the light pipe10. For example, light at a first location on the light pipe10can be scattered at a first intensity level, light at a second location on the light pipe10can be scattered at a second intensity level, and light at a third location on the light pipe10can be scattered at a third intensity level, with the third intensity level being more than the second intensity level, and the second intensity level being more than the first intensity level, etc. Many other levels of scattering and many ways of spatially increasing or decreasing scattering can be used instead of or in addition to providing macro scattering elements, such as spatially varying a level of die or a frosting effect within the material of the light pipe10, or by spatially varying scattering particles embedded within the material, or by spatially varying a surface pattern on one or more outside surfaces of the material. The light pipe10can include a surface pattern, such as light scattering elements74(e.g., a dot pattern) as shown inFIG.11. The light scattering elements74can be configured to encourage a portion of the light passing through the light pipe10to exit the outer face42of the light pipe10, thereby generally illuminating the user in a generally even or generally uniform manner. The light scattering elements can be configured such that the light intensity emitted from the outer face42of the light pipe10is substantially constant along a substantial portion of, or virtually the entirety of, the length of the light pipe10. Accordingly, the user can receive generally constant light volume or intensity around the periphery of the mirror4. For example, the light scattering elements can include one or more of varied density, irregular patterns, or varied sizes. As shown inFIG.11, the light scattering elements74can be less dense near the light sources30(FIG.11B), and become increasingly dense as a function of increased distance from the light sources30(FIG.11A). Such a configuration can, for example, reduce the amount of light that is scattered or reflected (and thus exits the outer face42) in areas having generally increased light volume or light intensity, such as portions of the light pipe10that are near the light sources30. Further, such a configuration can encourage additional scattering or reflection (and thus increase the amount that exits the outer face42) in areas having generally decreased light volume or intensity, such as portions of the light pipe10that are spaced away from the light sources30. Accordingly, the mirror assembly2can avoid bright areas at some portions of the periphery of the mirror4and dark areas at other portions. The mirror assembly2can have a substantially constant amount of light emitted along some, substantially all, or all of the periphery of the mirror4. The light scattering elements can be dispersed in an irregular pattern, such that the light scattering pattern in a first region is different than a light scattering pattern in a second region. A distance between a first light scattering element and a second light scattering element can be different than a distance between a first light scattering element and a third light scattering element. The sizes (e.g., the diameter) of the light scattering elements can be varied. In some variants, the light scattering elements near the light sources30can have a smaller size when compared to light scattering elements that are farther from the light sources30. For example, the light scattering elements can include a smaller diameter near the light sources30and become increasingly larger as a function of distance from the light sources30. Such a configuration allows substantially even reflection of light to the outer surface42. In certain embodiments, each light scattering element has a diameter of less than or equal to about one millimeter. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements each have a diameter greater than or equal to about one millimeter. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements can be generally circular. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements have other shapes, such as generally square, generally rectangular, generally pentagonal, generally hexagonal, generally octagonal, generally oval, and otherwise. In certain embodiments, the pattern in the light pipe10is a series of lines, curves, spirals, or any other pattern. In certain embodiments, the light scattering elements are white. The light scattering elements can be dispersed such that the light pipe10appears frosted. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements are not easily visible to the user. For example, the light pipe10can be slightly opaque to conceal the appearance of the surface pattern. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements are visible to the user, the light pipe10can be clear to show the general color and pattern of the surface elements. The light pipe10can include a reflective material to achieve high reflectivity. For example, the light pipe10can include a reflective backing material along the rear side of the light pipe. In some embodiments, the reflective material can reflect at least about 95% of light. In some embodiments, the reflective material reflects about 98% of light. The reflective material can be optically reflective paper. As shown inFIG.8B, the mirror assembly102can also include a diffuser156. The diffuser156can be positioned on the surface of the light pipe110and/or around the periphery of the mirror104. For example, the diffuser156can be positioned between the light pipe10and the user to provide a diffuse, scattered light source, not a focused, sharp light source, which would be less comfortable on the user's eyes. In some embodiments, the transmissivity of the diffuser is substantially constant around its perimeter or circumference. In some embodiments, the diffuser156can surround a majority of the periphery of the mirror104, substantially the entire periphery of the mirror, or the entire periphery of the mirror. As shown inFIG.8B, the diffuser156can surround generally the same portion of the periphery of the mirror104as the light pipe110. The diffuser156can also include an opening160for the sensor assembly128and/or a receiving portion157for receiving the mirror104. The diffuser156can include an at least partially opaque material. For example, the diffuser156can include optical grade acrylic. The diffuser156can include an irregular anterior and/or posterior surface formed from etching, roughening, painting, and/or other methods of surface modification. For example, the diffuser156can include a pattern of light scattering elements (not shown) created using any of the methods discussed herein. The light scattering elements can be modified to include any of the shapes and/or sizes discussed in connection with the light pipe10. The light scattering elements can be configured to create soft light by further scattering the light. For example, the light scattering elements can include a plurality of dots having the same diameter or different diameters. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements can be evenly dispersed across the diffuser156. In other embodiments, the light scattering elements can be randomly dispersed across the diffuser156. Returning toFIG.8A, a cover member6can cover the sensor assembly28and the light sources30. The cover member6can be clear and polished acrylic, polycarbonate, or any other suitable material. On the rear side, the housing8can include a rear cover portion18, which can be configured to at least partially enclose one or more components of the mirror assembly2. The rear cover portion18can include an aperture32through which the pivot portion16can extend to engage with the support portion20. The rear cover portion18can also include one or more vents to further reduce the temperature. As shown inFIG.8B, the mirror assembly102can include a gasket164positioned between the support portion120and rear cover portion118. As previously noted, the pivot portion16can connect the support portion20and the shaft portion12. The pivot portion16allows the mirror4to be pivoted in one or more directions (e.g., up, down, right, left, and/or in any other direction). For example, the pivot16can include a ball joint, one or more hinges, or otherwise. The support portion20and the mirror4can be adjustable (e.g., slidably movable and/or rotatable) along an axis generally parallel to the surface of the mirror4and to the ground and/or along an axis generally parallel to the surface of the mirror4and perpendicular to the ground. For example, the shaft portion12can be adjustable (e.g., slidably movable and/or rotatable) along an axis generally parallel to the surface of the mirror4and perpendicular to the ground. The support portion20and the mirror4can also be rotatable along an axis generally perpendicular from the surface of the mirror4(e.g., rotatable about the center of the mirror4). The housing portion8can also include additional pivot portions, such as along the shaft portion12. To adjust the height of the mirror assembly2, the shaft portion12can be configured to translate generally perpendicular to the ground when the mirror assembly2is positioned on the base14. In some embodiments, the height of the shaft portion12can be adjusted within a range of at least about three inches and/or within a range less than four inches. In some embodiments, the height of the shaft portion12can be adjusted within about a four inch range. In some embodiments, the height of the shaft portion12can be adjusted within about a three inch range. The shaft portion12can include a first shaft portion12aand a second shaft portion12b. The shaft portions12a,12bcan be configured to adjustably engage each other, thereby allowing the user to select and maintain the mirror assembly2at a desired height. For example, the first shaft portion12acan include one or more biased adjustment structures, such as spring-loaded retractable pegs (not shown), and the second shaft portion12bcan include one or more corresponding adjustment structures, such as notches (not shown). The pegs of the first shaft portion12acan engage (e.g., snap into) with the notches of the second shaft portion12bto control provide articulating adjustment of the height of the mirror assembly2. In some embodiments, the first shaft portion12aand the second shaft portion12bcan form an interference fit. This applied pressure allows the first shaft portion12aand the second shaft portion12bto be stationary relative to each other (e.g. hold the support portion20in desired height) without external force being applied. However, the applied pressure between the shaft portions12aand12bcan be controlled so that when the user wants to adjust the height of the support portion20, the pressure can be overcome and shaft portions12aand12bcan move relative to each other. For example, the amount of force required to downwardly or upwardly adjust the height or effective length of the shaft portion12can be greater than the downward force of gravity induced by the mass of the mirror assembly and upper shaft portion but generally less than or equal to a natural human adjustment force for an appliance, such as less than or equal to about 3 or about 4 pounds. The sliding or adjustment of the height or effective length of the shaft components can be configured to stop virtually immediately when the user's adjustment force stops, without requiring further adjustments or securing structure to stop the sliding or to secure the components of the shaft portion against further unintended movement or change in height or length. The applied pressure can also simulate a dampening effect during movement of the shaft portions12aand12b. The shaft portion12can also include a constraining member, such as ring member, that dampens or prevents the first shaft portion12afrom moving relative to the second shaft portion12b. For example, certain variants of the ring member threadably engage with the second shaft portion12b, thereby radially compressing the second shaft portion12bagainst the first shaft portion12a, which in turn inhibits the first shaft portion12afrom translating relative to the second shaft portion12b. In certain implementations, loosening the ring member allows the user to adjust the height of the shaft portion12, while tightening the ring member secures the first shaft portion12ato the second shaft portion12b. In some embodiments, the shaft portion12includes a connector, such as a set-screw (not shown), which can be positioned generally perpendicular to the first shaft portion12a. The second shaft portion12bcan include an opening (not shown) through which the screw member can extend. In certain implementations, when the set-screw is loosened, the first shaft portion12acan be adjusted relative to the second shaft portion12b. Tightening the screw member until it contacts the first shaft portion12acan inhibit or prevent the first shaft portion12afrom moving relative to the second shaft portion12b. As shown inFIG.8B, the shaft portion112can include one or more biasing members154, such as springs (e.g., spiral coil springs, wave springs, conical springs, or otherwise). In certain variants, the one or more biasing members154are configured to facilitate adjustment of the height of the shaft portion112. For example, the one or more biasing members154can reduce the amount of vertical force a user must exert to raise the height of the mirror104relative to the base114. The biasing members can be positioned in a lumen of the shaft portion112. The shaft portion12can include plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or other suitable materials. The first shaft portion12acan also include compressible materials, such as rubber, nylon, and plastics, on at least a portion of its outer surface that press against the inner surface of the second shaft portion12bwhen the first shaft portion12ais inserted into the second shaft portion12b. A portion of the support portion20can be cantilevered outward from the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion12. Such a configuration can impart a moment of force on the mirror assembly2, which, if uncompensated for, could lead to tipping. The base portion14can also be configured to counteract such a moment. For example, the base portion14can include a weight that is sufficient to reduce substantially the likelihood of tipping of the mirror assembly2. The base14and/or other portions of the mirror assembly2can be generally balanced in mass distribution such that the center of mass of the mirror assembly2is generally positioned near the shaft12and/or near the base14. The base portion14can weigh at least about 2 lbs., 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., values in between, or otherwise. The base portion14can also include one or more supporting feet or be configured to be semi-permanently mountable (e.g., to be mounted to a countertop with one or more fasteners). In some embodiments, as illustrated, the base portion14can have a generally curved outer surface. For example, a horizontal cross-section of the base at a plurality of points along its height can be generally circular or generally elliptical. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion14is generally conical, such as generally frusto-conical. The outer surface of the base can be generally smooth, generally tapered and/or generally sloping, as illustrated, and/or present a virtually entirely continuous surface generally circumscribing the periphery of the base14. The horizontal cross-sectional area or diameter of the top of the base14generally can be about the same as the horizontal cross-sectional are or diameter of the bottom of the shaft portion12. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the base14can generally continuously increase from the top region of the base14to the bottom region of the base14. For example, a horizontal cross-sectional area or diameter at the bottom region of the base14can be substantially larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area or diameter at the top region of the base14(e.g., at least about two or at least about three times larger), which is an example of a base14that can help resist tipping of the mirror. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the distance along the shaft portion12from the bottom of the mirror portion to the top of the base portion can be generally about the same as the height of the base portion14. As discussed in further detail below, the base portion14can include a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). The weight and positioning of the battery can also reduce the chances of tipping of the mirror assembly2. In some embodiments, the battery can deliver power to the light sources for at least about ten minutes per day for about thirty days. The battery26can be recharged via a port24(e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port or otherwise), as shown inFIG.12. The port24can be configured to permanently or removably receive a connector coupled with a wire or cable (not shown). The port24can also be configured to allow electrical potential to pass between the batteries26with a power source via the connector. The port24may be used to program or calibrate different operations of the mirror illumination or object sensing when connect to a computer. Other charging methods can be used, such as via conventional electric adapter to be plugged in to an electric outlet. The mirror assembly2can include an indicator device configured to issue a visual, audible, or other type of indication to a user of the mirror assembly2regarding a characteristic of the mirror assembly2, the user, and/or the relationship between the mirror assembly2and the user. For example, the indicator can indicate on/off status, battery levels, imminent deactivation, and/or certain mode of operation. The indicator can be used for other purposes as well. The color of the indicator light can vary depending on the indication. For example, the indicator can emit a green light when the mirror assembly is turned on and/or a red light when the battery is running low. As shown inFIG.1, the indicator58can ring-shaped and positioned around an upper portion of the base portion14. The indicator58can take on any other shape and be positioned around the support portion20, along the base portion14, or on any other location on the mirror assembly2. The controller50controls the operation of a light sources30. The controller50can be disposed in the base14and can include one or a plurality of circuit boards (PCBs), which can provide hard wired feedback control circuits, a processor and memory devices for storing and performing control routines, or any other type of controller. The mirror assembly2can include a sensor assembly28, as shown inFIGS.2A and9. The sensor assembly28can be positioned near an upper region of the mirror assembly2(e.g., the top of the mirror). For example, the sensor assembly28can be positioned in the gap44in the light pipe10. The sensor assembly28can also be recessed from the front surface of the mirror assembly2. Alternatively, the sensor assembly28can disposed along any other portion of the mirror assembly2or not positioned on the mirror assembly2. For example, the sensor assembly28can be positioned in any location in a room in which the mirror assembly2sits. The sensor assembly28can include a proximity sensor or a reflective-type sensor. For example, the sensor28can be triggered when an object (e.g., a body part) is moved into, and/or produces movement within, a sensing region. The sensor assembly28can include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter36can be an emitting portion (e.g., electromagnetic energy such as infrared light), and the receiver38can be a receiving portion (e.g., electromagnetic energy such as infrared light). The beam of light emitting from the light emitting portion36can define a sensing region. In certain variants, the transmitter can emit other types of energy, such as sound waves, radio waves, or any other signals. The transmitter and receiver can be integrated into the same sensor or configured as separate components. In some embodiments, the light emitting portion36can emit light in a generally perpendicular direction from the front face of the mirror assembly. In some embodiments, the light emitting portion36emits light at a downward angle from a perpendicular to the front face of the mirror assembly by at least about 5 degrees and/or less than or equal to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the light emitting portion36emits light at a downward angle from a perpendicular to the front face of the mirror assembly by at least about 15 degrees and/or less than or equal to about 60 degrees. In certain embodiments, the light emitting portion36emits light at a downward angle of about 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly28can detect an object within a sensing region. In certain embodiments, the sensing region can have a range from at least about 0 degrees to less than or equal to about 45 degrees downward relative to an axis extending from the sensor assembly28, and/or relative to a line extending generally perpendicular to a front surface of the sensor assembly, and/or relative to a line extending generally perpendicular to the front face of the mirror and generally outwardly toward the user from the top of the mirror assembly. In certain embodiments, the sensing region can have a range from at least about 0 degrees to less than or equal to about 25 degrees downward relative to any of these axes or lines. In certain embodiments, the sensing region can have a range from at least about 0 degrees to less than or equal to about 15 degrees downward relative to any of these axes or lines. In some embodiments, the sensing region can be adjusted by mounting the sensor assembly28at an angle. In certain embodiments, the sensor assembly28can be mounted such that the front surface of the sensing assembly28can be generally parallel or coplanar with a front surface of mirror4. In certain embodiments, the sensor assembly28can be mounted such that the front surface of the sensing assembly28can be at an angle relative to the front surface of the mirror. In some embodiments, the sensing region can be adjusted by modifying one or more features of the cover member6. In certain embodiments, the cover member6can include a lens material. In certain embodiments, the cover member6can include a generally rectangular cross-section. In certain embodiments, the cover member6can include a generally triangular cross-section. In certain embodiments, the cover member6can include a front surface generally parallel or coplanar with a front surface of the mirror4. In certain embodiments, the cover member6can include a front surface at an angle relative to the front surface of the mirror4. In certain embodiments, the front surface of the cover member6can be positioned at an angle relative to the sensor assembly28. In some embodiments, the sensing area generally widens as the front surface of the cover member6moves from the configuration generally parallel or coplanar with the front surface of the mirror4to the configuration at an angle relative to the front surface of the mirror4. In certain embodiments, when the front surface of the cover member6is generally parallel or coplanar with the front surface of the mirror, the sensing region can have a range from about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees downward relative to the axis extending generally from the sensor assembly28and/or generally perpendicular to the front surface of the sensor assembly. In certain embodiments, when the front surface of the cover member6is at an angle relative to the front surface of the mirror4, the sensing region can have a range from about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees downward relative to the axis extending generally from the sensor assembly28and/or generally perpendicular to the front surface of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly28may only require enough power to generate a low power beam of light, which may or may not be visible to the human eye. Additionally, the sensor assembly28can operate in a pulsating mode. For example, the light emitting portion36can be powered on and off in a cycle such as, for example, for short bursts lasting for any desired period of time (e.g., less than or equal to about 0.01 second, less than or equal to about 0.1 second, or less than or equal to about 1 second) at any desired frequency (e.g., once per half second, once per second, once per ten seconds). Cycling can greatly reduce the power demand for powering the sensor assembly28. In operation, cycling does not degrade performance in some embodiments because the user generally remains in the path of the light beam long enough for a detection signal to be generated. If the receiving portion38detects reflections (e.g., above a threshold level) from an object within the beam of light emitted from the light emitting portion36, the sensor assembly28sends a signal to the controller to activate a light source. The sensor assembly28can send different signals to the controller50based on the amount of light reflected back toward the receiver38. For example, the sensor assembly28is configured such that the amount of light emitted by the light sources30is proportional to the amount of reflected light, which can indicate the distance between the mirror4and the user. In certain variants, if the user is in a first sensing region, then the controller causes the one or more light sources30to activate from an off state or to emit a first amount of light. If the user is in a second sensing region (e.g., further away from the sensor assembly28than the first sensing region), then the controller causes the one or more light sources30to emit a second amount of light (e.g., less than the first amount of light). The controller50can trigger at least two different levels of brightness from the light sources30, such as brighter light or dimmer light. For example, if the user is anywhere in a first sensing region, then the controller50signals for bright light to be emitted; if the user is anywhere in a second sensing region, then the controller50signals for dim light to be emitted. The controller50can also trigger more than two brightness levels. In certain implementations, the level of emitted light is related (e.g., linearly, exponentially, or otherwise) to the distance from the sensor to the user. For example, as the user gets closer to the sensor assembly28, the one or more light sources30emit more light. Alternatively, the mirror assembly2can be configured to emit more light when the user is further away from the sensor assembly28, and less light as the user moves closer to the sensor assembly28. The sensor assembly28can include two light emitting portions36aand36b. Each transmitter36a,36bemits a cone of light with proper shielding or guiding on the transmitters36aand36b, which defines the detection zones of the sensors (subject to the nominal range of the sensors28). The area in which the two cones overlap creates a primary sensing region, and areas in which the two cones emit light but do not overlap create a secondary sensing region. If a user is detected in the primary sensing region, then the sensor assembly28sends an appropriate signal to the controller50, which triggers a first level of light from the light sources30. If a user is detected in the secondary sensing region, then the sensor assembly28sends an appropriate signal to the controller50, which activates a second level of light from the light sources30. In some embodiments, the first level of light is brighter than the second level of light. In other embodiments, the second level of light is brighter than the first level of light. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly28defines more than two sensing regions and triggers more than two levels of light. As shown inFIG.9, the light emitting portions38can be positioned generally along the same horizontal plane (e.g., relative to the ground). The sensor assembly28can issue an appropriate signal to the controller50, which can trigger brighter light when the user is within a first sensing region, directly in front of the sensor assembly28. The sensor assembly can trigger dimmer light when the user is within a second sensing region, in the periphery of the mirror assembly2. The sensor assembly28can include two or more light emitting portions36that do not create overlapping detection cones within the nominal range of the sensors28. A first cone of light defines a first sensing region and a second cone of light defines a second sensing region. If a user is detected in the first sensing region alone or the second sensing region alone, then the sensor assembly28signals the controller50, which activates a first level of light from the light sources30. In certain variants, if a user is concurrently detected in the first and second sensing regions, then the sensor assembly28signals the controller50to activate a second level of light from the light sources30. In some embodiments, the first level of light is brighter than the second level of light. In other embodiments, the second level of light is brighter than the first level of light. Activation of the light sources30or adjusting the amount of light emitted from the light sources30can be based on factors other than the presence of a user within a sensing region. For example, the amount of light emitted from the light sources30can adjust based on motion within the detection zone and nominal range of the sensor28. Certain implementations are configured such that, if a user lifts his/her hand in an upward motion, then the controller signals for the amount of light to increase, and if a user lowers his/her hand in a downward motion, then the controller signals for the amount of light to decrease. Once a light source30activates, the light source30can remain activated so long as the sensor assembly28detects an object in a sensing region. Alternatively, the light source30remains activated for a pre-determined period of time. For example, activating the light source30can initialize a timer. If the sensor assembly28does not detect an object before the timer runs out, then the light source30is deactivated. If the sensor assembly28detects an object before the timer runs out, then the controller50reinitializes the timer, either immediately or after the time runs out. The one or more sensing regions can be used in any type of configuration that allows the user to control an aspect of the operation of the mirror assembly2. For example, the one or more sensing regions can be used to trigger the mirror assembly2to emit different levels of light, operate for varying durations of time, pivot the mirror, or any other appropriate parameter. In several embodiments, the mirror assembly2has one or more modes of operation, for example, an on mode and an off mode. A controller50can activate different modes based on signals received from different sensing regions, motions, or any other parameter. Any of the modes described below can be used separately or in combination with each other. The mirror assembly2can include a task mode. When the task mode is activated, the mirror assembly2can trigger a light source30to remain activated or cause the sensor to enter a hyper mode (e.g., during which the sensor is configured to have increased sensitivity to movement within a zone, or to have a larger or wider sensitivity zone, or to have some other increased sensitivity signal detection) for a pre-determined period of time. For example, in some embodiments, the task mode can be especially useful when the user plans to use the mirror assembly2for an extended period of time, especially if the user's body position is substantially still for an extended period, to avoid intermittent loss of lighting while the user is still looking into the mirror. The task mode can trigger a light source30to remain activated for a predetermined amount of time, even if the user is not detected within a sensing region. The pre-determined amount of time can be less than or equal to about: 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or any other suitable period of time. If the sensor assembly28does not detect a user before the timer runs out, then the mirror assembly2deactivates task mode. In certain embodiments, the mirror assembly2remains in task mode until the user signals a light source30to deactivate. The mirror assembly2can include a power saver mode. When the power saver mode is activated, the light source30emits less light than the mirror assembly2when not in power saver mode. The power saver mode can be user-activated and can be used when a user plans to use the mirror for a relatively long period of time. Alternatively, the mirror assembly2enters power saver mode automatically as a transition between on mode and off mode. For example, a controller50can initialize a timer when a light source30activates. If the sensor assembly28does not detect a user before the timer runs out, then the controller50enters power saver mode and initializes a second timer. If the sensor assembly28does not detect a user before the second timer runs out, then the controller50deactivates the light source30. The mirror assembly2can include a hyper mode. As described above, in some embodiments, the mirror assembly2has two light emitting portions36, each emitting a cone of light. In certain implementations, the controller50only triggers the light sources30to activate when the sensor assembly28detects an object in the region where the two cones of light intersect (e.g., the primary sensing region). In some embodiments, after the light source30has been activated, the mirror assembly2enters hyper mode. The controller50can keep the light sources30activated as long as the sensor assembly2detects the user in either one or both of the cones of light (the secondary or the primary sensing regions). The secondary sensing region can be different from the primary sensing region. For example, the secondary sensing region can be larger than the primary sensing region. In some embodiments, this allows the user to move around and still keep the light source30activated. Hyper mode can also help save power by preventing unintentional activation when the user is near a periphery of the mirror assembly2. The mirror assembly2can also include ambient light sensing capabilities. For example, when the ambient light is relatively low, the light emitting from the light source30will be brighter than if the ambient light is relatively bright. The light receiving portion38can detect both ambient light and light emitted from the transmitter36, or the mirror assembly2can include a second sensor assembly for detecting ambient light. The controller50can adjust the amount of signal necessary to trigger a light source30based on the amount of detected ambient light. For example, the amount of detected light required to activate the light sources30can be proportional to the ambient light. Such a configuration can allow the light source30to be activated even when the level of ambient light is modest (e.g., in dimmed bathroom lighting). When the ambient light is less than or equal to a first level, the controller50activates light source30when a first level of the reflected signal is detected. When the ambient light is greater than the first level, the controller50activates light source30when a second level (e.g., greater than the first level) of the reflected signal is detected. The controller50can also adjust the amount of light emitted by the light sources30based on the ambient light. Such a configuration can, for example, avoid emitting a starting burst of very bright light that would be uncomfortable to a user's eyes, especially when the user's eyes were previously adjusted to a lower light level, such as when the surrounding environment is dim. For example, the amount of light emitted by the light sources30can be proportional to the amount of ambient detected light. The controller50can also gradually increase the level of emitted light from the light sources30when the light sources30are activated and/or gradually decrease the amount of light emitted from the light sources30when the light sources30are deactivated. Such a configuration can inhibit discomfort to a user's eyes when the light sources30turn on. The mirror assembly2can also include a calibration mode. For example, the calibration mode can calibrate the different sensing regions with different output characteristics as desired by the user. An algorithm can be configured to utilize multiple sensing regions to perform different functions. For example, a user can configure a first sensing region to correspond with a first level of light (e.g., lower intensity light) and configure a second sensing region to correspond with a second level of light (e.g., higher intensity light). In another example, the user can adjust the size (e.g., width or height) of the sensing region. The user can designate a first sensing region to correspond with a first level of light and designate a second sensing region to correspond with a second level of light. This calibration mode can be triggered by a user indicator, such as pressing a button, activating a sensor, or any other appropriate mechanism. In some embodiments, an ideal sensing region is designed so that the center of a user's face is generally positioned at about the center of the mirror portion, at a suitable perpendicular distance away from the mirror to permit the user to generally closely fit the user's face within the outer periphery of the mirror. A proximity sensor, generally positioned at the top region of the mirror, can be tilted downwardly at an angle below horizontal (e.g., at least about 10 degrees downward, such as about 15 degrees downward), and an algorithm can trigger a power change to the mirror when a user's face (or any other object) is detected within a predetermined range of distances in a perpendicular forward direction from the front face of the mirror. For example, in some embodiments, the first region can be within a range of at least about 10 inches and/or less than or equal to about 12 inches (e.g., about 11 inches) from the front face of the mirror, and the second region can be in a range of at least about 7 inches and/or less than or equal to about 9 inches (e.g., about 8 inches) from the front face of the mirror. An algorithm can be configured to send a command to activate the light sources30based on the detected signal. The algorithm can also be configured to emit different levels of light or vary durations of time. The algorithm can also be configured to send a command to trigger one or more modes, including any of the modes discussed above. The command can vary based on the signal received. For example, the signal can depend on the distance between an object and the sensor assembly28, and/or other parameters such as duration or path of motion. The algorithm can initialize a timer when a light source is activated. The timer can run for at least 30 seconds and/or less than or equal to 60 seconds, or any other quantity of time. In some embodiments, the timer can run for less than 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the timer can run for about five seconds. In some embodiments, the light source will immediately turn off when the time runs out. In some embodiments, the light will remain activated so long as the sensor assembly28detects an object before time runs out. If the sensor assembly28detects the object, the timer can immediately restart, or restart when the time runs out. If the sensor assembly28does not detect an object before the time runs out, then the light source will turn off. The algorithm can incorporate a delay that deactivates the sensor or otherwise prevents a light source30from emitting light immediately after the light source30deactivates. The delay can be for 1 second, 5 seconds, or any other amount of time. The delay helps prevent the user from unintentionally triggering the light source30. During the delay period, the light source30will not emit light even if an object is in a sensing region during the delay period. If the sensor assembly28detects an object after the delay period, the light sources30can emit light again. The level of light emitted from the light sources30does not depend solely or at all on the length of time that the user remains in the sensing region. The level of light emitted from the light sources30can differ depending on the location of the user in a different sensing region, even if certain other parameters are the same (such as the length of time that the user is sensed in a region). The mirror assembly2can also include an algorithm configured to send a command to trigger the light sources30to activate based on the detected signal. For example, the algorithm200can resemble the flow chart depicted inFIG.13. Beginning at start block202, the controller initializes mirror assembly hardware and variables in operation block204. Moving on to decision block206, if the signal is detected in a first sensing region, then the controller activates first level of light in operation block208. If a signal is not detected in a first sensing region, then the algorithm moves on to decision block210. If a signal is detected in a second region, then the controller activates a second level of light in operation block212. If a signal is not detected in a second sensing region, then the algorithm moves on to decision block214. If a signal is detected for a task mode then the controller activates a third level of light in operation block216. The third level of light can be a power saving level of light, such as if the user plans to keep the light source30activated for a relatively long period of time (e.g., 30 minutes or longer). After the third level of light is activated, a timer is initialized (block218). The timer can be for 30 seconds or any other period of time. If a user is not detected within the sensing region during the 30 second timer, then the light source30turns off and the algorithm returns to just after the hardware and variables initialization in operation block104. If a user is detected in a sensing region within the 30 second timer, then the 30 second timer repeats itself. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly2can include an algorithm configured to maintain the light source (e.g., LED) brightness at a generally constant level even as the battery capacity is nearing the end of its life (necessitating a recharge) by adjusting the electrical characteristics of the power source supplied to the light source depending on the stage of battery life (e.g., increasing the voltage as the current decreases or increasing the current as the voltage decreases). Algorithm200may not include all of the blocks described above, or it may include more decision blocks to account for additional sensing regions, other modes, or other parameters as described throughout this disclosure. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly2can include an algorithm configured to detect whether the mirror was inadvertently activated, such as with a false trigger or by the presence of an inanimate object. For example, when the sensor detects an object, the controller can initialize a timer. If the mirror assembly2does not detect any movement before the timer runs out, then the light sources will turn off. If the mirror assembly2does detect movement, then the timer can re-initialize. As noted above, the mirror assembly2can include a processor, which can control, by various scheme and algorithms, input and output characteristics and functions of the mirror assembly2. The mirror assembly2can also include memory, such as firmware, to store the various control schemes and algorithms, as well certain instructions and/or settings related to various characteristics of the mirror assembly2. For example, the memory can include instructions and/or settings regarding the size of the sensing regions, the sensitivity of the sensors, the level of output light, the length of various timers, and otherwise. The mirror assembly2can be configured such that a user can modify (e.g., update, program, or otherwise) the memory, such as by connecting the mirror assembly2to a computer. For example, the mirror2can be communicatively connected with a computer via the port24(e.g., using a USB, cable). Data can be transferred between the computer and the mirror assembly2via the port24. The mirror assembly2can alternatively be configured to communicate with a computer wirelessly, such as by a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth® network, infrared, or otherwise. When the mirror assembly2is in communication with the computer, a control panel may be displayed on the computer. The control panel may allow the user adjust various input and output characteristics for the mirror assembly2. For example, a user can use the control panel to adjust the output of the emitting portions36aand36band/or the sensitivity of the transmitter36a,36b. The user can also configure the light levels associated with the first and second sensing regions. In another example, the user can adjust the size (e.g., depth, width, and/or height) of one or more of the sensing regions. In some implementations, the user can use the control panel to modify the operation and output (e.g., intensity and/or color of the light) of the light source30based on certain conditions, such as the time of day, level of ambient light, amount of battery power remaining, and otherwise. In certain variants, the ability to modify the operational parameters of the mirror assembly2with the control panel can reduce or obviate the need for one or more adjustment devices (e.g., buttons, knobs, switches, or the like) on the mirror assembly2, thereby providing a generally uniform exterior surface of the mirror assembly2(which can facilitate cleaning) and reducing the chance of unintentional adjustment of the operational parameters (such as when transporting the mirror assembly2). When the mirror assembly2is in communication with the computer, data can be transferred from the mirror assembly2to the computer. For example, the mirror assembly2can transfer data, such as power consumption, estimated remaining battery power, the number of activations and/or deactivations of the light source30, the length of use (e.g., of individual instances and/or in total) of the light source30, and otherwise. Software can be used to analyze the transferred data, such as to calculate averages, review usage statistics (e.g., during specific periods), recognize and/or draw attention to unusual activity, and display usage statistics on a graph. Transferring usage statistics from the mirror assembly2to the computer allows the user to monitor usage and enables the user to calibrate different characteristics of the mirror assembly2(e.g., based on previous usage and parameters). Transferring data from the mirror assembly2to the computer can also reduce or avoid the need for one or more adjustment or display devices on the mirror assembly itself. When the mirror assembly2is in communication with the computer, the mirror the computer can also transfer data to the mirror assembly2. Furthermore, when the mirror assembly2is in communication with the computer, electrical potential can be provided to the battery26before, during, or after such two-way data transfer. Although the vanity mirror has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the subject matter and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the vanity mirror have been described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the vanity mirror. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. | 69,353 |
11859808 | In the drawings: 1000, multifunctional bracket;2000, photo frame;2100, fixed backboard;2110, first slot;2200, transparent board;2300, first connection section;3000, mobile phone holder;3100, stand backboard;3110, second slot;3200, support board;3300, second connection section;4000, support rod;4100, third slot;5000, stand column;5100, cylinder;5200, placement block;5300, circular platform;6000, base stand;6100, connection hole;6200, connection slot;6300, limit block;6400, anti-slip mat;6500, fixed sleeve. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few exemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice such embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the art may practice the inventive concept without these specific details. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. May be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first attachment could be termed a second attachment, and, similarly, a second attachment could be termed a first attachment, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “coupled to,” or “connected to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly coupled to or directly connected to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly connected to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used in the description of the inventive concept and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates other. In describing the preferred embodiments, specific termi-nology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. As a preferred embodiment of this invention, in order to make the bracket multifunctional, simple in structure, more aesthetically pleasing and convenient to use overall, this invention provides a multifunctional bracket1000. As shown inFIGS.1and2, this invention provides a multifunctional bracket1000, which includes a photo frame2000, a mobile phone holder3000, a support rod4000, a stand column5000and a base stand6000. As shown inFIGS.3and4, the base stand6000is a basic component with a fixed function. It is roughly rectangular in shape with four inverted rounded corners. The rounded corner structure can prevent the four sharp corners of the rectangle from causing harm to the user. In some embodiments, the shape of the base stand6000can also be square, or circular, or triangular or other desired geometric shapes. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, two connection holes6100and two connection slots6200are set on the upper surface of the base stand6000. The connection holes6100and connection slots6200are symmetrically distributed on the upper surface of the base stand6000. At the same time, the connection holes6100and connection slots6200penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the base stand6000and have a hollow structure inside. Furthermore, symmetrical limit blocks6300are also set on the upper surface of the base stand6000. The limit blocks6300are protruding structures that mainly serve to limit the position of mobile phones to prevent them from sliding off the mobile phone holder3000and causing damage. Further, as shown inFIG.4, multiple anti-slip mats6400are set on the lower surface of the base stand6000. The anti-slip mats6400are located near the four rounded corners. When using the multifunctional bracket1000, the anti-slip mats6400can prevent the entire bracket from slipping during use. Preferably, the material of the base stand6000is aluminum alloy, which has high strength, light weight and is soft. In some embodiments, the material of the base stand6000can also be stainless steel, or iron, or other load-bearing materials, as long as it can keep the multifunctional bracket1000stable. As shown inFIGS.5and6, the photo frame2000is a photo display component with a detachable structure. It includes a fixed backboard2100and a transparent board2200. The fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200are rectangular in shape. The surface area of the fixed backboard2100is larger than that of the transparent board2200, so that the transparent board2200is attached to the fixed backboard2100, and they are closely attached together. In some embodiments, the shape of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200can also be oval, or circular, or triangular or other desired geometric shapes. Further, as shown inFIG.6, both the lower ends of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200are equipped with identical first connection section2300. The two first connection sections2300are fixedly connected together by means of glue. The upper ends of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200are detachably fixed by an elastic silicone tape. There is a first slot2110at the upper end of the fixed backboard2100. The elastic silicone tape is placed in the first slot2110. As a result, the elastic silicone tape will be stably fixed in the first slot2110, without moving up and down. At the same time, using an elastic silicone tape can make the attachment degree of the fixed backboard2100and transparent board2200tighter. The photos are not easy to fall off. The replacement of elastic silicone tape is also more convenient and does not affect the overall structure of photo frame2000. It should be further explained that the connection method between fixed backboard2100and transparent board2200is not limited to above-mentioned connection methods. Those skilled in this field can flexibly adjust and set up connection methods between fixed backboard2100and transparent board2200in actual application. As long as it can make fixed backboard2100and transparent board2200detachably connected, for example, Velcro connection method, or zipper connection method, or buckle connection method or other remaining connection fixing methods. In this embodiment, apart from the lower ends of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200being attached and non-detachable, other parts are detachably attached. This allows the upper ends of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200to have a small opening angle, with the opening angle between 0° and 30°. In some embodiments, the opening angle can also be other degrees, as long as the opening angle does not destroy the fixed connection structure at the lower end of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200. Specifically, when the photo frame2000needs to be connected with the base stand6000, the first connection section2300at the lower ends of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200completely overlap and are attached and fixed. The first connection section2300is inserted into the connection slot6200, thus completing the detachable connection between the photo frame2000and the base stand6000. When a photo needs to be placed in the photo frame2000, remove the elastic silicone tape connecting the fixed backboard2100and transparent board2200. Without destroying the connection relationship of the first connection section2300at the lower end, open a certain angle between backboard2100and transparent board2200, place the photo in between them, so that the photo is clamped between backboard2100and transparent board2200. When it is necessary to change the photo in photo frame2000, open a certain angle between backboard2100and transparent board2200, take out the original photo from between backboard2100and transparent board2200, and put in a new photo. In this embodiment, the backboard2100and the transparent board2200are made of different materials. The material of the backboard2100is aluminum alloy, which has high strength, light weight and is soft. In some embodiments, the material of the backboard2100can also be stainless steel, or iron, or plastic or other rigid materials. The material of the transparent board2200is acrylic. In some embodiments, the material of the transparent board2200can also be plastic, or glass, or polymer material, or optical ceramics or other transparent visual materials. As shown inFIGS.7and8, the mobile phone holder3000is a mobile phone display component with a charging function. It includes a stand backboard3100and a support board3200. The fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200are track-shaped. The track shape is composed of a rectangle and a semi-circle, with the semi-circular structure on top of the rectangle. At the same time, there is also a protruding semi-circular block at the top end of the stand backboard3100, which serves as decoration. The surface area of the stand backboard3100is larger than that of the support board3200, so that the support board3200is attached to the stand backboard3100, and they are closely attached together. In some embodiments, the shape of the stand backboard3100and support board3200can also be square, or circular, or triangular or other desired geometric shapes. Further, as shown inFIG.8, both the lower ends of the stand backboard3100and the support board3200are equipped with identical second connection section3300. The two second connection sections3300are fixedly connected together by means of glue. The upper ends of the stand backboard3100and the support board3200are detachably fixed by an elastic silicone tape. There is a second slot3110at the upper end of the stand backboard3100. The elastic silicone tape is placed in the second slot3110. As a result, the elastic silicone tape will be stably fixed in the second slot3110, without moving up and down. At the same time, using an elastic silicone tape can make the attachment degree of the stand backboard3100and support board3200tighter. The photo is not easy to fall off. The replacement of elastic silicone tape is also more convenient and does not affect the overall structure of mobile phone holder3000. It should be further explained that the connection method between stand backboard3100and support board3200is not limited to above-mentioned connection methods. Those skilled in this field can flexibly adjust and set up connection methods between stand backboard3100and support board3200in actual application. As long as it can make stand backboard3100and support board3200detachably connected, for example, Velcro connection method, or zipper connection method, or buckle connection method or other remaining connection fixing methods. Specifically, when mobile phone holder3000needs to be connected with base stand6000, the second connection section3300at the lower ends of stand backboard3100and support board3200completely overlap and are attached and fixed. The second connection section3300is inserted into the connection slot6200, thus completing the detachable connection between mobile phone holder3000and base stand6000. When a mobile phone needs to be placed on mobile phone holder3000, lean the mobile phone on support board3200. The limit block6300on base stand6000limits the position of mobile phone to prevent it from sliding off mobile phone holder3000and causing damage. When a mobile phone needs to be charged, a charging device is set on stand backboard3100. Turn on the power switch to charge the mobile phone. Further, photo frame2000and mobile phone holder3000are placed parallel to each other on base stand6000. Photo frame2000is placed behind mobile phone holder3000. There is a gap distance of 5 cm to 10 cm between photo frame2000and mobile phone holder3000. In some embodiments, the gap distance can also be other lengths as long as it allows photo frame2000and mobile phone holder3000to be placed normally. In this embodiment, stand backboard3100and support board3200are made of the same material. The material is aluminum alloy which has high strength, light weight and is soft. In some embodiments, the material of stand backboard3100and support board3200can also be stainless steel, or iron, or plastic or other rigid materials. As shown inFIGS.2and9, the support rod4000is a supporting component. It has a third slot4100at the top, which contains a detachable light bulb as a lighting component. The light bulb is connected to the third slot4100by a thread. The light bulb can provide lighting, thus eliminating the need to set up a desk lamp where the bracket is placed, saving desktop space. In some embodiments, other components can also be placed in the third slot4100, such as decorations, or shelves for items as shown inFIG.10. The support rod4000as a whole has an irregular cylindrical structure. The outer surface is set with decorative threads and cylindrical structures with size differences, thereby improving the overall aesthetics and making the bracket more pleasing to the eye. The support rod4000contacts the connection hole6100of the base stand6000, thus being fixed above the base stand6000. As shown inFIG.11, the stand column5000is a supporting component with a placement function. It includes a cylinder5100and a placement block5200. The placement block5200is set on the cylinder5100. The placement block5200has a curved arc-shaped groove for placing items, providing more storage space for the bracket. The bottom of the cylinder5100has a circular platform5300. There is a hole in the middle of the circular platform5300. The cylinder5100is inserted into the hole and fixed in the circular platform5300. The circular platform5300contacts the connection hole6100of the base stand6000, thus fixing the stand column5000above the base stand6000. In this embodiment, the support rod4000and stand column5000are symmetrically distributed on both sides of photo frame2000and mobile phone holder3000. There is a gap distance between support rod4000and stand column5000. The gap distance is 10 cm to 15 cm. In some embodiments, the gap distance can also be other lengths as long as it allows support rod4000and stand column5000to be normally placed on both sides of photo frame2000and mobile phone holder3000. As a preferred embodiment of this invention, this invention also provides a method of using the multifunctional bracket1000. In this embodiment, both the circular platform5300and the support rod4000in the multifunctional bracket1000are equipped with fixed sleeve6500. Specifically, when the photo frame2000needs to be connected with the base stand6000, the first connection section2300at the lower ends of the fixed backboard2100and the transparent board2200completely overlap and are attached and fixed. The first connection section2300of the photo frame2000is inserted into the connection slot6200. The photo frame2000is inserted into the connection slot6200as a whole at an angle. Through the mutual restriction between the first connection section2300and the connection slot6200, the photo frame2000is fixed on the base stand6000. This connection method is simple and convenient, does not require other connection tools, and can be disassembled when not in use. When the mobile phone holder3000needs to be connected with the base stand6000, the second connection section3300at the lower ends of stand backboard3100and support board3200completely overlap and are attached and fixed. The second connection section3300of mobile phone holder3000is inserted into connection slot6200. Mobile phone holder3000is inserted into connection slot6200as a whole at an angle. Through mutual restriction between second connection section3300and connection slot6200, mobile phone holder3000is fixed on base stand6000. This connection method is simple and convenient, does not require other connection tools, and can be disassembled when not in use. When support rod4000needs to be connected with base stand6000, support rod4000contacts connection hole6100of base stand6000. Support rod4000is placed on upper surface of base stand6000. Fixed sleeve6500passes through connection hole6100below, inserts into bottom of support rod4000, so that base stand6000is clamped between fixed sleeve6500and support rod4000, thereby fixing support rod4000on base stand6000. When stand column5000needs to be connected with base stand6000, circular platform5300of stand column5000contacts connection hole6100of base stand6000. Stand column5000is placed on upper surface of base stand6000. Fixed sleeve6500passes through connection hole6100below, inserts into bottom of circular platform5300, so that base stand6000is clamped between fixed sleeve6500and circular platform5300, thereby fixing stand column5000on base stand6000. In this embodiment, the multifunctional bracket1000is mainly used on a desk. In some embodiments, this invention can be applied in various scenarios. For example, on an office desktop, this invention can help users place their mobile phones in a fixed position, making it convenient to view information and answer calls. At the same time, it can also be used for decoration to achieve a more comfortable visual effect, prevent health problems caused by work fatigue, and improve work efficiency. Or it can be used on a home desktop to support items, making the home space tidier and more orderly. Or it can be used in commercial displays. In stores or exhibitions, it can be used to display goods or information to attract customers' attention. Or it can be used inside a car. This invention can fix the mobile phone on the dashboard or air vent of the car, making it convenient to use navigation and answer calls, while also providing decorative effects for the car. Or it can be applied in other common life scenarios. In summary, this invention provides a new type of multifunctional bracket. This bracket has a photo frame, and the structure of the photo frame can make the photo more stable and convenient to change. In addition, this bracket has functions such as lighting, supporting mobile phones, wireless charging and acting as a stand, which can meet most of the users' needs. This bracket has multiple functions, is convenient to use, simple in structure, easy to disassemble and assemble, and beautiful in appearance. It realizes multiple uses of one object and further improves the user's experience. The technical means disclosed in the scheme of the present invention are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include the technical scheme composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and embellishments can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and embellishments are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention. The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. The use of “adapted to” or “configured to” herein is meant as open and inclusive language that does not foreclose devices adapted to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of “based on” is meant to be open and inclusive, in that a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more recited conditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values beyond those recited. Similarly, the use of “based at least in part on” is meant to be open and inclusive, in that a process, step, calculation, or other action “based at least in part on” one or more recited conditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values beyond those recited. Headings, lists, and numbering included herein are for ease of explanation only and are not meant to be limiting. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain method or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed examples. Similarly, the example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed examples. | 22,992 |
11859809 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. It is noted that, in addition of reference numerals to the components of the drawings, the same components have the same reference numerals if possible even though they are displayed on different drawings. Furthermore, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions hampers understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure in a description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in a description of the components of the present disclosure, the terms, such as first, second, “A”, “B”, (a), and (b), may be used. The terms are for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essences, the sequences, or orders of the components are not limited by the terms. It should be understood that, when it is described that a component “is input to”, “is output from”, or “passes through” another component, the first component may be input to, be output from, be connected to the second component, but a third component may “be input between”, “be output between”, or “pass between” the other components. Furthermore, in the specification, a forward direction of a forward/rearward direction “A” may be defined as a direction, in which light travels, and a rearward direction may be defined as an opposite direction to the forward direction. Furthermore, a leftward/rightward direction “W” may be defined as a direction, in which a plurality of optic modules101and102, which will be described below, are arranged. Furthermore, an upward/downward direction “H” may be defined as a direction that is perpendicular to the leftward/rightward direction “W” and the forward/rearward direction “A”. Hereinafter, a lamp10according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The lamp10may be a headlamp that may secure a visibility of a front side of a driver. The lamp10may be provided on a front side of the vehicle. A plurality of lamps10may be provided, and may be provided on the left and right sides of the front side of the vehicle, respectively. Referring toFIGS.1to9, each of the lamps10may include an optic module100, a refraction lens part200, a sub lens300, and a partition wall400. The optic module100may output light toward the refraction lens part200. The optic module100may be disposed on a rear side of the refraction lens part200. The optic module100may include a light source part110and an optic lens120. The light source part110may output the light to a front side. The light output from the light source part110may be named a first light. The light output from the light source part110may be input to the optic lens120. Furthermore, the light source part110may be disposed on a rear side of the optic lens120. The light source part110may include a plurality of light sources. The plurality of light sources may be spaced apart from each other to be arranged along the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The plurality of light sources may include a first light source111, a second light source112, a third light source113, and a fourth light source114. Referring toFIG.7, among the plurality of light sources, the first light source111may be disposed to be closest to a refractive horizontal focus that is a horizontal focus of the refraction lens part200in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. For example, the first light source111may be spaced apart from the refractive horizontal focus in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. A distance, by which the first light source111is spaced apart from the refractive horizontal focus in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, may be smaller than distances, by which the second light source112, the third light source113, and the fourth light source114are spaced apart from the refractive horizontal focus in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the example, and the location of the first light source111in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may be the same as the location of the refractive horizontal focus in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The light output from the first light source111may form a central portion of a beam pattern. The beam pattern may be defined as a light distribution pattern that is formed after the light output from the light source part110sequentially passes through the optic lens120, the refraction lens part200, and the sub lens300. The beam pattern may include a plurality of segment patterns. The plurality of segment patterns may include a central segment pattern that defines a central portion of the beam pattern, a left segment pattern that defines a left side of the beam pattern, and a right segment pattern that defines a right side of the beam pattern. In other words, the light output from the first light source111may form a central segment pattern. The second light source112may be disposed on a left side of the first light source111. The light output from the second light source112may form a right segment pattern. The second light source112may be disposed on a left side of the refractive horizontal focus. The light output from the second light source112may be refracted to a right side, and may be output from the sub lens300. In this way, when an arbitrary light source is disposed on a left side of the refractive horizontal focus, the segment pattern formed by the arbitrary light source may be formed on a right side of the central segment pattern. Moreover, a relative location of the arbitrary light source to the first light source111in the leftward/rightward direction “W” and a relative location of the segment pattern corresponding to the arbitrary light source to the central segment pattern in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may be reversed. The third light source113may be disposed on a right side of the first light source111. The light output from the third light source113may form a left segment pattern. The third light source113may be disposed on a right side of the refractive horizontal focus. The light output from the third light source113may be refracted to a left side to be output from the sub lens300. In this way, when the arbitrary light source is disposed on a right side of the refractive horizontal focus, the segment pattern formed by the arbitrary light source may be formed on a left side of the central segment pattern. The fourth light source114may be disposed on a left side of the second light source112. For example, a spacing distance between the fourth light source114and the first light source111in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may be larger than a spacing distance between the second light source112and the first light source111in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The light output from the fourth light source114may form a segment pattern on a right side of the right segment pattern. The light output from the fourth light source114may be refracted to a right side, and may be output from the sub lens300. For example, a degree, by which the light output from the fourth light source114is refracted to a right side, may be higher than a degree, the light output from the second light source112is refracted to a right side. Furthermore, the fourth light source114, the second light source112, the first light source111, and the third light source113may be sequentially arranged along the rightward direction. Furthermore, the plurality of light sources may be independently controlled to be turned on and off, respectively. Referring toFIG.2, the first light may be output from the optic lens120after being input thereto and passing therethrough. The optic lens120may refract the first light such that an orientation angle of at least portion of the first light in the upward/downward direction “H” with respect to a front side decreases. The orientation angle of the first light in the upward/downward direction “H” with respect to the front side may be defined as an angle between a beam of the first light and an imaginary line that extends in the forward/rearward direction “A” when the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. In other words, the optic lens120may decrease a spreading angle of the first light in the upward/downward direction “H”. The optic lens120may include an optic light input surface121and an optic light output surface122. The first light may be input to the optic light input surface121. The optic light input surface121may define a rear surface of the optic lens120. When the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, the optic light input surface121may have a shape that is convex rearwards. In other words, a curvature in the upward/downward direction “H” may be formed on the optic light input surface121. The optic light input surface121may refract the input first light such that an orientation angle of at least a portion of the input first light in the upward/downward direction “H” with respect to a front side decreases. The optic light input surface121may extend in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. For example, when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, a rear end of the optic light input surface121may have a linear shape. In other words, a curvature in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may not be formed on the optic light input surface121. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the example, and when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, the optic light input surface121may have a curvature in the leftward/rightward direction “W” that is smaller than a curvature in the upward/downward direction “H”. The first light input to the optic light input surface121may pass through the optic lens120. The first light that passes through the optic lens120may be output from the optic light output surface122. The optic light output surface122may define a front surface of the optic lens120. Furthermore, when the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, the optic light output surface122may have a shape that is convex forwards. In other words, a curvature in the upward/downward direction “H” may be formed on the optic light output surface122. The curvature of the optic light output surface122in the upward/downward direction “H” may be larger than the curvature of the optic light input surface121in the upward/downward direction “H”. The optic light output surface122may refract the first light such that an orientation angle of at least a portion of the first light, which passes through the optic lens120, in the upward/downward direction “H” with respect to a front side decreases. In other words, the first light may be refracted twice on the optic light input surface121and the optic light output surface122, respectively. The optic light output surface122may extend in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. For example, when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, a front end of the optic light output surface122may have a linear shape. In other words, a curvature in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may not be formed on the optic light output surface122. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, the optic light output surface122may have a curvature in the leftward/rightward direction “W” that is smaller than a curvature in the upward/downward direction “H”. A plurality of optic modules100may be provided. The plurality of optic modules may include a first optic module101and a second optic module102. Referring toFIGS.2and3, a center of the first optic module101may be located on a lower side of a center of the refraction lens part200. At least a portion of the light output from the light source part110of the first optic module101may be output from the sub lens300to be inclined upwards. The first optic module101may include a (1-1)-th optic module101-1and a (1-2)-th optic module101-2that are arranged in the leftward/rightward direction “W” to be adjacent to each other. Referring toFIGS.4and5, a center of the second optic module102may be located on an upper side of a center of the refraction lens part200. At least a portion of the light output from the light source part110of the second optic module102may be output from the sub lens300to be inclined downwards. Furthermore, a thickness of the second optic module102in the upward/downward direction “H” may be larger than a thickness of the first optic module101in the upward/downward direction “H”. The second optic module102may include a (2-1)-th optic module102-1and a (2-2)-th optic module102-2that are arranged in the leftward/rightward direction “W” to be adjacent to each other. The (1-1)-th optic module101-1, the (1-2)-th optic module101-2, the (2-1)-th optic module102-1, and the (2-2)-th optic module102-2may be sequentially arranged along the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The second light that is the light output from the optic module100may be output from the refraction lens part200after being input thereto and passing therethrough. The refraction lens part200may refract the second light such that an orientation angle of at least a portion of the second light in the leftward/rightward direction “W” with respect to a front side decreases. In other words, the refraction lens part200may decrease the spreading angle of the second light in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The refraction lens part200may include a lens light input surface210and a lens light output surface220. Referring toFIGS.6and7, the second light may be input to the lens light input surface210. The lens light input surface210may define a rear surface of the refraction lens part200. The lens light input surface210may extend in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, the lens light input surface210may have a shape that is convex rearwards. In other words, a curvature in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may be formed on the lens light input surface210. The lens light input surface210may refract the input second light such that an orientation angle of at least a portion of the input second light in the leftward/rightward direction “W” with respect to a front side decreases. The lens light input surface210may extend in the upward/downward direction “H”. For example, when the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, the lens light input surface210may have a shape that is convex rearwards. In other words, a curvature in the upward/downward direction “H” may be formed on the lens light input surface210. For example, a curvature of the lens light input surface210in the upward/downward direction “H” may be smaller than a curvature thereof in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, a rear end of the lens light input surface210may have a linear shape. A width of the lens light input surface210in the upward/downward direction “H” may be smaller than a width of the lens light input surface210in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The second light input to the lens light input surface210may pass through the refraction lens part200. The second light that passes through the refraction lens part200may be output from the lens light output surface220. The lens light output surface220may define a front surface of the refraction lens part200. The lens light output surface220may extend in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, the lens light output surface220may have a shape that is convex forwards. In other words, a curvature in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may be formed on the lens light output surface220. The lens light output surface220may refract the second light such that an orientation angle of at least a portion of the second light that passes through the refraction lens part200in the leftward/rightward direction “W” with respect to a front side decreases. In other words, the second light may be refracted twice on the lens light input surface210and the lens light output surface220, respectively. The lens light output surface220may extend in the upward/downward direction “H”. For example, when the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, the lens light output surface220may have a shape that is convex forwards. In other words, a curvature in the upward/downward direction “H” may be formed on the lens light output surface220. For example, a curvature of the lens light output surface220may be smaller than a curvature thereof in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the lamp10is viewed in the leftward/rightward direction “W”, a front end of the lens light output surface220may have a linear shape. A width of the lens light output surface220in the upward/downward direction “H” may be smaller than a width of the lens light output surface220in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. A plurality of refraction lens parts200may be provided. The plurality of refraction lens parts200may include a (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1, a (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2, a (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1, and a (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2. The (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1, the (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2, the (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1, and the (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2may correspond to the (1-1)-th optic module101-1, the (1-2)-th optic module101-2, the (2-1)-th optic module102-1, and the (2-2)-th optic module102-2, respectively. For example, the second light output from the (1-1)-th optic module101-1may be input to the (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1. Furthermore, the second light output from the (1-2)-th optic module101-2may be input to the (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2. Furthermore, the second light output from the (2-1)-th optic module102-1may be input to the (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1. Furthermore, the second light output from the (2-2)-th optic module102-2may be input to the (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2. Furthermore, the (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1, the (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2, the (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1, and the (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2, as an example, may be integrally formed. Referring toFIGS.8and9, the light output from the (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1may form a plurality of (1-1)-th segment patterns B11. The plurality of (1-1)-th segment patterns B11may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, the light output from the (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2may form a plurality of (1-2)-th segment patterns B12. The plurality of (1-2)-th segment patterns B12may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, the plurality of (1-1)-th segment patterns B11and the plurality of (1-2)-th segment patterns B12may be alternately arranged along the leftward/rightward direction “W” to form a first beam pattern B1. Furthermore, a location of the first beam pattern B1in the upward/downward direction “H” may be determined by a height of a center of the first optic module101in the upward/downward direction “H” with respect to a center of the refraction lens part200. Furthermore, the light output from the (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1may form a plurality of (2-1)-th segment patterns B21. The plurality of (2-1)-th segment patterns B21may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, the light output from the (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2may form a plurality of (2-2)-th segment patterns B22. The plurality of (2-2)-th segment patterns B22may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, the plurality of (2-1)-th segment patterns B21and the plurality of (2-2)-th segment patterns B22may be alternately arranged along the leftward/rightward direction “W” to form a second beam pattern B2. Furthermore, a location of the second beam pattern B2in the upward/downward direction “H” may be determined by a height of a center of the second optic module102in the upward/downward direction “H” with respect to a center of the refraction lens part200. Referring toFIG.8, the first beam pattern B1and the second beam pattern B2may be arranged in the upward/downward direction “H”. For example, as in the above-described contents, when the center of the first optic module101is disposed on a lower side of the center of the refraction lens part200and the center of the second optic module102is disposed on an upper side of the center of the refraction lens part200, the first beam pattern B1may be formed on an upper side of the second beam pattern B2. As another example, referring toFIG.9, when a height of the center of the first optic module101in the upward/downward direction “H” and a height of the center of the second optic module102in the upward/downward direction “H” are the same, at least portions of the first beam pattern B1and the second beam pattern B2may overlap each other. One or more of a (1-1)-th spacing distance and a (1-2)-th spacing distance, and one or more of a (2-1)-th spacing distance and a (2-2)-th spacing distance may be different. The (1-1)-th spacing distance may be defined as a leftward/rightward spacing distance between a center of the light source part of the (1-1)-th optic module101-1and a horizontal focus of the (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1. The (1-2)-th spacing distance may be defined as a leftward/rightward spacing distance between a center of the light source part of the (1-2)-th optic module101-2and a horizontal focus of the (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2. The (2-1)-th spacing distance may be defined as a leftward/rightward spacing distance between a center of the light source part of the (2-1)-th optic module102-1and a horizontal focus of the (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1. The (2-2)-th spacing distance may be defined as a leftward/rightward spacing distance between a center of the light source part of the (2-2)-th optic module102-2and a horizontal focus of the (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2. Furthermore, the (1-1)-th spacing distance and the (1-2)-th spacing distance may be the same, and the (2-1)-th spacing distance and the (2-2)-th spacing distance may be the same. When the (1-1)-th spacing distance and the (2-1)-th spacing distance are different, any portion of the first beam pattern B1and any portion of the second beam pattern B2may overlap each other. In other words, when the (1-1)-th spacing distance and the (2-1)-th spacing distance are different, another portion of the first beam pattern B1and another portion of the second beam pattern B2may not overlap each other. That is, a location of the beam pattern in the leftward/rightward direction “W” may be determined according to a relative location of the center of the light source part110and the horizontal focus of the refraction lens part200in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. The light output from the refraction lens part200may be output from the sub lens300after being input thereto and passing therethrough. The sub lens300may extend in the leftward/rightward direction “W”. Furthermore, when the lamp10is viewed in the upward/downward direction “H”, the sub lens300may have a shape that is convex forwards. An orientation angle of the light input to the sub lens300and an orientation angle of the light output from the sub lens300may be the same. In other words, the sub lens300may maintain the orientation angle of the light output from the refraction lens part200. The sub lens300may reduce a difference between intensities of light of a dark area formed by connection parts of the (1-1)-th refraction lens part201-1, the (1-2)-th refraction lens part201-2, the (2-1)-th refraction lens part202-1, and the (2-2)-th refraction lens part202-2, and a bright area around the dark area. In other words, the sub lens300may reduce different textures of the dark area and the bright area of the beam pattern by reducing the intensity of the light output from the refraction lens part200. The sub lens300may be disposed on a front side of the refraction lens part200. The partition wall400may prevent the second lights output from the (1-1)-th optic module101-1, the (1-2)-th optic module101-2, the (2-1)-th optic module102-1, and the (2-2)-th optic module102-2from interfering with each other. The partition wall400may include a first partition wall410, a second partition wall420, and a third partition wall430. The first partition wall410may prevent the second lights output from the (1-1)-th optic module101-1and the (1-2)-th optic module101-2from interfering with each other. The first partition wall410may be disposed between the (1-1)-th optic module101-1and the (1-2)-th optic module101-2. The second partition wall420may prevent the second lights output from the (1-2)-th optic module101-2and the (2-1)-th optic module102-1from interfering with each other. The second partition wall420may be disposed between the (1-2)-th optic module101-2and the (2-1)-th optic module102-1. The third partition wall430may prevent the second lights output from the (2-1)-th optic module102-1and the (2-2)-th optic module102-2from interfering with each other. The third partition wall430may be disposed between the (2-1)-th optic module102-1and the (2-2)-th optic module102-2. The lamp according to the present disclosure may implement a targeted light distribution performance while not degrading optical efficiency even when the lamp is manufactured to be slimmed. In addition, the lamp according to the present disclosure may give a high aesthetic feeling to a person who views the lamp. Even when it has been described above that all the components that constitute the embodiments of the present disclosure are combined into one or are combined to be operated, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. That is, all the components may be selectively combined into one to be operated with a range of the purpose of the present disclosure. Further, because the above-described terms, such as “comprising”, “including”, or “having” mean that the corresponding components may be included unless particularly described in an opposite way, it should be construed that another component is not excluded but may be further included. Unless defined differently, all the terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by an ordinary person in the art, to which the present disclosure pertains. The generally used terms such as the terms defined in advance should be construed to coincide with the context meanings of the related technologies, and should not be construed as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless defined explicitly in the present disclosure. The above description is a simple exemplification of the technical spirits of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may be variously corrected and modified by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure is not provided to limit the technical spirits of the present disclosure but provided to describe the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirits of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be construed by the attached claims, and all the technical spirits within the equivalent ranges fall within the scope of the present disclosure. | 28,084 |
11859810 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, terminologies of “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “upper,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “perpendicular,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” and etc. that indicate relations of directions or positions are based on the relations of directions or positions shown in the appended drawings, which are only to facilitate descriptions of the present invention and to simplify the descriptions, rather than to indicate or imply that the referred device or element is limited to the specific direction or to be operated or configured in the specific direction. Therefore, the above mentioned terminologies shall not be interpreted as confine to the present invention. Referring toFIG.1AtoFIG.6of the drawings, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the specific implementation of the present invention adopts a following technical solution of a lighting fixture with an illumination adjusting and controlling function, the lighting fixture comprises a lighting body1, and an illumination adjusting element2which is provided on a lamp housing or a lens of the lighting body1, connecting ends of the illumination adjusting element2are connected with a lamp driver in the lighting body1, a light output end of the lighting body1is provided with a lighting element and a back of the lighting body1is provided with an interface for the electrical connection circuit of the lamp driver, the lamp housing of the lighting body1is provided with a switch to control the operation of the illumination adjusting element2. It is worth mentioning that the illumination adjusting element2can be arranged on a movable lighting body or a fixed lighting body, a lighting body with a built-in lamp driver, a lamp frame, a magnet or a handle for a temporary or fixed installation of the lighting body. In addition, the illumination adjusting element2comprises a liquid crystal layer22, and two ITO films21on both sides of the liquid crystal layer22, an incident light23is incident at one side of one ITO film21, a transmission light24is projecting through one side of the other ITO film21, the two ITO films21are connected to a lamp driving power source25in the lighting body1. A lens is provided between the lighting element of the lighting body1and the illumination adjusting element2, and the illumination adjusting element2is attached on the lens. In this specific embodiment, the opaque or transparent state of the illumination adjusting element2is employed to control and adjust the illumination of the lighting fixture by electrically energizing or not energizing the illumination adjusting element2, so as to realize the adjustment of beam angles between a condensing pattern to a diffusely scattering pattern through an electrical signal control. In this specific embodiment, a lamp diffuser plate or a lamp housing with the illumination adjustment and control function by incorporating with the illumination adjusting element2provides the lighting body1with a flexible and controllable solution for dealing with illumination situations with high or low gloss irradiated surfaces. Applicable lighting bodies include movable lamp bodies and fixed lamp bodies, lamp bodies with built-in lamp drivers, and lamp frames, magnets or handles for temporary or fixed installation of the lamp bodies. As an example, the illumination adjusting element2can be proved on the surface of the lamp housing, and the connecting ends of the illumination adjusting element2are connected with a lamp driver built in the lighting body, and the outer shell of the lighting body is provided with a switch for controlling the operation of the illumination adjusting element2. Accordingly, the diffuser plate or lamp housing is introduced with the illumination adjusting element2, so that the effect of instantaneous switching between the opaque state and transparent state of the diffuser plate or the lam housing can be realized to cope with the illumination conditions on the surfaces of the illuminated objects with different gloss levels. For instance, for meeting with requirements of the architectural lighting design standard GB 50034-2013, the present inventions provides technical options for reducing light curtain reflection and reflected glare, and provides more flexible solutions for the actual use of the lighting fixture in scene lighting, lighting for inspection, lighting for maintenance and repairing, temporary lighting, etc. In a specific application, if the lighting fixture is fixedly installed, in order to follow the requirements of some architectural lighting design standards such as GB 50034-2013, when designing with DIALUX or similar optical design software for the selected scene, after the required scene parameters are selected, it is possible to compare the design results of the opaque mode IES file and the transparent mode IES file of the lighting fixture, so as to meet the glare limit of the architectural lighting design standards such as GB 50034-2013, and based on the requirements of meeting the glare limit and under the requirements of light distribution, as well as choosing lamps with high efficiency or high efficacy, select the opaque mode or transparent mode of the lighting fixture when the lighting fixture needs to be set in the final fixed installation and construction. In another specific application, the lighting fixture is a movable lamp. During the design of the lighting fixture, the illumination distance, light output intensity and light distribution curve required by the lighting fixture need to be reasonably designed. In the case of differences in surface gloss, in order to meet the requirement of some architectural lighting design standards such as GB 50034-2013, algorithm of unified glare value UGR and glare GR, or use DIALUX or similar optical design software to design the lighting fixture, so as to meet the requirements such as the glare limit. At the same time, the opaque mode IES file and the transparent mode IES file of the lighting fixture can be used to give guidance for the selection of the illumination mode of the movable lighting fixture for illuminating the surfaces of different illuminated objects. As shown inFIGS.7to11, a lighting fixture with an illumination adjusting and control function according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The lighting fixture is implemented as a flashlight or a torch comprising a lighting body10and an illumination adjusting element20provided on the lighting body for being switched between an opaque mode and a transparent mode by means of electrical control, so that the lighting fixture can provide different illumination patterns. More specifically, the lighting body10comprises a light source11, a housing12and a condensing lens13, wherein the light source11and the condensing lens13are assembled in the housing12, and the light source11emits light which is condensed by the condensing lens13, so as to project out for providing lighting effects. In this embodiment, the lighting body10further comprises a reflector14, which is bowl-shaped and has a tapered cross-section, the reflector14has a light reflecting cavity141, and has a mounting end142and an outlet end143. The mounting end142of the reflector14is assembled with the light source11, and the condensing lens13is assembled on the outlet end143of the reflector14, so that a part of the light generated by the light source11projects to the condensing lens13and then is condensed, and another part of the light reaches the reflector14and then is reflected by the reflector14and then projects to the condensing lens13to be condensed, and finally emits out of the lighting fixture. The light source11comprises at least one light emitting member111and a controller112, and the light emitting member111is electrically connected to the controller112. The mounting end142of the reflector14is assembled to the controller112, so that the light emitting member111of the light source11is located in the reflector cavity141, and an inner surface144of the reflector14defines the reflective cavity141, and forms a reflective surface to reflect the light from the light emitting member111. The condensing lens13may be a lens such as a convex lens capable of converging the light emitted by the light emitting member111. In a specific example, the condensing lens13may be a Fresnel lens. The light emitting member111can be implemented as various light emitting components such as fluorescent lighting member, LED, OLED, and the like. The housing12comprises a lamp housing121and a power supply housing122, and the lamp housing121is used for assembling the light source11the condensing lens13and the reflector14. The power supply housing122is used to assemble the power module. Correspondingly, the power supply housing122has a power supply cavity1221for accommodating a power supply module. The power supply module can be a rechargeable battery or an AC-DC conversion module to convert the AC power into a power supply that can be used by the lighting fixture. The housing12can be an integral housing, or as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, the lamp housing121and the power supply housing122are separate housings, and can be assembled together. For example, the lamp housing121and the power supply housing122may be assembled through by inner threads1210and outer threads1220which are matched with each other. In other words, the lighting fixture of the present invention may comprise two units, a light emitting unit and a power supply unit. The light-emitting unit comprises the lamp housing121, the light source11, the condensing lens13assembled in the lamp housing121, and the reflector14, the power supply unit comprises the power supply housing122and a rechargeable battery assembled in the power supply cavity1221of the power supply housing122. The two units can be assembled independently and then assembled with each other. In this way, one light emitting unit can be paired with different power supply units, and one power supply unit can also be paired with different light emitting units, so that the assembly of the lighting fixture is relatively convenient. In this embodiment of the present invention, the lighting fixture further comprises the illumination adjusting element20disposed on the condensing lens13. As shown in the figures, the condensing lens13is a lens with an inner side131and an outer side132, the inner side131refers to the side adjacent to the light emitting member111and facing the light emitting member111, and the outer side132refers to the side opposite to the inner side131and away from the light emitting member111. The illumination adjusting element in this embodiment is disposed on the inner side131of the condensing lens13and faces the light emitting member111. Correspondingly, the condensing lens13and the illumination adjusting element form a illumination adjusting mechanism200in this embodiment of the present invention, and they can cooperate with each other to gather or diffuse the light emitted by the light emitting member111. More specifically, the condensing lens13plays the role of concentrating light, and the illumination adjusting element20is a component that can be electrically controlled to be switched between the power-on state and the power-off state, so as to be work in a transparent mode or an opaque mode. When the illumination adjusting element20is in the transparent mode, the light emitted by the light emitting member111passes through the transparent illumination adjusting element20and reaches to the condensing lens13, so that the lighting fixture is in a spotlight mode to provide a concentrated illumination spot. When the illumination adjusting element20is in the opaque mode, the light emitted by the light emitting member111will be scattered after passing through the haze and opaque illumination adjusting element20, and then be condensed by the condensing lens13, so that the lighting fixture is in a diffusely scattering mode to provide diffused illumination light. Correspondingly, the lighting fixture of the present invention can provide different lighting effects according to the needs of application scenarios. For example, when the irradiated target surface is a low gloss surface, the illumination adjusting element20can be electrically energized to be in a transparent mode so that the light emitted by the light emitting member111is condensed by the condensing lens13, so as to allow more reflection light reflected by the irradiated target surface to reach the human eye. When the irradiated target surface is a high gloss surface, the illumination adjusting element20can be powered off to be in a haze and opaque mode, so that the light emitted by the light emitting member111is scattered by the light-adjusting film20before being condensed by the condensing lens13, so that only a small amount of reflected light can reach the human eye, so that the lighting fixture can cope with the lighting conditions of the surface of the illuminated object with different gloss levels. The illumination adjusting element20, or illumination adjusting glass/film, comprises two transparent layers of ITO (Indium Tinoxide, tin-doped indium oxide) film21and a liquid crystal layer22located between the two layers of ITO films. When a voltage is applied to the two layers of the ITO films21, that is, when the illumination adjusting element20is in an electrified state, the polymer liquid crystal materials of the liquid crystal layer22are arranged in an orderly manner, so that the liquid crystal layer22is in a transparent state, which allows light from the light emitting member111to emit to penetrate through the illumination adjusting element20without changing the projection direction. When the two layers of ITO films21are in a power-off state, the polymer liquid crystal materials of the liquid crystal layer22are arranged disorderly, so that the liquid crystal layer22is no longer transparent, so that the light emitted by the light emitting member111entering the illumination adjusting element20is diffusely scattered. The lamp housing121further comprises a lamp cover1211and an accommodating housing1212which are detachably connected with each other, for example, they are detachably coupled with each other through inner threads12110and outer threads12120. In this embodiment, the condensing lens13is assembled to the lamp cover1211which is in a shape of a lens barrel. More specifically, the inner side of the lamp cover1211has a stepped surface12111, and the condensing lens13has an outer peripheral edge130biasing against the stepped surface12111inside the lamp cover1211, so that the condensing lens13is assembled to the lamp cover1211. It can be understood that an adhesive layer may be applied between the condensing lens13and the stepped surface12111inside the lamp cover1211to bond the condensing lens13to the stepped surface12111of the lamp cover1211. A peripheral edge26of the illumination adjusting element20is sandwiched between the periphery of the condensing lens13and the outlet end143of the reflector14, so that the illumination adjusting element20can be stably fixed between the condensing lens13and the outlet end143of the reflector14. It can be understood that an adhesive layer may also be applied between the periphery26of the illumination adjusting element and the condensing lens13, and an adhesive layer can be applied between the periphery26of the illumination adjusting element20and the outlet end143of the reflector so as to connect the illumination adjusting element20to the condensing lens13and the reflector14. The controller112comprises a circuit board1121, a connection circuit1122, a switch circuit1123and a control switch1124, and the light emitting member111is electrically connected to the circuit board1121and supported on the circuit board1121. The illumination adjusting element20is electrically connected to the circuit board1121through the connection circuit1122, the control switch1124is electrically connected to the circuit board1121through the switch circuit1123, and the circuit board1121is supplied with electrical power by the rechargeable battery in the power supply cavity1221of the power supply housing122. The controller112further comprises a power switch1125which is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery for controlling the working state of the rechargeable battery, so as to control the one and off state of the light emitting member111. In the example shown in the figure, the power switch1125is located at the end of the power supply housing122and is implemented as a pressing key. In addition, the connecting circuit1122is extended along an outside of the reflector14to a position connected to the circuit board1121, so as not to pass through the reflecting cavity141of the reflector14, so as not to block the light from the light emitting member111. It can be understood that, in this embodiment, the control switch1124of the illumination adjusting element20can be implemented as a pressing key, so that the illumination adjusting element20can be switched between power-on and power-off states, so as to cooperate with the condensing lens13to realize different illumination patterns such as condensing spot light pattern and diffusely scattering pattern. More specifically, when the user presses the power switch1125to activate the light emitting member111to emit light, for the low gloss irradiation target surface, the user can operate the control switch1124to shift the illumination adjusting element20into an electrified state, the illumination adjusting element20is this be in a transparent mode, and the light emitted by the light emitting member111is condensed by the condensing lens13to provide a condensing illumination performance. For the high gloss irradiation target surface, the user can operate the control switch1124to shift the illumination adjusting element20into a power-off state. The emitted light will be scattered by the illumination adjusting element20before entering the condensing lens13so as to reduce the light reaching the eyes of the user. As shown inFIG.12, according to a first alternative mode of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination adjusting element20may be disposed on the outer side132of the condensing lens13, and the light from the light emitting member111is refracted and converged by the condensing lens13before entering the illumination adjusting element20. In other words, in this embodiment, the light is being collected by the condensing lens13before entering the illumination adjusting element20. By controlling the power-on and power-off states of the entering the illumination adjusting element20, the control of the illumination pattern of the light emitted from the light fixture is achieved. As shown inFIG.13, according to a second alternative mode of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control switch1124of the illumination adjusting element20is implemented as a knob, and when the knob is turned, the voltage on the ITO film may gradually increase from zero to the maximum, and accordingly, the electric current through the illumination adjusting element20may gradually increase from zero to the maximum. When the electric current through the illumination adjusting element is zero, that is, the illumination adjusting element20is in the power-off state, at this time, the illumination adjusting element20is in a haze and opaque mode, and its transparency is minimal. When the electric current flowing through the illumination adjusting element20increases to the maximum value, that is, the illumination adjusting element20is in a power-on state and the illumination adjusting element20is in the transparent mode. And when the electric current flowing through the illumination adjusting element20gradually increases from zero, the transparency of the illumination adjusting element20gradually increases, so that the transparency of the illumination adjusting element20can be adjusted steplessly. That is, in this embodiment, the illumination adjusting effect of the illumination adjusting element20can be continuously adjusted by rotating the control switch1124, so as to meet the illumination requirements in different application scenarios. The mechanical structure of the conventional flashlight needs to be fixed at the condensing position and the scattering position, so that only two different illumination patterns can be provided. However, the illumination adjusting element20of the present invention is electrically controlled by adjusting the voltage and electric current thereof, thereby allowing the lighting fixture to provide a variety of different illumination patterns. As shown inFIG.14, according to a third alternative mode of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination adjusting element20is disposed on the lamp cover1211so as to serve as a lampshade of the lighting fixture. The condensing lens13can be assembled to the outlet end143of the reflector14. As shown inFIG.15, according to a fourth alternative mode of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination adjusting element20is disposed on the light emitting member111, and can be attached to a surface of the light emitting member111. As shown inFIG.16, according to a fifth alternative mode of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination adjusting element20comprises two layers of ITO films21and a liquid crystal layer22sandwiched between the ITO films21, wherein the liquid crystal layer22is only located in a partial area such as the middle area of the illumination adjusting element20, and an annular area27of the illumination adjusting element20is not provided with the liquid crystal layer22, and thus is transparent. In other words, in this embodiment of the present invention, a partial area of the illumination adjusting element20has the illumination adjusting effect. More specifically, for example, the middle area of the illumination adjusting element20can be switched between the transparent mode and the haze and opaque mode, so that when the illumination adjusting element20is in an electrified state, the light emitted from the light emitting member111can penetrate the illumination adjusting element20and the condensing lens13to provide concentrated light. When the illumination adjusting element20is in the power-off state, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting member111directly passes through the condensing lens13to form a brighter annular spot, and at least a part of light will reach the illumination adjusting element20at a position corresponding to area of the liquid crystal layer22in the middle of illumination adjusting element20, so that this part of light is diffusely scattered, so that the lighting fixture provides less light at the position corresponding to the middle area of the illumination adjusting element20. As shown inFIG.17toFIG.21, an illumination adjusting assembly30and an illumination arrangement1000according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The illumination adjusting assembly30can be installed with a lighting fixture40to form the illumination arrangement1000, in this embodiment, the lighting fixture is a lighting body embodied as a flashlight, the illumination adjusting assembly30comprises a illumination adjusting element31and a mounting element32, the mounting element32is used to install the illumination adjusting assembly30on the lighting fixture40, the illumination adjusting element31is connected with the mounting element32to form a cover, and the illumination adjusting element31Switching between the fog mode and the transparent mode by means of electrical control enables the lighting device to provide different illumination light types. More specifically, the lighting fixture40comprises a light source41, a housing42and a condensing lens43, wherein the light source41and the condensing lens43are assembled in the housing42, and the light source41emits light which is condensed by the condensing lens43and then projected out to provide lighting effects. In this embodiment, the lighting fixture40further comprises a reflector44, which is bowl-shaped and can be tapered in cross section, the reflector44has a reflecting cavity441, and has a mounting end442and an outlet end443, the mounting end442of the reflector44is assembled with the light source41, and the condensing lens43is assembled at the outlet end443of the reflector44, so that part of the light generated by the light source41is projected toward the condensing lens43, so as to be condensed, another part of the light reaches the reflector44and is reflected and then projected to the condensing lens43to be condensed and then exit the lighting fixture40. The light source41comprises at least one light emitting member411and a controller412, and the light emitting member411is electrically connected to the controller412. The mounting end442of the reflector44is assembled to the controller412, so that the light emitting member411of the light source41is located in the reflecting cavity441, and an inner surface444of the reflector44define the reflecting cavity441and form a reflecting surface to reflect the light from the light emitting member411. The condensing lens43may be a lens such as a convex lens capable of converging the light emitted by the light emitting member411. In a specific example, the condensing lens43may be a Fresnel lens. The light emitting member411can be implemented as various light emitting components such as fluorescent lighting member, LED, OLED, etc. The housing42comprises a lamp housing421and a power supply housing422, and the lamp housing421is used to assemble the light source41, the condensing lens43and the reflector44. The power supply housing422is used to assemble a power supply module. Correspondingly, the battery housing422has a power supply cavity4221for accommodating a power supply module. The power supply module may be a rechargeable battery or an AC/DC conversion module, so as to convert the AC power into a power supply that can be used by the lighting fixture. The housing42can be an integral housing, or as shown inFIG.18, the lamp housing421and the power supply housing422are two independent housings, and the two components can be detachably assembled together. For example, the lamp housing421and the power supply housing422can be assembled through the engagement between inner threads and the outer threads which are matched with each other. In other words, the lighting fixture of the present invention may comprises two units, a light emitting unit and a power supply unit. The light emitting unit comprises the lamp housing421, the light source41and the condensing lens43assembled in the lamp housing421, and the reflector44, the power supply unit comprises the power supply housing422and a rechargeable battery assembled in the power supply cavity4221of the power supply housing422. The two units can be assembled independently of each other and then assembled with each other later. In this way, one light emitting unit can be matched with different power supply units, and one power supply unit can also be matched with different light-emitting units, so that the assembly of the lamp is relatively convenient. In this embodiment of the present invention, the illumination adjusting assembly can be installed with the lighting fixture40, and the mounting element32is mounted on the light source41so that the illumination adjusting element31is located at a front side of of the light source41at a position between the light emitting member411of the light source41and the condensing lens43, so as to adjust the illumination pattern of light light emitted by the light source41. Correspondingly, the condensing lens43and the illumination adjusting assembly form an illumination adjusting mechanism300in this embodiment of the present invention, and can cooperate with each other to condense and diffuse the light emitted by the light emitting member411. More specifically, the condensing lens43plays the role of concentrating light, and the illumination adjusting element31is a component that can be electrically controlled, which can be switched between the power-on state and the power-off state, so as to be shifted between a transparent mode and a haze and opaque mode, so that when the illumination adjusting element31is in the transparent mode, the light emitted by the light emitting member411passes through the transparent illumination adjusting element31and is condensed by the condensing lens43, so that the illumination arrangement1000can be in a condensing mode to provide a converging illumination spot. When the illumination adjusting element31is in the haze and opaque mode, the light emitted by the light emitting member411will be diffused scattered when passing through the haze and opaque illumination adjusting element31before passing through the condensing lens43. Thus, the illumination arrangement1000can be in a diffusing mode to provide diffused illumination light. Correspondingly, the illumination arrangement1000of the present invention can provide different lighting effects according to the needs of application scenarios. For example, when the irradiated target surface is a low-gloss surface, the illumination adjusting element31can be energized to be in a transparent mode so that the light emitted by the light emitting member411is condensed by the condensing lens43, thereby allowing more reflected Light to reach the human eye. When the surface of the irradiated target is a high gloss surface, the illumination adjusting element31can be powered off to be in a haze and opaque mode, so that the light emitted by the light emitting member411is scattered by the illumination adjusting element31before reaching to the condensing lens43, and thus only a small amount of reflected light can reach the human eye, so that the lighting fixture can cope with the lighting conditions on the surface of the object with different gloss levels. Referring toFIG.21, the illumination adjusting element31comprises two transparent ITO (IndiumTinOxide, tin-doped indium oxide) films311and a liquid crystal layer312located between the two layers of ITO films312. When a voltage is applied to the two layers of ITO films311, that is, when the illumination adjusting element31is in the power-on state, the polymer liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer312is arranged in an orderly manner, so that the liquid crystal layer312is in a transparent state, which allows the light emitted from the light emitting member411to pass through without changing the projection direction. When the two layers of ITO films311are in a power-off state, the polymer liquid crystal materials of the liquid crystal layer312are arranged disorderly, so that the liquid crystal layer312is no longer transparent, so that the light emitted by the light emitting member411enters the illumination adjusting element31is then scattered. It can be understood that there may be other protective films on the outside of the transparent two ITO film311, and the illumination adjusting element31may be further attached to a transparent glass or plastic layer to enhance its strength. The housing421further comprises a lamp housing4211and an accommodating housing4212which are detachably connected, such as detachably engaged by threads. In this embodiment, the condensing lens43is assembled to the lamp housing4211which is in the shape of a lens barrel. More specifically, an inner side of the lamp housing4211has a stepped surface42111, and the condensing lens43has an outer peripheral edge430abutting against the stepped surface42111inside the lamp housing4211, so that the condensing lens43is assembled to the lamp housing4211. It can be understood that an adhesive layer may be applied between the condensing lens43and the stepped surface42111inside the lamp housing4211to bond the condensing lens43to the stepped surface42111of the lamp housing4211. The controller412comprises a circuit board4121and a power switch4125, and the light emitting member411is electrically connected to the circuit board4121and supported on the circuit board4121. In this embodiment, the illumination adjusting assembly30further comprises a driving module33and a control switch34, and the driving module33is electrically connected to ITO films311of the illumination adjusting assembly through wires, and the control switch34is electrically connected to the driving module33through wires to enable or disable the operation of the driving module33. The controller412further comprises the power switch4125which is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery for controlling the working state of the rechargeable battery, thereby controlling the light emitting member411to be turned on and off In the example shown in the figures, the power switch4125is located at the end of the power supply housing422and is implemented as a key. The driving module33may be further adapted to be electrically connected to the circuit board4121or the rechargeable battery in the power supply cavity4221of the power supply housing422with wires or electrical connection contacts, so that the driving module33can be powered by the rechargeable battery in the power supply cavity4221of the power supply housing422. The mounting element32of the illumination adjusting assembly30is suitable for being assembled on the circuit board4121, for example, being bonded to the circuit board4121. It can be understood that the mounting element32is made of a transparent material, so as not to block the light emitted by the light emitting member411. The mounting element32and the illumination adjusting element31are integrally formed, or the mounting element32and the illumination adjusting element31are assembled such that the illumination adjusting element31is adhered to the mounting element32. In this embodiment, the mounting element32is implemented in a cylindrical shape and is adapted to surround the light emitting member411, so that most of the light emitted by the light emitting element411passes through the illumination adjusting element31first, and then the light projects to the inner surface of the reflector414and the condensing lens43. In addition, in this embodiment, the driving module33is located on the top side of the circuit board4121at a lateral side of the light emitting member411so as not to block the light emitted by the light emitting member411. It can be understood that, in this embodiment, wires of the control switch34of the illumination adjusting element31are adapted to pass through the reflector414and the housing42of the lighting fixture40, and can be implemented as a key, so as to be operated by the user to switch the illumination adjusting element31between power-on and power-off states, so as to cooperate with the condensing lens43to provide different illumination patterns such as condensing spot pattern or diffusely scattering pattern. More specifically, when the user presses the power switch4125to activate the light emitting member411to emit light, the user can operate the control switch34to switch the illumination adjusting element31into the power-on state, so that the illumination adjusting element31is in a transparent mode, and the light emitted by the light emitting member411is condensed by the condensing lens43to provide a condensing illumination effect for the low-gloss irradiation target surface. For the high-gloss irradiation target surface, the user can operate the control switch34switch the illumination adjusting element31into the power-off state. The light emitted by the light emitting member411will be diffusely scattered by the illumination adjusting element31of before entering the condensing lens43so as to reduce the light reaching the eyes of the user. It is worth mentioning that, in the present invention, the illumination adjusting assembly30itself is configured with the driving module33, and under the control of the control switch34for electrically conduction and disconnection, so that it can work independently without being controlled by the lighting fixture40. As shown inFIG.22, according to a first alternative mode of the above mentioned third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination adjusting assembly is implemented as a lampshade comprises an illumination adjusting element31, a mounting element32, a driving module33and a control switch34, the driving module33is electrically connected to the illumination adjusting element31and the control switch34, the mounting element32is implemented as a housing in this embodiment, so the illumination adjusting element31is assembled on an open end of the mounting element32. The control switch34may be disposed on the mounting element32and protrude from the outer surface of the mounting element32. Similarly, the lighting fixture40comprises a light source41, a housing42, a condensing lens43and a reflector44. The light source41comprises at least one light emitting member411, the condensing lens43is used to condense the light from the light emitting member411, and the reflector44is used to reflect and direct the light from the light emitting member411to the condensing lens43, and the condensing lens43is assembled to an outlet end443of the reflector44. The illumination adjusting assembly30is provided on the outside of the reflector44and the condensing lens43in this embodiment, and the driving module33is located between the mounting element32and the reflector44, so that there is no blocking object in a light reflecting cavity441of the reflector44to block the light emitted by the light emitting member411. In this embodiment, the condensing lens43is located between the light emitting member411of the light source41and the illumination adjusting element31of the illumination adjusting assembly30, so that the light emitted by the light emitting member411is reflected by the reflector44and condensed by the condensing lens43before reaching the illumination adjusting element31, so that the light will finally be proceed by the illumination adjusting element31. As shown inFIG.23, according to a second alternative mode of the above mentioned third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control switch34for controlling the illumination adjusting element31is implemented as a knob, and when the knob is turned, the voltage applied to the ITO films311can gradually increase from zero to the maximum, and correspondingly, the electric current through the illumination adjusting element31can gradually increase from zero to the maximum. When the electric current passing through the illumination adjusting element31is zero, that is, the illumination adjusting element31is in a power-off state, at this time, the illumination adjusting element31is in a haze and opaque mode, and its transparency is minimal. When the electrical current flowing through the illumination adjusting element31increases to a maximum value, that is, the illumination adjusting element31is in the power-on state and the illumination adjusting element31is in the transparent mode. And in the process that the electrical current flowing through the illumination adjusting element31gradually increases from zero, the transparency of the illumination adjusting element31gradually increases, so that the transparency of the illumination adjusting element31can be adjusted steplessly. In other words, in this embodiment, the illumination adjusting performance of the illumination adjusting element31can be continuously adjusted by rotating the control switch34, so as to meet the lighting requirements in different application scenarios. The mechanical structure of the conventional flashlight needs to be fixed at the condensing position and the scattering position after moving its light source or condensing lens element, so that only two different illumination patterns can be provided. However, the illumination adjusting element31of the present invention is electrically controlled, thereby allowing the illumination arrangement1000to provide multiple different illumination patterns. As shown inFIG.24, according to a third alternative mode of the above mentioned third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lighting fixture40comprises a light source41, a housing42, a condensing lens43and a reflector44. The light source41includes at least one light emitting member411, the condensing lens43is used to condense the light from the light emitting member411, and the reflector44is used to reflect and direct the light from the light emitting member411to the condensing lens43, and the condensing lens43is assembled to an outlet end443of the reflector44. The housing42comprises a lamp housing4211, and the reflector44is arranged in the lamp housing4211. The illumination adjusting assembly30is located at an outer side of the reflector44wile at an inner side of the lamp housing4211in this embodiment, and the driving module33is located between the mounting element32and the reflector44, or between the mounting element and the lamp housing421, so that there is no object in the light reflecting cavity441of the reflector44to block the light emitted by the light emitting member411. In this embodiment, the illumination adjusting element31is located between the condensing lens43and the reflector44, so that part of the light emitted by the light emitting member411is directly projected to the illumination adjusting element31, and part of the light is reflected by the light reflector44first and then reaches the light-adjusting film31for adjusting its projecting light effect, and then reaches the condensing lens43for being condensed. It can be understood that, the mounting element312is mounted on to circuit board4121of the light source41. If the mounting element312is adhered to the circuit board4121of the light source41, the mounting element312can be implemented as a bracket. As shown inFIG.25, according to a fourth alternative mode of the above mentioned third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light illumination element31comprises two layers of ITO films311and a liquid crystal layer312sandwiched between the ITO films311, wherein the liquid crystal layer312is only located in the middle area313of the illumination adjusting element31, and the annular area314of the illumination adjusting element31is not provided with the liquid crystal layer312, and thus is transparent. In other words, in this embodiment of the present invention, a partial area of the illumination adjusting element31has the illumination adjusting effect. More specifically, for example, the circular area in the middle of the illumination adjusting element31can be switched between the transparent mode and the haze and opaque mode, so that when the illumination adjusting element31is in an electrified state, the light emitted by the light emitting member411can pass through the transparent illumination adjusting element31and then is condensed by the condensing lens43to provide concentrated light. When the illumination adjusting element31is powered off, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting member411directly passes through the condensing lens43to form a brighter annular spot, and at least a part of the light will reach the illumination adjusting element31corresponding to the liquid crystal layer312in the middle of illumination adjusting element31, so that this part of light is scattered so that the illumination arrangement1000provides less light at the position corresponding to the middle area of the illumination adjusting element31. As shown inFIGS.26and27, an illumination adjusting assembly30according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is applied to a lighting fixture40to form an illumination arrangement1000. In this embodiment, the illumination adjusting assembly30is implemented as a lampshade comprising an illumination adjusting element31, a mounting element32, a driving module33, a control switch34and a power supply module35, the illumination adjusting assembly30can be used as an independent component, and is adapted to be mounted on the lighting fixture40as an add-on structure without changing the original structure of the lighting fixture40as much as possible. In this embodiment, the illumination adjusting element31, the driving module33and the control switch34are electrically connected to each other, and the three are powered by the power supply module35. The power supply module35is accommodated in the cavity formed by the mounting element32, and can be a rechargeable battery or an AC-DC conversion module to convert the AC power into a DC power source that can be used by the illumination adjusting element31. In other words, the illumination adjusting assembly30can be operated and used independently, and is powered by the power supply module35alone, so that it can be easily matched with the lighting fixture40without specially designing the structure of the lighting fixture40, and there is no need for the electrical connection of the illumination adjusting assembly30through a power supply structure by the lighting fixture40. It can be understood that the lighting fixture40may be a mobile light fixture or a fixed light fixture, and accordingly, the above mentioned condensing lens43may be provided, which is also used as a lens for concentrating light. Other light concentrating structures such as the reflector44described above may also be included. The lighting fixture40is an independent light emitting device, which is also configured with a light source41and a housing42, and a power module such as a rechargeable battery or a voltage conversion module that can be stored in the housing42for supplying power to the lighting fixture40. It can be understood that the housing42comprises a lamp housing4211, and the illumination adjusting assembly30can be assembled to the lamp housing4211through the mounting element32, so that the lighting fixture40is configured with a dimming function by the illumination adjusting assembly30, so that the illumination arrangement1000composed of the illumination adjusting assembly30and the lighting fixture40has an adjustable lighting effect. For example, the mounting element32of the illumination adjusting assembly30can be assembled to the lamp housing4211through a matching screw structure321. In other words, the illumination adjusting assembly30is added on the lighting fixture40, so that the light generated by the lighting fixture40can be regulated and adjusted by the illumination adjusting element31of the illumination adjusting assembly by means of electrical control. Specifically, when the illumination adjusting element31is energized to be in the transparent mode, the light generated by the lighting fixture40is allowed to pass through the illumination adjusting element31, thereby providing high intensity illumination, so that more light reflected by a surface of an illuminated object can reach the human eyes. When the illumination adjusting element31is powered off to be in the haze and opaque mode, the light generated by the lighting fixture40is scattered by the illumination adjusting element31, so that less reflected light reaches the human eyes. As shown inFIG.28, an illumination adjusting assembly30according to an alternative mode of the above mentioned fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to be applied to a lighting fixture40to form an illumination arrangement1000. In this embodiment, the mounting element32comprises a resilient mounting ring322for mounting on a lamp housing of the lighting fixture40. As shown inFIG.29, an illumination adjusting assembly30according to another alternative mode of the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to be applied to a lighting fixture40to form an illumination arrangement1000. In this embodiment, the mounting element32comprises one or more magnetic attracting elements323. When a magnetic attractive material is provided on the housing42of the lighting fixture40, the illumination adjusting assembly30is attached on the housing42of the lighting fixture40through the magnetic attracting element323. As shown inFIG.30, an illumination adjusting assembly30according to another alternative mode of the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to be applied to a lighting fixture40to form an illumination arrangement1000. In this embodiment, the illumination adjusting assembly30is configured with the above mentioned condensing lens43. In other words, the illumination adjusting assembly30is an independent optical component that can provide two illumination effects. More specifically, it can provide a condensing effect by the condensing lens, and can also provide the diffusely scattering effect through the illumination adjusting element31, so that the condensing lens43and the illumination adjusting element31together can provide the illumination arrangement1000with a condensed illumination pattern and a scattered illumination pattern, so that the independent illumination adjusting assembly30can satisfy the switching between the condensing illumination type and the diffusing illumination type of the illumination arrangement1000, which reduces the structural requirements of the original lighting fixture40and also facilitates assembly. As shown inFIG.31, an illumination adjusting assembly30according to another alternative mode of the above fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to be applied to a lighting fixture40to form an illumination arrangement1000. In this embodiment, an illumination adjusting element31of the illumination adjusting assembly30is arranged with a plurality of regions310on the illumination adjusting element31, wherein these regions310are controlled by the driving module33, they can be powered on or off at the same time, or they can be powered on or off individually. In addition, the regions310can also be powered on alternately or in a predetermined order in order to realize different illumination patterns in different regions or cooperates with different light emitting members of the lighting fixture to provide varying illumination illumination patterns. Alternatively, a plurality of the illumination adjusting assembles30can be provided for matching with different light emitting members of the lighting fixture for providing different illumination patterns. One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims. | 51,965 |
11859811 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present inventors have recognized the limitations of conventional auxiliary boiler systems such as those discussed above, and that the standby nature of auxiliary boiler systems and the need for less complex auxiliary boiler systems present challenges that conventional auxiliary boiler system designs do not address. With such considerations in mind, the present inventors have recognized that improved auxiliary boiler systems with distinctive packaging arrangements can avoid or experience to a lesser degree one or more of these or other limitations (or achieve one or more advantages by comparison with conventional auxiliary boiler systems). An auxiliary boiler system having such an arrangement can be advantageous both in terms of reducing the overall complexity of the auxiliary boiler system relative to conventional auxiliary boiler systems and also in terms of reducing the field installation work, reducing the total installed and operating cost of the system for the end user, and reducing the total cost of ownership for the end user/customer. In at least some such embodiments, the auxiliary boiler system employs an Industrial Water Tube package boiler and the overall system can be referred to as an Auxiliary Package IWT Boiler that is Optimized For Construction (OFC). More particularly, in at least some embodiments encompassed herein, an improved auxiliary boiler system is configured to employ, and achieves reduced complexity at least in part by employing, a deaerator that is integrated into the boiler package. Further, in at least some such embodiments, the improved auxiliary boiler system employs a condensate storage tank that is repurposed as a feedwater storage tank. By way of such an arrangement, the condensate storage tank (which receives condensate and/or make-up water) is coupled directly, or substantially directly, with the deaerator. Such direct, or substantially direct, coupling of the condensate storage tank with the deaerator in some example embodiments can involve only, for example, condensate pump and boiler feedwater control skid components and, in some such embodiments, additionally a condensate heater (and possibly associated bypass or valve components), being positioned along the flow path between the condensate storage tank and the deaerator. Additionally in some such embodiments, pegging steam and make-up water control skids (water control stations and associated piping) need not be present in the auxiliary boiler system even though such features are present in conventional embodiments such as that discussed above with respect toFIG.1(e.g., the pegging steam control skid154and the make-up water control skid142). Also, elaborate deaerator-to-boiler feedwater piping allowing for the indirect coupling of a deaerator/deaerator storage tank (e.g., piping such as the feedwater piping174ofFIG.1) need not be present in the improved auxiliary boiler system, as the deaerator is directly coupled to the auxiliary boiler. Additionally, in some such embodiments encompassed herein, the improved auxiliary boiler system employs only the condensate storage tank (in addition to an auxiliary boiler) instead of employing both of the storage tank (deaerator storage tank)104and condensate storage tank108included by conventional auxiliary boiler systems such as the conventional auxiliary boiler system100ofFIG.1. Correspondingly, by comparison with conventional auxiliary boiler systems, such an improved auxiliary boiler system employs one less tank and at least one less associated support structure or stand, namely, that of the deaerator storage tank, than that such conventional auxiliary boiler systems. Further by comparison with conventional embodiments that employ both a condensate storage tank and a deaerator (or feedwater) storage tank, such an improved auxiliary boiler system avoids the inclusion of the associated level control and pressure relief equipment necessary for implementing such conventional embodiments (e.g., the improved auxiliary boiler system avoids the inclusion of level control instrumentation and pressure relief valves such as those employed on the storage tank104ofFIG.1, or condensate transfer pumps and controls). Among other things, no boiler-to-deaerator steam piping or deaerator steam flow control skid or station (e.g., corresponding to the boiler-to-deaerator steam piping148and pegging steam control skid154) are employed. Also, no condensate pumps (or pump skids, e.g., corresponding to the pumps126and128ofFIG.1) or make-up water control skid or station (e.g., corresponding to the additional make-up water control skid142ofFIG.1) need be employed. Therefore, such an improved auxiliary boiler system entails less system complexity and controls by contrast to conventional auxiliary boiler systems such as that ofFIG.1. Further, in accordance with at least some embodiments encompassed herein, the improved auxiliary boiler system includes a condensate heater that is integrated into the boiler package, particularly integral within the auxiliary boiler so as to improve boiler efficiency if required with minimal impact to installation costs. Such implementation of the condensate heater can serve to recover thermal efficiency associated with operation of the auxiliary boiler system, and can be of particular significance if thermal efficiency is a critical parameter for the plant of which the auxiliary boiler system forms a part. At the same time, the implementation/presence or use of such a condensate heater can be considered an optional feature that, although present and utilized in some embodiments of improved auxiliary boiler systems encompass herein, need not be present or need not be utilized in other embodiments of improved auxiliary boiler systems encompassed herein. Further, in some embodiments of improved auxiliary boiler systems encompassed herein, the steam drum water holding capacity (e.g., within the auxiliary boiler) can be oversized to establish steaming before needing feedwater during cold starts. Referring toFIG.3, an improved auxiliary boiler system300in accordance with one example embodiment encompassed herein includes an auxiliary boiler302having a burner/windbox304, a deaerator (or deaerator tank)306, and a condensate storage tank308. As illustrated, the condensate storage tank308includes a first input port310at which the condensate storage tank receives condensate from a condensate water control skid (or station)312via a first input pipe313, and a second input port314at which the condensate storage tank receives make-up water (or demin water) from a make-up (or demin) water control skid (or station)316via a second input pipe317. Additionally, the condensate storage tank308includes first and second output ports318and320, respectively, by which the condensate storage tank can output feedwater (which also may be considered condensate)372via first and second output pipes322and324, respectively. The first and second output pipes322and324respectively are coupled to respective input ports of first and second condensate pumps (or pump skids)326and328, respectively, each of which includes a respective centrifugal pump and a respective motor for driving the respective pump, such that the feedwater372output from the condensate storage tank308is received by the condensate pumps326,328. Further as shown, in the present embodiment, a condensate heater346is provided within, and integral to, the auxiliary boiler302. Additionally, condensate piping330couples each of the first and second condensate pumps326and328with an input port332of the condensate heater346. The condensate piping330includes a first pipe portion334, a second pipe portion336, a third pipe portion338, and a fourth pipe portion340. The third and fourth pipe portions338and340are coupled with one another by way of a boiler feedwater control skid (or boiler feedwater control station)342. The fourth pipe portion340is coupled between the feedwater control skid342and the input port332of the condensate heater346, and the third pipe portion338is coupled between the feedwater control skid and each of the first pipe portion334and second pipe portion336, which respectively link the third pipe portion338with respective output ports of the respective first and second condensate pumps326and328, respectively. By virtue of this arrangement, each of the first and second condensate pumps326and328operates to pump the feedwater372from the condensate storage tank308to the condensate heater346, as governed by the boiler feedwater control skid342. The condensate heater346, in addition to having the input port332, additionally includes an output port348. The output port348is coupled by an additional pipe350with a deaerator input port352of the deaerator306. When the condensate heater346is functioning, typically the feedwater372is routed from the boiler feedwater control skid342via the fourth pipe portion340to the input port332of the condensate heater346, through the condensate heater at which the feedwater is heated (within the auxiliary boiler302). Additionally, the feedwater (or condensate)372, after being heated, is then routed from the condensate heater via the output port348and additional pipe350to the deaerator input port352of the deaerator306. Given that the feedwater372routed in this manner has not yet passed through the deaerator306, it can be considered un-deaerated feedwater (or condensate)371(as represented by an arrowhead along the additional pipe350). However, in the present embodiment, an alternate manner of operation is also made possible by way of a bypass pipe354linking the fourth pipe portion340with the additional pipe350, and additionally by way of first, second, and third control valves356,358, and360, respectively. In this alternate manner of operation, the feedwater (or condensate)372(which again at this point is the un-deaerated feedwater371) can instead be routed to proceed from the boiler feedwater control skid342to the deaerator input port352of the deaerator306without passing through the condensate heater346. As shown, the first control valve356is particularly positioned along the bypass pipe354, between a first junction362of the bypass pipe with the fourth pipe portion340and a second junction364of the bypass pipe with the additional pipe350. Additionally, the second control valve358is positioned along the fourth pipe portion340between the first junction362and the input port332of the condensate heater346, and the third control valve360is positioned along the additional pipe350between the second junction364and the output port348of the condensate heater346. Given this arrangement, it will be appreciated that, when the first control valve356along the bypass pipe354is closed but the second and third control valves358and360respectively are open, then the feedwater372flows from the boiler feedwater control skid342through the condensate heater346to the input port352of the deaerator306. As the feedwater372does not collect within the condensate heater346to any meaningful extent, the magnitude of the flow of the feedwater372into the input port332of the condensate heater346from the boiler feedwater control skid (via the fourth pipe portion340) is equal to the magnitude of the flow of the feedwater372out of the output port348of the condensate heater346and to the input port352of the deaerator306(via the additional pipe350). Alternatively, when the first control valve356along the bypass pipe354is open but the second and third control valves358and360are closed, then the feedwater372proceeds from the boiler feedwater control skid342to the input port352of the deaerator306directly without passing through (or being heated at) the condensate heater346. In this case, flow of the feedwater372occurs by way of the bypass pipe354, the segment of the fourth pipe portion340between the boiler feedwater control skid342and the first junction362, and the segment of the additional pipe350between the second junction364and the input port352. As mentioned above, in the present embodiment the deaerator306is integrated with the auxiliary boiler302. More particularly as shown inFIG.3, the deaerator306is supported, at a bottom end structure368thereof, atop a steam drum of the auxiliary boiler302. The auxiliary boiler302in turn sits directly on the ground—that is, no tank stand or support structure is employed to support the auxiliary boiler. In contrast, the condensate storage tank308is supported upon a tank stand or support structure (not shown) relative to the ground. The tank stand or support structure for the condensate storage tank308can be of sufficient height so as to assist with proper functioning of the condensate pumps326,328in view of the height(s) of those pumps (the respective heights can be set taking into account pump outlet pressure). In the present example embodiment, the bottom end structure368of the deaerator306includes a short (relative, for example, to the height of the deaerator306) tubular structure that directly couples (or directly connects) the deaerator to a top (or upper) surface of the auxiliary boiler302. Accordingly, the deaerator306is physically supported upon the auxiliary boiler302, by way of the bottom end structure368(as well as possibly by one or more other connective support structures, such as struts shown inFIG.4). Due to this direct coupling of the deaerator306to the auxiliary boiler302, the deaerator is not only physically supported by, but also can be considered integral with, the auxiliary boiler. In the present embodiment, the bottom end structure368of the deaerator306more particularly includes a connecting flange/nozzle that allows for the deaerator306and the auxiliary boiler302to be integral. The connecting flange/nozzle is configured to allow two types of fluid flow between the deaerator306and the auxiliary boiler302, so as to fluidly couple both the steam and the water side. More particularly, the connecting flange/nozzle of the bottom end structure368includes one nozzle portioned with a splitter plate for steam and water flow on either side. Given this design, the bottom end structure368can be understood to include effectively both a first conduit370and a second conduit374as illustrated inFIG.3. Further as shown inFIG.3, the first conduit370particularly extends between the deaerator306and the auxiliary boiler302so that the feedwater372can proceed from the deaerator to the auxiliary boiler. In contrast to the feedwater received by the deaerator306, which as discussed above is the un-deaerated feedwater (or condensate)371, the feedwater372output from the deaerator306via the first conduit370is deaerated feedwater373. Additionally as shown, the second conduit374also extends between the deaerator306and the auxiliary boiler302. The second conduit374particularly allows for pegging steam376to proceed from the auxiliary boiler302to the deaerator306. In the present embodiment, the inlet and outlet terminal points for the steam and feedwater will be different elevations—that is, the first conduit370begins and ends at different vertical positions (relative to ground) than the second conduit374, so as to facilitate the proper flow of steam and feedwater. Although in the present embodiment the bottom end structure368of the deaerator306is a short, tubular structure as mentioned above, in alternate embodiments the bottom end structure can take other forms. For example, although the bottom end structure368of the deaerator306in the present embodiment is shown to have a length so that a bottom rim369of the deaerator306is not in contact with an upper surface of the auxiliary boiler302, in other embodiments the bottom rim of the deaerator306can rest upon or even be integrally formed with the upper surface of the auxiliary boiler302. In such embodiments, the bottom end structure368can simply be considered to be that bottom rim of the deaerator (deaerator tank) or the junction of the deaerator with the auxiliary boiler, including a pair of orifices formed within that junction between deaerator and the auxiliary boiler by which flow of the deaerated feedwater373and the pegging steam376can occur. Further as shown, the deaerator306not only includes the deaerator input port352at which the un-deaerated feedwater (or condensate)371can be received, but also includes a vent output port366also located at or proximate to the upper end of that tank. The vent output port366permits gas separated (e.g., separated from the condensate/feedwater) in the deaerator306to exit the deaerator. Additionally, portions of the pegging steam376that enter the deaerator306by way of the second conduit374also can exit the deaerator by way of the vent output port366. Further as shown, the auxiliary boiler302also includes a steam output port378by which additional steam is communicated out of the auxiliary boiler by way of steam outlet piping380that serves as a main steam outlet. Referring additionally toFIG.4, features of the improved auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3, and particularly with respect to operation of the auxiliary boiler302and deaerator306of that boiler system, are shown in further detail.FIG.4again shows that the deaerator306is supported upon and integrated with the auxiliary boiler302, and also that the condensate heater346is situated within (and integrally formed with) the auxiliary boiler302. Also,FIG.4again shows that the fourth pipe portion340(shown in cutaway) is coupled to the input port332of the condensate heater346so that the feedwater372(the un-deaerated feedwater371) can be delivered to the condensate heater. Further,FIG.4again shows that the output port348of the condensate heater346is coupled to the deaerator input port352of the deaerator306so as to allow for the feedwater372(again, the un-deaerated feedwater or condensate371), after being heated, to flow from the condensate heater to the deaerator. Further,FIG.4shows that the deaerator306is coupled to the auxiliary boiler302by way of the bottom end structure368of the deaerator, also includes the vent port366, and that the auxiliary boiler further includes the steam outlet port378at which steam can be output from the auxiliary boiler via the steam outlet piping380(leading to or serving as the main steam outlet). It should be appreciated that, althoughFIG.4is intended to represent features of the same improved auxiliary boiler system300as is shown inFIG.3, these representations are schematic in nature. Therefore, although the relative positioning of the condensate heater346within the auxiliary boiler302is different inFIG.4by comparison with the relative positioning of those structures inFIG.3, and although the positioning of the deaerator306relative to the upper surface of the auxiliary boiler302is different inFIG.4by comparison with the relative positioning of those structures inFIG.3, neverthelessFIG.3andFIG.4are intended to be representative of features of the same improved auxiliary boiler system300. Likewise, althoughFIG.4provides more detail regarding the bottom end structure368allowing for the deaerator306to be supported upon the auxiliary boiler302, again nevertheless it is intended thatFIG.3andFIG.4are both representative of the same structure coupling the deaerator tank with the auxiliary boiler302. FIG.4particularly illustrates in more detail the flow of the feedwater372as well as the flow of steam402, including the pegging steam376and additional steam404, in relation to the deaerator306and a steam drum (or auxiliary boiler tank)400of the auxiliary boiler302. As illustrated, first amounts406of the feedwater372(represented by generally-downwardly-directed arrows) enter the deaerator306at the deaerator input port352as the un-deaerated feedwater371and pass downward through and out of the deaerator and into the steam drum400, as the deaerated feedwater373. It should be understood that the first amounts406of the feedwater372particularly pass into the steam drum400(as the deaerated feedwater373) from the deaerator306by way of the first conduit370extending through the bottom end structure368(again also seeFIG.3). Upon the first amounts406of the feedwater372reaching the steam drum400, the first amounts supplement other amounts408of the feedwater that are already present in the steam drum. Additionally as illustrated, the steam402arises from heating of the feedwater372within the auxiliary boiler302, particularly the other amounts408of the feedwater within the steam drum400, and passes into and generally upwardly within an upper region410within the steam drum, above the other amounts408of the feedwater. As represented by generally-upwardly-directed arrows, some portions of the steam402constituting the pegging steam376pass upwardly from the upper region410of the steam drum400, through the second conduit374(seeFIG.3) of the bottom end structure368into the deaerator306, and then upwardly through the deaerator306and out through the vent output port366. Also as represented by other generally-upwardly-directed arrows, other portions of the steam402constituting the additional steam404pass upwardly from the upper region410of the steam drum400, through the steam output port378and into the steam outlet piping380serving as the main steam outlet for the auxiliary boiler302. Referring additionally toFIG.5, features of a modified version of the improved auxiliary boiler system also encompassed by the present disclosure (differing from the improved auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3) are shown. As withFIG.4, the features that are shown inFIG.5primarily concern the deaerator306and an auxiliary boiler of the improved auxiliary boiler system, which in this embodiment is shown to be an auxiliary boiler502(rather than the auxiliary boiler302). In the embodiment ofFIG.5, the auxiliary boiler system includes all of the features of the auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3andFIG.4except insofar as the auxiliary boiler502does not include any condensate heater (e.g., the condensate heater346ofFIG.3andFIG.4is missing fromFIG.5) or associated piping. That is, the feedwater372(or condensate or make-up water) is supplied directly from the boiler feedwater control skid342to the deaerator input port352of the deaerator306by way of a pipe portion504, and piping associated with implementation of the condensate heater in the embodiment ofFIG.3andFIG.4(e.g., the fourth pipe portion340, the additional pipe350, the bypass pipe354, and the valves356,358, and360) is not present. Correspondingly, aside from the absence of the condensate heater346and associated piping, the improved auxiliary boiler system ofFIG.5includes structures that are identical to those described above in regard toFIG.3andFIG.4. That is, although not shown inFIG.5, it should be recognized that the improved auxiliary boiler system ofFIG.5again includes each of the condensate storage tank308, condensate and make-up water control skids312and316, condensate pumps326and328, boiler feedwater control skid342, and associated piping (e.g., the pipes313,317,322and324and pipe portions334,336, and338). Also, it should further be recognized that the improved auxiliary boiler system ofFIG.5again includes the steam drum400with the steam output port378coupled to the steam outlet piping380, the deaerator306with the vent output port366, and the bottom end structure368(including the conduits370and374), and experiences the same types of movements of the feedwater372and steam402as described in regard toFIG.3andFIG.4. Accordingly, the modified version of the improved auxiliary boiler system employing the features ofFIG.5operates in the same manner as the improved auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3andFIG.4except insofar as the condensate/feedwater/make-up water provided to the deaerator306is not heated by any condensate heater, but rather is provided directly from the feedwater control skid342. The manner in which the first amounts406of the feedwater372proceed through the deaerator306and into the steam drum400so as to join the other amounts408of the feedwater, and the manner in which the steam402exits the steam drum, either as the pegging steam376or the additional steam404, are identical to the corresponding manners of operation described in regard toFIG.4. It should further be appreciated that the manner in which the feedwater372(as the un-deaerated feedwater371) is communicated from the boiler feedwater control skid342(seeFIG.3) by way of the pipe portion504to the deaerator input port352is functionally identical to the manner in which the feedwater372is communicated from the boiler feedwater control skid to the deaerator input port in the embodiment ofFIG.3andFIG.4when the control valves356,358, and360are actuated so as to cause the feedwater to pass through the bypass pipe354rather than through the condensate heater346. Turning toFIG.6, a flow chart600is provided that shows example steps of an installation process suitable for installing/implementing the improved auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3andFIG.4. As shown, installation of the improved auxiliary boiler system300according to this process can be viewed as including first and second branches of steps602and620relating to installation of the condensate tank-related structures and auxiliary boiler-related structures including the deaerator306, respectively. In general, the steps of each of the first and second branches602and620can be performed at the same or substantially the same times, or alternatively can be performed sequentially, or partly sequentially and partly at the same time. More particularly, the first branch of steps602includes a first step604at which the condensate tank support structure or stand (not shown inFIG.3) is set at a first position, followed by a second step606at which the condensate storage tank308is set in relation to (e.g., upon) the condensate tank support structure. Additionally the second step606is then further followed by a third step608at which the first and second condensate pumps (or pump skids)326and328are set. Further, following the third step608is a fourth step610including first, second, and third substeps612,614, and616, respectively (which can be performed substantially simultaneously or in parallel as illustrated, or alternatively sequentially). The make-up (or demin) water control skid (or station)316is installed at the first substep612, and the condensate water control skid (or station)312is installed at the second substep614. Further, at the third substep616, interconnecting piping from the control skids (or valve skids)312and316to the condensate storage tank308and further with respect to the condensate (or feedwater) pumps326and328, including the input pipes313and317and the output pipes322and324, is installed. As for the second branch of steps620, this branch of steps begins with a fifth step622at which the auxiliary boiler302(or auxiliary boiler pressure vessel) is set at a second position. The second position at which the auxiliary boiler302is set is typically is different from the first position at which the condensate tank support structure is set at the first step604. The fifth step622is followed by a sixth step624at which the deaerator306is set on top of (and directly coupled to, and/or integrally formed with) the auxiliary boiler. In embodiments entailing a condensate heater, such as that ofFIG.3andFIG.4, the coupling of the deaerator306to the auxiliary boiler302can be understood as setting on top of (and with respect to) the auxiliary boiler302a deaerator heater section as noted inFIG.6. Next, at a seventh step626the boiler feedwater control skid (or station)342is set, and this in turn is followed by an eighth step628at which interconnecting piping from the boiler feedwater control skid to the auxiliary boiler302and associated deaerator306is installed. Depending upon the embodiment, the interconnecting piping installed at the eighth step628can be understood to include any of one or more pipes or pipe portions. For example, with reference to the embodiment ofFIG.3, the interconnecting piping installed at the eighth step628can be understood to include all of the piping by which the boiler feedwater control skid342, condensate heater346, and input port352of the deaerator306are linked, including each of the fourth pipe portion340, the additional pipe350, and the bypass pipe354(as well as the control valves356,358, and360). Finally, upon the completion of all of the steps (and substeps) of the first and second branches of steps602and620, the auxiliary boiler system installation process is completed at a final step630, at which remaining interconnecting piping is installed so as to complete the assembly (or coupling) of the condensate tank-related structures assembled by way of the first branch of steps and auxiliary boiler-related structures (including the deaerator306) assembled by way of the second branch of steps so as to form the overall improved auxiliary boiler system300(the final step630can also be considered to be a final step of either of the first and second branches of steps). For example, the final step630can include installation of the first, second, and third pipe portions334,336, and338linking the condensate pumps326and328with the boiler feedwater control skid342. Although the flow chart600ofFIG.6is particularly intended to be representative of an example process for installing the improved auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3andFIG.4, it should be recognized that this flow chart is also substantially representative of an example process for installing the modified version of the improved auxiliary boiler system ofFIG.5. More particularly, the flow chart600does not make specific reference to condensate heater346of the improved auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3andFIG.4except for the mentioning of a deaerator heater section in regard to the sixth step624. Therefore, when the process ofFIG.6is utilized to install the modified version of the improved auxiliary boiler system corresponding toFIG.5, it should be appreciated that the process does not include any step or substep (e.g., at the sixth step624or otherwise) involving installation of the condensate heater. Further in such circumstance, the interconnecting piping installed at the eighth step628can merely include a pipe portion linking the boiler feedwater control skid342with the deaerator306such as the pipe portion504rather than including any piping enabling implementation of a condensate heater. In addition to the above-described embodiments, it should be recognized that the present disclosure encompasses numerous other embodiments and variations of the embodiments described above. For example, in additional embodiments encompass herein, different numbers of components or arrangements of components can be present. For example, although the auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3is shown to include the condensate pumps126and128, in other embodiments only one of these pumps or more than two of these pumps can be implemented. More generally, although the auxiliary boiler system300ofFIG.3includes the condensate storage tank308(and associated pumps, valve skids, and interconnecting piping), the present disclosure is also intended to encompass embodiments in which no condensate storage tank (or pumps, valve skids, and interconnecting piping associated with such a condensate storage tank) is present. In some such embodiments, the integrated assembly of the auxiliary boiler302and deaerator306is provided merely with make-up water and not provided with condensate. Further, in some such embodiments, the make-up water can be provided to the integrated assembly of the auxiliary boiler302and deaerator306(including the fourth pipe portion340or pipe portion504) from a feedwater tank by way of the feedwater control skid342. That is, an interconnecting pipe at least indirectly coupled to the feedwater tank (e.g., by way of one or more pumps) can be coupled to the feedwater control skid342in place of the third pipe portion338, and feedwater can flow by way of that interconnecting pipe to the feedwater control skid and then ultimately, via the fourth pipe portion340or pipe portion502, to the input port332of the condensate heater346or to the deaerator input port352. Although in such embodiments the feedwater tank will only be providing feedwater in the form of make-up water to the integrated assembly of the auxiliary boiler302and deaerator306, it should be appreciated that the term feedwater tank can more generally refer not only to a tank that only provide make-up water as feedwater but also to tanks that provide other types of feedwater, including for example condensate. Thus, it should be appreciated that, although not all feedwater tanks can be considered condensate storage tanks, condensate storage tanks such as the condensate storage tank308ofFIG.3can also be considered feedwater tanks. Also for example, although not described above, it should be appreciated that one or more control devices (including possibly computerized or processor-based control devices) can be employed to control one or more operations of auxiliary boiler systems such as the auxiliary boiler system300. Such controller operations can, for example, control over the actuation of the condensate pumps126,128, control over the actuation of the boiler feedwater control skid342, and control of the actuation of the control valves356,358, and360that determine whether the condensate heater346is bypassed. Further for example, the present disclosure is intended to encompass numerous other processes or manners of installation or operation in addition to those described above. Additionally for example, in one additional embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an auxiliary boiler system. The method includes providing a deaerator coupled directly to and integrated with the auxiliary boiler, and a condensate storage tank coupled at least indirectly to the deaerator. The method further includes causing feedwater from the condensate storage tank to flow directly or substantially directly to the deaerator, where an amount of the feedwater received at the deaerator is controlled at least in part by way of a boiler feedwater control skid fluidly coupled between the condensate storage tank and the deaerator. The method additionally includes, after being deaerated by the deaerator, communicating the feedwater from the deaerator to the auxiliary boiler by way of a first conduit. Further, in some such embodiments, the method also includes heating the feedwater by way of a condensate heater positioned within the auxiliary boiler, where the feedwater is caused to flow from the condensate storage tank to the condensate heater and then subsequently to the deaerator. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the method further includes one or both of: actuating one or more control valves so that the condensate heater is bypassed and additional feedwater is caused to flow from the condensate storage tank to the deaerator without passing through the condensate heater; or permitting pegging steam to pass from the auxiliary boiler into the deaerator by way of a second conduit therebetween. In view of the above description, it should be appreciated that improved auxiliary boiler systems and methods encompassed herein such as those ofFIG.3,FIG.4,FIG.5, andFIG.6can be advantageous by comparison with conventional auxiliary boiler systems and methods in one or more respects. For example, the improved auxiliary boiler system ofFIG.3andFIG.4, as well as the modified version thereof corresponding toFIG.5, achieve reduced complexity at least in part by avoiding the inclusion of certain components/features that may be present in conventional auxiliary boiler systems but that would be redundant or unnecessary if included in the improved auxiliary boiler system. As mentioned above, in at least some embodiments encompassed herein, the improved auxiliary boiler system avoids the need for both a condensate storage tank and an additional feedwater storage tank given the repurposing of the condensate storage tank as a feedwater storage tank. Additionally, in some embodiments encompassed herein, neither an economizer nor any associated piping or ducts are implemented. That is, in contrast to conventional embodiments employing economizers, the economizer can be entirely eliminated from such improved auxiliary boiler systems, and no boiler-to-economizer duct or piping is employed. Relatedly, the process(es) for installing the improved auxiliary boiler systems encompassed herein can be considerably simpler, less time-consuming, and less costly than the process(es) for installing conventional auxiliary boiler systems such as that ofFIG.1. Indeed, the process shown inFIG.1concerning installation of a conventional auxiliary boiler system entails the first, second, and third branches of steps202,220, and240, respectively (plus the step238), relating to the installation of condensate tank-related structures, deaerator storage tank-related structures, and auxiliary boiler-related structures (including the economizer), respectively, but in contrast the process ofFIG.6concerning installation of the improved auxiliary boiler system300merely entails the first and second branches of steps602and620, respectively (plus the step630), relating to the installation of condensate tank-related structures and auxiliary boiler-related (including deaerator) structures. Further, in at least some embodiments encompassed herein including the improved auxiliary boiler system300, a condensate heater such as the condensate heater346is positioned within the auxiliary boiler302. Positioning of the condensate heater in this manner allows for effective heating of the condensate/feedwater being provided to the deaerator306and further allows for a compact boiler package with reduced-complexity piping. Additionally, in some such embodiments, a provision for bypassing the condensate heater is furnished to afford the customer/operator the option of bypassing the condensate heater/heat transfer section if appropriate in view of operational circumstances or constraints—for example, during cold start up circumstances (or potentially if a tube is not operating in a desired manner) to avoid excessive condensation. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter. | 38,906 |
11859812 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste streams is an increasingly important priority in many societies. Some waste streams are burned (e.g., for heat and/or electricity). While combustion might utilize the fuel value of a waste stream, the chemical properties of certain components of the fuel might be substantially more valuable if they were they utilized for chemical purposes, rather than as fuel. Some waste streams (municipal solid waste, dehydrated sewage) contain small quantities of chemicals that have very high value. Certain components of biomass (e.g., wood species) may have very high value. Waste fuel streams such as municipal solid waste (MSW), sewage, and the like, and nonwaste fuel streams, such as petrochemicals, biomass and the like, comprise a wide range of molecules. Some of these molecules (or portions thereof) are valuable beyond their use as a fuel supply. Systems and methods described herein may be implemented to recover chemicals that might otherwise be combusted, enabling the subsequent use of these chemicals in higher-value applications. A fuel stream processing system may comprise a pretreatment reactor (e.g., to pyrolyze/evaporate/volatilize/gasify/reform a fuel) and a combustion plant. A fuel stream flows into the pretreatment reactor to be reacted to form a volatiles stream and a char stream. The pretreatment reactor may pyrolyze/gasify/volatilize/precombust or otherwise read a solid or liquid fuel prior to its passage to the combustion plant, typically with an inert, reducing, or mildly oxidizing gas (e.g., N2, syngas, steam, and the like). The char stream flows into the combustion plant, where it is combusted. The pretreatment reactor may be retrofit to an existing combustion plant (e.g., with an additional fuel supply). The volatiles stream may be used directly. For example, a fuel may be separated into a first fuel source (e.g., for a separate combustion process, such as an engine or turbine) and a residual char source (e.g., for combustion in a fluidized bed). A volatiles stream may flow to a separation reactor, which typically cools the volatiles stream to condense and separate out one or more (typically >5, including >10, including >100) chemical species from the volatiles stream. The separated chemical species may be subsequently processed and/or utilized. The chemical species may include syngas (H2+CO), gaseous hydrocarbons (including oxygenated hydrocarbons), liquid fuels (e.g., C4-C16) such as biofuels and/or biofuel precursors, volatile polymers, fuel gas, chemical compounds. fine chemicals, and the like. A residual stream (remaining, undesired chemicals which may have fuel value) may be routed to the combustion plant and combusted. A stream may be routed to a kiln, furnace, or other apparatus where it is combusted. FIG.2is a schematic illustration of a fuel stream processing system, per some embodiments. A fuel stream processing system200may comprise a pretreatment reactor210fluidically coupled to a combustion reactor230. The pretreatment reactor volatilizes an incoming fuel stream to form a volatiles stream. The volatilized stream typically includes useful chemical species229′, which are extracted via one or more chemicals outlets229(directly or after having been separated). Nonvolatilized fuel (char) is typically conveyed from the pretreatment reactor to a combustion reactor via a char stream, which burns the char stream to extract the heat value. The system may include a separation reactor220coupled to one or both of the reactors210,230. The pretreatment reactor may be retrofit to an existing combustion reactor (each reactor may have its own fuel supply). Pretreatment reactor210receives the fuel stream via a fuel inlet216, and pretreats (e.g., volatilizes/gasifies/pyrolyzes/reforms/reacts, herein: volatilizes) a portion of the received fuel to yield a volatiles stream and a char stream. Pretreatment/volatilization typically comprises treating the fuel in a reaction zone212with an inert and/or relatively less oxidizing gas than that used in the combustion reactor (e.g., N2, syngas, steam, CO2, and the like), delivered via gas inlet214from a gas supply211. The pretreatment reactor outputs a volatiles stream via a volatiles stream outlet218. The char stream is output via a char stream outlet219to a char stream inlet239of the combustion reactor230, where it is combusted with a relatively more oxidizing gas (e.g., air, O2). The pretreatment reactor and combustion reactor may be discrete (e.g., with the char stream outlet/inlet coupled via a passage299). The pretreatment reactor and combustion reactor may be integrated (e.g., with the char stream outlet/inlet forming an opening in a wall between the reactors). In some cases, to prevent undesired reactions (e.g., polymerization, decomposition, precipitation), the pretreatment reactor may include a fast pyrolysis reactor (e.g., that constrains volatiles to a residence time below 10 seconds, including below 3 seconds). Combustion reactor230(e.g., a combined heat and power plant) includes a combustion zone232within which the char stream is reacted with an oxidant gas (e.g., air, oxygen, and the like). An oxidant supply231delivers oxidant via an oxidant inlet234. In some embodiments, one or both of the inlets214,234comprise diffuser plates (e.g., such that the respective reactors can function as fluidized beds). Combustion reactor230includes an exhaust237, and may include an optional second fuel inlet236configured to deliver a fuel directly into the combustion reactor. Combustion of char may be augmented with fuel from the second fuel inlet236and corresponding supplementary fuel supply (not shown), which may be the main fuel supply to the combustion reactor (e.g., when retrofitting a pretreatment reactor to an existing combustion reactor). The volatiles stream outlet of the pretreatment reactor may be coupled to a separation reactor220(e.g., a fast condensation/fractionation reactor, a cyclone, ESP, filter, scrubber, bath-quenching, and the like) via a volatiles stream inlet222. Separation reactor220may extract and/or isolate desirable chemicals from the volatiles stream, outputting these species via chemicals outlet229. A heat exchanger224(e.g., coupled to the separation reactor) may be used to remove heat from the volatiles stream, enhancing condensation. A heat exchanger224may be used to transfer heat from the volatiles stream to a fluidization gas delivered by a gas inlet. A separation reactor may include a heat exchanger224, a cyclone225, a phase separator226configured to separate condensed species from more volatile species (e.g., a filter, bag house, electrostatic precipitator,FIG.3). A phase separator may comprise several phase separators. Water, ash, media, acids, and condensable fuels may be separated. For example, a first separator may remove ash, a second separator may remove condensable fuels (e.g., tar), and a third separator (e.g., an electrostatic precipitator) may remove particles, aerosols, and the like. A residual stream comprising CO, CO2, H2, and other permanent gases may be sent for combustion (e.g., in a lime kiln or other combustor). A reactor may include an absorption loop that exposes a stream to a liquid that condenses/absorbs a species (e.g., a water-based scrubber or an amine CO2 scrubber). The liquid is circulated out, the species is removed, and the liquid is reexposed to the stream. In some cases, the liquid/species are removed and replaced with fresh scrubbing liquid. In some cases, separation reactor220outputs a residuals stream (e.g., comprising residual chemicals not extracted for other purposes) via residuals stream outlet228. Residuals stream outlet228may be coupled to a corresponding residuals stream inlet238of the combustion reactor, providing for the combustion of the residuals stream. A heat exchanger340may be coupled to the exhaust stream (e.g., via exhaust237) of the combustion reactor230to preheat the pretreatment fluidization gas prior to its introduction into the pretreatment reactor via gas inlet214. A volatiles stream may have a range of uses (according to fuel source, pretreatment conditions, and the like) such as for raw gas, syngas, and the like. The volatiles stream may include syngas (e.g., for use in a subsequent chemical process) gaseous species (e.g., gaseous fuels), liquid fuels (e.g., biofuels and/or biofuel precursors), and the like. A fuel stream processing system may comprise one or more fluidized bed reactors. For example, pretreatment reactor210may be configured as a volatilization stage of a fluidized bed reactor as described herein, and combustion reactor230may be configured as a combustion stage of a fluidized bed reactor as described herein. The reactors may share a fluidized bed of solids (e.g., separated by a wall) providing for a flow of char (and typically bed solids) from the pretreatment reactor to the combustion reactor. The system may be implemented as a standalone system and/or retrofit to an existing combustion reactor (e.g., an existing fluidized bed boiler). The fuel stream processing system need not incorporate a fluidized bed reactor. FIG.3is a schematic illustration of a two-stage fluidized bed reactor, per some embodiments. A multistage fluidized bed reactor comprises an otherwise contiguous fluidized bed (e.g., one BFB) having at least a first (e.g., volatilization) and second (e.g., combustion) stages, each stage enabling a different chemical reaction. In this example, a first reaction zone312in a first portion of the fluidized bed and a second reaction zone332in a second portion of the fluidized bed provide for different reactions. The first and second stages are separated, typically by a wall. The wall separates the gas phases above each stage, but allows the fluidized bed phases to communicate via an opening in the wall and/or a passage between beds of the stages. Thus, the fluidized bed phase (e.g., media and char stream) may flow between the stages, but the gas phase above the first stage is separated from the gas phase above the second stage. The fluidized beds may communicate via openings in the floor rather than the wall. The fuel residence time and/or transfer of fuel and bed material from the first to second stages is typically controlled via an increased/decreased gas pressure in the first stage vs. that in the second stage and/or the gas pressures supplied to the fluidization gas inlets. A controller coupled to pressure gauges within the stages may control these pressures (e.g., via a valve on the volatiles stream) to achieve a desired overpressure of the first stage vs. the second stage. In exemplaryFIG.3, a fluidized bed reactor300comprises a container301(in this example, a single container) configured to hold a bed of bed solids. A wall302separates the container into a volatilization stage310and a combustion stage330. Wall302may have an opening304through which bed solids and char may flow. Opening304may include char stream outlet219, char stream inlet239, and/or passage299(FIG.2). Opening304may comprise openings in the floors of each stage, coupled by a passage. Wall302may include a plurality of walls. The media and char stream pass from the volatilization stage to the combustion stage, where the char is burned. The wall lets the media/char pass between stages, but prevents mixing of the gas phase in the volatilization stage with the oxidizing gas phase in the combustion stage. The volatilization stage has a fuel inlet316configured to receive and deliver the fuel into the volatilization stage. The fuel inlet may include a lock hopper and/or other apparatus to transfer solid fuel while controlling gas flow/pressure. Fuel may be fed by gravity and/or auger. Fuel may be delivered to the lock hopper (e.g., via a feed screw) and a gas pressure within the lock hopper may be controlled to match that of the volatilization stage, such that fuel may be delivered to the volatilization stage at or above the pressure of the volatilization stage. The bed solids are fluidized by a flow of gas from a LowOx gas supply311delivered via a gas inlet314(e.g., a diffuser plate/distributor plate having holes of any size and shape distributed across the plate to fluidize the bed) corresponding to the portion of the container (or the container) associated with the volatilization stage (e.g., first reaction zone312). LowOx gas supply311supplies a (typically hot) gas chosen according to desired volatilization conditions (e.g., inert, reducing, mildly oxidizing), fuel source, desired composition of volatiles stream, and the like. The LowOx gas is typically mildly oxidizing (less oxidizing than that yielding complete combustion, e.g., steam, CO2, small amounts of oxygen, N2). The LowOx gas may, in some cases, be reducing (e.g., H2). Pressure drop across the distributor plate (Pd1−Pd2,FIG.4) may be controlled (typically in concert with gas pressure at the top of the bed) to achieve a desired bubble size and/or bubble volume (within the bed), convection pattern, fuel residence time, bed temperature, and the like. Bed temperature and various reactions may be controlled via stage pressure (e.g., to control bed height, reaction rates, and/or residence times). A typical volatilization stage may have a lower temperature at the top of the bed than at the bottom (although in the absolute bottom of the bed (the first centimeters from the bottom) where the fluidization media enters the bed, the temperature is typically lower). A reduced bed height in the volatilization stage typically reduces residence time within. A volatiles stream outlet318is configured to convey the volatiles stream out of the volatilization stage (e.g., to an optional separation reactor220). A fuel processing system may comprise a separation reactor coupled to the volatilization stage and configured to separate out one or more chemical species from the volatiles stream. Useful species are typically extracted from the volatiles stream, yielding a residual stream, which may be sent to the combustion stage via a residuals line, where they are burned (FIG.2). A volatiles pressure gauge350measures gas pressure in the volatilization stage, the volatiles stream outlet, and/or the corresponding volatiles line. A reactor includes a means to control gas flow into and/or out of at least one stage, including multiple stages. Controlling this means in concert with pressure measurements, the controller may control the pressure difference between stages, typically via closed-loop (e.g., PID) control. In an embodiment, a volatiles outlet valve370(e.g., a butterfly valve) coupled to the volatilization stage outlet318is configured to control pressure in the volatilization stage and/or flow out of the volatiles stream outlet.FIG.3shows valve370upstream of separation reactor220; it may be downstream. Combustion stage330includes an oxidant inlet334(e.g., a diffuser plate) correspondingly disposed at the portion of the container associated with combustion (e.g., second reaction zone332). An oxidant supply331coupled to the oxidant inlet delivers a relatively more oxidizing gas (typically air) at a flow rate and pressure sufficient to fluidize the bed solids in the combustion stage and combust the char from the volatilization stage. An exhaust gas outlet337removes combustion products power337′, chemicals337″, and/or heat337′″ from the combustion stage, which may be subsequently harvested from the exhaust gas (e.g., via a heat exchanger, a turbine, and the like). A combustion pressure gauge352disposed in the combustion stage and/or exhaust measures pressure in the combustion stage. Reactor300illustrates an optional 2ndoxidant inlet333(e.g., to provide additional combustion air to supplement oxidant supplied via oxidant inlet334). Additional gas and/or oxidant inlets may be included with the relevant stage. In this example, a fan338fluidically coupled to the exhaust337controllably extracts exhaust gas, which may be used to control pressure. A controller360coupled to the pressure gauges (in this case,350,352) controls a pressure difference between the stages. InFIG.3, controller360is coupled to the volatiles outlet valve370, and controls pressure in the volatilization stage via throttling of the valve. During operation, controller360typically controls pressure of the volatilization stage to be different than that of the combustion stage. Lower pressure in the volatilization stage typically decreases fuel/char residence time; higher pressure typically reduces residence time. Pressures may be controlled via a valve on the flue gas line and/or relative flow rates of the fluidizing gas inlets. Pressure control of bed solids flow (and the resulting mass transfer rates) may be used to control residence time within the stages (e.g., in a pretreatment stage prior to a combustion stage). A combustion stage may include a second fuel inlet336(e.g., to supplement the fuel value of the char), which may include a separate (or the same) fuel supply, typically with its own lock hopper. Second fuel inlet336may be the main fuel supply for the combustion stage, with a separate fuel supply implemented for the volatilization stage (e.g., as a retrofit to an existing combustion stage). A retrofit implementation may comprise a BFB volatilization stage retrofit into an existing BFB combustor to create a multistage BFB reactor. The reactor may include a heat exchanger340configured to extract heat from the exhaust gas and transfer heat to the gas supplied to the volatilization stage (as shown) and/or the combustion stage (not shown), which may improve energy efficiency. Increased gas pressure in the first stage may drive char and bed material into the second stage. In some cases, natural convection of the bed material recirculates at least some media back into the first stage from the second stage.FIG.3illustrates an implementation in which the floor heights of the two stages are the same; the floor heights may be different.FIG.3illustrates the volatilization stage coupled to an optional separation reactor220which, in this case, has a residual stream outlet228coupled to a corresponding residual stream inlet238of the combustion stage, such that the residual stream may be combusted. A residual stream may comprise syngas, raw gas, tar, and the like. A residual stream may comprise other gases, liquids, solids, and the like, and need not go to the combustion stage. FIG.4illustrates a two-stage fluidized bed reactor, per some embodiments.FIG.4schematically illustrates an exemplary effect of overpressure in the volatilization stage on the difference in the surface heights of the beds in the two stages, and also illustrates different floor heights. A volatilization stage310may have a fuel inlet316and volatiles stream outlet318separated by an internal wall402. In this example, an internal wall402separates at least a portion of the gas phases of the fuel inlet and volatiles outlet, so that fuel passes into the bed without interfering with the volatiles exiting the volatilization stage. InFIG.4, wall402does not extend into the fluidized bed of the volatilization stage310, allowing for some (indirect) gaseous communication between the fuel inlet and volatiles outlet without going through the bed. The volatiles outlet and fuel inlet are held at the same pressure in this example.FIG.4illustrates a slanted fuel inlet316, which may enhance gravity assist. Other gravity-assisted mechanisms may be used. Insulation or thermally conductive material may be incorporated into wall302to reduce or increase heat transfer through wall302. The wall302separating the volatilization and combustion stages may be slanted. Wall302need not extend into the bed solids at the same location as the transition between the gas inlets314and334. InFIG.4, an extension length440defines a distance between the transition between gas inlets and the location of wall302. In this example, wall302extends into the bed solids within the volatilization stage310(upstream of the transition between stages). Wall302may extend into the bed solids within the combustion stage330(downstream of the transition). In some cases, the floor height of a stage is different than that of another stage, as shown inFIG.4. A system may have a desired floor height difference410(typically controlled structurally/mechanically) and/or a desired bed surface height difference420, typically controlled via pressure difference between the two beds. The extension distance of wall302into the bed, extension length440, a distance450from the lower edge of the wall to the floor below, and/or the floor heights, may be used to define a transfer area430between the two beds. The transfer area may have a horizontal component (e.g., allowing for vertical bed flow) and/or a vertical component (e.g., allowing for horizontal bed flow), and is typically designed using Computational Fluid Design (CFD) tools to model bed flow and heat transfer between the stages. The transfer area is typically designed to achieve a desired heat and/or mass transfer between the beds (typically in concert with an expected pressure difference). Bed solids may be directed (e.g., horizontally) through a transfer area to enhance flow. For example, a reactor may include a splashgenerator (e.g., a high velocity gas jet) configured to impart a directed momentum to a local portion of bed solids (e.g., with a jet of high velocity gas), typically at least partially horizontally. For example, a splashgenerator may be used to increase circulation rates within a transfer area (directing flow into or out of a stage). Certain reactors include a stage having an adjustable floor height, which may provide independent pressure control (of the gas phases in the stages) and bed depths within each stage. Such control may be used to ensure both passage of the char stream from the first to second stage and recirculation of the bed media from the second to first stage. For example, extraction of a combustible gas produced from a combustible solid or liquid may implement a single fluidized bed reactor having multiple stages. A combustion stage, where part of the cross section of the reactor vessel is fluidized with air, may be preceded by a volatilization stage, in which extraction and/or reaction is performed in a secondary reactor volume in which the fuel residence time is controlled by adjusting the pressure difference between the stages. A pressure difference between the stages (P1−P2,FIG.4) and the pressure drop relationships across the distributor plate and the fluidized bed beneath the second reactor volume ((Pd2−P2)/(Pd1−Pd2)FIG.4) as well as the effective distance450(FIG.4) between the distributor plate and the lower end wall302of the secondary reactor volume may be controlled. In some embodiments, an extracted volatiles stream has a lower heating value higher than, including at least two times higher than, the average heating value of the total gas volume leaving the volatilization and combustion stages. FIG.5illustrates a three-stage reactor with an internal wall separating the gas phases of the fuel inlet and volatiles outlet, per some embodiments. In this example, internal wall402extends into the bed of the volatilization stage, separating this stage into an inlet stage510(in communication with the fuel inlet316) and a reforming stage610(in communication with the volatiles outlet318). Reforming stage610may be used for reforming reactions or other reactions. In descending below the surface of the bed, internal wall402forces all material (including gases) through the bed before volatiles may exit, and prevents gas-phase communication between the fuel inlet316and volatiles stream outlet318. The depth (into the bed) and thickness (in the flow direction) of the internal wall402may be chosen according to a desired residence time within the bed.FIG.5illustrates an additional pressure gauge354coupled to the controller, providing for separate pressure control over the inlet and reforming stages510,610of the volatilization stage (e.g., via a separate valve370′ and/or gas inlet316′ providing for gas control into and/or out of inlet stage510. In this example, a second fuel inlet336provides additional fuel for the third (combustion) stage, and all three stages having the same floor height. This example schematically illustrates highest pressure in stage510, lower pressure in stage610, and lowest pressure in stage330, resulting (in this case) in shorter distances between bed surface and floor.FIG.5illustrates differences520,520′ between the surface heights of the beds of adjacent stages. The difference in heights of the bed surfaces may be controlled via corresponding pressure differences to achieve a desired flow rate (e.g., mass transfer equalization between fuel inlet316, volatiles outlet318, and exhaust337. In this example, the stages have the same floor height (they may be different). In an embodiment, stages510and610have separate gas inlets and gas supplies (e.g., to deliver a different gas to the inlet stage than the reforming stage, which may be different than that delivered to the combustion stage. The distance from the lowermost edge of a wall to the bottom of a stage may be chosen according to a desired transfer area430(FIG.4). In this example, a fan338is included to pump gas into or out of stage510.FIG.5illustrates a single volatiles stream outlet318extracting volatiles from stage610; and additional volatiles stream outlet may extract volatiles from stage510. Stages510and610may have independent gas inlets (e.g., stage510is fluidized with exhaust gas recovered from exhaust337and stage610is fluidized with steam). Both stages may be fluidized with steam, N2, CO2, and the like. FIG.6illustrates a three-stage reactor with an internal wall separating the gas phases of the fuel inlet and volatiles outlet, per some embodiments. In this example, wall302extends into the bed at the transition between the volatilization and combustion stages, and internal wall402separates the volatilization stage into an inlet stage510and a reforming stage610. FIG.6illustrates a baffle620(in this example, disposed at the current surface of the bed of the inlet stage510. A baffle may be used to force non-gaseous fuel to pass through the bed for a certain amount of time. Baffle620typically extends sufficiently above the surface of the bed (e.g., above the bubble zone), such that fuel cannot pass over the baffle. Fuel must pass beneath the baffle to move from the portion of the bed in communication with the fuel inlet to the portion in communication with the volatiles outlet (and by extension, into the combustion stage). Baffle depth and thickness may be chosen according to a desired residence time in the bed. This example shows a constant floor height across the stages. A baffle may be used to segregate surface solids (e.g., incoming fuel), creating an internal “dam” (e.g., close to the fuel inlet) while keeping a portion of the bed open to the gas phase downstream of the baffle. A baffle may be disposed below the surface of the bed (e.g., at the bottom of the bed), including below a wall. Internal upgrading of a combustible gas produced from a combustible solid or liquid is possible after extraction from a first fluidized bed reactor stage, where part of the cross section of the reactor vessel is fluidized with air and the extraction is achieved by the introduction of a secondary (upstream) reactor stage in which the fuel residence time is controlled by adjusting the pressure difference between the stages and the pressure drop relation between the pressure drop across the distributor plate and the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the fluidized bed(s), as well as lengths, distances and areas (450,440,430FIG.4) between and among the distributor plate(s) and the wall separating the stages. In some embodiments, the extracted gas has a lower heating value that is higher than, including at least two times higher than, the average heating value of the total gas volume leaving the primary (first zone) and secondary (second zone) reactor volumes, and where the upgrading of the extracted gas is achieved by the introduction of a third stage within the volatilization stage (with or without a baffle) to force all extracted gas to pass through a controlled height of bed material before the extraction of the volatiles. Various features described herein may be implemented independently and/or in combination with each other. An explicit combination of features does not preclude the omission of any of these features from other embodiments. The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. | 29,134 |
11859813 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. For like numbers may refer to like elements throughout. Turning now to the figures,FIG.1shows a schematic of a steam generator10that produces steam that can be used for power generation with a steam driven generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the steam generator10can include a pulverized coal-based fired boiler. Although the various embodiments are described with respect to a pulverized coal-based fired boiler that utilizes pulverized coal to generate steam for power generation applications, it is understood that the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the embodiments described herein can be used with other pulverized solid fuel-fired boilers that utilize a nozzle and pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly to issue a stream of pulverized solid fuel into a firing system or combustion chamber for combustion of the fuel. Examples can include, but are not limited to, pulverized solid fuel-fired boilers that utilize other pulverized solid fuels such as biomass, wood, peat, grains, and coke. Like pulverized coal-fired boilers, these other types of pulverized solid fuel-fired boilers can be harsh environments for the respective solid fuel nozzle tip assemblies that issue these solid fuels, due to the high temperatures in which the fuels are combusted and the abrasive nature of these fuels. As shown inFIG.1, the steam generator10can include a combustion chamber14within which the combustion of pulverized solid fuel (e.g., coal) and air is initiated. Hot gases that are produced from combustion of the pulverized solid fuel and air rise upwardly in the steam generator10and give up heat to fluid passing through tubes (not shown) that in conventional fashion line the walls of the steam generator. The hot gases can exit the steam generator10through a horizontal pass16of the steam generator10, which in turn leads to a rear gas pass18of the steam generator10. Both the horizontal pass16and the rear gas pass18may contain other heat exchanger surfaces (not shown) for generating and superheating steam in a manner well-known to those skilled in this art. The steam generated in the steam generator10may be made to flow to a turbine (not shown), such as used in a turbine/generator set (not shown) for power generation, or for any other desired purpose. The steam generator10ofFIG.1can also include one or more windboxes20, which may be positioned in the corners of the steam generator10. Each windbox20can have a plurality of air compartments15through which air supplied from a suitable source (e.g., a fan) is injected into the combustion chamber14of the steam generator10. Also disposed in each windbox20is a plurality of fuel compartments12, through which pulverized solid fuel is injected into the combustion chamber14of the steam generator10. The solid fuel is supplied to the fuel compartments12by a pulverized solid fuel supply22, which includes a pulverizer24in fluid communication with the fuel compartments12via a plurality of pulverized solid fuel ducts26. The pulverizer24is operatively connected to an air source (e.g., a fan), such that the air stream generated by the air source transports the pulverized solid fuel from the pulverizer24, through the pulverized solid fuel ducts26, through the fuel compartments12, and into the combustion chamber14in a manner which is well known to those skilled in the art. The steam generator10may be provided with two or more discrete levels of separated overfire air incorporated in each corner of the steam generator10so as to be located between the top of each windbox20and a boiler outlet plane28of the steam generator10, thereby providing a low level of separated overtire air30and a high level of separated overtire air32. FIG.2is a schematic representation of a pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly34for providing a stream of pulverized solid fuel and air35to a pulverized solid fuel-fired boiler like the steam generator10depicted inFIG.1according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG.2shows a cross-sectional, elevation view of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly34disposed within a fuel compartment12as taken along an x-y plane. While only one fuel compartment12is shown, it will be appreciated that each fuel compartment12ofFIG.1may include a pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly34. As shown inFIG.2, the pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly34can include a nozzle tip assembly36, which protrudes into the combustion chamber14, and a pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38, which extends through the fuel compartment12and is coupled to a pulverized solid fuel duct26. The pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38can comprise a generally rectangular or cylindrical shell40having a flange42disposed at one end for securing the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38to the solid fuel duct26, and a seal plate44(depicted inFIG.11) disposed at the other end for providing a seal between the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38and the nozzle tip assembly36. By “generally rectangular,” it is meant that the inner surface of the shell40provides a flow path having a rectangular cross-section throughout much of the length of the shell. It is also contemplated that the cross section of the shell40may be of a different shape, such as of a circular shape. The nozzle tip assembly36comprises an outer nozzle tip portion46that can take the form of a frame adapted for mounting in supported relation with the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38and a one-piece or monolithic, ceramic, inner nozzle tip portion48adapted for mounting within the outer nozzle tip portion46. The outer nozzle tip portion46has an inlet end50, an outlet end58, a flow channel54extending therethrough from the inlet end to the outlet end, and an air shroud56with a plurality of air passages located about the inlet end, the outlet end, and the flow channel. The inner nozzle tip portion48has an inlet end52, an outlet end60, and a flow passageway62formed therebetween. The flow passageway62of the inner nozzle tip portion48is in fluid communication with the flow channel54of the outer nozzle tip portion46. With this configuration, the inner nozzle tip portion48can receive the stream of pulverized solid fuel entrained in air35carried by the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38for issuance to the combustion chamber14for combustion thereof, while the air passages of the air shroud56of the outer nozzle tip portion46can be operative to receive a stream of secondary air63provided by a secondary air conduit64. In this manner, the secondary air can be used in the combustion in the combustion chamber, and to help cool the outer surfaces of the inner nozzle tip portion48. Further details of the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48are provided below. It is understood that the pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly34can be suitably supported within a fuel compartment12, and any conventional mounting technique may be employed. Also, the secondary air conduit64may be coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis66of the shell40, such that the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38is centered within the secondary air conduit64. Also, it is contemplated that all or some of the components of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle assembly34may be dimensioned such that the nozzle assembly34can be used in place of an existing, prior art nozzle assembly. For example, it will be appreciated that the nozzle tip assembly36according to the various embodiments described herein can thus be retrofitted into an existing nozzle assembly of a steam generator with minimal modification to existing windbox controls or operation. It is also contemplated that the nozzle tip assembly36can be used with new nozzle assembly installations, FIG.3is a more detailed view of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36depicted inFIG.2according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG.3shows further details associated with the outer nozzle tip portion46, which can be referred to as a “driver” because it receives the forces from a tilting link arm112(e.g.,FIG.12) to manipulate the nozzle tip assembly through the full tilt range while minimizing the forces on the relatively brittle ceramic body, and the inner nozzle tip portion48of the nozzle tip assembly36, which can be referred to as a “body” since a monolithic ceramic casting of this portion of the tip assembly delivers the mixed fuel and air mixture from the coal nozzle to the boiler. In addition to the features described inFIG.2, the frame structure of the outer nozzle tip portion46is shown inFIG.3with a top wall67, a bottom wall69, a pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68between the top and bottom walls and a seal frame structure70located interior to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls. As shown inFIG.3, the air shroud56, which is adapted to receive the secondary stream of air63(FIG.2) from the secondary air conduit64(FIG.2), can have a first plurality of air passages72located on the top of the seal frame structure70, secured between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68, and a second plurality of air passages74located under the bottom of the seal frame structure70, secured between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68. Both the first plurality of air passages72and the second plurality of air passages74are defined by spaced ribs75vertically disposed about the top and bottom of the seal frame structure70to produce different flow pathways for the secondary stream of air. In one embodiment, the first and second plurality of air passages72,74of the air shroud56are operative to direct the secondary stream of air over an outer surface of the inner nozzle tip portion48. For example, the first plurality of air passages72can direct a portion of the secondary air over a top surface76of the inner nozzle tip portion48and the second plurality of air passages74can direct another portion of the secondary air over a bottom surface78of the inner nozzle tip portion48. As shown inFIG.3, the inner nozzle tip portion48can have at least one splitter plate80operative to divide and direct the stream of pulverized solid fuel and air35(FIG.2) into different pathways. In one embodiment, the splitter plate(s) which can take the form of a baffle, can be disposed across the flow passageway62(FIG.2) of the inner nozzle tip portion48, aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis66(FIG.2) to impart additional directional force to the stream of pulverized solid fuel and air to ensure a uniform distribution of the coal-air stream particularly when the nozzle tip assembly36is tilted away from a horizontal position. In one embodiment, the inner nozzle tip portion48of the nozzle, tip assembly36can comprise a monolithic structure made of a cast ceramic. A cast ceramic, as opposed to stainless steel, allows the inner nozzle tip portion48to better withstand the high temperatures of the heat associated with the flame in the combustion chamber in which the inner nozzle tip portion is disposed. In addition, the use of a cast ceramic makes the inner nozzle tip portion48better suited to endure the highly abrasive nature of a pulverized solid fuel such as pulverized coal because of its high wear resistance. Examples of cast ceramic materials that are suitable for use with the inner nozzle tip portion48are ceramics that can include, but are not limited to, silicon nitride, siliconized silicon carbide, mullite bonded silicon carbide alumina composite, alumina zirconia composites, and alumina composite with optimized fiber. It is understood that the inner nozzle tip portion48can include other materials besides or in addition to a ceramic material. The outer nozzle tip portion46of the nozzle tip assembly36can be formed from stainless steel. An advantage to having the outer nozzle tip portion46formed from stainless steel, as opposed to a ceramic like the inner nozzle tip portion48, is that impact resistance and tensile strength of stainless steel will be greater than a ceramic. Since the outer nozzle tip portion46will be accommodating the loading demands imposed on the nozzle tip assembly36as explained below in more detail, it is advantageous to have the outer nozzle tip portion46formed from stainless steel. Nevertheless, it is understood that the outer nozzle tip portion46can include other materials besides stainless steel. As mentioned above, the inner nozzle tip portion48can be tiltably secured to the outer nozzle tip portion46for longitudinal movement relative to the outer nozzle tip portion46. As shown inFIG.3, a pair of opposing pivot pins82can be utilized to secure the inner nozzle tip portion48to the lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. In one embodiment, each of the pair of opposing pivot pins82can be positioned in a central location relative to the corresponding lateral sidewalls68and the seal frame structure70on a lateral centerline, to facilitate titling of the inner nozzle tip portion48over a predetermined a tilt range. The pair of opposing pivot pins82can be disposed in a pair of opposing pivot pin mounting bores84, each extending through one of the corresponding lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46and one of a pair of sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion48. A pair of bushings86can each be placed in one of the opposing pivot pin mounting bores84to rotatably support one of the pivot pins82. With this arrangement, and suitable dimensions (e.g. thickness, diameters) for the pivot pins82, the pivot pin mounting bores84, and the bushings86, the loads placed upon the nozzle tip assembly36during normal operation can be distributed in a load equalizing manner which reduces the risk that the tip assembly36will catastrophically fail due to point loading during tilting of the tip assembly. In addition, this mounting arrangement for mounting the inner nozzle tip portion48to the outer nozzle tip portion46is advantageous for the nozzle tip assembly36in that it allows the tip assembly to successfully withstand the typical loading imposed during normal operation in the combustion chamber of the steam generator. This includes the loading imposed by tilting of the nozzle tip assembly36by a nozzle tip tilt link mechanism that can include for example a tilting link arm (FIGS.4-10and12—reference element112). Further, the impact resistance and tensile strength of the nozzle tip assembly36through the outer nozzle tip portion46, which as mentioned previously can be formed of stainless steel, and the inner nozzle tip portion48, which as mentioned previously can be formed of a ceramic material, afford the nozzle tip assembly36with high wear resistance and tolerance of extremely high temperatures. FIG.4is a rear view schematic of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36depicted inFIG.3that shows more details of the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example,FIG.4along withFIGS.5-7show further details of the frame that forms the outer nozzle tip portion46including the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68, and the top wall67and the bottom wall69that join the sidewalls. As shown inFIG.4, each of the opposing lateral sidewalls68can include a front surface88having a contoured profile defining a plurality of spaced recess portions90with nose portions92(e.g., rims or protrusions) formed therebetween. FIG.4shows that the outer nozzle tip portion46can include a plurality of inset lug plates93coupled to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68. As used herein, a plurality of inset lug plates means one or more lug plates93. In one embodiment, each inset lug plate93is disposed flush (i.e., in the same plane or substantially the same plane) with or against one of the nose portions92in each of the opposing lateral sidewalls68so that the lug plates are immediately adjacent or directly abutting a surface of the nose portions. As shown inFIGS.4,5,6and7, each of the plurality of inset lug plates93can comprise a shape with a profile that matches with one of the nose portions92on the front surfaces88of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. Having the inset lug plates with a profile of a shape that matches with the nose portions92means that each of the inset lug plates has a shape that is approximately the same geometric surface profile as the nose portion that it is most adjacent to. In one embodiment, the inset lug plates93can be coupled to corresponding nose portions92on the front surfaces88of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46by using any of number of well-known fastening approaches that include, but are not limited to, welding, bonding, and bolting. Although the inset lug plates93are described as being disposed flush with or against the nose portions92in each of the opposing lateral sidewalls68, it is understood that there can be slight gaps between each of these elements in order to provide room or clearance therebetween. In this manner, a slight gap between the inset lug plates93and the nose portions92can provide sufficient clearance between the elements to ensure that the inner nozzle tip portion48can tilt up and down in response to the driving forces provided by the outer nozzle tip portion46. The plurality of inset lug plates93, which can also be referred to as tilting link arm pin support plates, can be used to facilitate coupling of a tilting link arm112to the nozzle tip assembly to drive the secure tilting of the inner nozzle tip portion48in relation to the outer nozzle tip portion46. The particular inset lug plate93, which is used to enable the coupling of the tilting link arm112to a specific nose portion92of the lateral sidewall68of the outer nozzle tip portion46, can receive a tilting link arm pivot pin (not shown inFIG.4) therein to facilitate the coupling of the tilting link arm112and the inset lug plate in double shear. Having the tilting link arm pivot pin in double shear allows the pin to handle excessive stresses (e.g., excessive twisting, deformations and force reactions), Without the inset lug plate93, having the tilting link arm pivot pin only in a nose portion of the lateral sidewall would lead to a failure of the pin during operation due to the excessive stresses because the pin would essentially be in a cantilever configuration. FIG.4also shows details of the seal frame structure70of the outer nozzle tip portion46. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, the seal frame structure can include the air shroud56and an optional inner nozzle tip protection part114that can extend from a top plate71and a bottom plate73of the seal frame structure70over the top surface76and the bottom surface78of the inner nozzle tip portion48, respectively. In this manner, the optional inner nozzle tip protection part114that extends from the top plate71and the bottom plate73can serve to protect the monolithic, ceramic inner nozzle tip portion48from items that can include, but are not limited to, slag falling from the furnace walls. In addition, the optional inner nozzle tip protection part114can receive the secondary stream of air from the first and second plurality of air passages72and74(FIG.3) of the air shroud56. As shown inFIG.4, the seal frame structure70can be located interior to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68, with the top plate71and the bottom plate73spaced apart from the top plate. To this extent, the top plate71and the bottom plate73can have contact with the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38(FIG.2) to provide a seal between the nozzle tip assembly36and the solid fuel pipe nozzle38. With this configuration, the seal frame structure70goes around the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38to keep the pulverized fuel interior to the inner nozzle tip portion48, and to keep the secondary air63in the outer nozzle tip portion46. In this manner, the nozzle tip assembly36will be able to tilt forward and back such there will be no gap between the nozzle tip assembly36and the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38that could result in the solid fuel (e.g., coal) falling therethrough. In one embodiment, the top plate71and the bottom plate73can include rolled plates or seal blades that extend horizontally between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls68. For example, the top plate71and the bottom plate73of the seal frame structure70are each transversely oriented to adjacent recess portions90on the front surfaces88of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, the top plate71and the bottom plate73can terminate before contacting the lateral sidewalls68. AlthoughFIG.6shows the top plate71and the bottom plate73terminating before the lateral sidewalls68without contact therewith, it is understood that these plates can be coupled to the sidewalls68. In one embodiment, the top plate71and the bottom plate73can form part of the air shroud56. For example, the top plate71can act as a base to support the ribs75of the air shroud56which define the first plurality of air passages72, whereas the bottom plate73can act as a top surface to support the ribs75of the air shroud56which define the second plurality of air passages74. As shown inFIG.4, the inner nozzle tip portion48includes a pair of opposing sidewalls98. Each of the opposing sidewalls98has a back surface100with a contoured profile defining a plurality of spaced recess portions102(FIG.8) with nose portions104(FIG.8) formed therebetween. The nose portions104(FIG.8) on the back surfaces100of the opposing sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48can be seated correspondingly in the recess portions90on the front surfaces88of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. In addition, the nose portions92and the respective inset lug plates93on the front surfaces88of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46can be seated correspondingly in the recess portions102on the back surfaces100of the sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48. The seating of the nose portions104(FIG.8) on the back surfaces100of the opposing sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48in the recess portions on the front surfaces88of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46and the seating of the nose portions92and respective inset lug plates93on the front surfaces88of the opposing lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46in the recess portions102(FIG.8) on the back surfaces100of the opposing sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48provide an outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surface110(FIG.8). As discussed below in more detail, the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surface110(FIG.8) directs tilting forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion48to be applied to the outer nozzle tip portion46. In this manner, the tilting forces applied to the inner nozzle tip portion48can be minimized. The pair of opposing pivot pins82can be utilized to secure the sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48to the lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. As noted above, the pair of opposing pivot pins82can be disposed in the pair of opposing pivot pin mounting bores84. In this manner, each pivot pin82can extend through one of the corresponding lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46and one of the pair of sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48. The pair of bushings86can each be placed in one of the opposing pivot pin mounting bores84to rotatably support one of the pivot pins82. As explained below in more detail, with this arrangement and suitable dimensions (e.g. thickness, diameters) for the pivot pins82, the pivot pin mounting bores84, and the bushings86, the loads placed upon the nozzle tip assembly36during normal operation can be distributed in a load equalizing manner which reduces the risk that the tip assembly36will catastrophically fail due to point loading during tilting of the tip assembly. As shown inFIGS.3-8each of the lateral outer sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46can have a pair of tilting link arm mounting bores94formed thereon. In one embodiment, the tilting link arm mounting bores94can be formed in the nose portions92on the lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. The inset lug plates93that are flush with the nose portion92can also have tilting link arm mounting bores that align with the bores in the nose portions. With the arrangement of tilting link arm mounting bores94in the nose portions92and the inset lug plates93on the lateral sidewalls68, the tilting link arm112can be secured to one of the nose portions and its respective inset lug plate93via the bore94. In one embodiment, a fastener assembly can be used to secure the tilting link arm112to the designated nose portion92and inset lug plate93. A tilting link arm pivot pin96is one example of a particular fastener that can be used to secure the tilting link arm112to the bores94of the designated nose portion92and inset lug plate93of one of the lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46. In operation, the tilting link arm pivot pin96can extend through the tilting link arm mounting bore94in the designated nose portion92and respective inset lug plate93. Extending the tilting link arm pivot pin96through both the nose portion92and the respective inset lug plate93in this manner will place the pin96in double shear. To this extent, movement of the tilting link arm112will cause the outer nozzle tip portion46to securely drive the inner nozzle Up portion48to tilt up and down about the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38in a desired manner. It is understood that the tilting link arm pivot pin96is illustrative of one possible fastener assembly that can be used to secure the tilting link arm112to the lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion and is not meant to be limiting. Some other examples of fastener assemblies that can be used include, but are not limited to, castings, fabricated sheet-metal and 3D printed assemblies. Further, it is understood that the use of the inset lug plates93in the lateral sidewalls of the frame of the outer nozzle tip portion represents only one possible approach that can be utilized that precludes the use of extraneous elements that are subject to thermal expansion that leads to cracking in the inner nozzle tip portion. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other elements can be added or used in place of the inset lug plates93. As shown inFIGS.3-5,7, and8, each of the tilting link arm mounting bores94in the pair of bores on each lateral sidewall68of the outer nozzle tip portion can be vertically spaced apart from one another. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3-5,7, and8, the tilting link arm mounting bores94can be in vertical alignment with the centrally located pivot pin mounting bores84. In other embodiments, the tilting link arm mounting bores94can be offset from the pivot pin mounting bores84, and not in vertical alignment. As mentioned above, each of the pair of opposing pivot pins82can be positioned in a central location relative to the corresponding lateral sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46to facilitate titling of the inner nozzle tip portion48over a predetermined a tilt range.FIG.8shows further details of this feature. In particular,FIG.8shows the pivot pin mounting bores84, which can receive the pivot pins82and the bushings86, can be positioned in a central location relative to the corresponding lateral outer sidewalls68of the outer nozzle tip portion46and the sidewalls98of the inner nozzle tip portion48on a lateral centerline to these components. FIG.8also shows further details of the supporting structures (e.g., the nose portions and the recess portions) of both the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48. In particular,FIG.8shows how the complementary surfaces of the supporting structures operate cooperatively to maintain support of the inner nozzle tip portion48within the outer nozzle tip portion46during normal boiler operation. The seating of the noses104of the inner nozzle tip portion48in the recesses90of the outer nozzle tip portion46, and the seating of the noses92of the outer nozzle tip portion in the recesses102of the inner nozzle tip portion results in the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surface110at various locations of the interface between the components. In one embodiment, as shown in the example provided inFIG.8, the recesses102on the back surface of the inner nozzle tip portion48can include a lower recess at a lower heightwise location along the back surface and an upper recess at an upper heightwise location. A recess90on the front surface of the outer nozzle tip portion46can be juxtaposed between the lower recess and the upper recess of the inner nozzle tip portion48when the two nozzle tip portions are coupled together. In one embodiment, the recess on the front surface of the outer nozzle tip portion can have a depth and a width that is greater than the depth and width of the lower recess and the upper recess. Similarly, the noses104on the back surface of the inner nozzle tip portion48can include a lower nose at a lower heightwise location along the sidewalls98and an upper nose at an upper heightwise location. Noses92on the front surface of the outer nozzle tip portion46can be juxtaposed between the lower nose and the upper nose of the inner nozzle tip portion48when the two nozzle tip portions are coupled together. In one embodiment, the noses92on the front surface of the outer nozzle tip portion46can each have a width that is greater than the widths of the lower nose and the upper nose on the inner nozzle tip portion48. With these respective supporting structures, the inner nozzle tip portion48can be mounted securely within the outer nozzle tip portion46as shown inFIG.8. In particular, the corresponding seating of the noses on the back surfaces of the inner nozzle tip portion48in the recesses on the front surfaces of the outer nozzle tip portion48, and the noses on the front surfaces of the outer nozzle tip portion in the recesses on the back surfaces of the inner nozzle tip portion result in the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surface110at various locations along the interface between these components. It is understood that the number of recesses and noses illustrated herein for both the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48is only illustrative. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48can be contoured to have additional or fewer noses and recesses. In addition, it is understood that the dimensions (e.g., widths and thicknesses can also vary. Moreover, it is understood that the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48can be profiled with other shapes to facilitate a secure mounting between these nozzle tip components. Not only do the aforementioned supporting structures of the inner nozzle tip portion48(i.e., the contoured back surface of the sidewalls98) and the outer nozzle tip portion46(i.e., the contoured front surface of the lateral sidewalls68) enable the inner nozzle tip portion48to be mounted securely within the outer nozzle tip portion46, but these supporting structures also have a further benefit in that the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surfaces110can direct tilting forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion48during normal operation to be applied to the outer nozzle tip portion46. This minimizes the tilting forces applied to the inner nozzle tip portion48that can lead to point contact loading and stress to the inner nozzle tip portion46. FIG.9is a side, cross-sectional view of a portion of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36showing the beneficial effect that the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surfaces110can have with respect to directing tilting forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion48to be applied to the outer nozzle tip portion46. For example,FIG.9shows in one embodiment that the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surfaces110about the central recesses and central noses of the supporting structures of the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48will bear a majority of the forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion48. This is due to the relatively large surface area associated with this contact surface110because of the thicknesses and depths of the corresponding noses and recesses at this location. That is, because the supporting structures of the outer nozzle tip portion46are designed with maximized surface areas; the outer nozzle tip portion46can reduce the tilting forces that can damage the inner nozzle tip portion48. In another embodiment, the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surfaces110about the upper recesses and upper noses of the supporting structures of the outer nozzle tip portion46and the inner nozzle tip portion48can contribute with the bearing surfaces about the central locations to bear a majority of the forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion48. Because the inner nozzle tip portion48is pinned at a center point, via the pivot pins82and bushings86, with a large surface area pin, and “driven” by large contact areas on the inlet end52(FIG.2) of the inner nozzle tip portion48, movement or tilting of the inner nozzle tip portion48can be accomplished in a manner that directs forces needed to tilt the nozzle tip assembly36to be applied to the outer nozzle tip portion46(i.e., the driver). This increases the bearing surface to the single or monolithic, ceramic front piece (i.e., the inner nozzle tip portion48). As a result, the possibility of point contact loading that could over stress the ceramics associated with the inner nozzle tip portion48is reduced. Moreover, because the inner nozzle tip portion48only needs to pivot its own mass due to the aforementioned method of attachment, the inner nozzle tip portion48will encounter little to no forces from the tilting mechanism (e.g., a tilting link arm, which is to be attached to the outer nozzle tip portion46and used to manipulate tilting) during the tilting of the nozzle tip assembly36, FIG.10is a side, cross-sectional view of a portion of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36schematically showing a tilt range that is obtained by securing the inner nozzle tip portion48to the outer nozzle tip portion46with a pivot pin82. The tilt range according to the various embodiments can be dictated by the distance of the sidewall interconnecting bore94from the pivot pin82. For example,FIG.10shows that having the pivot pin82closer to the sidewall interconnecting bore94will result in an increased tilt range. Accordingly, multiple tilt positions can be obtained by varying the position of the sidewall interconnecting bores94versus the pivot pins82. In this manner, the various embodiments of the nozzle tip assembly36can have a predetermined tilt range that covers a wide range of tilt positions for the outer nozzle tip portion46that can be imparted to the inner nozzle tip portion46. This wide range of tilt positions is an improvement over the tilt ranges of conventional ceramic nozzle tip assemblies. In particular, the tilt angle can be modified by relocating the link arm attachment location in the driver (i.e., outer nozzle tip portion46). This can save time and money by not having to modify the mold used to produce the ceramic body (i.e., inner nozzle tip portion48) for different tilt range requirement. FIG.11is a side, cross-sectional view of a portion of the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36schematically showing a portion of the air shroud56of the outer nozzle tip portion46directing a stream of secondary air63towards an outer surface of the inner nozzle tip portion48. As shown inFIG.11, the first plurality of air passages72of the air shroud56can direct the stream of secondary air63towards the top outer surface76of the inner nozzle tip portion48. In one embodiment, the first plurality of air passages72of the air shroud56can be configured with a curved outer portion to deflect the stream of secondary air63over the top surface76of the inner nozzle tip portion48. In this manner, the stream of secondary air63deflected towards the top outer surface76of the inner nozzle tip portion48by the curved outer portion of the passages72of the air shroud56will help with cooling the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36when it is in a tilted or horizontal orientation as manipulated by the tilting link arm112, of which is shown in more detail inFIG.12. In the example illustrated inFIG.11, the tilting link arm112ofFIG.12can be manipulated to operate the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly36in a downward pointed direction in relation to the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle38, which carries the stream of pulverized solid fuel and air35, and the secondary air conduit64, which provides the stream of secondary air63, both of which are in a fuel compartment12. It is understood that the level of cooling of the outer surface of the inner nozzle tip portion48by the passages72can be dictated by other features associated with these features. For example, the number of passages, the size of the passages, the materials of the passages, and shapes of the passages can all have a role in the degree of cooling that is provided to the outer surface of the inner nozzle tip portion48. Although not depicted inFIG.11, it is understood that the secondary plurality of air passages74of the air shroud56shown inFIG.3that are adapted to direct the stream of secondary stream air63towards the bottom surface78of the inner nozzle tip portion48may operate in a similar manner as shown inFIG.11. That is, the secondary plurality of air passages74of the air shroud56may be configured with a curved outer portion to deflect the stream secondary air63towards the bottom surface78of the inner nozzle tip portion48. There are several technical effects associated with the various embodiments. First, the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments has a high wear resistance due to the use of a ceramic material with the inner nozzle tip portion. Ceramics, as opposed to stainless steel, is better suited to withstand the high temperatures of the heat associated with the flame in the combustion chamber in which the inner nozzle tip portion is disposed. In addition, the use of ceramics with the inner nozzle tip portion is better suited to endure the highly abrasive pulverized coal because of its high wear resistance. This ensures that the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments can work for a longer period of time without the need for more frequent servicing. Accordingly, the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments is expected to have an increased service life with reduced maintenance costs in comparison to the typical solid fuel nozzle tip assembly that has a low wear resistance, a shorter overall service life cycle, and more maintenance costs due to the servicing that is needed because of its low wear resistance from operating in an extremely harsh environment. Other technical effects associated with the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments is that it provides an enhanced tilt range due to the use and positioning of the pivot pins, the pin mounting bores, and the bushings that tiltably secure the inner nozzle tip portion to the outer nozzle tip portion. In addition to providing an enhanced tilt range, the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments minimize the tilting forces that cause damage to the typical pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly. In particular, the supporting structures of the outer nozzle tip portion and the inner nozzle tip portion, and their complementary surfaces, maintain support of the inner nozzle tip portion within the outer nozzle tip portion during normal boiler operation, such that the tilting forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion are applied to the outer nozzle tip portion. This is due to the enlarged contact surface area that the inner nozzle tip portion experiences, which reduces point contact loading. As a result, the tilting forces that are applied to the inner nozzle tip portion will be minimized. Minimizing tilting forces in this manner inhibits point contact loading and stress to the inner nozzle tip portion. The previously mentioned benefit of tolerating high temperatures through the use of ceramics is further enhanced by the feature of the air shroud with the outer nozzle tip portion. That is, the plurality of air passages provided by the air shroud enables the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments to offer further cooling to the inner nozzle tip portion by delivering the secondary air towards the outer surfaces of the inner nozzle tip portion. Not only do the plurality of air passages help the pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments operate in extremely high temperatures, but these air passages in the outer nozzle tip portion make it possible to manufacture the nozzle tip assembly with lower overall manufacturing costs since the monolithic, ceramic inner nozzle tip portion can be fabricated without these air passages. In one embodiment, an optional inner nozzle tip protection part can extend from the top plate and the bottom plate of the seal frame structure of the outer nozzle tip portion over the top surface and the bottom surface of the inner nozzle tip portion, respectively. In this manner, the optional inner nozzle tip protection part can serve to protect the monolithic, ceramic inner nozzle tip portion from items that can include, but are not limited to, slag falling from the furnace walls. In addition, the optional inner nozzle tip protection part can receive the secondary stream of air from the first and second plurality of air passages of the air shroud. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the various embodiments also eliminates stress cracking to the inner nozzle tip portion that can arise due to thermal growth of the components of the nozzle tip assembly. In particular, the lateral sidewalls of the frame of the outer nozzle tip portion contain no extraneous elements that can expand and come into contact with the inner nozzle tip portion, and thus cause cracking of the inner nozzle tip portion. With all extraneous elements removed from the lateral sidewalls of the frame of the outer nozzle tip portion, the possibility of the stainless steel outer nozzle tip portion expanding into the ceramic inner nozzle tip portion and cracking the inner nozzle tip portion due to thermal expansion differentials between the ceramic and stainless steel components of the inner nozzle tip portion and the outer nozzle tip portion, respectively, is eliminated/reduced. In addition, the removal of extraneous elements from the lateral sidewalls of the frame of the outer nozzle tip portion also has the added benefit of allowing one to measure the clearances between the outer nozzle tip portion and the inner nozzle tip portion during fabrication and assembly of the components. Nozzle tip assemblies with extraneous elements on the lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion not only can cause cracking of the inner nozzle tip portion during thermal growth of the components. As a result of these benefits, which are apparent in comparison to a conventional nozzle tip assembly, the solution offered by the various embodiments is a cost effective design which can be implemented in accordance with a number of different options. For example, the outer nozzle tip portion of the nozzle tip assembly can be manufactured using a 3D printing process with a suitable material that meets the aforementioned material properties of the outer nozzle tip portion. In addition, the internal design of the ceramics for the inner nozzle tip portion of the nozzle tip assembly can be designed according to the specifications of the steam generator (e.g., the pulverized solid fuel-fired boiler). Furthermore, the outer nozzle tip portion of the nozzle tip assembly can have the option to be cast as opposed to being fabricated from a plate. These design options for the nozzle tip assembly make it suitable for boiler side removal which is beneficial for installation, as well as maintenance and service operations. The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize. For example, parts, components, steps and aspects from different embodiments may be combined or suitable for use in other embodiments even though not described in the disclosure or depicted in the figures. Therefore, since certain changes may be made in the above-described invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention. In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. For example, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances, relative to ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted as such, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. What has been described above includes examples of systems and methods illustrative of the disclosed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every combination of components or methodologies here. One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims, appendices and drawings, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. That is, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses: A pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly adapted for cooperative operation with a pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle to issue a stream of pulverized solid fuel and air to a pulverized solid fuel-fired boiler, comprising: an outer nozzle tip portion adapted for mounting in supported relation with the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle, the outer nozzle tip portion having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow channel extending therethrough from the inlet end to the outlet end, wherein the outer nozzle tip portion includes: a pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, each of the opposing lateral sidewalls including a front surface having a contoured profile defining a plurality of spaced recess portions with nose portions formed therebetween; a plurality of inset lug plates coupled to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, each inset lug plate disposed flush with one of the nose portions in each of the opposing lateral sidewalls; and a seal frame structure located interior to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, the seal frame structure having a top plate and a bottom plate spaced apart from the top plate, both the top plate and the bottom plate extending horizontally between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls; and an inner nozzle tip portion tiltably secured to the outer nozzle tip portion for longitudinal movement relative to the outer nozzle tip portion, the inner nozzle tip portion having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow passageway formed therebetween to receive the stream of pulverized solid fuel and air, wherein the inner nozzle tip portion includes: a pair of opposing sidewalls, each of the opposing sidewalls having a back surface with a contoured profile defining a plurality of spaced recess portions with nose portions formed therebetween, the nose portions on the back surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion seated correspondingly in the recess portions on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion, and the nose portions and the respective inset lug plates on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion seated correspondingly in the recess portions on the back surfaces of the sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of the preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of inset lug plates comprises a shape with a profile that matches with one of the nose portions on the front surfaces of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the plurality of inset lug plates and the nose portions on the front surfaces of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion comprises a tilting link arm mounting bore extending therethrough. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein one of the plurality of inset lug plates is operative to have a tilting link arm coupled thereto. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a tilting link arm pivot pin to secure the tilting link arm to the one of the plurality of inset lug plates and the corresponding nose portion of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion that is flush therewith, the tilting link arm pivot pin extending through the tilting link arm mounting bore in the one of the plurality of inset lug plates and the corresponding nose portion of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion that is flush therewith, placing the tilting link arm pivot pin in double shear. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate of the seal frame structure are each transversely oriented to adjacent recess portions on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer nozzle tip portion further comprises an air shroud adapted to receive a secondary stream of air, the air shroud having a first plurality of air passages located on the top plate of the seal frame structure, secured between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, and a second plurality of air passages located under the bottom plate of the seal frame structure, secured between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, both the first plurality of air passages and the second plurality of air passages are adapted to produce different flow pathways for the secondary stream of air. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and second plurality of air passages of the air shroud are operative to direct the secondary stream of air over an outer surface of the inner nozzle tip portion. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an inner nozzle tip protection part that extends from the top plate and the bottom plate of the seal frame structure over the inner nozzle tip portion, wherein the inner nozzle tip protection part is operative to provide protection for the inner nozzle tip portion and to receive the secondary stream of air from the first plurality of air passages and the second plurality of air passages of the air shroud. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a pair of opposing pivot pins operative to secure the inner nozzle tip portion to the lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion, the pivot pins extending through one of the nose portions on the back surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion and one of the recess portions of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the pair of opposing pivot pins is positioned in a central location relative to the sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion and the outer nozzle tip portion on a lateral centerline to facilitate titling of the inner nozzle tip portion over a predetermined a tilt range. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: a pair of opposing pivot pin mounting bores, each extending through one of the corresponding lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion and one of the sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion; and a pair of bushings, each placed in one of the opposing pivot pin mounting bores to rotatably support one of the pivot pins. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the seating of the nose portions on the back surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion in the recess portions on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion and the seating of the nose portions and respective inset lug plates on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion in the recess portions on the back surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion provide an outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surface. The pulverized solid fuel nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer nozzle tip portion to inner nozzle tip portion contact surface directs tilting forces used to tilt the inner nozzle tip portion to be applied to the outer nozzle tip portion, minimizing the tilting forces applied to the inner nozzle tip portion. A pulverized coal nozzle tip assembly adapted for cooperative operation with a pulverized coal pipe nozzle to issue a stream of pulverized coal and air to a coal-fired boiler, comprising: an outer nozzle tip portion adapted for mounting in supported relation with the pulverized solid fuel pipe nozzle, the outer nozzle tip portion having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow channel extending therethrough from the inlet end to the outlet end, wherein the outer nozzle tip portion includes: a pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, each of the opposing lateral sidewalls including a front surface having a contoured profile defining a plurality of spaced recess portions with nose portions formed therebetween; a plurality of inset lug plates coupled to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, each inset lug plate disposed flush with one of the nose portions in each of the opposing lateral sidewalls; and a seal frame structure located interior to the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, the seal frame structure having a top plate and a bottom plate spaced apart from the top plate, both the top plate and the bottom extending horizontally between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls; a monolithic, ceramic, inner nozzle tip portion tiltably secured to the outer nozzle tip portion for longitudinal movement relative to the outer nozzle tip portion, the inner nozzle tip portion having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow passageway formed therebetween to receive the stream of pulverized solid fuel and air, wherein the inner nozzle tip portion includes: a pair of opposing sidewalls, each of the opposing sidewalls having a back surface with a contoured profile defining a plurality of spaced recess portions with nose portions formed therebetween, the nose portions on the back surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion seated correspondingly in the recess portions on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion, and the nose portions and the respective inset lug plates on the front surfaces of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion seated correspondingly in the recess portions on the back surfaces of the sidewalls of the inner nozzle tip portion; and an air shroud adapted to receive a secondary stream of air, the air shroud having a first plurality of air passages located on the top plate of the seal frame structure, secured between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, and a second plurality of air passages located under the bottom plate of the seal frame structure, secured between the pair of opposing lateral sidewalls, both the first plurality of air passages and the second plurality of air passages are adapted to produce different flow pathways for the secondary stream of air. The pulverized coal nozzle tip assembly of the preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of inset lug plates comprises a shape with a profile that matches with one of the nose portions on the front surfaces of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion. The pulverized coal nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the plurality of inset lug plates and the nose portions on the front surfaces of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion comprises a tilting link arm mounting bore extending therethrough. The pulverized coal nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein one of the plurality of inset lug plates is operative to have a tilting link arm coupled thereto. The pulverized coal nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a tilting link arm pivot pin to secure the tilting link arm to the one of the plurality of inset lug plates and the corresponding nose portion of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion that is flush therewith, the tilting link arm pivot pin extending through the tilting link arm mounting bore in the one of the plurality of inset lug plates and the corresponding nose portion of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the outer nozzle tip portion that is flush therewith, placing the tilting link arm pivot pin in double shear. The pulverized coal nozzle tip assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an inner nozzle tip protection part that extends from the top plate and the bottom plate of the seal frame structure over the inner nozzle tip portion, wherein the inner nozzle tip protection part is operative to provide protection for the inner nozzle tip portion and to receive the secondary stream of air from the first plurality of air passages and the second plurality of air passages of the air shroud. | 62,869 |
11859814 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. FIG.1shows a vertical cross-section of the reactor with the following designators:1—reactor body with inner cavity;2—input opening;3—output opening;4—inner surface of reactor cavity;5—conductive portions of inner surface of reactor cavity;6—tipped electrode;7—isolating members;8—source of high-voltage pulses;9—electrode tip;10—conductive bottom of reactor;11—device for dosed loading waste to be treated;12—electrostatic filter with extraction air fan providing depression at reactor output. The invention may be implemented in a reactor having a body. The reactor body has an input orifice2connected to an apparatus11for metered feed of solid and/or liquid waste to be processed. The apparatus11is configured to limit amount of air that is let into the reactor. The reactor body has an output orifice3intended for removing gaseous destruction products and connected to an electrostatic filter with a sucking air blower. Portions5of the body cavity inner surface and a bottom10are made of steel. An electrode6is inserted into the cavity of the body1through an isolating spacer7. The electrode6is connected to a source8of high-voltage pulses. A tip9of the electrode6is located with a gap of 20 mm relative to the conductive bottom10of the reactor body1. The device is operated in the following way. High-voltage pulses are fed to the electrode6from the source8. As known from [1], each pulse causes a large number of streamers in the neighborhood of the tip9of the electrode6. The streamers multiply and spread towards the conductive bottom10of the body1, gradually populating the inter-electrode gap and forming corona discharge. After that, for example, a portion of pressed solid residential waste is fed into the device from the apparatus11for metered feed of waste to be processed via the input orifice2, so intake of atmospheric air into the body1via the input orifice2is limited. Corona discharge plasma acts on water contained in input waste causing generation of free radicals upon disruption of water molecule H2O→OH⋅+H⋅. Additionally, streamers of pulse corona discharge cause formation of other active substances, namely O3, O2(a1Δ), H2O2, OH, O(3P), NO, HNO2and HNO3in the reactor. Corona discharge is also a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The active substances and UV radiation provide a disruptive impact upon any organic and inorganic substances contained in waste to be processed, thus assuring disintegration thereof with formation of harmless gaseous products, namely water and carbon dioxide. Inorganic content of waste is disrupted by acids HNO2and HNO3formed in the reactor due to the corona discharge. Oxidation process in water for organic substances is a chain reaction [2]. A low rate chain reaction may be initiated by atmospheric oxygen and ozone. A high rate chain reaction is initiated by OH⋅ radicals. In other words, plasma-chemical destruction of both organic and inorganic substances contained in waste is provided in the device. Gaseous destruction products flow into the output orifice of the reactor. FIG.2shows additional detail of an embodiment of the reactor. In this figure, the additional elements are designated as follows:13—protective coating made of a dielectric material;14—steel ribs;15—steel grid;16—sucking air blower;17—isolating spacers;18—wad is pre-formed by pressurizing waste. Thus, the indicated technical effect is obtained by the device owing to plasma-chemical destruction of both organic and inorganic substances contained in residential waste. Having thus described a preferred embodiment, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the described method and apparatus have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is further defined by the following claims. REFERENCES [1] Aristova N. A., Piskarev I. M., Ivanovskiy A. V., Selemir V. D., Spirov G. M., Shlepkin S. I., Initiation of chemical reactions by electrical discharge in dielectric-gas-liquid configuration. //Physical Chemistry Journal, 2004, Vol. 78, #7, pages 1326-1331.)[2] Piskarev I. M., Oxidation-reduction processes in water initiated by electrical discharge above water surface. //General Chemistry Journal, 2001, Vol. 71, Issue 10, page 1622. | 4,593 |
11859815 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some aspects of the present disclose are directed to a flare system at a well site and in which the flare tip includes a remotely-adjustable nozzle. The flare of the flare system typically includes a flare stack and the flare tip. The flare stack receives produced fluid including hydrocarbon from the wellhead system. The flare tip discharges the produced fluid through the nozzle for combustion of the hydrocarbon. Beneficially, a control system may automatically adjust the nozzle discharge opening of the nozzle. Embodiments of the present techniques may include a flare having a flare stack and a flare tip for flaring at a well site. The well site includes a wellhead and a wellbore for production of crude oil or natural gas, or both. The techniques may involve receiving produced fluid including hydrocarbon from the wellhead to the flare stack, discharging the produced fluid from the flare tip through a nozzle discharge opening, combusting the hydrocarbon of the produced fluid as discharged from the flare tip, and a control system adjusting flow area of the nozzle discharge opening. Control of the flaring operation at oil and gas well sites can be challenging, especially over time, because flaring conditions may vary often and change rapidly. Therefore, adjustment of flare operating parameters may be implemented. Adjustments may be manual via user input by a human operator. However, some manual control can take time and may not be adequately responsive. Time consuming and inadequate manual control can result in negative environmental impact caused, for example, by poor combustion in the flaring, such as due to inadequate air in the mixture being burned or other reasons Furthermore, high-efficacy flare systems (including flare tips) may be designed and configured for flaring (combusting) gas with specific properties, such as composition, physical properties, flow rate, etc. Thus, unfortunately, the flexibility may be limited. In other words, the flaring in operation may be difficult to adjust to accommodate properties of the gas (to be combusted) beyond that initially specified. In contrast, flexibility and breadth of operation may be beneficial because each well may have a unique design basis affected by the oil and gas field development plan. The respective wells may behave differently including in regard to discharged fluids, operating patterns, and so forth. For example, consider hypothetical well A and hypothetical well B having the same completions and producing from the same hydrocarbon reservoir, and conducting flaring during production. Well A produces crude oil having an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of 34 at 2500 barrels per day (bbl/day). Well B produces crude oil having an API gravity of 22 at 1800 bbl/day. Flare parameter values to achieve clean flaring may be different for well A versus well B. The configuring of a specific flaring system to accommodate both well A and well B may not be feasible without flexibility in the design or control. A flare designed for the conditions of well A may be problematic as applied to well B leading to undesirable effects. The undesirable effects may include, for example, poor flaring due to badly-controlled air supply, or flaring with high water content that can result in spreading unburned hydrocarbon by the produced flow or steam addition. Significant time and effort may be implemented under manual control to remedy the operation to give desirable clean flaring. Embodiments herein provide for automatic control of flaring operation at oil and gas well sites including control over time and with well conditions or flare parameters that change. In some implementations, the flaring system may be labeled as an astute flaring system in having a control system that can automatically control the flare system and improve flaring operation. The improved operation may give clean flaring and reduce frequency of poor flaring. Poor flaring may be low air-content flaring, high water-content flaring, and so forth. Poor flaring can have a negative impact on the environment. Clean flaring may be a combination of (1) complete combustion (or substantially complete combustion) of hydrocarbon (e.g., including crude oil and/or gas) produced (sent) from the well to the flare, and (2) converting any associated liquid water (produced with the hydrocarbon) in the combusted mixture to steam. The clean combustion may involve maintaining the stoichiometric ratio of combusted components (e.g., air and hydrocarbon) at or approaching the ideal stoichiometric ratio for combustion. The flare system can be controlled manually, such as partial or full manual operation (control) via a human operator. In implementations, the human operator may employ the control system to perform the manual operation. The manual operation can also involve manual adjustments in the field without use of a control system or centralized control system. Embodiments of the present flare system can be operated automatically including essentially fully automatic. Such may be implemented by the control system. Embodiments of the flare described herein may be a flexible system that can be set up in a relatively short time and cover wide range of flaring operations, including at oil and gas production well sites. In implementations, the flare or flare system may be relocated from one well site to another well site if desired. Embodiments of the flare system with automatic control may give improved flaring as compared to manual control. The flare may include a flare tip nozzle (that is adjustable) for discharge of fluid to be combusted. As discussed below, examples of the flare system include a control system (or control module) that may adjust the flare tip nozzle having an automatic choke that is remotely controlled via the control system. This nozzle can be characterized or labeled as remotely-controlled nozzle or remotely-adjusted nozzle. The flare system can include a compressed air supply to add air to the produced fluid to be combusted. The compressed air supply can be directed (controlled) by the control system to give a desirable stoichiometric relationship between flammable components and air in the mixture being combusted. The air supply pressure may be controlled by a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator may adjust the flow rate of the air supply to control the pressure of the air. The air supply pressure may controlled by a pressure regulator and the volumetric flow rate of the air supply controlled by a valve, such as a gate valve. The air supply pressure and volumetric flow rate may be adjusted based on the amount of air supply specified by the control system to maintain good quality of flaring. The flare system can include an ignition system that can be directed (controlled) by the control system for igniting the fluid (e.g., mixture of produced fluid and air) discharged from the flare tip to be combusted. The ignition system may include a fuel pump directed by the control system to control the ignition fuel supply rate. The ignition system may include an igniter located at the flare-tip nozzle discharge. The igniter may be an electronic spark igniter that generates a spark (e.g., an electrical spark). The ignition may be controlled and set under (in response to) certain conditions. For example, if the flare flame weakens and flame temperature decreases, the control system may direct operation of the spark igniter and increase ignition fuel supply rate. In another example, if the control system receives feedback (e.g., data) from a gas sensor that the produced fluid from the wellhead system to the flare decreases in flammable components, such as due to an increase of water in the produced fluid, the control system can direct the fuel pump to increase the flow rate of the ignition fuel to promote that ignition and combustion (e.g., substantially complete combustion) of the flammable components in the produced fluid will occur. In yet another example, if the control system receives feedback from a gas sensor that the produced fluid from the wellhead system to the flare increases in flammable components, the control system can direct the fuel pump to decrease the flow rate of the ignition fuel in response. In that example, the control system may also direct the air compressor (or associated control valve) to increase the air flow rate to the flare tip to maintain the molar ratio of air to flammable components at or above the stoichiometric relationship for combustion. The flare system can include sensors that provide information (data) to the control system. The data provided by the sensors may facilitate the control system to control the ignition system, the air supply (e.g., pressure, flow rate, etc.), and the choke size of the flare nozzle. The control system may control the ignition system, adjust the air supply, and adjust (via adjustment of choking) the flare-tip nozzle size in response to the data received from the sensors and based on associated calculations performed by the control system. Examples of the parameter data provided from the sensors to the control system can include the flow rate of the produced fluid flowing through the flare stack, the temperature of the flare flame, the concentration of combustion products (of the flare combustion) in environment regions adjacent the flare flame, and so on. Gas components of interest in the environment near the flare flame may include, for example, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other components. Lastly, while examples of operating adjustments by the control system are given, it can be appreciated that the control system may be programmed for operating adjustments that deviate from those described herein. After all, many parameters and operating variables of the flare system are involved in the flare system operation. The interactions between such parameters may affect decision making by the control system (or human operator) in making adjustments in the operation of the flare system. Advantageously, embodiments include a remotely-adjustable nozzle in the flare tip that can be the subject of operating adjustments. FIG.1is a flare system100disposed at a well site having a well with a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation in the Earth crust. The wellbore may be formed in the subterranean for the production of crude oil or natural gas, or both, from the subterranean formation. The flare system100includes a flare102. The flare102is depicted as having a horizontal orientation but can instead have a vertical orientation or inclined orientation. The flare102includes a flare stack104and a flare tip106. The flare stack104may be called a riser. The flare stack104and flare tip106may each be cylindrical conduit or conduit-like structure. The flare tip106is coupled to the flare stack104, as indicated by reference numeral108. The flare tip106can be coupled to the flare stack104, for example, by a hammer union fitting or threaded connection. The flow of produced fluid (for flaring) from the wellhead system to the flare102can be intermittent, e.g., sometimes there may be little or no produced fluid flowing from the wellhead to the flare102. The flare system100may be capable to adapt to a wide range of flow rates of the produced fluid while maintaining the produced fluid mixture jetted at the flare nozzle110, which can mean that the surface area of the combustion reaction is beneficially maintained at desired values. The operating pressure of the flare stack104may be, for example, in the range of 2 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) to 200 psig, depending on the flare tip nozzle110size and on the amount of fluid discharge from the wellhead system to the flare102. The rated pressure (a design rated maximum) of the flare stack104may be, for example, 500 psig or less. These numerical values for pressure are only given as examples and not intended to limit the present techniques. The flare tip106has a nozzle110with an opening112(nozzle discharge opening) to discharge fluid113being combusted from the flare tip106. The nozzle opening112may be labeled as the nozzle port. The nozzle opening112may be the discharge opening of the flare tip106. The amount of cross-sectional area of the opening112available for flow of the fluid113may be called the flow area of the nozzle opening112. This flow area is remotely adjustable via a remotely-adjustable positioning of a choking element115in the opening112. Thus, a control system may automatically adjust the flow area of the nozzle opening112. The choking element115may be, for example, a movable choking insert, a movable choking ball, a rotatable plate, and so on. In implementations, the choking element115may be driven by a hydraulic piston129(e.g., a dual-action hydraulic piston). In operation, the nozzle110(nozzle opening112) may be adjusted between open and closed. To open the nozzle110may mean to move (position) the choking element115to increase the flow area of the nozzle opening112. To close the nozzle110may mean to move (position) the choking element115to reduce the flow area of the nozzle opening112. The opening112may be remotely adjusted between open and closed via a control system automatically directing the choking element115. In the open position, most of the cross-sectional area is unobstructed and thus available for flow the fluid113, giving a larger flow area of the nozzle opening112. In the partially closed position, most of the cross-sectional area is obstructed and thus not available for flow of the fluid113, giving a smaller flow area of the nozzle opening112. A range of opening percentages may be accommodated between the aforementioned open position and partially-closed position. While the nozzle opening112may be a fixed size, the opening112size may be characterized as adjustable in that a portion of the opening112can be obstructed in operation of the nozzle110. The operation may analogous to a flow control valve with the opening112analogous to a port, and in which nozzle110may be open or closed as with a control valve implementing different percent obstructions of the port. As indicated, the nozzle110may employ a choking element115(e.g., choking ball, choking insert, choking plate, etc.) to obstruct the opening112. The fluid113may be gas or liquid. The fluid113may include both gas and liquid. The liquid may include hydrocarbon and water. The fluid113may be labeled as a combustion zone fluid. The fluid113may include produced fluid (e.g., from the wellhead), air added to the flare tip106, and any assist steam added to the flare tip106. Fuel may be added at the flare tip106for ignition. In implementations, such fuel is generally not considered a component of the fluid113being combusted. The flare102may receive produced fluid114from a wellhead116of a well having a wellbore, such as during production flaring or a flowback operation from the well or wellbore. Flowback operation may occur (1) when the well is initially opened, (2) during initial well cleanup and the early stage of production (e.g., of volatile hydrocarbon), and (3) to remove fluids introduced to the well. The produced fluid114can be or include production fluid (e.g., hydrocarbon and formation water), completion fluids, and drilling mud (drilling fluid) from the subterranean formation. The produced fluid114may be fluid discharged from the wellhead116system that is associated with cleaning or maintenance of the well and not with direct production from the subterranean formation. The produced fluid114may include gas and liquid. Various equipment associated with the wellhead116may discharge process fluid through subheaders into a flare header117that conveys the produced fluid114to the flare102. Liquid in the produced fluid114may be flashed through the nozzle110into gas or vapor and then ignited. The processing of a relatively large amount of liquid into the flare102can occur, for example, during certain flowback operations that remove unwanted fluid that was introduced (e.g., in drilling) into the subterranean formation. This may be in contrast to other types of flare systems, such as at petrochemical plants or petroleum refineries, in which conventional flaring is mostly associated with gas. A three-phase separator (e.g., horizontal or vertical orientation) may be employed at the wellhead116to separate produced well fluid into gas, oil, and water phases. In certain implementations, a knock-out drum (also called knock-out pot) that is a vessel downstream of the separator may be disposed along the flare header117transporting the produced fluid114to the flare stack104. A knock-out drum may recover liquid (e.g., typically water) from the produced fluid114. A knock-out drum may be common for a flare system in a petrochemical plant or refinery. However, at a well site (e.g., an oil well at a remote area), a knock-out drum may be only strategically employed if there is high-water content in the produced fluid114, such as with problematic operation of the upstream three-phase separator or other reasons. In implementations, a knock-out drum is not included or can be bypassed because it may be desired to send the produced fluid114as liquid or including liquid to the flare102. For instance, in a flowback operation for cleaning a new well where production lines are not yet available, the produced fluid114(e.g., including downstream of the aforementioned separator) may be primarily liquid that is sent to the flare102. Such is different compared to a flare in petrochemical plant or refinery. Here, the present techniques may accommodate targeting flowback operations associated with new wells (or wells that had a recent workover) that require or benefit from a flowback of the well and in which production lines are not available. Flowback operations may be normally conducted for reservoir stimulation and removal of unwanted solids that were introduce by drilling fluids that might cause erosion to production line, and so forth. During this flowback, a production line may not be available, and transporting the produced oil offsite may not possible or feasible due to environmental or economic reasons. The produced fluid114may enter the flare102at a base portion118(which may be labeled as an inlet portion) of the flare stack104. The produced fluid114flows through the flare stack104into the flare tip106. The produced fluid114discharges from the flare tip106through the nozzle opening112as part of the fluid113to be combusted. The nozzle opening112may be labeled as nozzle discharge opening112. The fluid113discharged through the nozzle opening112to be combusted may include the produced fluid114and added air. A control system120directs operation of the flare system100and can provide automatic control of the flare system100. The control system120may automatically control equipment in the flare system100based on (or in response to) feedback (e.g., information, data, etc.) received from sensors in the flare system100. The equipment in the flare system100that may be directed or controlled by the control system120include, for example, the nozzle110and associated hydraulic system122, the ignition system124for igniting the gas discharged from the flare tip106, and the air compressor126and associated air control valve. The control system120can be a control panel (or control module) disposed locally (e.g., adjacent certain equipment of the flare system100). In other implementations, the control system120may be disposed in a control room at the well site. The control system120may have a user interface in which a user (e.g., human operator, remote computing device, etc.) can input control constraints (e.g., threshold values, set points, targets, etc.) and also exert manual control of the flare system100. The flare system100includes a hydraulic system122to operate the nozzle110. The hydraulic system122may include a hydraulic pump128that can be an air hydraulic pump or an electric hydraulic pump. The control system120may automatically direct the hydraulic system122and the hydraulic piston129. The control system120may automatically direct the choking element115by automatically directing the hydraulic piston129via the hydraulic system122. The hydraulic system122may include valve(s)132and reservoir vessel(s)133in addition to the pump128for provision of hydraulic fluid130to the hydraulic piston129. The hydraulic system122may include a close line for flow of hydraulic fluid130to and from the hydraulic piston129. The flow of hydraulic fluid130through the close line to the hydraulic position may provide for reducing the open percentage of the nozzle opening112. The hydraulic system122may include an open line for flow of hydraulic fluid130to and from the hydraulic piston129. The flow of hydraulic fluid130through the open line to the hydraulic position may provide for increasing the open percentage of the nozzle opening112. The close line and open line can be considered components couple to (but not part of) the hydraulic system122. The hydraulic system122or the control system120may include a controller to adjust the valve(s)132or pump128to provide for the desired amount of movement (e.g., stroke movement) of the piston rod in the hydraulic piston129to give the desired open percentage of the nozzle opening112, such as via positioning of the choking element115. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic piston129is dual action and is employed in the nozzle110to move the choking element115of the nozzle110to adjust the available cross-sectional area of the nozzle opening112for flow, i.e., to adjust the flow area of the nozzle opening112. Thus, the hydraulic system122may provide hydraulic fluid130for piston operation to move the choking element115(e.g., choking ball). As indicated, hydraulic fluid130may flow to the hydraulic piston129through the close (closing) line to close the nozzle opening112. Hydraulic fluid130may flow to the hydraulic piston129through an open (opening) line to open the nozzle opening112. Again, the control system120may direct operation of valves132in the hydraulic system122to provide for flow of hydraulic fluid130to control the position of the choking element115in the nozzle110. The hydraulic fluid130may be, for example, mineral oil. The hydraulic system122may include one or more reservoir vessels133to hold the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid130in being provided to the hydraulic piston129may flow from a reservoir vessel133to the nozzle hydraulic piston129. Hydraulic fluid130may flow from the nozzle hydraulic piston129to a reservoir vessel133. The flare system100has an ignition system124that may include a fuel pump134and an igniter140. The ignition system124may include a piping manifold to facilitate utilize different types (sources) of ignition fuel, add fuel flow capacity, and to provide for coupling to back-up fuel. The ignition system124may include controls that direct operation of the pump134and the igniter140. The control system120may interface with controls of the ignition system124to direct or control operation of the ignition system124including the pump134and the igniter140. In some implementations, the ignition system124itself has little or no controls, and the control system120directly controls the fuel pump134and the igniter140. The fuel pump134may be a positive displacement pump (e.g., diaphragm pump) or a centrifugal pump. In operation, the fuel pump134receives fuel136from a fuel source138. The fuel source138may be, for example, a vessel holding a supply of the fuel136. The fuel136may be, for example, butane, diesel, or natural gas. The fuel136may be gas or liquid. The fuel pump134discharges the fuel136through a conduit to the flare tip106discharge where the fuel136can promote ignition of the flammable components in the discharged fluid113. In implementations, this ignition fuel136may be supplied through a separate nozzle that is positioned to ignite the flammable components in the fluid113. The fuel pump134may provide motive force for flow of the fuel136from the fuel source138to the flare tip106. In implementations, the speed of the fuel pump134may be controlled (e.g., via the control system120) to control the flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate or volume flow rate) of the fuel136. The speed may be based on rotation (e.g., revolutions per minute) of the pump134or based on the number of pump strokes per time of the pump134, and the like. In other implementations, a flow control valve disposed along a conduit conveying the fuel136may be utilized by the control system120to control the flow rate of the fuel136. The igniter140(also called ignitor) of the ignition system124may be disposed at the flare tip106to ignite gas that discharges from the nozzle opening112. The ignition system124via the igniter140may provide an intermittent spark or flame front. The igniter140may be a spark generator that generates sparks across an electrode. The igniter140may utilize a capacitor. The generated sparks may ignite the ignition fuel to generate an ignition fuel to generate an ignition flame to ignite the discharged fluid113. The generated sparks reach into the fluid113discharged from the flare tip106to ignite the fluid113. As an alternative to spark generation, the igniter140may be a hot surface igniter with silicon carbide or silicon nitride. In some implementations, the igniter140may employ piezo ignition and thus have a piezoelectric element or utilize the principle of piezoelectricity. In alternate embodiments, the igniter140may be a pilot light (flame) that is continuous (generally always on) and that serves to light (ignite) the gas exiting the flare tip106. As discussed, the control system120may control the fuel pump134to give a flow rate of the fuel136to the flare tip106, such as to near the igniter140. The control system120may determine the desired flow rate of the fuel136and control the fuel pump134accordingly. The control system120may detect produced fluid114, such as via the flow sensor148or pressure sensor146. In response, the control system120may start the flaring combustion operation by supplying fuel136(via the pump134) and igniting (via the igniter140) the fuel136and the produced fluid114(with any added air142). In contrast, a flare system in a petrochemical plant or petroleum refinery facility typically does not rely on (1) a flow meter to determine whether to initiate flaring or (2) a command from a control system to start flaring combustion operation. InFIG.1, the control system120may confirm that combustion has been initiated, for example, by detecting the existence of the flare flame at or near the flare tip106discharge, such as via a fire sensor152that can be or include a temperature sensor. The control system120can record (store data of) the temperature reading at the flare tip106discharge. The control system120in response to this temperature data and other data, such as composition data from the gas sensor150, may adjust nozzle110size or air142flow rate, and the like, to give good flaring combustion. The control system120may adjust operation of the ignition system (fuel pump134and igniter140) in response to the flammability of the produced fluid114and the presence of water in the produced fluid114. If the produced fluid114is highly flammable and easily ignitable (a good scenario), then in response the control system120may reduce the fuel136supply rate (e.g., to no flow) and keep the igniter140(e.g., spark igniter) running. If the produced fluid114is low flammability or not easily ignitable and contains water, the control system120in response may then increase the fuel136supply rate to facilitate complete combustion of the produced fluid114and maintain high temperature (via the combustion) to evaporate the produced water in the produced fluid114 The control system120may specify a set point of the fuel136flow rate generated (provided) by the fuel pump134. The control system120may determine and specify the set point of the fuel136flow rate based on calculations performed by the control system120. Thus, the adjustments of the fuel136flow rate by the control system120may be based on calculations implemented by the control system120. The calculations may be to achieve satisfactory and economical ignition as ignition requirements may change based on conditions (e.g., flow rate, composition, etc.) of the produced fluid114. Equations that can be utilized in the calculations are, for example, Bernoulli's modified equations. Stoichiometric relationships for combustion may be considered. Moreover, the control system120as programed (e.g., via executable code stored in memory) may perform calculations based on trial and error (e.g., at an early stage of operation at a well site) by starting with inputted values (e.g., air supply flow rate, ignition fuel flow rate) and specifying specific target values for certain parameters (e.g., CO2 reading from gas sensor150) and not exceeding limit values (e.g., pressure in the flare stack104). Once targeted values (e.g., CO2 reading from gas sensor150) the control system120may reduce ignition fuel136and air142supply while maintaining targeted values for parameters. The following hypothetical scenario is given as a non-limiting example regarding achieving desired ignition and combustion. Specified maximum values for this particular example: (1) maximum 5 part per million (ppm) CO2 in the flared mixture (e.g., CO2 content from the combustion of the fluid113) in the environment around the flare flame; (2) maximum pressure in flare stack104of 100 psig; (3) maximum flow rate of fluid113through fully open nozzle110specified at 2000 bbls/day giving maximum pressure (acting as backpressure) in the flare102at 100 psig; and (4) available ignition fuel is 20 bbls of diesel. At the start of this hypothetical scenario, the control system120receives an indication from the flow sensor148that produced fluid114is flowing through the flare stack104. In response, the control system120initiates the flaring (combustion) operation by starting the igniter140along with ignition fuel136rate of 1 bbl/hour and air142at 150 liters/second. The control system120receives a CO2 reading of 9 ppm from the gas sensor150. In response to this CO2 reading exceeding the target of maximum 5 ppm CO2, the control system120instructs the hydraulic system122to partially close the nozzle110. Consequently, the pressure reading of the flare stack104(as measured by the pressure sensor146and sent to the control system120) increases, reaching 70 psig, and the CO2 reading from gas sensor150is 6 ppm. In response, the control system120further reduces the nozzle size (further closes the nozzle110). The pressure in the flare stack104increases to 90 psig and the CO2 reading from the gas sensor150decreases to 5 ppm and thus satisfies the maximum 5 ppm target. The control system120reduces ignition fuel136rate to 0.5 bbl/day to reduce fuel consumption and which may facilitate continuing to meet the maximum 5 ppm CO2 target. The CO2 reading from the gas sensor150remains stabilized at 5 ppm CO2. Then, the control system120reduces air142supply flow rate while monitoring the flame temperature to track the performance and presence of the flare flame. Gases other than CO2 are also monitored via the gas sensor150and utilized by the control system120in the control of the flaring operation. The control system120may continue to adjust operation to not exceed the maximum 5 ppm CO2 target in the environment around the flare flame while maintain clean flaring. This hypothetical scenario is given only as an example and not meant to limit the present techniques. The flare system100includes the air compressor126to provide air142(e.g., compressed air) to the flare tip106. The air142may combine with the produced fluid114and the fuel136in the flare tip106to give the fuel136to be combusted by the flare102. The air compressor126may be a mechanical compressor. The intake air to the compressor126may be ambient air144from the surrounding environment. In other implementations, the intake air may be facility plant air or instrument air at the facility provided via headers by an upstream compressor. The compressed air142supplied to the flare tip106may facilitate the flaring combustion because burning relatively large amounts of a flammable mixture may benefit from the supply of air. Such combustion by the flare102with added air142may be labeled as air assisted. Again, the fluid113combusted may be a produced mixture including the produce fluid114plus the added air142. The fluid113may be liquid or gas, or both (e.g., 50% gas and 50% liquid based on weight or volume) The control system120may control operation of the air compressor126to control the flow rate (and pressure) of the air142supplied to the flare tip106. The control system120may control operation of a control element (e.g., valve, baffle, etc.) at the suction of the air compressor126to control flow rate of the air142. The control system120may control speed of the air compressor126, such as via a variable speed drive, to control flow rate of the air142. The control system120may control operation of a control valve145disposed along the discharge conduit from the air compressor126to control the air142supplied to the flare tip106. The control valve145may be a flow control valve that controls flow rate of the air142. The control valve145may be a pressure control valve (e.g., pressure regulator) that controls pressure of the air142(and thus adjusts flow rate of the air142). The control system120can determine and input data to the controller of the control valve145. The control system120may determine and specify (input) the set point of the control valve145. If the fluid113being combusted is lean in air and thus resulting in lean flaring, the control system120may detect such, e.g., via input from the gas sensor150that measures composition of the environment around the flare flame. In response, the control system may send a command to the control valve145to allow more air142to the flare tip106until the fluid113is more completely burning. In implementations, the gas sensor150can measure carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or any combinations thereof. The control system120can utilize such measurements to determine aspects of the flaring combustion including if lean flaring is occurring. The term “lean flaring” as used herein means that the mixture (e.g., fluid113) being combusted is lean in air. The term “rich flaring” can mean that the fluid113being combusted is rich in air (greater than the ideal stoichiometric amount of air for combustion). This terminology may be the opposite with respect to combustion nomenclature. In other words, while “lean flaring” means lean in air, “lean combustion” means excess air (in combustion art, a “lean” mixture is lean in fuel, which is the opposite for flaring nomenclature as used herein in which a “lean” mixture is lean in air). In lean flaring, the molar ratio of the air to the flammable components in the fluid113is below (e.g., significantly below) the ideal stoichiometric ratio for combustion. With respect to flare operation, lean burning or lean mixture burning as disclosed herein may refer to burning of a mixture having flammable components with insufficient air for complete burning of the flammable components at the flare. Lean flaring may be when the fluid being combusted is rich in flammable components. The flammable components may include process fluid components. Lean flaring may generally be when the amount of air in the fluid being combusted is less than the ideal stoichiometric ratio of air to flammable components for combustion (burning). Again, the control system120can specify the set point (e.g., pressure or flow rate) of the control valve145(e.g., a pressure regulator) for the air142supply. As mentioned, the gas sensor150(e.g., a multi-gas detector) may measure combustion gases (products of the combustion) around the flare flame. In other words, the gas sensor150may measure gases from the flared (burned) mixture (smoke). The gas sensor150is typically external to the flare tip106to measure gases generated from the flared mixture (after burning). The control system120may utilize this data from the gas sensor150to determine (e.g., calculate, estimate, etc.) the relative amount of flammable components in the fluid113versus the amount of air in the fluid113. The gas sensor150may send (e.g., via an instrument transmitter) an indication of the measurements to the control system120. Based on the measurements, the control system120may calculate or estimate that the fluid113is lean in air. In other words, the control system120may calculate or estimate that the molar ratio of the air to the flammable components in the fluid113is below the ideal stoichiometric ratio for combustion. As discussed, such may give lean flaring. Therefore, in response to the calculations performed by the control system120based on the composition (e.g., concentrations of certain components) measured by the gas sensor150, the control system120may increase the set point of the control valve145to increase the flow rate of air142to the flare tip106. In implementations, the increase in air142flow rate may give a molar ratio of the air to the flammable components in the fluid113at or above the ideal stoichiometric ratio for combustion. In embodiments, a user (e.g., human operator) may input into the control system120a constraint specifying the target molar ratio of air to flammable components in the fluid113being combusted. The control system120may adjust the air142flow rate (e.g., via the control valve145as a pressure regulator) to meet the target molar ratio input by the user. In some implementations, the target molar ratio input by the user may exceed the ideal stoichiometric ratio for combustion giving excess air so to avoid lean flaring. The pressure sensor146may be disposed along the flare stack104to measure the pressure in the flare stack104including when the produced fluid114is flowing through the flare stack104. In one example, the pressure sensor146includes a diaphragm and is a diaphragm-type sensor. An instrument transmitter (pressure transmitter) may communicate an indication of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor146to the control system120. In implementations, the pressure sensor146may be disposed along the base portion118of the flare stack104so to be away from the flare flame at the flare tip106. In examples, a pressure sensor may be disposed along the flare header117or on the flare tip to measure the pressure in the flare header117or flare tip, respectively. For a pressure sensor at the flare tip, the pressure sensor may be configured for (protected from) the heat of the flare flame. The control system120may adjust, via the hydraulic system122, the position of the nozzle choking element115in response to the measured value of the flare stack104pressure as measured by the pressure sensor146. For example, if the flare stack104pressure as measured by the pressure sensor146exceeds a threshold value, the control system120may direct movement of the choking element115to open (further open) the nozzle110, i.e., increase the flow area of the nozzle opening112. Such may decrease the pressure drop across the across the nozzle opening112to decrease the flare stack104pressure and therefore decrease backpressure on the flare header117and wellhead116system. The flow sensor148may be disposed along the flare stack104to measure flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate) of the produced fluid114flowing through the flare stack104. A flow sensor may instead (or in addition) be installed along the flare header117to measure flow rate of the produced fluid. The flow sensor148may be, for example, an ultrasonic flow meter or a thermal mass flow meter. An instrument transmitter (flow transmitter) may communicate an indication of the flow rate measured by the flow sensor148to the control system120. In implementations, the flow sensor148may be disposed along the base portion118of the flare stack104so to be away from the flare flame at the flare tip106. As discussed, the gas sensor150may be disposed at the flare tip106. In implementations, the gas sensor150may be external to the flare tip106and measures gases around the flare flame. In implementations, the gas sensor150may measure certain specified gas components and not all gas components in the area at the flare flame at the flare tip106discharge. The gas sensor150may measure concentration (e.g., ppm) of components or detect presence (without measuring concentration) of components. The gas sensor150may measure, for example, CO, CO2, N2, oxygen (O2), SO2, NOx, flammable components, combustible gases, hydrocarbons, VOCs, or steam, or any combinations thereof. The gas sensor150may be configured with an operation mechanism involving, for example, electrochemical, semiconductors, oxidation, catalytic, photoionization, infrared, and so forth. The gas sensor150may be selected or configured to target gas components that can indicate performance of the flaring operation. Gas components (from the flaring combustion) of particular interest may include, for example CO2, CO, and O2, and others. An instrument transmitter may be coupled to the gas sensor150to communicate an indication of the gas components as measured by the gas sensor150to the control system120. The control system120may utilize such feedback in the control of the flare system100. The gas sensor150may be a gas detector that is an instrument device that detects the presence of gases or measures the concentration (e.g., in ppm) of gases. The gas detector may measure the gases in an open area or volume, such in an ambient atmosphere (e.g., in the environment around the flare flame) having flare combustion gases. While some gas detectors may be portable, the gas sensor150at the flare tip106may more generally be a fixed type detector. The gas sensor150may be, for example, a multi-gas detector or multi-gas monitor. In implementations, a multi-gas detector may have more than one gas sensor within the multi-gas detector device. The gas sensor150may be placed in positions (e.g., above the flame or flare tip) beneficial for measuring the flare combustion gases (sometimes generally visible as smoke). Furthermore, multiple separate gas sensors150can be employed at (external to) the flare tip106at different positions to collectively provide for improved readings of the flare combustion gases. In one implementation, in order to improve readings of the gases, a ducted system having ducts (conduits such as a tube or passageway) with vacuum fan(s) can be utilized to route the flare smoke to the gas sensor150and to protect the gas sensor150from the high temperature of the flare flame. A fire sensor152(or temperature sensor) may be disposed at the flare tip106to indicate presence or temperature of the flare flame resulting from the combustion of the fluid113. The fire sensor152may be disposed external to the flare tip106. In lieu of a fire sensor, a temperature sensor may be so disposed and in that case, a fire (flare flame) can be indicated via the temperature measurement by the temperature sensor. The fire sensor152(which can be or include a temperature sensor) may be disposed external to the flare tip106along the discharge portion of the flare tip106. The fire sensor152may be positioned to sense the flare flame. In implementations, the value of the temperature at or near the flame of the burned mixture113as measured by the fire sensor152(or temperature sensor) may be sent (e.g., via an instrument transmitter) to the control system120. The control system120may utilize data from the fire sensor or temperature sensor. The temperature measurements may facilitate an operation program for the control system120to handle the flaring operation. The control system120may adjust operation of the flare system100in response to the data from the fire sensor or temperature sensor. For cases of the temperature sensor indicating an increase or decrease in the flare flame temperature, the control system120may adjust ignition fuel136supply rate and nozzle110size. The amount of reduction of the nozzle opening112size may be limited by the maximum allowable pressure of the flare system100including the air compressor126, flare stack104, flare tip106, and flare line, and the like. In response to the temperature values (as sensed) of the flare flame (or near the flare flame) decreasing or falling below a specified lower threshold value (for temperature), the control system120may increase the ignition fuel136supply flow rate and reduce nozzle110size (reduce the available flow area of the nozzle opening112). In response to the temperature (as sensed) of the flare flame or near the flare increasing or rising above a specified upper threshold value, the control system120may decrease the ignition fuel136supply flow rate and increase nozzle110size. To increase the nozzle110size may mean to increase the percent open such as to increase the available flow area of the nozzle opening112. The aforementioned specified lower threshold temperature value and upper threshold temperature value can be entered (e.g., as constraints) into the control system120by a user or human operator. Lastly, adjustments by the control system120in response to measure temperature at or near the flare flame may be associated with or constrained by (or altered) in view of data received by the control system120from other sensors, such as the gas sensor150and the pressure sensor146. An example of reliance on the temperature sensor (which can be the fire sensor152or a component of the fire sensor152) is described in this following hypothetic operational scenario. In this scenario, after a time period of no flow of produced fluid114, produced fluid114begins to flow through the flare header117to the flare stack104from the well (e.g., from the wellhead116system). In this hypothetical scenario, the produced fluid114includes 20 weight percent (wt %) of water. The control system120initiates flaring in response to detecting (via the flow sensor148) flow of the produced fluid114through the flare stack104. To initiate flaring, the control system120utilizes (directs) the spark igniter140and ignition fuel136supply if needed to establish flaring (combustion of flammable components in the produced fluid114). Subsequently, a malfunction occurs in operation of surface equipment associated with the well or wellhead116system leading to an increase in water content of the produced fluid to 80 wt %. Consequently, in this example, the flare flame (combustion) is extinguished due to high amount of water. As a result, the control system120receives an indication of a low amount of combustion gases as measured by the gas sensor150because nothing is being flared. There is no combustion (the produced fluid114is not being flared). In certain implementations, the control system120without reliance on a temperature sensor could misconstrue the indication from the gas sensor150of a low amount of measured gases. In particular, the control system120could misinterpret that the amount of certain combustion gases being low (or none) as a false reading that the flaring operation (combustion) is good. However, the temperature sensor indicates low temperature values and thus the control system120determines that no flare flame exists (the flaring combustion has ceased). In response, the control system120beneficially sends a command to the fuel pump134in the ignition system to supply more ignition fuel136for ignition and to increase the flare temperature to the targeted value. The targeted value may depend on the composition and other properties of the produced mixture114. The target values can be determined for different types of produced fluid114mixtures. The goal may be to facilitate that the produced flammable components (e.g., hydrocarbons) in the produced fluid114are flared (combusted) and associated water in the produced fluid114is vaporized without carrying any unburned hydrocarbons. The fire sensor152may include a visual sensor, thermal sensor, or ultraviolet (UV) energy sensor to detect presence of a flame. The fire sensor152may include a temperature sensor to measure temperature to indicate presence of the flare flame. Moreover, the temperature may be correlated with an arbitrary (e.g., dimensionless) scale for flame intensity. The temperature sensor may be, for example, a thermocouple or a resistive temperature device (RTD). The fire sensor152may include an infrared sensor (or similar sensor) that can measure temperature and utilized to estimate thermal radiation intensity or heat intensity of the flare flame. The fire sensor may be or include a light intensity sensor (configured to withstand high temperature) to measure light intensity (e.g., luminous intensity, radiant intensity, etc.). The light intensity sensor may be configured to withstand high temperature and to account for effect of day light. An instrument transmitter may be coupled to the fire sensor152to communicate an indication of the presence, temperature, and intensity of the flare flame as sensed by the fire sensor152to the control system120. The measurement of the light intensity, thermal radiation intensity, or heat intensity emitted by the flare flames may be beneficial, for example, in cases in which a flare pit is not visible to the human operator. This intensity data can indicate swings in the performance of flaring, such as with a significant decrease in intensity values meaning that the flare flame is extinguished, or a significant increase in intensity meaning excessive combustion or excessively rapid combustion (which can be confirmed by the gas sensor150). In certain implementations, the intensity sensor (e.g., light intensity sensor), if employed, is not utilized by the control system120for feedback to control the flare system100operation but instead provides display of data to the human operator (e.g., at a user interface of a control system). In another instance, the intensity readings can confirm that the temperature sensor is giving faulty readings. The flare system100may include a power supply154that supplies electricity to the control system120. The power supply154may also supply electricity for other equipment in the flare system100. The power supply154may be a portable generator that generates electricity from fuel (e.g., gasoline). The power supply154may an electricity supply system at the well site. The power supply154may be an interface for a remote electrical grid, and so forth. As discussed, the control system120may facilitate or direct operation of the flare system100, such as in the operation of equipment and the supply or discharge of flow streams (including flow rate and pressure) and associated control valves. The control system120may receive data from sensors in the flare system. The control system120may perform calculations. The control system120may specify set points for control devices in the flare system. The control system120may be disposed in the field or remotely in a control room. The control system120may include control modules and apparatuses distributed in the field. The control system120may include a processor156and memory158storing code (e.g., logic, instructions, etc.) executed by the processor156to perform calculations and direct operations of the flare system100. The control system120may be or include one or more controllers. The processor156(hardware processor) may be one or more processors and each processor may have one or more cores. The hardware processor(s) may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a controller card, circuit board, or other circuitry. The memory158may include volatile memory (e.g., cache and random access memory), nonvolatile memory (e.g., hard drive, solid-state drive, and read-only memory), and firmware. The control system120may include a desktop computer, laptop computer, computer server, programmable logic controller (PLC), distributed computing system (DSC), controllers, actuators, or control cards. The control system120may receive user input that specifies the set points of control devices or other control components in the flare system100. The control system120typically includes a user interface for a human to enter set points and other targets or constraints to the control system120. In some implementations, the control system120may calculate or otherwise determine set points of control devices. The control system120may be communicatively coupled to a remote computing system that performs calculations and provides direction including values for set points. In operation, the control system120may facilitate processes of the flare system100including to direct operation of flare nozzle110at the flare tip106, as discussed herein. Again, the control system120may receive user input or computer input that specifies the set points of control components in the system100. The control system120may determine, calculate, and specify the set point of control devices. The determination can be based at least in part on the operating conditions of the system100including feedback information from sensors and transmitters, and the like. Some implementations may include a control room that can be a center of activity, facilitating monitoring and control of the process or facility. The control room may contain a human machine interface (HMI), which is a computer, for example, that runs specialized software to provide a user-interface for the control system. The HMI may vary by vendor and present the user with a graphical version of the remote process. There may be multiple HMI consoles or workstations, with varying degrees of access to data. The control system120can be a component of the control system based in the control room. The control system120may also or instead employ local control (e.g., distributed controllers, local control panels, etc.) distributed in the system100. The base portion of the control system120can be a control panel or control module disposed in the field. FIG.2is an example of the flare tip106(FIG.1) depicted in perspective view with internals shown. The nozzle110is in a closed position (e.g., less than 10% open). The nozzle opening112is closed via placement of the choking ball200in the opening112. The choking ball200may be analogous to the choking element115ofFIG.1. As discussed, the nozzle opening112is the flare tip106discharge opening. The nozzle110may be called a nozzle assembly. The nozzle110may be placed in a more open position (seeFIG.3) via movement of the choking ball200. The nozzle110has a cylindrical housing202(e.g., a conduit or shell) with the opening112(e.g., circular or cylindrical) at the flare tip106discharge. The nozzle110includes the choking ball200to obstruct cross-sectional surface area of the opening112to alter flow area to control (adjust, maintain, modulate) flow rate or pressure drop of the fluid113(seeFIG.1) that discharges through the opening112to be combusted. In the illustrated embodiment, the choking ball200has an oval or elliptical spheroid shape (a prolate spheroid). Other shapes of the choking ball200are applicable. As indicated, fully closed may mean there is no flow area (0% flow area) of the opening112. In other examples, fully closed may be defined to mean a minimum open percentage (e.g., 5% flow area). In implementations, the nozzle110is not configured to be fully closed at 0% flow area. In other words, the nozzle110is not configured to fully close (fully obstruct) the nozzle opening112that would give 0% flow area. For instance, the maximum diameter of the choking ball200may be less than the inside diameter of the opening112(and of the nozzle housing202) such that at most 95% of the cross-sectional area of the opening112is obstructed by the choking ball200at the maximum closed position. Therefore, in that example at the maximum closed position, 5% of the cross-sectional area of the opening112is available for flow giving a 5% flow area meaning that the nozzle110is 5% open at the maximum closed position. In implementations, the operating range for the nozzle110flow area (percent open) can depend, for example, on the maximum (peak) diameter of the choking ball200, the nozzle opening112diameter, and the connection rod diameter210. In one example, the operating range of the nozzle110is 5% open to 80% open. The shape of the choking ball200may be conducive to provide for a gradual change of the flow area in the opening112with only two movements of forward and backward (in the one-dimensional axial direction) of the choking ball200(via the hydraulic piston204with connection rod210). The elliptical shape may provide a wide range of flow area while providing lower flow resistance. In the illustrated example, the nozzle110incudes the hydraulic piston204having a spring (spring assembly). The hydraulic piston204may be analogous to the hydraulic piston129ofFIG.1. The hydraulic piston204is formed in the nozzle housing202. Thus, the hydraulic piston204as a component of the nozzle110may share the nozzle outer housing202. In this implementation, the hydraulic piston204is a duel-action hydraulic piston. In embodiments, the hydraulic piston204may be called a duel-action hydraulic positon with spring assembly. The hydraulic piston204includes a cylindrical cavity (within the housing202) for hydraulic fluid. The cavity is defined by the piston lower limit206and the piston upper limit208. The choking ball200is coupled to the hydraulic piston204via a connection rod210(the piston rod). The piston head (e.g., a cylindrical plate or cylindrical block) is coupled to the opposite end of the connection rod210. The piston head moves with the longitudinal (axial) movement of the connection rod210. The piston head resides in the cavity211defined by the piston lower limit206and the piston upper limit208. The piston lower limit206is sealed. The piston lower limit206may be, for example, a cylindrical plate, cylindrical block, cylindrical plug, etc. The radial surface of the lower limit206contacts the inside diameter surface of the housing202to form a seal. The piston lower limit206may have an opening for the connection rod210and have an associated seal assembly such that hydraulic fluid does not escape from the cavity to beyond the lower limit206in the nozzle110. The piston upper limit208is disposed at the closed end of the nozzle housing202. The upper limit208may be an end plate of the housing202. The upper limit208may be a cylindrical plate or plug inserted in the housing202and in which the radial surface of the upper limit208is disposed against the inside diameter surface of the housing202. Thus, the piston upper limit208is sealed and may provide an abutment surface (stop) for the piston head. The hydraulic system122(seeFIG.1) provides and receives hydraulic fluid130via a closing line212to the hydraulic piston204in the nozzle110to move the choking ball200toward the closed position, i.e., to reduce % open. The hydraulic system122provides and receives hydraulic fluid130via an opening line214to the hydraulic piston204to move the choking ball200toward the open position, i.e., to increase % open. The flare tip106has an outer surface216. In examples, the flare tip106may have a conical section218at the discharge portion of the flare tip106. The flare tip106is coupled to the flare stack104, as indicated at reference numeral108. The flare stack104may be characterized as a flow line for the produced fluid114. In operation, the produced fluid114(e.g., from the wellhead) flows through the flare stack104into the flare tip106. As described with respect toFIG.1, air142(and any steam) added to the flare tip106may join the produced fluid114in the flare tip106to give fluid113that is combusted. The fluid113to be combusted discharges from the flare tip106through the nozzle opening112. In particular, the fluid113may flow from the annulus in the flare tip106around the nozzle110into the nozzle110through the flow ports220in the nozzle housing202and then flow to the nozzle opening112. This flow of fluid113through (discharged from) the nozzle opening112will be at a lower (reduced) flow for the nozzle110as partially closed or reduced % open. FIG.3is the flare tip106ofFIG.1but depicted with the nozzle110in a more open position (e.g., at least 80% open). The control system120(FIG.1), via directing operation of the hydraulic system122and hydraulic piston, moves the choking ball200toward the outside of the nozzle110to give a more open position (increased flow area) of the nozzle opening112. As discussed, the choking ball200may be utilized to partially plug the nozzle opening112(nozzle port) and control the flow area. The flow ports220are where the fluid113(including produced fluid114and any added air and/or steam) enters the nozzle110and flows to the opening112. As also discussed, a hydraulic piston204(e.g., duel-action hydraulic piston with spring assembly) may be employed in the nozzle110. The duel action piston204may provide for adjusting the nozzle110size (e.g., adjusting the flow area of the nozzle opening112) by movement of the connection rod210(and piston head300). To implement the movement, the hydraulic piston204may utilized the supplied hydraulic fluid130(FIG.1) from the close line212or from the open line214. Thus, to adjust the flow area of the nozzle opening112, the control system120may direct operation of the hydraulic system122. The movement of the connection rod210(and piston head300) is forward and backwards axially in one dimension (to the left and right onFIG.3). Thus, the choking ball200is also so moved. The connection rod210may be the piston rod and having a rod portion coupling the choking ball200to the piston rod. In implementations of operation of the hydraulic piston204, hydraulic fluid130(FIG.1) flows through the open line214to the hydraulic piston204to move the piston head300, connection rod210, and choking ball200to the left inFIG.3. In this movement, the choking ball200is moved to external the nozzle110beyond the nozzle opening112to give a full open position, e.g., 80% open to 95% open, meaning that the flow area is 80% to 95% of the cross-sectional area of the opening112. Hydraulic fluid130(FIG.1) flows through the close line212to the hydraulic piston204to move the piston head300, connection rod210, and choking ball200to the right inFIG.3. The choking ball200is moved to at least partially inside the nozzle110to obstruct the nozzle opening112to approach a closed position. In one example, the fully closed position is specified at least 5% open, meaning that less than 95% of the cross-sectional area of the opening112is obstructed by the choking ball200(and therefore at least 5% of the cross-sectional area of the opening112is the flow area). The hydraulic piston204includes the spring302to facilitate the closing movement. The amount of travel of the rod210and head300in the piston204can be configured, for example, based on opening/closing size increments. A reference line304is shown as dividing the choking ball into two equal halves: a left (or outside) half portion306and a right (or inside) half portion308. In implementations, the left portion306is not involved in the obstruction of the nozzle opening112or in control of the flow area of the nozzle opening112. In contrast, the right portion308is utilized to obstruct the nozzle opening112and thus is involved in the control of the flow area of the nozzle opening112. In certain implementations, the choking ball200has the shape of a half of a prolate spheroid including only the right half308and not the left half306. In those implementations, the left half306does not exist. Again, the percent opening (% open) as stated may be based on the amount of cross-sectional surface of the opening112that is not obstructed. For instance, for the position of the choking ball200obstructing only 20% of the opening112cross-sectional area, the nozzle110may be considered 80% open. For the location of the choking ball120moved fully to outside of the opening112, the connection rod210may obstruct, for example, 5% of the opening112. Thus, in that example, the full open position of the nozzle110may be 95% open. In examples, the full open position of the nozzle110(and nozzle opening112) may be in the range 80% open to 95% open. The control system120(seeFIG.1) may automatically adjust the nozzle size, e.g., adjust the percent open (the flow area) of the nozzle opening112, based on operational feedback received from sensors in the flare system100. A remotely adjusted nozzle may be beneficial to maintain clean flaring including with respect to accommodating different produced flow rates of the produce fluid114. For instance, for low flow rates of the produced fluid114, the control system120may remotely adjust the nozzle110to decrease the flow area of the nozzle opening112. Such may maintain a jetting action of the discharged fluid that is beneficial for combustion. For high flow rates of the produced fluid114, the control system may remotely adjust the nozzle110to increase the flow area of the nozzle opening112. Such may avoid flow characteristics (e.g., excessive jetting action) of the discharged fluid113unfavorable for combustion. The adjusted increase in flow area of the nozzle opening112in response to increased flow rate of the produced fluid114may also decrease pressure drop across the nozzle opening112and thus avoid a pressure increase in the flare102approaching the maximum rated pressure of the flare102. Clean flaring may mean a combination of (1) complete combustion (or substantially complete combustion) of the produced flammable components (e.g., hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and/or natural gas) in the produced fluid114and (2) converting any liquid water in the produced fluid to steam. Clean flaring may mean that a beneficial stoichiometric ratio (e.g., at or near the ideal ratio) of the combustion components in the fluid113being combusted is realized. Clean flaring may mean there is little or no unburned hydrocarbon. Clean flaring may mean there is little or no visible smoke (black or gray smoke). In contrast to an adjustable nozzle, a fixed size nozzle may be utilized. However, the subsequent replacing the fixed size nozzle (with a fixed size nozzle having a large nozzle opening or with a fixed size nozzle having smaller nozzle) in response to changes in operating conditions (or for a different well) may require a substantial amount of time and expose the operator to the flare burner area. Conversely, certain embodiments of the present remotely-adjustable nozzle110(e.g., hydraulically powered such as via a hydraulic system122having a hydraulic pump128) can quickly and remotely change the nozzle opening112size and withstand high temperatures, as well as be subjected to automatic control by a control system120. The control may be based on feedback from sensors in the flare system100regarding flare system100operating parameters. What is more, utilization of the remotely-adjustable nozzle may improve the burning of the produced mixture sent to the flare as the remotely-adjustable nozzle can be automatically adjusted quickly (e.g., nearly immediately such as less than 10 seconds) by the control system120. For example, the control system120may remotely adjust the nozzle size (adjust the flow area of the nozzle opening112) in response to changes in flow rate of the produced fluid114, as discussed. The control system120may also be placed in manual control with respect to nozzle size so that a human operator can adjust the nozzle110size via the control system120. In embodiments, the nozzle discharge flow area may adjusted correlative with (e.g., directly proportional to) the flow rate of the produced fluid114. For instance, if the supply flow rate of the produced fluid114decreases, the control system may direct the hydraulic system to move the choking ball such that the nozzle discharge flow area (nozzle opening flow area) is reduced. In implementations, to advance clean flaring (e.g., by increasing jetting action of the discharged fluid113), if the produced fluid114decreases in flow rate from the wellhead116system, the nozzle110size (flow area of the opening112) may be decreased automatically by the control system120or manually by a human operator via the control system120. In implementations, to advance clean flaring and address pressure control in the flare102, if the produced fluid114increases in flow rate from the wellhead116system, the nozzle110size (flow area of the opening112) may be increased automatically by the control system120or manually by a human operator via the control system120. As indicated, the flow rate of the produced fluid114can be measured by a flow sensor (flow meter) installed on the upstream flare header117or on the flare stack, and the measured data sent from the flow meter to the control system. The flare stack may also be called a riser, flare line, or flare flow line. The flow rate data may be beneficial for the control system in detecting flow in the flare stack and also determining (calculating) an applicable flow area of the flare-tip nozzle opening. As also indicated, the produced fluid114can include water. For increasing amounts of water in the produced fluid114, the control system in response may increase the flow rate of the ignition fuel to the flare tip at the igniter. In some implementations, the high water content in the produced fluid114may be determined or estimated by measurement via the gas sensor of composition of the combustion gases, or noted by a fire sensor or visual sensor (e.g., camera) indicating high-water content flaring. In implementations, imaging processing of flare flame images captured by the camera may be utilized by the control system to determine the mixture being flare has high water content. For excess amounts of water leading to problematic ignition, the control system120(seeFIG.1) may indicate an alert or alarm to a human operator. In response, the human operator can address, for example, upstream operation in the wellhead116system (seeFIG.1) that is discharging water to the flare. The gas sensor (e.g., multi-gas detector, multi-gas composition meter, etc.) may provide data beneficial to evaluate the flaring operation. The gas sensor may gather the data to the send to the control system. The control system may have comparison data (gas composition emitted from the flaring combustion) loaded for each type of flaring mixture and decide if the flaring is satisfying (meeting) specified standards. The flaring mixture being combusted can include various combinations of all or some of water, gas (e.g., natural gas), oil (e.g., crude oil), oil-base mud (drilling fluid), base oils, completion fluids, workover fluids, and so on. The specified standards may be related to clean flaring, emissions (e.g., CO2), and other factors. If the flaring does not comply with the specified targets or standards, then the control system may take actions, such as to adjust nozzle size and/or alter the supply flow rate of ignition fuel. An example of a specified standard (target) is a maximum concentration (an upper threshold) of CO2 as measured in the flare combusted gas in the environment adjacent (e.g., to the sides or above) the flare flame. In implementations, specified values for the specified targets may be entered by a human operator into the control system120. The control system120(seeFIG.1) may be an integral component of the flare system. The control system may send commands to equipment in the flaring system to achieve or approach complete burn of the produced mixture from the wellhead system or from other systems at the well site. As discussed, the control system will include hardware and software. The software may include at least code stored in hardware memory158. Hardware may include a signal receiver that receives data from the sensors, a processor156that executes stored code to analyze the data and send commands to the automatic nozzle choke, air supply, and ignition system. The hardware may include a signal-sending unit that sends the processed data to different components of the system. Software of the control system120can accommodate the burn reaction of crude oil and natural gas (and other burn reactions) and operate with self-learning (machine learning) with the combustion and associated control of the flare system. Software may facilitate processing of flow characteristics of the produced fluid114from the wellhead and of the fluid113mixture being combusted. The software may facilitate analysis of data and the sending of commands in response to different operating scenarios. For example, if the produced fluid114(produced mixture) is 100% water, the control system120may stop the ignition system. However, if the produced fluid114includes gases, the control system may direct the ignition system to ignite or to continue to ignite. In another example, if the produced fluid114includes produced oil having a low API of 20, then the control system may direct the ignition system to give greater flow (volume) of ignition fuel (e.g., butane or diesel) for ignition. In particular, the control system may increase the flow rate from the fuel pump134in the ignition system or further open a control valve (e.g., butane gas valve) to supply more ignition fuel gas. Flare system parameters directed or controlled by the control system120may include air supply (e.g., flow rate or pressure) to the flare tip106, air142, the adjustable nozzle size (as discussed) of the nozzle110in the flare tip, and the ignition fuel supply (e.g., flow rate of the fuel136supply) to the igniter at the flare tip. The negative impact of high water content (e.g., great than 50 volume percent water) in the mixture (e.g., fluid113including produced fluid114) being combusted by the flare may be incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon in the mixture giving unburned hydrocarbon (e.g., crude oil, natural gas, etc.) discharged to the environment. Unburned liquid hydrocarbon may discharge from the flare tip106to the ground. Thus, high water content can give poor flaring operation. For flaring with high water content in the produced fluid114(and thus in the combusted fluid113that includes the produced fluid114), the control system may direct the ignition system or the fuel pump of the ignition system to increase the flow rate (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of ignition fuel (e.g., butane or diesel) supplied by the fuel pump134to the flare tip106(e.g., to adjacent the igniter at the flare tip). Such may provide for more complete combustion of flammable components in the fluid113. Such may mitigate (prevent or reduce) negative impact (e.g., incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons) of high water content on the flaring quality. To give clean flaring when lean flaring is occurring, the control system120may adjust the nozzle110discharge flow area based on (in response to) the produced fluid114flow rate (e.g., as measured by the flow sensor on the flare stack). The nozzle discharge flow area may be adjusted based on the produced fluid114flow rate to maintain that the fluid113(including the produced fluid114) be jetted at the flare tip discharge. The jetting action may reduce lean flaring by giving more surface area contact of the supplied air with the flammable components in the fluid113being combusted. Moreover, as discussed, a response to lean flaring may also be for the control system120to automatically increase the flow rate of air supplied to the flare tip106from the air compressor126. The flare102is generally configured to combust crude oil. In certain flowback operations of the well and with no available production lines, crude oil may discharge from the well (e.g., via the wellhead116) to the flare102and be combusted. Other scenarios may provide crude oil to the flare102to be combusted. In the context of the aforementioned hypothetical examples of well A and well B producing crude oil having different API gravity, the control system120may make adjustments to the flare system100as utilized sequentially in time for the two different wells. The flare system100(most or all of the equipment) may be relocated from one well to another well. As for the crude oil, higher API indicates a lighter (lower density) crude. Lower API indicates a heavier (more dense) crude. Heavy crude oil (low API gravity) may tend to exhibit slug flow and not readily or easily ignite. For a decrease in API gravity of the crude oil that reaches the flare102, the control system120in response may increase the supply flow rate of the ignition fuel and reduce the nozzle110size (reduce the flow area of the nozzle opening112) to facilitate ignition and combustion. In other words, a reduction in the nozzle size will generally increase jetting of the produced fluid114(including the heavy oil) through the nozzle and thus may increase the surface area of the combustion reaction, which may advance ignition and combustion. As for lighter crude oil (high API gravity), in implementations, the flow rate of the ignition fuel136supply may be beneficially reduced because of the higher flammability of crude oil with high API gravity. Moreover, to improve ignition and combustion, the control system may alter the flow rate of the air142supply to the flare tip in response to measurements, for example, indicated from gas sensor and the temperature sensor. Operating scenarios may include the control system120decreasing the nozzle size (e.g., adjusts the nozzle size smaller via the choking ball) in response to data received from sensors in the flare system. For example, the control system may direct the hydraulic system to move the choking ball via the hydraulic piston to reduce the flow area of the nozzle opening in response to the produced fluid114flow rate or pressure being low (e.g., below a threshold). The control system may receive data from the flow sensor (flow meter) on the flare stack and receive data from the pressure sensor on the flare stack. In response to the flow rate of the produced fluid114being low and/or the pressure in the flare stack being low, the control system may control the hydraulic system (e.g., control a valve in the hydraulic system) to move the choking ball in the direction that decreases the flow area of the nozzle opening. The control system may direct the adjustment to decrease the flow area, for example, by 10% of the cross-sectional area of the opening, such as decreasing the nozzle from 35% open to 25% open. Subsequently, the control system may increase or decrease the flow area of the nozzle opening based on the produced fluid114flow rate and flare stack pressure. The control system120may decrease the flow area of the nozzle opening112(reduce % open) in response to composition data from a gas sensor at the flare tip indicating that incomplete combustion is occurring and in response to temperature data or visual data from a thermal sensor at the flare tip indicating that incomplete combustion is occurring. The decrease in flow area (decreasing the nozzle open %) may increase jetting action of the fluid113being discharged from the flare tip for combustion. An increased jetting action may be beneficial to advance combustion by increasing surface area of the combustion reaction (increase surface area of the contact of the reaction components) and make the discharged fluid113more conducive to ignition. For the occurrence of incomplete combustion or lean flaring, including with respect to inadequate jetting action of the discharged fluid113, the control system in response may also direct the fuel pump or fuel control valve to increase the flow rate of the ignition fuel to the igniter area at the flare tip. The aforementioned adjustments to decrease discharge flow area of the nozzle110may increase the pressure in the flare stack104because the reduced amount of cross-sectional area of the flare nozzle opening112available for flow may give a greater pressure drop across the flare nozzle. In addition, an increased flow rate of produced fluid114from the wellhead system may increase pressure in the flare stack. The control system120may monitor the flare stack pressure via the pressure sensor, and increase the nozzle flow area if the measured pressure of the flare stack reaches or exceeds a specified maximum threshold value for pressure in the flare stack or flare. The adjustment by the control system of the flow area of the nozzle opening may consider the maximum pressure specified for the flare stack and flare tip. A maximum pressure may be specified for the flare102, for example, due to mechanical integrity of the flare, a maximum allowed threshold of backpressure on the upstream wellhead system, and a maximum allowed threshold of backpressure on the air compressor that supplies air to the flare tip, and so forth. For example, the air compressor may be rated at a design maximum pressure of 250-300 psig. Thus, the maximum allowed operating pressure (backpressure) in the flare tip106may be, for example, 250-300 psig. Thus, the control system may increase the flow area of the nozzle opening112in response to the flare stack pressure (e.g., as measured by the pressure sensor) exceeding a threshold and approaching the specified maximum pressure for the flare. The control system120may direct the hydraulic system122to move the choking ball via the hydraulic piston129to decrease the flow area of the nozzle110opening112in response to the produced fluid114flow rate or pressure being low (e.g., below a threshold). The control system may direct the hydraulic system to move the choking ball via the hydraulic piston to decrease the flow area of the nozzle opening112to increase jetting action of the discharged fluid113in response to inadequate combustion. The control system may decrease the flow area of the nozzle opening112in response to combustion of the discharged fluid113, e.g., as indicated by a gas sensor or temperature sensor, falling below a threshold (e.g., combustion of 95 wt % of the flammable components). The jetting action may increase the surface area of combustion reaction and therefore increase the percent combustion and also advance ignition of the fluid113. Lastly, while aspects of the present techniques may be applicable to flare systems at refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical plants, natural gas processing plants, or other facilities, certain embodiments of the present techniques are directed to flare systems at oil and gas well sites. There may significant differences in structural features and in application, as well as industry standards, for flaring at a well site versus in plant facility. Therefore, certain embodiments of the present flare system and flare (including the remotely-adjustable nozzle in the flare tip) are not a flare system at a refinery, petrochemical plant, chemical plant, natural gas processing plant, or other facility that is not an oil and/or gas well site. Some embodiments are only for flaring at an oil and/or gas well site. FIG.4is a method400of flaring performed by a flare system, such as at a well site. The well may be an oil well, a gas well, or an oil and gas well. The flare system is for combustion of hydrocarbon in produced fluid provided from a wellhead to the flare. The flare tip may include an adjustable nozzle for discharge of the produced fluid from the flare tip. The flare system may include an ignition system having an igniter (and a fuel pump). The flare system may include an air compressor to supply air to the flare tip. In implementations, a control valve (e.g., pressure regulator) may be disposed along the discharge conduit (of the air compressor) conveying the air to the flare tip. At block402, the method includes disposing the flare system having the flare at a well site. The well site includes a wellhead and a wellbore. The wellbore is formed in a subterranean formation for production or exploration of crude oil or natural gas, or both, from the subterranean formation. The flare includes a flare stack and the flare tip. At block404, the method includes providing produced fluid including hydrocarbon from the wellhead to the flare stack. Thus, the produced fluid may be received at the flare stack from the wellhead. The produced fluid may be provided from the wellhead system. The produced fluid may be provided from equipment and systems associated with the wellhead. The providing of the produced fluid from the wellhead to the flare stack may involve flowing the produced fluid through a flare header. At block406, the method includes flowing the produced fluid through the flare stack to the flare tip. The flare tip includes a nozzle for discharge of the produced fluid from the flare tip. At block408, the method includes discharging the produced fluid from the flare tip, which involves flowing the produced fluid through a nozzle discharge opening of the nozzle to external to the flare tip. The discharging of the produced fluid from the flare tip may discharge the produced fluid from the flare. At block410, the method includes combusting the hydrocarbon of the produced fluid at or adjacent discharge of the produced fluid from the flare tip. The combusting of the hydrocarbon may be combusting the hydrocarbon via the flare system or flare. The hydrocarbon may include, for example, crude oil or natural gas, or both. At block412, the method includes adjusting, via a control system, flow area of the nozzle discharge opening. The adjusting may involve automatically adjusting the flow area via the control system in response to feedback (data) received from a sensor in the flare system. The adjusting of the flow area may involve the control system directing operation of the nozzle to adjust an amount of choking of the nozzle discharge opening. The adjusting of the flow area may involve the control system directing operation of the nozzle to position a choking element (e.g., choking ball) with respect to the nozzle discharge opening. The adjusting of the flow area may include the control system adjusting an amount of choking of the nozzle discharge opening by directing operation of a hydraulic piston. The adjusting of the amount of choking may involve the control system directing operation of the hydraulic piston to position a choking ball in or through the nozzle discharge opening. Thus, the adjusting of the flow area may include the control system directing operation of a hydraulic piston to position a choking element with respect to the nozzle discharge opening. The hydraulic piston may be associated with the nozzle. The nozzle may include the hydraulic piston. In other words, the hydraulic piston may be a component of the nozzle. In implementations, the hydraulic piston may be a duel-action hydraulic piston. The adjusting of the flow area may include the control system directing a hydraulic system (having a hydraulic pump) to operate the hydraulic piston. The adjusting of the flow area of the nozzle discharge opening may include automatically adjusting the flow area via the control system in response to flow rate of the produced fluid or in response to temperature of a flare flame associated with the combusting of the hydrocarbon, or a combination thereof. The adjusting may involve automatically adjusting the flow area via the control system in response to flow rate of the produced fluid flowing through the flare header or through the flare stack, or both. The adjusting may involve automatically adjusting the flow area via the control system in response to pressure in the flare header, pressure in the flare stack, or pressure in the flare tip, or any combinations thereof. The adjusting may involve automatically adjusting the flow area via the control system in response to composition of the fluid (e.g., including the produced fluid and added air) discharged from the flare tip. At block414, the method may include the control system directing operation of an ignition system having a fuel pump and an igniter for ignition of the hydrocarbon in the combusting of the hydrocarbon. The control system directing operation of the ignition system may involve the control system directing operation of the fuel pump to give a specified flow rate of fuel (ignition fuel) for ignition in response to data received from a sensor in the flare system. At block416, the method may include the control system directing operation of an air compressor or a pressure regulator, or both, to provide air to the flare tip. Such may involve adjusting flow rate or pressure of the air to the flare tip in response to feedback (data) from a sensor in the flare system. The air from the air compressor to the flare tip combines with the produced fluid in the flare tip and discharges with the produced fluid through the nozzle discharge opening from the flare tip. An embodiment is a flare system to receive produced fluid including hydrocarbon from a wellhead for combustion of the hydrocarbon. The flare of the flare system includes a flare stack to receive the produced fluid from the wellhead, wherein the flare system to be disposed at a well site for flaring at the well site, the well site including the wellhead and a wellbore, the wellbore formed in a subterranean formation for production of crude oil or natural gas, or both. The flare incudes a flare tip having a nozzle including a nozzle discharge opening for discharge of the produced fluid from the flare tip, wherein the flare tip is coupled to the flare stack to receive the produced fluid from the flare stack. The flare system includes a hydraulic piston to adjust position of a choking ball to adjust flow area of the nozzle discharge opening. The flare system includes a hydraulic system including a hydraulic pump to provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic piston. The flare system includes a control system to direct operation of the hydraulic system to adjust the flow area of the nozzle discharge opening via the hydraulic piston and the choking ball. The choking ball may be coupled to the hydraulic piston via a connection rod. The nozzle may include the hydraulic piston. The hydraulic piston may be a dual-action hydraulic piston. The flare system may include a sensor to measure an operating parameter of the flare system, wherein the control system to direct operation of the hydraulic system to adjust the flow area in response to measurement of the operating parameter by the sensor. The sensor may be or include a flow sensor (flow meter) disposed along the flare stack to measure flow rate of the produced fluid through the flare stack. Thus, the operating parameter is the flow rate of the produced fluid through the flare stack. The sensor may be or include a pressure sensor disposed along the flare stack to measure pressure in the flare stack, wherein the operating parameter is the pressure in the flare stack. The sensor may be a temperature sensor disposed at the flare tip to measure temperature of a flare flame resulting from combustion of the hydrocarbon, wherein the operating parameter is (or is correlative with) the temperature of the flare flame. The sensor may be a gas sensor to measure concentration of combustion gases in the environment around the flare flame at the flare tip discharge, wherein the operating parameter may be concentration of a gas component or a parameter derived from concentration of a combustion gas component. The flare system may include an ignition system for combustion of the hydrocarbon. The ignition system may include a fuel pump to provide ignition fuel for ignition of the hydrocarbon in the produced fluid discharged from the flare tip for combustion of the hydrocarbon. The ignition system may include an igniter to provide an electrical spark for the ignition of the hydrocarbon in the produced fluid discharged from the flare tip for combustion of the hydrocarbon. The flare system may include an air compressor to supply air to the flare tip to combine with the produced fluid in the flare tip and discharge with the produced fluid from the flare tip through the nozzle discharge opening. The control system may be configured to control (direct operation of) the ignition system, the air compressor, or a control valve (e.g., pressure regulator) on the air supply, or any combinations thereof. Such control may be in response to feedback (data) received a sensor measuring an operating parameter in the flare system. A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. | 93,226 |
11859816 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. Herein, the term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. Further it should be possible to combine the flows specified in different figures to derive a new flow. As is traditional in the field, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks which carry out a described function or functions. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as managers, engines, controllers, units or modules or the like, are physically implemented by analog and/or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally be driven by firmware and software. The circuits may, for example, be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the block and a processor to perform other functions of the block. Each block of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The elements shown inFIGS.1-12include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module. Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described, which may be requirements for some embodiments but no other embodiments. Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology. This invention is based on the analysis of velocity field which can be acquired from the combustor from PIV experiments or from high fidelity simulations. FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of a system100for suppressing thermo-acoustic instabilities in a combustor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system100is configured to detect and suppress thermo-acoustic instabilities in devices such as combustors (C) in gas turbines, and industrial processing devices such as furnaces and burners. However, it is also within the scope of invention, that the system100could be used for any other device that encounters unwanted thermo-acoustic instabilities at every location of the combustor. In an embodiment, the measuring device102is configured to acquire acoustic signals corresponding to the dynamics happening inside the combustor (C). In an embodiment, the measuring device102is provided in communication with the combustor (C) or any other device that has to be prevented from oscillatory instabilities. The measuring device100is configured to generate at least at least one first signal corresponding to fluctuations in turbulent velocity of the combustor at every location of the combustor and at least one second signal corresponding to fluctuations in acoustic pressure of the combustor at least one location of the combustor. In another embodiment, the system100also includes a signal conditioner108, an analog to digital convertor110and a digital to analog convertor114. The signal conditioner108is configured to manipulate the signals (c/(j)) generated by the measuring device102, such that it meets the requirements of analog to digital convertor110. In an embodiment, the signal conditioner108is configured to amplify the signals generated by the measuring device102. Further, if the signals obtained from the measuring device102is analog, the analog to digital convertor110coverts the analog signal to digital signal such that the signals (c/(j)) could be processed in the instability detection unit104. Further, the digital to analog convertor114converts the digital signal obtained as the output from the critical region detector112to an analog signal such that it could be processed by the micro jet air generator116. A phase locked generator112A is configured to determine a plurality of phase locked values across the combustor indicative of synchronization of the at least one first signal corresponding to turbulent velocity of the combustor and the at least one second signal corresponding to acoustic pressure of the combustor. A determinism unit112B is configured for measuring parameters indicative of a plurality of recurring fluctuations in turbulent velocity of the combustor at every location of the combustor. A Hurst scaler112C determines a plurality of Hurst exponent values at every location of the combustor based on the at least one first signal. The critical region detector112detects at least one critical region of the combustor, wherein the at least one critical region corresponds to at least one of a maximum value of the plurality of phase locked values, a maximum value of the plurality of recurring fluctuations in turbulent velocity of the combustor at every location of the combustor, and a minimum value of the plurality of Hurst exponent values. Upon detecting the critical regions, the micro jet air generator114injects micro-jets of air at the detected critical regions to suppress thermo-acoustic instabilities. It should be noted that the aforementioned configuration of system100is provided for the ease of understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, certain embodiments may have a different configuration of the components of the system100and certain other embodiments may exclude certain components of the system100. Therefore, such embodiments and any modification by addition or exclusion of certain components of system100and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system100as is apparent from this description and drawings are also within the scope of this invention. The present invention is based on the analysis of spatiotemporal data of the combustor, which can be obtained from experiments or from high fidelity simulations. The spatial data are obtained at a particular instant of time in the form of images where every pixel (in experiment) or the grid point (in simulation) on the image contains information about the measured variable (i.e., acoustic pressure, velocity, local reaction rate, temperature, mixture fraction, vorticity etc). Therefore, the time evolution of the signals from these variables is obtained at each spatial location. The values of phase locked values (PLV) and determinism value (DET) are then computed for the time series acquired at each spatial location; thus, a spatial distribution of these quantities is obtained for the reaction field of the combustor. The coherent patterns in the reaction field with maximum value of measures indicate the critical regions of reaction field of the combustor. FIG.2illustrates the method of optimizing the open-loop or passive control strategy in a turbulent combustor. a. Calculation of Phase Locking Value of Coupled Oscillations Phase locking value measures the synchronization behavior of two oscillators. Synchronization is a phenomenon of mutual adjustment of rhythms of oscillators to a common value due to coupling. The synchronization behavior of coupled oscillators is analyzed through the calculation of instantaneous phase difference between their signals. If the signals are synchronized, the relative phase between them remains constant in time, whereas, if the signals are desynchronized, the relative phase drifts unboundedly in time. Consider x1(t) and x2(t), which are two bandpass filtered, in a frequency range of interest, signals from two independent variables of the system, then the instantaneous phase of each signal is obtained from the analytic signal approach based on Hilbert transform as follows: (t)=xk(t)+iHT[xk(t)] where i=√−1, k=1, 2, and HT is the Hilbert transform of the signal defined as: HT[xk(t)]=P.V.∫-∞∞xk(t)t-τdτ Here, P.V. represents the Cauchy principal value. Since, Zk(t) is a complex signal, the instantaneous amplitude and phase of the signal can be obtained as follows: Zk(t)=A(t)eiϕ(t) Where A(t)=[xk(t)]2+[HT(xk(t))]2andϕ(t)=tan-1HT(xk(t))xk(t) Therefore, the instantaneous phase difference between the signals is obtained as Δϕ=ϕ1−ϕ2 The phase locking value between the coupled oscillator signals is defined as: PLV=1N❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"Σj=1NejΔϕ❘"\[RightBracketingBar]" where N is the length of the signal, is then calculated. The value of PLV ranges from 0 (complete desynchrony) to 1 (perfect synchrony). b. Calculation of Determinism in the Phase Space Trajectory In dynamical systems theory, a one-dimensional signal can be projected into higher-dimensional phase space to reveal the hidden features associated with its dynamics. In practical situations, especially in experiments, where the number of independent variables obtained from the system is limited, the phase space of the given signal can be constructed using Takens delay embedding theorem. On the other hand, in simulations, the number of independent variables associated with the system can be easily obtained from equations. Once the appropriate dimension of the system required for the phase space reconstruction is known, the dynamics of the system is projected into the embedded phase space. Then, the time evolution of the phase space trajectory is analyzed to identify the recurrence behavior of state points on the trajectory. The return of the trajectory to the neighborhood of its previous location in the phase space is considered as the recurrence of the phase space trajectory. In order to calculate the recurrence behavior of the phase space trajectory, Euclidian distance between each state point on the trajectory is calculated. This distance matrix is then converted into a binary matrix after the choice of an appropriate value for the distance threshold. Whenever the distance between any two state points is less than the threshold, the corresponding state points are considered to have recurred. The recurrence matrix (Ri,j) of the phase space trajectory is obtained from the following equation, Ri,=Θ(ϵ−∥xi−xj∥) where Θ is the Heaviside theta function such that Θ(X<0)=1 and Θ(X>0)=0. and xjare state vectors of the phase space trajectory and ϵ is the recurrence threshold. Thus, a recurrence plot is constructed by marking the recurrence behavior of the phase space trajectory as 1 and the non-recurrence behavior as 0. Quantitative measures are then obtained by analyzing the arrangement of black points in the recurrence plot. One of the quantitative measures of recurrence behavior of the trajectory is determinism (DET). This measure computes the diagonal alignment of black points in the recurrence plot, which occurs due to the parallel nature of neighboring trajectories in the phase space. The value of DET for any signal is computed through the following equation: DET=Σl=lminNlP(l)Σl=1NlP(l) Here, N=n−(d−1)τ is the total number of state vectors of the phase space trajectory, d is the embedding dimension and τ is the time delay associated with the phase space reconstruction of the dynamic variable. P(l) gives the frequency distribution of the length of the diagonal lines (l) in the phase space. If the two trajectories run parallel to each other all the time, the value of DET nears one and the signals are considered as highly predictable (for example, periodic signals). For noisy signals, the trajectory in the phase space exhibit nearly random maneuvering, and therefore the value of DET appears near zero for such signals. Several measures based on recurrence quantification analysis such as recurrence rate, entropy, trapping time, average diagonal length, and ratio exist in literature that can be used to detect critical regions in the reaction field of the combustor. Here, DET is used as a representative of all these measures. c. Calculation of Hurst Exponent (H) from the Velocity Field The algorithm for finding the critical region is as follows: The time-series of the velocity-field is represented as v(x, y; ti), where i=1, 2, . . . , N. For each time instance, we have v(x, y) which is represented by a 2-D matrix of size m×n. We then reshape the matrix into a column vector [A]m×n,1. Finally, we stack the reshaped velocity matrix at successive time instances into the columns of matrix [A]m×n,N. Thus, the rows of matrix [A] contain the spatial information, and columns contains the temporal information. We construct [A] for different flow conditions en-route to the state of thermoacoustic instability. From the matrix [A], we perform Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) of the velocity time series data stored at each spatial location. Let us represent a row vector containing the time-series of velocity at any given spatial location of [A] as ai, where i=1, 2, . . . , N. a. Step 1: Determine the fluctuations: Y(i)=∑k=1i[ak-〈a〉],i=1,2,…,N. Here,aindicates the mean of the signal a1. b. Step 2: We divide Y(i) into Ns≡int(N/s) non-overlapping segments of equal length s. c. Step 3: For each of the Nssegments, we calculate the local trend by a least-square fit of the series. We then determine the variance F2(s,v)≡1s∑i=1s{Y[(v-1)s+i]-yv(i)}2, for each segment v, v=1, . . . Ns. Here, yv(i) is the type of fitting polynomial in segment v used for detrending the local segments of the data. d. Step 4: We average over all the segments to obtain the qth order fluctuation function Fq(s)={12N∑v=1Ns[F2(s,v)]q2}1/q, where, the index q can take any value except 0. We are interested in finding the value of fluctuations function of the second order, i.e., q=2. e. Step 5: Finally, we find the dependence of the second order fluctuation function on the scale s. This is represented as F2(s)˜sh(2), where, h(2) is the Hurst exponent H. The Hurst exponent is related to the fractal dimension of the time series as H=2−D. Thus, we obtain the Hurst exponent and fractal dimension of the time-series of the velocity value at every given location in the flow-field. Then we reshape the tall (m×n, 1) matrix of H and D value to obtain a field of H and D containing dynamical information regarding the nature of the turbulent flow during different states of thermoacoustic instability. H measures correlation and persistence in a time-series. If a large value is more likely to be followed by another large value, the signal is said to be persistent. If a large value is more likely to be followed by a small value, the signal is anti-persistent. H defines a continuum of noise-like time series (H=0.5) and a random walk-like time-series (H>1). 0.5<H<1 indicates persistent signal and 0<H<0.5 indicates anti-persistent signal. A time-series with H=1 indicates pink or 1/f-noise characteristics. Such a time-series show long range correlation and the power spectrum scales inversely with frequency. Similarly, time-series possessing 1<H<1.5 indicates random walk with H=1.5 indicating Brownian noise generated from Brownian random walk. The spectrum for such a signal sc ales as 1/f2. d. Detection of Critical Regions in the Combustor Flow Field to Implement Active Control Once, all the aforementioned quantitative measures are evaluated at every point in flow field of the combustor, the regions corresponding to the maximum value of these measures are identified, and these regions are considered as critical regions in the combustor. In order to study the synchronization behaviour of coupled oscillations in the combustor, the turbulent velocity at every point of the combustor (obtained through Particle Image Velocimetry technique) is correlated with the acoustic pressure in the system, and this correlation is identified using PLV. If the time series of these two signals are frequency synchronized, instantaneous phase difference between them oscillates around a constant phase difference, and hence, PLV attains a value close to 1. On the other hand, if the velocity field oscillates at a different frequency with respect to the acoustic field, the phase difference between the oscillators continuously drifts with time, which is characterized by low values in PLV. Since, DET captures periodic or deterministic nature of oscillations in the system, whenever the turbulence velocity signals in the flow field display periodic characteristics, the value of DET approaches near 1, and these regions of the velocity field are identified as the critical regions. The aperiodic signals possess lower recurrence or deterministic behavior; hence, the value of DET nears 0 for such signals. FIG.3highlights the critical regions observed in the flow field of a bluff body stabilized turbulent combustor. The synchronization behaviour of local turbulent velocity fluctuations with respect to the global acoustic pressure fluctuations in the combustor is presented in the form of the spatial distribution of PLV between the region of the dump plane and the bluff body (FIG.3a). The deterministic nature of turbulence velocity signals is represented using the distribution of DET in the combustor flow field (FIG.3b). The region close to the bluff body shaft, just downstream of the dump plane, displays maximum PLV and DET and can be referred to as the critical region in the flow field. Moreover, the value of these measures gradually decreases away from the critical region. FIG.3c-3gcompare the dynamical behaviour of acoustic pressure (p′) and the velocity fluctuations in the critical (u′cr) and the non-critical (u′ncr) region observed in the flow field, given by {xcr, ycr}={5, 10}, and {xcr, ycr}={60, 30} inFIG.3a, respectively. The velocity signal obtained from the critical region exhibits periodic oscillations, while that obtained from the non-critical region shows aperiodic oscillations (FIG.3c). Further, the velocity signal in the critical region is observed to be frequency synchronized with the pressure signal, having a same dominant frequency at 131.8 Hz (FIG.3e,f). The absence of prominent oscillations for turbulent velocity in the non-critical region results in the occurrence of a flat amplitude spectrum lacking a clear dominant frequency (FIG.3g). The variation of relative phase between pressure and velocity fluctuations in the critical region remains bounded (i.e., the temporal variation of relative phase fluctuates around 90 degrees) and that in the non-critical regions are unbounded (i.e., the phase difference shows a continuous drift in time), refer toFIG.3d. Once the critical regions are identified, the active control in terms of injection of micro jets of air at these regions of the reaction field is implemented. The micro-jet disrupts the formation of large-scale vortices in the combustor, and thus, aids in the suppression of thermoacoustic instability (FIG.4). The disruption of critical regions results in a significant drop in the values of PLV and DET in the entire flow field of the combustor, as seen inFIG.4a,b. The dynamics of pressure and turbulent velocity fluctuations appears aperiodic in both the critical and non-critical regions (FIG.4c). It also causes decrease in the magnitude of dominant frequencies in the amplitude spectrum, which can be seen by comparingFIG.3e,fandFIG.4e,f. The velocity signals are desynchronized with the acoustic pressure, due to destruction of coupling between them in the entire flow field of the combustor (FIG.4d). Hence, the absence of driving in acoustic field reduces the amplitude of acoustic pressure fluctuations in the combustor. Thus, the identification of critical points in the reaction field in the combustor and the application of targeted control through any mechanism (for example, secondary air injection used in the present invention) helps in improving the passive control strategies required for practical combustors. This control methodology of passive control using secondary air injection is one example among various control strategy, which could be implemented. Any other control methodology that sufficiently alters the flow dynamics at the critical region can also be used for control in an alternate scenario. During the state of thermoacoustic instability, periodic formation of large-scale coherent vertical structures occurs in the reaction field of the combustor. These vortices directly modulate the flame fronts in the combustor and thereby has a direct correlation with the heat release rate of the flame. Therefore, the localization of the large-scale coherent vertical structures engenders critical regions in the flow field of the combustor. Since the flame-vortex interaction plays an important role in the occurrence of thermoacoustic instability in turbulent combustors, the pockets of localized driving sources in the acoustic field of the combustor needs to be accurately detected and destroyed through appropriate control strategies. FIG.5illustrates a block diagram for the implementation of smart passive control of thermoacoustic oscillations in turbulent combustors, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; FIG.6illustrates a block diagram representing the acquisition and the analysis of the data prior to the implementation of smart passive control in turbulent combustors, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. FIG.7illustrates the intermittency route to thermoacoustic instability in a bluff-body stabilized combustor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Obtaining the spatial distribution of Hurst exponent (H) for different states of combustor operation shows us the difference in the flow field during combustion noise and thermoacoustic instability. The transition from combustion noise (CN) to thermoacoustic instability (TAI) via the state of intermittency (INT) is shown inFIG.7. FIG.8illustrates the spatial distribution of Hurst exponent measured from snapshots of the velocity field during the state of (a) combustion noise, (b) intermittency and (c) thermoacoustic instability, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The spatial distribution of H for different states of combustor operations, as indicated by markers A-C inFIG.7, is shown inFIG.8.FIG.8ashows the distribution of H during combustion noise. It is observed that the value of H is close to 1 throughout the velocity field. Such a distribution indicates that the flow field is persistent and possesses long range correlation.FIG.8bshows the H-distribution during intermittency. Similar to the case of combustion noise, we observe that H is close to one in most of the regions. However, above the shaft of the bluff body and close to the dump plane, there is a decrease in the H value. During thermoacoustic instability (FIG.8c), we notice that there is an expansive region with very low H value. We term this region as the “critical region” based on its importance in controlling the spatio-temporal dynamics of the thermoacoustic system. FIG.9illustrates the spatial distribution of Hurst exponent during thermoacoustic instability where it is possible to clearly demarcate the region with very low Hurst exponent, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. We redo the PIV experiments during the state of thermoacoustic instability and focus on the region spanning from the dump plane to the bluff-body and plot the distribution of H inFIG.9. We can observe that the value of H is indeed very low in this region. We verify the influence of this region on the dynamics of thermoacoustic instability by targeting this region during thermoacoustic instability. We inject secondary air from different inlet ports as shown inFIG.2. We find that injecting air from the port attached to the dump plane of the combustor leads to maximum suppression. The sound levels decrease to that observed during combustion noise. The pressure time series and amplitude spectrum of thermoacoustic instability is presented inFIG.10(top). We observe large amplitude limit cycle oscillations with magnitude as high as 4 kPa. Compare this with the pressure time series obtained during the attempt to control thermoacoustic instability by targeting the critical region shown inFIG.9using a secondary jet injection. We observe that the large region with very low H value is disrupted and the resulting flow field has a distribution of H (FIG.11) which is similar to that observed during combustion noise (FIG.8a). Secondary air injection leads to greater than 90% suppression in the amplitude of thermoacoustic limit cycle oscillations. In fact, the sound levels during the controlled state are comparable to the sound generated during the state of combustion noise (FIG.10). Upon quantifying the fractal dimension of this suppressed state (FIG.11), we find that the field of fractal dimension is similar to that observed during the state of combustion noise (FIG.8a). Secondary air injection at other locations on the combustor wall does not lead to same levels of suppression. Thus, we see that the region identified by the fractal analysis leads to accurate identification of the regions responsible for controlling the dynamics of the thermoacoustic system. Thus, using the proposed methodology, it is possible to quantify the complex dynamics of the flow field and identify “critical region” in the flow field responsible for the control of the overall dynamics of the thermoacoustic system. Then, using targeted measures such as secondary air injection, we find that we can suppress the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations by 90%. FIG.12is a flow diagram illustrating the method of optimizing the open-loop or smart passive control strategy in a turbulent combustor, according to the embodiments as disclosed herein. e. Advantages of the Present Method Compared to Other Studies In this invention, the fractal analysis is performed on the velocity time-series obtained at every location from the snapshots of velocity field obtained from PIV measurements at different states during the transition to thermoacoustic instability. We identify the so-called “critical regions” in the flow field, which play an important role in controlling the spatio-temporal dynamics of a turbulent thermoacoustic system during the transition to instability. These regions are potentially of diagnostic value and can be used for targeted passive control of thermoacoustic instability. The proposed methodology have the following advantages over the existing methods: i. We are able to establish a quantitative measure of identifying regions which are critical in controlling spatio-temporal dynamics of the flow. Thus, we are able to establish a quantitative protocol which can serve as a guiding light while designing combustors. This is in stark contrast to past studies (as mentioned under point 2) where secondary air injections were performed in an ad-hoc manner. ii. We target the above mentioned critical region using secondary air-injection. We were able to achieve greater than 80% suppression in the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations. iii. In addition, we also quantify the changes associated with turbulent flow field observed during the transition to thermoacoustic instability. We are able to quantify different regions of the flow field with different flow features from PIV imaging data. The technical features of the invention which contribute to each of the feature discussed above are: i. We achieve greater than 80% suppression in the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations (FIG.10) through the disruption of the critical region, as can be observed from the ‘Controlled flow field” inFIG.11. The sound levels are comparable to that generated during the state of combustion noise. ii. The proposed method is able to distinguish between different regions with different dynamics. In the state of thermoacoustic instability, the spatial flow field is periodic behind the bluff-body and along the shear layer. Everywhere else, the flow field is aperiodic with different types of dynamics which are also quantified through the present methodology. Thus, the present methodology can be quite useful in quantifying the dynamics of turbulence in combustors. In general, turbulence measurement requires high resolution spatial or temporal data. Acquiring high resolution spatial and temporal flow field data is especially challenging when combustion is involved. Further, turbulence quantification requires stationary datasets, which are again very difficult to obtain in combustion experiment. The MFDFA used to quantify the velocity field does not rely on such limitations. Measures such as Hurst exponent and fractal dimension are robust and can quantify the dynamics of the flow even when the acquired dataset is non-stationary. Thus, our method is robust in quantifying the different aspects of the turbulent flow field. Finally, the present methodology can also be used to validate results obtained from CFD simulations such as LES and DNS models of combustors. As already mentioned, the present methodology does not require long stationary data sets, inexpensive simulations just for a few hundred time-steps would be enough for validation. Depending upon the spatial distribution of Hurst exponent, combustor geometries can be modified during the design stage to avoid the formation of critical regions during the state of thermoacoustic instability. The present methodology would be useful to the industry in the following ways: i. Gas turbine industries can use the proposed methodology to avoid combustor designs which may possess such critical region in the industrial combustors that they are developing. The proposed methodology can be used during the design phase in conjunction with CFD and LES to find such regions and the designs can be changed appropriately. ii. In the already commissioned combustors, gas turbine industries can retroactively make minor modifications to include secondary air injection channels to target the critical regions found from CFD and LES simulations and prevent instances of thermoacoustic instability. iii. Gas turbine industries can use the proposed methodology to avoid combustor designs which may possess such critical region in the industrial combustors that they are developing. The proposed methodology can be used during the design phase in conjunction with CFD and LES to find such regions and the designs can be changed appropriately. iv. In the already commissioned combustors, gas turbine industries can retroactively make minor modifications to include secondary air injection channels to target the critical regions found from CFD and LES simulations and prevent instances of thermoacoustic instability. The present invention can also be extended to other oscillatory instabilities such as aeroacoustic instability or aero-elastic instability. In such cases, the same methodology can be used to find critical regions in the flow and target them to attain control. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology. While several possible embodiments of the invention have been described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. | 35,152 |
11859817 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will be made below in detail to exemplary embodiments as described herein, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters used throughout the drawings refer to the same or like parts. While the various embodiments are described herein with reference to a pulverized coil boiler in heat recovery steam generation systems, such reference is merely illustrative. Generally, the described embodiments are applicable to any application of a fuel-fired combustion system, including, but not limited to, a pulverized coal burner as may be utilized in a pulverized coal power plant. Other systems may include different types of plants employing coal-fired combustion systems, including, but not limited to, chemical plants, power generation plants, as well as boilers, furnaces, and fired heaters utilizing a wide range of fuels including, but not limited to, coal. For example, contemplated boilers include, but are not limited to, both T-fired and wall fired pulverized coal boilers, circulating fluidized bed (CFB) and bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boilers, stoker boilers, suspension burners for biomass boilers, including controlled circulation, natural circulation, and supercritical boilers and other heat recovery steam generation systems. Embodiments, as described herein, relate to a power generation system having a combustion system and a laser-based ignition and control scheme therefor. In particular, a method for generating a starting flame and additional flame support without the need for oil or the complexity of plasma ignition. In an embodiment, the flame is generated inside a custom-designed coal burner in which high-power laser beams are impinged upon flowing pulverized coal particles. The particle's temperature increases by absorption of photons from the laser, and it ignites after reaching the required critical temperature. Further, the energy released from individual particle ignition events is absorbed by neighboring coal particles. These particles also heat up and ignite. This cascading process continues until a stable flame is generated. FIG.1illustrates a power generation system10with combustion system11having a boiler12as may be employed in power generation applications in accordance with the several embodiments. The boiler12may be a tangentially fired boiler (also known as a T-fired boiler) or wall fired boiler. Fuel and air are introduced into the boiler12via the burner assemblies14and/or nozzles associated therewith. The combustion system11includes a fuel source such as, for example, a pulverizer16that is configured to grind fuel such as coal to a desired degree of fineness. The pulverized coal is passed from the pulverizer16to the boiler12using primary air. An air-source18supplies primary, secondary, or combustion air to the boiler12where it is mixed with the fuel and combusted. Where the boiler12is oxy-fired, the air source18may be an air separation unit that extracts oxygen from an incoming air stream or directly from the atmosphere. In an embodiment, the burner assembly(ies)14includes a fuel source from the pulverizer16and laser igniter17, as will be described in further detail herein. Laser igniter17includes, but is not limited to, a power supply and cooling systems for the high power laser, a high power laser, and a mechanism such as an optical fiber to carry the light to the burner location. The laser igniter17and a laser tube deliver the laser light to the flowing pulverized coal for ignition as well as flame stability, as will be described further herein. The laser light would be guarded to take precautions to avoid any of any accidental leakage of the high-power radiation. The boiler12includes a hopper zone20located below a main burner zone22from which ash may be collected for subsequent removal. The bottom of the boiler12may be provided with a grid, that serves two purposes. First, the grid is utilized for introducing combustion, suspending, or fluidizing gas (for bed-type boilers) called primary air or combustion air that is pumped into the boiler12by a fan34via the air preheater35. Second, the grid facilitates removing bottom ash and other debris from the boiler12. The boiler12also includes a main burner zone22(also referred to as a windbox) where the air and an air-fuel mixture is introduced into the boiler12, a burnout zone24where any air or fuel that is not combusted in the main burner zone22gets burned. Furthermore, the boiler12includes a superheater zone26with superheater27where the combustion flue gases can superheat steam and an economizer zone28with an economizer31where water can be preheated before entering a mixing sphere or drum25. In the main burner zone22, controlled flows of primary air, pulverized coal, and secondary air, are introduced into the combustion system11to effect the formation therein of a rotating fireball. The boiler feedwater entering the economizer31originates from the use in the steam turbine50and a condenser57downstream of the steam turbines50. The condensate is first heated by steam utilizing one or more low-pressure preheaters (not shown) before entering the economizer31. Pumps40may be employed to aid in circulating water to the waterwall23and through boiler12. Combustion of the fuel with the primary and secondary air within the boiler12produces a stream of flue gases that are ultimately treated and exhausted through a stack downstream from the economizer zone28. The often final step of collecting heat from the flue gases takes place in the combustion air preheater35, where the flue gas heat is used to heat the air that is used as combustion air in the combustion system11. The air preheater35is followed in the flue gas path by an electrostatic filter/precipitator or a bag filter (not shown) that separates any solid particles left in the flue gases before the flue gases are vented to the atmosphere via a stack. As used herein, directions such as “downstream” means in the general direction of the flue gas flow. Similarly, the term “upstream” is opposite the direction of “downstream” going opposite the direction of flue gas flow. Generally, in the operation of the power generation system10and more specifically, the combustion system11, the combustion of fuel in the boiler12heats water in the waterwalls23of the boiler12, which then passes through the steam drum (or equivalent), hereinafter referred to as drum25. Heated steam is then directed to the superheater27in the superheater zone26, where additional heat is imparted to the steam by the flue gases. The superheated steam from the superheater27is then directed via a piping system shown generally as60to a high-pressure section52of turbine50, where the steam is expanded and cooled to drive turbine50and thereby turn a generator58to generate electricity. The expanded steam from the high-pressure section52of the turbine50may then be returned to a reheater29to reheat the steam, which is subsequently directed to an intermediate pressure section54of turbine50, and ultimately a low-pressure section56of the turbine50where the steam is successively expanded and cooled to drive turbine50. As illustrated inFIG.1, the combustion system11includes an array of sensors, actuators, and monitoring devices to monitor and control the ignition and combustion process and the resulting consequences concerning boiler operation. For example, temperature and pressure monitors shown generally and collectively as36,37are employed throughout the system and are interfaced with a control unit200to ensure proper control, operation and ensure that operational limits of the combustion system11and boiler12are not exceeded. In another example, the combustion system11may include a plurality of fluid flow control devices30, also interfaced with the control unit200, that supply secondary air for combustion to each fuel introduction nozzle associated with the burner assemblies14. In an embodiment, the fluid flow control devices30may be electrically actuated air dampers that can be adjusted to vary the amount of air that is provided to each fuel introduction nozzle associated with each burner assembly14. The boiler12may also include other individually controllable air dampers or fluid flow control devices30at various spatial locations around the furnace and boiler12. Each of the flow control devices30is independently controllable by a control unit200to ensure that desired air/fuel ratios and flame temperature are achieved for each nozzle location. Furthermore, the power generation system10may also include a plurality of fluid flow control devices66, that in an example, control the flow of water or steam in the system10. In an embodiment, the fluid flow control devices66may be electrically actuated valves that can be adjusted to vary the amount of flow therethrough. Each of the fluid flow control devices, e.g.,66, is individually controllable by a control unit200. FIG.1also illustrates a backpass (or backdraft section)33of the boiler12downstream from the superheater27, reheater29, and economizer31in economizer zone28. The backpass33may also be fitted with a monitoring device37. The monitoring device37, such as a gas sensor37may optionally be configured for measurement and assessment of gas species such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury (Hg), sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur trioxide (SO3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), oxygen (O2), and the like within the backpass33. SO2and SO3are collectively referred to as SOx. Similarly, NO2and NO are collectively referred to as NOx. Continuing with the operation of the boiler12, optionally, a predetermined ratio of fuel and air is provided to each of the burner assemblies14for combustion. As the fuel/air mixture is combusted within the furnace and flue gases are generated, the combustion process and flue gases produced are monitored. In particular, various parameters of the fireball and flame, conditions on the walls of the furnace, and various parameters of the flue gas may be sensed and monitored. These parameters may be communicated to the combustion control unit200, where they are analyzed and processed according to a control algorithm stored in memory and executed by a processor. The control unit200is configured to control the fuel provided to the boiler12and/or the air supplied to the boiler12, in dependence upon the one or more monitored combustion and flue gas parameters and furnace wall conditions. FIG.2depicts a simplified block diagram of a primary burner assembly14and the laser ignition system17as part of the combustion system11in accordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, the burner assembly14includes, but is not limited to, a tube100carrying pulverized coal particles, shown generally as102from the pulverizer16and primary air from the air source18, similar to that of existing burner assemblies. In the figures the tube100is depicted as a circular cross-section; however, such depiction is merely for illustration purposes. The tube100can be of any variety of configurations and or cross-sections including, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal without limiting the scope of the embodiments as described herein. The tube100of the primary burner assembly14is also equipped with one or more flow directing devices, shown generally as118and individually as118a,118b,118cand the like. The flow directing device(s)118is operable to aid in directing the flow of pulverized coal particles102and air in the tube100. The flow directing device(s) may be distributed around the circumference of the tube100or the ignition tube130or both. In an embodiment, the flow directing devices118operate to direct and focus the coal particles102in the burner assembly14. The function of the flow directing device(s)118is to divert a controllable fraction of this fuel by mechanical means to a selected location in the tube100for ignition by an igniter, e.g., the laser igniter17of the described embodiments. The magnitude of fuel flow injected into the burner is determined by the desired operating point of the burner. The flow directing device118is designed to ensure that the coal particles102spend the maximum of time inside the spatial envelope of the focused or collimated laser beam, as described in more detail herein. In an embodiment, the flow directing devices118may be controllable venturi ports. In another embodiment, the flow directing devices118may be static or controllable baffles or vanes. In an embodiment, the flow directing devices118may be implemented as static or controllable structures having a variable shape that causes the redirection of flow in the tube. For example, the flow directing devices may have a straight or curved leading edge to impart variable adjustments or corrections to the flow of air and coal particles in the tube100or ignition tube130. In an embodiment, the flow directing devices118operate to direct the flow of coal particles102to primarily the center of the tube100for direct impingement of the laser light from the laser igniter17as described further herein. In another embodiment, the function of the flow directing device118ais to divert a controllable fraction of the fuel and airflow in the tube100by mechanical means into an optional ignition tube130, as will be described in further detail herein. In an embodiment, the tube100is configured with the laser igniter17enclosed therein. In one embodiment, the tube100is configured with the laser igniter17substantially, but not necessarily concentric therein. The laser igniter17includes a second tube110, denoted as the laser tube110encompassing the laser light directed through the laser tube110and the optional ignition tube130. The laser tube110has a laser input112and air input113at a first end114, and a focusing lens119at a second or exit end116. The air input113directs air along the length of the laser tube110, provides cooling, and maintains the laser tube110at a positive pressure and flow to ensure the laser tube110remains clean and avoids the entry of any coal particles102from the tube100. The laser input112may include, but not be limited to, an input from a laser source150operably connected to a controllable electrical supply. The laser source150may include a laser diode (not shown), fiber laser, or any high-power CW or pulsed laser, from which light is directed through selected lenses, gratings, couplers, and the like for coupling to an optical fiber154. The laser light is optically coupled to the laser input112via the optical fiber154. Advantageously, by employing one or more optical fiber(s)154to couple the energy from the laser source to the laser igniter17, permits the laser diode light source150and associated optics to be located some distance from the laser igniter17and the challenging environment of the combustion system11. In an embodiment, laser light may be carried with multiple fibers154from smaller power lasers such that the total power of the laser system is high. For example, a multiple of smaller power lasers can be collectively utilized to generate laser light or a laser beam having a larger beam volume at a high intensity. In this manner, the cumulative energy heats up the flowing coal particles102and not necessarily a “single focal spot” of the laser as in the case of laser machining. Advantageously, such a modular construction lowers the cost of the laser igniter and makes the system flexible and scalable. The total power of the system may readily be adjusted or increased by adding more fiber(s) and/or laser(s). Furthermore, this scheme facilitates system robustness, eliminating any single point of failure within the laser source150whole ignition system of the combustion system11. Though it is convenient as described herein to utilize continuous wave (CW) fiber-coupled laser so that it may permit placement of the laser source150some distance away from the combustion system11, such description is merely for illustration. Other embodiments and configurations are possible. For example, it could be possible to employ a high-power free-space coupled optical energy beam through a series of mirrors and/or lenses. At the laser input, the photons emanating from the optical fiber154are collimated and transported to an ignition zone via the laser tube110, which advantageously is cooled and purged as described herein. Within the laser tube110, the photons are focused to a tight spot size at a selected location near the entrance of the ignition tube130with a lens119that is located some distance away inside the laser tube110. In another embodiment, the photons are simply left collimated and directed from the laser tube110to the ignition tube130. The focused or collimated photons from the laser received via the laser input112are directed to the ignition tube130. As a result, the laser tube100remains simpler and of smaller dimension and is less intrusive to the coal flow than with conventional plasma igniters. Purging in the laser tube110and the simplified configuration minimizes fouling of the laser tube110and increases maintenance intervals of the laser igniter17, particularly as compared to conventional plasma igniters. In some embodiments, it may also be advantageous to focus the laser deeper in the ignition tube130. For instance, it may be desirable to focus the laser beam into the burner and not necessarily near the exit end116of the laser tube110. This could become desirable to achieve certain volume heating of the coal particles102by laser energy in a given burner geometry. Continuing withFIG.2, in an embodiment, the laser igniter17also includes an optional ignition tube130. The ignition tube130has open ends with one end132closer to the laser tube110. The ignition tube130is substantially concentric with and within the tube100and on substantially the same axis as the laser tube110, though it need not be. In an embodiment, the ignition tube130is located axially, downstream of the laser tube110in the flow of air and coal particles102. The coal particles102and airflow in the tube100are directed by flow directing devices118disposed on the tube100to enter the ignition tube130. In an embodiment, additional flow control devices, shown in this instance as118b, may also be disposed on an inner wall136within the ignition tube130. These flow directing device(s)s118bmay be utilized to further direct the flow of coal particles102and air as they flow through the ignition tube130concentrating the coal particles102at about a selected location within the ignition tube130. In an embodiment, the coal particles102are directed substantially to the center of the ignition tube130to ensure the particles102are targeted with, and absorb, as many photons from the laser as possible. In an embodiment, the collimated or focused photons are directed substantially to the center of the ignition tube130for concentration at a focal point of the photons. In an embodiment, it is desirable to achieve distribution of photons of the laser beam and coal particles102such that a controlled or selected amount of the coal particles102achieve critical ignition. The direction and ignition are controlled to ensure that the igniter17avoids the situations where too few coal particles102absorb much more laser energy than needed or, conversely, a condition where too many coal particles102absorb the laser energy, dividing it to such extent that too few coal particles102are ignited to achieve overall ignition and flame propagation. In an embodiment, this control is achieved by balancing the interplay between laser beam geometry as well as coal particle102distribution flowing in the laser beam. In an embodiment, it should be appreciated that the tube100and in embodiments employing it, whether including the optional ignition tube130or not, may be divided into multiple stages160of operation/ignition. It should also be appreciated that while several embodiments have been described as utilizing the optional ignition tube130, such description is for illustration. The described functionality and operation of the combustion system11and more specifically, laser ignitor17, may be implemented with or without the optional ignition tube130.FIG.3provides a diagrammatic depiction of the multistage ignition process as described in the embodiments herein and depicts the various stages of ignition and combustion, shown generally as160. In one embodiment, only the first stage of ignition, depicted as162, primarily requires laser photon absorption for the ignition of a small number of coal particles102via the direct absorption of photon energy. Downstream in the tube100, or ignition tube130, as depicted in the figure, in a second stage164, the combusting coal particles102generate flame, which seeds heating and ignition of more coal particles102that were not ignited in the first stage162, e.g., not yet ignited and directly enters the second ignition stage164. As a result, the subsequent ignition in the second stage164results in further expansion and propagation of the ignition and flame in and from the ignition tube130into the burner assembly14as all coal particles are ignited as depicted at166. Advantageously the described embodiments overcome the need for an intermediary heat-transfer-medium (like a plasma or a flame) to transfer energy to the coal particle. In the described embodiments, energy is directed to the coal particles102directly by the laser photons themselves. As the photons impinge on the coal particles102, they absorb the energy in the photons, heat up, and ignite. In some embodiments, to accelerate the ignition process, a preheating process may be employed. In one embodiment, the ignition tube130is preheated by allowing the laser photons to impinge on the inner wall136of the ignition tube130(in the absence of coal particles102and airflow) heating the ignition tube. In another embodiment, the ignition tube130is preheated by igniting the coal particles within the ignition tube130, which in turn heats the ignition tube130. This preheating makes ignition tube130hotter, preheats the coal particles102and air mixture, and thereby reduces the laser power required for igniting the coal particles102directly by photon-absorption. In another embodiment, to facilitate ignition, the primary air may also be preheated so that the temperature of the coal particles102are raised, making laser ignition easier and with less laser power needed to raise the temperature of the coal particles102beyond the ignition point. As a result, advantageously, it is expected that a laser igniter17, as described herein, is expected to require less laser power to ignite the coal burner14than in the case of existing plasma igniters. In yet another embodiment the laser ignition of the coal particles102may be further enhanced or facilitated by further airflow and directional control. In an embodiment, the air velocity coming out of the laser tube110can be slower than the velocity of air flowing through the surrounding burner and tube100. Under such conditions, a recirculation zone shown generally as163(e.g., an eddy in the flow) in the ignition stage162will be created in front of the laser tube110in the laser beam path. Coal particles102trapped in this recirculation zone163will pass/traverse the laser beam multiple times increasing their time spent in the laser beam and absorbing photons for heating. As a result, this recirculation will increase the probability of the coal particles102igniting and subsequently, these particles102further facilitating the ignition of the rest of the coal particles102in the burner. In one embodiment, the flow of the mixture of the coal particles102and air flow through the tube100can be slowed or lowered to a predetermined minimal allowed velocity in order to maximize the time that the mixture of coal and air are within the laser beam emitted from the laser tube110. In this manner, the mixture of coal and air can be irradiated longer in the recirculation zone and in the various stages of the ignition tube130. In another embodiment, the flow control devices118and the air flow velocity in the laser tube110and/or the tube100may be employed to control the recirculation zone163, and thereby the residence time of the coal particles102in the path of the laser light for initial ignition and then later, to stabilize the flame. In another embodiment, to facilitate laser ignitions, the coal particle102and/or airflow velocities may be controlled, in this instance, reduced. Reducing the velocities results in slowing down the coal particles102making them flow in the laser beam absorbing photons for a longer duration. Such an increase in residence time enables the coal particles to absorb more energy from the laser beam. Such an approach also may enable the utilization of lower power output, or even lower rating for the laser to ignite the coal particles102, thus reducing the cost. Another potential advantage of laser igniter17of the described embodiments over the plasma igniters is that energy input is directed only to coal particles102, which absorb the laser radiation and not air, which does not absorb the radiation. Thus, the initial ignition of coal particles102is achieved more efficiently as compared to other igniters like oil, gas, or plasma igniters, which end up heating the surrounding air medium also. Another advantage of the laser igniter17of the described embodiments is that, in oil, gas, or plasma igniters, the transfer heat energy to coal particles102is typically violent and turbulent. As a result, the turbulence disturbs the coal particle102flow making it difficult to simulate and design the initial ignition of coal particles102. Laser photons are absorbed by the coal particles102without disturbing the coal particle102and airflow, thus making it easier to simulate, design, and control the ignition of coal particles102in the coal-based combustion systems11. As a result, improved ignition properties for the igniter17can be designed and achieved. Turning now toFIG.4, in the described embodiments, the method400monitors the ignition in the combustion system11of the in a boiler system12. The method400initiates as depicted at process step410with providing fuel and air to the igniter17of a burner14. As described herein, the fuel may be pulverized coal in the form of coal particles102and air. In an embodiment, the coal particles102are sorted to be of a selected size desirable for ignition, as described herein. The method400continues with directing a first portion of the fuel and air mixture to a selected location within the tube100, as depicted at process step420. As depicted at process step430, optionally, directing a first part of the first portion of the fuel and air mixture to the ignition tube130. The method400continues with process step440and directing photons from a laser tube110to the selected location to ignite a least a part of the first portion of the fuel. In an optional embodiment, the selected location is within the ignition tube130. The selected location corresponds to a focal point for the photons as they are being directed from the laser tube110. At process step450, optionally, directing another portion of the first part of the first portion of the fuel and air mixture within the ignition tube130to facilitate the combustion of the fuel therein. The method400continues at process step460where the propagation of the flame in or through the burner14is controlled. Finally, as depicted at optional process step470, the method400may also include directing photons at the inner wall136of the ignition tube to facilitate heating of the ignition tube130and thereby ignition and combustion of the coal particles102therein. It should be appreciated that while various steps of the method400are depicted in a particular order, they need not be, and are described in such order merely to illustrate the examples of the embodiments. Some steps may readily be conducted in a different order. In addition to operational savings, the laser ignition system17of the described embodiments provide for capital cost savings, space savings, and energy savings compared to existing plasma igniters as well as simplified design and construction. In particular, with the control system disclosed herein, it is possible to implement closed-loop control of the laser igniter to precisely control fuel ignition and combustion for optimum performance of the burner. For example, in an embodiment, the ignition of the coal particles102may be controlled with mechanically movable electrically controlled flow directing devices118to control the flow to achieve ignition with one selected configuration and yet sustain it with another. Such a configuration for the laser igniter17once again improves operability and efficiency over existing as the laser igniter17as laser energy does not disturb the flow of coal particles102. In an embodiment, pressure and or temperatures sensors120(FIG.2) may be, but are not necessarily, utilized to monitor the ignition in the laser igniter17. While not necessary, utilization of such sensors120, expands the capability of the laser igniter17and overall combustion system11and may be employed throughout the system14and in particular in the tube100and ignition tube130. For example, pressure sensors120in the burner tube100may provide an indication when there is a sudden expansion of gases due to ignition. Such pressure changes could serve as an indication of initial ignition to facilitate ignition control in the igniter. Similarly, the thermocouples on the ignition stages, e.g.,162,164ensure that sustained combustion is being achieved due to the laser igniter17. Measured temperatures can be used to achieve controlled ignition and sustained combustion. For example, in an embodiment, the laser power could be maintained at high levels for a short duration to achieve the initial ignition of the coal particles102, and then gradually be reduced to achieve and sustain ignition. As a result, the average power required for the laser source150would be reduced, thus reducing the cost of the laser source150. The control unit200may include the necessary electronics, software, memory, storage, databases, firmware, logic/state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input/output interfaces to perform the functions described herein and to achieve the results described herein. For example, as previously mentioned, in an embodiment, the control unit200may be implemented as self-contained or modular components of the power generation system10include at least one processor or processing module (not shown) and system memory/data storage structures, which may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The processor of the module may include one or more conventional microprocessors, microcontrollers, and one or more supplementary co-processors such as math co-processors or the like. The data storage structures discussed herein may include an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, an optical disc such as a compact disc and/or a hard disk or drive. The control unit200may be implemented in the form of an integrated microcontroller where each of the functions may be integrated into a single package, ASIC, or FPGA as needed to interface with various sensors, control valves, modules, and the like to implement the functionality, processing, and communications described herein. Additionally, a software application that adapts the combustion system11and laser igniter17to perform the method400disclosed herein may be read into a main memory of the at least one processor from a computer-readable medium. Thus, the described embodiments may perform the methods disclosed herein in real-time. While in embodiments, the execution of sequences of instructions in the software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods/processes described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the described methods/processes. Therefore, embodiments, as described herein, are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software. The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, refers to any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions to the at least one processor of the control unit200(or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or opto-magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive (SSD), magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. In one embodiment, each of the sensors, e.g.,36, may be hard-wired to the control unit200. In another embodiment, a low powered communications interface may be employed. The communications interface interfaces with an interconnect/network, which interconnects components of the system10and one or more controllers such as control unit200. The network may be a mix of wired and wireless components and can leverage the communications networks, including an IP network. It should be understood that the interconnect/network may include wired components or wireless components, or a combination thereof. Such wired components may include regular network cables, optical fibers, electrical wires, or any other type of physical structure over which the sensors36, control valves30,66, control unit200, and other devices of the boiler system10can communicate. The network may include wireless components and may include radio links, optical links, magnetic links, sonic links, or any other type of wireless link over which the sensors, control valves30,66, and control unit200can communicate. In an embodiment, a wireless communications interface and a wireless network may be employed. For example, the communications interface may use various techniques, technologies, and protocols to facilitate the implementation of the described embodiments and are in no way limiting. For example, the communications interfaces and the network could be implemented as Ethernet, WiFi®, Bluetooth®, NFC, and the like. The network may be implemented employing a hub and spoke type construct or as a mesh network construct. In some embodiments, a wireless mesh network may be utilized to permit a plurality of sensors, control valves30,66deployed around a boiler12to communicate with each other, coordinate measurements, and pass data back to a control unit200. It should be appreciated that while the boiler12, and more specifically, laser ignition system17or control unit200may be described as implemented including various separated modules for the various components, such description is merely for illustration and example. In one or more embodiments, the functionality of all or some of the described components may readily be integrated or combined as needed. For instance, in an embodiment, the functionality of the sensors36, control valves30,66, processing module400, and communications interface/network and the like may be integrated into whole or part into a microcontroller, ASIC, FPGA, and the like. In an embodiment, described herein is a method of igniting fuel in a combustion burner. The method includes providing a flowing fuel and air mixture to an igniter in a fuel burner, directing a first portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture to a location in the burner, and directing photons from a laser at the location to ignite at least a part of the first portion of the fuel. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include controlling a propagation of a flame in or through the burner based at least in part on directing a flow of at least one of the first portion, the first part of the first portion, and a second portion of the fuel and air mixture. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include that the controlling is based at least in part on directing the second portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture to mix with the ignited at least a part of the first portion. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include directing the first portion of the fuel and air mixture to the selected location within an ignition tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include including directing a part of the first portion of the fuel and air mixture to a selected location within the ignition tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include preheating the ignition tube by directing photons from a laser at an interior wall of the ignition tube prior to the direction of the first portion of the fuel and air mixture. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include directing photons from a laser at the location in the ignition tube to ignite at least some of the fuel in the part of the first portion of the fuel. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include cooling the ignition tube by directing another portion of the fuel and air mixture along an outer wall of the ignition tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include that the directing is based on a flow control device configured to modify a direction of the flowing fuel and air in the tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include enhancing an intensity of photons directed to the location by at least one of collimating the photons with a collimator focusing the photons with a lens. Also described herein in another embodiment is a system igniting a coal air-fuel mixture. The system including a burner having a burner tube operable to carry a flowing mixture of fuel and air to a furnace for combustion therein, a first flow directing device disposed within the tube, the first flow directing device operable to direct a first portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture to a location in the burner tube, and a laser igniter within the burner tube. The laser igniter includes a laser tube, the laser tube having a first end with a laser light input and a second end with a light output, a laser light source operably coupled to the laser light input. Where the laser light source includes a laser, and the laser ignitor directs photons from the light output at the location in the burner tube to ignite at least a part of the first portion of the fuel. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include a second flow directing device disposed within the tube, the second flow directing device operable to direct a second portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture in the tube to control propagation of a flame in or through the burner. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the controlling of the propagation is based at least in part on directing the second portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture to mix with the ignited at least a part of the first portion. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include an ignition tube within the tube, the ignition tube substantially concentric with and axially downstream of the laser tube in the flowing mixture of fuel and air. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the first flow directing device directs first portion of the fuel and air mixture to a selected location within the ignition tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include a second flow directing device disposed within the ignition tube, the second flow directing device operable to direct at least a part of the first portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture to a location, and the laser ignitor directing photons from the light output at the location in the ignition tube to ignite the at least a part of the first portion of the fuel. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include a third flow directing device disposed within the tube, the third flow directing device operable to direct at least another portion of the flowing fuel and air mixture in the tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the third flow directing device operable to control a propagation of a flame in or through the burner based at least in part on directing a flow of at least one of the first portion, the first part of the first portion, and a second portion of the fuel and air mixture. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include at least one of a collimator for collimating the photons within the laser tube and a lens for focusing the photons at the location. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the laser light source is remote from the laser light input. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the laser beam formed by a combination of multiple laser beams. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include varying the intensity of the laser under selected conditions, such as spiking the laser intensity to a first level during initial ignition and lowering laser intensity thereafter to achieve stable ignition. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include different venturi designs configurable to vary the flow of coal particles and air in at least one of the tube and the ignition tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include slowing down the coal flow for initial ignition. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may pre-heating at least one of the ignition tube, the tube, the coal particles, and the air directed to the ignition tube. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include controlling the flow direction and laser power for initial ignition and then reverting to different configuration and laser power for a stable flame. As used herein, “electrical communication” or “electrically coupled” means that individual components are configured to communicate with one another through direct or indirect signaling by way of direct or indirect electrical connections. As used herein, “mechanically coupled” refers to any coupling method capable of supporting the necessary forces for transmitting torque between components. As used herein, “operatively coupled” refers to a connection, which may be direct or indirect. The connection is not necessarily being a mechanical attachment. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the described embodiments are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property. Additionally, while the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters associated with the described embodiments, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims. Such description may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art, and such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claim. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format are not intended to be interpreted as such, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. | 46,797 |
11859818 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The disclosed embodiments are directed toward cooling an aft end portion (e.g., downstream end portion) of a wall (e.g., a combustor liner) of a combustor of a gas turbine system. During operation of the gas turbine system, various components of the combustor are exposed to significant heat and thermal stress due to combustion reactions occurring within a combustion chamber inside the combustor. The combustion chamber is surrounded by the combustor liner, which may be cooled to help reduce thermal stress caused by the combustion reactions. More specifically, without sufficient cooling, the combustor liner may experience significant thermal stress at the aft end portion (e.g., the downstream end portion of the combustor liner closer to the turbine as the hot combustion products flow from the combustion chamber into the turbine). The turbine system may use a variety of cooling techniques to reduce the thermal stress in the combustor liner; however, certain cooling techniques have drawbacks. For example, the turbine system may utilize impingement cooling with an airflow from the compressor directed in a radial direction toward the combustor liner relative to a longitudinal axis of the combustor liner. Unfortunately, the impingement cooling may cause focused spots of cooling at impingement locations, and may not adequately cool other areas (e.g., hot spots) of the aft end portion of the combustor liner. For example, in some instances, the aft end of the combustor liner may be disposed within a front end of a transition piece of the combustor. Further, an interface between the aft end of the combustor liner and the front end of the transition piece may be occluded by a seal. Accordingly, the positioning of the combustor liner within the transition piece and the placement of the seal may cause airflow from the compressor to flow across the front end of the transition piece and not flow across the aft end of the combustor liner, which may result in adequate cooling of the aft end of the combustor liner. In some instances, the impingement cooling discussed above may be utilized at a front of the aft end of the combustor liner in an attempt to cool the aft end of the combustor liner. However, the impingement cooling may be ineffective in cooling a majority of the aft end of the combustor liner due to the focused cooling impingement locations at the front of the aft end of the combustor liner. Further, the turbine system may include a sleeve or liner configured to direct the airflow from the impingement cooling along the aft end portion of the combustor liner. The cooling performance of this sleeve may depend on contact between the sleeve and the combustor liner along a length of the sleeve (e.g., conductive heat transfer between the separate parts). Unfortunately, the sleeve may be coupled to the combustor liner only at discrete locations (e.g., an upstream end) of the sleeve. Over time, due to thermal stress, oxidation, etc., the sleeve may lose contact with the combustor liner (i.e., creating a gap and reduced conductive heat transfer), causing a decreased effectiveness of the cooling along the combustor liner. Accordingly, as discussed in further detail below, the disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for cooling the aft end portion of the combustor liner using one or more rows or layers of variable microchannels between inner and outer wall portions of the combustor liner. In certain embodiments, each row or layer may include one or more variable microchannels extending in a generally downstream direction along the combustor liner (i.e., downstream relative to the flow of hot combustion gases inside the combustion chamber), and the one or more variable microchannels in each layer may be spaced circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the combustor liner. In embodiments with multiple layers of the variable microchannels, the layers may be arranged one over another such as a first layer disposed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis at a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis, a second layer disposed circumferentially about the first layer at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis, a third layer disposed circumferentially about the second layer at a third radial distance from the longitudinal axis, and so forth. However, in certain embodiments, the variable microchannels may be disposed in a single row or layer, e.g., a plurality of variable microchannels spaced circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. For purposes of the following discussion, reference may be made to a variable microchannel row or layer; however, it should be understood that the variable microchannel row or layer may refer to any number of rows or layers of variable microchannels (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more). The variable microchannel layer is configured to direct a coolant (e.g., a cooling fluid) in an axial direction along the combustor liner relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustor liner. The cooling fluid may include a liquid or gas, such as an airflow extracted from the compressor. The combustor liner may further include an inlet guide (e.g., a ramp) disposed upstream of the variable microchannel layer, wherein the inlet guide is configured to direct the cooling fluid (e.g., airflow) in the axial direction toward and into an inlet of each microchannel in the variable microchannel layer. In this manner, the disclosed embodiments may effectively cool the aft end portion of the combustor liner without impingement cooling in the radial direction, thereby reducing the possibility of localized cooling spots and hot spots on the combustor liner. Indeed, as mentioned above, the position of the combustor liner within the transition piece and the position of the seal between the aft end of the combustor liner and the transition piece may prevent effective impingement cooling of the aft end of the transition piece. Accordingly, the inlet guide is positioned toward a front of the aft end of the transition piece to avoid impingement cooling, and to guide air axially along the aft end of the combustor liner for effective cooling along an entirety of the aft end of the combustor liner and further for prevention of thermal strains. In other words, the axial supply of the airflow provides for a more uniform distribution of the cooling airflow along the combustor liner, particularly as the cooling airflow enters each microchannel of the variable microchannel layer. The variable microchannel layer provides a plurality of microchannels spaced circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the combustor liner, each microchannel directing the airflow along the aft end portion of the combustor liner (e.g., in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the combustor liner). Each microchannel in the variable microchannel layer has a variable cross-section that progressively changes (e.g., decreases) in a cross-sectional area along a length of the microchannel toward the aft end of the combustor liner, thereby accelerating the cooling airflow along the aft end portion of the combustor liner, and increasing an amount of convective heat transfer from the combustor liner into the airflow along the aft end portion of the combustor liner. Further, the variable microchannel layer is directly coupled to (or integrally formed in) the combustor liner along all or most of a length of the variable microchannel layer, thereby helping to prevent loss of contact and conductive heat transfer between parts of the combustor liner. For example, the variable microchannel layer may be integrally formed in the combustor liner between the inner and outer wall portions of the combustor liner (e.g., a one-piece structure made via additive manufacturing, 3D printing, casting, machining, etc.). By further example, one or more microchannels of the variable microchannel layer may be disposed along a surface of the inner wall portion, the outer wall portion, or both the inner and wall portions, which are directly coupled together via brazing (e.g., using pre-sintered preforms [PSP's], welding, fasteners, or a combination thereof. For example, the inner wall portion and/or the outer wall portion of the combustor liner may be a PSP, which can be heated to cause bonding (e.g., brazing) at substantially all of the interface between the inner and outer wall portions except for the volume inside of the variable microchannels. Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a gas turbine system10. The gas turbine system10includes a compressor12, one or more turbine combustors14, and a turbine16. The turbine combustors14include fuel nozzles18, which route a fuel into the turbine combustors14from a fuel source20, such as a fuel skid. The fuel source20may supply a liquid fuel and/or a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas and/or syngas generated from a gasification system (e.g., a gasifier that produces syngas from a feedstock such as coal). The turbine combustors14ignite and combust the fuel with an oxidant, such as compressed air from the compressor12. The fuel nozzles18may premix the fuel and oxidant (e.g., a fuel-air mixture) prior to delivery into a combustion chamber26and/or the fuel nozzles18may separately deliver the fuel and oxidant into the combustion chamber26for a diffusion combustion. The fuel combusts with the oxidant in the combustion chamber26, thereby producing hot pressurized combustion gasses22(e.g., exhaust). An inner wall21of the combustor14extends circumferentially about the combustion chamber26and routes the combustion gasses22into the turbine16. For example, the inner wall21may include a combustor liner23and a transition piece25. The combustor liner23is a tubular structure disposed about the combustion chamber26of the combustor14, and thus is directly exposed to the combustion reaction occurring in the combustion chamber26. As a result, the combustor liner23is exposed to significant heat and can experience significant thermal stress from the combustion reaction occurring within the combustion chamber26. Accordingly, as discussed in further detail below, the combustor liner23may include one or more rows or layers of variable microchannels between inner and outer wall portions of the combustor liner and an inlet guide (e.g., a ramp) to guide a coolant (e.g., air) into inlets of the variable microchannels. The transition piece25may be described as a duct that transfers the hot combustion gases22from the combustion chamber26to the turbine16. Turbine blades within the turbine16are coupled to a shaft24of the gas turbine system10, which may also be coupled to several other components throughout the turbine system10. As the combustion gases22flow against and between the turbine blades of the turbine16, the turbine16is driven into rotation, which causes the shaft24to rotate. Eventually, the combustion gases22exit the turbine system10via an exhaust outlet28. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the shaft24is coupled to a load30, which is powered via the rotation of the shaft24. The load30may be any suitable device that generates power via the rotational output of the turbine system10, such as an electrical generator, a propeller of an airplane, or other load. The compressor12of the gas turbine system10includes compressor blades. The compressor blades within the compressor12are coupled to the shaft24, and will rotate as the shaft24is driven to rotate by the turbine16, as discussed above. As the compressor blades rotate within the compressor12, the compressor12compresses air (or any suitable oxidant) received from an air intake32to produce pressurized air34. The pressurized air34is then fed into the fuel nozzles18of the combustors14. As mentioned above, the fuel nozzles18deliver the pressurized air34and fuel into the combustion chamber26for combustion to drive rotation of the turbine16. Keeping this in mind,FIG.2is a cross-sectional schematic view of one of the combustors14of the gas turbine system10. In the following discussion, reference may be made to an axial direction or axis42(e.g., along a longitudinal axis13) of the combustor14, a radial direction or axis44extending radially away from the longitudinal axis13of the combustor14, and a circumferential direction or axis46extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis13of the combustor14. In some embodiments, due to the non-symmetrical shape of the combustor14, the longitudinal axis13(and the axial direction42) of the combustor14may be non-linear through the combustor14. Particularly, the longitudinal axis13(and the axial direction42) may be disposed coaxial to a flow of the combustion gases22through the combustor14. Reference may also be made to a downstream direction48and an upstream direction49relative the flow direction of the combustion gases22through the combustor14. As shown, each combustor12includes an outer wall (e.g., flow sleeve50) disposed circumferentially46about the inner wall21to define an intermediate flow passage or space54disposed between the flow sleeve50and the inner wall21. The inner wall21includes the combustor liner23and the transition piece25. The combustor liner23extends circumferentially46about the combustion chamber26. The transition piece25generally converges toward a first stage of the turbine16to direct combustion gases22toward the turbine16, as discussed above. The flow sleeve50may include a plurality of perforations60(e.g., air inlets), which direct an airflow62(e.g., the pressurized air34) from a compressor discharge64into the flow passage54. The airflow62flows along the outer surface of the inner wall21(e.g., the combustor liner23and/or the transition piece25) to convectively cool the inner wall21. Particularly, the flow passage54directs the airflow62in the upstream direction49(e.g., opposite to the downstream direction48) toward a head end70(e.g., the upstream end of the combustor14relative to the downstream direction48), such that the airflow62further cools the inner wall21before flowing through the fuel nozzles18, and into the combustion chamber26. As illustrated inFIG.2, an aft end portion80of the combustor liner23may be disposed radially44and circumferentially46within an upstream end82of the transition piece25. As discussed in detail below with reference toFIG.3, the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23includes fluid flow passages or channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) disposed between an inner wall portion89(e.g., on the hot side facing the combustion chamber26) and an outer wall portion91(e.g., on the cold side further away from the combustion chamber26) of the combustor liner23. The inner wall portion89is disposed circumferentially about the combustion chamber26, the outer wall portion91is disposed circumferentially about the inner wall portion89, and the channels90are spaced circumferentially about the longitudinal axis13radially between the inner and outer wall portions89and91and extend in the axial direction42. In certain embodiments, the inner and outer wall portions89and91are integral portions (e.g., layers89and91) of a one-piece structure101defining the combustor liner23. For example, the aft end portion80and/or the entire combustor liner23may be a single continuous piece of material (e.g., the one-piece structure101) with the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) integrally formed inside (i.e., between the inner and outer wall portions89and91). However, in some embodiments, the outer wall portion91may include a covering or tubular sleeve86attached to the aft end portion80of the combustion liner23(i.e., the inner wall portion89). For example, the covering86may be directly coupled to and disposed circumferentially46about the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23along substantially all or an entirety of an interface between the covering86and the combustor liner23. Particularly, as shown, the covering86is coupled to a cold side (e.g., external surface) of the combustor liner23, as opposed to a hot side (e.g., internal surface) of the combustor liner23, which may be exposed to the hot combustion gasses22in the combustion chamber26. The combustor14may further include a seal84(e.g., a hula seal) disposed radially44and circumferentially46between the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23and the upstream end82of the transition piece25. More specifically, the seal84is disposed directly radially44and circumferentially46between the outer wall portion91(e.g., the covering86) and the transition piece25, as shown. The channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) are configured to route a portion of the airflow62along an outer surface of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23in the downstream direction48for cooling purposes. For example, as shown, a first portion85of the airflow62may flow upstream49within the flow passage54towards the head end70of the combustor, and a second portion87of the airflow62may flow within the flow passage54and also be redirected to flow in the downstream direction48between the combustor liner23and the transition piece25. More specifically, the second portion87of the airflow62is directed to flow in a radial inward direction44and turn in the axial direction42from the upstream direction49to the downstream direction48into inlets into the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) to convectively cool the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23, as discussed in further detail below. FIG.3is a cut-away perspective view of the combustor liner23, illustrating a general position and scale of the aft end portion80having an inlet guide93and channels90between the inner and outer wall portions89and91.FIG.4is a partial cut-away perspective view of the combustor liner23ofFIG.3, taken within dashed line4-4, illustrating details of the aft end portion80. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the aft end portion80of the combustor liner90has an inlet guide93adjacent inlets92into the channels90. The inlet guide93extends circumferentially about the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. For example, the inlet guide93may include an opening95and a ramp121extending circumferentially (e.g., continuously or in two or more sections) about the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. The opening95and ramp121may be sized to provide a substantially uniform distribution of the airflow62along the aft end portion80adjacent and into the inlets82into the channels90. In other words, the opening95and ramp121are configured to sufficiently distribute the airflow62to avoid hot spots and cold spots along the aft end portion80, as opposed to colds spots attributed to impingement cooling through small impingement cooling holes in a sleeve over the opening85. Therefore, by excluding impingement cooling holes in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet guide93substantially improves the cooling and reduces thermal stress in the aft end portion80. Indeed, as discussed above, a supply of air in the radial direction44toward the combustor liner84from the flow passage54may provide localized cooling in the impingement locations of the air on the combustor liner84, and ineffectively cool other portions of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. Due to the generally open supply of the airflow62through the inlet guide93(e.g., opening95and ramp121), the airflow62effectively cools a greater amount (e.g., or an entirety) of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23in a more uniform manner. As illustrated inFIG.3, an axial length96of the aft end portion80is less than half of a total axial length97of the combustor liner23. For example, the axial length96may be less than or equal to approximately 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 percent of the total axial length97. However, the inlet guide93and channels90may be disposed along any portion of the combustor liner23. As illustrated inFIG.4, the aft end portion80has a plurality of the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) spaced apart from one another circumferentially46about the longitudinal axis13radially between the inner and outer wall portions89and91. Each channel90extends in the axial direction42, such that the plurality of channels90are parallel to one another and generally form a row of circumferentially spaced axial channels90. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of channels90are arranged in a common radial position or height, and thus may be considered a single row of the circumferentially spaced axial channels90. However, in some embodiments, the aft end portion80may include a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced axial channels90, each row being at a different radial position or height in the radial direction44. As noted above, the channels90are disposed radially between the inner and outer wall portions89and91, which may form a one-piece structure (i.e., integral portion of the combustor liner23) or separate pieces that are coupled together along an intermediate interface99. For example, in certain embodiments, the outer wall portion91may include a covering or tubular sleeve86, which couples to the inner wall portion89of the combustor liner23at all or substantially all of the interface99. In either embodiment, the channels90may be disposed in the inner wall portion89, in the outer wall portion91(e.g., the covering86), or a combination thereof. For example, the covering86may be directly coupled to an exterior, outer or external surface88of the combustor liner23(i.e., the interface99between the inner and outer wall portions89and91), wherein the external surface88is on a cold side of the combustor liner23facing away from the combustion chamber26(i.e., opposite from a hot side of the combustor liner23directly exposed to the combustion reaction). In the illustrated embodiment, the covering86includes the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) having inlets92disposed at an upstream end94of the covering86facing axially42in the upstream direction49. In this manner, impingement of the airflow62on the combustor liner23is avoided as the airflow62enters the covering86in the axial direction42. More specifically, the inlet guide93uses the opening95and ramp121to route the airflow62in a radial inward direction44and reverse the flow direction from the upstream direction49to the downstream direction48prior to entering the inlets92of the channels90. As discussed herein, the channels90may be microchannels configured to increase a flow of the airflow62along the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23(relative to larger-sized channels), thereby enhancing cooling effects of the airflow62. In some embodiments, the channels90may be defined by recessed surfaces or elongated grooves100disposed along the interface99, such as along an internal surface102of the covering86and/or the external surface88of the combustor liner23. In this way, the airflow62may be in direct contact with the external surface88of the combustor liner23as the airflow62travels within the channels90. Accordingly, the airflow62may convectively transfer heat away from the combustor liner23, thereby providing cooling to the combustor liner23. The channels90extend along a length106of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) and include outlets108disposed at a downstream end110of the outer wall portion91facing axially42in the downstream direction48. As discussed in further detail below, a cross-sectional area of each channel90varies (e.g., decreases) along the length106of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) in the downstream direction48from the inlet92toward the outlet98. In this manner, the airflow62accelerates through the channels90as the airflow62travels from the inlets92toward the outlets108along the length106of the outer wall portion91. Particularly, the acceleration of the airflow62along the length106of the outer wall portion91causes the airflow62to more effectively cool the aft end portion80along an entirety of the length106of the outer wall portion91. Indeed, the acceleration of a speed of the airflow86along the length106promotes an enhancement of a heat transfer coefficient between the airflow86and the combustor liner23towards the downstream end110of the combustor liner23. To illustrate,FIGS.5and6, which may now be discussed in parallel, show cutaway perspective views of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. More specifically,FIG.5shows the upstream end94of the aft end portion80, illustrating details of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) and channels90adjacent the inlet guide93.FIG.6shows the downstream end110of the aft end portion80, illustrating details of the channels90exiting between the inner and outer wall portions89and91. As shown inFIGS.5and6, each channel90(e.g., variable microchannel) may have a variable (e.g., decreasing) cross-section from the inlet92at the upstream end94to the outlet108at the downstream end110. For example, the inlets92of the channels90at the upstream end94of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) may have a larger cross-section relative to the outlets108of the channels90at the downstream end110of the outer wall portion91. The cross-sectional area of the channels90may vary (e.g., decrease) in a linear or non-linear manner from the inlet92to the outlet108of each channel90. In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional area of each outlet108may be approximately 50-75 percent, 55-70 percent, or 60 to 65 percent of the cross-sectional area of each inlet92, and the cross-sectional area of each channel90may vary (e.g., decrease) linearly or non-linearly from the inlet92to the outlet108. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of each outlet108may be less than or equal to approximately 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95 percent of the cross-sectional area of each inlet92. In certain embodiments with the channels90being microchannels, each microchannel90may have a cross-sectional area of less than or equal to approximately 0.01, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, 0.006, 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, or 0.002 square inches (or less than or equal to approximately 6.45, 5.8, 5.16, 4.51, 3.87, 3.22, 2.58, 1.94, or 1.29 square millimeters) at the inlet92, the outlet108, and therebetween. For example, in embodiments with the channels90being microchannels, each microchannel90may have a depth120(i.e., in the radial direction44) and a width117(i.e., in the circumferential direction46), wherein the depth120and width117are each less than or equal to approximately 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, or 0.03 inches (or less than or equal to approximately 2.54, 2.29, 2.03, 1.78, 1.52, 1.27, 1.02, or 0.76 millimeters) at the inlet92, the outlet108, and therebetween. The depth120and/or width117may vary (e.g., decrease) linearly or non-linearly from the inlet92to the outlet108of each channel90. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the depth120and width117of each microchannel90may be substantially equal to one another or within approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 percent of one another at any particular position along the channel90, such as at the inlet92, the outlet108, and/or a position therebetween. For example, the depth120may be at least 60, 70, 80, 80, or 100 percent of the width117of each microchannel90at any position along the channel90, such as at the inlet92, the outlet108, and/or a position therebetween. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the depth120relative to the width117may be equal or vary from the inlet92to the outlet108. For example, the width117may be equal from the inlet92to the outlet108, while the depth120may vary (e.g., decrease) from the inlet92to the outlet108. By further example, the depth120may be equal from the inlet92to the outlet108, while the width117may vary (e.g., decrease) from the inlet92to the outlet108. In operation, the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) improve heat transfer by more closely spacing the channels90and increasing a flow speed of the airflow62through the channels90relative to larger-sized channels. Indeed, as channels90may be microchannels90, a peak-to-peak distance119between each of the channels90may be relatively small, such as less than or equal to approximately 0.1, 0.15, or 0.2 inches (or less than or equal to approximately 2.54, 3.81, or 5.08 millimeters). Further, as discussed above, the airflow62may enter the inlet92in the axial direction42. To this end, the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23may include the inlet guide93with the opening95and the ramp121(e.g., an angled surface) disposed upstream49of the inlets92of the channels90. For example, the ramp121may be defined by an outer diameter of the combustor liner23decreasing in the radial direction42(e.g., toward the flow of combustion gases22within the combustor14). In other words, the ramp121may include an angled surface that is angled radially44toward an interior of the combustor liner23. For example, an angle113of the ramp121may be less than or equal to approximately 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees relative to an interior or inner surface115of the combustor liner23. Furthermore, the ramp121may be a transition between a first thickness124and a second thickness125of the combustor liner23. As shown, the first thickness124is greater in distance than the second thickness125. In some embodiments, an elevation change123of the ramp121(e.g., a difference between the first thickness124and the second thickness125) may be approximately equal to the depth120of the inlet92to provide for a smooth transition of the airflow62into the inlet92. The ramp121may be substantially smooth, such that a first portion127of the combustor liner23having the first thickness124, a second portion129of the combustor liner23having the ramp121, and a third portion131of the combustor liner23having the second thickness125may collectively be curvilinear and not include any sharp edges or abrupt changes in geometry. In some embodiments, the first portion127, the second portion129, and/or the third portion129may not include any surfaces oriented substantially parallel to the radial direction44. In some embodiments, transitions between the first portion127, the second portion129, and/or the third portion131may include one or more corners having an interior angle greater than 90 degrees. Generally, the opening95and the ramp121of the inlet guide93help to more uniformly distribute the airflow62along the surface of the aft end portion80adjacent and into the inlets92of the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels). In other words, unlike impingement cooling holes if used in this area, inlet guide93does not create cold spots and hot spots on the surface of the aft end portion80adjacent the inlets92, and the inlet guide93helps to avoid a substantial pressure drop upstream of the inlets92. Furthermore, the inlet guide93helps to direct the airflow63toward the inlets92in the axial direction42. In this manner, the inlet guide93helps to improve heat transfer from the combustor liner23to the airflow62along an increased area of the aft end portion80. As discussed above in reference toFIGS.3and4, in certain embodiments, the channels90may be disposed along the interface99between the external surface88of the combustor liner88and the internal surface102of the covering86. For example, the channels90may include grooves100recessed into the external surface88of the combustor liner88and/or recessed into the internal surface102of the covering86. In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS.5and6, the channels90are defined by a space disposed between the grooves100recessed into the internal surface102of the covering86and the external surface88of the combustor liner23. Moreover, the covering86may be directly coupled via a mechanical and thermally conductive bond103(e.g., a brazed connection) to the external surface88at a plurality of protrusions122of the covering86. Particularly, the direct coupling between the protrusions122and the covering provides an air-tight seal between edges of the channels90, thereby blocking the airflow62from traveling to locations disposed radially44between the protrusions122and the external surface88of the combustor liner23. Indeed, as discussed below, the covering86may be mechanically and conductively bonded (e.g., brazed with a thermally conductive braze material—bond103) to the combustor liner23along an entire length and width (e.g., an entire surface area) of each of the plurality of protrusions122extending between the upstream end94and the downstream end110of the covering86. In this manner, the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23conductively transfers heat from the combustor liner23, across the interface99into the protrusions122, and into the remainder of the covering86along an entire length of the covering86. However, in some embodiments, the covering86may be mechanically and conductively bonded (e.g., brazed with a thermally conductive braze material—bond103) to the combustor liner23along at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, or 100 percent of the length of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) and/or the surface area of the protrusions122contacting the inner wall portion89. FIG.7is a partial perspective view of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23, illustrating the outlets108of the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) at the interface99of the inner wall portion89and the outer wall portion91(e.g., the covering86). As shown, the inner wall portion89of the combustor liner23includes a liner base material or base layer126, a bond coat or layer128, and a thermal barrier coating (TBC) or layer130, wherein the layers126,128, and130extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis13and the combustion chamber26. The TBC130may include metal and/or ceramic materials and is configured to thermally insulate components (e.g., the liner base material126) of the combustor14from hot gases, such as those produced in the combustion chamber26within the combustor liner23. The TBC130may be coupled to the liner base material126via the bond coat128, as shown. The bond coat128provides adhesion between the liner base material126and the TBC130. The bond coat128may also be corrosion resistant and provide additional insulation between the liner base material126and the gases produced in the combustion chamber126. In some embodiments, the bond coat128may be formed of MCrAlY (e.g., where M=Nickel and/or Cobalt, Cr=Chromium, Al=Aluminum, and Y=Yttrium). The liner base material126may also be formed of a thermal resistant metallic alloy and/or ceramic. In certain embodiments, the inner and outer wall portions89and91are directly coupled together along the interface99, wherein the channels90(and thus the grooves100) may be formed in the inner wall portion89, the outer wall portion91(e.g., the covering86), or a combination thereof. For example, the inner and outer wall portions89and91may be directly coupled together along an entirety of a surface area of the protrusions122contacting and bonded to the external surface88(e.g., bond103). In the illustrated embodiment, the covering86is directly coupled to the external surface88of the combustor liner23(e.g., the external surface88of the liner base material126). The covering86may be formed of a pre-sintered preform (PSP) material, which may exhibit a low degree of shrinkage. Indeed, the covering86may be a sintered metallurgy product that includes brazing materials (e.g., materials suitable for brazing) and superalloy materials (e.g., a blend of metals capable of withstanding high temperatures, stress, and highly oxidizing atmospheres). The internal surface102of the covering86may be defined by the grooves100and the protrusions122, wherein the grooves100and protrusions122each extend in the axial direction42and are circumferentially spaced apart from one another (e.g., parallel grooves100interspaced with parallel protrusions122). The covering86may be directly coupled to the external surface88of the liner base material126via the protrusions122. At the interface99, the internal surface102of the outer wall portion91(e.g., along the protrusions122of the covering86) and the external surface88of the inner wall portion89may be contoured to substantially match one another to eliminate any potential gaps therebetween. In some embodiments, an outer surface136of the protrusions122may be substantially flat, or may be slightly curved, such as to accommodate the curved external surface88of the liner base material126. In some embodiments, as discussed in further detail below, the internal surface102of the covering86may be substantially flat or smooth, and the external surface88of the combustor liner23may include the grooves100. The outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) may be coupled to the inner wall portion89(e.g., along the external surface88of the combustor liner23) via a brazing process (e.g., a diffusion brazing process or vacuum brazing process). Indeed, as discussed above, the covering86may include brazing materials, which liquify in response to sufficient heat applied to the covering86, fill the space along the interface99except for the channels90, and then subsequently solidify to fixedly couple the covering86to the external surface88of the combustor liner23. Accordingly, the brazing materials create a brazed bond (e.g., a mechanical and thermally conductive bond103) between the covering86and the external surface88of the combustor liner23. In certain embodiments, the braze material may be supplied independent from the covering86, such as with a separate layer or insert that fits along the interface99and/or along the external surface88of the combustor liner23. As discussed above, the covering86may be brazed to the combustor liner23along an entirety, or most, of the length106of the covering86. FIG.8is a cutaway perspective view of a sheet140of the covering86, which may be wrapped around and coupled to the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. The sheet140has the length106, a width142, and a thickness143. The length106may be approximately 2 to 24, 3 to 20, or 4 to 12 inches (e.g., 5.1 to 61, 7.6 to 50.8, 10.2 to 30.5 centimeters), or any other suitable distance that is substantially equal to an axial42distance of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. In this manner, the covering86may substantially cover an entirety of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the length106may be greater or lesser than the axial42distance of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. The width142may be less than, greater than, or equal to a circumference of the aft end portion80. For example, the covering86may be segmented into any number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) of sheets140that are circumferentially spaced and joined together around an entirety of the circumference of the aft end portion80. In one embodiment, the covering86is formed by two sheets140, each extending circumferentially about approximately ½ of the circumference of the aft end portion80. However, in some embodiments, a single sheet140may be used to form the covering86. For example, the width142of the sheet140may be manufactured to substantially match the perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the combustor liner23. In such an embodiment, the sheet140is wrapped around and pulled together, such that opposite ends104abut one another and are coupled together. The thickness143of the sheet140may be approximately 0.05 to 0.2, 0.075 to 0.15, or 0.08 to 0.1 inches (or approximately 1.27 to 5.08, 1.91 to 3.81, or 2.03 to 2.54 millimeters). However, it is to be understood that the sheet140may include any suitable thickness143such that the sheet is flexible and is sufficiently thick as to accommodate the dimensions of the grooves100, as discussed herein. In certain embodiments, the maximum depth120of each groove100(or microchannel90) is at least approximately 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 percent of the thickness143of the sheet140. The thickness143may be uniform or variable (e.g., decreasing) in the downstream direction48, and the thickness143may be uniform in the circumferential direction46. As shown, the sheets140may include the grooves100(e.g., variable microchannels90) disposed substantially parallel to the length106. However, it is to be understood that in some embodiments, the grooves100(e.g., variable microchannels90) may be angled (e.g., spiraled), relative to the length106. Further, as discussed below, in some embodiments, the sheet140may be substantially smooth on the internal surface102and may not include the grooves100, while the grooves100are disposed instead on the exterior surface88of the combustor liner23. In some embodiments, each sheet140of covering23may be a flexible material configured to be wrapped about the perimeter of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. Indeed, in some embodiments, each sheet140may be manufactured as substantially flat, such that the length106dimension and the width142dimension may both be disposed within the same plane. Each sheet140may be flexed or deformed to conform to the curvature of the combustor liner23. In this manner, the sheets140may be applied to many differently sized/shaped combustor liners23to form the covering86. Keeping this in mind,FIG.9is a cutaway perspective view of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23, illustrating the inner wall portion89without the outer wall portion91(e.g., the covering86). As shown, the external surface88of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner80may include the inlet guide93having the ramp121and a substantially smooth portion150disposed downstream48of the ramp121. Particularly, the smooth portion150may extend substantially linearly in the axial direction42and curved in the circumferential direction46. For example, the smooth portion150may be described as devoid of any sudden changes (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) in the external surface. As discussed above, the covering86may be coupled (e.g., via brazing) to the smooth portion150of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. In some embodiments, the combustor liner23may be originally manufactured (i.e., original part—new and unused) to include the smooth portion150and/or the ramp121. A thickness (e.g., measured in the radial direction44) of the smooth portion150of the combustor liner23may be approximately 0.04 to 0.2, 0.05 to 0.15, or 0.06 to 0.08 inches (or approximately 1.02 to 5.08, 1.27 to 3.81, or 1.52 to 2.03 millimeters), wherein the thickness may be substantially uniform along the length of the aft end portion80adjacent the ramp121. In some embodiments, however, a combustor liner23may be modified (e.g., retrofit) to include the smooth portion150and/or the ramp121, followed by attachment of the covering86. For example,FIG.10is a cutaway perspective view of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23without the covering86and having additional geometry, such as ridges152and a fillet154. That is, the illustrated combustor liner23may be manufactured to include the ridges152and the fillet154downstream of impingement cooling orifices (i.e., impinging a cooling airflow radially inward) for a particular gas turbine engine design. However, at a later time, the combustor liner23may be modified (e.g., retrofit by machining) to incorporate the inlet guide93(e.g., ramp121and opening95) by removing the fillet154and forming the ramp121and removing the impingement cooling orifices and forming the opening95, and to incorporate the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) in the covering86by first removing the ridges152such that the external surface88of the combustor liner23is substantially smooth (e.g., similar to the smooth portion150ofFIG.9). Generally, it should be noted that the combustor liner23may be processed (e.g., machined) to remove any additional geometry that may be present, and to form the ramp121and the smooth portion150. In this way, the covering86may be retrofitted to fit combustor liner23, thereby adding the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) downstream from the inlet guide93(e.g., ramp121and opening95). Although not yet incorporated into the combustor liner23ofFIG.10, reference numbers93and121are included to illustrate the location for the modifications of the aft end portion80, i.e., adding the inlet guide93with the ramp121. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the internal surface102of the covering86may be substantially smooth or flat (e.g., no grooves100and protrusions122), and the external surface88of the combustor liner23may include the grooves100and protrusions122. For example,FIG.11is a cutaway perspective view of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23, illustrating the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) between the inner wall portion89and the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) with the channels90disposed in the inner wall portion89.FIG.12is a partial cutaway perspective view of the aft end portion80at the inlet guide93, taken within line12-12ofFIG.11, further illustrating details of the inlet guide93and the channels90at the upstream end94of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86). With reference toFIGS.11and12, the illustrated embodiment of the combustor liner23has the channels90(e.g., variable microchannels) defined by the internal surface102of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86) and the grooves100recessed into the external surface88of the combustor liner23. Indeed, the external surface88of the combustor liner23may also include the protrusions122separating the grooves100. The grooves100and the protrusions122may have the same or substantially the same characteristics as described in detail above, for example, with reference toFIGS.3-7, but relocated to the inner wall portion89rather than the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86). However, as discussed below, the ramp121of the inlet guide93may be at least partially incorporated into the upstream ends of the channels90. The internal surface102of the covering86is substantially smooth and is directly coupled to the protrusions122of the combustor liner23along the length106of the covering86. Specifically, the direct coupling (e.g., a brazed connection) of the covering86to the protrusions122along the length106of the covering86serves to confine gases (e.g., the airflow62) to flow within the channels90and occludes gases from flowing within an interface between the covering86and the protrusions122. In other words, an air-tight seal between edges of the channels90is provided, thereby preventing the airflow62from traveling to locations disposed radially44between the protrusions122and the combustor liner23. In this manner, oxidation and/or corrosion of the top surfaces is avoided, thereby maintaining the connection between the covering86and the combustor liner23along the length106of the covering86. The combustor liner23may include the ramp(s)121disposed upstream49of the inlets92of the channels90. Spatial and geometric relationships between the ramp121, the first thickness124, the second thickness125, the first portion127, the second portion129, and the third portion131of the combustor liner23may be the same as described above in reference toFIG.4. Further, as discussed above, the elevation change123of the ramp121(e.g., a difference between the first thickness124and the second thickness125) may be approximately equal to the depth120of the inlet92to provide for a smooth transition of the airflow62into the inlet92. In the current embodiment, each channel90may include a respective ramp121(e.g., a separate portion of the ramp121) disposed upstream49of the channel90, as shown. In other words, the ramps121may be separated in the circumferential direction46. In some embodiments, however, the combustor liner23may include a ramp121that extends continuously and circumferentially46along the external surface88of the combustor liner23. Also, as described above in reference toFIGS.3-7, the cross-sectional area, width119, and/or depth120of the channels90may vary (e.g., decrease) along the length106of the combustor liner23from the upstream end94to the downstream end110of the outer wall portion91(e.g., covering86). Indeed, as discussed above, the decrease in cross-sectional area of the channels90accelerates the airflow62along the length106of the covering86to promote heat transfer along the length106of the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. To further illustrate,FIG.13is a schematic axial view of the inlet92of the channel90andFIG.14is a schematic axial view of the outlet108of the channel90.FIGS.13and14may now be discussed in parallel. As shown, the channel90may include a rectilinear or rectangular portion160and a curved or arcuate portion162. In some embodiments, the curved portion162may be a semicircle having a radius164substantially equal to half of a width117of the channel90. In this manner, a transition164between the rectilinear portion160and the curved portion162may be substantially round (e.g., does not include corners) to provide for improved fluid flow and reduced stress. The radius164and the width117each may be uniform or variable (e.g., decreasing in a linear or non-linear manner) from the inlet92to the outlet108. In certain embodiments, the radius164may be approximately half of the width117, which may be less than or equal to approximately 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, or 0.03 inches (or less than or equal to approximately 2.54, 2.29, 2.03, 1.78, 1.52, 1.27, 1.02, or 0.76 millimeters) at the inlet92, the outlet108, and therebetween. Furthermore, the radius164and/or the width117may vary (e.g., decrease in a linear or non-linear manner) by an amount at least equal to or greater than approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90, percent from the inlet92to the outlet108. Additionally, as discussed above, the channel90may vary (e.g., decrease in a linear or non-linear manner) in depth120from the inlet94to the outlet108. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS.13and14, the depth120of the channel90is equal to the sum of a first height168of the curved portion162(which may be equal to the radius164) and a second height170of the rectilinear portion160. As the depth120varies (e.g., decreases) from the inlet94to the outlet108, the first height168may remain constant while the second height170decreases, the first height168may decrease while the second height170remains constant, or the first height168and the second height170may both vary (e.g., decrease). Furthermore, as the depth120varies, the radius164and/or the width117may also vary (e.g., decrease) along the channel90from the inlet92to the outlet108. In embodiments with a constant radius164, width117, and/or first height168, the geometry (e.g., semi-circular shape) of the curved portion162may be maintained along the entire length of the channel90. In certain embodiments, as discussed above, the ratio of the first height168relative to the second height170of the depth120may be constant or variable (e.g., increasing or decreasing) along the length of the channel90. Furthermore, the ratio of the depth120relative to the width117may be variable (e.g., increasing or decreasing) along the length of the channel90. As discussed above, the depth120may be less than or equal to approximately 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, or 0.03 inches (or less than or equal to approximately 2.54, 2.29, 2.03, 1.78, 1.52, 1.27, 1.02, or 0.76 millimeters) at the inlet92, the outlet108, and therebetween. Overall, each channel90(e.g., variable microchannel) may change in cross-sectional area, geometry (e.g., rectilinear and curved portions160and162), width117, and height120along the length of the channel90from the inlet92to the outlet108by a suitable amount to increase convective heat transfer for cooling the aft end portion80of the combustor liner23. Technical effects of the invention include a system and method for providing microchannels at an aft end of a combustor liner for cooling purposes. For example, the disclosed embodiments include microchannels defined by spaces disposed between the combustor liner and a covering disposed about an aft end of the combustor liner. The combustor liner further includes an inlet guide (e.g., ramp and opening) disposed upstream of the microchannels configured to guide an airflow toward the microchannels in an axial direction. In this manner, impingement cooling on the surface of the combustor liner is avoided, and cooling along a length of the aft end of the combustor liner is improved. Further, the covering is directly coupled to combustor liner along a length of the combustor liner, thereby ensuring an airtight seal along the microchannels and preventing an airflow from seeping into an interface between the combustor liner and the covering. In this way, oxidation/corrosion of the interface between the combustor liner and the covering is avoided, thereby enhancing a cooling effectiveness of the airflow as it flows within the channels. Further still, a cross-sectional area of the microchannels may decrease from an inlet to an outlet of the channels, relative to the direction of the airflow. In this manner, the airflow is accelerated as it travels from the inlet to the outlet, thereby enhancing the cooling effectiveness of the airflow. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. | 55,152 |
11859819 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “forward” and “aft” refer to relative positions within a turbomachine engine or vehicle, and refer to the normal operational attitude of the turbomachine engine or vehicle. For example, with regard to a gas turbine engine, forward refers to a position closer to an engine inlet and aft refers to a position closer to an engine nozzle or exhaust. The terms “outer” and “inner” refer to relative positions within a turbomachine engine, from a centerline axis of the engine. For example, outer refers to a position further from the centerline axis and inner refers to a position closer to the centerline axis. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. This disclosure and various embodiments relate to a turbomachine engine, also referred to as a gas turbine engine, a turboprop engine, or a turbomachine. These turbomachine engines can be applied across various technologies and industries. Various embodiments may be described herein in the context of aeronautical engines and aircraft machinery. In some instances, a turbomachine engine is configured as a direct drive engine. In other instances, a turbomachine engine can be configured as a geared engine with a gearbox. In some instances, a propulsor of a turbomachine engine can be a fan encased within a fan case and/or nacelle. This type of turbomachine engine can be referred to as “a ducted engine.” In other instances, a propulsor of a turbomachine engine can be exposed (e.g., not within a fan case or a nacelle). This type of turbomachine engine can be referred to as “an open rotor engine” or an “unducted engine.” The use of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) is desirable in combustor design, since CMC materials have far higher heat capacity than metal. Though some combustor designs have utilized CMC for portions of the combustor, these still rely on metal for the dome and other combustor components. The advantages of an all-CMC design are reduced cooling, weight reduction, and shorter combustor length, due to replacement of the heavier metal components and simplified internal design. Compared to partial-CMC combustor designs, an all-CMC design also potentially provides improved airflow control by eliminating attachment gaps between the dome and the liners, reduced weight by eliminating additional deflectors, and reduced cooling on the dome. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an all-CMC design for the dome and the liners of a combustor in a turbomachine engine. The design includes specialized mounting hardware design to prevent damage from direct metal-on-CMC contact between the support structure of the engine and the CMC dome and liners, as well as provides flexibility and maintains separation and position of the CMC components relative to each other during heat-induced expansion of the surrounding metallic engine and combustor components. FIG.1shows an example of a turbomachine engine100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Types of such engines include turboprops, turbofans, turbomachines, and turbojets. The turbomachine engine100is covered by a protective cowl105, so that the only component visible in this exterior view is a fan assembly110. A nozzle, not shown inFIG.1, also protrudes from the aft end of the turbomachine engine100beyond the protective cowl105. FIG.2shows a schematic, cross-sectional view taken along line2-2of the turbomachine engine100shown inFIG.1, which may incorporate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the turbomachine engine100is a two-spool turbomachine that includes a high-speed system and a low-speed system, both of which are partially covered by the protective cowl105. The low-speed system of the turbomachine engine100includes the fan assembly110, a low-pressure compressor210(also referred to as a booster), and a low-pressure turbine215, all of which are connected by a low-speed shaft (not shown inFIG.2) that extends along the centerline axis220of the turbomachine engine100. The fan assembly110, the low-pressure compressor210, and the low-pressure turbine215all rotate in unison about the centerline axis220. The high-speed system of the turbomachine engine100includes a high-pressure compressor225, a combustor230, and a high-pressure turbine235, all of which are connected by a high-speed shaft (not shown inFIG.2) that extends along the centerline axis220of the turbomachine engine100. The high-pressure compressor225and the high-pressure turbine235rotate in unison about the centerline axis220, at a different rotational speed than the rotation of the low-pressure components (and in some embodiments, at a higher rotational speed, and/or a counter-rotating direction, relative to the low-pressure system). The components of the low-pressure system and the high pressure system are positioned so that a portion of the air intake by the turbomachine engine100flows through the turbomachine engine100from fore to aft through the fan assembly110, the low-pressure compressor210, the high-pressure compressor225, the combustor230, the high-pressure turbine235, and the low-pressure turbine215. Another portion of the air intake by the turbomachine engine100bypasses the low-pressure system and the high-pressure system, and flows from fore to aft along arrow240. The combustor230is located between the high-pressure compressor225and the high-pressure turbine235. The combustor230can include one or more configurations for receiving a mixture of fuel from a fuel system (not shown inFIG.2) and air from the high-pressure compressor225. This mixture is ignited, creating hot combustion gases that flow from fore to aft through the high-pressure turbine235, which provides a torque to rotate the high-pressure shaft and thereby rotate the high-pressure compressor225. After exiting the high-pressure turbine, the combustion gases continue to flow from fore to aft through the low-pressure turbine215, which provides a torque to rotate the low-pressure shaft and thereby rotate the low-pressure compressor210and the fan assembly110. In other words, the forward stages of the turbomachine engine100, namely, the fan assembly110, the low-pressure compressor210, and the high-pressure compressor225, all prepare the intake air for ignition. The forward stages all require power in order to rotate. The rear stages of the turbomachine engine100, namely, the combustor230, the high-pressure turbine235, and the low-pressure turbine215, provide that requisite power, by igniting the compressed air and using the resulting hot combustion gases to rotate the low-pressure and the high-pressure shafts (also referred to as rotors). In this manner, the rear stages use air to physically drive the front stages, and the front stages are driven to provide air to the rear stages. As the exhaust gas exits out the aft end of the rear stages, the exhaust gas reaches the nozzle at the aft end of the turbomachine engine100(not shown inFIG.2). When the exhaust passes over the nozzle, and combines with the bypassed air, an exhaust force is created that is the thrust generated by the turbomachine engine100. FIG.3shows a schematic, cross-sectional view taken along line3-3of the combustor230of the turbomachine engine100shown inFIG.2. The combustor230has axial symmetry about the centerline axis220, with an annular ring of fuel nozzles305spaced along the circumference and facing in the aft direction. Compressed air310from the front stages of the turbomachine engine100flows into the combustor and mixes in a combustion chamber315with fuel from the fuel nozzles305. The fuel-air mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber315to produce a steady flow of combustion gases320that enter the turbines in the rear stages (not shown inFIG.4). FIG.4shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of the combustion chamber315taken along line4-4of the combustor230shown inFIG.3. The combustion chamber315is an annular open space around the centerline axis220, that is defined at the forward end by a dome405, which supports and positions the fuel nozzle305, as well as an outer liner410and an inner liner415on the outer and inner annular surfaces, respectively. The outer liner410and the inner liner415are coaxial cylinders around the centerline axis220(not shown inFIG.4), the outer liner410being spaced radially from the inner liner415. The dome405forms an annular wall oriented perpendicular to and coaxial with the centerline axis220, with orifices spaced along the circumference to receive each fuel nozzle305. Because of its proximity to the combustion chamber, hot gases, and the extreme temperatures produced therein, the dome must be configured to withstand a harsh environment. The combustion chamber315is open in the aft direction, to allow combustion gases to flow towards the high-pressure turbine235(not shown inFIG.4). The outer liner410and the inner liner415have a cylindrical shape with rotational symmetry around the centerline axis220(not shown inFIG.4), the outer liner410having a radius greater than that of the inner liner415. Both the outer liner410and the inner liner415extend in the aft direction along the centerline axis220. In the example ofFIG.4, the dome405, the outer liner410, and the inner liner415are all made of metal. Accordingly, the dome405and the outer liner410are coupled together at an outer flange417of the dome405with an outer array420of fasteners, and the dome405and the inner liner415are coupled together at an inner flange418of the dome405with an inner array425of fasteners. These fasteners may include one or more of pins, bolts, nuts, nut plates, screws, and any other suitable fasteners. The outer array420and the inner array425also serve to couple the dome405, the outer liner410, and the inner liner415to a combustor case430of the combustor230. Note that, in this example, since the dome405, the outer liner410, and the inner liner415are all made of metal, the fasteners couple directly to these components. The combustor case430defines an inlet435for compressed air to flow from the high-pressure compressor225(not shown inFIG.4, along arrow440) and into the combustion chamber315around the fuel nozzle305. The air also flows into the combustion chamber315through airflow holes (not shown inFIG.4) in the outer liner410(e.g., along arrow445) and the inner liner415(e.g., along arrow447). In addition, one or more heat shields and/or deflectors (not shown inFIG.4) may also be provided on the dome405to help protect the dome405from the heat of the combustion gases. In addition, the combustor case430supports the dome405with a mounting arm455that connects to a structural cowl mount450, which has an annular symmetry about the centerline axis220, forming an aft-facing channel to receive the dome405, and having a forward-facing aperture to receive the fuel nozzle305. The structural cowl mount450is coupled directly to the outer flange417and the inner flange418of the dome405by the outer array420of fasteners and the inner array425of fasteners, respectively. In some embodiments, non-traditional non-metallic high temperature materials, such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), may be used for various components within turbomachine engines. Because CMC materials can withstand relatively extreme temperatures, there is particular interest in replacing components within the flow path of the combustion gases with CMC materials. For example, combustor liners and the dome have surfaces and/or features exposed to or within the flow path of the combustion gases. Constructing a dome, inner liner, and outer liner from CMC materials would be beneficial, for example, by reducing weight due to the replacement of metallic components with CMC shells, using reduced cooling on the liners due to the higher material capability, and a shorter combustor configuration since the dome could be constructed with a single wall rather than a multi-wall construction. Furthermore, an all-CMC construction of all three pieces (dome, outer liner, and inner liner) also provides advantages over solutions with CMC liners and metallic domes, such as described in U.S. Patent Publication 2017/0370583, which is incorporated herein by reference. These advantages potentially include improved airflow control in attachment gaps between the dome and the liners, reduced weight of the dome and elimination of deflectors needed to shield the dome from extreme temperatures, engine length due to single-wall dome construction, and reduced cooling on the dome due to higher material capability. CMC components cannot, however, be coupled directly to metal components, since the expansion under high temperatures of the coupled metal components can cause the coupled CMC components to crack. Accordingly, the mounting hardware for CMC components must allow the CMC components to maintain their relative position without coming into direct contact with metal. Examples of CMC materials utilized for such components may include silicon carbide, silicon, silica, or alumina matrix materials and combinations thereof. Ceramic fibers may be embedded within the matrix, such as oxidation stable reinforcing fibers including monofilaments such as sapphire and silicon carbide, e.g. SCS-6™ (Textron, Providence, Rhode Island, United States), as well as rovings and yam including silicon carbide, e.g. NICALON® (Nippon Carbon, Tokyo, Japan), TYRANNO® (Ube Industries, Tokyo, Japan), and SYLRAMIC® (Dow Corning, Midland, Michigan, United States), alumina silicates, e.g. Nextel® 440 and 480 (3M, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States), chopped whiskers and fibers, e.g. SAFFIL® (Unifrax, Tonawanda, New York, United States), ceramic particles (e.g., oxides of Si, Al, Zr, Y, and combinations thereof) and inorganic fillers (e.g., pyrophyllite, wollastonite, mica, talc, kyanite, and montmorillonite). As further examples, the CMC materials may also include silicon carbide (SiC) or carbon fiber cloth. FIG.5schematically illustrates a combustor500of some embodiments, in which a dome505, an outer liner510, and an inner liner515are all made of CMC materials. In this example, a mounting arm520connects to a structural mount525with a dual-annulus design, having an outer channel530and an inner channel531, both of which are aft-facing. Both the outer channel530and the inner channel531are coaxial, with annular symmetry around the centerline axis220, with the outer channel530having a greater radius than the inner channel531. Between the two channels, the structural mount525also has an aperture (not shown) for the fuel nozzle, the fuel nozzle being omitted for clarity in this view. The outer channel530has an outer wall532and an inner wall534, with the outer wall532positioned radially further from the centerline axis220than is the inner wall534. An outer array535of fasteners couples the outer wall532of the outer channel530, the outer liner510, the dome505, and the inner wall534of the outer channel530. The outer array535of fasteners ensures that there is a gap on all sides between the metal inner surfaces of the outer channel530and the CMC surfaces of the dome505and the outer liner510. This gap allows for thermal expansion of the outer channel530while protecting the CMC components from physical damage, by providing space for the dome505and the outer liner510to float within the outer channel530while maintaining separation between the dome505, the outer liner510, the outer wall532of the outer channel530, and the inner wall534of the outer channel530. Further details of the fastener hardware are described below. Likewise, the inner channel531has an outer wall536and an inner wall538, with the outer wall536positioned radially further from the centerline axis220than the inner wall538. An inner array540of fasteners couples the outer wall536of the inner channel531, the dome505, the inner liner515, and the inner wall538of the inner channel531. The inner array540of fasteners ensures that there is a gap on all sides between the metal inner surfaces of the inner channel531and the CMC surfaces of the dome505and the inner liner515. This gap allows for thermal expansion of the inner channel531while protecting the CMC components from physical damage, by providing space for the dome505and the inner liner515to float within the inner channel531while maintaining separation between the dome505, the inner liner515, the outer wall536of the inner channel531, and the inner wall538of the inner channel531. Further details of the fastener hardware are described below. FIG.6illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener600of some embodiments, for use in the outer array535and the inner array540. In this example, the fastener600is a bolt-and-nut assembly, with a bolt605that extends through engine components, and a nut610to secure the bolt605. The bolt605is wrapped along its length by a bushing615, and the bushing615is surrounded by one or more grommets620,625that receive CMC components such as the dome505, the outer liner510, and the inner liner515. In some embodiments, two grommets620,625are used, each grommet having a single channel to receive a separate CMC component. In other embodiments, a single grommet with two channels may be used, with each channel receiving a separate CMC component. The grommets620,625enable the CMC components to move radially along the bushing615during thermal expansion of metallic components of the structural mount525(e.g., the outer wall532and the inner wall534of the outer channel530, and the outer wall536and the inner wall538of the inner channel531). The interface between the bushing615and the grommets620,625maintains proper position of the CMC components relative to the structural mount525(that is made of metal) while reducing wear and preventing damage of the CMC components during engine operation. The bolt605and the nut610in the fastener600may be constructed from a nickel alloy, such as Waspaloy® (United Technologies Corporation, Farmington, Connecticut). The bushing615may be constructed from a cobalt chromium alloy, such as Haynes® 25 (L-605) (Haynes International, Kokomo, Indiana) and the grommets620,625from a cobalt alloy such as Haynes® 188 (MetalTek, Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States). Any suitable complementary metals may be chosen, however, that wear well against each other. In some embodiments, a coating is also applied to an exterior surface of the bolt605and/or the bushing615, to provide additional wear protection. Suitable coating materials include TRIBALOY® T-800® (Deloro, Koblenz, Germany). FIG.7schematically illustrates a perspective view of the structural mount525, the outer array535, and the inner array540of fasteners, with the dome505, the inner liner515, and the outer liner510removed for clarity. An aperture705for a fuel nozzle (not shown) is also visible in this view. Only a single segment of the structural mount525and portions of the outer array535and the inner array540are shown, with the remainder extending circumferentially around the centerline axis220. This perspective illustrates how the outer array535of fasteners penetrates the walls of the outer channel530, and the inner array540of fasteners penetrates the walls of the inner channel531. FIG.8Aillustrates the outer array535of fasteners, andFIG.8Billustrates the inner array540of fasteners, with the structural mount525removed. Fasteners801,802,803,804are part of the outer array535, and each has an inner set of grommets807,808,809,810, and an outer set of grommets811,812,813,814. Fasteners815,816are part of the inner array540, and each has an outer set of grommets817,818and an inner set of grommets819,820. The dome505(not shown) is received by the inner set of grommets807,808,809,810in the outer array535, and the outer set of grommets817,818in the inner array540. The outer liner510(not shown) is received by the outer set of grommets811,812,813,814in the outer array535, and the inner liner515(not shown) is received by the inner set of grommets819,820in the inner array540. As noted above with respect toFIG.6, the inner set of grommets and the outer set of grommets serve to maintain separation of the liners from the dome, and provide flexibility for these components to move during heat expansion of the structural mount525, without coming into contact with metal. FIG.9illustrates an aft-facing view of the combustion chamber. In this view, the structural mount525is in the foreground, with portions of the dome505visible in the background. Three of the apertures905,910,915for fuel nozzles are visible, extending through the structural mount525and the dome505. The outer liner510and the inner liner515are obscured from view by the structural mount525. Fasteners801to804in the outer array535are partially visible as they extend through the outer wall532of the outer channel530. Fasteners815and816in the inner array540are partially visible as they extend through the inner wall538of the inner channel531. FIG.10illustrates an aft-facing view of the combustion chamber with the structural mount525removed. Three of the apertures905,910,915for fuel nozzles are visible, extending through the dome505. Fasteners801to804in the outer array535are partially visible as they extend through the outer liner510and the dome505. Flanges of grommets811to814and807to810of the fasteners801to804are also visible around the edges of the outer liner510and the dome505, respectively. The corresponding bushings1001,1002,1003, and1004of the fasteners801to804are also partially visible in this view. Fasteners815,816in the inner array540are partially visible as they extend through the dome505and the inner liner515. Flanges of grommets817,818,819,820of the fasteners815,816are also visible around the edges of the dome505and the inner liner515, respectively. The corresponding bushings1015,1016of the fasteners815,816are also partially visible in this view. FIG.11schematically illustrates another embodiment of a combustor1100of some embodiments. The combustor1100is similar to the embodiment of combustor500discussed above with respect toFIGS.5to10, and like reference numerals have been used to refer to the same or similar components. A detailed description of these components will be omitted, and the following discussion focuses on the differences between these embodiments. Any of the various features discussed with any one of the embodiments discussed herein may also apply to and be used with any other embodiments. In the example ofFIG.11, an outer spacer1105is used between the dome505and the outer liner510, to provide a more precise separation between the dome505and the outer liner510. Alternatively, or conjunctively, an inner spacer1110is used between the dome505and the inner liner515, to provide a more precise separation between the dome505and the inner liner515. In some embodiments, each fastener600in the outer array535and/or the inner array540has its own spacer that encircles the bushing615between the grommets620,625. In some embodiments, the outer spacer1105may be a single integral structure with a cylindrical shape around the centerline axis220(not shown), with a radius greater than the radius of the dome505and less than the radius of the outer liner510. The outer spacer1105is secured in position between the dome505and the outer liner510by the outer array535of fasteners. In some embodiments, the inner spacer1110may be a single integral structure with a cylindrical shape around the centerline axis220(not shown), with a radius less than the radius of the dome505and greater than the radius of the inner liner515. The inner spacer1110is secured in position between the dome505and the inner liner515by the inner array540of fasteners. Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses. A combustor for a turbomachine engine includes a dome made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material, the dome being secured within a support structure. The combustor also includes an outer liner made of the CMC material, the outer liner being secured to the dome within the support structure, and an inner liner made of the CMC material, the inner liner being secured to the dome within the support structure. The combustor of the preceding clause, wherein the outer liner and the inner liner have a cylindrical shape around a centerline axis of the turbomachine engine, a radius of the outer liner being greater than a radius of the inner liner. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein the support structure is made of metal and comprises an outer channel and an inner channel, the outer channel and the inner channel each having an annular shape around the centerline axis, a radius of the outer channel being greater than a radius of the inner channel. The outer liner and a first section of the dome are secured within the outer channel by a first array of fasteners, and the inner liner and a second section of the dome are secured within the inner channel by a second array of fasteners. The combustor of any preceding clause, further including a wear coating applied to at least one exterior surface of one or more fasteners. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein the outer channel of the support structure has an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least one fastener in the first array of fasteners has a metal bolt that penetrates the outer wall, the outer liner, the dome, and the inner wall, and a bushing that sleeves the metal bolt between the outer wall and the inner wall. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the first array of fasteners further has at least one grommet that encircles at least a first portion of the bushing, the grommet being made of a chromium nickel alloy, and the bushing being made of a cobalt molybdenum chromium alloy. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the first array of fasteners further has an outer grommet that encircles a first portion of the bushing to receive the outer liner and an inner grommet that encircles a second portion of the bushing to receive the dome. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the first array of fasteners further has a spacer that encircles a third portion of the bushing between the inner grommet and the outer grommet. The combustor of any preceding clause, further including a spacer that is secured within the outer channel by the first array of fasteners, the spacer having a cylindrical shape around the centerline axis and being positioned between the outer liner and the dome. A radius of the spacer is less than the radius of the outer liner. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the first array of fasteners further has a grommet that encircles the bushing, the grommet having a first channel to receive the outer liner and a second channel to receive the dome. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein the inner channel of the support structure has an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least one fastener in the second array of fasteners has a metal bolt that penetrates the outer wall, the dome, the inner liner, and the inner wall, and a bushing that sleeves the metal bolt between the outer wall and the inner wall. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the second array of fasteners further has at least one grommet that encircles at least a first portion of the bushing, the grommet being made of a chromium nickel alloy, and the bushing being made of a cobalt molybdenum chromium alloy. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the second array of fasteners further has an outer grommet that encircles a first portion of the bushing to receive the dome, and an inner grommet that encircles a second portion of the bushing to receive the inner liner. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the second array of fasteners further has a spacer that encircles a third portion of the bushing between the inner grommet and the outer grommet. The combustor of any preceding clause, further including a spacer that is secured within the inner channel by the second array of fasteners, the spacer having a cylindrical shape around the centerline axis and being positioned between the dome and the inner liner. A radius of the spacer is greater than the radius of the inner liner. The combustor of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fastener in the second array of fasteners further has a grommet that encircles the bushing, the grommet having a first channel to receive the dome and a second channel to receive the inner liner. A turbomachine engine includes a fan assembly that provides intake air to a compressor section, a turbine section that drives the compression section, and a combustor arranged to receive compressed air from the compressor section and to provide hot gas to the turbine section. The combustor includes a dome made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material, the dome being secured within a support structure. The combustor also includes an outer liner made of the CMC material, the outer liner being secured to the dome within the support structure, and an inner liner made of the CMC material, the inner liner being secured to the dome within the support structure. The turbomachine engine of the preceding clause, wherein the support structure is made of metal and has an outer channel and an inner channel, the outer liner and the inner liner having a cylindrical shape around a centerline axis of the turbomachine engine, and the outer channel and the inner channel each having an annular shape around the centerline axis. A radius of the outer liner is greater than a radius of the inner liner, and a radius of the outer channel is greater than a radius of the inner channel. The outer liner and a first section of the dome are secured within the outer channel by a first array of fasteners, and the inner liner and a second section of the dome are secured within the inner channel by a second array of fasteners. The turbomachine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the outer channel of the support structure has an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least one fastener in the first array of fasteners includes (i) a metal bolt that penetrates the outer wall, the outer liner, the dome, and the inner wall, (ii) a bushing that sleeves the metal bolt between the outer wall and the inner wall, (iii) an outer grommet that encircles a first portion of the bushing to receive the outer liner, and (iv) an inner grommet that encircles a second portion of the bushing to receive the dome. The turbomachine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the inner channel of the support structure has an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least one fastener in the second array of fasteners includes (i) a metal bolt that penetrates the outer wall, the dome, the inner liner, and the inner wall, (ii) a bushing that sleeves the metal bolt between the outer wall and the inner wall, (iii) an outer grommet that encircles a first portion of the bushing to receive the dome, and an inner grommet that encircles a second portion of the bushing to receive the inner liner. Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above. | 32,777 |
11859820 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the disclosure. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Additionally, unless specifically identified otherwise, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the embodiments as they are oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “forward” and “aft” refer to relative positions within a gas turbine engine or vehicle, and refer to the normal operational attitude of the gas turbine engine or vehicle. For example, with regard to a gas turbine engine, forward refers to a position closer to an engine inlet and aft refers to a position closer to an engine nozzle or exhaust. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which the fluid flows. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 1, 2, 4, 10, 15, or 20 percent margin. These approximating margins may apply to a single value, either or both endpoints defining numerical ranges, and/or the margin for ranges between endpoints. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The term “turbomachine” or “turbomachinery” refers to a machine including one or more compressors, a heat generating section (e.g., a combustion section), and one or more turbines that together generate a torque output. The term “gas turbine engine” refers to an engine having a turbomachine as all or a portion of its power source. Example gas turbine engines include turbofan engines, turboprop engines, turbojet engines, turboshaft engines, etc., as well as hybrid-electric versions of one or more of these engines. The terms “low” and “high”, or their respective comparative degrees (e.g., -er, where applicable), when used with a compressor, a turbine, a shaft, or spool components, etc. each refer to relative speeds within an engine unless otherwise specified. For example, a “low turbine” or “low speed turbine” defines a component configured to operate at a rotational speed, such as a maximum allowable rotational speed, lower than a “high turbine” or “high speed turbine” at the engine. The present disclosure is generally related to a gas turbine engine having a combustion section with an integrated fuel cell assembly. The combustion section includes a casing defining a diffusion chamber, and a combustion liner is disposed within the diffusion chamber and defines a combustion chamber. The combustion liner is spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing, and the fuel cell assembly is disposed within the passageway. The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells. The plurality of fuel cells receive air from the diffusion chamber and fuel from a fuel source and generate a power output. The unused air and fuel is delivered to the combustion section as output products of the plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell stack described herein advantageously leverages the pressure difference between the diffusion chamber and the combustion chamber to produce an airflow path through the fuel cell stack. In addition, one or more of the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack may be angled relative to a radial direction of the combustion section, which allows the fuel cells to extend axially a maximum length for maximum power production from the fuel cells. Further, the fuel cell stack may advantageously define a portion of the combustion chamber and may include one or more cooling features that provide a cooling flow of air to the combustion liner and/or the fuel cells. The turbomachine of the present disclosure includes a more robust and efficient integration of the fuel cell assembly into the combustion section, which advantageously increases the hardware life of the fuel cell assembly and increases the overall efficiency of the turbomachine. Referring now to the drawings, wherein identical numerals indicate the same elements throughout the figures,FIG.1provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of an engine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The engine may be incorporated into a vehicle. For example, the engine may be an aeronautical engine incorporated into an aircraft. Alternatively, however, the engine may be any other suitable type of engine for any other suitable vehicle. For the embodiment depicted, the engine is configured as a high bypass turbofan engine100. As shown inFIG.1, the turbofan engine100defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to a centerline axis101provided for reference), a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction (extending about the axial direction A; not depicted inFIG.1). In general, the turbofan engine100includes a fan section102and a turbomachine104disposed downstream from the fan section102. The exemplary turbomachine104depicted generally includes a substantially tubular outer casing106that defines an annular inlet108. The outer casing106encases, in serial flow relationship, a compressor section including a booster or low pressure (LP) compressor110and a high pressure (HP) compressor112; a combustion section114; a turbine section including a high pressure (HP) turbine116and a low pressure (LP) turbine118; and a jet exhaust nozzle section120. The compressor section, combustion section114, and turbine section together define at least in part a core air flowpath121extending from the annular inlet108to the jet nozzle exhaust section120. The turbofan engine100further includes one or more drive shafts. More specifically, the turbofan engine100includes a high pressure (HP) shaft or spool122drivingly connecting the HP turbine116to the HP compressor112, and a low pressure (LP) shaft or spool124drivingly connecting the LP turbine118to the LP compressor110. For the embodiment depicted, the fan section102includes a fan126having a plurality of fan blades128coupled to a disk130in a spaced apart manner. The plurality of fan blades128and disk130are together rotatable about the centerline axis101by the LP shaft124. The disk130is covered by a rotatable front hub132aerodynamically contoured to promote an airflow through the plurality of fan blades128. Further, an annular fan casing or outer nacelle134is provided, circumferentially surrounding the fan126and/or at least a portion of the turbomachine104. The nacelle134is supported relative to the turbomachine104by a plurality of circumferentially-spaced outlet guide vanes136. A downstream section138of the nacelle134extends over an outer portion of the turbomachine104so as to define a bypass airflow passage140therebetween. In such a manner, it will be appreciated that turbofan engine100generally includes a first stream (e.g., core air flowpath121) and a second stream (e.g., bypass airflow passage140) extending parallel to the first stream. In certain exemplary embodiments, the turbofan engine100may further define a third stream extending, e.g., from the LP compressor110to the bypass airflow passage140or to ambient. With such a configuration, the LP compressor110may generally include a first compressor stage configured as a ducted mid-fan and downstream compressor stages. An inlet to the third stream may be positioned between the first compressor stage and the downstream compressor stages. Referring still toFIG.1, the turbofan engine100additionally includes an accessory gearbox142and a fuel delivery system146. For the embodiment shown, the accessory gearbox142is located within the outer casing106of the turbomachine104. Additionally, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted schematically inFIG.1, the accessory gearbox142is mechanically coupled to, and rotatable with, one or more shafts or spools of the turbomachine104. For example, in the exemplary embodiment depicted, the accessory gearbox142is mechanically coupled to, and rotatable with, the HP shaft122through a suitable geartrain144. The accessory gearbox142may provide power to one or more suitable accessory systems of the turbofan engine100during at least certain operations, and may further provide power back to the turbofan engine100during other operations. For example, the accessory gearbox142is, for the embodiment depicted, coupled to a starter motor/generator152. The starter motor/generator152may be configured to extract power from the accessory gearbox142and turbofan engine100during certain operation to generate electrical power, and may provide power back to the accessory gearbox142and turbofan engine100(e.g., to the HP shaft122) during other operations to add mechanical work back to the turbofan engine100(e.g., for starting the turbofan engine100). Moreover, the fuel delivery system146generally includes a fuel source148, such as a fuel tank, and one or more fuel delivery lines150. The one or more fuel delivery lines150provide a fuel flow through the fuel delivery system146to the combustion section114of the turbomachine104of the turbofan engine100. As will be discussed in more detail below, the combustion section114includes an integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200. The one or more fuel delivery lines150, for the embodiment depicted, provide a flow of fuel to the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200. It will be appreciated, however, that the exemplary turbofan engine100depicted inFIG.1is provided by way of example only. In other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable gas turbine engine may be utilized with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, the turbofan engine may be any other suitable gas turbine engine, such as a turboshaft engine, turboprop engine, turbojet engine, etc. In such a manner, it will further be appreciated that in other embodiments the gas turbine engine may have any other suitable configuration, such as any other suitable number or arrangement of shafts, compressors, turbines, fans, etc. Further, although the exemplary gas turbine engine100depicted inFIG.1is shown schematically as a direct drive, fixed-pitch turbofan engine, in other embodiments, a gas turbine engine of the present disclosure may be a geared gas turbine engine (i.e., including a gearbox between the fan126and a shaft driving the fan, such as the LP shaft124), may be a variable pitch gas turbine engine (i.e., including a fan126having a plurality of fan blades128rotatable about their respective pitch axes), etc. Moreover, although the exemplary turbofan engine100includes a ducted fan126, in other exemplary aspects, the turbofan engine100may include an unducted fan126(or open rotor fan), without the nacelle134. Further, although not depicted herein, in other embodiments the gas turbine engine may be any other suitable type of gas turbine engine, such as a nautical gas turbine engine. Referring now toFIG.2, illustrated schematically is a portion of the combustion section114including a portion of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200used in the gas turbine engine100ofFIG.1(described as a turbofan engine100above with respect toFIG.1), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated, the combustion section114includes a compressor diffuser nozzle202and extends between an upstream end and a downstream end generally along the axial direction A. The combustion section114is fluidly coupled to the compressor section at the upstream end via the compressor diffuser nozzle202and to the turbine section at the downstream end. The integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200generally includes a fuel cell assembly204(only partially depicted inFIG.2; see alsoFIGS.3through5) and a combustor206. The combustor206includes an inner liner208, an outer liner210, a dome assembly212, a cowl assembly214, a swirler assembly216, and a fuel flowline218. The combustion section114generally includes an outer casing220outward of the combustor206along the radial direction R to enclose the combustor206and an inner casing222inward of the combustor206along the radial direction R. The inner casing222and inner liner208define an inner passageway224therebetween, and the outer casing220and outer liner210define an outer passageway226therebetween. The inner liner208, the outer liner210, and the dome assembly212together define at least in part a combustion chamber228of the combustor206. The dome assembly212is disposed proximate the upstream end of the combustion section114(i.e., closer to the upstream end than the downstream end) and includes an opening (not labeled) for receiving and holding the swirler assembly216. The swirler assembly216also includes an opening for receiving and holding the fuel flowline218. The fuel flowline218is further coupled to the fuel source148(seeFIG.1) disposed outside the outer casing220along the radial direction R and configured to receive the fuel from the fuel source148. In such a manner, the fuel flowline218may be fluidly coupled to the one or more fuel delivery lines150described above with reference toFIG.1. The swirler assembly216can include a plurality of swirlers (not shown) configured to swirl the compressed fluid before injecting it into the combustion chamber228to generate combustion gas. The cowl assembly214, in the embodiment depicted, is configured to hold the inner liner208, the outer liner210, the swirler assembly216, and the dome assembly212together. During operation, the compressor diffuser nozzle202is configured to direct a compressed fluid230from the compressor section to the combustor206, where the compressed fluid230is configured to be mixed with fuel within the swirler assembly216and combusted within the combustion chamber228to generate combustion gasses. The combustion gasses are provided to the turbine section to drive one or more turbines of the turbine section (e.g., the high pressure turbine116and low pressure turbine118). During operation of the gas turbine engine100including the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200, a flame within the combustion chamber228is maintained by a continuous flow of fuel and air. In order to provide for an ignition of the fuel and air, e.g., during a startup of the gas turbine engine100, the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200further includes an ignitor231. The ignitor231may provide a spark or initial flame to ignite a fuel and air mixture within the combustion chamber228. As mentioned above and depicted schematically inFIG.2, the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200further includes the fuel cell assembly204. The exemplary fuel cell assembly204depicted includes a first fuel cell stack232and a second fuel cell stack234. More specifically, the first fuel cell stack232is configured with the outer liner210and the second fuel cell stack234is configured with the inner liner208. More specifically, still, the first fuel cell stack232is integrated with the outer liner210and the second fuel cell stack234is integrated with the inner liner208. Operation of the fuel cell assembly204, and more specifically of a fuel cell stack (e.g., first fuel cell stack232or second fuel cell stack234) of the fuel cell assembly204will be described in more detail below. For the embodiment depicted, the fuel cell assembly204is configured as a solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) assembly, with the first fuel cell stack232configured as a first SOFC fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack234configured as a second SOFC fuel cell stack (each having a plurality of SOFC's). As will be appreciated, a SOFC is generally an electrochemical conversion device that produces electricity directly from oxidizing a fuel. In generally, fuel cell assemblies, and in particular fuel cells, are characterized by an electrolyte material utilized. The SOFC's of the present disclosure may generally include a solid oxide or ceramic electrolyte. This class of fuel cells generally exhibit high combined heat and power efficiency, long-term stability, fuel flexibility, and low emissions. Moreover, the exemplary fuel cell assembly204further includes a first power converter236and a second power converter238. The first fuel cell stack232is in electrical communication with the first power converter236by a first plurality of power supply cables (not labeled), and the second fuel cell stack234is in electrical communication with the second power converter238by a second plurality of power supply cables (not labeled). The first power converter236controls the electrical current drawn from the corresponding first fuel cell stack232and may convert the electrical power from a direct current (“DC”) power to either DC power at another voltage level or alternating current (“AC”) power. Similarly, the second power converter238controls the electrical current drawn from the second fuel cell stack234and may convert the electrical power from a DC power to either DC power at another voltage level or AC power. The first power converter236, the second power converter238, or both may be electrically coupled to an electric bus (such as the electric bus326described below with reference toFIG.5). The integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200further includes a fuel cell controller240that is in operable communication with both of the first power converter236and second power converter238to, e.g., send and receive communications and signals therebetween. For example, the fuel cell controller240may send current or power setpoint signals to the first power converter236and second power converter238, and may receive, e.g., a voltage or current feedback signal from the first power converter236and second power converter238. The fuel cell controller240may be configured in the same manner as the controller240described below with reference toFIG.5. It will be appreciated that in at least certain exemplary embodiments the first fuel cell stack232, the second fuel cell stack234, or both may extend substantially 360 degrees in a circumferential direction C of the gas turbine engine (i.e., a direction extending about the centerline axis101of the gas turbine engine100). For example, referring now toFIG.3, a simplified cross-sectional view of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Although only the first fuel cell stack232is depicted inFIG.3for simplicity, the second fuel cell stack234may be configured in a similar manner. As shown, the first fuel cell stack232extends around the combustion chamber228in the circumferential direction C, completely encircling the combustion chamber228around the centerline axis101in the embodiment shown. More specifically, the first fuel cell stack232includes a plurality of fuel cells242arranged along the circumferential direction C. The fuel cells242that are visible inFIG.3can be a single ring of fuel cells242, with fuel cells242stacked together along the axial direction A (seeFIG.2) to form the first fuel cell stack232. In another instance, multiple additional rings of fuel cells242can be placed on top of each other to form the first fuel cell stack232that is elongated along the centerline axis101. As will be explained in more detail, below, with reference toFIG.5, the fuel cells242in the first fuel cell stack232are positioned to receive discharged air244from, e.g., the compressor section and fuel246from the fuel delivery system146. The fuel cells242generate electrical current using this air244and at least some of this fuel246, and radially direct partially oxidized fuel246and unused portion of air248into the combustion chamber228toward the centerline axis101. The integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200combusts the partially oxidized fuel246and air248in the combustion chamber228into combustion gasses that are directed downstream into the turbine section to drive or assist with driving the one or more turbines therein. Moreover, referring now toFIG.4, a schematic illustration is provided as a perspective view of the first fuel cell stack232of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200ofFIG.2. The second fuel cell stack234may be formed in a similar manner. The first fuel cell stack232depicted includes a housing250having a combustion outlet side252and a side254that is opposite to the combustion outlet side252, a fuel and air inlet side256and a side258that is opposite to the fuel and air inlet side256, and sides260,262. The side260, the side258and the side254are not visible in the perspective view ofFIG.4. As will be appreciated, the first fuel cell stack232may include a plurality of fuel cells that are “stacked,” e.g., side-by-side from one end of the first fuel cell stack232(e.g., fuel and air inlet side256) to another end of the first fuel cell stack232(e.g., side258). As such, it will further be appreciated that the combustion outlet side252includes a plurality of combustion outlets264, each from a fuel cell of the first fuel cell stack232. During operation, combustion gas266(also referred to herein as “output products”) is directed from the combustion outlets264out of the housing250. As described herein, the combustion gas266is generated using fuel244and air246(FIG.3) that is not consumed by the fuel cells inside the housing250of the first fuel cell stack232. The combustion gas266is provided to the combustion chamber228(FIG.3) and burned during operation to generate combustion gasses used to generate thrust for the gas turbine engine100(FIG.1) (and vehicle/aircraft incorporating the gas turbine engine100). The fuel and air inlet side256includes one or more fuel inlets268and one or more air inlets270. Optionally, the one or more of the inlets268,270can be on another side of the housing250. Each of the one or more fuel inlets268is fluidly coupled with a source of fuel for the first fuel cell stack232, such as one or more pressurized containers of a hydrogen-containing gas or a fuel processing unit as described further below with reference toFIG.5. Each of the one or more air inlets270is fluidly coupled with a source of air for the fuel cells, such as air that is discharged from a compressor section and/or an air processing unit as is also described further below. The inlets268,270separately receive the fuel and air from the external sources of fuel and air, and separately direct the fuel and air into the fuel cells. Referring now toFIG.5, operation of an integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. More specifically,FIG.5provides a schematic illustration of a gas turbine engine100and an integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The gas turbine engine100and integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200may, in certain exemplary embodiments, be configured in a similar manner as one or more of the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS.1through4. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the gas turbine engine100generally includes a fan section102having a fan126, an LP compressor110, an HP compressor112, a combustion section114, an HP turbine116, and an LP turbine118. The combustion section114generally includes the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200having a combustor206and a fuel cell assembly204. A propulsion system including the gas turbine engine100further includes a fuel delivery system146. The fuel delivery system146generally includes a fuel source148and one or more fuel delivery lines150. The fuel source148may include a supply of fuel (e.g., a hydrocarbon fuel, including, e.g., a carbon-neutral fuel or synthetic hydrocarbons) for the gas turbine engine100. In addition, it will be appreciated that the fuel delivery system146also includes a fuel pump272and a flow divider274, and the one or more fuel delivery lines150include a first fuel delivery line150A, a second fuel delivery line150B, and a third fuel delivery line150C. The flow divider274divides the fuel flow from the fuel source148and fuel pump272into a first fuel flow through the first fuel delivery line150A to the fuel cell assembly204, a second fuel flow through the second fuel delivery line150B also to the fuel cell assembly204(and in particular to an air processing unit, described below), and a third fuel flow through a third fuel delivery line150C to the combustor206. The flow divider274may include a series of valves (not shown) to facilitate such dividing of the fuel flow from the fuel source148, or alternatively may be of a fixed geometry. Additionally, for the embodiment shown, the fuel delivery system146includes a first fuel valve151A associated with the first fuel delivery line150A (e.g., for controlling the first fuel flow), a second fuel valve151B associated with the second fuel delivery line150B (e.g., for controlling the second fuel flow), and a third fuel valve151C associated with the third fuel delivery line150C (e.g., for controlling the third fuel flow). The gas turbine engine100further includes a compressor bleed system and an airflow delivery system. More specifically, the compressor bleed system includes an LP bleed air duct276and an associated LP bleed air valve278, an HP bleed air duct280and an associated HP bleed air valve282, an HP exit air duct284and an associated HP exit air valve286. The gas turbine engine100further includes an air stream supply duct288(in airflow communication with an airflow supply290) and an associated air valve292, which is also in airflow communication with the airflow delivery system for providing compressed airflow to the fuel cell assembly204of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200. The airflow supply may be, e.g., a second gas turbine engine configured to provide a cross-bleed air, an auxiliary power unit (APU) configured to provide a bleed air, a ram air turbine (RAT), etc. The airflow supply may be complimentary to the compressor bleed system if the compressor air source is inadequate or unavailable. The compressor bleed system (and air stream supply duct288) is in airflow communication with airflow delivery system for providing compressed airflow to the fuel cell assembly204, as will be explained in more detail below. Referring still toFIG.5, the fuel cell assembly204of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200includes a fuel cell stack294, which may be configured in a similar manner as, e.g., the first fuel cell stack232described above. The fuel cell stack294is depicted schematically as a single fuel cell having a cathode side296, an anode side298, and an electrolyte300positioned therebetween. As will generally be appreciated, the electrolyte300may, during operation, conduct negative oxygen ions from the cathode side296to the anode side298to generate an electric current and electric power. Briefly, it will be appreciated that the fuel cell assembly204further includes a fuel cell sensor302configured to sense data indicative of a fuel cell assembly operating parameter, such as a temperature of the fuel cell stack294(e.g., of the cathode side296or anode side298of the fuel cell), a pressure within the fuel cell stack294(e.g., within the cathode side296or anode side298of the fuel cell). The fuel cell stack294is disposed downstream of the LP compressor110, the HP compressor112, or both. Further, as will be appreciated from the description above with respect toFIG.2, the fuel cell stack294may be coupled to or otherwise integrated with a liner of the combustor206(e.g., an inner liner208or an outer liner210). In such a manner, the fuel cell stack294may also be arranged upstream of a combustion chamber228of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200, and further upstream of the HP turbine116and LP turbine118. As shown inFIG.5, the fuel cell assembly204also includes a fuel processing unit304and an air processing unit306. The fuel processing unit304may be any suitable structure for generating a hydrogen rich fuel stream. For example, the fuel processing unit304may include a fuel reformer or a catalytic partial oxidation convertor (CPOx) for developing the hydrogen rich fuel stream for the fuel cell stack294. The air processing unit306may be any suitable structure for raising the temperature of air that is provided thereto to a temperature high enough to enable fuel cell temperature control (e.g., about 600° C. to about 800° C.). For example, in the embodiment depicted, the air processing unit306includes a preburner system, operating based on a fuel flow through the second fuel delivery line150B, configured for raising the temperature of the air through combustion, e.g., during transient conditions such as startup, shutdown and abnormal situations. In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the fuel processing unit304and air processing unit306are manifolded together within a housing308to provide conditioned air and fuel to the fuel cell stack294. It should be appreciated, however, that the fuel processing unit304may additionally or alternatively include any suitable type of fuel reformer, such as an autothermal reformer and steam reformer that may need an additional stream of steam inlet with higher hydrogen composition at the reformer outlet stream. Additionally, or alternatively, still, the fuel processing unit304may include a reformer integrated with the fuel cell stack294. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the air processing unit306ofFIG.5could alternatively be a heat exchanger or another device for raising the temperature of the air provided thereto to a temperature high enough to enable fuel cell temperature control (e.g., about 600° C. to about 800° C.). As mentioned above, the compressor bleed system (and air stream supply duct288) is in airflow communication with airflow delivery system for providing compressed airflow to the fuel cell assembly204. The airflow delivery system includes an anode airflow duct310and an associated anode airflow valve312for providing an airflow to the fuel processing unit304, a cathode airflow duct314and associated cathode airflow valve316for providing an airflow to the air processing unit306, and a cathode bypass air duct318and an associated cathode bypass air valve320for providing an airflow directly to the fuel cell stack294(or rather to the cathode side296of the fuel cell(s)). The fuel delivery system146is configured to provide the first flow of fuel through the first fuel delivery line150A to the fuel processing unit304, and the second flow of fuel through the second fuel delivery line150B to the air processing unit306(e.g., as fuel for a preburner system, if provided). The fuel cell stack294outputs the power produced as a fuel cell power output322. Further, the fuel cell stack294directs a cathode air discharge and an anode fuel discharge (neither labeled for clarity purposes) into the combustion chamber228of the combustor206. In operation, the air processing unit306is configured to heat/cool a portion of the compressed air, incoming through the cathode airflow duct314, to generate a processed air to be directed into the fuel cell stack294to facilitate the functioning of the fuel cell stack294. The air processing unit306receives the second flow of fuel from the second fuel delivery line150B and may, e.g., combust such second flow of fuel to heat the air received to a desired temperature (e.g., about 600° C. to about 800° C.) to facilitate the functioning of the fuel cell stack294. The air processed by the air processing unit306is directed into the fuel cell stack294. In an embodiment of the disclosure, as is depicted, the cathode bypass air duct318and the air processed by the air processing unit306may combine into a combined air stream to be fed into a cathode of the fuel cell stack294. Further, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG.5, the first flow of fuel through the first fuel delivery line150A is directed to the fuel processing unit304for developing a hydrogen rich fuel stream (e.g., optimizing a hydrogen content of a fuel stream), to also be fed into the fuel cell stack294. As will be appreciated, and as discussed below, the flow of air (processed air and bypass air) to the fuel cell stack294(e.g., the cathode side296) and fuel from the fuel processing unit304to the fuel cell stack294(e.g., the anode side298) may facilitate electrical power generation. Because the inlet air for the fuel cell stack294may come solely from the upstream compressor section without any other separately controlled air source, it will be appreciated that the inlet air for the fuel cell stack294discharged from the compressor section is subject to the air temperature changes that occur at different flight stages. By way of illustrative example only, the air within a particular location in the compressor section of the gas turbine engine100may work at 200° C. during idle, 600° C. during take-off, 268° C. during cruise, etc. This type of temperature change to the inlet air directed to the fuel cell stack294may lead to significant thermal transient issues (or even thermal shock) to the ceramic materials of the fuel cell stack294, which could range from cracking to failure. Thus, by fluidly connecting the air processing unit306between the compressor section and the fuel cell stack294, the air processing unit306may serve as a control device or system to maintain the air processed by the air processing unit306and directed into the fuel cell stack294within a desired operating temperature range (e.g., plus or minus 100° C., or preferably plus or minus 50° C., or plus or minus 20° C.). In operation, the temperature of the air that is provided to the fuel cell stack294can be controlled (relative to a temperature of the air discharged from the compressor section) by controlling the flow of fuel to the air processing unit306. By increasing a fuel flow to the air processing unit306, a temperature of the airflow to the fuel cell stack294may be increased. By decreasing the fuel flow to the air processing unit306, a temperature of the airflow to the fuel cell stack294may be decreased. Optionally, no fuel can be delivered to the air processing unit306to prevent the air processing unit306from increasing and/or decreasing the temperature of the air that is discharged from the compressor section and directed into the air processing unit306. Moreover, as is depicted in phantom, the fuel cell assembly204further includes an airflow bypass duct321extending around the fuel cell294to allow a portion or all of an airflow conditioned by the air processing unit306(and combined with any bypass air through cathode bypass air duct318) to bypass the cathode side296of the fuel cell294and go directly to the combustion chamber228. The bypass duct321may be in thermal communication with the fuel cell294. The fuel cell assembly204further includes a fuel bypass duct323extending around the fuel cell294to allow a portion or all of a reformed fuel from the fuel processing unit304to bypass the anode side298of the fuel cell294and go directly to the combustion chamber228. As briefly mentioned above, the fuel cell stack294converts the anode fuel stream from the fuel processing unit304and air processed by the air processing unit306sent into the fuel cell stack294into electrical energy, the fuel cell power output322, in the form of DC current. This fuel cell power output322is directed to a power convertor324in order to change the DC current into DC current or AC current that can be effectively utilized by one or more subsystems. In particular, for the embodiment depicted, the electrical power is provided from the power converter to an electric bus326. The electric bus326may be an electric bus dedicated to the gas turbine engine100, an electric bus of an aircraft incorporating the gas turbine engine100, or a combination thereof. The electric bus326is in electric communication with one or more additional electrical devices328, which may be a power source, a power sink, or both. For example, the additional electrical devices328may be a power storage device (such as one or more batteries), an electric machine (an electric generator, an electric motor, or both), an electric propulsion device, etc. For example, the one or more additional electrical devices328may include the starter motor/generator152(FIG.1) of the gas turbine engine100. Referring still toFIG.5, the gas turbine engine100further includes a sensor330. In the embodiment shown, the sensor330is configured to sense data indicative of a flame within the combustion section114of the gas turbine engine100. The sensor330may be, for example, a temperature sensor configured to sense data indicative of an exit temperature of the combustion section114, an inlet temperature of the turbine section, an exhaust gas temperature, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor330may be any other suitable sensor, or any suitable combination of sensors, configured to sense one or more gas turbine engine operating conditions or parameters, including data indicative of a flame within the combustion section114of the gas turbine engine100. Moreover, as is further depicted schematically inFIG.5, the propulsion system, an aircraft including the propulsion system, or both, includes a controller240. For example, the controller240may be a standalone controller, a gas turbine engine controller (e.g., a full authority digital engine control, or FADEC, controller), an aircraft controller, supervisory controller for a propulsion system, a combination thereof, etc. The controller240is operably connected to various the sensors, valves, etc. within at least one of the gas turbine engine100and the fuel delivery system146. More specifically, for the exemplary aspect depicted, the controller240is operably connected to the valves of the compressor bleed system (valves278,282,286), the airflow delivery system (valves312,316,320), and the fuel delivery system146(flow divider274, valves151A,151B,151C), as well as the sensor330of the gas turbine engine100and the fuel cell sensor302. As will be appreciated from the description below, the controller240may be in wired or wireless communication with these components. In this manner, the controller240may receive data from a variety of inputs (including the gas turbine engine sensor330and the fuel cell sensor302), may make control decisions, and may provide data (e.g., instructions) to a variety of outputs (including the valves of the compressor bleed system to control an airflow bleed from the compressor section, the airflow delivery system to direct the airflow bled from the compressor section, and the fuel delivery system146to direct the fuel flow within the gas turbine engine100). Referring particularly to the operation of the controller240, in at least certain embodiments, the controller240can include one or more computing device(s)332. The computing device(s)332can include one or more processor(s)332A and one or more memory device(s)332B. The one or more processor(s)332A can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, and/or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory device(s)332B can include one or more computer-readable media, including, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and/or other memory devices. The one or more memory device(s)332B can store information accessible by the one or more processor(s)332A, including computer-readable instructions332C that can be executed by the one or more processor(s)332A. The instructions332C can be any set of instructions that when executed by the one or more processor(s)332A, cause the one or more processor(s)332A to perform operations. In some embodiments, the instructions332C can be executed by the one or more processor(s)332A to cause the one or more processor(s)332A to perform operations, such as any of the operations and functions for which the controller240and/or the computing device(s)332are configured, the operations for operating a propulsion system, as described herein, and/or any other operations or functions of the one or more computing device(s)332. The instructions332C can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the instructions332C can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on processor(s)332A. The memory device(s)332B can further store data332D that can be accessed by the processor(s)332A. For example, the data332D can include data indicative of power flows, data indicative of gas turbine engine100/aircraft operating conditions, and/or any other data and/or information described herein. The computing device(s)332also includes a network interface332E configured to communicate, for example, with the other components of the gas turbine engine100(such as the valves of the compressor bleed system (valves278,282,286), the airflow delivery system (valves312,316,320), and the fuel delivery system146(flow divider274, valves151A,151B,151C), as well as the sensor330of the gas turbine engine100and the fuel cell sensor302), the aircraft incorporating the gas turbine engine100, etc. The network interface332E can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, and/or other suitable components. In such a manner, it will be appreciated that the network interface332E may utilize any suitable combination of wired and wireless communications network(s). The technology discussed herein makes reference to computer-based systems and actions taken by and information sent to and from computer-based systems. It will be appreciated that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memory, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel. Referring now toFIG.6, illustrated is a cross sectional view of a portion of the combustion section114including a portion of the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200used in the gas turbine engine100ofFIG.1(described as a turbofan engine100above with respect toFIG.1), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The combustion section114includes a casing400and a combustion liner402. The casing400includes the inner casing222and/or the outer casing220, and the combustion liner includes the inner liner208and the outer liner210. The casing400defines a diffusion chamber406that receives high pressure air from the compressor section via the compressor diffuser nozzle202. Particularly, the diffusion chamber406may be defined collectively by the inner casing222, the outer casing220, the inner liner208, and the outer liner210. The combustion liner402(including both the inner liner208and the outer liner210) may be disposed in the diffusion chamber406and may define (e.g., at least partially define) a combustion chamber404. For example, the combustion chamber404may be collectively defined by the inner liner208, the outer liner210, and the dome assembly212. In many embodiments, the combustion liner402may be spaced apart (e.g., radially spaced apart) from the casing400such that a passageway408is defined between the combustion liner402and the casing400. As shown inFIG.6, passageway408may form a portion of the diffusion chamber406(or may be in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber406). The inner casing222and inner liner208define the inner passageway224therebetween, and the outer casing220and outer liner210define the outer passageway226therebetween. Both the inner passageway224and the outer passageway226may form a portion of the diffusion chamber406. The dome assembly212is disposed proximate the upstream end of the combustion section114(i.e., closer to the upstream end than the downstream end), and the dome assembly212may define an upstream boundary of the combustion chamber404. The dome assembly212includes an opening (not labeled) for receiving and holding the main fuel nozzle or swirler assembly216. The swirler assembly216also includes an opening for receiving and holding the fuel flowline218. The fuel flowline218is further coupled to the fuel source148(seeFIG.1) disposed outside the outer casing220along the radial direction R and configured to receive the fuel from the fuel source148. In such a manner, the fuel flowline218may be fluidly coupled to the one or more fuel delivery lines150described above with reference toFIG.1. The swirler assembly216may receive air from the diffusion chamber406and fuel from the fuel flowline218and mix the fuel and air together before injecting it into the combustion chamber404. The swirler assembly216may be disposed at a forward end of the combustion liner402, and the swirler assembly216may be fluidly coupled to the fuel source148, the diffusion chamber406, and the combustion chamber404. During operation, the compressor diffuser nozzle202is configured to direct a compressed fluid230from the compressor section to the diffusion chamber406, where the compressed fluid230is configured to be mixed with fuel within the swirler assembly216and combusted within the combustion chamber404to generate combustion gasses. The combustion gasses are provided to the turbine section to drive one or more turbines of the turbine section (e.g., the high pressure turbine116and low pressure turbine118). In exemplary embodiments, the combustion section114further includes a fuel cell assembly410disposed in the passageway408. As shown, in some embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may be disposed in the outer passageway226. Alternatively, or additionally, the fuel cell assembly410may be disposed in the inner passageway224. For example, the combustion section114may include a first, fuel cell assembly412disposed in the outer passageway226, also referred to herein as an outer fuel cell assembly, and a second fuel cell assembly414disposed in the inner passageway, also referred to herein as an inner fuel cell assembly. In many embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may be disposed aft of the swirler assembly216within the passageway408. The fuel cell assembly410may include a fuel cell stack415having a plurality of fuel cells416. The plurality of fuel cells416may be coupled to one another and may extend between an inlet end418and an outlet end420. Particularly, the plurality of fuel cells416may extend from the inlet end418, which is in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber406and the fuel source148, to the outlet end420that extends through the combustion liner402and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber404. For example, the inlet end418may receive a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end420may provide output products500to the combustion chamber404. For example, the inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416may be fluidly coupled to the fuel source148and the diffusion chamber406, such that the inlet end418receives a flow of fuel from the fuel source148and a flow of air from the diffusion chamber406. In certain embodiments, fuel cell assembly410may include at least one electrically conducting member429at either a forward end432or an aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. For example, the fuel cell assembly410may include a first electrically conducting member430at the forward end432of the fuel cell stack415and a second electrically conducting member434at the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. The first electrically conducting member430may be in contact with a forwardmost fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416, and the second electrically conducting member434in contact with an aftmost fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416, such that the fuel cell stack415is disposed between (e.g., axially between) the first electrically conducting member430and the second electrically conducting member434. The first electrically conducting member430and the second electrically conducting member434may be electrically coupled to the plurality of fuel cells416in the fuel cell stack415, to collect or capture a power output of the fuel cell stack415. For example, as shown inFIG.13, at least one of the first electrically conducting member430or the second electrically conducting member434may be electrically coupled to a power convertor439via an electric bus437(such as the power convertor324described above with reference toFIG.5or a different power convertor). In many embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may further include at least one structural member435that couples the fuel cell assembly410to at least one of the casing400and/or the combustion liner402of the combustion section114. The at least one structural member435may include a first structural member436and a second structural member438. The fuel cell stack415and the electrically conducting members430,434may be disposed between (e.g., axially between) the first structural member436and the second structural member438. The first structural member436may be coupled to the first electrically conducting member430and may extend (generally radially) between the casing400and the combustion liner402. Similarly, the second structural member438may be coupled to the second electrically conducting member434and may extend (generally radially) between the casing400and the combustion liner402. The first structural member436and the second structural member438may be formed from a non-conductive, electrically insulating, material, such that the electrically conducting members430,434are not in electrical communication with the structural members436,438. In some embodiments, the structural members436,438may include an electrically insulating wrap and/or coating. Additionally, in many embodiments, one or more cross-supports440may extend between, and couple to, the first structural member436and the second structural member438. For example, the one or more cross-supports440may extend generally axially from the first structural member436to the second structural member438. In many embodiments (not shown), the one or more cross-supports440may extend axially between the structural members436,438on both circumferential sides the fuel cell assembly410, such that first structural member436, the second structural member438, and the one or more cross-supports440collectively surround the fuel cell stack415and the electrically conducting members430,434. In many embodiments, the one or more cross-supports440may be formed from a non-conductive, electrically insulating, material. In some embodiments, one or more brackets458may couple the structural members436,438to one of the casing400or the combustion liner402. For example, a first bracket of the one or more brackets458may couple the first structural member436to the casing400, and a second bracket of the one or more brackets458may couple the second structural member438to the casing400. The one or more brackets458may be fixedly coupled to the structural members436,438(e.g., via welding or brazing). Alternatively, the one or more brackets458may be integrally formed as a single component with the structural members436,438(e.g., via an additive manufacturing process). In many embodiments, a fuel reformer or fuel processing unit (FPU)424(such as a catalytic partial oxidation convertor, abbreviated as CPOx) may receive a flow of fuel from the fuel source148for developing the hydrogen rich fuel stream for the fuel cell stack415. Particularly, the combustion section114may include a first FPU426and a second FPU428each disposed within the diffusion chamber406and fluidly coupled to the fuel source148and a respective fuel cell assembly412,414. For example, the first FPU426may be fluidly coupled to the fuel source148and fluidly coupled to the outer fuel cell assembly412, and the second FPU428may be fluidly coupled to the fuel source148and fluidly coupled to the inner fuel cell assembly414. Alternatively, both the first and the second fuel cell assemblies412,414may be fluidly coupled to the same FPU424. In embodiments in which the fuel source is supplying hydrogen fuel, the FPU424may function as a fuel preheater. In other embodiments, in which the fuel source is supplying any other hydrocarbon fuel, the FPU424may function as a desulfurizer, a preheater, a fuel reformer, or a combination of all. The FPU424may function as a heat exchanger that thermally couples the fuel flowing therethrough with the air in the diffusion chamber406. For example, the air in the diffusion chamber406may be fluidly isolated from the fuel in the FPU424but may flow through and/or around the FPU424such that heat energy may be transferred between the fuel from the FPU424and the air in the diffusion chamber406. The first FPU426may be disposed in the diffusion chamber406forward of the first fuel cell assembly412, such that the air and the fuel supplied to the first fuel cell assembly412flow through the first FPU426for a temperature adjustment before being provided to the first fuel cell assembly412. Particularly, the first FPU426may be disposed axially between the swirler assembly216and the compressor diffuser nozzle202and radially outward of the swirler assembly216and the compressor diffuser nozzle202. Similarly, the second FPU428may be disposed in the diffusion chamber406forward of the second fuel cell assembly414, such that the air and the fuel supplied to the second fuel cell assembly414flow through the second FPU428for a temperature adjustment before being provided to the second fuel cell assembly414. Particularly, the second FPU428may be disposed axially between the swirler assembly216and the compressor diffuser nozzle202and radially inward of the swirler assembly216and the compressor diffuser nozzle202. In other exemplary embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may include any other suitable fuel processing unit (e.g., other than the FPU424). Additionally, or alternatively, the fuel cell assembly410may not require a fuel processing unit, e.g., when the combustor of the gas turbine engine100(FIG.1) is configured to burn hydrogen fuel and the fuel delivery assembly146(FIG.1) is configured to provide hydrogen fuel to the integrated fuel cell and combustor assembly200, and in particular to the fuel cell assembly410. The inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416may be in open airflow communication with the diffusion chamber406due to the pressure difference between the combustion chamber404and the diffusion chamber406. For example, the pressure in the diffusion chamber406may be higher than the pressure in the combustion chamber404, thereby causing air to flow from the inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416to the outlet end420. Particularly, the diffusion chamber406may be at a first pressure, and the combustion chamber404may be at a second pressure lower than the first pressure such that air from the diffusion chamber406flows through the fuel cell stack415and into the combustion chamber404. In certain embodiments, the inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416may be spaced apart from the casing400such that an airflow gap444is defined between the inlet end418and the casing400. The airflow gap444may be defined in the radial direction R and the circumferential direction C. The airflow gap444may be sized to allow enough air into each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells414for power generation. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one structural member435may define an air channel442that fluidly couples the diffusion chamber406and the inlet end418of the fuel cell stack415. For example, in many embodiments, the air channel442may be defined in the first structural member436and may extend between the passageway408and the airflow gap444, such that the air channel442fluidly couples the air flow gap444and the passageway408. The air channel442may be disposed radially between the inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416and the casing400. Alternatively, or additionally, the combustion section114may include an air manifold462extending from an inlet in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber406, through the casing400, to an outlet in fluid communication with the airflow gap444. In such embodiments, the inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416may receive air from the air manifold462. The air manifold462may be a tubing, piping, duct, or other fluid conduit that conveys air from the diffusion chamber406to the airflow gap444to provide the fuel cell stack415with air. Referring now toFIG.7, a cross-sectional view of the combustion section114shown inFIG.6taken along the line7-7ofFIG.6is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the fuel cell assembly410is a first fuel cell assembly in a plurality of fuel cell assemblies410disposed in the passageway408. The plurality of fuel cell assemblies410may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another such that a circumferential gap446is defined between each fuel cell assembly410of the plurality of fuel cell assemblies410. For example, the combustion section114may include a plurality of outer fuel cell assemblies412disposed in the outer passageway226and a plurality of inner fuel cell assemblies414disposed in the inner passageway224. As shown inFIG.7, in some embodiments, each inner fuel cell assembly414in the plurality of inner fuel cell assemblies414may radially align with a respective outer fuel cell assembly412in the plurality of outer fuel cell assemblies412. Alternatively, or additionally, in other embodiments (not shown), one or more of the inner fuel cell assemblies414may not radially align with any of the outer fuel cell assemblies412, such that the inner and outer fuel cell assemblies414,412may be circumferentially offset from one another. As shown inFIG.7, the air channel442may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes and/or configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the air channel442may have a circular cross section, a rectangular cross section, or other cross-sectional shapes. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first structural member436may define a singular air channel442that extends circumferentially between two tabs454. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first structural member436may define a plurality of air channels442(such as two or more air channels442). For the inner fuel cell assemblies414, as shown, the air channel(s)442may be disposed radially inward of the inlet end418of the respective plurality of fuel cells416(e.g., between the inlet end418and the inner casing222, as shown by the phantom line inFIG.7). By contrast, for the outer fuel cell assemblies412, the air channel(s)442may be disposed radially outward of the inlet end418of the respective plurality of fuel cells416(e.g., between the inlet end418and the outer casing220, as shown by the phantom line inFIG.7). In some embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may include open circumferential sides456that extend axially between the first structural member436and the second structural member438(FIG.6) and radially between the casing400and the combustion liner402. In such embodiments, the air from the diffusion chamber406(FIG.6) may flow around (e.g., circumferentially around) the first structural member436and into the inlet end418of the plurality of fuel cells416. Referring now toFIG.8, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a combustion section114is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the combustion section includes the casing400(e.g., the inner casing or the outer casing) and the combustion liner402(e.g., the inner liner or the outer liner). The passageway408(e.g., the inner or outer passageway) is defined between the casing400and the combustion liner402. The combustion section114may further include one or more fuel cells465disposed within the passageway408and configured to receive air and fuel at an inlet end418and provide output products500to the combustion chamber404via an outlet end420. The one or more fuel cells465shown inFIG.8may be one or more of the fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells416of the fuel cell stack415described above with reference toFIG.6. In this way, the one or more fuel cells465may be incorporated into the fuel cell assembly410described above. In exemplary embodiments, as shown, the one or more fuel cells465may extend at an angle between the inlet end418and the outlet end420relative to a radial projection line466. The radial projection line466may be an imaginary reference line that extends in the radial direction R. The radial projection line466may extend through (or intersect) the centerline axis101. As shown inFIG.8, the fuel cell465is angled (i.e., sloped or slanted) relative to the radial projection line466in an axial-circumferential plane (which is the plane shown inFIG.8). For example, the fuel cell465may extend along a centerline468, and the fuel cell465may be longest along the centerline468. The centerline468may be angled with respect to the radial projection line466. The fuel cell465may extend generally linearly along the centerline468, such that there are no sudden changes in direction, and such that the centerline468defines the same angle with the radial projection line466at any point between the inlet end418and the outlet end420of the fuel cell465. In many embodiments, the fuel cell465may be angled relative to the radial projection line466in the axial-circumferential plane such that the inlet end418is circumferentially offset with the outlet end420. For example, a circumferential gap may be defined between the inlet end418and the outlet end420of the fuel cell465due to the fuel cell465being disposed at an angle. In various embodiments, the centerline468of the fuel cell465may define an angle with the radial projection line466in the axial-circumferential plane of between about 0° and about 90°, or such as between about 10° and about 80°, or such as between about 20° and about 70°, or such as between about 30° and about 60°, or such as between about 40° and about 50°. In exemplary embodiments, the centerline468of the fuel cell465may define an angle with the radial projection line466in the axial-circumferential plane of about ±60°. In various embodiments, as shown inFIG.8, the fuel cell465may intersect the radial projection line466at an intersection point467. The fuel cell465may diverge away from the radial projection line466as the fuel cell465extends away from the intersection point467. For example, the intersection point467may be defined where the centerline468and the radial projection line466intersect (i.e., the junction between the centerline468and the radial projection line466). In such embodiments, the fuel cell465may diverge away from the radial projection line466as the fuel cell465extends along the centerline468away from the intersection point467. For example, in some embodiments, the inlet end418of the fuel cell465may intersect the radial projection line466at the intersection point467, and the fuel cell465may diverge away from the radial projection line466as the fuel cell extends from the inlet end418to the outlet end420. In other embodiments, the outlet end420of the fuel cell465intersects the radial projection line466at the intersection point467, and the fuel cell465may diverge away from the radial projection line466as the fuel cell465extends from the outlet end420to the inlet end418. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the intersection point467may be between the inlet end418and the outlet end420, such that the fuel cell465diverges away from the radial projection line466in a first direction between the intersection point467and the inlet end418and diverges away from the radial projection line466in a second direction between the intersection point467and the outlet end420. In exemplary embodiments, the output products500may be delivered into the combustion chamber404at the angle such that a swirling flow of combustion gases is induced in the combustion chamber404. The swirling flow of combustion gases may advantageously increase the fuel consumption efficiency within the combustion chamber404by increasing the mixing of the fuel and air. Referring now toFIGS.9and10, enlarged cross-sectional views of a combustion section114are illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Particularly,FIGS.9and10may each illustrate a planar view of the combustion section114within an axial-radial plane. As shown inFIGS.9and10, the fuel cell465is angled (i.e., sloped or slanted) relative to the radial projection line466in the axial-radial plane. For example, the fuel cell465may extend along a centerline468, and the fuel cell465may be longest along the centerline468. The centerline468may be angled with respect to the radial projection line466. The fuel cell465may extend generally linearly along the centerline468, such that there are no sudden changes in direction, and such that the centerline468defines the same angle with the radial projection line466at any point between the inlet end418and the outlet end420of the fuel cell465. In many embodiments, the fuel cell465may be angled relative to the radial projection in the axial-radial plane such that the inlet end418is axially offset with the outlet end420. For example, an axial gap may be defined between the inlet end418and the outlet end420of the fuel cell465due to the fuel cell465being disposed at an angle. In various embodiments, the centerline468of the fuel cell465may define an angle with the radial projection line466in the axial-radial plane of between about 0° and about 90°, or such as between about 10° and about 80°, or such as between about 20° and about 70°, or such as between about 30° and about 60°, or such as between about 40° and about 50°. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, the fuel cell465may be angled towards the swirler assembly216. In such embodiments, the outlet end420may be closer (e.g., axially closer) to the swirler assembly216than the inlet end418, such that that the fuel cell465may deliver output products500to the combustion chamber404at an angle towards the swirler assembly216. Alternatively, or additionally, as shown inFIG.10, the fuel cell465may be angled away from the swirler assembly216. In such embodiments, the inlet end418may be closer (e.g., axially closer) to the swirler assembly216than the outlet end420, such that the fuel cell465delivers output products500to the combustion chamber404at an angle away from the swirler assembly216. In some embodiments, as shown collectively byFIGS.8through10, the fuel cell465may be angled relative to the radial projection line466in both an axial-radial plane (as shown inFIGS.9and10) and an axial-circumferential plane (as shown inFIG.8). Angling the fuel cells465with respect to the radial direction R may advantageously allow for the fuel cells465to be longer, thereby increasing the power output from the entire fuel cell assembly410. For example, the combustion section114may define a radial gap length470between the casing400and the combustion liner402. The radial gap length470may be measured along the radial direction R between the casing400and the combustion liner402. The fuel cell465may define a fuel cell length472along the centerline468. For example, the fuel cell length472may be measured along the centerline468between the inlet end418and the outlet end420. In exemplary embodiments, the fuel cell length472may be longer than the radial gap length470. For example, the fuel cell length472may be between about 1% and about 50% longer than the radial gap length470, or such as between about 5% and about 50%, or such as between about 10% and about 40%. In many embodiments, as shown inFIGS.9and10, the fuel cell465may be one of a plurality of fuel cells416in a fuel cell stack415. In such embodiments, each fuel cell465in the fuel cell stack415extends at the angle between the inlet end418and the outlet end420relative to the radial projection line466. In some embodiments, as shown, each fuel cell465in the fuel cell stack415may extend at the same angle between the inlet end418and the outlet end420relative to the radial projection line466. In other embodiments (not shown), each fuel cell465in the fuel cell stack415may extend at a different angle between the inlet end418and the outlet end420relative to the radial projection line466. Referring now toFIG.11, an enlarged cross-section of a portion of the combustion section114is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the combustion section114may include a fuel cell assembly410positioned within a passageway408. The fuel cell assembly410including the fuel cell stack415having a plurality of fuel cells416each extending between the inlet end418and the outlet end420. The inlet end418may receive a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end420may provide output products to the combustion chamber404. In exemplary embodiments, the outlet end420of the plurality of fuel cells416may extend through the combustion liner402and partially define the combustion chamber404. For example, the outlet end420of the plurality of fuel cells416may define a radial flow boundary of the combustion gases within the combustion chamber404. The fuel cell assembly410may be mounted to at least one of the combustion liner402and/or the casing400. For example, the structural members436,438may extend radially between the casing400and the combustion liner402and may be coupled to one or both of the casing400and the combustion liner402. For example, the structural member436,438may be fixedly coupled to one or more of the casing400and/or the combustion liner402(e.g., via welding). Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, one or more brackets458may couple the structural members436,438to one of the casing400or the combustion liner402. For example, a first bracket of the one or more brackets458may couple the first structural member436to the casing400, and a second bracket of the one or more brackets458may couple the second structural member438to the casing400. The one or more brackets458may be fixedly coupled to the structural members436,438(e.g., via welding or brazing). Alternatively, the one or more brackets458may be integrally formed as a single component with the structural members436,438(e.g., via an additive manufacturing process). Further, the one or more brackets458may be fastened to the structural member436,438via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, nut and bolts, etc.). As described above, fuel cell stack415may produce a power output that may be supplied to one or more power converters for use with one or more electrical devices. As such, in exemplary embodiments, the combustion liner402may be electrically insulating. For example, the combustion liner402may be formed form a non-conductive, electrically insulating, material. Alternatively, the combustion liner402may include an electrically insulating coating or wrap. In exemplary embodiments, as shown inFIG.11, at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416is one of protruding from the combustion liner402into the combustion chamber404, recessed from the combustion liner402, or flush with the combustion liner402. Particularly, the combustion liner402may define an interior surface or boundary surface403that forms a boundary of the combustion chamber404. At least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416may extend radially beyond the boundary surface403such that the at least one fuel cell terminates within the combustion chamber404(e.g., the outlet end420of the at least one fuel cell is disposed in the combustion chamber404). Alternatively, or additionally, at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416may terminate outside of the combustion chamber404, such that a radial gap is defined between the boundary surface403and the outlet end420of the at least one fuel cell. In some embodiments, at least one fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells416may be flush with the combustion liner402, such that the outlet end420of the at least one fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells416is disposed at the radial location of the boundary surface403. In such embodiments, there may be no radial step between the boundary surface403and the outlet end420of the at least one fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells416, such that the outlet end420of the at least one fuel cell may form a continuous surface with the boundary surface403of the combustion liner402. In some embodiments, each fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416may include a main body portion476and a tip portion478. The main body portion476may extend generally radially between the inlet end418and the tip portion478. The main body portion476may terminate at an outer surface401of the combustion liner402. The tip portion478may extend generally radially from the main body portion476to the outlet end420. The tip portion478may have a smaller width (axially measured) and length (radially measured) than the main body portion476. The tip portion478may protrude into the combustion chamber404, may be flush with the boundary surface403of the combustion liner402, or may be recessed from the boundary surface403of the combustion liner402. As shown inFIG.11, a film cooling gap474may be defined between the fuel cell assembly410and the combustion liner402such that the passageway408is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber404via the film cooling gap474. The film cooling gap474may be defined axially between the combustion liner402and the first structural member436of the fuel cell assembly410, and the film cooling gap474may be sized and oriented to promote film cooling of the boundary surface403of the combustion liner402proximate the outlet end420of the plurality of fuel cells416. In such embodiments, due to the film cooling gap474, the first structural member436and the first electrically conducting member430may not contact the combustion liner402, and as such the radially inward end of both the first structural member436and the first electrically conducing member430may be film cooled by air from the passageway408via the film cooling gap474. In many embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may further include a cell cooling channel480for cooling one or more fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells416. For example, the cell cooling channel480may be defined between two adjacent fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells416of the fuel cell stack415. For example, the cell cooling channel480may be defined between a first fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416and a second fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416. The cell cooling channel480may extend radially between the combustion chamber404and the airflow gap444. In such embodiments, an electrical coupling481(such as a wire, plate, or other electrical coupling) may extend across (or around) the cell cooling channel480to electrically couple the fuel cells in the fuel cell stack415to one another. Referring now toFIG.12, an enlarged cross-section of a portion of the combustion section114is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.12, the fuel cell assembly410, including the outer fuel cell assembly412and the inner fuel cell assembly414, may include a plurality of fuel cell stacks415. The plurality of fuel cell stacks415may each include a plurality of fuel cells416(as shown inFIG.6), and the plurality of fuel cell stacks415may be coupled to one another via an interconnect plate484. For example, an interconnect plate484may be disposed axially between each fuel cell stack415of the plurality of fuel cell stacks415. In some embodiments, each fuel cell stack415of the plurality of fuel cell stacks415may be coupled to one another via mechanical means, and one or more fuel cell stack415may couple the plurality of fuel cell stacks415to the combustion liner402and/or the casing400. Alternatively, each of the fuel cell stacks415is independently coupled to the combustion liner402and/or the casing400. The interconnect plate484may electrically couple the fuel cell stacks415to one another. Alternatively, or additionally, a strap, lead, or wire may be used for electrically coupling the fuel cell stacks415to one another. The fuel cell stacks415may be electrically coupled to one another in series, parallel, or each connected to a power convertor or electric bus. In exemplary embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may include a stack cooling channel486defined between adjacent fuel cell stacks of the plurality of fuel cell stacks415. For example, two fuel cell stacks415of the plurality of fuel cell stacks415may be axially spaced apart from one another such that the stack cooling channel486is defined therebetween. Particularly, as shown inFIG.12, the stack cooling channel486may be defined between a first fuel cell stack in the plurality of fuel cell stacks415and a second fuel cell stack in the plurality of fuel cell stacks415. More particularly, the stack cooling channel486may be defined between an interconnect plate484coupled to the first fuel cell stack in the plurality of fuel cell stacks415and a radially extending side surface488of the second fuel cell stack of the plurality of fuel cell stacks415. The stack cooling channel486may extend radially between the airflow gap444and the combustion chamber404. In some embodiments, as shown, a mechanical support491(such as a bracket, flange, or other mechanical support) may couple the fuel cell assembly410to the combustion liner402(e.g., to an outer surface401of the combustion liner402). Referring now toFIG.13, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the combustion section114having a fuel cell assembly410is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.13, each fuel cell416of the plurality of fuel cells416in the fuel cell stack415includes an anode490, a cathode494, and an electrolyte492(such as a solid electrolyte) disposed between the anode490and the cathode494. As shown inFIG.13, each fuel cell416of the plurality of fuel cells416includes a fuel channel498at least partially defined by the anode490and an air channel496at least partially defined by the cathode494. Additionally, each fuel cell416may include a one or more divider walls502, such as a bipolar plate, (which may be electrically conductive to electrically couple the fuel cells416to one another). The fuel channel498may be defined axially between the anode490and the divider wall502. Similarly, the air channel496may be defined axially between the cathode494and the divider wall502. In some instances, as shown inFIG.13, a first side of the divider wall502may contact the either the first or second electrically conducting member430,434and a second side of the divider wall502may define either the air channel496or the fuel channel498. In other instances, as shown, a first side of the divider wall502may partially define an air channel496of a first fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416, and a second side of the divider wall502may partially define a fuel channel498of a second fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416. In exemplary embodiments, the fuel channel498may extend from a fuel inlet504to a fuel outlet507fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber404. The fuel inlet504may be closed, such that air from the airflow gap444does not enter the fuel inlet504. However, the fuel inlet504may be fluidly coupled to the fuel source148(and/or the FPU424as shown inFIG.6), such that the fuel channel498receives a flow of fuel505from the fuel source148via the fuel inlet504. The air channel496may extend from an air inlet506to an air outlet508fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber404. The air inlet506may be in open fluid communication with the airflow gap444, such that air510from the airflow gap444may flow freely into the air channel496. Both the air channel496and the fuel channel498may extend between the inlet end418and the outlet end420of the fuel cell416. The non-utilized air510from the air channel496and the non-utilized fuel505from the fuel channel498may collectively make up the outlet products of the fuel cell416. In various embodiments, as shown inFIG.13, the fuel cell assembly410may include a thermal barrier coating512disposed on the outlet end420of at least one fuel cell416in the plurality of fuel cells416. The thermal barrier coating512may advantageously thermally insulate the fuel cells416from the high temperature combustion gases within the combustion chamber404, thereby prolonging the life of the fuel cell assembly410. In exemplary embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may further include an electrical circuit514coupled to the plurality of fuel cells416and extending through the casing400. In certain embodiments, fuel cell assembly410may include at least one electrically conducting member429at either a forward end432or an aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. The electrical circuit514may include at least one electrically conducting member429disposed at a forward end432or an aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. For example, the electrical circuit514may include a first electrically conducting member430at the forward end432of the fuel cell stack415and a second electrically conducting member434at the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. The first electrically conducting member430may be in contact with a forwardmost fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416, and the second electrically conducting member434in contact with an aftmost fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells416, such that the fuel cell stack415is disposed between (e.g., axially between) the first electrically conducting member430and the second electrically conducting member434. In some embodiments (not shown), the fuel cell assembly410may include only a singular electrically conducting member429at one of the forward end432or the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. The first electrically conducting member430and/or the second electrically conducting member434may be electrically coupled to the plurality of fuel cells416in the fuel cell stack415, to collect or capture a power output of the fuel cell stack415. For example, the electrical circuit514may include anode electrical couplings516and cathode electrical couplings518. The anode electrical couplings516may extend between and electrically couple the anode490of each fuel cell416in the plurality of fuel cells416and the electrically conducting members430,434. Similarly, the cathode electrical couplings518may extend between and electrically couple the cathode494of each fuel cell416in the plurality of fuel cells416and the electrically conducting members430,434. The anode electrical couplings516and the cathode electrical couplings518may be wires or other electrical couplings. In exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuit514may further include a strap520electrically coupled to the electrically conducting member429. For example, a first strap522may be electrically coupled to the first electrically conducting member430, and a second strap524may be electrically coupled to the second electrically conducting member434. The strap520may extend from a first end526coupled to the electrically conducting member429, through the casing400, to a second end528. The strap may include a first portion530, a second portion532, and a connection portion534. The first portion530may extend generally radially from the first end526, through the casing400, to the second portion532. The second portion532may extend generally axially from the first portion530to the connection portion534. The connection portion534may extend between the second portion532and the second end528. WhileFIG.13illustrates a first strap522and a second strap524electrically coupled to the fuel cell stack415, in exemplary embodiments, the fuel cell assembly410may only include a singular strap at the forward end432of the fuel cell stack415(e.g., only the first strap522). In such embodiments, the second strap524may not be necessary, and all the electrical energy may be routed through the first strap522to the power convertor439. The strap520may rigid and welded or otherwise fixedly coupled to the electrically conducting member429. For example, the first end526of the strap520may be welded to the electrically conducting member429. The strap520may be formed of stainless steel or other rigid material. The strap520being rigid advantageously allows the strap520to be positioned through the casing400without being damaged during operation of the combustion section114. In many embodiments, an electric bus437may electrically couple to the strap520outside (e.g., radially outside) of the casing400. For example, the electric bus437may electrically couple to the second end528of the strap520radially outward of the casing400, such that the electric bus437may be disposed outside of the passageway408. The electric bus437may include one or more electrical wires (such as platinum wires or other wires). The electric bus437may extend from the second end528of the strap520to a power convertor439(such as the power convertor324described above with reference toFIG.5or a different power convertor). During operation, the fuel cell assembly410defines a power density. The power density may be the amount of power produced by the fuel cell assembly410per unit volume. A highly efficient fuel cell assembly410may have a high power density, such that the fuel cell assembly410is capable of large power production within a small space or volume. In many embodiments, a radial gap460may be defined between the casing400and the combustion liner402, and the radial gap460may be sized based on the power density of the fuel cell assembly410. For example, if the power density is high, then the radial gap460may be reduced. In many implementations, the radial gap460may be between about 2 inches and about 8 inches, or such as between about 3 inches and about 7 inches, or such as between about 4 inches and about 6 inches, or such as about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the power density may be in a range from 0.25 KW/kg to 5 KW/kg (or 1 KW/L to 10 KW/L). Referring now toFIG.14, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a combustion section114having a fuel cell416positioned within a passageway408and defining a portion of the combustion chamber404is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The fuel cell416may be incorporated in the fuel cell assembly410described above with reference toFIG.6and/orFIG.12. As shown, the fuel cell416may extend from an inlet end418to an outlet end420and may include a fuel channel498and an air channel496. the fuel channel498may extend from a fuel inlet504to a fuel outlet507fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber404. The fuel inlet504may be closed, such that air from the airflow gap444does not enter the fuel inlet504. However, the fuel inlet504may be fluidly coupled to the fuel source148(and/or the FPU424as shown inFIG.6), such that the fuel channel498receives a flow of fuel505from the fuel source148via the fuel inlet504. The air channel496may extend from an air inlet506to an air outlet508fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber404. The air inlet506may be in open fluid communication with the airflow gap444, such that air510from the airflow gap444may flow freely into the air channel496. Both the air channel496and the fuel channel498may extend between the inlet end418and the outlet end420of the fuel cell416. The non-utilized air510from the air channel496and the non-utilized fuel505from the fuel channel498may collectively make up the outlet products of the fuel cell416. In exemplary embodiments, as shown inFIG.14, the fuel outlet507and the air outlet508may be angled away from one another. For example, the fuel channel498may include a straight portion540and an angled portion542. The straight portion540may extend generally radially alongside the fuel cell416from the fuel inlet504to the angled portion542. The angled portion542may extend from the straight portion540to the fuel outlet507. In this way, the fuel outlet507may be axially offset from the fuel inlet504. The angled portion542may diverge axially away from the fuel cell416as the angled portion542extends from the straight portion540to the fuel outlet507. Similarly, the air channel496may include a straight portion544and an angled portion546. The straight portion544may extend generally radially alongside the fuel cell416from the air inlet506to the angled portion546. The angled portion546may extend from the straight portion544to the air outlet508. In this way, the air outlet508may be axially offset from the air inlet506. The angled portion546may diverge axially away from the fuel cell416as the angled portion546extends from the straight portion544to the air outlet508. Particularly, the angled portion542of the fuel channel498and the angled portion546of the air channel496may diverge axially away from the fuel cell416in opposite directions as the angled portions542,546extend from the respective straight portions540,544to the respective outlets507,508. Referring now toFIG.15, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a combustion section114having a fuel cell stack415with a plurality of fuel cells416positioned within a passageway408is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The fuel cell stack415may be incorporated in the fuel cell assembly410described above with reference toFIG.6and/orFIG.12. As shown, the fuel cell stack415may extend axially between a forward end432and an aft end433. Additionally, as shown, each of the fuel cells416may extend radially from an inlet end418to an outlet end420. Each of the fuel cells416may include a fuel channel498and an air channel496disposed on opposite sides of the fuel cell416. Each of the fuel channels498may extend from a fuel inlet504to a fuel plenum548, which may collect all the non-utilized fuel505from the respective fuel channels498of the fuel cells416. The fuel plenum548may be disposed radially between the outlet end420of the plurality of fuel cells416and the combustion liner402. In exemplary embodiments, an outlet portion550may extend (e.g., generally axially) between the fuel plenum548and a common fuel outlet552in fluid communication with the combustion chamber404. The outlet portion550and the common fuel outlet552may be disposed at one of the forward end432or the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. For example, as shown inFIG.14, the outlet portion550and the common fuel outlet552may be disposed at the forward end432of the fuel cell stack415. Each of the air channels496may extend from an air inlet506to an air plenum554, which may collect all the non-utilized air510from the respective air channels496of the fuel cells416. The air plenum554may be disposed radially between the outlet end420of the plurality of fuel cells416and the combustion liner402. In exemplary embodiments, an outlet portion556may extend radially (e.g., generally radially) between the air plenum554and a common air outlet558in fluid communication with the combustion chamber404. The outlet portion556and the common air outlet558may be disposed at one of the forward end432or the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. For example, as shown inFIG.15, the outlet portion556and the common air outlet558may be disposed at the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. In this way, the common fuel outlet552and the common air outlet558may be disposed on axially opposite sides of the fuel cell stack415, e.g., the common fuel outlet552disposed at the forward end432and the common air outlet558disposed at the aft end433, which advantageously reduces the interactions between the air and fuel exiting the fuel cell stack415by increasing the distance between the flow streams. Particularly, in many embodiments, the common fuel outlet552may be disposed at one of a forward end432or an aft end433of the fuel cell stack415, and the common air outlet558may be disposed at the other of the forward end432or the aft end433of the fuel cell stack415. As discussed above with reference toFIGS.6-15, the fuel cell stack415described herein advantageously leverages the pressure difference between the diffusion chamber406and the combustion chamber408to produce an airflow path through the fuel cell stack415. In addition, one or more of the fuel cells416in the fuel cell stack415may be angled relative to a radial direction R of the combustion section, which allows the one or more fuel cells416to extend axially a maximum length for maximum power production from the fuel cell stack415. Further, the fuel cell stack415may advantageously define a portion of the combustion chamber404and may include one or more cooling features that provide a cooling flow of air to the combustion liner400and/or the fuel cells416. The turbomachine of the present disclosure includes a more robust and efficient integration of the fuel cell assembly410into the combustion section114, which advantageously increases the hardware life of the fuel cell assembly410and increases the overall efficiency of the turbomachine. This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses: A combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the plurality of fuel cells extending from an inlet end in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber to an outlet end extending through the combustion liner and in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet end of the plurality of fuel cells is spaced apart from the casing such that an airflow gap is defined between the inlet end and the casing. The combustion section of any preceding clause, further comprising an air manifold extending from an inlet in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber, through the casing, to an outlet in fluid communication with the airflow gap. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the diffusion chamber is at a first pressure, and wherein the combustion chamber is at a second pressure lower than the first pressure such that air from the diffusion chamber flows through the fuel cell stack and into the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises at least one electrically conducting member disposed at one of a forward end or an aft end of the fuel cell stack. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises at least one structural member that couples the fuel cell assembly to at least one of the casing or the combustion liner of the combustion section. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one structural member defines an air channel that fluidly couples the diffusion chamber and the inlet end of the fuel cell stack. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the air channel defines a circular cross-sectional shape. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the air channel defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one structural member defines a singular air channel that extends circumferentially between two tabs. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one structural member defines a plurality of air channels circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly defines a power density, wherein a radial gap is defined between the casing and the combustion liner, wherein the radial gap is sized based on the power density of the fuel cell assembly, and wherein the radial gap is between about 2 inches and about 8 inches. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly is a first fuel cell assembly in a plurality of fuel cell assemblies disposed in the passageway, the plurality of fuel cell assemblies circumferentially spaced apart from one another such that a circumferential gap is defined between each fuel cell assembly of the plurality of fuel cell assemblies. The combustion section of any preceding clause, further comprising a swirler assembly disposed at a forward end of the combustion liner, the swirler assembly fluidly coupled to a fuel source, the diffusion chamber, and the combustion chamber, wherein the fuel cell assembly is disposed aft of the swirler assembly. A turbomachine comprising: a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber that receives air from the compressor section; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the plurality of fuel cells extending from an inlet end in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber to an outlet end extending through the combustion liner and in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet end of the plurality of fuel cells is spaced apart from the casing such that an airflow gap is defined between the inlet end and the casing. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, further comprising an air manifold extending from an inlet in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber, through the casing, to an outlet in fluid communication with the airflow gap. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the diffusion chamber is at a first pressure, and wherein the combustion chamber is at a second pressure lower than the first pressure such that air from the diffusion chamber flows through the fuel cell stack and into the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises at least one electrically conducting member disposed at one of a forward end or an aft end of the fuel cell stack. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises at least one structural member that couples the fuel cell assembly to at least one of the casing or the combustion liner of the combustion section. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one structural member defines an air channel that fluidly couples the diffusion chamber and the inlet end of the fuel cell stack. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly defines a power density, wherein a radial gap is defined between the casing and the combustion liner, wherein the radial gap is sized based on the power density of the fuel cell assembly, and wherein the radial gap is between about 2 inches and about 8 inches. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly is a first fuel cell assembly in a plurality of fuel cell assemblies disposed in the passageway, the plurality of fuel cell assemblies circumferentially spaced apart from one another such that a circumferential gap is defined between each fuel cell assembly of the plurality of fuel cell assemblies. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, further comprising a swirler assembly disposed at a forward end of the combustion liner, the swirler assembly fluidly coupled to a fuel source, the diffusion chamber, and the combustion chamber, wherein the fuel cell assembly is disposed aft of the swirler assembly. A combustion section defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber, the fuel cell extending at an angle between the inlet end and the outlet end relative to a radial projection line. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is angled relative to the radial projection line in an axial-radial plane. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is angled relative to the radial projection line in an axial-circumferential plane. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is angled relative to the radial projection line in both an axial-radial plane and an axial-circumferential plane. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the combustion section defines a radial gap length between the casing and the combustion liner, wherein the fuel cell defines a fuel cell length, and wherein the fuel cell length is longer than the radial gap length. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell intersects the radial projection line at an intersection point, and wherein the fuel cell diverges away from the radial projection line as the fuel cell extends away from the intersection point. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet end of the fuel cell intersects the radial projection line at the intersection point, and wherein the fuel cell diverges away from the radial projection line as the fuel cell extends from the inlet end to the outlet end. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the outlet end of the fuel cell intersects the radial projection line at the intersection point, and wherein the fuel cell diverges away from the radial projection line as the fuel cell extends from the outlet end to the inlet end. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is one of a plurality of fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, and wherein each fuel cell in the fuel cell stack extends at the angle between the inlet end and the outlet end relative to the radial projection line. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the output products are delivered into the combustion chamber at the angle such that a swirling flow of combustion gases is induced in the combustion chamber. A turbomachine comprising: a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber, the fuel cell extending at an angle between the inlet end and the outlet end relative to a radial projection line. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is angled relative to the radial projection line in an axial-radial plane. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is angled relative to the radial projection line in an axial-circumferential plane. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is angled relative to the radial projection line in both an axial-radial plane and an axial-circumferential plane. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the combustion section defines a radial gap length between the casing and the combustion liner, wherein the fuel cell defines a fuel cell length, and wherein the fuel cell length is longer than the radial gap length. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell intersects the radial projection line at an intersection point, and wherein the fuel cell diverges away from the radial projection line as the fuel cell extends away from the intersection point. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet end of the fuel cell intersects the radial projection line at the intersection point, and wherein the fuel cell diverges away from the radial projection line as the fuel cell extends from the inlet end to the outlet end. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the outlet end of the fuel cell intersects the radial projection line at the intersection point, and wherein the fuel cell diverges away from the radial projection line as the fuel cell extends from the outlet end to the inlet end. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell is one of a plurality of fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, and wherein each fuel cell in the fuel cell stack extends at the angle between the inlet end and the outlet end relative to the radial projection line. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the output products are delivered into the combustion chamber at the angle such that a swirling flow of combustion gases is induced in the combustion chamber. A combustion section defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber, wherein the outlet end of the plurality of fuel cells extends through the combustion liner and partially defines the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly is mounted to at least one of the combustion liner and the casing. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the combustion liner is electrically insulating. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein a film cooling gap is defined between the fuel cell assembly and the combustion liner such that the passageway is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber via the film cooling gap. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells is one of protruding from the combustion liner into the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells is recessed from the combustion liner. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells is flush with the combustion liner. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein a cell cooling channel is defined between a first fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells and a second fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell stack is one of a plurality of fuel cell stacks in the fuel cell assembly, and wherein a stack cooling channel is defined between adjacent fuel cell stacks of the plurality of fuel cell stacks. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein a thermal barrier coating is disposed on the outlet end of at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells. A turbomachine comprising: a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber, wherein the outlet end of the plurality of fuel cells extends through the combustion liner and partially defines the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly is mounted to at least one of the combustion liner and the casing. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the combustion liner is electrically insulating. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein a film cooling gap is defined between the fuel cell assembly and the combustion liner such that the passageway is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber via the film cooling gap. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells is one of protruding from the combustion liner into the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells is recessed from the combustion liner. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells is flush with the combustion liner. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein a cell cooling channel is defined between a first fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells and a second fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell stack is one of a plurality of fuel cell stacks in the fuel cell assembly, and wherein a stack cooling channel is defined between adjacent fuel cell stacks of the plurality of fuel cell stacks. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein a thermal barrier coating is disposed on the outlet end of at least one fuel cell in the plurality of fuel cells. A combustion section defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber, the fuel cell assembly further comprising an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the plurality of fuel cells and extending through the casing. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the electrical circuit includes an electrically conducting member disposed at one of a forward end or an aft end of the fuel cell stack. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises at least one structural member that couples the fuel cell assembly to at least one of the casing or the combustion liner of the combustion section. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one structural member is electrically insulating. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the electrically conducting member is a first electrically conducting member disposed at one of the forward end or the aft end of the fuel cell stack, and wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises a second electrically conducting member at the other of the forward end or the aft end of the fuel cell stack. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises a strap electrically coupled to the electrically conducting member. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the strap is rigid and welded to the electrically conducting member. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the strap extends from the electrically conducting member and through the casing. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein an electric bus electrically couples to the strap outside of the combustor casing. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the combustion liner is electrically insulating. A turbomachine comprising: a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives a flow of air and fuel and the outlet end provides output products to the combustion chamber, the fuel cell assembly further comprising an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the plurality of fuel cells and extending through the casing. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the electrical circuit includes an electrically conducting member disposed at one of a forward end or an aft end of the fuel cell stack. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises at least one structural member that couples the fuel cell assembly to at least one of the casing or the combustion liner of the combustion section. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one structural member is electrically insulating. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the electrically conducting member is a first electrically conducting member disposed at one of the forward end or the aft end of the fuel cell stack, and wherein the fuel cell assembly further comprises a second electrically conducting member at the other of the forward end or the aft end of the fuel cell stack. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises a strap electrically coupled to the electrically conducting member. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the strap is rigid and welded to the electrically conducting member. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the strap extends from the electrically conducting member and through the casing. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein an electric bus electrically couples to the strap outside of the combustor casing. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the combustion liner is electrically insulating. A combustion section defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells comprising an air channel and a fuel channel each fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel channel extends from a fuel inlet to a fuel outlet fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber, and wherein the air channel extends from an air inlet to an air outlet fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel outlet and the air outlet are angled away from one another. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells comprises an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel channel is at least partially defined by the anode. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the air channel is at least partially defined by the cathode. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel channel of two or more fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells each extend from a respective fuel inlet to a fuel plenum, the fuel plenum extending to a common fuel outlet in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells comprises an air channel at least partially defined by the cathode, and wherein the air channel of two or more fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells each extend from a respective air inlet to an air plenum, the air plenum extending to a common air outlet in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the common fuel outlet is disposed at one of a forward end or an aft end of the fuel cell stack. The combustion section of any preceding clause, wherein the common air outlet is disposed at the other of the forward end or the aft end of the fuel cell stack. A turbomachine comprising: a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section arranged in serial flow order, the combustion section comprising: a casing defining a diffusion chamber; a combustion liner disposed within the diffusion chamber and defining a combustion chamber, the combustion liner spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing; and a fuel cell assembly disposed in the passageway, the fuel cell assembly comprising a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells comprising an air channel and a fuel channel each fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel channel extends from a fuel inlet to a fuel outlet fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber, and wherein the air channel extends from an air inlet to an air outlet fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel outlet and the air outlet are angled away from one another. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells comprises an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel channel is at least partially defined by the anode. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the air channel is at least partially defined by the cathode. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the fuel channel of two or more fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells each extend from a respective fuel inlet to a fuel plenum, the fuel plenum extending to a common fuel outlet in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein each fuel cell of the plurality of fuel cells comprises an air channel at least partially defined by the cathode, and wherein the air channel of two or more fuel cells in the plurality of fuel cells each extend from a respective air inlet to an air plenum, the air plenum extending to a common air outlet in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the common fuel outlet is disposed at one of a forward end or an aft end of the fuel cell stack. The turbomachine of any preceding clause, wherein the common air outlet is disposed at the other of the forward end or the aft end of the fuel cell stack. | 125,067 |
11859821 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the disclosure is shown inFIG.1and is designated generally by reference character100. Other embodiments of systems in accordance with the disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided inFIGS.2-5, as will be described. The systems and methods described herein can be used to improve air assist functionality in continuous ignition systems for gas turbine engines. The injection system100for a gas turbine engine102includes a torch ignitor104. A combustor106of the gas turbine engine102is within the engine case108of the gas turbine engine102. The torch outlet110is mounted to an opening116through a wall112of the combustor106. One or more fuel injectors114(only one of which is shown in the annular cross-section ofFIG.1) are mounted to the combustor106upstream from the opening116to issue fuel and air into the combustor106. A compressor118(indicated schematically inFIG.1) is situated upstream of the combustor106to supply compressed air to the combustor106through the fuel injectors114. A turbine section120(indicated schematically inFIG.1) is located downstream of the combustor106to receive combustion products therefrom for production of power and/or thrust, some of the power of which can be used to power the compressor section118. A compressed air source181is connected to the torch ignitor104, as described in more detail below. With reference now toFIG.2, the torch ignitor104includes an outer nozzle body122which defines a combustion chamber124downstream of an outlet orifice126. A plurality of ignitors130are mounted to the outer nozzle body122with a respective ignition end128inside the combustion chamber124to ignite a fuel air mixture within the combustion chamber124. A mounting flange132is defined at outlet portion134of the outer nozzle body122for mounting the outer nozzle body122to the engine case108(as shown inFIG.1). The torch outlet110is located downstream of the combustion chamber124for issuing a flame into the combustor106as shown inFIG.1. Referring toFIG.3, the torch ignitor104includes an inner nozzle body138defining a first air path140along a longitudinal axis A. The first air path140defines a converging-diverging section142between an upstream portion144of the first air path140and the outlet orifice126of the first air path140. A main orifice146is defined at a narrowest portion of the converging-diverging section142. A fuel circuit wall148is seated outboard of a tip portion of the inner nozzle body138. A fuel path150is defined between the fuel circuit wall148and the inner nozzle body138. The outer nozzle body122is outboard of the fuel circuit wall148and has a second air path156defined through the outer nozzle body122for communication of air from the outer nozzle body122into the first air path140. The second air path156meets the first air path140at a second orifice154in the first air path140downstream of the main orifice146. The first and second air paths140,156and the fuel path150issue an atomized mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber124. Referring again toFIG.3, the second air path156passes from a first section158through the outer nozzle body122, to a second section160that passes between the outer nozzle body122and the fuel circuit wall148, to the terminal section159of the second air path and into the first air path140at the second orifice154. The upstream portion144of the first air path140enters the converging-diverging section142along an upstream portion of the longitudinal axis A, i.e., the first air path enters from the left as oriented inFIG.3. The first portion, e.g. sections158and160, of the second air path156approaches the second orifice154from a direction along a downstream portion of the longitudinal axis A, i.e. opposite the upstream portion or from the right hand side as oriented inFIG.3. The second air path156turns about an upstream end170of the fuel circuit wall148, and continues in a downstream direction through the terminal portion159of the second air path156. The second air path156is in fluid communication with an air jacket172in the outer nozzle body122defined about the combustion chamber124. The air jacket172has an inlet174(labeled inFIGS.1and2) in fluid communication with a compressor outlet plenum176(labeled inFIG.1) defined between the combustor106and the engine case108for supplying air to the second air path156. The second air path156passes from the air jacket172through a plurality of first sections178through the outer nozzle body122, through a plurality of respective holes180into to the single second section160that passes between the outer nozzle body122and the fuel circuit wall148, to a plurality of terminal sections159each of which feeds and into the first air path140at a respective second orifice154. With continued reference toFIGS.1-3, a method of ignition for the gas turbine engine102includes issuing air from a compressed air source181, e.g. a compressed air tank, auxiliary air compressor, or the like, through the first air path140into a combustion chamber124. The method includes issuing fuel from a fuel circuit150in the torch ignitor104into the combustion chamber124, initiating ignition of the fuel and air in the combustion chamber124, and using a flame from the torch ignitor104to initiate combustion in a combustor106of the gas turbine engine102. This first air path140provides assist air for ignition when there is inadequate air from the compressor section118, e.g. before the compressor section is fully powered up during start up or relight. During use of the assist air, the flow of assist air in the first air path140can entrain airflow through the second air path156into the first air path140. The method also includes issuing air from a compressor section118of the gas turbine engine102through the second air path156that feeds into the first air path140. The method can include ceasing issuing air from the compressed air source181after the compressor section118is powered to issue air through the second air path156. Relighting can include issuing air through the first air path140from the compressed air source181into the combustion chamber124of the torch ignitor104at altitude. With reference now toFIG.4, the converging-diverging section142provides a restriction in the first air flow path which accelerates the flow of air to a high velocity which helps to atomize the fuel. The diverging portion of the converging-diverging section142is a diffuser182, where the second orifices154are located. If the diffuser angle α is too large or if the duct184between the diffuser182and where it meets the fuel at the outlet orifice126is too short, the primary air flow through the first air path140may separate from the wall or surface of the diffuser182. This means that the air from the first air circuit140may separate into a jet which may not reach out to the fuel filming surface186and insufficient atomization could occur during air-assist operation as described above. Referring now toFIG.5, the second air path156has a terminal section159through a portion of the inner nozzle body138that defines an oblique angle θ with the longitudinal axis A. The oblique angle θ is acute relative to a portion of the longitudinal axis A upstream of the second orifice154. With this acute angle θ, and with the second orifices154downstream of the main orifice146, when the air assist in the first a path140is switched over to regular operation air from the second air path156, proper air flow for atomization of the fuel can be achieved. Having the acute angle and second orifices154downstream of the main orifice146also prevents the first flowing air from flowing in a reverse direction into the second air path156during first flowing air operation. This improves the efficiency at which the first flowing air can atomize the fuel. While the apparatus and methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. | 8,328 |
11859822 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is intended, however, that unless particularly identified, dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions and the like of components described or shown in the drawings as the embodiments shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For instance, an expression of relative or absolute arrangement such as “in a direction”, “along a direction”, “parallel”, “orthogonal”, “centered”, “concentric” and “coaxial” shall not be construed as indicating only the arrangement in a strict literal sense, but also includes a state where the arrangement is relatively displaced by a tolerance, or by an angle or a distance whereby it is possible to achieve the same function. For instance, an expression of an equal state such as “same” “equal” and “uniform” shall not be construed as indicating only the state in which the feature is strictly equal, but also includes a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference that can still achieve the same function. Further, for instance, an expression of a shape such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape shall not be construed as only the geometrically strict shape, but also includes a shape with unevenness or chamfered corners within the range in which the same effect can be achieved. On the other hand, an expression such as “comprise”, “include”, “have”, “contain” and “constitute” are not intended to be exclusive of other components. FIG.1is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas turbine100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.1, the gas turbine100according to an embodiment includes a compressor2for compressing air (i.e., producing compressed air) that serves as an oxidant supplied to a combustor4, a combustor4(gas turbine combustor) for producing combustion gas using the compressed air and fuel, and a turbine6configured to be driven by the combustion gas discharged from the combustor4. In the case of the gas turbine100for power generation, a generator (not shown) is connected to the turbine6, so that rotational energy of the turbine6generates electric power. In the combustor4of the gas turbine100, a gas mixture of fuel and air is combusted to produce the combustion gas. Examples of the fuel combusted in the combustor4include hydrogen, methane, light oil, heavy oil, jet fuel, natural gas, and gasified coal, and one or more of them may be used in any combination for combustion. The compressor2includes a compressor casing10, an air inlet12disposed on an inlet side of the compressor casing10for sucking in air, a rotor8disposed so as to penetrate both of the compressor casing10and a turbine casing22, and a variety of blades disposed in the compressor casing10. The variety of blades includes an inlet guide vane14disposed adjacent to the air inlet12, a plurality of stator vanes16fixed to the compressor casing10, and a plurality of rotor blades18implanted on the rotor8so as to be arranged alternately with the stator vanes16. In the compressor2, the air sucked in from the air inlet12flows through the plurality of stator vanes16and the plurality of rotor blades18to be compressed into compressed air having a high temperature and a high pressure. The compressed air having a high temperature and a high pressure is sent to the combustor4of a latter stage from the compressor2. A plurality of combustors4are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotor8. The combustor4is supplied with fuel and the compressed air produced in the compressor2, and combusts the fuel to produce combustion gas that serves as a working fluid of the turbine6. The combustion gas is sent to the turbine6at a latter stage from the combustor4. The turbine6includes a turbine casing22and a variety of blades disposed in the turbine casing22. The variety of blades includes a plurality of stator vanes24fixed to the turbine casing22and a plurality of rotor blades26implanted on the rotor8so as to be arranged alternately with the stator vanes24. In the turbine6, the rotor8is driven to rotate as the combustion gas passes through the plurality of stator vanes24and the plurality of rotor blades26. In this way, the generator (not shown) connected to the rotor8is driven. Further, an exhaust chamber30is connected to the downstream side of the turbine casing22via an exhaust casing28. The combustion gas having driven the turbine6is discharged outside through the exhaust casing28and the exhaust chamber30, FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the combustor4. The combustor4includes a burner assembly32, a bottomed cylindrical casing20for accommodating the burner assembly32, and a combustion liner25forming a space in which a flame is formed downstream of the burner assembly32. InFIG.2, the dash-dotted line indicates a central axis L common to the casing20, the burner assembly32, and the combustion liner25, The burner assembly32is disposed inside the casing20of the combustor4. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the burner assembly32is held inside a cylindrical member34disposed inside the casing20. The cylindrical member34is supported by the casing20via a plurality of support portions35arranged at intervals around the central axis L. An air passage36for the compressed air flowing from a casing40is formed between the casing20and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member34(between the casing20and the outer peripheral surface of the burner assembly32). The compressed air flowing from the casing40into the air passage36passes through an axial gap23between the burner assembly32and a bottom surface21of the casing20and enters a plurality of mixing passages46, which will described later, of the burner assembly32together with fuel. The fuel and the air are mixed in the burner assembly32, and the mixture is ignited by an ignition device (not shown) to form a flame in the combustion liner25and produce the combustion gas. FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view of the burner assembly32according to an embodiment, taken along the central axis L. As shown inFIG.3, the burner assembly32includes a plurality of burners42for mixing fuel and air. Each of the plurality of burners42includes a fuel nozzle43for injecting fuel, a mixing passage46supplied with the fuel and air, and a plurality of support portions39connecting a passage wall55of the mixing passage46and the fuel nozzle43to support the fuel nozzle43. Since the plurality of burners42have basically the same configuration except for the portion forming the outer peripheral surface of the burner assembly32, the configuration common to the burners42will be described below FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of an example of a detailed configuration of the burner42. As shown inFIG.4, the fuel nozzle43is formed in a tubular shape and extends along the central axis O of the mixing passage46. A fuel passage45is formed on the central axis O inside the fuel nozzle43, and a fuel injection hole53connected to the fuel passage45is formed at the tip of the fuel nozzle43. The fuel nozzle43includes a constant outer diameter portion70and a tapered portion72. The outer diameter K of the constant outer diameter portion70is constant in the direction along the central axis O (hereinafter, simply referred to as “axis O direction”). The outer diameter K of the tapered portion72gradually decreases downstream in the air flow direction along the central axis O. Hereinafter, upstream of the air flow direction along the central axis O is simply referred to as “upstream”, and downstream of the air flow direction along the central axis O is simply referred to as “downstream”. The mixing passage46is formed in a tubular shape and extends along the central axis O. Inside the passage wall55of the mixing passage46, a fuel chamber51for holding fuel to be supplied to the fuel nozzle43is formed. The passage wall55of the mixing passage46includes constant passage width portions74,78and a contraction portion76. The passage width W of each of the constant passage width portion74and the constant passage width portion78is constant in the axis O direction. The passage width W of the contraction portion76gradually decreases downstream. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the constant passage width portion74, the contraction portion76, and the constant passage width portion78are disposed in order from upstream. A range S1where the tapered portion72is disposed and a range S2where the contraction portion76is disposed at least partially overlap in the axis O direction. In other words, the existence range S1of the tapered portion72is at least partially within the existence range S2of the contraction portion76. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the entire range S1is within the range52, Inside the support portion39, a fuel passage48for supplying fuel to the fuel nozzle43is formed. One end of the fuel passage48is connected to the fuel passage45of the fuel nozzle43, and the other end of the fuel passage48is connected to the fuel chamber51. FIG.5is a diagram showing an example of cross-section A-A (cross-section perpendicular to the central axis O) inFIG.4. As shown inFIG.5, the plurality of support portions39are arranged around the fuel nozzle43at intervals, and each support portion39extends along the radial direction of the fuel nozzle43(hereinafter, simply referred to as “radial direction”). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plurality of support portions39includes four support portions39. FIG.6is a diagram showing an example of cross-section B-B (cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction) inFIG.4. As shown inFIG.6, an upstream surface50of the support portion39includes a convex curved surface52that is smoothly curved. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support portion39is streamlined in a cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction of the support portion39. Further, the cross-section of the fuel passage48formed inside the support portion39has a circular shape. In another embodiment, the support portion39may be circular, for example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction of the support portion39. According to the above configuration, as shown inFIG.4, etc., in each burner42, the fuel nozzle43is supported by the support portion39connected to the wall surface63of the passage wall55of the mixing passage46, so it is not necessary to provide a large header, as described in Patent Document 1, which is configured independently of the passage wall55of the mixing passage46on the upstream side of the mixing passage46. Accordingly, the variation of the air flow rate between the mixing passages due to the header can be eliminated, and the variation of the fuel concentration between the mixing passages46can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to reduce NOx and suppress flashback. Additionally, since the range S1where the tapered portion72is disposed and the range S2where the contraction portion76is disposed at least partially overlap in the axis O direction, the change in the passage cross-sectional area of the mixing passage46in the axis O direction due to the tapered portion72of the fuel nozzle43can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the air flow velocity in the mixing passage46due to the tapered portion72, and it is possible to bring the air flow velocity in the mixing passage46close to constant. Thus, it is possible to suppress flashback effectively. Additionally, since the upstream surface50of the support portion39in the air flow direction includes the convex curved surface52, it is possible to suppress the increase in the flow resistance of the support portion39and suppress the change in the air flow velocity in the mixing passage46. Thus, it is possible to suppress flashback effectively. FIG.7is a cross-sectional view of another example of a detailed configuration of the burner42.FIG.8is a diagram showing an example of cross-section C-C (cross-section perpendicular to the central axis O) inFIG.7.FIG.9is a diagram showing an example of cross-section D-D (cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction) inFIG.7. In the burner42shown inFIGS.7to9, unless otherwise noted, reference signs common to the components of the burner42shown inFIG.4, etc., indicate the same components as those of the burner42shown inFIG.4, etc., and the explanation is omitted. The burner42shown inFIGS.7to9is different from the burner42shown inFIGS.4to6in the number of the support portions39and the shape of the support portions39. The burner42shown inFIGS.7to9includes six support portions39as the plurality of support portions39disposed around the fuel nozzle43at intervals. Each support portion39is a swirl vane56configured to form an air flow in a common swirling direction. An outer surface57of the swirl vane56includes an upper surface57aand a lower surface57b. The cross-section of the fuel passage48formed inside the support portion39has an oval shape. With this configuration, the plurality of swirl vanes56function as swirlers and can impart swirl to the air passing through the mixing passage46. As a result, mixing of air and fuel in the mixing passage46is promoted, and further reduction in NOx can be expected. FIG.10is a cross-sectional view of another example of a detailed configuration of the burner42.FIG.11is a schematic perspective view of the nozzle43and the support portions39of the burner42shown inFIG.10, In the burner42shown inFIG.10, unless otherwise noted, reference signs common to the components of the burner42shown inFIGS.4to6indicate the same components as those of the burner42shown inFIGS.4to6and the explanation is omitted. The burner42shown inFIG.10is different from the burner42shown inFIGS.4to6in the shape of the support portions39. In the burner42shown inFIGS.10and11, a downstream surface60of the support portion39includes a first surface62, a stepped surface64, and a second surface66. The first surface62is located upstream of the second surface66in the axis O direction. The first surface62is formed so as to intersect the axis O direction (perpendicular in the illustrated embodiment), and connects the wall surface63of the mixing passage46to the stepped surface64. The stepped surface64is formed so as to intersect the radial direction (perpendicular in the illustrated embodiment), and connects the first surface62to the second surface66. The second surface66is formed so as to intersect the axis O direction (perpendicular in the illustrated embodiment), and connects the stepped surface64to the outer peripheral surface68of the nozzle43, In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion39is rectangular or substantially rectangular in a cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction. With this configuration, as shown inFIG.10, since a longitudinal vortex is formed downstream of the stepped surface64in the mixing passage46, mixing of air and fuel is promoted by the longitudinal vortex, and further reduction in NOx can be expected. In the configuration shown inFIG.10, the first surface62is located upstream of the second surface66, but for example as shown inFIG.12, the first surface62may be located downstream of the second surface66. With this configuration, similarly, since a longitudinal vortex is formed downstream of the stepped surface64in the mixing passage46, mixing of air and fuel is promoted by the longitudinal vortex, and further reduction in NOx can be expected. FIG.13is a schematic diagram partially showing another configuration example of the burner assembly32, where a portion of the burner assembly32is viewed from upstream in the axis L direction.FIG.14is a schematic cross-sectional view partially showing cross-section E-E inFIG.13. In the burner assembly32shown inFIG.13, unless otherwise noted, reference signs common to the components of the burner assembly32shown inFIGS.3to6indicate the same components as those of the burner assembly32shown inFIGS.3to6and the explanation is omitted. The configuration of the burner assembly32shown inFIGS.13and14is different from that shown inFIG.4, etc., in the position and shape of the support portions39of the burner42. In the configuration shown inFIGS.13and14, each of the support portions39supporting the fuel nozzle43is disposed upstream of the mixing passage46. One end of the support portion39is connected to an upstream end portion80, which is the upstream end portion of the passage wall55of the mixing passage46, and the other end of the support portion39is connected to an upstream end portion82, which is the upstream end portion of the fuel nozzle43. Further, the upstream end portion82of the fuel nozzle43is located outside the mixing passage46, and the support portion39extends away from the fuel injection hole53of the fuel nozzle43in the axis O direction as it comes close to the fuel nozzle43. Each support portion39may be circular, or may be streamlined as shown inFIG.6, for example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction of the support portion39. Each support portion39may be a swirl vane56configured to form an air flow in a common swirling direction, as shown inFIG.9. Further, in the configuration shown inFIG.14, in addition to the support portions39inside which the fuel passage48is formed, support portions84inside which no fuel passage is formed are provided in the mixing passage46. The support portions84are disposed downstream of the support portions39and inside the mixing passage46at intervals around the fuel nozzle43. Each support portion84connects the wall surface63of the passage wall55of the mixing passage46and the fuel nozzle43to support the fuel nozzle43. The support portion84may be circular or streamlined, for example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the radial direction of the support portion84. Each support portion84may be a swirl vane85configured to form an air flow in a common swirling direction. The plurality of swirl vanes85, which function as swirlers, can impart swirl to the air passing through the mixing passage46. As a result, mixing of air and fuel in the mixing passage46is promoted, and further reduction in NOx can be expected. In the configuration shown inFIGS.13and14, similarly, in each burner42, the fuel nozzle43is supported by the support portion39connected to the passage wall55of the mixing passage46, so it is not necessary to provide a large header, as described in Patent Document 1, which is configured independently of the passage wall55of the mixing passage46on the upstream side of the mixing passage46. Accordingly, the variation of the air flow rate between the mixing passages due to the header can be eliminated, and the variation of the fuel concentration between the mixing passages46can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to reduce NOx and suppress flashback. When the support portion39having the fuel passage48is disposed in the mixing passage46as shown inFIG.4, etc., the passage area of the mixing passage46decreases, and the pressure loss increases. In this regard, in the configuration shown inFIGS.13and14, since the support portion39having the fuel passage48is disposed outside the mixing passage46, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the passage area of the mixing passage46, and suppress the increase in the pressure loss. Further, even when the support portion84having no fuel passage is disposed in the mixing passage46, as compared with the case where the support portion39having the fuel passage is disposed in the mixing passage46, the decrease in the passage area of the mixing passage46can be suppressed, so that the stiffness of the burner42can be ensured while suppressing the increase in pressure loss. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes modifications to the embodiments described above, and embodiments composed of combinations of those embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the passage wall55of the mixing passage46includes the contraction portion76, but the passage wall55of the mixing passage46may not include the contraction portion76. For example, the passage width of the mixing passage46may be constant in the axis O direction from the inlet to the outlet of the mixing passage46. Further, in the above-described embodiment with the tapered portion72, the existence range S1of the tapered portion72is within the existence range S2of the contraction portion76, but a part of the existence range S1of the tapered portion72may be outside the existence range S2of the contraction portion76. Further, the burners42included in the burner assembly32may have the same configuration or different configurations from each other. For example, each of the burners42included in the burner assembly32may be the burner42described with reference toFIG.4, etc., or each of the burners42included in the burner assembly32may be the burner42described with reference toFIG.7, etc. Further, each of the burners42included in the burner assembly32may be the burner42described with reference toFIG.10, or each of the burners42included in the burner assembly32may be the burner42described with reference toFIG.12, etc., or each of the burners42included in the burner assembly32may be the burner42described with reference toFIG.14, etc. Further, the burner assembly32may include the burners42with different configurations from each other in combination, The contents described in the above embodiments would be understood as follows, for instance. (1) A burner assembly according to the present disclosure is a burner assembly (e.g., the above-described burner assembly32) including a plurality of burners (e.g., the above-described burners42) for mixing fuel and air. Each of the plurality of burners includes: a fuel nozzle (e.g., the above-described fuel nozzle43) for injecting the fuel; a mixing passage (e.g., the above-described mixing passage46) supplied with the fuel and the air; and a support portion (e.g., the above-described support portion39) connecting a passage wall (e.g., the above-described passage wall55) of the mixing passage and the fuel nozzle to support the fuel nozzle. With the burner assembly described in (1), in each burner, the fuel nozzle is supported by the support portion connected to the passage wall of the mixing passage, so it is not necessary to provide a large header, as described in Patent Document 1, which is disposed independently of the passage wall of the mixing passage on the upstream side of the mixing passage. Accordingly, the variation of the air flow rate between the mixing passages due to the header can be eliminated, and the variation of the fuel concentration between the mixing passages can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to reduce NOx and suppress flashback. (2) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in (1), the fuel nozzle includes a tapered portion (e.g., the above-described tapered portion72) whose outer diameter decreases downstream in a flow direction of the air. The mixing passage includes a contraction portion (e.g., the above-described contraction portion76) whose passage width decreases downstream in the flow direction of the air. A range (e.g., the above-described range S1) where the tapered portion is disposed and a range (e.g., the above-described range S2) where the contraction portion is disposed at least partially overlap in an axial direction of the mixing passage. With the burner assembly described in (2), it is possible to suppress the change in the passage cross-sectional area of the mixing passage in the axial direction due to the tapered portion of the fuel nozzle. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the air flow velocity in the mixing passage due to the tapered portion, and it is possible to bring the air flow velocity in the mixing passage close to constant. Thus, it is possible to suppress flashback effectively. (3) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in (1) or (2), a fuel passage (e.g., the above-described fuel passage48) for supplying the fuel to the fuel nozzle is formed inside the support portion. With the burner assembly described in (3), as compared with the case where the fuel supply line is provided separately from the support portion, by providing the fuel supply line inside the support portion, the configuration of the burner assembly can be simplified. (4) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in (3), the support portion is formed inside the mixing passage. With the burner assembly described in (4), it is possible to effectively reduce the variation of the fuel concentration between the mixing passages. (5) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in (3), the support portion is disposed upstream of the mixing passage in a flow direction of the air (e.g., the air flow direction along the axis O described above) With the burner assembly described in (5), since the support portion having the fuel passage is disposed outside the mixing passage, as compared with the case where the support portion having the fuel passage is disposed in the mixing passage, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the passage area of the mixing passage, and suppress the increase in the pressure loss. (6) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in (5), an upstream end portion (e.g., the above-described upstream end portion48) of the fuel nozzle in the flow direction of the air is located outside the mixing passage. The support portion extends away from a fuel injection hole (e.g., the above-described fuel injection hole53) of the fuel nozzle in an axial direction of the mixing passage as the support portion comes close to the fuel nozzle. With the burner assembly described in (6), since the support portion can be provided outside the mixing passage while ensuring the area of the inlet of the mixing passage, it is possible to effectively suppress the increase in the pressure loss of the mixing passage. (7) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in any one of (1) to (6), an upstream surface of the support portion in a flow direction of the air includes a convex curved surface (e.g., the above-described convex curved surface52). With the burner assembly described in (7), it is possible to suppress the increase in the flow resistance of the support portion and suppress the change in the air flow velocity in the mixing passage. Thus, it is possible to suppress flashback effectively. (8) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in any one of (1) to (7), a downstream surface of the support portion in a flow direction of the air includes a stepped surface (e.g., the above-described stepped surface64). With the burner assembly described in (8), since a longitudinal vortex is formed downstream of the stepped surface in the mixing passage, mixing of air and fuel is promoted by the longitudinal vortex, and further reduction in NOx can be expected. (9) In some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in any one of (1) to (8), each of the burners includes a plurality of the support portions. The plurality of support portions are arranged around the fuel nozzle at intervals. With the burner assembly described in (9), it is possible to ensure the stiffness of the burner while reducing the variation of the fuel concentration between the mixing passages. (10) in some embodiments, in the burner assembly described in (9), each of the plurality of support portions is a swirl vane (e.g., the above-described swirl vane56) configured to form an air flow in a common swirling direction. With the burner assembly described in (10), the plurality of swirl vanes function as swirlers and can impart swirl to the air passing through the mixing passage. As a result, mixing of air and fuel in the mixing passage is promoted, and further reduction in NOx can be expected. (11) A gas turbine combustor according to the present disclosure includes: the burner assembly described in any one of (1) to (10); and a combustion liner (e.g., the above-described combustion liner25) forming a space in which a flame is formed downstream of the burner assembly, With the gas turbine combustor described in (11), since the gas turbine combustor includes the burner assembly described in any one of (1) to (10), it is possible to reduce NOx and suppress flashback, so that it is possible to stably use the combustor excellent in environmental performance. (12) A gas turbine (e.g., the above-described gas turbine100) according to the present disclosure includes: a compressor (e.g., the above-described compressor2); a gas turbine combustor (e.g., the above-described combustor4) configured to be supplied with air compressed by the compressor and fuel, and produce a combustion gas by combusting the fuel; and a turbine (e.g., the above-described turbine6) driven by the combustion gas produced by the gas turbine combustor. The gas turbine combustor is the gas turbine combustor described in (11). With the gas turbine described in (12), since the gas turbine includes the gas turbine combustor described in (11), it is possible to stably operate the gas turbine excellent environmental performance. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 2Compressor4Combustor6Turbine8Rotor10Compressor casing12Inlet14Inlet guide vane16,24Stator vane18,26Rotor blade20Casing21Bottom surface22Turbine casing23Gap25Combustion liner28Exhaust casing30Exhaust chamber32Burner assembly34Cylindrical member35,39,84Support portion36Air passage40Casing42Burner43Fuel nozzle45,48Fuel passage46Mixing passage50,60Surface51Fuel chamber52Convex curved surface53Fuel injection hole55Passage wall56Swirl vane57Outer surface57aUpper surface57bLower surface62First surface63Wall surface64Stepped surface66Second surface68Outer peripheral surface70Constant outer diameter portion72Tapered portion74,78Constant passage width portion76Contraction portion80,82Upstream end portion100Gas turbine | 30,131 |
11859823 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. In the following specification and the claims, reference may be made to a number of “optional” or “optionally” elements meaning that the subsequently described event or circumstance may occur or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event occurs and instances in which the event does not occur. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” refer to directions and orientations that extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the turbine engine or the combustor. Moreover, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions and orientations that extend substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the turbine engine or the fuel-air mixer assembly. In addition, as used herein, the terms “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions and orientations that extend arcuately about the centerline of the turbine engine or the fuel-air mixer assembly. As will be further described in detail in the following paragraphs, a combustor is provided with improved liner durability under a harsh heat and stress environment. The combustor includes a skeleton mesh structure (also referred to as a hanger or a truss) on which are mounted an inner liner and outer liner. The skeleton mesh structure acts as a supporting structure for the inner liner and the outer liner as whole. In an embodiment, the skeleton mesh structure can be made of metal. The skeleton mesh structure, together with the inner liner and the outer liner, define the combustion chamber. The inner liner and the outer liner include a plurality of hot side planks. The plurality of hot side planks cover at least the hot side of the skeleton mesh structure. In an embodiment, the plurality of hot side planks can be made of a ceramic material, a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) material, or a metal coated with CMC or thermal barrier coating (TBC). In an embodiment, the plurality hot side planks are exposed to hot flames. A connection interface of the plurality of hot side planks to the skeleton mesh structure can be configured to be thermally expansion tolerant. Furthermore, the plurality of hot side planks coupled to the skeleton mesh structure interface can be configured to improve performance in terms of reducing air leakage to a very minimal value or substantially eliminating the air leakage, so that the interface does not impact aerodynamics for NOR/thermal field and film cooling. The interface between the plurality of hot side planks and the skeleton mesh structure can be an inverted “S” shape interface, a tapered interface, a step-like interface hanger free axial bolts on clips, variable clips with axial bolts for stress relief and to accommodate thermal growth, etc. The skeleton mesh structure together with the plurality of hot side planks can improve durability by reducing or substantially eliminating hoop stress while providing a lightweight liner configuration for the combustor (greater than twenty percent weight reduction can be achieved). In addition, the use of the plurality of hot side planks together with the skeleton mesh structure having the louvers provides a modular or segmented configuration that facilitates manufacturing and/or inspection, servicing and replacement of individual planks and/or louvers FIG.1is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a turbine engine10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, for the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the turbine engine10is a high-bypass turbine engine. As shown inFIG.1, the turbine engine10defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to a longitudinal centerline12provided for reference) and a radial direction R, generally perpendicular to the axial direction A. The turbine engine10includes a fan section14and a core turbine engine16disposed downstream from the fan section14. The term “downstream” is used herein with reference to air flow direction58. The core turbine engine16depicted generally includes an outer casing18that is substantially tubular and that defines an annular inlet20. The outer casing18encases, in serial flow relationship, a compressor section including a booster or a low pressure compressor (LPC)22and a high pressure compressor (HPC)24, a combustion section26, a turbine section including a high pressure turbine (HPT)28and a low pressure turbine (LPT)30, and a jet exhaust nozzle section32. A high pressure shaft (HPS)34drivingly connects the HPT28to the HPC24. A low pressure shaft (LPS)36drivingly connects the LPT30to the LPC22. The compressor section, the combustion section26, the turbine section, and the jet exhaust nozzle section32together define a core air flow path37. For the embodiment depicted, the fan section14includes a fan38with a variable pitch having a plurality of fan blades40coupled to a disk42in a spaced apart manner. As depicted, the fan blades40extend outwardly from the disk42, generally along the radial direction R. Each fan blade40is rotatable relative to the disk42about a pitch axis P by virtue of the fan blades40being operatively coupled to a suitable actuation member44that is configured to collectively vary the pitch of the fan blades40in unison. The fan blades40, the disk42, and the actuation member44are together rotatable about the longitudinal centerline12(longitudinal axis) by the LPS36across a power gear box46. The power gear box46includes a plurality of gears for adjusting or controlling the rotational speed of the fan38relative to the LPS36to a more efficient rotational fan speed. The disk42is covered by a rotatable front hub48aerodynamically contoured to promote an air flow through the plurality of fan blades40. Additionally, the fan section14includes an annular fan casing or a nacelle50that circumferentially surrounds the fan38and/or at least a portion of the core turbine engine16. The nacelle50may be configured to be supported relative to the core turbine engine16by a plurality of circumferentially-spaced outlet guide vanes52. Moreover, a downstream section54of the nacelle50may extend over an outer portion of the core turbine engine16so as to define a bypass air flow passage56therebetween. During operation of the turbine engine10, a volume of air flow58enters the turbine engine10in air flow direction58through an associated inlet60of the nacelle50and/or the fan section14. As the volume of air passes across the fan blades40, a first portion of the air, as indicated by arrows62, is directed or routed into the bypass air flow passage56and a second portion of the air, as indicated by arrow64, is directed or routed into the core air flow path37, or, more specifically, into the LPC22. The ratio between the first portion of air indicated by arrows62and the second portion of air indicated by arrows64is commonly known as a bypass ratio. The pressure of the second portion of air, indicated by arrows64, is then increased as it is routed through the HPC24and into the combustion section26, where it is mixed with fuel and burned to provide combustion gases66. The combustion gases66are routed through the HPT28where a portion of thermal energy and/or kinetic energy from the combustion gases66is extracted via sequential stages of HPT stator vanes68that are coupled to the outer casing18and HPT rotor blades70that are coupled to the HPS34, thus, causing the HPS34to rotate, thereby supporting operation of the HPC24. The combustion gases66are then routed through the LPT30where a second portion of thermal and kinetic energy is extracted from the combustion gases66via sequential stages of LPT stator vanes72that are coupled to the outer casing18and LPT rotor blades74that are coupled to the LPS36, thus, causing the LPS36to rotate, thereby supporting operation of the LPC22and/or rotation of the fan38. The combustion gases66are subsequently routed through the jet exhaust nozzle section32of the core turbine engine16to provide propulsive thrust. Simultaneously, the pressure of the first portion of air62is substantially increased as the first portion of air62is routed through the bypass air flow passage56before it is exhausted from a fan nozzle exhaust section76of the turbine engine10, also providing propulsive thrust. The HPT28, the LPT30, and the jet exhaust nozzle section32at least partially define a hot gas path78for routing the combustion gases66through the core turbine engine16. The turbine engine10depicted inFIG.1is, however, by way of example only. In other exemplary embodiments, the turbine engine10may have any other suitable configuration. In still other exemplary embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other suitable gas turbine engine. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into, e.g., a turboshaft engine, a turboprop engine, a turbo-core engine, a turbojet engine, etc. FIG.2Ais a schematic, cross-sectional view of the combustion section26of the turbine engine10ofFIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The combustion section26generally includes a combustor80that generates the combustion gases discharged into the turbine section, or, more particularly, into the HPT28. The combustor80includes an outer liner82, an inner liner84, and a dome86. The outer liner82, the inner liner84, and the dome86together define a combustion chamber88that extends around the turbine centerline12. In addition, a diffuser90is positioned upstream of the combustion chamber88. The diffuser90has an outer diffuser wall90A and an inner diffuser wall90B. The inner diffuser wall90B is closer to a longitudinal centerline12. The diffuser90receives an air flow from the compressor section and provides a flow of compressed air to the combustor80. In an embodiment, the diffuser90provides the flow of compressed air to a single circumferential row of fuel/air mixers92. In an embodiment, the dome86of the combustor80is configured as a single annular dome, and the circumferential row of fuel/air mixers92are provided within openings formed in the dome86(air feeding dome or combustor dome). However, in other embodiments, a multiple annular dome can also be used. In an embodiment, the diffuser90can be used to slow the high speed, highly compressed air from a compressor (not shown) to a velocity optimal for the combustor. Furthermore, the diffuser90can also be configured to limit the flow distortion as much as possible by avoiding flow effects like boundary layer separation. Similar to most other gas turbine engine components, the diffuser90is generally designed to be as light as possible to reduce weight of the overall engine. A fuel nozzle (not shown) provides fuel to fuel/air mixers92depending upon a desired performance of the combustor80at various engine operating states. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2A, an outer cowl94(e.g., an annular cowl) and an inner cowl96(e.g., an annular cowl) are located upstream of the combustion chamber88so as to direct air flow into fuel/air mixers92. The outer cowl94and the inner cowl96may also direct a portion of the flow of air from the diffuser90to an outer passage98defined between the outer liner82and an outer casing100and an inner passage102defined between the inner liner84and an inner casing104. In addition, an inner support cone106is further shown as being connected to a nozzle support108using a plurality of bolts110and nuts112. Other combustion sections, however, may include any other suitable structural configuration. The combustor80is also provided with an igniter114. The igniter114is provided to ignite the fuel/air mixture supplied to combustion chamber88of the combustor80. The igniter114is attached to the outer casing100of the combustor80in a substantially fixed manner. Additionally, the igniter114extends generally along an axial direction A2, defining a distal end116that is positioned proximate to an opening in a combustor member of the combustion chamber88. The distal end116is positioned proximate to an opening118within the outer liner82of the combustor80to the combustion chamber88. In an embodiment, the dome86of the combustor80, together with the outer liner82, the inner liner84, and the fuel/air mixers92, forms the combustion chamber provide a swirling flow130. The air flows through the fuel/air mixers92as the air enters the combustion chamber88. The role of the dome86and the fuel/air mixers92is to generate turbulence in the air flow to rapidly mix the air with the fuel. The swirler (also called a mixer) establishes a local low pressure zone that forces some of the combustion products to recirculate, as illustrated inFIG.2, creating needed high turbulence. FIG.2Bis a schematic transversal cross-sectional view of the combustor80of the turbine engine10ofFIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The combustor80includes the outer liner82and the inner liner84which extend around the turbine centerline12to define the combustion chamber88. The outer liner82includes a outer mesh structure300(also referred to as a hanger or a truss) and a plurality of hot side planks302A and a plurality of cold side planks302B. The plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the outer mesh structure300(outer mesh structure) of the outer liner82. The inner liner84includes the inner mesh structure301(inner mesh structure) and a plurality of hot side planks312A and a plurality of cold side planks312B. The plurality of hot side planks312A and the plurality of cold side planks312B are mounted to the inner mesh structure301of the inner liner84. The outer mesh structure300acts as a supporting structure for the hot side planks302A and the cold side planks302B of the outer liner82. The inner mesh structure301acts as a supporting structure for the hot side planks312A and the cold side planks312B of the inner liner84. In an embodiment, the outer mesh structure300and the inner mesh structure301are made of metal. The plurality of hot side planks302A are mounted to and cover the hot side of the outer mesh structure300, and the cold side planks302B are mounted to and cover the cold side of the outer mesh structure300. In this regard, the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B may be sized and shaped to mesh or connect together and have abutting edges without gaps between adjacent planks302A,302B. In other embodiments, gaps may be provided between adjacent planks302A,302B. The plurality of hot side planks312A are mounted to and cover the hot side of the inner mesh structure301, and the cold side planks312B are mounted to and cover the cold side of the inner mesh structure301. In this regard, the plurality of hot side planks312A and the plurality of cold side planks312B may be sized and shaped to mesh or connect together and have abutting edges without gaps between adjacent planks312A,312B. In other embodiments, gaps may be provided between adjacent planks312A,312B. The plurality of hot side planks302A of the outer liner82and the plurality of hot side planks312A of the inner liner84are exposed to hot flames within the combustion chamber88. In an embodiment, the plurality of hot side planks302A,312A are made of ceramic or are made of metal coated with a ceramic coating or thermal barrier coating to enhance resistance to relatively high temperatures. In an embodiment, the plurality of hot side planks302A,312A can be made of a ceramic material, a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) material, or a metal coated with CMC or thermal barrier coating (TBC). In an embodiment, the cold side planks302B,312B can be made of a metal or a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC). In an embodiment, the cold side planks302B,312B are thinner than the plurality of hot side planks302A,312A. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.2B, both the inner liner84and the outer liner82are shown having the plurality of hot side planks302A,312A and the plurality of cold side planks302B,312B. In another embodiment, the plurality of cold side planks302B,312B may be optional for the outer liner82, for the inner liner84, or for both. The hot side of the inner mesh structure301faces and/or is adjacent to the combustion chamber88, and the cold side of the inner mesh structure301faces and/or is adjacent to the inner passage102surrounding the liner, shown inFIG.2A. The hot side of the outer mesh structure300faces and/or is adjacent to the combustion chamber88, and the cold side of the outer mesh structure300faces and/or is adjacent to the outer passage98surrounding the liner, shown inFIG.2A. FIG.3is a schematic perspective view of the outer liner82of the combustor80, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG.3, only the outer liner82is shown and the inner liner84is omitted in this figure for clarity purposes. The outer liner82is shown having generally a cylindrical configuration. The inner liner84is similar in many aspects to the outer liner82. However, the inner liner84has a radius of curvature smaller than a radius of curvature of the outer liner82. As shown inFIG.3, the outer liner82comprises the outer mesh structure300(outer mesh structure) on which are mounted the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B. The plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the outer mesh structure300of the outer liner82. The outer mesh structure300acts as a supporting structure for the hot side planks302A and the cold side planks302B of the outer liner82. In an embodiment, the outer mesh structure300is made of metal. The plurality of hot side planks302A are mounted to and cover the hot side of the outer mesh structure300, and the cold side planks302B are mounted to and cover the cold side of the outer mesh structure300. In this regard, as depicted inFIG.3, the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B may be sized and shaped to mesh together, and have abutting edges without gaps between adjacent planks302A and302B. In other embodiments, gaps may be provided between adjacent planks302A and302B. The outer mesh structure300together with the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B can improve durability due to hoop stress reduction or elimination while providing a lightweight liner configuration for the combustor80. Similarly, the inner mesh structure301together with the plurality of hot side planks312A and the plurality of cold side planks312B can improve durability due to hoop stress reduction or elimination while providing a lightweight liner configuration for the combustor80. For example, the present configuration provides at least twenty percent weight reduction as compared to conventional combustors. Furthermore, the present configuration provides the additional benefit of being modular or segmented and, thus, relatively easy to repair. Indeed, if one or more planks in the plurality of hot side planks302A,312A or the plurality of cold side planks302B,312B is damaged, only the damaged one or more planks is replaced and not the entire inner liner84or the entire outer liner82. Furthermore, the present configuration lends itself to be relatively easy to inspect and to repair. All these benefits result in overall cost savings. FIG.4is a schematic perspective view of a section of the inner liner84and the outer liner82of the combustor80, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4, the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the outer mesh structure300. The plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B include a plurality of holes302C. As shown inFIG.4, the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted on opposite sides of the outer mesh structure300. The plurality of holes302C are distributed along a surface of the plurality of hot side planks302A and a plurality of cold side planks302B to allow air to enter to the combustion chamber88and/or to allow air to circulate within a gap between the plurality of hot side planks302A and the cold side planks302B. Although, the outer liner82is discussed herein with respect toFIG.4, the same description can also be applied to the inner liner84. FIG.5Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, at cross-sectional line5A-5A shown inFIG.4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5A, the outer mesh structure300can include the plurality of structural elements306that are connected together to form the outer mesh structure300shown inFIGS.3and4. A plurality of clips402are provided to couple the plurality of hot side planks302A and the plurality of cold side planks302B to the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to the plurality of clips402that are, in turn, coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of clips402have a first end402A (inner clamping structure) that couples directly to the hot side plank302A. The first end402A of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of hot side planks302A. A second end402B (outer clamping structure) of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of structural elements306using a plurality of fasteners404. The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted or coupled to the plurality of clips402. A plurality of holding members409(e.g., L-shaped clips) are used to push on against the plurality of cold side planks302B and sandwich the plurality of cold side planks302B between the plurality of clips402and the plurality of holding members409to hold the plurality of cold side planks302B. The fasteners404are used to couple the plurality of holding members409to the plurality of clips402and to the structural elements306. As shown inFIG.5A, the plurality of structural elements306can include a plurality of channels306A. A plurality of resilient seal members306B (e.g., C-springs) can be provided between the plurality of structural elements306and the plurality of clips402. FIG.5Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5B, similar to the embodiment shown inFIG.5A, the plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to a plurality of clips402. As shown inFIG.5B, the plurality of hot side planks302A are also coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of clips402have a first end402A (inner clamping structure). The first end402A of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of hot side planks302A. The second end402B (outer clamping structure) of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of fasteners404. The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the plurality of clips402. The plurality of holding members409are used to push the plurality of cold side planks302B against the plurality of clips402to hold the plurality of cold side planks302B. The fasteners404are used to couple the plurality of holding members409to the plurality of clips402. The plurality of resilient seal members306B (e.g., C-springs) can be provided between the plurality of structural elements306and the plurality of clips402. A main difference between the embodiment shown inFIG.5Aand the embodiment shown inFIG.5Bis that, in the embodiment shown inFIG.5A, the plurality of structural elements306extend and are directly coupled to the plurality of clips402using the plurality of fasteners404, whereas, in the embodiment shown inFIG.5Bthe plurality of structural elements306are not directly coupled to the plurality of clips402. The configuration shown inFIG.5Ais called generally “axial bolts on clips on hanger.” Whereas the configuration shown inFIG.5Bis called “hanger free axial bolts on clips.” FIG.6Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.6A, the plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to a plurality of clips406. The plurality of hot side planks302A have an L-like shape with a C-notch362C. In an embodiment, the plurality of clips406have an L-shape. The C-notch362C of the plurality of hot side planks302A is configured to couple with corresponding arms in the L-shape of the plurality of clips406. Each pair of the plurality of clips406is, in turn, coupled together using the fastener404. A splitter sleeve407is provided as a spacer between each pair of the plurality of clips406. The plurality of hot side planks302A are also coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. A plurality of seals366(e.g., C-seals) can be provided at an interface between the plurality of structural elements306and the plurality of clips406. As shown inFIG.6A, the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted on the plurality of hot side planks302A. The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted on the C-notch362C of the plurality of hot side planks302A. The plurality of holding member408are used to push the plurality of cold side planks302B against the plurality of hot side planks302A to hold the plurality of cold side planks302B. The plurality of fasteners404are used to couple the plurality of holding members408to the plurality of clips406. Each of the plurality of holding members408is sandwiched between each of the plurality of fasteners404and each of the plurality of clips406. FIG.6Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown inFIG.6Bis similar in many aspects to the embodiment shown inFIG.6A. As shown inFIG.6B, the plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to a plurality of clips406. The plurality of hot side planks302A have an L-like shape with a C-notch362C. In an embodiment, the plurality of clips406have an L-shape. The C-notch362C of the plurality of hot side planks302A is configured to couple with corresponding arms in the L-shape of the plurality of clips406. Each pair of the plurality of clips406is, in turn, coupled together using the fastener404. The splitter sleeve407is provided as a spacer between each pair of the plurality of clips406. The plurality of hot side planks302A are also coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. In the embodiment, as shown inFIG.6B, the plurality of structural elements306have a pointed shape that fits within a corresponding cavity formed by a pair of the plurality of hot side planks302A. A plurality of seals366(e.g., C-seals) can be provided at an interface between the splitter sleeve407and the plurality of structural elements306. As shown inFIG.6B, the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted on the plurality of hot side planks302A. The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted on the C-notch362C of the plurality of hot side planks302A. The plurality of holding members408are used to push the plurality of cold side planks302B against the plurality of hot side planks302A to hold the plurality of cold side planks302B. The plurality of fasteners404are used to couple the plurality holding members408to the plurality of clips406. Each of the plurality of holding members408is sandwiched between each of the plurality of fasteners404and each of the plurality of clips406. A plurality of seals (e.g., C-seals)386are provided between the plurality of holding members408and the plurality of cold side planks302B. Both the embodiments shown inFIGS.6A and6Bare called “hanger free axial bolts on clips” because the plurality of the structural elements306are not directly connected to the plurality of fasteners404. FIG.6Cis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown inFIG.6Cis similar in many aspects to the embodiment shown inFIG.6B. One difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. C and the embodiment shown inFIG.6Bis that inFIG.6B, the plurality of structural elements306have a pointed shape whereas in the embodiment shown inFIG.6Cthe plurality of structural elements306have a round shape (e.g., a circular or an elliptical cross-sectional shape). As shown inFIG.6C, the plurality of structural elements306have a round shape that fits within a corresponding cavity formed by a pair of the plurality of hot side planks302A. FIG.7Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7A, the plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to a plurality of clips402that are, in turn, coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of clips402have a hook-like shape (e.g., a C-like shape). A first end402A of the hook-like shape of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of hot side planks302A. A second end402B of the hook-like shape of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of structural elements306using a plurality of fasteners490(e.g., I-clips). Each of the plurality of fasteners490is inserted through a pair of the plurality of clips402and through one of the plurality structural elements306that is sandwiched between the pair of the plurality of clips402. The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the plurality of clips402. The plurality of fasteners490(e.g., I-clip) are configured to retain the plurality of cold side planks302B against the plurality of clips402. As shown inFIG.5A, the plurality of structural elements306can include a plurality of channels306A. A plurality of resilient seal members306B (e.g., C-seals) can be provided between the plurality of structural elements306and the plurality of clips402. FIG.7Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7B, the plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to a plurality of clips402that are, in turn, coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of clips402have a hook-like shape (e.g., a C-like shape). A first end402A of the hook-like shape of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of hot side planks302A. A second end402B of the hook-like shape of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of structural elements306using a plurality fasteners490(e.g., I-clips). The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the plurality of clips402. The plurality of fasteners490(e.g., I-clip) are configured to retain the plurality of cold side planks302B against the plurality of clips402. Each of the plurality of fasteners490is fastened using another fastener492(e.g., a screw) to each of the plurality of structural elements306via an insert member494. As shown inFIG.7B, a plurality of resilient seal members306B (e.g., C-seals) can be provided between the plurality of structural elements306and the plurality of clips402. FIG.8Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.8A, the plurality of hot side planks302A are coupled to a plurality of clips402that are, in turn, coupled to the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of clips402have a hook-like shape (e.g., an S-like shape). A first end402A of the hook-like shape of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of hot side planks302A. A second end402B of the hook-like shape of the plurality of clips402is coupled to the plurality of structural elements306using a press clip500. The press clip500presses on a pair of the plurality of clips402to bias the pair of the plurality of clips402against one of the plurality of structural elements306. Each of the plurality of press clips500is inserted at the second end402B of the pair of the plurality of clips402. The plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the plurality of clips402. The plurality of press clips500are also configured to retain the plurality of cold side planks302B against the plurality of clips402by pushing against a surface of the plurality of cold side planks. As shown inFIG.8A, the plurality of structural elements306can include a plurality of channels306A (cooling channels). A plurality of resilient seal members306B (e.g., C-seals) can be provided between the plurality of structural elements306and the plurality of clips402. FIG.8Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown inFIG.8Bis similar in many aspects to the embodiment shown inFIG.8A. However, instead of the plurality of press clips500, the embodiment shown inFIG.8Buses a plurality of press clips502. The plurality of press clips502are a different type of press clips that has an edge for easy and quick detachment from the plurality of clips402. FIG.9Ais a schematic perspective view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A and one of the plurality of cold side planks302B mounted to a structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.9A, each of the plurality of hot side planks302A is mounted to the structural elements306of the outer mesh structure300and an interface902A between each of the plurality of hot side planks302A and the corresponding structural element306has an S-like configuration. Similarly, each of the plurality of cold side planks302B are mounted to the structural element306of the outer mesh structure300and an interface902B between each of the plurality of cold side planks302B, and the corresponding structural element306has an S-like configuration. FIG.9Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A and one of the plurality of cold side planks302B mounted to the structural element306of the outer mesh structure300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.9Bshows that the interface902B between each of the plurality of cold side planks302B and the corresponding structural element306has an S-like configuration, whereas the interface902A between each of the plurality of hot side planks302A and the corresponding structural element306has a tapered configuration. FIG.9Cis a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A or one of the plurality of cold side planks302B mounted to the structural element306showing various tapered or stepped configurations of the interface902A,902B, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.9Dis a schematic view of one of the plurality of hot side planks302A or one of the plurality of cold side planks302B mounted to the structural element306showing a polygonal (e.g., a square) configuration of the interface902A,902B, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As described in the above paragraphs, the connection interface of the plurality of hot side planks302A and/or the plurality of cold side planks302B to the outer mesh structure300can be configured to be thermally expansion tolerant. Furthermore, the connection interface of the plurality of hot side planks302A to the outer mesh structure300can be configured to improve performance in terms of reducing air leakage to a very minimal value or substantially eliminating the air leakage so that the interface does not impact aerodynamics for NOR/thermal field and film cooling. The interface between the plurality of hot side planks302A and the outer mesh structure300can be an inverted “S” shape interface, a tapered interface, a step-like interface hanger free axial bolts on clips, variable clips with axial bolts for stress relief and to accommodate thermal growth, etc. As can be appreciated from the discussion above, a combustor includes an inner liner and an outer liner defining a combustion chamber. The inner liner includes an inner mesh structure, a plurality of hot side planks mounted to a hot side of the inner mesh structure, and a plurality of cold side planks mounted to a cold side of the inner mesh structure. The outer liner includes an outer mesh structure, a plurality of hot side planks mounted to a hot side of the outer mesh structure, and a plurality of cold side planks mounted to a cold side of the outer mesh structure. The combustor further includes a plurality of clips configured to couple the plurality of hot side planks and the plurality of cold side planks to a plurality of structural elements of the inner mesh structure and the outer mesh structure. The combustor according to the previous clause, the plurality of hot side planks being coupled to the plurality of clips that are, in turn, coupled to the plurality of structural elements. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of cold side planks being coupled to the plurality of clips. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of holding members configured to push the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of clips to hold the plurality of cold side planks, and a plurality of fasteners configured to couple the holding members to the plurality of clips and to the structural elements. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of resilient members provided between the plurality of structural elements and the plurality of clips to provide a seal between the plurality of structural elements and the plurality of clips. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of fasteners to couple the plurality of clips to the structural elements, and to push the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of clips to hold the plurality of cold side planks. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of fasteners configured to retain the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of clips, each of the plurality of fasteners being fastened using another fastener to each of the plurality of structural elements via an insert member. Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a combustor including an inner liner and an outer liner defining a combustion chamber. The inner liner includes an inner mesh structure, a plurality of hot side planks mounted to a hot side of the inner mesh structure, and a plurality of cold side planks mounted to a cold side of the inner mesh structure. The outer liner comprising an outer mesh structure, a plurality of hot side planks mounted to a hot side of the outer mesh structure, and a plurality of cold side planks mounted to a cold side of the outer mesh structure. The combustor further includes a plurality of clips configured to couple the plurality of hot side planks to the plurality of cold side planks. The combustor according to the previous clause, the plurality of hot side planks being coupled to the plurality of clips, and each pair of the plurality of clips being, in turn, coupled together using a fastener. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, further including a splitter sleeve provided as a spacer between each pair of the plurality of clips. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of hot side planks being coupled to a plurality of structural elements of the inner mesh structure and the outer mesh structure. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of cold side planks being mounted on the plurality of hot side planks. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of holding members configured to push on the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of hot side planks. A further aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a turbine engine including a combustor. a combustor includes an inner liner and an outer liner defining a combustion chamber. The inner liner includes an inner mesh structure, a plurality of hot side planks mounted to a hot side of the inner mesh structure, and a plurality of cold side planks mounted to a cold side of the inner mesh structure. The outer liner includes an outer mesh structure, a plurality of hot side planks mounted to a hot side of the outer mesh structure, and a plurality of cold side planks mounted to a cold side of the outer mesh structure. The combustor further includes a plurality of clips configured to couple the plurality of hot side planks and the plurality of cold side planks to a plurality of structural elements of the inner mesh structure and the outer mesh structure. The turbine engine according to the previous clause, the plurality of hot side planks being coupled to the plurality of clips that are, in turn, coupled to the plurality of structural elements. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of cold side planks being coupled to the plurality of clips. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of holding members configured to push the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of clips to hold the plurality of cold side planks, and a plurality of fasteners configured to couple the holding members to the plurality of clips and to the structural elements. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of resilient members provided between the plurality of structural elements and the plurality of clips. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of fasteners to couple the plurality of clips to the structural elements, and to push the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of clips to hold the plurality of cold side planks. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, further including a plurality of fasteners configured to retain the plurality of cold side planks against the plurality of clips, each of the plurality of fasteners being fastened using another fastener to each of the plurality of structural elements via an insert member. Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above. | 44,956 |
11859824 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, both the foregoing summary of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. In the following specification and the claims, reference may be made to a number of “optional” or “optionally” elements meaning that the subsequently described event or circumstance may occur or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event occurs and instances in which the event does not occur. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “forward” and “aft” refer to relative positions within a gas turbine engine or vehicle, and refer to the normal operational attitude of the gas turbine engine or vehicle. For example, with regard to a gas turbine engine, forward refers to a position closer to an engine inlet and aft refers to a position closer to an engine nozzle or exhaust. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction with respect to a flow in a pathway. For example, with respect to a fluid flow, “upstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which the fluid flows. The term “fluid” may be a gas or a liquid. The term “fluid communication” means that a fluid is capable of making the connection between the areas specified. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 percent margin in either individual values, range(s) of values and/or endpoints defining range(s) of values. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” refer to directions and orientations that extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the turbine engine or the combustor. Moreover, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions and orientations that extend substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the turbine engine or the fuel-air mixer assembly. In addition, as used herein, the terms “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions and orientations that extend arcuately about the centerline of the turbine engine or the fuel-air mixer assembly. As will be further described in detail in the following paragraphs, a combustor is provided with improved liner durability under a harsh heat and stress environment. The combustor includes a skeleton mesh structure (also referred to as a hanger or a truss) on which are coupled to an inner liner and an outer liner. The skeleton mesh structure acts as a supporting structure for the inner liner and the outer liner as whole. In an embodiment, the skeleton mesh structure can be made of metal. The skeleton mesh structure, together with the inner liner and the outer liner, define the combustion chamber. The inner liner and the outer liner include a plurality of inner planks. The plurality inner planks cover at least the inner side of the skeleton mesh structure. In an embodiment, the plurality of inner planks can be made of a ceramic material, a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) material, or a metal coated with CMC or thermal barrier coating (TBC). In an embodiment, the plurality inner planks are exposed to hot flames. A connection interface of the plurality of inner planks to the skeleton mesh structure can be configured to be thermally expansion tolerant. Furthermore, the plurality of inner planks coupled to the skeleton mesh structure interface can be configured to improve performance in terms of reducing air leakage to a very minimal value or substantially eliminating the air leakage, so that the interface does not impact aerodynamics for NOR/thermal field and film cooling. Dilution holes can be provided on cross-bars of the skeleton mesh structure or on separate dilution hole planks attached to the skeleton mesh structure. The holes can have various patterns and shapes. The parametric relations of the dilution hole, the cooling holes and the plank area are defined using ratios. Dilution hole plank connections fasteners include, but are not limited to, bolts, pins, clips, etc. Other attachment methods include using brazing, welding, additive, spring clips, pistons seals, W-seals, and gang channel sliding, etc. A W-seal is a W-shaped seal that can be provided to restrict air leakage. This configuration can increase combustor durability significantly, in addition to providing increased time on wing (TOW) and fuel burn benefit due to weight reduction. This further provides a light-weight design with greater than twenty percent weight savings, overall manufacturing cost savings and relatively easier maintenance and repair. FIG.1is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a turbine engine10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, for the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the turbine engine10is a high-bypass turbine engine. As shown inFIG.1, the turbine engine10defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to a longitudinal centerline12provided for reference) and a radial direction R, generally perpendicular to the axial direction A. The turbine engine10includes a fan section14and a core turbine engine16disposed downstream from the fan section14. The term “downstream” is used herein with reference to air flow direction58. The core turbine engine16depicted generally includes an outer casing18that is substantially tubular and that defines an annular inlet20. The outer casing18encases, in serial flow relationship, a compressor section including a booster or a low pressure compressor (LPC)22and a high pressure compressor (HPC)24, a combustion section26, a turbine section including a high pressure turbine (HPT)28and a low pressure turbine (LPT)30, and a jet exhaust nozzle section32. A high pressure shaft (HPS)34drivingly connects the HPT28to the HPC24. A low pressure shaft (LPS)36drivingly connects the LPT30to the LPC22. The compressor section, the combustion section26, the turbine section, and the jet exhaust nozzle section32together define a core air flow path37. For the embodiment depicted, the fan section14includes a fan38with a variable pitch having a plurality of fan blades40coupled to a disk42in a spaced apart manner. As depicted, the fan blades40extend outwardly from the disk42, generally along the radial direction R. Each fan blade40is rotatable relative to the disk42about a pitch axis P by virtue of the fan blades40being operatively coupled to a suitable actuation member44that is configured to collectively vary the pitch of the fan blades40in unison. The fan blades40, the disk42, and the actuation member44are together rotatable about the longitudinal centerline12(longitudinal axis) by the LPS36across a power gear box46. The power gear box46includes a plurality of gears for adjusting or controlling the rotational speed of the fan38relative to the LPS36to a more efficient rotational fan speed. The disk42is covered by a rotatable front hub48aerodynamically contoured to promote an air flow through the plurality of fan blades40. Additionally, the fan section14includes an annular fan casing or a nacelle50that circumferentially surrounds the fan38and/or at least a portion of the core turbine engine16. The nacelle50may be configured to be supported relative to the core turbine engine16by a plurality of circumferentially-spaced outlet guide vanes52. Moreover, a downstream section54of the nacelle50may extend over an outer portion of the core turbine engine16so as to define a bypass air flow passage56therebetween. During operation of the turbine engine10, a volume of air flow58enters the turbine engine10in air flow direction58through an associated inlet60of the nacelle50and/or the fan section14. As the volume of air passes across the fan blades40, a first portion of the air, as indicated by arrows62, is directed or routed into the bypass air flow passage56and a second portion of the air, as indicated by arrow64, is directed or routed into the core air flow path37, or, more specifically, into the LPC22. The ratio between the first portion of air indicated by arrows62and the second portion of air indicated by arrows64is commonly known as a bypass ratio. The pressure of the second portion of air, indicated by arrows64, is then increased as it is routed through the HPC24and into the combustion section26, where it is mixed with fuel and burned to provide combustion gases66. The combustion gases66are routed through the HPT28where a portion of thermal energy and/or kinetic energy from the combustion gases66is extracted via sequential stages of HPT stator vanes68that are coupled to the outer casing18and HPT rotor blades70that are coupled to the HPS34, thus, causing the HPS34to rotate, thereby supporting operation of the HPC24. The combustion gases66are then routed through the LPT30where a second portion of thermal and kinetic energy is extracted from the combustion gases66via sequential stages of LPT stator vanes72that are coupled to the outer casing18and LPT rotor blades74that are coupled to the LPS36, thus, causing the LPS36to rotate, thereby supporting operation of the LPC22and/or rotation of the fan38. The combustion gases66are subsequently routed through the jet exhaust nozzle section32of the core turbine engine16to provide propulsive thrust. Simultaneously, the pressure of the first portion of air62is substantially increased as the first portion of air62is routed through the bypass air flow passage56before it is exhausted from a fan nozzle exhaust section76of the turbine engine10, also providing propulsive thrust. The HPT28, the LPT30, and the jet exhaust nozzle section32at least partially define a hot gas path78for routing the combustion gases66through the core turbine engine16. The turbine engine10depicted inFIG.1is, however, by way of example only. In other exemplary embodiments, the turbine engine10may have any other suitable configuration. In still other exemplary embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other suitable gas turbine engine. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into, e.g., a turboshaft engine, a turboprop engine, a turbo-core engine, a turbojet engine, etc. FIG.2is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the combustion section26of the turbine engine10ofFIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The combustion section26generally includes a combustor80that generates the combustion gases discharged into the turbine section, or, more particularly, into the HPT28. The combustor80includes an outer liner82, an inner liner84, and a dome86. The outer liner82, the inner liner84, and the dome86together define a combustion chamber88. In addition, a diffuser90is positioned upstream of the combustion chamber88. The diffuser90has an outer diffuser wall90A and an inner diffuser wall90B. The inner diffuser wall90B is closer to a longitudinal centerline12. The diffuser90receives an air flow from the compressor section and provides a flow of compressed air to the combustor80. In an embodiment, the diffuser90provides the flow of compressed air to a single circumferential row of fuel/air mixers92. In an embodiment, the dome86of the combustor80is configured as a single annular dome, and the circumferential row of fuel/air mixers92are provided within openings formed in the dome86(air feeding dome or combustor dome). However, in other embodiments, a multiple annular dome can also be used. In general, other types of combustors can also be used. In an embodiment, the diffuser90can be used to slow the high speed, highly compressed air from a compressor (not shown) to a velocity optimal for the combustor80. Furthermore, the diffuser90can also be configured to limit the flow distortion as much as possible by avoiding flow effects like boundary layer separation. Similar to most other gas turbine engine components, the diffuser90is generally designed to be as light as possible to reduce weight of the overall engine. A fuel nozzle (not shown) provides fuel to fuel/air mixers92depending upon a desired performance of the combustor80at various engine operating states. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, an outer cowl94(e.g., an annular cowl) and an inner cowl96(e.g., an annular cowl) are located upstream of the combustion chamber88so as to direct air flow into fuel/air mixers92. The outer cowl94and the inner cowl96may also direct a portion of the flow of air from the diffuser90to an outer passage98defined between the outer liner82and an outer casing100, and an inner passage102defined between the inner liner84and an inner casing104. In addition, an inner support cone106is further shown as being connected to a nozzle support108using a plurality of bolts110and nuts112. Other combustion sections, however, may include any other suitable structural configurations. The combustor80also has an igniter114. The igniter114is provided to ignite the fuel/air mixture supplied to combustion chamber88of the combustor80. The igniter114is attached to the outer casing100of the combustor80in a substantially fixed manner. Additionally, the igniter114extends generally along an axial direction A2, defining a distal end116that is positioned proximate to an opening in a combustor member of the combustion chamber88. The distal end116is positioned proximate to an opening118within the outer liner82of the combustor80to the combustion chamber88. In an embodiment, the dome86of the combustor80, together with the outer liner82, the inner liner84, and fuel/air mixers92, forms the combustion chamber and define a swirling flow130. The air flows through the fuel/air mixers92as the air enters the combustion chamber88. The role of the dome86and the fuel/air mixers92is to generate turbulence in the air flow to rapidly mix the air with the fuel to create a fuel-air mixture. The swirler (also called a mixer) establishes a local low pressure zone that forces some of the combustion products to recirculate, as illustrated inFIG.2, creating needed high turbulence. FIG.3is a schematic perspective view of a section of the combustor80, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The combustor80is shown having a cylindrical configuration. The combustor80comprises a skeleton mesh structure300(also referred to as a hanger or a truss) on which are mounted the inner liner84and the outer liner82. The skeleton mesh structure300acts as a supporting structure for the inner liner84and the outer liner82as whole. In an embodiment, the skeleton mesh structure300is made of metal. The skeleton mesh structure300, together with the inner liner84and the outer liner82, define the combustion chamber88. The inner liner84and the outer liner82include a plurality of planks302. The plurality of planks302include a plurality of inner planks302A and, optionally, a plurality of outer planks302B. The plurality of inner planks302A are mounted to and cover the inner side of the skeleton mesh structure300, and the outer planks302B are mounted to and cover the outer side of the skeleton mesh structure300. The plurality of inner planks302A are exposed to hot flames within the combustion chamber88. In an embodiment, the plurality of inner planks302A are made of ceramic or are made of metal coated with a ceramic coating or thermal barrier coating (TBC) to enhance resistance to relatively high temperatures. In an embodiment, the plurality of inner planks302A can be made of a ceramic material, a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) material, or a metal coated with CMC or TBC. In an embodiment, the outer planks302B can be made of a metal or a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC). In an embodiment, the outer planks302B are thinner than the plurality of inner planks302A. The skeleton mesh structure300, together with the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B, can improve durability due to hoop stress reduction or elimination while providing a lightweight liner configuration for the combustor80. For example, the present configuration provides at least a twenty percent weight reduction as compared to conventional combustors. Furthermore, the present configuration provides the additional benefit of being modular or segmented and, thus, relatively easy to repair or to maintain. Indeed, if one or more planks in the plurality of inner planks302A or the plurality of outer planks302B is damaged, only the damaged one or more planks is replaced and, not the entire inner liner84or the entire outer liner82. Furthermore, the present configuration lends itself to be relatively easy to inspect and to repair. All these benefits result in overall cost savings. FIG.4is a schematic perspective view of a section of the inner liner84and the outer liner82of the combustor80, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4, the plurality of planks302, which include the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B, are mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300. The plurality of inner planks302A include a plurality of holes302C. The plurality of outer planks302B include a plurality of holes302D. As shown inFIG.4, the plurality of inner planks302A are mounted on one side of the skeleton mesh structure300. The plurality of holes302C are distributed along a surface of the plurality of inner planks302A. The plurality of holes302D are distributed along a surface of the plurality of outer planks302B. A plurality of dilution holes400are provided in the skeleton mesh structure300, the plurality of dilution holes400are configured to allow air to pass therethrough into the combustion chamber88to further mix with the fuel-air mixture. The skeleton mesh structure300includes one or more crossbars300A, a plurality of longitudinal bars300B, and a plurality of transverse bars300C. The plurality of transverse bars300C and the one or more crossbars300A are substantially perpendicular to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B. The plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B are operably coupled or mounted to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B and the plurality of transverse bars300C. The plurality of dilution holes400can be provided on the one or more crossbars300A of the skeleton mesh structure300. The one or more crossbars300A having the plurality of dilution holes400is referred generally as a dilution hole structure. In addition, air impinging on the plurality of inner planks302A can further enter through the plurality of holes302C in the plurality of inner planks302A to further cool down the plurality of inner planks302A. In this exemplary illustration the plurality of dilution holes400are within the skeleton mesh structure itself. FIG.5Ais a schematic top view of the one or more crossbar300A of the skeleton mesh structure300showing the plurality of dilution holes400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5Bis a schematic perspective view of the one or more crossbar300A of the skeleton mesh structure300showing the plurality of dilution holes400and a plurality of cooling holes401, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the holes400and401are shown to be cylindrical and having a circular cross section, the holes400,401can also have an elliptical cross section or a polygonal cross section (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). The total area A1of the plurality of crossbars300A in the combustor80is π×D1×L, where L is a length of the crossbar300A and D1is a diameter of the inner liner84the combustor80at the dilution hole location (shown inFIGS.2and3). The total area A2of the plurality of crossbars300A in the combustor80is π×D2×L, where L is a length of the crossbar300A and D2is a diameter of the outer liner82the combustor80at the dilution hole location (shown inFIGS.2and3). The diameter D1of the inner liner84is substantially equal to the diameter D2of the outer liner82as the inner liner84is close to the outer liner82and both are located at a distance from a center-axis of the combustor80greater than a distance separating the inner liner84and the outer liner82. The total dilution area of all dilution holes400is equal to N×π×d2/4, where N is the number of dilution holes, and d is the diameter of a dilution hole400. Area A3is equal to a sum of the total dilution area (total area of the dilution holes400that is equal to N×π×d2/4) and the total area of the cooling holes401. A range of a ratio of the area A3to the area A1is between 0.1 and 0.95. Similarly, a range of a ratio of the area A3to the area A2is between 0.1 and 0.95 (area A1is substantially equal to area A2). FIG.6is a schematic perspective view of a section of the inner liner84and the outer liner82of the combustor80, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.6, the plurality of planks302, which include the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B, are mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300. The plurality of inner planks302A include a plurality of holes302C. The plurality of outer planks302B include a plurality of holes302D. As shown inFIG.6, the plurality of inner planks302A are mounted on one side of the skeleton mesh structure300. The plurality of holes302C are distributed along a surface of the plurality of the inner planks302A. The plurality of holes302D are distributed along a surface of the plurality of the outer planks302B. The skeleton mesh structure300has a plurality of longitudinal bars300B and a plurality of transverse bars300C. The plurality of transverse bars300C are substantially perpendicular to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B. In addition, the combustor80also includes one or more dilution hole planks600mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300. The one or more dilution hole planks600are mounted on the longitudinal bars300B and the plurality of transverse bars300C of the skeleton mesh structure300. In this exemplary illustration the plurality of dilution holes602are within the dilution hole plank600, which is then mounted or otherwise coupled to the skeleton mesh structure300. Various mounting configurations can be used to mount the dilution hole planks600on the longitudinal bars300B and the plurality of transverse bars300C of the skeleton mesh structure300. These various configurations will be explained in detailed in the following paragraphs. The one or more dilution hole planks600comprise a plurality of dilution holes602that are configured to allow air to pass therethrough into the combustion chamber88(shown inFIG.3) to further mix with the fuel-air mixture. The one or more dilution hole planks600having the plurality of dilution holes602is referred to generally as the dilution hole structure. In addition, in an embodiment, the one or more dilution hole planks600may also have a plurality of cooling holes (not shown inFIG.6) similar to the cooling holes401shown inFIG.5B. FIG.7is a perspective view of the one or more dilution hole planks600mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300showing the plurality of dilution holes602and peripheral cooling slots604, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, in addition to the dilution holes602, peripheral cooling slots604can also be provided in the one or more dilution hole planks600. The peripheral cooling slots604are provided at a periphery of the one or more dilution hole planks600at an interface between the one or more dilution hole planks600, and one of the plurality of transverse bars300C, and/or one of the plurality of longitudinal bars300B. Although two dilution holes602are depicted inFIG.7, any number of dilution holes can be provided. The peripheral cooling slots604can be used for cooling the one or more dilution hole planks600. Therefore, these peripheral cooling slots604are often called cooling peripheral cooling slots. FIGS.8A and8Bare cross-sectional views of the one or more dilution hole planks600mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.8A, the one or more dilution hole planks600are coupled, for example, to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B of the skeleton mesh structure300. In an embodiment, the one or more dilution hole planks600can be provided with a plurality of gang channels600C and the plurality longitudinal bars300B of the skeleton mesh structure300can be inserted in the plurality of gang channels600C. As shown inFIG.8B, the one or more dilution hole planks600are coupled, for example, to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B of the skeleton mesh structure300. However, alternatively, or in addition, the one or more dilution hole planks600can also be coupled or mounted to the plurality of transverse bars300C of the skeleton mesh structure300. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8B, the plurality of inner planks302A can be mounted to the plurality longitudinal bars300B of the skeleton mesh structure300, or vice versa. The one or more dilution hole planks600can be mounted to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B of the skeleton mesh structure300. The one or more dilution hole planks600can have one or more dilution holes602. The one or more dilution hole planks600can be mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300using various types of connections methods including, but not limited to, bolts, pins, clips, brazing, additive, pistons, W-seals, etc. In an embodiment, the dilution hole planks60can be coupled to the plurality of longitudinal bars300B and/or to the transverse300C using any of a plurality connections method, including, but not limited to, bolts, pins, clips, brazing, welding, additive, spring clips, piston, W-Seals, etc. In an embodiment, the dilution hole plank600can be slid in a circumferential gang channel where the gang channels can be provided in a form of brackets (e.g., C-brackets) around a periphery of the dilution hole plank600. FIG.9A through9Eare cross-sectional views of the one or more dilution hole planks600mounted to the skeleton mesh structure300showing various configurations of the one or more dilution holes602, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.9Ashows one or more dilution holes602that are aft inclined.FIG.9Bshows one or more dilution holes602that are forward inclined.FIG.9Cshows a plurality of dilution holes602that are forward and aft inclined.FIG.9Dshows one or more dilution holes602that are vertically diverging.FIG.9Eshows one or more dilution holes602that are vertical and converging. Any one of the configurations described above can be used in combination with any other one of the above described configurations. FIGS.10A to10Eshow various geometrical configurations of structural elements of the skeleton mesh structure300shown inFIGS.3,4, and6, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The skeleton mesh structure300can include a plurality of structural elements306that connect together to form the skeleton mesh structure300. As shown inFIGS.10A to10E, each of the plurality of structural elements306can have any desired geometrical shape, including any polygonal shape such as a square shape or a rectangular shape, a rhombus shape, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, or a more complex shape, etc. Each of the structural elements306can have a plurality of sides defining a hollow face. FIGS.11A to11Eshow various geometrical configurations of planks of the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.9A to9E, each of the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B can also have a geometrical shape that matches a corresponding shape of each of the plurality of structural elements306shown inFIGS.10A to10E. Each of the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B is essentially a filled shape. The filled shape is provided with a plurality of holes302C. The filled shape (shown inFIGS.11A to11E) of each of the plurality of inner planks302A and each of the plurality of outer planks302B can be mounted to a corresponding hollow shape (shown inFIGS.10A to10E) of the plurality of structural elements306. The plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B can be mounted to the plurality of structural elements306of the skeleton mesh structure300using various fastening techniques similar to covering, for example, a truss structure of a bridge, a building, aircraft fuselage, rocket structures, etc. FIGS.12A and12Bare schematic cross-sectional views of a combustor80using the skeleton mesh structure300together with the plurality of inner planks302A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG.12A, the inner liner84and outer liner82of the combustor80are composed of forward and aft segments of the respective liner. Forward segment can be of hanger type with the plurality of inner planks302A and the plurality of outer planks302B (hollow planks) and the aft segment can be from current art solid liner having an annular gap between the two segments.FIG.12Bshows inner liner84and outer liner82both made from hanger and hollow plank arrangement. As can be appreciated from the discussion above, a combustor includes a skeleton structure. The combustor also includes at least one liner operably coupled to the skeleton structure to at least partially define a combustion chamber, and a plurality of first planks mounted to a first side of the at least one liner and a plurality of second planks mounted to a second side of the at least one liner. The combustor further includes at least one dilution hole structure provided with a portion of the skeleton structure, and including at least one dilution hole configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough into the combustion chamber. The combustor according to the previous clause, the dilution hole structure including a crossbar of the skeleton mesh structure, the crossbar having the plurality of dilution holes. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the skeleton mesh structure including a plurality of longitudinal bars and a plurality of transverse bars, and the plurality of first planks and the plurality of second planks being mounted to the plurality of longitudinal bars and the plurality of transverse bars. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the dilution hole structure including one or more dilution hole planks having the plurality of dilution holes and a plurality of cooling holes. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the one or more dilution hole planks being mounted to the skeleton mesh structure. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the skeleton mesh structure including a plurality of longitudinal bars and a plurality of transverse bars, and the one or more dilution hole planks being mounted to the plurality of longitudinal bars and the plurality of transverse bars. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the one or more dilution hole planks including a plurality of gang channels and the plurality of longitudinal bars, or the plurality of transverse bars, or both, being inserted in the plurality of gang channels of the one or more dilution planks. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the one or more dilution hole planks being mounted to the plurality of longitudinal bars or the plurality of transverse bars or both. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the one or more dilution hole planks further including a plurality of peripheral cooling slots provided at a periphery of the one or more dilution hole planks at an interface between the one or more dilution hole planks and the skeleton mesh structure. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of dilution holes being vertical, aft inclined, or forward inclined, or any combination thereof. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of dilution holes being converging holes, or diverging holes, or both. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of first planks and the plurality of second planks including a plurality of holes to pass air therethrough to cool down the plurality of first planks. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of structural elements having a hollow polygonal shape with a plurality of sides defining a hollow face. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the plurality of first planks or the plurality of second planks, or both, having a filled polygonal shape that matches the hollow polygonal shape of the plurality of structural elements. Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a turbine engine including a combustor. The combustor includes a skeleton structure. The combustor also includes at least one liner operably coupled to the skeleton structure to at least partially define a combustion chamber, and a plurality of first planks mounted to a first side of the at least one liner and a plurality of second planks mounted to a second side of the at least one liner. The combustor further includes at least one dilution hole structure provided with a portion of the skeleton structure, and including at least one dilution hole configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough into the combustion chamber. The turbine engine according to the previous clause, the dilution hole structure including a crossbar of the skeleton mesh structure, the crossbar having the plurality of dilution holes. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, the skeleton mesh structure including a plurality of longitudinal bars and a plurality of transverse bars, and the plurality of first planks and the plurality of second planks being mounted to the plurality of longitudinal bars and the plurality of transverse bars. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, the dilution hole structure including a one or more dilution planks having the plurality of dilution holes and a plurality of cooling holes. The combustor according to any of the previous clauses, the one or more dilution planks further including a plurality of peripheral cooling slots provided at a periphery of the one or more dilution hole planks at an interface between the one or more dilution hole planks and the skeleton mesh structure. The turbine engine according to any of the previous clauses, the one or more dilution planks being mounted to the skeleton mesh structure. Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above. | 36,894 |
11859825 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS It is to be noted that embodiments in the present disclosure and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. In the description of the present disclosure, It is to be understood that, The terms “center”, “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “verti cal”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “clockwise”, and the like indicate azimuth or positional relationships based on the azimuth or positional relationships shown in the drawings, For purposes of convenience only of describing thepresent disclosure and simplifying the description, Rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, therefore, not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure; in addition, The terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only, While not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated thereby, features defining “first,” “second,” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the present disclosure, “multiple” means two or more unless explicitly specified otherwise. In the description of the present disclosure, it is to be noted that unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, and “connected” are to be construed broadly, for example, as either a fixed connection, or a detachable connection, or an integral connection, either a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection. The specific meaning of the above term in the present disclosure will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art depending on the particular circumstances, either directly or indirectly via an intermediate medium, communication between the two elements, or interaction between the two elements. The specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described in details in combination with the drawings. As shown inFIG.1toFIG.10, this embodiment provides a combustion furnace with controllable firepower. The combustion furnace includes a square furnace body1. The furnace body1is provided with a combustion chamber11in which other combustible materials such as wood are placed. The combustion chamber11forms a port above the furnace body1, into which wood is put. Further, a plurality of air inlets3are provided below the side wall of the furnace body1. The air inlets3are provided around the furnace body1and are configured to be communicated with the combustion chamber11. When wood burns in the combustion chamber11, air can enter the combustion chamber11through the air inlets3, so that the wood can be fully burned. Further, the combustion furnace of this embodiment is further provided with an adjusting mechanism2. The adjusting mechanism2is configured to control the air inlets3to be turned on or off. When in use, users can put the wood into the combustion chamber11through the opening1021to ignite the wood. When the firepower needs to be increased, the adjusting mechanism2can be controlled to turn on the air inlet3. As shown inFIG.9, after the air inlet3is turned on, oxygen in the combustion chamber11is continuously consumed along with the combustion of the wood, so that the external air enters the combustion chamber11through the air inlet3, and the combustion of the wood is stronger. When the firepower needs to be decreased, the adjusting mechanism2can be controlled to turn off the air inlet3. After the air inlet3is turned off, the combustion intensity of wood will be gradually weakened along with the continuous consumption of oxygen in the combustion chamber11, so as to prolong the combustion time of wood. Through the above structural arrangement, users can adjust the firepower of the combustion furnace by controlling the adjusting mechanism2, so as to meet different requirements. The combustion furnace with controllable firepower is simple in operation and strong in practicality. Specifically, the adjusting mechanism2of this embodiment includes a baffle21. The shape of the baffle21matches the shape of the furnace body1. The baffle21is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the furnace body and closely clings to the side wall of the furnace body1to block the air inlet3. Further, the baffle21can move up and down with respect to the side wall of the furnace body1to control the air inlet3to be turned on and off. Through the above structural arrangement, when the firepower needs to be adjusted to the maximum, the baffle21can be moved upward to keep the baffle21away from the air inlet3, so as to turn on the air inlet3of the furnace body1. When the firepower needs to be decreased, the baffle21can be moved downward to block the air inlet3, so as to turn off the air inlet3of the furnace body1. The combustion furnace with controllable firepower is simple in structure and ingenious in design. Further, the adjusting mechanism2of this embodiment further includes a hand-held part22, a connecting part23and a connecting rod24. The top of the side wall of the furnace body1is longitudinally provided with a sliding groove12. One end of the connecting part23is connected with the hand-held part22, and the other end thereof is connected with one end of the connecting rod24through the sliding groove12. The other end of the connecting rod24is connected with the baffle21. Through the above structural arrangement, when the baffle21needs to be moved upward, the hand-held part22can be pushed upward, so that the connecting part23translates upward in the sliding groove12, so as to drive the connecting rod24to move upward. The connecting rod24moving upward will drive the baffle21to move upward in the furnace body1, so as to turn on the air inlet3. Similarly, when the baffle21needs to be moved downward, the hand-held part22can be pushed downward, so that the connecting part23translate downward in the sliding groove12, so as to drive the connecting rod24to move downward. The connecting rod24moving downward will drive the baffle21to move downward in the furnace body1, so as to turn off the air inlet3. The other end of the connecting rod24includes a screw, the baffle21includes a main body configured to turn off the air inlet3and a connection plate connected an end of the main body. The connection plate includes a first threaded hole, the screw passes through the first threaded hole, and a nut is fixed on the screw to connect the connecting rod and the baffle21. Further, in this embodiment, as shown inFIGS.4and5, the furnace body is further provided with a stopper121at the sliding groove12. The stopper121is used to fix the connecting part23in the sliding part when the connecting part23moves in the sliding groove12. The stopper121includes two stopper plates facing each other, at least two limiting spaces and a recess communicating between the two limiting spaces is formed by the two stopper plates. A diameter of the recess is less than a diameter of the connection rod. Each stopper plate is formed by a clip, the connection rod is able to move between two limiting spaces via the recess when the hand-held part is operated, so that the baffle is able to turn off or turn on the air inlet. Each stopper plate includes a plurality of first plates and a plurality of V-shaped plates connected the first plates alternately, and the recess is formed between two V-shaped plates facing each other, a top of the two V-shaped plates facing each other are configured to form a limiting space of two limiting spaces. Further, a combustion rack13in which wood is placed is provided in the combustion chamber11of this embodiment. The combustion chamber11forms a lower chamber111below the combustion rack13. A plurality of wind shields4are provided in the lower chamber111to divide the lower chamber111into a plurality of chamber units1111. The combustion rack13can be erected on the top of the wind shields4. The plurality of wind shields4are connected an inner side surface of the lower chamber111. Each wind shield4includes a connection portion connected the inner side surface and an extending portion connected a bottom of the connection portion. A top of the connection portion is configured to support the combustion rack13. The extending portion includes a main supporting edge and a connection edge, the connection is connected between the main supporting edge and a side edge of the connection portion, the main supporting edge is configured to support a storage rack13, the connection edge and the side edge are configured to limit the storage rack13. Through the above structural arrangement, when air enters the lower chamber111from the air inlet3at the bottom of the furnace body1, air will enter different chamber units1111, so as to prevent air from forming cyclone turbulence in the lower chamber111and improve the combustion efficiency of wood. Further, a storage rack14is further provided in the furnace body1of this embodiment. The storage rack14is provided below the combustion rack13, and the combustion rack13is provided with a plurality of through-holes131. As an embodiment, the bottom of the wind shield4is provided with a protrusion41. The storage rack14can be erected on the protrusion41. Through the above structural arrangement, when the wood burns to form ashes, the ashes will fall into the storage rack14through the through-holes131, which is convenient for storage and cleaning. Further, the furnace body1of this embodiment includes a first furnace body unit101and a second furnace body unit102. The second furnace body unit is provided in the first furnace body unit101. Specifically, in this embodiment, the air inlet3is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the first furnace body unit101. The combustion chamber11is provided in the second furnace body unit102. The diameter of the first furnace body unit101is longer than that of the second furnace body unit102. The bottom wall of the second furnace body unit102is higher than the bottom wall of the first furnace body unit101to form a first air passage51between the side wall of the second furnace body unit102and the side wall of the first furnace body unit101, and form a second air passage52between the bottom wall of the first furnace body unit101and the bottom wall of the second furnace body unit102. Further, the bottom wall of the second furnace body unit102is provided with an opening1021to realize the communication between the combustion chamber11and the second air passage52. With the above structural arrangement, when wood burns in the combustion chamber11, air will enter the second air passage52between the bottom wall of the first furnace body unit101and the bottom wall of the second furnace body unit102through the air inlet3, and then enter the combustion chamber11through the opening1021in the bottom wall of the second furnace body unit102. Further, as shown inFIGS.8and9, in this embodiment, the baffle21is provided at the bottom of the first furnace body unit101and closely clings to the first furnace body unit101, and the sliding groove12is correspondingly provided on the side wall of the first furnace body unit101. When the hand-held part22is pushed, the baffle21will move up and down with respect to the first furnace body unit101. Further, in this embodiment, the combustion chamber11forms an upper chamber112above the combustion rack13. The side wall of the upper chamber112is surrounded by an air outlet6. Air can enter the first air passage51through the air inlet3and then enter the upper chamber112through the air outlet6. The air entering the upper chamber112can further burn the smoke in the upper chamber112. Further, the combustion furnace of this embodiment further includes a base7. The base7is provided below the furnace body1for supporting the furnace body1. One or more implementation modes are provided above in combination with specific contents, and it is not deemed that the specific implementation of the present disclosure is limited to these specifications. Any technical deductions or replacements approximate or similar to the method and structure of the present disclosure or made under the concept of the present disclosure shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. | 12,449 |
11859826 | DESCRIPTION The present invention may be embodied in a number of different forms. The specification and drawings that follow describe and disclose some of the specific forms of the invention. With reference to the attached drawings, there is shown an embodiment of a termination cap1for a direct vent appliance25, which may be a direct vent fireplace. Cap1is comprised generally of a flared outer housing2having a first or outer end3, that is in communication with the source of combustion air and that may be attached to an exterior wall with a flange, and a second or inner end4that is operably connectable to or otherwise associated with a conduit to supply combustion air to the appliance or fireplace. In one embodiment, the sides of flared housing2slope inwardly toward second end4(seeFIG.4). As is common in the case of termination caps, an outer collar5may be used for purposes of providing a transition between the termination cap and a pipe or conduit that supplies combustion air to the fireplace. Termination cap1further includes an exhaust body6received within flared housing2. Exhaust body6has a first or outer end7in communication with an exterior environment and a second opposite or inner end8in fluid communication with an exhaust conduit that transports exhaust gases from the appliance, through exhaust body6and into the exterior environment. Once again, as is common in the case of termination caps, cap1may be fitted with an inner collar9that serves to provide a means by which exhaust body6may be secured to an exhaust conduit or pipe to permit exhaust to flow from the fireplace, through inner collar9, into exhaust body6, and finally out first end of the exhaust body and into the exterior environment. Exhaust body6may be shaped to be complementary to flared housing2so that the two components can be nested together. In the embodiment shown, flare housing2and exhaust body6are nested truncated pyramids, however, other shapes and configurations for housing2and exhaust body6are possible. Exhaust body6has an exterior surface that is at least partially offset from an interior surface of flared housing2to create a combustion air passageway10situated between the exterior surface of the exhaust body and the interior surface of the flared housing. To accommodate that offset, and to help centralize exhaust body6within flared housing2, termination cap1further includes a trim plate12. Trim plate12has a generally open front surface15that forms an exhaust gas opening. One or more inner flanges23may be used to connect the trim plate, along the inner edged of the open front surface15, to the first end7of exhaust body6. Flanges23thus define an exhaust gas passageway from the interior of the exhaust body through exhaust gas opening15. Trim plate12further has one or more sides13extending from its outer edges which connect to the interior edge of flared housing2. In this manner, trim plate12creates a offset between exhaust body6and flared housing2so that the sides of exhaust body6are generally positioned an equal distance away from the interior surface of flared housing2. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), one or both of the interior surface of flared housing2and the exterior surface of exhaust body6may be fitted with fins or other such structures that help to position and maintain exhaust body6within flared housing2such that the sides of the exhaust body are generally an equal distance away from the interior surface of the flared housing to present a combustion air passageway that allows for an efficient draw of air into the fireplace. Returning to the depicted embodiment, as noted above, trim plate12has an inner surface19and an outer surface20. As noted above, trim plate12has one or more sides13extending from outer surface20and is secured to or otherwise in contact with first end3of flared housing2. One or more of sides13contain one or more combustion air openings14to allow combustion or intake air to be drawn (i) first into a void formed by the exterior surface of exhaust body6and the one or more sides of the trim plate, and (ii) subsequently into combustion air passageway10. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the attached drawings, trim plate12is square or rectangular in shape having four sides13at its perimeter, each having a pair of elongate, generally rectangular shaped, openings14. In this embodiment, generally open front surface15that forms the exhaust gas opening is also square or rectangular in shape. Other configurations of trim plate12and openings14are possible and are contemplated. To further help direct exhaust exiting exhaust body6away from termination cap1, trim plate12may include a deflector16that in one preferred embodiment is positioned along the top or upper side of the trim plate. Deflector16serves the purpose of helping to deflect hot exhaust gases that exit exhaust body6and that rise upwardly from the outer surface of the termination cap away from the cap and also away from the surface of the building or structure within which it is situated. An outer shield17is preferably secured over open front15of trim plate12in a manner that sets the shield off from the trim plate to help prevent debris or material from entering into exhaust body6, while at the same time presenting an exhaust flow passage or route between shield17and trim plate12that allows for exhaust gases exiting through open front15to escape into the exterior environment. Outer shield17may also serve to prevent rain and wind from entering exhaust body6. The heat of the exhaust gas acting on outer shield17also contributes to the convective air flow within termination cap1, as the heated exhaust gas tends to rise as it travels through open front15and, thus, exit from an upper portion of open front15past outer shield17. An internal mesh or screen18may also be utilized to prevent debris and other matter from being drawn into flared housing2or from finding its way into exhaust body6. Screen18may also serve to prevent animals from entering into exhaust body6. In operation, combustion air30is drawn through openings14in sides13of trim plate12. While air for combustion purposes may be drawn through any of openings14in sides13, in the present embodiment, a majority of the air for combustion purposes may be drawn through openings14in the bottom side13of trim plate12(seeFIG.5for example). As will be described in greater detail below, a portion of the combustion air may be used for “air wash” purposes, which may also be drawn through any of openings14in sides13. In the present embodiment, a majority of the air for air wash purposes may be drawn through openings14in the left and right sides13of trim plate12. Combustion air30is thus drawn into the void created by the outer surface of exhaust body6and sides13of trim plate12, and then into flared housing2before entering the pipe or conduit that transports it to the fireplace. Exhaust gases35are delivered to exhaust body6, which itself is of a flared construction similar to that of flared housing2, and out through open front15of trim plate12. Flared housing2has a flared shape in order to optimize the velocity of the exhaust gas as it prepares to exit termination cap1. This shape may also help to prevent restriction to the combustion process within the fireplace, and so that the exhaust gas exit velocity is maximised to help it to be expelled from the terminal and projected forward and upward away from the building's wall. To help reduce exterior building wall temperatures, to help minimize the recirculation of exhaust gases back into the combustion air flow stream, and help to improve wind resistance, deflector16may be situated at the top of trim plate12and generally within or adjacent to the gap or opening between trim plate12and shield17. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that termination cap1is unique and distinguished in that it largely protrudes into the structure or wall within which it is situated, unlike traditional termination caps that protrude outwardly. Such a design permits for a considerably thinner exterior profile of the cap providing a more aesthetic visual appearance. This design also helps to reduce the exposure of termination cap1to outside weather temperatures and elements which may be highly variable. This may help to maintain termination cap1in a more consistent environment and, thus, allow it to perform its function in a more consistent manner. A further advantage provided by the particular structure of termination cap1is that it presents a unique “air wash” system (noted generally above) that helps to protect the exterior surface of the wall or structure within which the termination cap is mounted from the effects of high temperature exhaust gases. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG.6, a portion of the combustion air that is drawn into cap1through openings14in sides13of trim plate12will be heated, as it passes about the exterior surface of exhaust body6, to a degree that it will tend to rise. A portion of the heated combustion air becomes “air wash” air40. While the “air wash” air may be heated above ambient air temperatures, its temperature will nevertheless tend to remain sustainably below the high temperature of the exhaust gases. At least a portion of the rising heated combustion air is allowed to exit through openings14that are in the top or upper side13of trim plate12, causing an “air wash” effect along the surface of the building immediately above termination cap2. In other words, relative to the high temperature exhaust gases, this “heated” portion of the combustion air (or “air wash” air) is relatively cool, yet sufficiently heated so as to rise through openings14that are in the top or upper side13of trim plate12. In this manner, termination cap1may provide relatively “cool” (or perhaps warm) air for the air wash. This “air wash” air tends to travel though openings14in the top or upper side13of trim plate12which is generally positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the building. In alternate embodiments and alternate shapes of trim plate12the combustion air that becomes air wash air may be drawn through trim plate12at alternate locations. Accordingly, this cooler “air wash” air is ejected between (1) the exterior surface of the building and (2) the direct exhaust exiting exhaust body6and deflected by deflector16. As shown inFIG.6, the air wash helps to “insulate” the surface of the surface or building from the effects of coming into contact with hot exhaust gases that are expelled from the termination cap. It is the necessity to keep hot exhaust gases away from the exterior surface of the building within which the termination cap is mounted that is one of the primary reasons that currently available termination caps are large, bulky structures that extend a significant degree away from a building's surface. In contrast, the structure of the invention described herein allows for a considerably slimmer design while still protecting the surface of the building exterior within which it is mounted from damage due to contact with hot exhaust gases. Further, the nesting effect of the flared housing and the similarly shaped exhaust body helps to permit the mounting of the termination cap largely within a wall structure and not on the exterior wall surface as in the case of existing termination caps. To assist in the establishment of an air wash along the surface of the building immediately above termination cap1, the termination cap may include a baffle11. In one embodiment, baffle11is positioned within flared housing2and within combustion air passageway10. Baffle11has an enclosed or generally enclosed or solid upper portion21and a generally open or perforated lower portion22(which may be in the form of a series of holes or openings, a mesh, etc). Lower portion22of baffle11permits the generally unrestricted flow of combustion or intake air therethrough. The generally enclosed or solid upper portion21at least partially restricts or limits the flow of combustion gas through the upper portion of combustion air passageway10. That limitation or restriction tends to slow the draw of intake or combustion air through the upper portion of trim plate12, permitting combustion air in the upper portion of the void between sides13of trim plate12and exhaust baffle6to be more significantly heated than if there was no limitation or restriction on flow through combustion air passageway10. A more significant heating of that air results in a greater volume of air rising and travelling through holes or opening14in the top side surface of trim plate12, thereby enhancing the “air wash” effect. It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. | 12,967 |
11859827 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention can be adapted for any of several applications. With reference to the accompanying figures, disclosed is a fire pit device10comprising a heat deflector assembly12configured to capture and/or redirect heat generated by a fire. In embodiments, the heat deflector assembly12may comprise a hood12a, and legs12cconfigured to support the hood12aover a fire pit14. In embodiments, the hood12amay comprise angled edges12b. In some further embodiments, the assembly12may comprise side shields20configured to attach to the hood12a. In yet further embodiments, the legs12cmay be collapsible. In some embodiments, the assembly12may further include a handle12d. As best shown inFIGS.1and2, hood12amay comprise a planar or generally flat sheet which may include downwardly and outwardly extending edges12b. In embodiments, edges12bmay facilitate the downwards directing of heat. The edges12bmay extend a short distance downwards from a top flat surface of the hood12a, and may be obtusely angled with respect to hood12a. In embodiments, edges12bmay extend between about 1/2 of an inch to about 2 inches, or from about 3/4 of an inch to about 1.5 inches, or about 1 inch. Additionally, the angle between edges12band the top surface of hood12amay generally be between 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, or between about 110 degrees and about 160 degrees, or at about 135 degrees. In some embodiments, edges12bmay be formed by cutting a short segment at each corner of the hood sheet steel, and folding the segments between the cuts downwards (e.g. at 45 degrees) to create edges12b. In some embodiments, protective corner coverings, as shown inFIG.3, may be added to cover the corner openings between adjacent edges12b. Legs12cmay be coupled at a bottom surface of the hood12a, for supporting the hood above a ground level. According to various embodiments, legs12cmay be between about 6 inches and 24 inches, or between about 10 inches and 20 inches, or at about 13 inches in height. In embodiments, legs12cmay be foldable, such that the device10may be collapsed for easy storage, and/or placement over the fire pit14as a cover, when the fire pit14is not in use. With particular reference toFIGS.4and5, and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each leg12cmay be pivotally coupled to the bottom surface of hood12avia a leg hinge bracket22. Each hinge bracket22may be secured to the hood12avia leg attachment screws16, engaged through corresponding screw holes in hinge bracket22and hood12a, and secured with nuts and washers18. In some embodiments, each leg12c/leg hinge bracket22may be secured via 4 screws, wherein 2 of the screws may be removed and re-engaged to further secure a side shield20, as detailed below. In further embodiments, handle12dmay be coupled to a top surface of hood12a, e.g. via screws and nuts. The handle12dmay facilitate a user in positioning the device10over the fire pit14, and/or carrying the device. According to an exemplary embodiment, hood12amay have a square configuration, wherein four legs12cmay each be attached at around each corner of hood12a, in order to support the hood over fire pit14. However, other geometric configurations of the hood and support legs may be employed without departing from the inventive concept. For example, the hood12amay be circular, rectangular, hexagonal etc., and comprise any number of legs necessary for its support. In some embodiments, the legs may be height adjustable (e.g. telescoping legs). In some embodiments, the geometric configuration and size of the hood may be designed to conform to the geometric configuration and size of the fire pit. With particular reference toFIGS.3,6, and7side shields20may be attached to hood12ato cover side openings of device10. In embodiments, side shields20may each be individually attachable and detachable from the hood12a, which may allow the user to control the direction and/or concentration of heat based on the number and location of the attached side shields20. In embodiments, each side shield20may comprise a generally flat sheet with a top bend, wherein the top bend may be configured to overlap edges12bof hood12awhen attached to the hood. In embodiments, each shield may be sized to substantially cover an area encompassed by the leg12cand edge12b, such that each side shield may substantially cover an open side of device10(seeFIG.6). According to an exemplary embodiment, assembly12including square hood12amay include up to three side shields, enabling the user to add one, two, or up to three shields20to hood12a(such that at least one side is left uncovered), whereby heat may be directed out from the uncovered side(s). However, it should be understood that other configurations may be employed without departing from the inventive concept. For example, each shield may be configured to cover half the edge12b, wherein a user may optionally attach either one or two shields to cover either half or the entire open area of the hood. In embodiments, the top bend of each side shield20may be attached via screws or other fastening elements. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top bend of shield20may include two screw holes (seeFIG.7), which may be configured to align with corresponding screw holes for legs12c/leg hinge brackets22. Thus, shield20may be attached to hood12aby removing two of the leg attachment screws16and nuts/washers18on opposite corners of hood12a. The shield20may then be placed against the hood12awith the top bend of the shield20overlapping the top surface and edge12bof hood12a, such that screw holes of the shied are aligned with the open screw holes of the hood12a. Then, the removed leg attachment screws16and nuts18and washers may be reinstalled to secure shield20to assembly12(seeFIGS.3and6). In this manner, side shield(s)20may function to concentrate and direct heat generated by the fire. The user may determine how many shields to attach depending on the desired amount of heat concentration and/or direction. For example, one, two, or up to three side shields20may be attached to a fire pit device10having a square or rectangular configuration, wherein heat may be directed out from the uncovered side(s). According to an exemplary embodiment, device10may be manufactured from all steel components. A piece of304stainless steel with an18gauge may be cut to the desired size and shape, which may be a square, to form hood12aof assembly12. Four holes may be cut on each corner to accommodate the screws, washers, and nuts which secure collapsible legs12c/hinge brackets22, and side shields20. Two holes may be drilled into the center of the steel hood to accommodate the screws for securing steel handle12d. Lastly two rivet holes may be drilled in each corner to accommodate rivets for securing steel protective corners, which may be added for support. The corners of the square sheet may then be cut approximately 1 inch deep, and the 1 inch segments between the cuts may be bent downward to a 45 degree angle to form the four corner edges12b. The supportive steel corners may then be riveted to the steel hood at the corners. The collapsible steel legs (legs12cand hinge bracket22assembly) may then secured underneath the steel hood at each corner. The steel handle may be added at the center of the hood. In embodiments, the steel legs12cmay be approximately 13 inches, such that when the legs are extended, the steel hood sits 13 inches above the fire pit opening. The 13 inch height and downwardly extending edges may force heat downward and outward while still allowing users to enjoy the fire, and even toast food (e.g. marshmallows, hot dogs, etc.). The side shields may be added as desired to the steel hood via the same holes with the screws, nuts, and washers used for securing the steel legs. The Side Shields can be attached to the steel hood on 1, 2, or 3 sides to block wind and control the direction of the fire pit heat. The heat may also be more concentrated as more side shields are attached according to the user's preference. Thus, the device may be placed over the fire pit (with the fire first lit). If the side shields are being used, the opening without the side shields may face the users for providing heat. It shall be appreciated that other mechanical fasteners or fastening mechanisms can be used in alternative embodiments to secure the assembly components. Additionally, the components of the disclosed system can be made from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, various metals, stone, or other fire resistant materials which are or may become available with emerging technology. It shall be appreciated that the components of the assembly described herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any color, size and/or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the device described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field. Terms such as ‘approximate,’ ‘approximately,’ ‘about,’ etc., as used herein indicate a deviation of within +/−10%. Relationships between the various elements of the disclosed device as described herein are presented as illustrative examples only, and not intended to limit the scope or nature of the relationships between the various elements. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. | 10,011 |
11859828 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present disclosure is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the disclosure are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the disclosure being defined by the claims appended hereto. This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the disclosure as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the disclosure presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the disclosure. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts. It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed disclosures. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. FIG.1illustrates a schematic front view of a toaster oven according to one embodiment.FIG.2illustrates a semi-exploded view of a toaster oven according to one embodiment. A toaster oven100inFIGS.1and2may include a cooking chamber1, an air passage2, a fan3, and at least one heating element4. The cooking chamber1may include a cooking space13in which foods may be cooked by being toasted. The toaster oven100may further include a housing61that accommodates the cooking chamber1, a front door (not shown), and at least one food rack (not shown). An air inlet110and an air outlet120are further provided, and the air passage2transports air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The cooking chamber1may include at least one side wall11and a top wall12. The side wall11may be provided with an air inlet110in communication with the cooking space13of the cooking chamber1. In a non-limiting example, the air inlet110may be disposed in a bottom half area of the side wall11, more particularly only in the bottom half area of the side wall11. The top wall12may be provided with an air outlet120in communication with the cooking space13of the cooking chamber1. In the illustrated example inFIG.2, the air outlet120may include a plurality of air outlet holes121and122. The air outlet holes121may be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, and the air outlet holes122may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The air outlet holes121may be arranged such that length of air outlet holes121are increased as the air outlet holes121are distant from the side wall11. Similarly, the air outlet holes122may be arranged such that length of air outlet holes122are increased as the air outlet holes122are distant from the side wall11. While the embodiment shown provides the air inlet110in the side wall11and the air outlet120in a top wall12, it will be understood that the air inlet and outlet may be provided on any internal surface of the toaster oven. Accordingly, the inlet may be on a bottom surface of the toaster oven. However, as discussed below, the air inlet110is typically located such that it is spaced apart from the air outlet120. The air passage2may be disposed outside the cooking chamber1. The air passage2may communicate with the air inlet110and with the air outlet120. In this embodiment, the air passage2may include a side air passage part21and a top air passage part22. The side air passage part21may be formed by the side wall11and a shroud62. The side wall11may be disposed between the cooking space13and the side air passage part21. The top air passage part22may communicate with the side air passage part21. The top air passage part22may be formed by the top wall12and a shroud63. The top wall12may be disposed between the cooking space13and the top air passage part22. In the illustrated example, the top air passage part22may include two air paths221and222that are separated from each other by a part125of the top wall12. Each of the two air paths221and222may communicate with a part of the air outlet120. For example, inFIG.2, the air paths221may communicate with the air outlet holes121, and the air paths222may communicate with the air outlet holes122. The fan3may blow air from the air inlet110to the air outlet120through the air passage2. Similarly, the fan3may be designed to suck air from the air inlet110such that the air flow in the cooking chamber1itself results in circulating air. The heating element4shown inFIG.1may be disposed in the upper portion of the cooking space13, and may extend in the horizontal direction. In addition, the air outlet120may extend over the heating element4in the horizontal direction. Referring toFIG.1, there are three stages along the path of the airflow that determine the performance of the design of the toaster oven100. In operation of the toaster oven100, as designated by arrows A inFIG.1, the air in the cooking space13in the cooking chamber1may be pulled through the air inlet110by the fan3. As stated above, the air inlet110may be disposed in a bottom half area of the side wall11, more particularly only in the bottom half area of the side wall11. This configuration may allow the outlet air (as designated by arrows C), to flow down and permeate the cooking chamber1without prematurely being sucked into the fan3. In addition, according to the present configuration, the position of the air inlet110can force the air to be pulled through the cooking chamber1, particularly the middle and bottom sections at a higher pressure than would have been had the air inlet110been located elsewhere. As designated by arrows B, the fan3may accelerate the air that gets pulled from the cooking space13of the cooking chamber1into the side air passage part21. The air then flows up the side air passage part21and into the top air passage part22, which is a specifically designed duct (seeFIG.2), that splits the air into two paths221and222to even distribute the air over the heating element4along the width of the toaster oven's cooking chamber1. As designated by arrows C, the air may be ejected from the top air passage part22through the air outlet120. As discussed above, the air outlet120may extend over the heating element4in the horizontal direction. This configuration increases the possibility of evenly heating up all the air that exits from the air outlet120. The present disclosure may allow an evenly distributed and evenly heated airflow to fill the cooking chamber of the toaster oven, for example, by the specific design of the fan shroud and duct (FIG.2). In some embodiments, the toaster oven may incorporate air frying features, such that a combination toaster oven and air fryer may be provided. While the present disclosure has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the disclosure. All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. | 9,720 |
11859829 | The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a cooktop grate assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented inFIG.1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. With reference toFIGS.1-16, reference numeral10generally designates a grate assembly for a cooktop12that includes a heat shield14having an outer rim16and a central plateau region18offset from the outer rim16by a connecting wall20. The central plateau region18defines an opening22for receiving a burner assembly24. A grate26is positioned over the heat shield14. The grate26includes supports28,30that extend over the central plateau region18. A gasket32is disposed adjacent to the heat shield14. The gasket32engages at least one of a base34of the grate26and feet36of the supports28,30to retain the grate26in position relative to the heat shield14. Referring toFIG.1, the cooktop12is illustrated as a standalone unit that includes multiple burner assemblies24. Each burner assembly24is associated with an individual grate assembly10. Accordingly, each cooktop12includes multiple grate assemblies10. The cooktop12may be constructed of a ceramic, a glass ceramic, or a glass material. The cooktop12may be included in a cooking appliance without departing from the teachings herein. With reference toFIGS.1and2, each grate assembly10includes the heat shield14, which is positioned on or adjacent to an upper surface50of the cooktop12. The heat shields14may deflect or diffuse heat generated by the burner assemblies24. The heat shields14may be advantageous for directing heat away from various components of the cooktop12, including controls and electronic components52. Each heat shield14includes the outer rim16disposed adjacent to the upper surface50. The outer rim16may be disposed on the upper surface50or on the gasket32depending on the configuration of the gasket32. Each heat shield14also includes the central plateau region18, which defines the opening22for receiving the burner assembly24. In certain aspects, the burner assembly24extends from the cooktop12and through the opening22. Additionally or alternatively, a burner cap54of the burner assembly24may be positioned on or adjacent to an exterior surface60of the central plateau region18of the heat shield14under the supports28,30of the grate26. The grates26are selectively positioned over the respective heat shields14. In certain aspects, the grates26include the base34configured to extend around the central plateau region18. In the illustrated configuration ofFIG.2, the base34of the grate26is a ring that follows the shape of the central plateau region18and the overall heat shield14, which each defines a circular shape. The base34extends along the outer rim16adjacent to the connecting wall20. The supports28,30extend from the base34and are configured to extend over the central plateau region18. The supports28,30are configured to support a cooking receptacle over the burner assembly24. The supports28,30each form or define an arcuate shape. There are two supports28,30in the illustrated configuration, with the supports28,30being disposed on opposing sides of the opening22. Accordingly, in certain aspects, the supports28,30do not intersect with one another. The heat shield14generally defines indents62in which feet36of the supports28,30of the grate26at least partially extend. The feet36are generally disposed on or adjacent to the outer rim16of the heat shield14and partially within the indents62defined by the heat shield14. The feet36of the supports28,30provide additional stability to the grate26. Additionally, the feet36may extend beyond an outer edge64of the heat shield14and onto or over the upper surface50of the cooktop12. In various examples, the indents62provide a visual indicator for aligning the grate26relative to the heat shield14. The indents62may also assist in retaining the position of the grate26relative to the heat shield14. With reference still toFIG.2, as well asFIGS.3and4, each grate assembly10includes the gasket32configured to retain the grate26in position relative to the heat shield14. The gasket32is configured to lock the grate26in the selected position, thereby reducing movement of the grate26, which consequently stabilizes the grate26. As illustrated inFIGS.2-4, the gasket32is configured as a plurality of wall inserts70, which are configured to extend through the heat shield14to engage the grate26. The illustrated grate assembly10includes four wall inserts70; however, any practicable number of wall inserts70may be utilized without departing from the teachings herein. The connecting wall20of the heat shield14defines apertures72spaced at intervals around the heat shield14. The apertures72may be positioned at substantially equal intervals about the connecting wall20or at any select locations. Each wall insert70extends through one of the respective apertures72defined by the connecting wall20. In this way, each wall insert70is disposed at least partially under the heat shield14proximate to an interior surface74of the heat shield14and partially outside of the heat shield14proximate to the exterior surface60. An interior portion76of the wall insert70abuts the interior surface74of the connecting wall20, while an exterior portion78of the wall insert70abuts the exterior surface60of the connecting wall20. The interior portion76and the exterior portion78are separated by a ledge or a groove80. In examples with the grooves80, the grooves80is configured to receive the heat shield14to retain the wall inserts70within the apertures72of the connecting wall20. In examples with the ledge, the ledge may abut one of the exterior surface60and the interior surface74of the heat shield14to prevent the wall insert70from moving further through the aperture72. Referring still toFIGS.2-4, the exterior portion78protrudes from the connecting wall20to engage the grate26. Generally, the wall insert70engages an inner surface82of the base34. The wall inserts70extend between the heat shield14and the base34of the grate26to provide an interference or frictional engagement with the grate26, which is configured to retain the grate26in position relative to the heat shield14. As best illustrated inFIG.3, when the base34is positioned on the outer rim16, the base34may engage the wall inserts70and also be positioned substantially below the wall inserts70. In this configuration, the base34has to move past a substantial portion of the wall inserts70to disengage from the heat shield14, which provides greater stability and reduces movement of the grate26. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the exterior portions78of the wall inserts70may form a substantially hemispherical shape. The rounded shape may be advantageous for coupling the wall inserts70with the connecting wall20. Additionally, the rounded configuration of the exterior portion78may be advantageous for moving the grate26past the wall inserts70and on the heat shield14. For example, the rounded shape may provide less resistance when positioning the grate26on the outer rim16of the heat shield14. Referring now toFIG.5, an additional or alternative configuration of the wall insert70is illustrated. The illustrated wall insert70is elongated, having a more rectangular configuration. The elongated wall insert70extends generally parallel with the outer rim16of the heat shield14, which may provide an increased surface area for the grate26to engage. The increased surface area may provide a greater interference or frictional engagement for retaining the grate26in position relative to the heat shield14. Each grate assembly10may include the more spherical wall inserts70illustrated inFIGS.2-4, the prism wall inserts70illustrated inFIG.5, or a combination thereof. Referring toFIGS.6and7, an additional or alternative configuration of the grate26is illustrated. The grate26includes the base34that is positioned on the outer rim16and extends along the connecting wall20. The supports28,30extend from the base34and are configured to extend over the central plateau region18. As illustrated inFIG.6, the burner cap54of the burner assembly24is positioned on or adjacent to the exterior surface60of the central plateau region18below an intersection point90of the supports28,30. The supports28,30extend across to the central plateau region18and couple with the base34on opposing sides of the burner assembly24. The supports28,30intersect with one another over the burner assembly24. The supports28,30each have feet36that extend into the indents62, over the outer rim16, and onto the upper surface50of the cooktop12. In various examples, the feet36define a step92, forming two different portions of a bottom94of the feet36. The step92allows a first portion of the bottom94of the feet36to be positioned on the upper surface50of the cooktop12(FIG.1) and the second portion to be positioned on the outer rim16of the heat shield14. The feet36assist with aligning the grate26relative to the heat shield14, as well as stabilizing the grate26. Referring toFIGS.2-7, the indents62and the apertures72of the heat shield14generally alternate with one another. In the illustrated configurations, the heat shield14defines four indents62and four apertures72. Each aperture72is positioned between two adjacent indents62. Accordingly, the grate26engages the heat shield14within the indents62and the wall inserts70engage the grates26between the feet36. This configuration provides multiple engagement points between the grate26and the heat shield14, as well as multiple engagement points between the grate26and the wall inserts70to increase the stability of the grate26. The wall inserts70extend through the heat shield14to engage the grate26to retain the grate26in position relative to the heat shield14. Additionally, the wall insert70may be constructed of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber or silicone, to provide the interference or frictional engagement with the grate26. When the grate26is disposed on the outer rim16, the wall inserts70may be slightly deformed by the base34. The wall inserts70may apply a biasing force from the elastically deformable material toward the base34of the grate26when deformed, which assists in maintaining the engagement between the wall inserts70and the grate26. In certain aspects, the wall inserts70may be constructed as spring-loaded pins. In such configurations, a spring may be disposed under the heat shield14and the pins may extend through the apertures72to engage the grate26. The pins may be adjusted against a biasing force of the spring when engaged with the grate26. Additional or alternative configurations of the wall inserts70may be utilized in the grate assembly10without departing from the teachings herein. With reference now toFIGS.8-13, an additional or alternative configuration of the grate assembly10is illustrated. The heat shield14includes the central plateau region18defining the opening22for the burner assembly24. The heat shield14also includes the outer rim16coupled to the central plateau region18via the connecting wall20. Further, the heat shield14defines the indents62for receiving the feet36of the grate26. In this configuration, the connecting wall20may be free of the apertures72(FIG.3) while the outer rim16defines apertures116spaced about the central plateau region18. In the illustrated configuration, the outer rim16defines four apertures116. In the example illustrated inFIGS.8-13, the gasket32is configured as a sealing insert110. The sealing insert110includes a seal member112and retention features114extending from the seal member112. The seal member112is configured to be disposed below the outer rim16of the heat shield14adjacent to the interior surface74. The heat shield14may be disposed at least partially on the seal member112. Additionally or alternatively, the outer edge64of the heat shield14may curve to engage the upper surface50of the cooktop12(FIG.1) adjacent to the seal member112, which may be advantageous for concealing the seal member112below the heat shield14. The sealing insert110provides the seal member112between the heat shield14and the upper surface50of the cooktop12(FIG.1), which operates to minimize or prevent liquids and other food items from moving below the heat shield14or into an interior of the cooktop12(FIG.1). The seal member112extends adjacent to the outer edge64of the heat shield14. The heat shield14generally defines a geometric shape, which is a circle in the illustrated examples. The seal member112defines a substantially similar or the same geometric shape as the heat shield14, thereby forming a ring under the heat shield14. The corresponding geometric shapes may be advantageous for providing the seal entirely around the heat shield14. Referring still toFIGS.8-13, the sealing insert110includes the retention features114extending from the seal member112. The retention features114are spaced from one another and extend vertically from the seal member112. In the illustrated configuration, four retention features114extend from the seal member112, which corresponds with the number of apertures116defined in the outer rim16. It is contemplated that any number of retention features114and corresponding apertures116may be utilized without departing the teachings herein. As best illustrated inFIG.11, the seal member112is disposed below the outer rim16adjacent to the outer edge64of the heat shield14, and the retention features114extend through the apertures116to be disposed adjacent to the exterior surface60of the outer rim16. The retention features114form protrusions extending vertically from the outer rim16. The retention features114are generally U-shaped, with the base34of the grate26configured to be disposed in and retained by the U-shaped retention features114. In various examples, at least the base34of the grate26may not directly contact the heat shield14, but the base34is supported by the retention features114spaced from the outer rim16. In certain aspects, the base34being supported on the retention features114may minimize or prevent direct contact between the remainder of the grate26with the heat shield14, the grate26with the upper surface50of the cooktop12(FIG.1), or a combination thereof. Reducing direct contact with the heat shield14may increase the longevity of the grate assembly10and may also reduce heat transfer to the grate26. The retention features114are generally elastically deformable, being constructed of, for example, rubber or silicone. The retention features114may be biased to form a smaller space than is utilized by the base34of the grate26(e.g., smaller than the size of the base34). In this way, positioning the base34on the retention features114expands the retention features114and thereby forms an interference or frictional engagement between the grate26and the sealing insert110. The retention features114may taper from a proximal end118coupled to the seal member112to a distal end120, as best illustrated inFIGS.10and11. Alternatively, the retention features114may have the same width or thickness from the proximal end118to the distal end120, as best illustrated inFIGS.12and13, which may increase the surface area that engages with the base34of the grate26. The grate26is positioned over the outer rim16and within each of the retention features114. The retention features114operate to hold the grate26in position relative to the heat shield14. Additionally or alternatively, as the seal member112is disposed on opposing sides of the outer rim16, the engagement between the retention features114and the grate26may operate to couple the grate26to the heat shield14. Referring again toFIGS.8-13, the grate assembly10includes multiple engagement locations96between the grate26and the heat shield14when the feet36of the grate26are at least partially within the indents62. Further, the grate assembly10includes multiple engagement locations98between the sealing insert110and the grate26. The engagement locations96between the grate26and the heat shield14alternate with the engagement locations98between the grate26and the sealing insert110. In this way, each retention feature114engages the base34of the grate26between two adjacent feet36of the supports28,30. The alternating engagement locations96,98may provide additional stability to the grate assembly10. Referring now toFIGS.14-16, an additional or alternative configuration of the grate assembly10is illustrated. The heat shield14includes the central plateau region18defining the opening22(FIG.2) for the burner assembly24, the outer rim16, and the connecting wall20. In this configuration, the connecting wall20and the outer rim16have substantially continuous surfaces (e.g., are free of the apertures72as best illustrated inFIG.3and the apertures116as best illustrated inFIG.10). The central plateau region18may have a more oblong shape, having portions that extend closer to the outer edge64compared to other configurations of the grate assembly10disclosed herein. The grate26is disposed over the burner assembly24. In the illustrated configuration, the grate26includes the supports28,30, which intersect with one another over the burner assembly24. The feet36are positioned beyond the outer edge64of the heat shield14. Further, in the illustrated configuration, the heat shield14is free of the indents62and the grate26is free of the base34(FIG.2). However, it is contemplated that the indents62in the heat shield14and the base34of the grate26may be included without departing from the teachings herein. In such examples, the feet36may extend into the indents62of the heat shield14, over the outer rim16, and beyond the outer edge64. Further, the base34may extend around the central plateau region18, having a more oblong shape to correspond with the shape of the central plateau region18. In the example illustrated inFIGS.14-16, the grate assembly10includes the gasket32configured as a border member130. The border member130is configured to extend along the perimeter of the heat shield14. The heat shield14defines the geometric shape, which is illustrated as a circular shape. The border member130defines a substantially similar or the same geometric shape, thereby forming a ring to extend along the outer edge64of the heat shield14. The border member130is configured to be disposed on the upper surface50of the cooktop12(FIG.1). The border member130defines a groove132, which is generally an annular groove132, that is configured to receive the outer edge64of the heat shield14. The outer edge64of the heat shield14defines a curve configured to be inserted into and retained in the groove132. The border member130is positioned between the upper surface50of the cooktop12and the heat shield14, such that the heat shield14does not have direct contact with the upper surface50. The border member130is configured to be disposed partially under the heat shield14adjacent to the interior surface74and partially outside the heat shield14adjacent to the exterior surface60. As best illustrated inFIG.15, a greater portion of the border member130may be disposed under the heat shield14than outside of the heat shield14to conceal a greater portion of the border member130from view. The border member130may define an upper curved portion134that corresponds with the curve of the outer edge64of the heat shield14. The heat shield14may then be positioned on and follow the upper curved portion134as the heat shield14extends into the groove132. The engagement between the upper curved portion134and the heat shield14may assist in retaining the heat shield14in position relative to the border member130. For example, a frictional engagement can be formed between the upper curved portion134of the border member130and the outer rim16to reduce movement of the heat shield14. The border member130is generally elastically deformable, being constructed of, for example, rubber or silicone. In certain aspects, the groove132may be smaller in width than a thickness of the outer edge64of the heat shield14. In this way, insertion of the heat shield14into the groove132may slightly deform the border member130and provide an interference or frictional fit between the border member130and the outer edge64of the heat shield14. Alternatively, the groove132may be slightly wider in width or diameter than the outer edge64, which may cause compression of the border member130and a biasing force against the outer edge64to maintain the engagement between the heat shield14and the border member130. It is also contemplated the groove132may have a slightly narrower width or diameter than the outer edge64, causing an expansion of the border member130when engaged with the heat shield14. A biasing force from the border member130due to the deformation, compression, or expansion may couple the retaining border to the heat shield14. Referring still toFIGS.14-16, the border member130forms a seal between the heat shield14and the upper surface50of the cooktop12. The border member130, generally configured as a ring, provides the seal along the perimeter of the heat shield14. The configuration of the border member130providing the seal may be advantageous for minimizing or preventing liquids and food items from moving below the heat shield14or into the cooktop12. The border member130includes outwardly extending projections136. When the border member130is configured as the ring, the projections136are generally radially extending projections136. In the illustrated configuration, the border member130includes four projections136spaced apart from one another along the perimeter of the heat shield14. The border member130may include any practicable number of projections136and may include as many projections136as the number of feet36included in the grate26. The projections136each define a recess138, which are in fluid communication with the groove132and may be outward extensions of the groove132. The feet36of the grate26are configured to be positioned on the projections136, generally within the recesses138. The projections136may be deformed as the feet36are positioned within the recesses138to provide the interference or frictional engagement with the grate26. Additionally or alternatively, the material of the projections136may also provide the interference or frictional engagement with the bottom94of the feet36. The projections136generally prevent direct contact between the grate26and the upper surface50of the cooktop12. The engagement between the grate26and the projections136also provides additional stability to the grate26by reducing movement of the grate26relative to the heat shield14and the cooktop12(FIG.1). Referring again toFIGS.1-16, the cooktop12includes multiple grate assemblies10, which may have one or more of the configurations as described herein. The grate assembly10supports the cooking receptacle while proving increased stability to the grate26. The grates26and the gaskets32may have multiple configurations depending on the configuration of the cooktop12. The gasket32is configured to retain the grate26in a selected position relative to the heat shield14, which provides increased stability for the grate26and reduces movement of the grate26. Additionally, certain configurations of the heat shield14are configured to provide the seal between the heat shield14and the cooktop12. Additionally, the gaskets32may increase the efficiency of a manufacturing and assembly process. Each gasket32may be constructed of an elastically deformable material to provide the interference or frictional engagement with the heat shield14, the grate26, the cooktop12, or a combination thereof. Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the gasket32may provide the seal between the heat shield14and the cooktop12. Additionally, the gasket32engaging the heat shield14may assist in retaining the heat shield14in a selected position relative to the cooktop12. Further, the gasket32may provide the interference or frictional engagement with the grate26, which may retain the grate26in the selected position relative to the heat shield14. Additionally, the gasket32may be advantageous for providing additional stability to the grate26. Increased stability may be advantageous when the grate26is supporting the cooking receptacle and a consumer is using the cooktop12. Further, the interference or frictional engagement between the gasket32and the heat shield14and/or the grate26may retain the selected components relative to one another during the assembly process, which may increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved. The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop grate assembly includes a heat shield having an outer rim and a central plateau region offset from the outer rim by a connecting wall. The central plateau region defines an opening for receiving a burner assembly. A grate is positioned over the heat shield. The grate includes supports that extend over the central plateau region. A gasket is disposed adjacent to the heat shield. The gasket engages at least one of a base of the grate and feet of the supports to retain the grate in position relative to the heat shield. According to another aspect, a gasket is an insert that extends through an aperture defined in a connecting wall of a heat shield to engage a base of a grate when the base is positioned adjacent to an outer rim of the heat shield. According to another aspect, a gasket is a border member that defines a groove. An outer edge of a heat shield is disposed within the groove. According to another aspect, a border member includes outwardly extending projections. Feet of a grate are positioned on the outwardly extending projections. According to another aspect, a gasket is a sealing insert including a seal member and retention features extending from the seal member. According to another aspect, a seal member is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of an outer rim of a heat shield and retention features extend through apertures defined by the outer rim to engage a base of a grate. According to another aspect, retention features are U-shaped to receive a base of a grate. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a grate assembly for a cooktop includes a heat shield with a central plateau region offset from an outer rim via a connecting wall. The heat shield has an interior surface oriented toward said cooktop and an exterior surface. A grate is selectively positioned over the heat shield. The grate includes a base disposed adjacent to the outer rim and supports extending from the base and over the central plateau region. A gasket is coupled to the heat shield. The gasket extends from proximate to the interior surface, through the heat shield, to proximate the exterior surface to engage the grate. According to another aspect, a gasket includes a seal member extending adjacent to an interior surface of an outer rim and adjacent to an outer edge of a heat shield. According to another aspect, an outer rim defines apertures. Retention features extend from a seal member and through the apertures to engage a base of a grate. According to another aspect, retention features are U-shaped for receiving a base of a grate. The base is spaced from an outer rim by the retention features. According to another aspect, a gasket includes a plurality of wall inserts. Each wall insert extends through an aperture defined by a connecting wall of a heat shield. According to another aspect, a plurality of wall inserts protrude from an exterior surface of a connecting wall to engage an inner surface of a base of a grate when the base is positioned adjacent to an outer rim of a heat shield. According to another aspect, each wall insert defines a groove configured to receive a heat shield to couple the wall inserts to the heat shield. According to another aspect, a heat shield defines indents, and feet of a grate are disposed within the indents. According to another aspect, a heat shield defines an aperture between adjacent indents. A gasket at least partially extends through each aperture. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a grate assembly for a cooktop includes a heat shield with an outer rim and a central plateau region. The heat shield includes a curved outer edge. A grate is positioned over the heat shield. The grate includes supports and each support has feet selectively positioned adjacent to the outer rim. A gasket is disposed partially below the heat shield. The gasket defines a groove configured to receive the curved outer edge of the heat shield. The feet of the grate are positioned on projections of the gasket to retain the grate in position relative to the heat shield. According to another aspect, a gasket has an upper curved portion configured to abut an interior surface of an outer rim adjacent to an outer edge. According to another aspect, each projection defines a recess configured to receive feet, respectively. According to another aspect, a gasket is a border member forming a ring extending about a perimeter of the heat shield. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. | 34,465 |
11859830 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. FIG.1provides a perspective view of an oven appliance10according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2provides a section view of oven appliance10taken along the 2-2 line ofFIG.1.FIG.3provides a schematic, side, section view of a portion of oven appliance10. As may be seen, oven appliance10defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. Oven appliance10is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter in any aspect. Other oven or range appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well (e.g., double ovens, electric cooktop ovens, stand-alone ovens, etc.). Thus, the present subject matter may be used with other oven appliance configurations (e.g., that define one or more interior cavities for the receipt of food or having different pan or rack arrangements than what is shown inFIG.2). Further, the present subject matter may be used in a stand-alone cooktop, range appliance, or any other suitable appliance. Oven appliance10generally includes a cooking assembly. In particular, the cooking assembly may include one or more heating elements. For example, in some embodiments, the cooking assembly, and thus the oven appliance10includes an insulated cabinet12with an interior cooking chamber14defined by an interior surface15of cabinet12. Cooking chamber14is configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. As shown, chamber14is generally defined by a back wall52, a top wall54, and a bottom wall56spaced from top wall54along the vertical direction V by opposing side walls58(e.g., a first wall and a second wall). Oven appliance10includes a door16rotatably mounted to cabinet12(e.g., with a hinge—not shown). A handle18may be mounted to door16and assists a user with opening and closing door16in order to access cooking chamber14. For example, a user can pull on handle18to open or close door16and access cooking chamber14. In some embodiments, oven appliance10includes a seal (not shown) between door16and cabinet12that assists with maintaining heat and cooking fumes within cooking chamber14when door16is closed as shown inFIG.2. Multiple parallel glass panes22may provide for viewing the contents of cooking chamber14when door16is closed and assist with insulating cooking chamber14. A baking rack24is positioned in cooking chamber14for the receipt of food items or utensils (e.g., cooking plate60) that may contain or support food items. Baking rack24may be slidably received onto embossed ribs or sliding rails26such that rack24may be conveniently moved into and out of cooking chamber14when door16is open. In some embodiments, baking rack24defines a receiving zone on or within which a cooking plate60is disposed (e.g., removably mounted or, alternatively, fixedly mounted). Generally, cooking plate60may provide a cooking surface62on which a food item (e.g., bread or pizza) may be received. Cooking plate60may be provided as a solid-nonpermeable member or, alternatively, define one or more apertures through which air may pass. In some embodiments, cooking plate60includes or is formed from a heat-retaining material, such as clay, stone (e.g., cordierite), ceramic, aluminum (e.g., aluminum alloy), cast iron, or ceramic-coated carbon steel. As shown, oven appliance10includes one or more heating elements40,42to heat chamber14(e.g., as directed by a controller50as part of a cooking operation). In certain embodiments, a gas fueled or electric bottom heating element40(e.g., a gas burner, a resistive heating element, resistance wire elements, radiant heating element, electric tubular heater or CALROD®, halogen heating element, etc.) is positioned in cabinet12, for example, at a bottom portion30of cabinet12. Bottom heating element40is used to heat cooking chamber14for both cooking and cleaning of oven appliance10. The size and heat output of bottom heating element40can be generally configured based on, for example, the size of oven appliance10. In additional or alternative embodiments, a top heating element42(e.g., a gas burner) is positioned in cooking chamber14of cabinet12, for example, at a top portion32of cabinet12. Top heating element42is used to heat cooking chamber14for both cooking/broiling and cleaning of oven appliance10. Like bottom heating element40, the size, shape, and heat output of top heating element42can be configured based on for example, the size of oven appliance10. Generally, oven appliance10may include a controller50in operative communication (e.g., operably coupled via a wired or wireless channel) with one or more other portions of oven appliance10(e.g., heating elements40,42) via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses, and signals generated in controller50operate oven appliance10in response to user input via user inputs122. Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller50and various operational components of oven appliance10such that operation of oven appliance10can be regulated by controller50. In addition, controller50may also be inoperative communication (e.g., wired or, alternatively, wireless communication) with one or more sensors, such as a first temperature sensor or a second temperature sensor. Generally, either or both the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may include or be provided as a thermistor or thermocouple, which may be used to measure temperature at a location within or proximate to chamber14and provide such measurements to the controller50. Controller50is a “processing device” or “controller50” and may be embodied as described herein. Controller50may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of oven appliance10, and controller50is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM, electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller50may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. As shown inFIG.2, in optional embodiments, a cooling air flow passageway28can be provided within cabinet12between cooking chamber14and cooktop100. For example, a portion of passageway28may be between cooking chamber14and cooktop100along a vertical direction V. Passageway28is shown schematically in the figures. As will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein, cooling air flow passageway28may have a variety of configurations other than as shown. Air flowing through passageway28can provide convective cooling. In additional or alternative embodiments, the oven appliance10additionally includes a cooktop100. Cooktop100may be disposed on the cabinet12such that the total volume of cabinet12is generally divided between the cooking chamber14and cooktop100. As shown, cooktop100may include a top panel104. By way of example, top panel104may be constructed of glass, ceramics, enameled steel, and combinations thereof. Heating assemblies106(e.g., induction heating elements, resistive heating elements, radiant heating elements, or gas burners) may be mounted, for example, on or below the top panel104. While shown with four heating assemblies106in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.1, cooktop appliance10may include any number of heating assemblies106in alternative exemplary embodiments. Heating assemblies106can also have various diameters. For example, each heating assembly of heating assemblies106can have a different diameter, the same diameter, or any suitable combination thereof. As shown, certain embodiments of oven appliance10includes a user interface panel120, which may be located as shown, within convenient reach of a user of the oven appliance10. User interface panel120is generally a component that allows a user to interact with the oven appliance10to, for example, turn various heating elements (such as heating elements40,42,106) on and off, adjust the temperature of the heating elements, set built-in timers, etc. Although user interface panel120is shown mounted to a backsplash fixed to cabinet12, alternative embodiments may provide user interface panel120at another suitable location (e.g., on a front portion of cabinet12above door16). In some embodiments, a user interface panel120may include one or more user-interface inputs122and a graphical display124, which may be separate from or integrated with the user-interface inputs122. The user-interface element122may include analog control elements (e.g., knobs, dials, or buttons) or digital control elements, such as a touchscreen comprising a plurality of elements thereon. Various commands for a user to select through the engagement with the user-interface inputs122may be displayed (e.g., by touchscreen at the inputs122or by the graphical display124), and detection of the user selecting a specific command may be determined by the controller50, which is in communication with the user-interface inputs122, based on electrical signals therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, graphical display124may generally deliver certain information to the user, which may be based on user selections and interaction with the inputs122, such as whether a one or more heating elements40,42within cooking chamber14are activated or the temperature at which cooking chamber14is set. In certain embodiments, a discrete bake input is included with the inputs122. User engagement of the bake input may activate the oven appliance10or initiate heating within cooking chamber14(e.g., such that cooking chamber14is directed to a default temperature setting). FIG.3provides a side perspective view of a portion of the exemplary oven appliance ofFIG.1including a gas heat source.FIG.4provides a perspective view of an exemplary shutter assembly.FIG.5provides a perspective view of an exemplary gas burner assembly.FIG.6provides a side cut-away schematic view of the shutter assembly ofFIG.4.FIG.7provides a side cut-away schematic view of the exemplary gas burner assembly ofFIG.5. Referring primarily toFIGS.3-7, burner assembly42may be a gas burner130. For example, gas burner130may burn a mixture of gas (e.g., supplied from a municipal or outside source) and clean air (e.g., ambient air) to produce heat within interior cooking chamber14. Gas burner130may be orientated in the transverse direction T within interior cooking chamber14. For example, a first end132of gas burner130may be located at or near back wall52of interior cooking chamber14, and a second end134of gas burner130may be located at or near door16. However, gas burner130may be orientated in any suitable direction, such as in the lateral direction L, or to any angle therebetween. First end132may be connected to a gas inlet186. Accordingly, gas from an external source may be selectively supplied to gas burner130. Burner assembly42may include a shutter housing140. Shutter housing140may be attached to first end132of gas burner130. Shutter housing140may facilitate the addition of air (e.g., clean air) into gas burner130for combustion. In other words, shutter housing140may define a duct150through which air is introduced to gas burner130. Shutter housing140may be a single piece having a top end212and a bottom end210(FIG.7). For example, bottom end210may define an air inlet152. Additionally or alternatively, a valve may be included at bottom end210to adjust an air flow received in air inlet152. The valve may be any suitable adjustable valve, such as a butterfly valve, a slider plate, or the like. Accordingly, shutter housing140may allow for the intake of clean air from cooking chamber14to gas burner130. In some embodiments, shutter housing140includes a first shutter housing142and a second shutter housing144. First shutter housing142may be fixed to back wall52of cooking chamber14. Second shutter housing144may be slidably attached to first shutter housing142. In other words, second shutter housing144may be configured to move with respect to first shutter housing142. For example, second shutter housing144may be movable in an axial direction A of gas burner130(FIG.7). Accordingly, duct150may be defined as a space between first shutter housing142and second shutter housing144. A bottom of shutter housing140may be referred to as an air inlet152. In other words, a periphery of first shutter housing142and second shutter housing144may define air inlet152. In some embodiments, air inlet152is provided at a bottom of shutter housing140. Thus, clean air from below gas burner130(e.g., in the vertical direction V) may flow into duct150via air inlet152. According to one embodiment, second shutter housing144is attached to first shutter housing142in a slidable manner. For example, each of first shutter housing142and second shutter housing144may include a plurality of rails configured to interact with each other to induce a sliding motion of second shutter housing144. For instance, as shown inFIG.6, first shutter housing142may include a first rail180. First rail180may extend in the axial direction A of gas burner130. First rail180may be provided on an outer surface of first shutter housing142. For instance, when second shutter housing144interacts with first shutter housing142, the outer surface of first shutter housing142may face an inner surface of second shutter housing144. In other words, first shutter housing142may be accepted within second shutter housing144. Accordingly, first rail180may protrude from the outer surface of first shutter housing142. For instance, first rail180may be provided on an outer surface of top wall1422, first side wall1423, second side wall1424(which will be explained in detail below), or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, multiple first rails180may be provided as required in certain applications. Second shutter housing144may include a top second rail182and a bottom second rail184. Top second rail182and bottom second rail184may interact with first rail180when second shutter housing144is attached to first shutter housing142. In detail, each of top second rail182and bottom second rail184may extend in the axial direction A of gas burner130. Top second rail182may be spaced apart from bottom second rail184in the vertical direction V such that first rail180is accepted therebetween. Top second rail182and bottom second rail184may protrude from the inner surface of second shutter housing144. For instance, top second rail182and bottom second rail184may protrude from an inner surface of top wall1442, first side wall1443, second side wall1444(which will be explained in detail below), or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, multiple top second rails182and bottom second rails184may be provided as required in certain applications. Other attachment methods may be used, however, including a pin-and-slot mechanism, a geared mechanism, or a sliding hinge mechanism, for example. Accordingly, a cross-sectional area of duct150may be adjustable. For example, second shutter housing144may be slid away from first shutter housing142in the axial direction of gas burner130to enlarge the cross-sectional area of duct150. Additionally or alternatively, second shutter housing144may be slid toward first shutter housing142in the axial direction of gas burner130to reduce the cross-sectional area of duct150. Second shutter housing144may include a front wall1441, a top wall1442, a first side wall1443, and a second side wall1444. A rear portion of second shutter housing144(e.g., opposite front wall1441) may be open. In other words, the rear portion of second shutter housing144may be configured to accept first shutter housing142therein. Front wall1441may have a mounting hole160defined therein. Mounting hole160may have a shape corresponding to a shape of gas burner130. For instance, gas burner130may have a cylindrical cross-section, and mounting hole160may be circular to accept gas burner130therein. Accordingly, a diameter of mounting hole160may be larger than a diameter of gas burner130, such that second shutter144may slide freely along gas burner130. First shutter142may include a rear wall1421, a top wall1422, a first side wall1423, and a second side wall1424. A front portion of first shutter housing142(e.g., opposite rear wall1421) may be open. In other words, the front portion of first shutter housing142may be configured to be accepted into second shutter housing144. In detail, duct150may be defined by front wall1441, first side wall1443, second side wall1444, rear wall1421, first side wall1423, and second side wall1424. Rear wall1421may further include a gas inlet hole186defined therein. For example, the gas inlet hole186may provide access to a gas source at a rear of oven appliance10. In other words, a gas valve188may penetrate rear wall1421via the gas inlet hole and connect to gas burner130to supply gas fuel200thereto. As shown primarily inFIG.7, gas200may be fed to gas burner130via a gas valve188. Gas valve188may be connected to gas burner130through shutter housing140(e.g., through gas inlet hole186). The gas200supplied from gas valve188may be combined with clean air202supplied from cooking chamber14. Clean air202may enter gas burner130through a clean air port190via shutter housing140(e.g., through duct150) and mix with gas200at first end132of gas burner130. For instance, clean air port190may be formed in a bottom214of gas burner130. The mixture of gas200and clean air202may then proceed through burner130, to be ignited to produce heat204. Heat204may exit burner130through a series of burner holes188. Burner holes188may be defined through an exterior surface of gas burner130. For instance, burner holes188may be defined through bottom214of gas burner130. However, the location of burner holes188is not limited. Additionally or alternatively, the number of burner holes188provided is not limited. The combustion of gas200and clean air202may also product exhaust containing combustion gases206. Exhaust206may collect at or near a top of cooking chamber14. In other words, exhaust containing combustion gases206may drift towards the top of cooking chamber14after exiting gas burner130via burner holes188. Gas burner130may have a diameter D. Diameter D of gas burner130may vary according to particular applications. In some embodiments, diameter D of gas burner130is one inch. Shutter housing140may have a height H1. For instance, height H1of shutter housing140may be defined from a bottom210of shutter140housing to a top212of shutter housing140in the vertical direction V. In detail, height H1may be greater than diameter D of gas burner. For example, height H1may be twice D, three times D, greater than three times D, etc. Height H1may be sufficient to allow air inlet152to reach clean air (i.e., cleaner air than air containing exhaust gas from burner130). Additionally or alternatively, a distance from the bottom of shutter housing140to a bottom of gas burner130may be defined as H2. H2may be greater than zero. In other words, bottom210of shutter housing140may be located lower than bottom214of gas burner130within cooking chamber14in the vertical direction V. For example, H2may be greater than one quarter of D, greater than one half of D, etc. In some embodiments, height H2may be equal to or greater than D. Height H2may be sufficient to allow air inlet152to reach clean air (i.e., cleaner air than air containing exhaust gas from burner130). Accordingly, air inlet152of duct150is provided lower than bottom214of gas burner130within cooking chamber14in the vertical direction V. Advantageously, clean air202(i.e., without combustion products) may enter duct150via air inlet152. This is because the exhaust containing combustion products may rise within cooking chamber14and collect near the top of cooking chamber14. Shutter housing140may include a tray162extending from a front wall of shutter housing140(e.g., front wall1441of second shutter housing144). Tray162may have a shape complimentary to a shape of gas burner130. For instance, referring to the example above, gas burner130may have a cylindrical cross-section, and tray162may be cylindrical with a concavity corresponding to a curvature of gas burner130and facing upward in the vertical direction V. However, a shape of tray162may vary according to various applications, and any feasible shape may be used such that gas burner130is able to rest upon tray162. Tray162may have a through hole164defined therein. For example, through hole164may be defined in the vertical direction V through tray162. Through hole164may aid in locating and assembling gas burner130to shutter housing140. Through hole164may be elongated in the transverse direction T. For example, through hole164may be a slot having a long axis defined in the transverse direction T. In some embodiments, through hole164is a set hole through which a set screw may be fed. For instance, a user may adjust a location of shutter housing140along gas burner130(e.g., in the axial direction A of gas burner130) and tighten the set screw against gas burner130in order to hold shutter housing140in place against gas burner130. Advantageously, an air inlet through which air may be introduced to a gas burner (e.g., gas burner130) may be positioned below the gas burner itself, allowing for more clean air to be introduced to the gas burner while reducing the amount of exhaust gas that is introduced to the gas burner. Additionally or alternatively, incorporating a separate shutter housing (e.g., shutter housing140), a simpler straight gas burner may be used, eliminating the need for complex curved burner designs, thus reducing costs and improving reliability. Additionally or alternatively, a simple construction of the gas burner and the shutter housing allows for easy manufacture and assembly, reducing the risk of damage due to mis-assembly. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. | 24,766 |
11859831 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, one or more implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. FIG.1is a perspective view showing an example cooling appliance,FIG.2is a perspective view showing an example door that is opened in the cooking appliance ofFIG.1, andFIG.3is an exploded perspective view showing an example door. Referring toFIGS.1to3, a cooking appliance1may include a body10that accommodates various parts therein. The body10may include an inner frame11and an outer frame14that surrounds the inner frame11and that is disposed at an outer side of the inner frame11. A body panel16may be disposed at a front end of the inner frame11. The body panel16may be connected to or may be formed integrally with the front end of the inner frame11. The door20may be rotatably connected to the body10by a hinge mechanism450. In some examples, the hinge mechanism450may be connected to a lower end of the door20. The door20may further include a control device300. The control device300may be, but limited to, disposed on an upper portion of the door20and may be configured to, based on the door20being closed, face a portion of the body positioned on the upper side of the cooking chamber12of the body panel16. The control device300may include at least one of a display unit or an operation unit. For example, the control device300may display operation information of the cooking appliance1and/or receive an operation command of the user through the control device300. The door20may include a front panel210. The control device300may be installed on the rear surface of the front panel210. The front panel210may form a front appearance of the door20. Although not limited thereto, the front panel210may be formed of a glass material, and may form an entire front appearance of the door20. The control device300may include a control housing310installed on a rear surface of the front panel210and a display PCB350installed in the control housing310. The control device300may further include a cooling fan360configured to cool the display PCB350. A display window212may be defined at a position corresponding to the display PCB350in the front panel210. For example, the display panel may be disposed between the display window212and the display PCB350. The display panel may include an LCD panel that displays only information, or a touch panel that not only displays information but also receives a touch command. The control device300may further include a control cover390which covers the control housing310. The display PCB350may be protected from heat and cooled by the cooling fan360by the control housing310and the control cover390. The door20may further include a pair of side frames220and221installed on the rear surface of the front panel210and a lower frame240configured to connect the lower sides of the pair of side frames220and221. A connection bracket380may be connected to the control cover390and the connection bracket380may be connected to the side frames220and221. The door20may further include at least one intermediate panel280that is disposed rearward of the front panel210toward the cooking chamber12and that is spaced apart from the front panel210, and a rear panel290that is disposed rearward the intermediate panel280toward the cooking chamber12. In some examples, the at least one intermediate panel280may serve as an insulating panel configured to prevent or reduce heat transfer of the cooking chamber12to an outside of the cooking chamber. The rear panel290may cover the cooking chamber12when the door20is closed. The intermediate panel280and the rear panel290may also be formed of a glass material. Therefore, the user may check the cooking state of food accommodated in the cooking chamber12in a state where the door20is closed. The lower frame240may support the intermediate panel280and the rear panel290. In this case, the lower frame240may support the intermediate panel280such that the intermediate panel280is spaced apart from the front panel210. In addition, the lower frame240may support the rear panel290such that the rear panel290is spaced apart from the intermediate panel280. In some examples, where the door20includes a plurality of intermediate panels, the lower frame240may support the plurality of intermediate panels in a state where the plurality of intermediate panels are spaced apart from one another. Therefore, a cooling flow path may be formed between the front panel210and the intermediate panel280and between the intermediate panel280and the rear panel290. Air outside the door20may be introduced into the flow path. A buffer member288may be disposed between the intermediate panel280and the rear panel290to absorb a shock while maintaining a predetermined gap between the intermediate panel280and the rear panel290. The door20may further include a pair of side decoration members260and261disposed outside the pair of side frames220and221and a lower decoration members270disposed under the lower frame240. For example, the display PCB350, a motor for driving the cooling fan360, and the like may be connected to wires, which may be inserted into the body10. The wires may include a power line as well as a signal line. The wires may be guided by the side frames220and221and extend downward, for example. The door20may further include a guide frame410configured to direct a wire, guided along the side frames220and221, into the body10. A structure for inserting a wire connected to the control device300into the body10will be described in detail below. FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.2.FIG.5is a view showing an example wire that extends along an example side frame and that is inserted into an example body through an example guide frame in a state in which an example door is opened.FIG.6is a perspective view showing an example side frame, an example lower frame, and an example guide frame. Referring toFIGS.4to6, in order to stably guide wires W connected to the control device300to the body10, some of the wires W may be guided along the first side frame220of the pair of side frames220and221. Others of the wires W may be guided along the second side frame221of the pair of side frames220and221. In some implementations, the door20may include a pair of guide frames410. Since the pair of side frames220and221have the same structure and the pair of guide frames410have the same structure, the structure of the first side frame220will be described below to avoid redundancy. In some implementations, the wires W connected to the control device300may be guided by only one of the pair of side frames220and221, depending on the number of the wires W. In some examples, the wires W may include a first wire and a second wire. The pair of side frames may include a first side frame220configured to guide the first wire to the control device, and a second side frame221configured to guide the second wire to the control device. That is, as the number of electronic components included in the control device300increases, the number of the wires W connected to the control device300may also increase. Therefore, the wires W may be guided by one side frame, or the wires W may be divided into two groups which are guided by two side frames, depending on the number of the wires W. The first side frame220may extend vertically from the rear surface of the front panel210in a state in which the door20is closed. In this case, the first side frame220may be disposed under the control housing310. The first side frame220may include a first chamber222that extends in the vertical direction. A hinge body451of the hinge mechanism450may be inserted into the first chamber222. The hinge body451may be rotatably connected to a hinge frame460disposed at the body10. The hinge body451may be inserted into the first chamber222from the lower side of the first chamber222. The door20may be rotated together with the hinge body451in a state where the hinge body451is inserted into the first chamber222. In some examples, the lower end of the first side frame220may be arranged at a position aligned with the hinge frame460, as shown inFIG.5. The first side frame220may come into contact with the rear panel290. The size of the rear panel290may be larger than the size of the intermediate panel280. Thus, the intermediate panel280may be disposed between the pair of side frames220and221.FIG.4shows that a first intermediate panel281and a second intermediate panel282are present in the pair of side frames220and221, for example. Accordingly, the front panel210, the first intermediate panel281, the second intermediate panel282, and the rear panel290may be sequentially arranged. The side decoration member260may be disposed at an outside of the first side frame220, and the second chamber223may be disposed at a position between the first chamber222and the side decoration member260in the first side frame220. The second chamber223may also vertically extend from the first side frame220. The second chamber223may serve as an air chamber and may minimize heat transfer to the side decoration member260. The control housing310may define slots311and312through which the wires W are withdrawn toward the outside. The wires W may be withdrawn toward outside the control housing310through the slots311and312. In some implementations, since the hinge body451is accommodated in the first chamber222, when the wire W extending from the control device300is rotated by the door20, in order not to interfere with the hinge body451, the wire W needs to extend in a region inside the pair of hinge bodies451. In some implementations, a wire guide224configured to direct the wire W may be disposed on the opposite side to the side decoration member260with respect to the first chamber222in the first side frame220. That is, the wire guide224may be disposed between the first chambers222of the pair of side frames220and221. The wire guide224may guide one or more electric wires including power lines configured to transmit power from a power source to the control device300, and signal lines configured to transmit control signals from the control device300to other components of the cooking appliance1. The wire guide224may include a first extension224aconfigured to come into contact with the rear surface of the front panel210, a second extension224bthat is bent from the first extension224aand that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front panel210, and a third extension224cthat extends toward the first chamber222from an end of the second extension224b. The first extension224amay extend in one direction (e.g., one lateral direction) from one surface of the first side frame220and the third extension224cmay extend from the second extension224btoward the one surface of the first side frame220in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the first extension224a. In this case, the one surface of the first side frame220may be a surface perpendicular to the rear surface of the front panel210. The third extension224cmay extend in parallel to the first extension224aand the horizontal (e.g., left-right) length thereof may be shorter than that of the first extension224a. The end224dof the third extension224cmay be spaced apart from the one surface of the first side frame220to form a path224einto which the wire W is inserted. The wire guide224may define an accommodation space225in which the wire W is disposed. In some implementations, the first intermediate panel281may be located on the side of the second extension224band the second intermediate panel282may cover the path224e. When there is one intermediate panel, the intermediate panel may be arranged to cover the path224e. As an example, the first intermediate panel281may be disposed between the second extensions224bof the pair of side frames220and221. In some implementations, the wire W positioned in the accommodation space225may be restricted from slipping out of the accommodation space225by the third extension224cand may be also restricted from slipping out of the accommodation space225by the intermediate panel282. The lower frame240may include a panel support241configured to support the first and second intermediate panels281and282and the rear panel290, and a side frame connection portion244disposed at both ends of the panel support241. The panel support241may include a plurality of support ribs242to support the first and second intermediate panels281and282and the rear panel290in a state of being spaced apart from each other. A portion of the side frame connection portion244may be fitted in the second chamber223and therefore, the side frame connection portion244may support the side frames220and221. In this state, a single fastening member may fasten the side decoration member260, the side frames220and221, and the side frame connection portion244. An opening245through which the hinge body451passes may be formed in the side frame connection portion244. A guide frame connection portion246to which the guide frame410is connected may be disposed under the panel support241. For example, the guide frame connection portion may be disposed directly below the panel support241. The guide frame410may be rotatably connected to the guide frame connection portion246. The guide frame connection portion246may be disposed at a position spaced inward from the side frame connection portion244such that the guide frame410does not interfere with the hinge body451. That is, the pair of guide frames410may be disposed between the pair of hinge bodies451. The guide frame connection portion246may include a pair of plates246aand246bspaced apart from each other. The guide frame410may include a frame body416configured to define a guide space417for guiding wires therein and a connection body configured to rotatably connect the frame body416to the guide frame connection portion246. The frame body416may have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited thereto. The connection body412may be formed to have, for example, a cylindrical shape having a space therein and the frame body416may extend in a direction intersecting the rotation center of the connection body412in the connection body412. The connection body412may include a pair of hinge portions413and414. The pair of hinge portions413and414may include a first hinge portion413and a second hinge portion414having a smaller diameter than that of the first hinge portion413. In this regard, the guide frame connection portion246may include a first hinge hole247configured to receive the first hinge portion413, and a second hinge hole248configured to receive the second hinge portion414. The first hinge portion413may be rotatably connected to the first hinge hole247, and the second hinge portion414may be rotatably connected to the second hinge hole248. In some examples, the pair of plates246aand246bmay include a first plate246ain which the first hinge holes247is formed and a second plate246bspaced apart from the first plate246a, in which the second hinge holes248is formed. By varying the diameters of the hinge portions413and414, the guide frame410may be easily assembled to the guide frame connection portion246and, in the assembled state, the guide frame410may be rotated. For example, after the first hinge portion413is positioned in the first hinge hole247, the second hinge portion414may be connected to the second hinge hole248. A guide opening415may be formed in the connection body412such that the wire W passes through the connection body412. The panel support241may have a slot241athrough which the wire W passes. The electric wire W guided by the side frames220and221may passes through the slot241aof the panel support241and be then inserted into the guide frame410through the guide opening415of the connection body412. A portion of the guide frame410may be inserted into the inside of the body10through a body opening17defined in the body panel16of the body10. In some implementations, since the wire W connected to the control device300is positioned inside the pair of hinge mechanisms450, it may be possible to prevent the wire W from interfering with the hinge when the door20is opened or closed and from being exposed to the outside. In addition, since the wire W extends along the inside of the guide frame relatively rotating with the door20, it may be possible to prevent the wire W from being damaged when the door20is opened or closed. In some implementations, the wire guide may be defined in the side frame, and the wire connected to the control device may stably extend to the lower side of the door even when the control device is positioned on the upper side of the door. In addition, since the wire connected to the control device are located in an area inside the pair of hinge mechanisms, it may be possible to prevent or reduce an exposure to an outside of the door and interference between the wire W and the hinge when the door20is opened or closed. Furthermore, the wire may extend along the inside of the guide frame and rotate with the door, which may prevent or reduce damage to the wire W when the door20is opened or closed. | 17,470 |
11859832 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments incorporating one or more of the principles, aspects and features of the invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles, aspects and features. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings may be taken as being to scale, or generally proportionate, unless indicated otherwise. In the cross-sections, the relative thicknesses of the materials may not be to scale. The scope of the invention herein is defined by the claims. Though the claims are supported by the description, they are not limited to any particular example or embodiment. Other than as indicated in the claims, the claims are not limited to apparatus or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below, or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatus described below. It is possible that an apparatus, feature, or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The terminology used in this specification is thought to be consistent with the customary and ordinary meanings of those terms as they would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in North America. The Applicant expressly excludes all interpretations of terminology that are inconsistent with this specification, and, in particular, expressly excludes interpretation of the claims or the language used in this specification such as may be made in the USPTO, or in any other Patent Office, other than those interpretations for which express support can be demonstrated in this specification or in objective evidence of record, demonstrating how the terms are used and understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art generally, or by way of expert evidence of a person of experience in the art. The discussion may refer to a gravity-based co-ordinate system. In flow systems generally, there is a source or inlet of flow, and an outlet or discharge of flow. Fluid moves from a location of higher pressure or potential to a location of lower pressure or potential. In a fresh water supply system, the source of pressure may be a pump or an accumulator, such as a water tower, used to provide or maintain a desired system head or pressure. A drain system, whether for sewage or for gray water, may be a gravity fed or gravity driven system in which the head of the flow, if any, is determined by the height of the water column of the drain. Such a system may be considered a low, or very low, head system. In either case, the system will have an upstream direction from which flow originates, and a downstream direction toward which flow occurs. In the present description, gravity flow systems may also include septic or other systems where material that collects in the drainage system under gravity is then pumped out, such as, for example, to a holding tank or to a septic bed. In such systems, there may be a separate gray water sump and gray water pump to raise the effluent to a level to reach the holding tank or to flow into the septic bed, as may be. In this description there are cylindrical objects for which a cylindrical polar co-ordinate system may apply in which the axis of rotation of the body of rotation, or cylinder, as may be, may be considered the axial or x-direction. The perpendicular distance from the x-axis is defined as the radial direction or r-axis, and the angular displacement is the circumferential direction, in which angular distance may be measured as an angle of arc from a datum. The commonly used engineering terms “proud”, “flush” and “shy” may be used herein to denote items that, respectively, protrude beyond an adjacent element, are level with an adjacent element, or do not extend as far as an adjacent element, the terms corresponding conceptually to the conditions of “greater than”, “equal to” and “less than”. FIG.1establishes the context of the description. There is a building20. Building20may be a residential dwelling, whether a single family home, or multiple unit residence, as may be. It may be a school or office building. However it may be, building20may have a water supply system22, and a drain system24. Water supply system22may include a fresh, cold water supply system,21, and a fresh hot water supply system23, such as may be fed from a water heater. Drain system24may include a septic or sewer system26, and may include a gray water system28. Gray water system28is segregated from septic or sewer system26. Septic or sewer system26may be connected to toilets and utility room floor drains, for example, and may have drainage runs, or pipes, that collect at a common manifold, or drain, or riser or stack, indicated generally as30. In either case, building20may have a mechanical or utility room, typically in a basement, or at foundation level. Gray water system28may include one or more sink drains, whether from a washroom sink, or from a kitchen sink, or laundry tub, generically indicated as sink32; from one or more shower drains, indicated generically as34; from a kitchen sink or dishwasher drain, indicated generically as36. These drains connect to a common gray water drain line or manifold, such as may be indicated as38. Manifold38feeds a heat recovery apparatus40. That is, the gravity driven gray water output or discharge flow of manifold38is the gray water input flow of heat recovery apparatus40. InFIG.1, heat recovery apparatus40may have an overflow bypass42connected to conduct flow arriving from manifold38to the main drain46in the event that some or all of the gray water input flow does not flow into the heat exchange components of apparatus40, for whatever reason. Heat recovery apparatus40may also include an input filter, or filters, indicated as44, to exclude solid particles or other objects whose presence or accumulation within the heat exchange elements of apparatus40may not be desired. The inlet filter may be placed so that the inflow into unit40passes partially or predominantly upward. The element, or elements, of filter44may also be removed, cleaned, or replaced from time to time. Ordinary flushing of apparatus40may be controlled by a valve, or valves122. The output of valves122leads to main drain46. Main drain46carries effluent below the level of the foundation, or basement floor, either to the municipal sewers, or to a septic tank or bed. InFIG.2a, heat recovery apparatus40has a first stage, or first pass,52, and a second stage or second pass,54. These can also be referred to as first gray water pass52and second gray water pass54. Heat recovery apparatus40is a heat exchanger (or series of connected heat exchangers), in which each pass is itself a heat exchanger. The stages or passes are connected in series, and in the embodiment ofFIG.2athe inputs and outputs on the hot and cold sides, respectively, are connected in opposite directions, such that heat recovery apparatus40is a counter-flow heat exchanger. As a preliminary description, and in distinction to the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,112, heat recovery apparatus40has a unitary cylindrical shell50. It has a top end cap56and a bottom end cap58. It has an inlet port60and an outlet port62. It has an external wrap of thermal insulation64identified in the cross-section ofFIG.4a, and, in use, it contains a first tube bundle heat exchanger66and a second tube bundle heat exchanger68. These items are discussed in greater detail below. Cylindrical shell50is a unitary member, i.e., it is a single-piece monolith. It has multiple flow passages. It is cylindrical, having a long axis that, in use, is the vertical axis. As illustrated, cylindrical shell50is an extrusion. Its lengthwise-extending internal passageways are cylindrical. It has the form of an oval plastic pipe with internal webs or dividers. That is, it can be thought of as having an external wall70having an oval form. The oval has a first end portion72in the form of a first semi-circular wall, and a second end wall portion74in the form of a second semi-circular wall. The external oval also has respective first and second side portions76,78, that extend between, and connect, the respective semi-circular end walls72,74. As shown, side wall portions76,78are tangents that merge with the opposed ends of walls72and74. At the first end of the oval there is an internal web80that extends across inside one end of the oval as a first divider. There is a second web82that extends across the other end of the oval as a second divider. A third web84functions as a third divider to split the space between the first and second divider. That space can be split either by running third web84in the x-direction to run between side wall portions76,78; or in the y-direction to run between first and second webs80,82. As shown, first and second webs80,82are the other semi-circular halves that complement the semi-circular wall end portions72,74respectively. Portions72and80co-operate to form a first circle; and portions74and82cooperate to form a second circle. The cylindrical space86within that first circle defines the space of the first gray water pass of the heat exchanger, and the cylindrical space88within the second circle defines the space of the second gray water pass. As explained below, each of these passes can be seen as a sump, or in some instances where both are linked directly at the bottom as inFIG.5gboth taken together can be considered a sump. The region bounded by side wall portions76,78and internal webs80,82is split, as noted above. It could be split into unequal portions, or asymmetric or nested portions. However, it is convenient that the two portions be of equal cross-sectional area. It is also convenient that the two sub-regions be of the same shape and be symmetrical relative to each other when mirrored in one or more of the x-axis and the y-axis. In the example, third web84runs laterally between first web80and second web82, and runs along the line of centers between the first circle and the second circle. This then leaves two internal passageways or conduits identified as a first passageway90and a second passageway92. These passageways can be referred to as feed lines or as returns, or as down pipes, as may be convenient. Although their side portions are formed on the arcs of the circles, they approximate trapezoids in general shape. In the illustrations, first passageway90is bounded by half of first web80, half of second web82, one side of third web84and the inside of tangent side wall portion76; second passageway92is bounded by the other halves of first web80and second web82, the other side of third web84, and the inside of tangent side wall portion78. The tubes or pipes need not be circular. They could be rectangular or square, or polygonal, or of such shape as convenient. As illustrated inFIG.4athey are circular. Similarly, first and second webs80,82need not be circular arcs. They could be straight walls (i.e., planar) and they could extend perpendicular to the tangent walls, or at an oblique angle. It is convenient that they be formed on a circular arc to form a circular cylinder wall. Shell50could be rectangular or square as seen in the alternate approach ofFIG.4c. The cylindrical tubes forming the first and second gray water passes could be formed as regular bodies of revolution—e.g., circles, ellipses, ovals, and so on, or they could be formed as polygons of however many sides, as in the rectangles ofFIG.4c. The first and second down pipes could be round or polygonal, i.e., regular geometric shapes. InFIG.4athey are substantially trapezoidal, except that they are of irregular geometric form given that two of the sides are curved, rather than planar. Whether rounded as inFIG.4a, or polygonal as inFIG.4c, the connecting sides of the first and second tangential webs fall within the lateral projection of the one cylindrical gray water pipe on the other, and so the down pipes fall within that projection. The point is that in either case the result is a relatively compact unit, which may be desirable for installation in a limited space in a dwelling or business. The front tangent wall portion76has an accommodation, or seat, in the form of a first notch98cut out of it such that the gray water inlet port fitting94can seat in the notch98in a lapping and engaging condition. A sealant may be used around the periphery of the notch to make the engagement water-tight. At the far end, there is an opening99cut in first web80to remove the circular arc portion from tangent wall76to the junction with third web84. This permits incoming gray water, which is warmed after use, to enter at inlet port fitting94, to descend in down pipe90, and then to enter circular cylinder104from the bottom. In use the gray water then rises inside circular cylinder104. At the top of cylinder104there is a second notch or second aperture100cut in first web80. Aperture100extends from tangent wall78to third web84, such that the top end of circular cylinder104is in fluid communication with second down feed pipe92, which carries the gray water back downward. At the bottom, third web84and first web80prevent the gray water from flowing back into first gray water pass52defined by cylinder104. Instead, there is another aperture,101, cut in second web82between tangent wall78and third web84such that the bottom end of down feed pipe92is in fluid communication with the bottom end of the second pass defined by second circular cylinder106. Accordingly, warm gray water can flow out of first cylinder104, through second down feed pipe92and back up second grey water pass54of the heat exchanger defined by cylinder106. In this way, the direction of flow of the gray water in each of the passes is upward. At the upper end of cylinder106there is yet another aperture or accommodation or seat in the form of a notch102into which the gray water out-flow port fitting96is located. Although the outflow port is shown inFIG.5acentered on the long axis in the y-direction, facing radially outward, it could, in principle, be located anywhere along the arc from the junction with tangent wall76to the junction with tangent wall78. This is represented by the alternate morphology shown inFIG.5bin which the main axes of the inlet and outlet ports are on the same side of the unit and parallel, as opposed to pointing in in other directions, e.g., perpendicular to each other as inFIG.5a. Each end of heat exchanger shell50has an end cap, namely top end cap56or bottom end cap58, as inFIG.7. Each end cap56or58has a main web or plate108and an upstanding peripheral flange110that is sized to receive the peripheral wall of unit40. Shell member may have, and as shown does have, an outwardly extending peripheral flange112which may be in the same plane as plate108, and which may effectively be an extension of plate108. End cap56or58also has internal upstanding walls114,116, which conform to the peripheries of the inside of downpipes90,92. Internal upstanding walls114,116may also be thought of as, and termed, plugs for the ends of downpipes90,92. Each has a pair of end outlets, or inlets, as may be,118and120, that are threaded to permit engagement by an end cap or locking ring126. The inside diameter allows the passage for installation of the first and second tube bundles. When the end plugs of upstanding walls114,116and peripheral wall are axially engaged with shell50, flange110captures inlet and outlet port fittings94,96in their respective accommodations in the outside wall of shell50. Further pipe fittings are mounted to the threaded end fittings of the inlets or outlets118,120. At the bottom end of unit40those fittings may include a union124and a locking ring126that house a valve122. Those pipe fittings themselves are connected in fluid communication with tees128,129that are mutually connected to create a common exhaust manifold48that flushes into the main drain,46. The opposite end of manifold48is capped at148. Cap148is removable to permit draining and cleanout of the manifold. Shell50defines a housing for the two fresh water heat exchanger passes66,68. In the embodiment illustrated, the fresh water heat exchanger passes defined by first and second tube bundle heat exchangers66,68each have an upper manifold132, a lower manifold134, and an array of longitudinally running pipes or tubes130extending between the two manifolds. Although longitudinal tube bundles are shown, those bundles could, alternatively, have the form of helical coils, whether of one coil or several coils nested together. In general, it may include any of the embodiments shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,112, which may be considered part of this disclosure. In the illustrations, the first tube bundle heat exchanger66is the one that receives the fresh water flow first, and the second tube bundle heat exchanger68is mounted downstream, in series with the first tube bundle heat exchanger66. That is, first tube bundle heat exchanger66is mounted in second grey water pass54and second tube bundle heat exchanger68is mounted in first grey water pass52, such that the fresh water path and the grey water paths are in a counter-flow arrangement. The components of the first and second fresh water passes defined by tube bundles66and68can be made of copper, stainless steel, or mild steel. FIG.3ashows a cross-section of first and second grey water passes52,54of apparatus40, and may be understood as generically comparable to any of the passes shown in the various embodiments herein, with corresponding pipe connections as may be. Apparatus40has an external layer of thermal insulation, or a thermal insulation jacket64as identified inFIG.4a. Jacket64extends from the top of the outer wall to the bottom of the outer wall close to valve122, as between top end cap56and bottom end cap58. Apparatus40has a heat exchanger fresh water pass or core or tube bundle assembly66that is the same as tube bundle assembly68. They have a set of longitudinal tubes130running between an inlet header or manifold132captured in place by top end cap56; and a return or collector, or bottom end header or outlet manifold134at the far end, distant from top end cap56. Inlet manifold132is connected to a first, or inlet, pipe136. Outlet manifold134connects to a second, or return, pipe, or leg,138. Return leg138may be centrally mounted to header134, and may pass centrally through header132without being in fluid communication therewith. Inlet header132may have the form of a hollow cylindrical disc, or plenum that has multiple outlets connected to, and in fluid communication with, feeds tubes130. Outlet header134may be similar. The end cap of return header134may have a domed shape, as above, that is rounded or bulbous. As above, the members of the set or array of tubes130may be concentric with return leg138, although this need not be so. It is not necessary that return leg138be straight, although it is straight as illustrated inFIGS.3aand3b. It could be curved. It could be helical. Similarly, tubes130need not be straight. They could be angled or curved or helical. Whether a pipe is an “inlet”, or an “outlet” is at least to some degree arbitrary. The arrangements of inlets and outlets may typically be intended to cause the flow of heating and cooling fluids to be in opposite directions. Assembly40may include two heat exchanger passes, as shown, or three, or four, or some other larger number as may be. In the arrangement described thus far, the warmer water of the gray water flow is intended to enter at the bottom of each of gray water passes52,54, and that the relatively colder fresh water under pressure in tubes136will descend in first and second passes52,54, with return pipes138conducting the fresh water back to the top of assembly40after passing in counter flow relative to the gray water in the respective passes. Tubes130, manifolds132,134, inlet pipe136and return pipe138may combine to form a single tube bundle assembly140. Assembly140may then be installed or removed as a single pre-assembled unit by axial sliding motion into cylinder104or106, as may be. To that end, manifold132has a peripheral flange146suited to seat on the end of the outer housing shell50. To that end the outer housing shell pipe wall may have corresponding thickened end fittings118,120and locking rings126that capture the tube bundles140in place. When this occurs, the inside periphery of the upper manifold engages, and compresses, a seal144that bottoms on plate108. As seen, outlet pipe138passes through both the inner and outer walls of inlet manifold132. Seals are made on both walls through which pipe138passes. Outlet pipe138may be encased in insulation, or in a jacket that reduces the flow path cross-sectional area in the remainder of the chamber inside the outer jacket. Heat exchanger assemblies,66,68may then be installed or removed as single pre-assembled units140. Tube bundle assembly140is internally coated, or externally coated, or both internally and externally coated, in a non-electrically conductive coating applied to all surfaces, such that a continuous electrical barrier is formed. The coating is of small thickness relative to the parts of assembly40generally. The non-electrically conductive coating may be paint, or enamel, or epoxy. It may be a hygienic polyurethane or silicone and may be applied, internally or externally, e.g., as by dipping in a bath, followed by subsequent curing. The non-electrically conductive coating is, and functions as, a non-conductive coating between the fresh water and waste water paths of the heat exchangers. Assembly40also has at least one sensor or one terminal (which may be an array of sensors or terminal ends distributed to various locations along the fresh water flow path) indicated as184of an electrical conductivity sensor assembly or circuit,180. First sensor184may be located in one of end manifolds132,134of the tube bundle, and, in particular, it may be located in upper manifold132. A second terminal, or an array of second termini,186is similarly located in the waste water pass. Terminal186may be located below the standing water level of the sump, i.e., below the resting water level RWL of the particular sump. It may be located near the bottom of the sump, and the wiring of the sensor may be run back to the top of the sump, and pass through the shell wall where it may be twinned with the lead of the other sensor terminal and joined in a common plug or connector. Electrical conductivity terminals186may be mounted in each sump of each pass to permit detection of a leak in whichever pass it should occur. Terminals184may be mounted in each fresh-water pass, and may be formed into a combined terminal connector for each pass, as at194. In another embodiment, a single terminal184in a continuous fresh water path may also be used, since a rise in conductivity in any of the sumps will be sensed in the fresh water line. Electrical conductivity sensor assembly or circuit180may be a capacitance-based or a resistance-based conductivity sensor assembly. The leak detection circuit senses at least one of (a) resistance; and (b) voltage potential between said fresh water flow path and said gray water flow path. It may include a power supply188. Power supply188may be a DC supply of low or very low voltage. It has a power storage capability, e.g., such as a battery, that continues to operate if electrical power has failed in the building more generally, as in the case of a power outage. That is, it operates to provide power independently of the availability of external power. Thus, even if fresh water pressure is lost due to an electrical pump failure or other upstream flow interruption or shut off, for example, circuit180will remain in operation. Circuit180may also include a signal output annunciator or alarm or display, indicated at192, which may include a normal signal (e.g., a green light) to indicate that the system is in operation but not in a fault condition; and an alarm signal whether noise-making or visual, or both, or that sends an electronic message to a message receiving device, such as a phone or e-mail address, or any combination of them (e.g., a red light, or fault, or alarm condition). Display192may be part of a controlling microprocessor, or controller190. In normal operation, circuit180detects an open circuit between terminal184and terminal186. However, in the event that a leak should develop between the fresh water system and the waste water system, circuit180detects a conductivity path, and provides an alarm signal corresponding to that red light, fault, or alarm condition. Electrical conductivity sensor circuit180may also control the operation of valves by which to adjust operation of assembly40from a first condition or position or configuration (e.g., normal operation) to a second condition or position or configuration (e.g., a fail-safe condition). That is, assembly40may be provided with a first solenoid controlled valve (S1) indicated as196and a second solenoid controlled valve (S2), indicated as198. It is arbitrary which valve is designated as the first or second valve. The detection of electrical conductivity between terminals184and186is interpreted as being an indication of a leak between the fresh water and waste water sides of the heat exchanger. In normal operation, this should be benign, since the fresh water system is pressurized typically at 30-50 psi., and the waste water system is essentially at ambient, i.e., less than 5 psi., such that any leak will flow away from the fresh system to the waste system, and not into the domestic supply. However, in the event that source pressure is shut off in the fresh water system, and a leak is detected, the first of the solenoid controlled valves,196opens the sump drainage valves and dumps the waste water sumps (however many there may be) directly to drain30. At the same time, the second of the solenoid controlled valves198opens the fresh water bypass178, such that fresh water supply is directed around the waste water heat recovery apparatus and directly to water heater166(or to such other fresh water supply line as may be, whether hot or cold). Where source pressure is applied through the bypass valve198, a check valve is positioned in the fresh water output line164is placed to prevent back flow into the waste water heat recovery heat exchanger passes. Apparatus40may also be provided with a fresh water shut-off valve176which may be co-operably mounted with fresh water bypass valve198, and that may prevent additional fresh water from flowing into the waste water heat recovery apparatus. In some embodiments, the respective sump valves122may be the solenoid controlled valve, or valves,196. The leak detection features of apparatus40may be applied to the other embodiments shown or described herein, whether having coils or tube bundles. The leak detection circuit operates to govern whether flow is directed (in one mode) through the fresh water flow path or (in another mode) through the fresh water bypass e.g., directly to the water heater, as when a leak is detected. Similarly, the leak detection circuit governs whether gray water is directed in a first mode to the gray water flow path, or, in a second mode, is directed to the drain. Following the gray water, which is presumed to be the hot side flow (that is, incoming gray water is assumed to be warmer than incoming fresh water), main gray water drain line38arrives at a tee to which overflow bypass42is connected. The output line of drain line38is connected to inlet port fitting60that feeds the infeed passageway of first down flow pipe90that leads into first pass52. As shown, gray water is carried downward in passageway90to the bottom of first pass52. At the bottom of first pass52there is a normally closed outlet identified as bottom union126whose output is controlled by one of valves122. As described above, the main portion of the body of first pass52has the form of a round cylindrical pipe portion104of shell50of the apparatus40. Shell50may be made of any suitable drain piping material, and may, if desired, be externally insulated. In one example shell50may be PVC or ABS or metal pipe. Shell50may have a length that is an order of magnitude, or more, greater than the diameter of cylinder104of first pass52or cylinder106of second pass54. In one example first pass52and second pass54may be of ABS pipe material and have nominal 4″ diameters (i.e., the inside wall defines a4″ (10 cm) diameter passageway). Other sizes may be used. The cylinders may have a nominal 6″ (15 cm) internal diameter. Shell50(and all of the other gray water piping discussed herein) may likewise be any kind of pipe suitable for drain installations, and may typically be a plastic or reinforced plastic pipe, be it ABS, PVC or some other. To the extent that heat transfer through the outer wall is not desired, shell50may tend not to be made of copper, or may be externally insulated, or both. The bottom end of shell50is closed off by the valves122blocking outlets118and120of bottom end cap58. In the embodiment shown, the end closure fittings of the closed end as closed by valves122. Valves122may be opened when it is desired to flush out the clean out at the bottom of the respective sumps. In normal operation valves122will be closed. At the upper end of first pass52there is an off-take or outlet, namely the accommodation of second notch98which allows gray water to exit first pass52and enter second down pipe92, defining the gray-water outlet or discharge of first pass52. The uppermost end of shell50is closed by another end closure or end closure fitting such as a top end cap56. And its locking rings126that capture and seal flanges146against the end faces of outlet ports118,120of top cap56, and that compress seals144. Second down feed pipe92extends from notch100to the bottom of shell50to the inlet of second pass54. At the bottom, or lower portion, where there is again a flushing or clean-out drain controlled by a valve122. Second stage54similarly has the form of a cylindrical pipe106, typically of the same diameter and material as that of first pass52, with an outlet or off-take, or discharge as at outlet fitting96of outlet port62. The outlet or discharge of second pass54, being the outlet of gray water from heat recovery apparatus40more generally, is connected to drain into main drain46. That is, the gray water and septic water systems are segregated upstream, but drain into a common flow at the outlet juncture, at156. The gray water path may be considered to be the hot side, or hot path, of the heat exchanger, from which heat is extracted. The other side of the heat exchanger, typically termed the cold side or cold path, is designated generally as170. It is the side of the heat exchanger to which heat is transferred or rejected. The cold side may typically provide a flow for inlet water under pressure, typically 30-50 psi. of a municipal fresh water supply. The fresh water may typically enter from buried pipe, the cold water temperature may often be in the range of 40-50 F. The cold water pipe, being a pipe under pressure, may typically be a copper pipe, although stainless steel or any other suitable pressure line pipe may also be used. The cold water supply, after having passed through the water meter, may have a tee at which one side21is directed to the cold water outlets in the building, and another side23through which fresh water flow is directed to the hot water distribution system. As shown, the hot water heater distribution feeder line158enters the first pass66at an inlet172. The cold water supply may then have a heat exchange element, namely first tube bundle66, that has been axially inserted within second cylindrical space106, and is captured in place by end locking ring126. The locking ring126is centrally open to permit the inlet and outlet cold water pipes172,178to protrude outwardly. At the lower end of the tube bundle, the run in the other direction, such as may be called the “return” leg138, that also passes through both the inlet manifold132and locking ring126, to its end or termination, or outlet connection, be it a coupling, union, adapter, or other pipe fitting. Return leg138may run within the array of pipes130. It need not be centered in array130, but may be offset from center. It is nonetheless convenient that it be centered. To avoid confusion, the term “counter-direction leg” may be used in place of “return leg”. The use and installation of such fittings are thought to be well understood by persons of skill in the art. It is foreseen that heat transfer between the fresh water and the gray water occurs predominantly in array of downpipes. The cold water pipe leaving first tube bundle66(i.e., leaving second pass54) then passes through a transfer tube or pipe to second tube bundle68installed in first pass or stage52. The fresh water heat exchange element in first pass52may be different from that in second pass54, in the general case, but may typically be the same as heat exchange assembly140. Again, heat exchange assembly140may have tube bundle pipe array130and a return138. Again, it is thought that heat transfer occurs predominantly between the array and the gray water, which are in counterflow relationship. To the extent that it may be desired to reduce heat transfer from the straight leg portion of return138, it may be insulated. For the ranges of temperatures, and the temperature differentials, under consideration, the undesired heat transfer in the straight leg portion may be relatively small, and it may in some embodiments be used without insulation. The outlet fresh water pipe from first gray water pass52may then be carried through (i.e., connected to) piping164to the inlet of a domestic hot water heater166, such that apparatus40functions as a pre-heater in the hot water side of the fresh water system. The hot water pipes leaving water heater166feeds the various hot-water taps or connections in the building, such as the sinks, showers, clothes washing machine, dishwasher, and so on. The gray water system may then provide the drain, or drains, for these elements, and the heat subsequently extracted from the gray water is used to pre-heat incoming fresh water. As may be noted, the connections of the transfer lines of the fresh water to be pre-heater are such that the overall direction of travel of the fresh water in the heat exchanger arrays is opposite to the direction of travel of the gray water in the corresponding cylindrical pipe,104or106. That is, where the array carries the fresh water downward, the gray water is moving upward. A seal, such as an O-ring may be mounted to the top end inside locking ring126to aid inclamping flange146of inlet manifold132against port118of top cap56. As noted, another seal144is mounted where the inside face of the manifold seats on the lip of plate108inside end ports118,120. The entrance and exit of the fresh water lines to each of the heat exchange passes, i.e., tube bundle assemblies140, is above the level of the outlet port62of apparatus40. That is, even when the gray water inflow is not flowing, and the unit is passive, the water level may be expected to be at the level of the lower lip of outlet port fitting96. As such, the dominant portion, or substantially all, or all, of the fresh water pipe array may tend to remain immersed even when the gray water is not flowing. In that sense, cylindrical spaces104and106may be considered to be, or to define, a sump or series of sumps, or collectors one leading to the next, in those portions lower than the outlet overflow, e.g., that of outlet96or100as may be. That is, where outlet96is higher than outlet62, the resting fluid level, or resting water level, “RWL”, in sump122will be governed by the height of the outlet, and the resting height of fluid in the sump will be governed by the height of outlet notch102. Where outlet96is lower than outlet notch102, the resting fluid level of both sumps, or sump portions, will be governed by the height of the height of outlet notch102in one and fitting96in the other. There alternate arrangements of inlet and outlet ports, whether on opposite sides of the unit, the same side, or angled relative to each other with one on a side face and one on an end face. As shown inFIG.2a, and so on, the grey water inlet is on a side face feeding directly into the first down-flow passageway,90. The inlet and outlet port fittings have inside and outside flanges with a rabbet between the flanges that admits the width of the shell wall, such that the inlet and outlet ports fit in a snug relationship with the walls of shell50. InFIG.3c, the apparatus is substantially the same as that ofFIG.3a. It has inlet and outlet gray water ports206,208that are substantially the same as port fittings94,96, except that the inlet and outlet gray water port fittings206and208have spouts210,212that are tilted upwardly. As so formed, the bottom lip at the outermost end of the spout is elevated relative to the bottom lip of the inside of the spout, such that the resting height of water will be higher, as suggest by the height dimension h206inFIG.3c. By having an upwardly angled spout, the bodies of fittings206,208may sit in their respective rabbets or notches100,102in the side walls of shell50, below the level of plate108; whereas the resting water level may be higher, much closer to, or corresponding to, the level of plate108, more or less. Expressed differently, the difference in water level height between the resting water level at the lip to the underside of plate108is reduced to less than the nominal diameter of the spout. In the example shown, that difference is less than ¼ the spout diameter. As shown is quite close to zero. The effect of this feature is to reduce the portion of the length of the tube bundle legs that is exposed above the water, or, conversely, to increase the proportion of those tube bundle legs that are submerged in the gray water, so that an increased area of the sides of the tube bundle pipes participates in heat transfer from liquid to liquid. In the alternate assembly ofFIG.5g, the bottom end of the unitary shell member50has openings202,204formed in the first and second internal webs80and82to permit gray water to flow directly from the first gray water pass52into the second gray water pass54, such that a U-shaped well or sump is formed. This permits an alternate manner of setting up the apparatus and eliminates flow through the respective first and second down pipes90,92, which may then be capped. The embodiment ofFIG.5gis otherwise substantially the same as apparatus40, except that the gray water inlet of first pass52is at, or near, the top thereof, and the transfer to second pass54occurs at a low level, as at, or just above, bottom cap56and just above clean-out142(seeFIG.3b). In this case, two valves122could be used for cleanout or by-pass, as described above in the context ofFIG.3b, or a single three-way valve220could be used, as inFIG.3b. The connections of the fresh water system are again such as to cause the inlet fresh water in the arrays to flow in the opposite direction of the gray water as the fresh water advances through pipe arrays. That is, in contrast toFIG.2b, inFIG.5h, the discharge from return138first fresh water tube bundle66in second grey water pass32is connected to “return”138of second tube bundle68in first gray water pass52, and the discharge of second tube bundle68is then through the nominal “input” port136, which is then the output. This reversal of pipe connections means that the counter-flow arrangement of the fresh water relative to the gray water is retained in first pass52, in which the gray water is now flowing downward rather than upward. In this embodiment, the resting gray water fluid level in both sumps is governed by the level of outlet port62. In this context, there may be considered to be two sump portions (corresponding to gray water passes52and54) that define a single sump. In the normal course of operation, fresh water is only admitted to water heater166(and hence to apparatus40) when a hot water tap is opened in the building. Customarily, that water is then drained, possibly with some time delay (after the dishes are washed, the clothes washer fills and drains, or the bathtub or sink is emptied). The drained gray water, which may be warm (up to 60 C=140 F for dishwashers and clothes washers; perhaps up to 45 C=110 F for sinks, bath-tubs, and showers) as compared to ambient indoor temperature (20-25 C=68-80 F) in the building, is then the drainage inflow that displaces the gray water previously collected in the sump of the first and second stages of apparatus40. Although full counter-flow embodiments is shown inFIGS.3aand3b, in which the gray water flows through all four internal passages of shell50, alternate embodiments are possible. For example, as noted aboveFIG.5gshows an embodiment in which first and second gray water passes52,54are linked at the bottom to form a single well that has a U-shape, as discussed above. InFIG.5g, the direction of flow in gray water first stage52is downward, and therefore counter to the upward direction of flow in second stage54. In the alternate embodiment ofFIG.3b, rather than employing two clean out valves122, there is a single three-way valve,220that is mounted to the bottom end of first grey water pass52, and that has a connection to bottom tee128attached to the bottom of second grey water pass54. In one position, as illustrated, valve220is closed, such that gray water cannot flow from either first pass52or second pass54to main drain46. It is also movable through 180 degrees to a second position in which grey water can flow directly from first pass52into the bottom end of second pass54. In this position if clean out end cap148is open, the bottom of first and second passes52and54can both be cleaned out. Instead, if rotated counter-clockwise 135 degrees to a third position, both first and second passes52and54are able to flow to drain46. As shown, the pressurized fresh water lines do not have penetrations of the cylindrical shell side wall. Rather, the junction is in the end closure fitting or end plug, or cap, or closure, or closure member, however it may be called. The use of a standard fitting or cap, or plug, permits a known mating between the plug and the seat of the cylinder, which is a proven mating technology, of wide availability, and of simplicity and reliability. It is used also at the solid end or closure or plug that caps off the bottom end of the cylinder as well. In the various embodiments, the bottom closure of each pass is governed by one or another of the clean out fittings, be it a drain fitting, or trap, or valve,122. In operation, with the clean out fitting closed, the bottom closure of valve122may be considered as functionally equivalent to a blind end fitting or cap, or plug, i.e., without any fresh water line penetrations, as if it were a solid blank or cap through which flow does not occur. Flow only occurs through that end when the system is being flushed, e.g., to clean out debris. Where apparatus40is monitored or controlled by an electronic controller or timed or programmed device, the flushing or clean-out step may occur periodically, such as once a day, once a week, or once a month, and may occur at a time when it is not likely to affect operation, e.g., in the middle of the night. Given that cylinders104,106accommodate the heat exchange arrays they are larger in diameter than the inlet, outlet, flushing, overflow, and other gray water flow pipes described. The heat exchanger pipe arrays can be pre-formed, mated with the pipe stems, and the pipe stem fittings mated to, or potted in, the end closure fitting or cap or plug. Installation (and removal or replacement, as may be) occurs by axial translation of the heat exchanger array in the respective cylinders. The cylinders may be of nominal 5″ dia, with a 5″ inside diameter in which a heat exchanger array of 4″ or 4-½″ outside diameter may be located. In another embodiment the pipe may be 6″ nominal diameter, with a 6″ inside diameter wall housing a 5″ or 5-½″ diameter array may be installed. In each case, the first pass (or second pass, or third pass, etc.), and therefore the respective reservoir, or receptacle, sump or sump portion, has a shell wall defined by the pipe. Each cylinder, or pass or receptacle or sump is substantially longer in the axial direction than wide in terms of diameter. In use these members may be upstanding, being upright or predominantly upright. In a tall thin reservoir or sump, the depth and volume of the sump tend to be large as compared to the surface area of the liquid in the sump. The hydraulic diameter of the resting liquid surface may be less than one tenth of the depth of the sump below the outlet. The wall penetrations of the inlet and outlet port fittings94,96can have their flanges and rabbets potted in an epoxy or other moulded compound to form a durable seal. As the fitting penetration is located above the level of the drain, and therefore above the resting fluid level in the sump, even if the fitting should be imperfect, or if it should loosen over time, it may tend not to result in leakage, and it may tend even then to be relatively easy to obtain access to the fitting for repair or replacement. Further, the cylinders may tend to be substantially longer than their diameter, such that the axial flow length is much longer than the diameter of the cylindrical pipe, e.g., 10 times the length, or more. In one installation, the overall height of the cylinder is between 4 ft and 7 ft, with a diameter of about 4 inches. That is, the height may be intended to fit within the clearance provided by an 8 ft ceiling, and may be approximately the same as, or comparable to, the height of a water heater, which may typically be about 5 ft, the size depending on whether the tank is nominally 30, 40, 50, or 60 gallons. It may be that the overall height of the heat exchanger apparatus may be in the range of 2/3 to 3/2 of the height of the adjacent water heater166. It may be more convenient, and more compact in terms of floor space occupied, for the cylinder bundle to be arranged vertically, or substantially or predominantly vertically, or upright. The pre-heater heat exchange or heat recovery apparatus,40, may be mounted beside hot water heater166, in a furnace or other utility room, for example, and may occupy a physical footprint of comparable size, or less. In summary, assembly40is for use in a gray water heat recovery apparatus and is installed in a unitary shell50, such as a plastic cylindrical tube or pipe to define a first heat exchanger pass for use in the various embodiments described above. The external shell50has cylinders104,106. Each pass has a tube bundle assembly, namely assembly130. External shell50can also, alternatively, be formed of a mild steel, stainless steel, or copper pipe with a layer of thermal insulation64, or a plastic shell with an additional layer of thermal insulation64. The cylindrical plastic shell has a first end and a second end. In operation, the first end is located higher than the second end—the gray water flow path elements form a gravity flow conduit. The second end, i.e., the bottom end is blocked to form a sump within the cylindrical plastic shell50. Cylindrical plastic shell50has a first port and a second port. The bottom lip of the outlet port fitting96defines a resting water level when gray water is contained in the sump defined by that cylinder below that lip. The first inlet port defines an inlet for gray water to the cylindrical plastic shell. The second port defines the outlet for gray water from the cylindrical plastic shell. Accordingly, the passageways in cylindrical plastic shell50defines a flow path for gray water between the inlet and the outlet thereof. The first end of the cylinders of shell50provide an entry, or entryway, into which to admit the lower end, and substantially the entire body of assembly66or68, up to flange146, which acts as a stop to locate assembly130longitudinally in its axially installed position relative to cylinder104or106, as may be. The tube bundle66or68is sized to fit within the entry at the first end of the respective plastic pipe cylinder. The outside peripheral cylindrical wall of upper manifold132is sized to nest with little or no slack or tolerance within the open end of cylinder104,106, although it could be any suitable size for mating with, or within, those cylinder ends. During installation the tube bundle is axially slidable within shell50to reach the position dictated by the abutment of flange146with the open-end fitting118or120of top end plate56, as may be. What has been described above has been intended illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims appended hereto, particularly in terms of mixing-and-matching the features of the various embodiments as may be suitable. Various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details but only by a purposive reading of the appended claims as required by law. | 49,804 |
11859833 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail with reference to drawings. In the drawings, components that are the same or equivalent are assigned the same reference signs. FIG.1illustrates an overall configuration of an energy management system1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The energy management system1is a system termed a home energy management system (HEMS) that performs management of power used in a general household. The energy management system1includes a control device2, an operating terminal3, a power measurement device4, a water heater5, and a power generator6. Further, the control device2is connected to a power server14and a data server13via a wide area network N. The control device2is arranged at a suitable location within a home H, which is a power-consuming area for consumption of power, monitors power consumed in the home H, and displays a power consumption state via the operating terminal3. Further, the control device2controls operation of the water heater5and multiple apparatuses7(apparatuses7-1,7-2, and the like), and monitors operational states of these components. The control device2is described in detail hereinafter. The operating terminal3(user interface device) is a portable apparatus such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, remote controller, portable phone, or notebook-type personal computer, for example. The operating terminal3includes an input device such as a touch panel, touch pad, or push button, a display device such as an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display or a liquid crystal display, and a communication interface. The operating terminal3performs communication with the control device2according to a widely known communication protocol such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Wi-SUN (registered trademark), a wired local area network (LAN), or the like. The operating terminal3receives an operation from a user, and transmits to the control device2information indicating content of the received operation. Further, the operating terminal3receives from the control device2information to be presented to the user, and displays the received information. In this manner, the operating terminal3serves as an interface (user interface) with the user. The power measurement device4measures values of power sent to each of power lines D1to D3arranged in the home H. The power line D1is arranged between a commercial electrical power system8and a power distribution panel9, the power line D2is arranged between the power generator6and the power distribution panel9, and the power line D3is arranged between the power distribution panel9and the water heater5. The power measurement device4is connected through communication lines to a CT1(CT means “current transformer” hereinafter) connected to the power line D1, a CT2connected to the power line D2, and a CT3connected to the power line D3. CT1to CT3are sensors that measure alternating current. The CT1installed at the power line D1measures a power Pb supplied from the commercial electrical power system8to the home H. This power Pb corresponds to power (purchased power) purchased from the electric utility operator by the power consumer that consumes power in the home H. The CT2installed at the power line D2measures a power Pg output to the power distribution panel9from the power generator6. This power Pg is power generated by the power generator6and corresponds to power supplied within the home H and capable of use within the home H. The CT3installed at the power line D3measures a power Pe supplied to the water heater5from the distribution panel9. This power Pe corresponds to power consumed by the water heater5. Further, if no power storage equipment such as a stationary type storage battery or an electric vehicle is arranged, a sum of the power Pb measured by the CT1and the power Pg measured by the CT2corresponds to total consumed power of the home H that is the power-consuming area. That is to say, the following relationship is established for the total consumed power of the home H: Pc=Pb+Pg. Further, the expression “total consumed power of the home H” is taken to include power consumed within the grounds of the home H. Hereinafter, the total consumed power is sometimes referred to simply as “consumed power”. When the power Pg output from the power generator6exceeds the total consumed power Pc of the home H, excess power occurs at the home H. When excess power occurs, the power consumer of the home H can sell power to the electric utility operator by supplying the excess power to the commercial electrical power system8as reverse flow power. The power returned to the electric utility operator from the power consumer by the supply of power from the home H to the commercial electrical power system8is referred to as the “reverse flow power”. During the period of occurrence of the reverse flow power, the power Pb of the power line D1measured by CT1is a negative value. The power measurement device4includes non-illustrated components such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication interface, read-writeable non-volatile semiconductor memory, and the like. Further, the power measurement device4includes a wireless communication interface and communicates with the control device2via a wireless network installed in the home H. The wireless network is a network standardized on the Energy Conservation and Homecare Network Lite (ECHONET Lite), for example. Further, the power measurement device4may be configured to connect to this wireless network through a non-illustrated external communication adapter. In response to the request from the control device2, the power measurement device4generates measurement data containing, as measurement values, power sent through the power lines D1to D3and obtained by measurement, and transmits the generated measurement data to the control device2. Equipment unit addresses of the power measurement device4, IDs of the power lines, measurement times, and the like are contained in the transmitted measurement data. Further, in response to the request from the control device2, the power measurement device4may generate, and then transmit to the control device2, measurement data that collectively contains each of the measurement values of the power lines D1to D3. The apparatus7(apparatuses7-1,7-2, and the like) is an electrical apparatus such as an air conditioner, lighting appliance, floor heating system, refrigerator, induction heating (IH) cooker, or television, for example. The apparatuses7-1,7-2, and the like are arranged within the home H (including the grounds thereof), and are electrically connected to the commercial electrical power system8and the power generator6via the power lines D4, D5, and the like branching from the power distribution panel9. Each of the apparatuses7includes a wireless communication interface and communicates with the control device2via the aforementioned wireless network installed in the home H. Further, each of the apparatuses7may be configured to connect with the wireless network via a non-illustrated external communication adapter. In response to a request from the control device2, each of the apparatuses7sends to the control device2, via the wireless network, data (operational state data) containing information indicating an equipment identification (ID), a present time, and an operational state. The water heater5is a hot water storage-type water heater including a heat pump unit50and a tank unit51. The heat pump unit50and the tank unit51are interconnected by piping52through which hot water flows. The water heater5is electrically connected to the commercial electrical power system8and the power generator6via the power line D3branching from the power distribution panel9. The water heater5is described hereinafter. Heat Pump Unit50 The heat pump unit50of the water heater5includes non-illustrated components such as a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a second heat exchanger, an air fan, and a control board. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger are connected in a loop to a cooling cycle circuit for circulation of a refrigerant. The cooling cycle circuit is also termed the “refrigerant circuit”. The compressor compresses the refrigerant and causes increases in temperature and pressure. The compressor includes an inverter circuit that can change a capacity (output amount per unit) in response to a drive frequency. The compressor changes the aforementioned capacity in accordance with an instruction from the control board. The first heat exchanger is a heat source for heating to raise a temperature of municipal tap water up to a target heat-up temperature. The heat-up temperature is also referred to as the “hot water storage temperature”. The first heat exchanger is a heat exchanger such as a plate type heat exchanger or a double-tube type heat exchanger, and performs the exchange of heat between the refrigerant and water, that is, low temperature water. Heat exchange at the first heat exchanger releases heat of the refrigerant, and causes the water to absorb heat and rise in temperature. The expansion valve allows expansion of the refrigerant and causes a lowering of temperature and pressure. Degree of opening of the expansion valve changes in accordance with an instruction from the control board. The second heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and exterior air blown by the fan. Due to the heat exchange by the second heat exchanger, heat absorbed by the refrigerant is released to the exterior air, and the temperature decreases. The control board includes components such as a central processing unit (CPU throughout), a read only memory (ROM throughout), a random access memory (RAM throughout), a communication interface, and a read-writable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The control board is connected in a communication-capable manner via respective communication lines with the compressor, the expansion valve, and the fan, and the control board controls operation of these components. Further, the control board is connected in a communication-capable manner via non-illustrated communication lines with a below-described hot water supply controller54of the tank unit51. Tank Unit51 The tank unit51includes the hot water storage tank53, the hot water supply controller54, a mixing valve56, and the like. These components are contained within a metallic external case. The hot water storage tank53is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or from a resin. Non-illustrated thermal insulation is arranged at the exterior of the hot water storage tank53. Thus the high temperature hot water (referred to hereinafter as the high temperature water) within the hot water storage tank53can be maintained at temperature for a long time period. The hot water supply controller54includes non-illustrated components such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication interface, and a read-writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, and provides overall control of the water heater5. The hot water supply controller54is connected in a communication-capable manner via a non-illustrated communication line with the control board of the heat pump unit50. Further, the hot water supply controller54is connected in a communication-capable manner via the communication line59with a remote controller55. Further, the hot water supply controller54is connected with the control device2in a communication-capable manner via the aforementioned wireless network installed in the home H. Remote Controller55 The remote controller55is a terminal device for displaying and providing to the user information such as an operational state and a hot water storage state of the water heater5. The remote controller55is arranged in a bathtub-equipped room in the home H and receives from the user an operational input relating to heating up, hot water supply, or the like. The remote controller55includes non-illustrated components such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a read-writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, an input device such as a push button, a touch panel, or a touch pad, a display device such as an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display, and a communication interface, and the like. Water Heat-Up Operation At the start time of the water heat-up operation, the high temperature water within the hot water storage tank53is consumed, and the municipal tap water at a temperature close to that of low temperature water is retained in the bottom portion of the hot water storage tank53. By operation of a non-illustrated pump, the low temperature water enters the first heat exchanger of the heat pump unit50, the water is raised in temperature by exchange of heat with the refrigerant, and the water becomes high temperature water. This high temperature water is returned to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank53, and within the hot water storage tank53, the high temperature water in the upper portion thereof and the low temperature water remaining in the lower portion form temperature layers, and a temperature interface layer is formed between the high temperature water and the low temperature water. When the heating up amount increases and the region of the high temperature water becomes large, the temperature interface layer approaches the bottom portion of the hot water storage tank53, and the temperature (inlet water temperature) of the water entering the first heat exchanger gradually rises. Hot Water Supply Operation A hot water output pipe is connected to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank53, and high temperature water discharged via the hot water output pipe from the hot water storage tank53is mixed with the municipal tap water by the mixing valve56. Thus the resultant hot water has the temperature, such as 40° C., desired by the user, and is suppled to a hot water supply terminal such as a shower57or a faucet58installed in a bathtub-equipped room, for example. At this time, volume of the high temperature water discharged from the upper portion of the hot water storage tank53is equal to the volume of municipal tap water supplied by water pipe pressure from a non-illustrated water supply pipe connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank53. Thus the temperature interface layer within the hot water storage tank53moves upward. When the amount of the high temperature water becomes low, the water heater5performs additional heating up. The power generator6is described next. The power generator6is installed at the home H and is equipment that generates electricity from sunlight, which is a natural energy source. Although the commercial electrical power system8supplies power to an undefined plurality of power-consuming areas including the home H, the power generator6is owned by a power consumer of a specific power-consuming area, and is arranged to supply power to the home H that is the specific power-consuming area. This type of power generator6is also referred to as a distributed-type power source. The power generator6includes a photovoltaic (abbreviated throughout as “PV”) panel10for PV power generation and a PV-power conditioning system (abbreviated throughout as “PCS”)11. The PV panel10is a solar panel such as a polycrystalline type solar panel, for example. The PV panel10is arranged upon a roof of the home H and generates photovoltaic power by conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The PV-PCS11receives the supplied power generated by the PV panel10and outputs the supplied power via the power line D2to the power distribution panel9. At this time, the PV-PCS11converts the power supplied from the PV panel10by converting and outputting at a prescribed conversion efficiency from direct-current power to alternating-current power so that the supplied power can be used within the home H. The PV-PCS11includes non-illustrated components such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a communication interface, and a read-writable non-volatile semiconductor memory. Further, the PV-PCS11communicates with the control device2via the aforementioned wireless network installed in the home H. Further, the PV-PCS11may be configured to connect with the wireless network via a non-illustrated external adapter. The PV-PCS11acquires from the control device2via the wireless network information such as PV suppression instructions and measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe transmitted through the power lines D1to D3, respectively, and measured by the power measurement device4. A router12is a device capable of communication with the data server13and the power server14via the wide area network N, and is a broadband router, for example. The control device2communicates with the data server13and the power server14via the router12. The data server13is a server for allowing the energy management system1to function in cooperation with the control device2, and is a server that provides resources such as cloud computing. The data server13stores data required for the operation of the control device2. The data server13acquires and accumulates via the control device2information such as results of measurements by the power measurement device4, operational states of the water heater5and the apparatuses7collected by the control device2, and power consumed under the operational state, for example. Further, the data server13stores, time slot-by-time slot, a purchased-power unit price for power from the commercial electrical power system8and a sold-power unit price for the reverse flow power to the commercial electrical power system8. Further, the data server13supplies data to the control device2in response to a request from the control device2. The power server14is a server operated by the electric utility operator who provides a commercial power supply to each of the power consumers via the commercial electrical power system8. The power server14is connected in a communication-capable manner via the wide area network N with the control device2arranged in the power-consumption area of each of the power consumers. Upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, the power server14, to each of the power consumers owning the power generator6, distributes an instruction to suppress the supply of power to the commercial electrical power system8from the power generator6of the power consumer in the specified period, that is to say, distributes an instruction to suppress the reverse flow power. The reverse flow power is suppressed in this manner to prevent a supply-demand imbalance in the commercial electrical power system8due to an excess supply of power from the power consumers to the commercial electrical power system8. The instruction distributed by the power server14to suppress the reverse flow power is referred to hereinafter as the “suppression instruction”, and controlling the output of the power generator6to suppress the reverse flow power is referred to hereinafter as “PV suppression”. PV suppression is also termed “output suppression”, “output control”, or the like. That is to say, specifically the power server14acquires from a meteorological organization meteorological information such as weather information, solar insolation, sunlight hours, and the like for the location where the power generator6of each power consumer is installed, and creates a schedule for the PV suppression. Then by the day prior to execution of the PV suppression, the power server14, in accordance with the created schedule, delivers the suppression instruction to each power consumer. The execution period of the PV suppression is the period when the generated power from the power generator6becomes excessive with respect to the supply-demand state of the commercial electrical power system8, and for example, this period is normally in a time slot when the weather is clear and a large amount of solar insolation is anticipated. Further, the power server14does not deliver the suppression instruction with respect to a day for which there is no requirement for the execution of PV suppression. The suppression instruction distributed by the power server14includes: time information indicating a specified period for execution of the PV suppression, and instruction value information indicating an instruction value of an output limit during suppression of the PV power of the power generator6. That is to say, specifically the suppression instruction designates information that is a specified time slot occurring on a specified day as the specified period for execution of the PV suppression, that is to say, the year, month, day, and times of day (start time and end time) for execution of the PV suppression. The suppression instruction designates, as the instruction value of the output limit of the power generator6during suppression of the PV power, a fraction (%) of the power output to the power distribution panel9of the home H from the PV-PCS11of the power generator6relative to the rated power of the power generator6. Here, the term “rated power” of the power generator6means the safe maximum power possible under appropriate conditions for the power generator6, and this specifically corresponds to the smaller capacity of the rated capacity of the PV panel10and the rated capacity of the PV-PCS11. FIG.2illustrates a specific example of the suppression instruction distributed by the power server14. The solid-line plot La withinFIG.2indicates the transitioning of generated power from the power generator6occurring in the case in which there is no prior instruction for the PV suppression, and this plot indicates a value that is large during the daytime and peaks at noon when solar insolation is high. In contrast, the dashed-line plot Lp withinFIG.2indicates the transitioning of the instruction value of the output limit of the power generator6as designated on the basis of the suppression instruction. In the example ofFIG.2, in time slots from 09:00 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 15:00 (times in the present disclosure indicated in 24-hour format), suppression of the power output from the power generator6to 40% of the rated power (for example, 2.0 kW relative to a rated power of 5.0 kW) is designated. Further, in the time slot from 11:00 to 13:00, suppression of the power output from the power generator6to 0% of the rated power of the power generator6is designated, that is to say, the designation is to output none of the power generated by the power generator6. That is to say, in the time slot from 09:00 to 15:00 when the instruction value is less than 100%, the power output from the power generator6is suppressed. In contrast, in the time slots from 00:00 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 24:00 when the instruction value is 100%, there is effectively no suppression of the power output from the power generator6. The suppression instruction designates the schedule of the PV suppression in 30 minute increment units, for example, and designates the instruction value for the output of the power generator6in increments of 1%, for example. Further, the suppression instruction may designate power units, such as kW units, rather than the fraction relative to the rated power of the power generator6. For example, in the case in which the instruction value of 40% corresponds to the 2.0 kW output power and the limit value of 0% corresponds to 0 kW output power as illustrated inFIG.2, the instruction values of the output power from the power generator6may be designated as 2.0 kW and 0 kW. Hereinafter, the value indicating the instruction value by the units of power is referred to as the “limit value”. In the case in which the instruction value designates the fraction, the limit value corresponds to the value obtained by multiplying the instruction value times the rated power of the power generator6, and corresponds to the instruction value itself in the case in which the instruction value designates power. Further, the limit value can be indicated in Wh increments of the power amount by multiplying the limit value by time. For example, the value indicated in power amount units by multiplying the limit value by a 30 minute period, which is the increment of the schedule of the PV suppression, is termed the “limit amount”, “suppression amount”, or the like. The control device2acquires the suppression instruction distributed by the power server14, and forwards the acquired suppression instruction to the PV-PCS11of the power generator6. Upon acquiring the suppression instruction forwarded from the control device2, in the execution period of the PV suppression designated via the suppression instruction, the PV-PCS11adjusts the output power such that the fraction of the output power from the power generator6relative to the rated value of the power generator6does not exceed the instructed limit value. The PV-PCS executes phase-advance phase control as the method for the adjustment of the output power. Specifically, in the execution period of the PV suppression, the PV-PCS11causes a reduction in effective power output from the PV-PCS11by offsetting the phase of voltage from the phase of current. FIG.3illustrates transitioning of the output power from the power generator6during the suppressing of the PV power. The dot-dashed-line plot Lc indicates transitioning of the total consumed power of the home H and indicates high values from the afternoon to evening during which a consumed power amount in a household generally increases. In contrast, the bold solid-line plot Lg inFIG.3indicates the output power from the power generator6within the power generated by the power generator6, that is to say, indicates transitioning of the power Pg measured by the CT2. In periods P1and P4when the PV suppression is not executed in the example illustrated inFIG.3, the PV-PCS11does not suppress the output from the power generator6. Thus the output power Pg from the power generator6indicated by the bold solid-line plot Lg becomes equivalent to the generated power capable of being output by the power generator6as indicated by the thin solid-line plot La. This generated power capable of being output by the power generator6is the power obtained by multiplying the conversion efficiency of the PV-PCS11by the power generated by the PV panel10(panel generated power). The generated power capable of being output by the power generator6is indicated hereinafter as Pa, and this is distinguished from the power Pg actually output from the power generator6. The generated power Pa capable of being output by the power generator6is also referred to as the “generated power Pa from the power generator6”, the “generated power Pa”, or the like. In contrast, in periods P2and P3when the PV suppression is executed, the PV-PCS11suppresses the output from the power generator6. Thus the output power Pg from the power generator6indicated by the bold solid-line plot Lg becomes smaller than the generated power Pa from the power generator6indicated by the thin solid-line plot La. More specifically, among the periods P2and P3when the PV suppression is executed, the total consumed power Pc of the home H indicated by the dot-dashed-line plot Lc in the period P2is smaller than the power (2.0 kW) corresponding to the limit value indicated by the dashed-line plot Lp. In this case, the PV-PCS11suppresses the output power Pg from the power generator6, as indicated by the bold solid-line plot Lg, down to power corresponding to the limit value. In contrast, among the periods P2and P3when the PV suppression is executed, the total consumed power Pc of the home H indicated by the dot-dashed-line plot Lc in the period P3is larger than the power (2.0 kW) corresponding to the limit value indicated by the dashed-line plot Lp. In this case, the PV-PCS11suppresses the output power Pg from the power generator6as indicated by the bold solid-line plot Lg power merely equivalent to the total consumed power Pc, rather than down to the power corresponding to the limit value. However, in the period in which the generated power Pa capable of output from the power generation device30is less than the total consumed power Pc, such as the period immediately prior to 15:00 inFIG.3, for example, the PV-PCS11makes the output power Pg from the power generator6equal to the generated power Pa capable of being output by the generated power. The lower portion ofFIG.3illustrates a relationship, at a time T1included in the period P2and at a time T2included in the period P3, between lost power and the generated power Pa capable of output from the power generator6. Here, the expression “lost power” indicates the power generation loss and is the power (Pa minus Pg) that is not output from the PV-PCS11despite generation of electricity by the PV panel10of the power generator6. At the time T1included in the period P2, the output power Pg from the power generator6is suppressed to the power corresponding to the limit value, and thus the lost power of the power generator6is relatively large. In contrast, at the time T2included in the period P3, the suppression is only down to the power equivalent to the total consumed power Pc, and thus the lost power of the power generator6is relatively small. Thus the lost power can be decreased during PV suppression if the total consumed power Pc is increased so as to exceed the limit value. Further, at the time T1included in the period P2, the output power Pg from the power generator6suppressed down to the power corresponding to the limit value is larger than the total consumed power Pc of the home H, and thus power corresponding to the difference (Pg minus Pc) is in excess as excess power. This excess power is sold to the commercial electrical power system8as the reverse flow power. In contrast, at the time T2included in the period P3, the output power Pg from the power generator6is equivalent to the total consumed power Pc of the home H, and thus power is neither sold nor purchased. The control device2is described next. As illustrated inFIG.4, the control device2includes a controller21, a storage22, a timer23, an in-home communication device24and an outside-home communication device25. Each of these components is connected via a bus29. The controller21includes (all non-illustrated) components such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The “CPU” is also termed a central processor, central calculator, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. The controller21performs overall control of the control device2by the CPU reading a program and data stored in the ROM, and using the RAM as a working area. The storage22is nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or the like, and acts as a so-called secondary storage device (auxiliary storage device). The storage22storage stores various types of programs and data used by the controller21for various types of processing, as well as various types of data generated or acquired by the controller21performing the various types of processing. The timer23includes a real time clock (RTC) and is a time-measuring device that continues to measure time even during periods when power is turned off to the control device2. The in-home communication device24includes a network interface card (NIC) controller for communication via a wireless network installed in the home H, and under control of the controller21, communicates via the wireless network with each of the power measurement device4, the water heater5, the power generator6, and the apparatus7. Further, under the control of the controller21, the in-home communication device24communicates with the operating terminal3via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Wi-SUN (registered trademark), wireless LAN, or the like. The outside-home communication device25, via the router12, is connected to the wide area network N such as the Internet, for example. The outside-home communication device25communicates with the data server13, the power server14, and the like via the wide area network N. Functional configuration of the control device2is described next with reference toFIG.5. As illustrated inFIG.5, the control device2functionally includes a terminal communicator200, an instruction acquirer201, a measurement value acquirer202, a relay unit203, a determination unit205, a consumed power calculator206, a generated power estimator207, and a water heater controller208. Each of these functions is achieved by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are recorded as programs and are stored in the storage22or in the ROM within the various apparatuses. Further, the controller21achieves the function of each of the components by the CPU executing the programs stored in the ROM or the storage22. Further, the control device2includes an instruction storage210, a measurement value storage220, and a setting storage230. The instruction storage210, the measurement value storage220, and the setting storage230are constructed in memory regions within the storage22. The terminal communicator200communicates with the operation terminal3via the in-home communication device24.FIG.6illustrates a specific example of a setting screen displayed by the operating terminal3. The terminal communicator200functions as a display controller to cause a display device of the operating terminal3to display the setting screen illustrated inFIG.6. In the setting screen illustrated inFIG.6, the user, who is the power consumer, can set various types of modes via an input device of the operating terminal3. For example, “solar output suppression-coordinated mode” is a mode that effectively uses the lost power of the power generator6during suppression of PV power by coordinated control of the water heater5during PV suppression. The user can make activate this function by setting ON the item “solar output suppression-coordinated control” that occurs in the “solar output suppression-coordinated mode”. Upon setting ON of the item “solar output suppression coordinated control”, the operating terminal3transmits setting information indicating the contents of such setting to the control device2. The terminal communicator200of the control device2functions as a setting information receiver that receives setting information transmitted from the operating terminal3. The controller21operates cooperatively with the in-home communication device24to achieve the terminal communicator200function. The setting information received by the terminal communicator200is stored in the setting storage230. The instruction acquirer201acquires an instruction to, in the specified period, suppress the supplying, to the commercial electrical power system8, of power from the power generator6that supplies power to the specified power-consuming area. The expression “specified power-consuming area” is specifically the home H and the grounds thereof, and is the site that receives the supply of power, and consumes the received power, from the commercial electrical power system8and from the power generator6installed at the home H. The expression “an instruction to suppress the supplying in the specified period” means the instruction (suppression instruction) for PV suppression distributed from the power server14as described previously. Upon the power server14distributing the suppression instruction, the instruction acquirer201acquires the distributed suppression instruction via the wide area network N. Upon the instruction acquirer201acquiring the suppression instruction, the content of the PV suppression, such as the limit value and the schedule designated by the acquired suppression instruction, are stored in the instruction storage210. The controller21operates cooperatively with the outside-home communication device25to achieve the instruction acquirer201function. The instruction storage210stores the content of the suppression instruction acquired by the instruction acquirer201. The expression “content of the suppression instruction” means specifically the limit value and the schedule of the PV suppression designated by the suppression instruction. The instruction storage210updates the limit value and the schedule of the stored PV suppression each time the information acquirer201acquires the suppression instruction from the power server14. The measurement value acquirer202acquires, via the in-home communication device24, the measurement value of the power obtained by the power measurement device4from the power measurement device4. Specifically, the measurement value acquirer202acquires: a measurement value of the power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6, a measurement value of the power Pb supplied to the home H from the commercial electrical power system8, and a measurement value of the power Pe supplied to the water heater5. The power measurement device4sends periodically, for example, the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe transmitted through the power lines D1to D3and obtained by the CT1to CT3to the control device2. Alternatively, the measurement value acquirer202may, as required, transmit to the power measurement device4a request for the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe, and the power measurement device4may transmit to the control device2the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe in the format of a reply to this request. In this manner, the controller21operates cooperatively with the in-home communication device24to achieve the measurement value acquirer202function. The measurement value storage220stores the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe acquired by the measurement value acquirer202. Every time the measurement value acquirer202acquires the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe obtained by the power measurement device4, the measurement value storage220stores the acquired measurement values and builds a database. FIG.7illustrates a specific example of a power database40stored in the measurement value storage220. As illustrated inFIG.7, the power database40stores, as a time series in chronological order, the power amount of the purchased power Pb, the power amount of the output power Pg of the generated power, the power amount of the total consumed power Pc of the home H obtained by adding together the power Pb and the power Pg, and the power amount of the consumed power Pe of the water heater. Upon acquiring the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe from the power measurement device4, the measurement value acquirer202calculates the respective power amounts and stores the calculated power amounts consecutively in the power database40. Here, the term “power amount” means a value of power integrated over a predetermined period. Specifically, the measurement value acquirer202integrates over 30 minutes, which is the incremental unit of the schedule of the PV suppression, the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe from the power measurement device4and the sum of the power Pb and the power Pg. In this manner, the measurement value acquirer202acquires the power amounts in 30 minute increment units for each of the measurement value of the purchased power Pb, the measurement value of the output power Pg of the generated power, the measurement value of the consumed power (total consumed power) Pc of the home H obtained as the sum of the power Pb and the power Pg, and the measurement value of the consumed power Pe of the water heater, and the measurement value acquirer202stores these acquired power amounts in the power database40every 30 minutes. Further, in the case in which the measurement value of the power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6is acquired as the power amount, the measurement value acquirer202functions as a first measurement value acquirer. In the case in which the measurement value of the consumed power Pc (equal to Pb plus Pg) of the home H is acquired as the power amount, the measurement value acquirer202functions as a second measurement value acquirer. In the case in which the measurement value of the consumed power Pe of the water heater5is acquired as the power amount, the measurement value acquirer202functions as a third measurement value acquirer. Hereinafter, the processing of the determination unit205, the consumed power calculator206, and the generated power estimator207is executed using the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, Pe, and Pc stored as the power amounts in the power database40. The relay unit203relays to the PV-PCS11of the power generator6via the in-home communication device24the content of the suppression instruction acquired by the instruction acquirer201. Further, the relay unit203relays the measurement value of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe acquired by the measurement value acquirer202to the PV-PCS11of the power generator6via the in-home communication device24. In this manner, the controller21achieves the relay unit203function cooperatively with the in-home communication device24. In the case in which the suppression instruction is acquired by the instruction acquirer201, the determination unit205determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied to command the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation in the specified period designated by the suppression instruction. The “predetermined condition to command the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation” is a condition for determining whether the water heat-up operation of the water heater5can efficiently use the lost power that occurs during the period of suppression, by the PV suppression, of power output from the power generator6. Since the water heat-up operation of the water heater5generally has high consumed power in comparison to the use of the other apparatuses, the water heat-up operation of the water heater5is used due to the ability to efficiently use the lost power. The controller21achieves the determination unit205function. The determination processing of the determination unit205is described in detail hereinafter with reference toFIG.8. FIG.8illustrates a specific example of: a relationship between the consumed power Pc and the generated power Pa during the suppression of PV power, and timing of the water heat-up operation to be performed by the water heater5. Similarly to the example illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the solid-line plot La inFIG.8indicates transitioning of the generated power Pa from the power generator6occurring when there is no prior instruction for PV suppression, and the dashed-line plot Lp indicates transitioning of the limit value of the output power Pg from the power generator6designated by the suppression instruction. Further, the dot-dashed-line plot Lc indicates the transitioning of the total consumed power Pc of the home H, and the bold solid-line plot Lg indicates the transitioning of the output power Pg from the power generator6. However, for ease in understanding of the example illustrated inFIG.8, the limit value of the output power Pg indicated by the dashed-line plot Lp is described for a case in which the limit value is constant in all regions. As illustrated inFIG.8, in the period from a time A to a time F during the period from a time H to a time I when power is generated by the power generator6(in other words, the generated power Pa is positive), the generated power Pa is larger than the consumed power Pc of the home H. Thus in the period from the time A to the time F, power is not purchased from the commercial electrical power system8. Further, in the period from the time A to a time D, the consumed power Pc of the home H is less than the limit value. Thus in the period from the time A to the time D, the output power Pg from the power generator6is suppressed to the limit value, and power is sold from the home H to the commercial electrical power system8. In contrast, in the period from the time D to the time F, the consumed power Pc of the home H is larger than the limit value. Thus in the period from the time D to the time F, the output power Pg from the power generator6is suppressed to the total consumed power Pc within the home H, and power is neither sold nor purchased. The determination unit205determines, as first determination processing, whether a first condition is satisfied. This first condition is satisfied in the case in which power is not being supplied to the home H from the commercial electrical power system8, that is to say, in the case in which power is not being purchased from the commercial electrical power system8. The determination unit205, on the basis of the measurement value of the power Pb acquired by the measurement value acquirer202, determines whether power is being purchased from the commercial electrical power system8. In the case in which power is being purchased, there is neither excess power nor generation loss, and thus causing operation of the water heater5is not required. Specifically, the determination unit205determines whether the power amount of the power Pb stored last in the power database40is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold α. The threshold α is a margin that takes into account a possibility that the sold power amount can, depending on conditions, increase instantaneously during the sale of power, and this threshold α is a small positive value, such as 50 Wh. A period D1, from the time A to the time F indicated inFIG.8, is identified by the first determination processing. The determination unit205determines, as second determination processing, whether a second condition is satisfied. This second condition is satisfied in the case in which the power Pg supplied from the power generator6to the home H is larger than a limit value determined in accordance with the suppression instruction. The determination unit205determines whether the measurement value of the power Pb acquired by the measurement value acquirer202is larger than the limit value determined in accordance with the suppression instruction. Two cases are considered in which this second condition is not satisfied. In one case, weather occurring in the execution period of PV suppression is poor such that the power generation amount of the power generator6does not reach the suppression amount, that is, the power Pg is less than the limit value. In this case, a state occurs in which the power generator6is not suppressing output, and thus there is no occurrence of the power generation loss. In the other case, the output power Pg from the power generator6is suppressed to the limit value, that is, the power Pg=the limit value, for example, as in the period from the time A to the time D indicated in theFIG.8. In this case, the excess power is sold to the commercial electrical power system8. Thus diversion of this portion of power to the water heater5until the stoppage of the sale of power is not economically efficient from the standpoint of the power consumer. Power is not being sold in period D2the period in which the second condition is satisfied and the output power PG from the power generator6is greater than the limit value, and thus the sale of power is not prevented even if the water heater5is operated. That is to say, the determination unit205determines whether the power amount of the power Pg stored last in the power database40is greater than or equal to a value obtained by adding a threshold β to the suppression amount, that is, determines whether the present output power amount of the power generator6substantially exceeds the suppression amount. The threshold β is a margin that takes into account existence of somewhat of a mismatch in the adjustment of output of the PV-PCS11in real time, and thus this threshold is a small positive value, such as 100 Wh. The period D2is identified by the second determination processing to be from the time D to a time G indicated inFIG.8. The determination unit205determines, as third determination processing, whether a third condition is satisfied. This third condition is satisfied in the case in which the consumed power of the home H when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is smaller than the generated power Pa generated by the power generator6. For example, in the case in which the consumed power of the home H when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is larger than the generated power Pa capable of being output by the power generator6, the purchase of power is required for the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation. The allowing of the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation until power is purchased cannot be efficient from the standpoints of the environment and the economics of the power consumer. Thus the determination unit205determines, as the third determination processing, whether the consumed power of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is smaller than the generating power Pa generated by the power generator6, that is to say, determines whether the water heater5can perform the water heat-up operation even without the purchase of power. In order to execute the third determination processing, the consumed power calculator206calculates, on the basis of the measurement values of the power Pc and the power Pe stored in the power database40, the consumed power of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation. Further, the generated power estimator207estimates the generated power Pa generated by the power generator6on the basis of the measurement value of the power Pg stored in the power database40. The consumed power calculator206and the generated power estimator207are each achieved by the controller21operating in cooperation with the storage22. Specifically, the consumed power calculator206calculates the consumed power of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation (referred to hereinafter as Pc′) by firstly subtracting, from the measurement value of the consumed power Pc of the home H prior to the water heater5executing the water heat-up operation, the measurement value of the consumed power Pe of the water heater5occurring prior to the water heater5executing the water heat-up operation, further adding a rated value R of the consumed power of the water heater5. That is to say, the following relationship formula is established: Pc′=Pc−Pe+R. The measurement value of the consumed power Pc and the measurement value of the consumed power Pe of the water heater5of the home H occurring prior to the water heater5executing the water heat-up operation are acquired by the measurement value acquirer202functioning as the second measurement value acquirer and the third measurement value acquirer, respectively, and these measurement values are stored as power amounts in the power database40. The consumed power calculator206refers to the measurement values of the power Pc and the power Pe stored last in the power database40. Further, the consumed power Pe of the water heater5is a value near zero if the water heater5is not operating, and this value corresponds to execution of some operation by the water heater5if such execution is in progress. The rated value R of the consumed power of the water heater5is the maximum power amount expected to be consumed by the water heater5when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation. The rated value R is specified beforehand in accordance with various types of conditions such as a heat-up temperature, a hot water storage amount, and the like, and this value is stored beforehand in storage means of the water heater5or in the storage22of the control device2. If the rated value R is stored in the water heater5, the consumed power calculator206acquires the rated value R corresponding to the water heat-up operation to be performed, as may be required, from the water heater5via the in-home communication device24. The consumed power calculator206subtracts the measurement value of the consumed power Pe of the water heater5from the measurement value of the total consumed power Pc of the home H acquired in the aforementioned manner, and further adds the rated value R of the water heater5, to calculate the consumed power Pc′ of the home H forecast for when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation. This consumed power Pc′, as indicated by the double-dot-dashed line Lc′ inFIG.8, illustrates transitioning that is the transitioning of the total consumed power Pc with a fixed offset added thereto. Secondly, the generating power Pa generated by the power generator6can be acquired by using the CT2arranged in the power line D2to measure the output power Pg from the power generator6during the period when PV suppression is not being executed. However, measurement of the panel generated power cannot be performed during the period of execution of the PV suppression, and thus the generated power Pa cannot be acquired directly. Thus the generated power estimator207uses a past power generation amount result as the estimated value of the present generated power Pa. Specifically, the generated power estimator207estimates, as the generated power Pa from the power generator6occurring in the execution period of the PV suppression, the output power Pg from the power generator6occurring during the period (period prior to the specified period of execution of the PV suppression) when the PV suppression is not executed. The measurement value of the output power Pg from the power generator6occurring in the period prior to the specified period for execution of the PV suppression is acquired by the measurement value acquirer202functioning as the first measurement value acquirer and is stored as a power amount in the power database40. The generated power estimator207estimates the generated power Pa using, among the measurement values of the power Pg stored in the power database40, the measurement value of the output power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6in the same time slot as a designated time slot for execution of the PV suppression and that occurs in several days (past C days) prior to a specified day for execution of the PV suppression. Here, the expression “same time slot” means a time slot that starts at the same time of day as the start time of the PV suppression and ends at a time of day that is the same as the end time of the PV suppression. If the time slots during the day are the same, solar insolation is roughly the same, and thus the power generation amount from solar power generation is estimated to be about the same, so the measurement values occurring at the same time slot as the specified time slot for execution of the PV suppression are used. FIG.9illustrates an example of transitioning of the measurement values of the output power from the power generator during a three day period prior to the day in which the PV suppression is executed. In the example ofFIG.9, on the day one day prior to the day of execution of the PV suppression, the output power amount from the power generator6is low in the morning and becomes high in the evening. In contrast, on the day two days prior to the day of execution of the PV suppression, the power generation amount from sunlight is low all day long. Further, on the day three days prior to the day of execution of the PV suppression, the output power amount from the power generator is high in the morning and becomes low in the afternoon. In this manner, the output power amount from the power generator6is affected by weather during the day. For each time included in the specified time slot for execution of the PV suppression, the generated power estimator207estimates, as the generated power Pa occurring at the time of day when PV suppression is executed, the maximum value of measurement values acquired in the previous C days by the measurement value acquirer202. For example, in each of the previous C days, if the measurement value of the output power Pg occurring at the X-th day among the previous C days is maximum among the measurement values of the output power Pg measured in a first period included in the same time slot as the specified time slot of execution of the PV suppression, the generated power estimator207estimates that the measurement value of the output power Pg occurring on the X-th day is the generated power Pa occurring in the first period of the day of execution of the PV suppression. Further, in each of the previous C days, if the measurement value of the output power Pg occurring at the Y-th day among the previous C days is maximum among the measurement values of the output power Pg measured in a second period included in the same time slot as the specified time slot of execution of the PV suppression, the generated power estimator207estimates that the measurement value of the output power Pg occurring on the Y-th day is the generated power Pa occurring in the second period of the day of execution of the PV suppression. FIG.10illustrates the transitioning of the maximum values (movement of maximum values) among the measurement values of the output power from the power generator occurring during the three day period prior to the day of execution of the suppression of PV power as illustrated inFIG.9. The generated power estimator207, on the basis of the measurement results of the output power Pg of the previous three days illustrated inFIG.9, estimates that the value of the transitioning illustrated inFIG.10is the generated power Pa occurring in each of the periods of the day in which the PV suppression is executed. The maximum values of the measurement values of the output power Pg in each period are used, for estimation of an upper limits of power generation from sunlight due to the days when the PV suppression is executed, because such days are normally days of clear weather when the reverse flow power is anticipated to be high, and thus power from sunlight is anticipated to be generated at the maximum limit. The number of past C days is set so as to include at least a day of clear weather when the PV suppression is not executed, for example, such as being set to a consecutive ten days to two weeks immediately prior to the day of execution of the PV suppression. The determination unit205uses the consumed power Pc′ calculated by the consumed power calculator206and the generated power Pa estimated by the generated power estimator207to execute the third determination processing for the specified period when there is the instruction for the PV suppression. That is to say, the determination unit205determines whether the consumed power Pc′ of the home H when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is smaller than the generated power Pa generated by the power generator6. The period D3from a time B to a time E (E′) illustrated inFIG.8is determined by the third determining processing. If there is prior acquisition of the suppression instruction by the instruction acquirer201, in the specified period of the instruction for the PV suppression, when the determination unit205determines that the predetermined conditions are satisfied, the water heater controller208commands the water heater5to heat water. The predetermined conditions are the three conditions occurring in the aforementioned first through third determination processing by the determination unit205, and when these three conditions are all satisfied, the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the predetermined conditions are satisfied when: (1) power is supplied to the home H from the commercial electrical power system8, (2) the power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6is higher than the limit value determined in accordance with the suppression instruction, and (3) the consumed power of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is lower than the generated power Pa generated by the power generator6. The time slot when all of these three conditions is satisfied is a period D4from the time D (D′) to the time E (E′) in the example illustrated inFIG.8. In this manner, the water heater controller208commands the water heater5to heat water in at least a portion of the periods in which, within the specified period for which there is the instruction for PV, the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the water heater controller208transmits to the hot water supply controller54of the water heater5via the in-home communication device24a PV suppression-permitting trigger indicating permission for the water heat-up operation. However, when the predetermined conditions are not satisfied within the specified period in which PV suppression is commanded, the water heater controller208commands the water heater5to end the water heat-up operation. Specifically, the water heater controller208transmits to the hot water supply controller54of the water heater5via the in-home communication device24a PV suppression-cancellation trigger indicating cancellation of the water heat-up operation. In this manner, the function of the water heater controller208is achieved by the controller21in cooperation with the in-home communication device24. In the execution period of the PV suppression, if the predetermined conditions are satisfied, the water heater controller208repeatedly in a predetermined cycle transmits to the hot water supply controller54this type of command. The predetermined cycle, for example, has units that are the same as those of the schedule for PV suppression, such as 30 minutes. By periodic transmission of the command at a fixed cycle, the command can be reliably transmitted to the water heater5even when momentary breakdowns occur in the transmission of the command. Upon receiving the command for the water heat-up operation, the hot water supply controller54performs the water heat-up operation in accordance with the received command from the water heater controller208. Specifically, the hot water supply controller54controls the heat pump unit50so as to generate hot water of the desired heat-up temperature within the hot water storage tank53. Various types of conditions occurring in the water heat-up operation, such as the heat-up temperature and the hot water storage amount, for example, are specified by the user via the remote controller55. Further, the water heater controller208transmits the command without taking into account the condition of the water heater5, and thus there are cases in which the hot water supply controller54does not operate in accordance with the received command. For example, the hot water supply controller54, upon receiving an command to further perform the water heat-up operation when the water heater5is already executing the water heat-up operation, discards the command. In the same manner, the hot water supply controller54, upon receiving an command to stop the water heat-up operation when the water heater5is already not executing the water heat-up operation, discards the command. The number of heat-up operations performed on a single day is set to one per day, for example, in consideration of working life of the compressor. Thus upon receiving the command once to perform the water heat-up operation and then executing the water heat-up operation, the hot water supply controller54does not perform the water heat-up operation for a second time even though a water heat-up operation is received at another time on the same day. Further, in the case of reception of a control command for the water heater5via the remote controller55from the user, the hot water supply controller54prioritizes the control command from the user. The result of the control of the water heater5by the water heater controller208is displayed via the operating terminal3.FIG.11illustrates a specific example of a display screen displayed by the operating terminal during the PV suppression. In the period of execution of the PV suppression, as illustrated inFIG.11, the terminal communicator200functions as a controller to cause the display device of the operating terminal3to display notification information including an apparatus listing, an apparatus layout, messages indicating the present status, and the like. Specifically, the terminal communicator200displays a PV suppression graphic31indicating that PV suppression is in progress, and also displays amounts of the generated power, the consumed power, the charged power, and the sold power. Further, during the PV suppression, the terminal communicator200displays in the vicinity of a graphic of the water heater5, which is the apparatus targeted for coordinated control, a coordinated control graphic32indicating that coordinated control is being executed. Due to such display, the user can visually confirm various types of information occurring during the PV suppression. Processing executed by the energy management system1configured in the aforementioned manner is described with reference toFIG.12toFIG.14. A summary of the processing executed by the energy management system1is illustrated inFIG.12.FIG.12illustrates the processing executed by the power server14, the control device2, the power generator6and the water heater5, after a PV suppression instruction is transmitted once from the power server14until completion of execution of such PV suppression. In the case in which the instruction for the PV suppression is transmitted from the power server14multiple times, the processing illustrated inFIG.12is executed in parallel for each of the multiple PV suppressions. Further, although the power measurement device4and the operating terminal3are not illustrated inFIG.12, during the period of execution of the processing illustrated inFIG.12, the power measurement device4by the CT1through CT3measures the power sent through the power lines D1through D3, and sequentially transmits to the control device2the measurement values of the measured power. Further, the operating terminal3by the setting screen illustrated inFIG.6receives a setting from the user for solar output suppression coordinated control and transmits to the control device2content of the received setting. Upon determination of the execution of the PV suppression and confirmation of the schedule and detailed contents thereof, the power server14distributes to each power consumer the instruction (suppression instruction) for the PV suppression (step S1). Upon distribution of the suppression instruction from the power server14, the control device2acquires the distributed suppression instruction via the wide area network N. Upon acquiring of the suppression instruction, the control device2forwards the acquired suppression instruction to the PV-PCS11of the power generator6via the wireless network installed in the home H (step S2). Upon acquiring the suppression instruction forwarded from the control device2, the PV-PCS11executes, in accordance with the acquired suppression instruction, suppression of the output of the generated power generated by the power generator6(step S3).FIG.13illustrates details of the output suppression processing of the PV-PCS11executed in the step S3. This output suppression processing is executed repeatedly in a fixed cycle during the period in which power is supplied to the PV-PCS11. The fixed cycle is one minute long, for example. In the output suppression processing illustrated inFIG.13, the PV-PCS11determines firstly whether the present time is included in an execution period of the PV suppression as designated in accordance with the suppression instruction (step S301). Further, if there is no suppression instruction, the determination of step S301is NO. When the present time is determined not to be included in the execution period of the PV suppression (NO in step S301), the PV-PCS11operates in a normal mode (step S302). The normal mode is a mode in which all generated power capable of being output, without suppression of output power from the power generator6, is supplied to the home H or the commercial electrical power system8. Thereafter, the PV-PCS11ends the output suppression processing. However, when the present time is determined to be included in the execution period of the PV suppression (YES in step S301), the PV-PCS11secondly determines whether the output power Pg presently output from the power generator6is larger than a limit value (step S303). If the determination is that the output power Pg presently output from the power generator6is not larger than the limit value (NO in step S303), such as when the power generation amount from sunlight is small due to cloudy weather or rain, for example, then output power Pg from the power generator6does not require suppression. Thus processing by the PV-PCS11goes to step S302, and the PV-PCS11operates in the normal mode. However, if the determination is that the output power Pg presently output from the power generator6is larger than the limit value (YES in step S303), the PV-PCS11determines whether power is being supplied from the commercial electrical power system8, that is to say, determines whether power is being purchased from the commercial electrical power system8(step S304). The PV-PCS11acquires the value of the power Pb calculated by the CT1, and determines whether the value of the power Pb is positive, thereby determining whether power is being supplied from the commercial electrical power system8. If the determination is that power is not being supplied from the commercial electrical power system8(NO in step S304), the PV-PCS11operates in an output suppression mode (step S305). The output suppression mode is a mode that suppresses the output power Pg from the power generator6to the limit value as instructed in accordance with the suppression instruction. Such operation corresponds to the case in which the total consumed power Pc of the home H is smaller than the limit value so that excess power is occurring, for example, as in the period P2illustrated inFIG.3. Thereafter, the PV-PCS11ends the output suppression processing. If the determination is that power is being supplied from the commercial electrical power system8(YES in step S304), the PV-PCS11operates in a reverse flow power zero mode (step S306). The reverse flow power zero mode is a mode that adjusts the output power Pg from the power generator6so that the reverse flow power approaches zero as much as possible. Such operation corresponds to the case in which purchasing of power from the commercial electrical power system8is required when the total consumed power Pc of the home H is greater than the limit value so that excess power does not occur (such as in the period P3illustrated inFIG.3, for example), that is, when the output power Pg from the power generator6is suppressed to the limit value. In this case, the PV-PCS11adjusts the output power Pg from the power generator6so as to become equal to the total consumed power Pc. Thus the power Pb measured by the CT1becomes as close as possible to zero so that power is neither purchased nor sold. Thereafter, the PV-PCS11ends the output suppression processing. The overall processing of the energy management system1illustrated inFIG.12is further described below. Upon the control device2forwarding the suppression instruction acquired from the power server14to the power generator6, the control device2determines whether there is arrival of a start time for the PV suppression (step S4). If the arrival of the start time for the PV suppression is pending (NO in step S4), the control device2waits until the arrival of the start time. However, if there is arrival of the start time of the PV suppression (YES in step S4), the control device2executes PV suppression determination in accordance with the acquired suppression instruction (step S5). Details of the PV suppression determination processing executed in step S5are illustrated inFIG.14. This PV suppression determination processing is executed repeatedly in a fixed cycle when the solar output suppression coordinated control is set ON in the setting screen illustrated inFIG.6and there is arrival of the designated execution period for the PV suppression in accordance with the suppression instruction. The fixed cycle length, for example, is 30 minutes, which is the same incremental unit as that of the schedule of the PV suppression. In the PV suppression determination processing illustrated inFIG.14, the controller21of the control device2, as the first determination processing, determines whether the purchased power amount is presently less than or equal to the threshold α, that is, whether power is substantially being purchased at present (step S501). The present purchased power amount is obtained by referring to the measurement value of the power Pb acquired by the measurement value acquirer202and last stored in the power database40. The processing of step S501determines whether the present time is included in the period D1illustrated inFIG.8. If the determination is that power is not being substantially purchased at present (YES in step S501), the controller21determines, as the second determination processing, whether the present output power amount of the power generator6is greater than or equal to a value obtained by adding the threshold β to the suppression amount, that is, whether the present output power amount of the power generator6substantially exceeds the suppression amount (step S502). The present output power amount of the power generator6is obtained by referring to the measurement value of the power Pg acquired by the measurement value acquirer202and last stored in the power database40. Further, the suppression amount is a value expressed in power amount units by multiplying the limit value determined in accordance with the suppression instruction by the time of 30 minutes, which is the incremental unit of the schedule of the PV suppression. The processing of step S502determines whether the present time is included in the period D2illustrated inFIG.8. When the determination is that power is not presently being substantially purchased (NO in step S501), excess power is not occurring. Further, when the determination is that the output power amount of the power generator6presently is not substantially exceeding the suppression amount (NO in step S502), sale of power is occurring. Thus in this case causing operation of the water heater5is determined not be necessary, and the controller21ends the PV suppression determining processing. If the determination in step S502is that the output power of the power generator6at present substantially exceeds the suppression amount (YES in step S502), the controller21determines a presently set ON-OFF status of a PV suppression flag (step S503). The “PV suppression flag” is a flag indicating to the water heater5an instruction condition of the PV suppression, and is stored, for example, in the storage22of the control device2. In the immediately prior PV suppression determination processing, the PV suppression flag is set ON when the PV suppression-permitting trigger is transmitted to the water heater5, and is set OFF when the PV suppression-cancellation trigger is transmitted to the water heater5. The below-described third determination processing of the controller21is executed using conditions that differ in accordance with the ON-OFF status of the PV suppression flag as presently set. When the PV suppression flag is set ON (YES in step S503), the controller21, as the third determination processing, determines whether the past actual power generation amount is larger than a value obtained by adding the threshold γ to the consumed power amount of the home H during heat-up operation of the water heater5(step S504). The past actual power generation amount is the amount of the generated power Pa estimated by the generated power estimator207, and as described previously, is obtained by acquiring the measurement value, for the previous C days, of the power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6in the time slot that is the same as the time slot specified for execution of the PV suppression. Further, the consumed power amount of the home H during the water heat-up operation of the water heater5is the amount of the power Pc′ calculated by the consumed power calculator206, and this consumed power amount is calculated in the aforementioned manner by subtracting the measurement value of the consumed power Pe of the water heater5from the measurement value of the total consumed power Pc of the home H stored in the database40, and then adding the consumed power of the water heater5occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation. Further, the past actual power generation amount used in the determination is fundamentally an estimate of the present actual power generation amount, and thus the threshold γ is a margin for securing safety and is set such that the consumed power does not exceed the power generation amount that the power generator6is capable of outputting. If the setting of the PV suppression flag is OFF (NO in step S503), the controller21determines, as the third determination processing, whether the past actual power generation amount is larger than a value obtained by adding a threshold γ′ to the consumed power amount of the home H during the water heat-up operation of the water heater5(step S505). That is to say, the controller21uses a threshold as the margin that differs in accordance with the ON-OFF status of the PV suppression flag as presently set. The threshold γ′ is a margin for securing safety and is set, in the same manner as the threshold γ, such that the consumed power amount does not exceed the power generation amount capable of output from the power generator6. The threshold γ′ is set to a value larger than the threshold γ. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.15, the threshold γ′ in the case in which the PV suppression flag is switched from OFF to ON is set to a value somewhat larger than the threshold γ in the case in which the PV suppression flag is switched from ON to OFF. This configuration provides hysteresis when switching between ON and OFF. This is a countermeasure against so-called “flutter”, and is used for preventing frequent switching due to the PV suppression determination flag being set ON and OFF. In one example of threshold settings, the threshold γ is set to 0 Wh, and the threshold γ′ is set to 200 Wh. Hereinafter, the threshold γ′ is termed the first threshold, and the threshold γ is termed the second threshold. More specifically, when the value obtained by adding the first threshold γ′ to the total consumed power Pc′ of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is smaller than the generated power Pa generated by the power generator6, the determination unit205determines that the water heater5is to be commanded to heat water. Then when the value obtained by adding the second threshold γ to the total consumed power Pc′ of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is larger than the generated power Pa generated by the power generator6, the determination unit205determines that the water heater5is to be commanded to stop the water heat-up operation. The water heater controller208, in accordance with the results of the determination by the determination unit205, commands the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation or stop the water heat-up operation. By the processing of step S504and step S505in this manner, determination is made as to whether the present time is included in the period D4illustrated inFIG.8. In the case of determination, in step S504and step S505, that the past actual power generation amount is larger than the value obtained by adding the predetermined γ or γ′ to the consumed power amount of the home H during the water heat-up operation of the water heater5(YES in step S504, YES in step S505), the controller21sets the PV suppression flag ON (step S506). Then the controller21transmits the PV suppression-permitting trigger to the water heater5via the in-home communication device24(step S507). In contrast, in the case of determination, in step S504and step S505, that the past actual power generation amount is not larger than the value obtained by adding the predetermined γ or γ′ to the consumed power amount of the home H during the water heat-up operation of the water heater5(NO in step S504, NO in step S505), the controller21sets the PV suppression flag OFF (step S508). Then the controller21transmits the PV suppression-cancelation trigger to the water heater5via the in-home communication device24(step S509). Upon transmission of the PV suppression-permitting trigger or the PV suppression-cancelation trigger to the water heater5, the controller21ends the PV suppression determination processing illustrated inFIG.14. The overall processing of the energy management system1illustrated inFIG.12is further described below. As a result of the PV suppression determination occurring in step S5, the water heater5receives the control command transmitted from the control device2. Specifically, the control command is the PV suppression-permitting trigger or the PV suppression-cancelation trigger. Upon reception of the control command, the water heater5answers the control device2by a reply to the received control command (step S6). Then the water heater5updates the heating-up mode in accordance with the received control command (step S7). Specifically, upon receiving the PV suppression-permitting trigger when the water heat-up operation is not in progress, the hot water supply controller54of the water heater5controls the heat pump unit50and performs the water heat-up operation. Further, upon receiving the PV suppression-cancelation trigger when the water heat-up operation is in progress, the hot water supply controller54controls the heat pump unit50and stops the water heat-up operation. Further, in the aforementioned manner, the hot water supply controller54sometimes does not operate in accordance with the received command. Upon execution of the PV suppression determination in step S5and transmission of the control command to the water heater5, the control device2determines whether there is prior arrival of a completion time for the PV suppression (step S8). In the case in which the arrival of the completion time for the PV suppression is pending (NO in step S8), the processing of the control device2returns to step S5. Then the control device2executes the PV suppression determination at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 minutes), and transmits to the water heater5the PV suppression-permitting trigger or the PV suppression-cancelation trigger in accordance with the determination result. However, upon arrival of the completion time of the PV suppression (YES in step S8), the processing illustrated inFIG.12ends. In the energy management system1in accordance with the present embodiment as described above, when the predetermined first through third conditions are satisfied in the execution period of the PV suppression, the control device2commands the water heater5to heat water. Such operation enables a lowering of the power generation loss occurring during the PV suppression and enables improvement of the utilization efficiency of power. During such operation, the generated power Pa of the power generator6occurring in the execution period of the PV suppression is estimated by the control device2to be the measurement value of the power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6occurring on a day prior to the day of execution of the PV suppression. Due to use of the actual past power generation amount, the generated power Pa of the power generator6occurring in the execution period of the PV suppression can be estimated with high precision without incurring a high calculation expense. Further, in the case in which the consumed power Pc′ of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation in the execution period of the PV suppression is smaller than the generated power Pa, the control device2commands the water heater5to heat water. In other words, the control device2compares the consumed power Pc′ of the home H in the case in which the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation and the generated power Pa that the power generator6is capable of outputting, obtains an estimate of how much the consumption amount consumed by the water heater5can be increased, and then commands the water heater5to heat water. As a result, without the occurrence of power purchasing, the water heater5can be made to perform the water heat-up operation at a power corresponding to the power generation loss. Particularly in the case in which there is a contract for time slot-specific fees, the power unit price is generally high in the daytime when the PV suppression is executed, and thus economic losses can be effectively decreased by not allowing the occurrence of power purchasing. Modified Example Although an embodiment of the present disclosure is described above, modifications and applications based on various aspects are possible in implementing the present disclosure. For example, in the aforementioned embodiment, the water heater controller208commands the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation in the case in which all of the predetermined first condition through third condition are satisfied in the execution period of the PV suppression. However, the water heater controller208may command the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation in the case in which only one or two of the conditions is satisfied among the first condition through third condition. For example, in the case in which only the third condition is satisfied in the execution period of the PV suppression, that is, in the case in which the consumed power Pc′ of the home H occurring when the water heater5performs the water heat-up operation is less than the generated power Pa of the power generator6, the water heater controller208may command the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation. In this case, the water heater controller208commands the water heater5to heat water in the period D3from the time B to the time E (E′) occurring in theFIG.8. This period D3includes the period of purchasing of power from the time B to the time D (D′). Thus this aspect is effective in the case of prioritization of the decreasing of the power generation loss over the economic effect of power sales. Further, in the case in which only the first condition is satisfied in the execution period of the PV suppression, that is, in the case in which power from the commercial electrical power system8is not being supplied to the home H, the water heater controller208may command the water heater5to perform the water heat-up operation. In this case, the water heater controller208commands the water heater5to heat water in the period D1from the time A to the time F occurring inFIG.8. Alternatively, the predetermined condition for commanding the water heater5to heat water may be satisfied in the case in which the second condition alone is satisfied, the first condition and the third condition are both satisfied, the first condition and the second condition are both satisfied, or the second condition and the third condition are both satisfied. In this manner, whatever the type of condition that is satisfied, the water heater controller208can determine, variously in accordance with user desires, conditions, or the like, whether to command the water heater5to heat water. Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the generated power estimator207estimates the generated power Pa occurring in the execution period of the PV suppression as the measurement value of the power Pg supplied to the home H from the power generator6on the day prior to the day of execution of the PV suppression. However, the generated power estimator207may estimate the generated power Pa at the time of the PV suppression without using the measurement value. For example, the generated power estimator207can estimate the generated power Pa occurring in the execution period of the PV suppression on the basis of information such as the weather, season, and the like during the execution period of the PV suppression. Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the generated power Pa occurring at the time of day when the PV suppression is executed is estimated by the generated power estimator207as the maximum value among the measurement values acquired in the previous C days by the measurement value acquirer202at each time included in the specified time slot in which the PV suppression is executed. However, in numerous cases the generated power Pa is actually smaller than the past maximum value even when PV suppression is in progress. Thus the generated power estimator207may estimate the generated power Pa to be a value obtained by correcting the maximum value amount of the measurement values acquired in the previous C days. For example, the generated power estimator207may estimate, as the generated power Pa occurring in each period of the day of execution of the PV suppression, a value obtained by multiplying the maximum value among the measurement values acquired in the previous C days times a predetermined correction coefficient such as 0.95, 0.9, or the like. Further, the power generator6is arranged at the home H in the aforementioned embodiment. However, the power generator6may be arranged on grounds separated from the home H, and the power may be supplied from a location remote from the home H, as long as the power generator6is a power system separate from the commercial electrical power system8. In this case, the location at which the power generator6is arranged is included in the meaning of the term “power-consuming area”. Further, the term “power-consuming area” is not limited to a general household as in the aforementioned home H, but may be collective housing, a facility, a building, a factory, or the like, as long as the power-consuming area consumes power from the power generator6and the commercial electrical power system8. Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the power measurement device4measures the power Pb, Pg, and Pe sent through the power lines D1to D3, and transmits the measurement values of such power to the control device2. Further, the control device2forwards to the PV-PCS11of the power generator6the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe acquired from the power measurement device4. However, the power measurement device4may directly transmit to the PV-PCS11the measurement values of the power Pb, Pg, and Pe. Further, a device other than the power measurement device4may measure the power. For example, the PV-PCS11of the power generator6may be connected through a communication line to the CT2arranged at the power line D2, and the power Pg output from the power generator6may be measured. Further, the hot water supply controller54of the water heater5may be connected via a communication line with the CT3arranged at the power line D3, and the power Pe consumed by the water heater5may be measured. Measurement in this manner enables appropriate transmission through the wireless network installed in the home H and enables shared use among the various apparatuses. Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the instruction for PV suppression distributed from the power server14is sent to the control device2and is forwarded from the control device2to the PV-PCS11. However, the instruction for the PV suppression may be transmitted directly to the PV-PCS11. In this case, by the PV-PCS11transmitting to the control device2the contents of the instruction for the PV suppression, the instruction acquirer201of the control device2acquires information such as the schedule, limit value, and the like of the PV suppression. Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, the case is described in which the control2is arranged in the home H. However, in the present disclosure, a device having functions equivalent to the control device2may be arranged outside the home H.FIG.16illustrates an example of such an energy management system1a. In the energy management system1aillustrated inFIG.16, the control device2is not arranged in the home H. In place of the control device2, a router12is connected in a communication-capable manner with each of the operating terminal3, the power measurement device4, the water heater5, the power generator6, and the apparatus7, and the router12relays the transmissions occurring between each of the apparatuses. Further, the router12and the data server13operate together to perform the role of the control device2. Alternatively, the router12may be incapable of communication with some of the apparatuses within the home H. For example, a configuration may be used in which the router12and the water heater5are not connected in a communication-capable manner, and the power generator6relays communication between the router12and the water heater5. By omission of the control device2in this manner, the configuration of the energy management system1acan be simplified due to the ability to reduce the number of the apparatuses arranged in the home H. In the aforementioned embodiment, the operating terminal3is equipped with the display and the input device, and the control device2acquires via wireless or wired communication the input information input to the operating terminal3, and transmits display information to the operating terminal3. However, in the present disclosure, the control device2may be equipped with the display and the input device. That is to say, the control device2may be equipped with the functions of the operating terminal3. In this case, the setting information receiver receives the setting input from the user via the input device with which the control device2is equipped, and not via the operating terminal3. Further, the display controller displays the user information via the display with which the control device2is equipped, and not via the operating terminal3. In the aforementioned embodiment, the controller21of the control device2, by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or storage22, performs the functions of each of the terminal communicator200, the instruction acquirer201, the measurement value acquirer202, the relay unit203, the determination unit205, the consumed power calculator206, the generated power estimator207, and the water heater controller208. However, in the present disclosure, the controller21may be dedicated hardware. The term “dedicated hardware” means, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), combinations thereof, or the like. When the controller21is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be achieved by separate respective hardware, or may be achieved collectively by a single hardware unit. Further, among each of the functions, a portion may be achieved using dedicated hardware, and the other portion may be achieved by software or firmware. In this manner, the controller21can achieve the aforementioned various functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of such. An operating program specifying the operations of the control device2according to the present disclosure can be used with an existing personal computer, information terminal device, or the like, thereby enabling the personal computer, information terminal device, or the like to function as the control device2according to the present disclosure. Further, any method may be used for distribution of such a program, and for example, the program may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magneto-optical (MO) disc, a memory card, or the like, and the computer-readable recording medium storing the program may be distributed through a communication network such as the Internet. The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure can be used with advantage for a system and the like performing control of power. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1,1aEnergy management system2Control device3Operating terminal4Power measurement device5Water heater6Power generating equipment7,7-1,7-2, . . . Equipment unit8Commercial electrical power system9Power distribution panel10PV panel11PV-PCS12Router13Data server14Power server21Controller22Storage23Timer24In-home communication device25Outside-home communication device29Bus31PV suppression graphic32Coordinated control graphic40Power database50Heat pump unit51Tank unit52Piping53Hot water storage tank54Hot water supply controller55Remote controller56Mixing valve57Shower58Faucet59Communication line200Terminal communicator201Instruction acquirer202Measurement value acquirer203Relay unit205Determination unit206Consumed power calculator207Generated power estimator208Water heater controller210Instruction storage220Measurement value storage230Setting storageD1to D5Power lineH HomeN Wide area network | 98,113 |
11859834 | Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring toFIG.1, a micro-combined heat and power (“mCHP”) system100constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown in schematic form. System100, as shown inFIG.1and described generally below is configured to be integrated into an existing power grid. However, it is also considered within the scope of the present invention that the system100may be located off-grid, i.e., it need not be connected to an electrical power grid. The mCHP100is configured to supply electricity and heat to a single building such as a home or a commercial building and also to supply heat to a fluid flow path of a heating system in the building. The mCHP100comprises a generator set or “genset”106including an engine102and a generator104, a coolant loop120and related components130,137,142,144for heating a liquid such as water, and a programmable microcontroller or “electronic control unit” ECU101that controls system operation. The ECU101may control both the entire system including the genset106and the furnace136or, alternatively, may communicate with other ECUs (not shown) controlling the engine102and the furnace136. The mCHP system100is a “split” system in which at least the genset106is disposed externally of the building's exterior wall109. Positioning the genset106outside of the building reduces the “footprint” or physical space occupied by the system100within the building, facilitates installation of the genset106in negating the need to install large components in tight spaces, facilitates maintenance of the genset in negating the need to permit access to the interior of the building, and reduces the transmission of noise to the interior of the building during operation. Genset106may be located within an exterior housing or enclosure107that is configured to protect the genset106from adverse operating conditions such as rain or snow, suppress the sound of the operating genset106, and provide sufficient ventilation for optimal operation of the genset106. System100also includes a coolant loop120that is primarily located within the enclosure107and that is configured to progressively heat coolant by heat exchange from the engine102, the stator housing of the generator104, the engine's oil supply system, and the engine's exhaust system. Once heated, the coolant loop120travels through the exterior wall109, into the interior of the building where a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger130is provided for transferring heat from the hot coolant to a liquid, typically water, that may be used for as a source of heat via incorporation into a forced air furnace136. While, not illustrated inFIG.1, the heated water from the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger130may also provide a source of domestic hot water for use in the building. Electricity generated by the system100can be used to directly satisfy the building(s) energy load(s), be stored for future use and/or fed into an electrical power grid, if one is present. As is typical, the genset106includes an engine102and a generator/alternator104. The engine102, is preferably an internal combustion engine, but may be any alternative form of prime mover. The engine102may be a single-cylinder, approximately 8-HP internal combustion dual-fuel engine that is configured to run on either natural gas or propane without requiring mechanical modification to switch between fuels. Both these fuels are widely available in regions lacking reliable electric power grids. Alternatively, the engine102may also be a single fuel engine and/or configured to run on any of a variety of fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, biofuel, etc. In this embodiment, the approximately 8-HP engine102provides approximately 40,000 to 50,000 BTU of heat to air being supplied to a forced air furnace136as will be described in further detail below, when the engine102is fueled by natural gas and is running at an electrical generation output of approximately 5 kW. However, it should be considered to be well within the scope of the present invention that the engine and the genset as a whole may be of larger capacity such that the reclaimed heat output from the internal combustion engine102may further provide approximately: 51,000 to 100,000 BTU of heat when the genset106is configured to output approximately 10 kW of electricity; 101,000 to 150,000 BTUs of heat when outputting approximately 15 kW of electricity; 151,000 to 200,000 BTU of heat when outputting approximately 20 kW; 201,000 to 250,000 BTU of heat when outputting approximately 25 kW of electricity; 251,000 to 300,000 BTU of heat when outputting approximately 30 kW of electricity; 301,000 to 350,000 BTU of heat when outputting approximately 35 kW of heat; and, 351,000 to 400,000 BTU when outputting approximately 40 kW of electricity. More preferably, the engine102is configured to have a long-running lifespan of greater than approximately 40,000 operating hours and has relatively low maintenance requirements, with maintenance intervals of approximately 4,000 hours. Such a long run life and relatively infrequent maintenance is of significant importance in remote applications of the mCHP system100, where routine service may be unavailable. The engine102may be a variable-speed engine. Accordingly, modulating the running speed of the engine102between approximately 1,200 RPM and 3,400 RPM results in a corresponding electrical power generation of an approximately between 1.2 kW and 4.4 kW, respectively. As a result of modulating the speed of the engine102under direct or indirect control of the microcontroller101, the genset's electrical output can be varied to meet the electrical load placed on the mCHP system100, thereby maximizing efficiency of the system100, where either electrical storage and/or resale through a connected power grid is either undesirable or unavailable. Fuel is supplied to the engine102via a gas valve108and regulator110, which controls the flow of fuel into the engine102. Atmospheric air is supplied to the engine102through the housing107and an air filter112at a variable rate that is typically of approximately 15 to 20 cubic feet per minute, depending upon engine speed. Heated exhaust gases exit the engine102through an exhaust system114, which may have a muffler116disposed therein. The engine102is lubricated via engine oil delivered from an oil reservoir118and circulated between the engine102and the oil reservoir118via a pump (not shown). A coolant loop120, comprising a series of conduits, extends from the engine102as to allow engine coolant to flow throughout the mCHP system100, thereby reducing the operating temperature of the engine102and simultaneously recapturing waste heat for heating a water source as will be described in further detail below. More specially, in the coolant loop120, engine coolant enters stator housing of the generator104at a first temperature. Operation of the generator104heats the coolant to a second temperature. The coolant then flows from an outlet122to generator104to the oil reservoir118. Heat from the engine oil contained within the reservoir118is transferred to the coolant, thereby heating the engine coolant to a third temperature. This heat transfer reduces the temperature of the engine oil in the oil reservoir118. Meanwhile, the heated coolant passes from the oil reservoir118via a conduit124and flows into a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger such as a thermal recuperator126. The recuperator126may be a shell and tube exchanger comprising a liquid coolant filled shell containing a series of tubes through which the heated exhaust may travel. However, alternative heat exchanger configurations are within the scope of the present invention. During use, the heated exhaust flowing from the engine102to the muffler116and through the exhaust outlet114passes through the tubes of the recuperator126, heating the engine coolant flowing through the surrounding shell component to a fourth temperature. A exhaust catalyst for reducing emissions in the exhaust may also be disposed at or in the recuperator126or elsewhere in the exhaust system, along with an oxygen sensor that provides data used by the controller101for controlling the fuel-to-air ratio of the engine102. In this configuration, the recuperator126may also contain a catalytic converter or other exhaust treatment device as to reduce toxic gases and pollutants in the exhaust gas prior to entering the muffler116. The coolant at the fourth temperature then flows from the recuperator126, via conduit127to the engine102. Operation of the engine102further heats the coolant to a fifth temperature. A water pump (not shown), attached to the engine102, continues to circulate the engine coolant through coolant loop120as generally described above. Upon exiting the engine102, the heated coolant travels via conduit128through wall109into the interior of the building, and to a coolant-to-water heat exchanger130. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger130is a plate-to-plate exchanger. However, other exchangers such as shell and tube, plate and fin, and microchannel exchangers are well within the scope of the present embodiment. There, heat from the coolant, is transferred to water flowing through a water circuit132, thereby heating the water flowing through the water circuit132and cooling the coolant by approximately 15° F. to 25° F., and more preferably approximately 20° F. In one embodiment, the heated coolant typically enters the heat exchanger130at a temperature of approximately of about 168° F. and exits the heat exchanger130at a lower temperature of approximately 148° F. The engine coolant is then returned to the coolant-cooled alternator104of the genset106via coolant inlet134, thereby completing the coolant loop120. Referring again toFIG.1, and specifically the indoor portion of the system100, assuming liquid that is heated by the mCHP is water, a system is provided for heating the water from the coolant loop, storing the heated water, and heating air with the water in liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The system includes a water pump137which is controlled by the controller101and pumps water through a water loop132. In so doing, water is supplied from a bulk hot water storage tank144through a conduit138and pumped into an inlet131of mixing valve142regulated by the controller101. The operating temperature of the genset106, via the controller101, regulates mixing valve142to control the flow rate of water into and out of the coolant-to-water heat exchanger130, via conduit133, which in turn regulates the output temperature of the water that exits the coolant-to-water heat exchanger130through outlet135and reenters the tank144. The tank144may be a bulk storage tank of any desired capacity as to meet hot water supply needs. Water in the tank144may be used primarily as a heat source, as will be described below, or may additionally function as a source of domestic hot water. The tank144may include therein one or more water temperature sensors140. For example, as shown inFIG.1, three vertically-spaced sensors140a,140b,140cmay provide various temperature readings at distinct depths in the tank, which are collectively used to maintain a target temperature within the tank144. In one embodiment, the target temperature may be 120° F. to 160° F. Furthermore, the controller101, or another controller communicating with controller101, may also regulate the variable speed of the engine102in response to signals from the sensors140. For example, the controller101, or a separate engine controller (if present) may decrease the speed of the engine102and as a result generates less electricity as the system100approaches the target temperature. In this configuration, the difference between the target temperature and the sensed temperature provided by one or more sensor(s)140, or an average reading thereof, may serve as a basis for controlling the engine speed. Once the heat load has been met, i.e., the temperature equals the sensed temperature, then the electrical generator102is turned off and does not generate electricity. Rather, with the generator102in the off configuration, electrical current into the system100is supplied by a storage device, e.g., battery, or electrical grid. This current input may also provide the required electricity to start the mCHP genset106, upon a signal from the controller101that the sensed temperature of the hot water storage tank144has fallen below the target temperature. Still referring toFIG.1, and as described above, the hot water in tank144may be used as a heat source, such as in combination with another heating system. In this embodiment, the heating system comprises a forced air furnace136. Furnace136may be a pre-existing unit that is retrofitted to receive heat from mCHP system100, or may alternatively be a newly provided furnace136that is integrated into the mCHP system100. As is standard, the forced air furnace136includes a blower148that receives cold air at an inlet150from an upstream return duct152. The blower148, which may be a variable speed blower, directs airflow through a heat exchanger157that receives heat from a conventional gas burner, which may be a one-stage or two-stage burner. When used in system100, the heat exchanger157may function as a second stage or supplemental heat source for the air, and thus may be considered a secondary heat exchanger. The heated air then exits the forced air furnace136through the downstream supply duct154. In one embodiment of system100, a liquid-to-air heat exchanger, i.e., primary heat exchanger156, is positioned between the cold air return duct152and the blower inlet150. The heat exchanger156may be considered a “primary heat exchanger,” the operation of which is supplemented only when necessary by the furnace136and more specifically by its supplemental heat exchanger157. An air filter (not shown) may be disposed within the air flow path upstream of the primary heat exchanger156as to prevent dust and/or airborne particulates from covering the primary heat exchanger156and reducing its thermal efficiency. In this position, operation of the blower148will pull cold air over the primary heat exchanger156before the air reaches the blower148. A water pump158, the activation of which may be controlled by a conventional furnace thermostat160, pumps water through a furnace water loop162. In so doing, water is pulled from an outlet146of the bulk hot water storage tank144and suppled to an inlet149of the primary heat exchanger156upon demand, and then return the water to the tank144at a lower temperature via inlet147. In this embodiment, the furnace water loop162forms a recirculating closed loop in conjunction with the water circuit132, which heats the water through operation of the genset106. In use, the thermostat160will be set to a desired temperature, and control activation of the furnace water loop's162water pump158and the furnace blower148. Hot water will then be supplied from the storage tank144to the primary heat exchanger156, positioned upstream of the blower148, where cold air from the return duct152will be heated prior to entering the blower148. As a result, the temperature of the air that exits the furnace136via supply duct154will rise. If the heating capacity of the primary heat exchanger156is sufficient to meet the demand of the thermostat160, the secondary heat exchanger157of the furnace136, and its gas burner, then need not operate. The furnace will operate only if the thermal load of the building exceeds the prevailing heating capacity, in terms of BTU output, of the mCHP system100. The mCHP system100and furnace thus form a two-stage heating system, with the mCHP system100serving as the primary heat source, supplemented by the furnace136as needed. Moreover, as heat is transferred from the water to the air at the primary heat exchanger156, the sensed temperature at the storage tank144will decrease, and may automatically activate the genset106to both produce an electrical current output and a thermal output to raise the temperature of water within the storage tank144and compensate for heat lost to the air moving over the primary heat exchanger156. In so doing, operation of the genset106may be triggered indirectly by raising the thermostat160, despite a lack of direct communication between the thermostat160and controller101. However, it should be understood that the value of the second air temperature, i.e., maximum temperature of air independently heated by the primary heat exchanger156will vary depending upon various factors, including the volume of air to be heated, blower speed, bulk tank volume, maximum temperature of water in the bulk tank, etc. Nonetheless, it is considered well within the scope of the present invention that in one embodiment the mCHP system100, including the approximately 8-HP engine102as described above, a thermal output of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 BTU may be provide at the primary heat exchanger156when the engine102is fueled by natural gas and is running at an electrical generation output of approximately 5 kW. Furthermore, use of the thermostat160to activate water pump158and supply the water-to-air heat exchanger156with hot water may allow the system100to be readily retrofitted into an existing forced air heating or HVAC system with an existing thermostat160controlled forced air furnace136, given that the mCHP controller101need not be integrated into the thermostat160. Accordingly, activation of both the primary heat exchanger156and secondary heat exchanger157may be exclusively and independently controlled by the thermostat160. It should be noted that it is conceivable that the system could be configured such that the furnace136or other heating system may function as the primary or first stage heater and the mCHP could function as the secondary or second stage heater. It is also possible that, particularly in relatively temperate climates, the furnace136or other heating system could be eliminated and all heat provided to forced air heating system could be supplied by the mCHP system100, with the mCHP's liquid-to-air heat exchange130being formed in a flow-path from a blower to the building's warm air supply ductwork. In an alternative embodiment, the bulk storage tank144may serve as a source of domestic hot water for supply to faucets, appliances, etc., In such an embodiment, the water supply may be provided directly from the volume of water in the storage tank144, where lost water volume is replaced by a cold water supply (not shown). Alternatively, the storage tank144may be in fluid communication with yet another water-to-water heat exchanger (not shown), that provides heat to a domestic hot water tank while retaining a closed loop water system with water circuit132and furnace water loop162. In one embodiment of the present invention, starting the genset106is controlled by the microcontroller101, which allows for a gentler speeding up and starting of the engine102, thereby reducing fatigue on the engine102. For example, if the engine102is stopped near top dead center of a compression stroke, substantially higher torque would be required to start turning the engine102over. The microcontroller101may detect the position of the cylinder, for example through the use of a cam sensor, and then reverse the engine102approximately ¾ of a cycle, as to reduce the energy required to start the engine near a power stroke. Referring now to bothFIGS.1and2, the mCHP system according to the present invention is well-suited for operation in connection with a power grid164or electrical storage device166as to provide a current for a genset electric starter (not shown) as regulated by the microcontroller101, described above. In such an embodiment, an input168to the genset106may provide the current for the electrical starter, while the electrical current generated by the genset106is directed to the building's electrical panel, power grid164and/or electrical storage device166via current output170. The electrical storage device166may be either a discrete, single battery, a battery bank or battery array, fuel cells, etc., that is in electrical communication with one or more mCHP system100a-100n. A number “n”106a-106ngensets, are schematically illustrated inFIG.2, to represent a corresponding number “n”100a-100nmCHP systems in electrical communication with a common electrical storage device166. In such an embodiment, the electrical storage device166can either be used to meet or supplement the electrical load of one or more buildings172a-172nor optionally to provide current back to a power grid164when the generated current exceeds the electrical load and/or electrical capacity of the electrical storage device166, when the electrical storage device166is in electrical communication with the power grid164. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present invention need not require a connection to the power grid164, but may be configured for use off-gird as was shown inFIG.1. In such an embodiment of the present invention in which the mCHP system100is used independent of a conventional electrical grid, excess electricity may be stored for subsequent use in electrical storage device166. Referring again toFIG.2, a mCHP system, shown as100a, may provide an electrical output to a number “n” of buildings172a-172n, or alternatively to multiple discrete units (not shown) within a single building. By way of example, a common mCHP system100amay provide electricity to a multi-tenant apartment building or multi-tenant office building, where the electricity demand of discrete units is independently metered and provided by the common mCHP system100a. The two or more mCHP systems100a-100nmay operate to provide a combined electrical output sufficient to meet the cumulative electrical load of one or more buildings172a-172n, as shown inFIG.2. Optionally, one or more mCHP systems100a-100naccording to the present invention may provide an electrical power supply in combination with one or more additional electrical generation sources174, such as solar generated electricity, wind generated electricity, hydrogenated electricity, etc. In the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG.2, including one or more mCHP systems100a-100n, and optionally one or more additional electrical generation sources174such as solar generated electricity, wind generated electricity, hydrogenated electricity etc., the present invention may be integrated into a microgrid176, i.e., a decentralized group of electricity sources and loads that may function when disconnected from or entirely independent of a central power grid. The microgrid176may comprise a plurality of discrete buildings172a-172n, where each or many buildings include a corresponding mCHP system100a-100nas generally described above. By way of one non-limiting example, a subdivision of approximately 100 homes may collectively form a microgrid176where a mCHP system100is installed at each or most of the homes. The various buildings within the microgrid are in electrical communication with one another, such that the electrical current output from a first mCHP system100adirectly connected with a first building172amay be transmitted to a second building (not shown) that is not directly connected to the first mCHP system100a. In this configuration, the electricity generation of multiple mCHP systems100a-100nmay be distributed to various buildings in the microgrid as to meet the electrical demand of the microgrid system. Furthermore, excess electricity generated from the various sources within the microgrid176, which exceeds demand, may be stored for subsequent use in an electrical storage device166such as a single battery, a battery array, fuel cells, etc. Alternatively, the excess electricity may optionally be sold back to a central power grid164, if the microgrid176is connected to the central power grid164as shown inFIG.2. In such an embodiment, where the microgrid176provides multiple sources of electricity generation, the failure of a single source of electricity generation, such as a single mCHP system100will not result in either a loss of electricity at the building (172afor example) associated with the mCHP system100or a system-wide failure, as the remaining sources of electricity generation throughout the microgrid may be relied upon to provide continued generation and distribution of electricity. While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope are not so limited. For example, while the heating system described herein is a forced air furnace, the mCHP described herein, and other mCHP systems falling within the scope of the invention, could be used in conjunction with other heating systems of the type typically used to heat a building. These heating systems include, but are not limited to, hydronic heating systems and heat pumps. Still other changes and modifications that may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. | 25,831 |
11859835 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components in drawings, and description of components designated by like reference characters will not be repeated. (Humidity Control Device) FIGS.1to4illustrate a configuration example of a humidity control device (10) according to an embodiment. The humidity control device (10) controls the humidity in the room and ventilates the room. The humidity control device (10) is configured to control the humidity of sucked outside air (OA), and supply the air to a room as supply air (SA). The humidity control device (10) is also configured to control the humidity of sucked room air (RA), and exhaust the air to the outside as exhaust air (EA). The humidity control device (10) includes a casing (11), a refrigerant circuit (50), a flow path switching mechanism (40), and a controller (95). The casing (11) is provided with first and second humidity control chambers (37,38) and a bypass passage (80) that allows the air to bypass the first humidity control chamber (37) or the second humidity control chamber (38). In this example, the bypass passage (80) includes a first bypass passage (81) and a second bypass passage (82). The refrigerant circuit (50) includes a compressor (53), and first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) respectively provided in the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38). The refrigerant circuit (50) is configured to be able to switch each of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) to a condenser or an evaporator. The flow path switching mechanism (40) is configured to perform switching between the air flow passages in the casing (11). As illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.4, the refrigerant circuit (50) is housed in the casing (11) of the humidity control device (10). The refrigerant circuit (50) includes the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the compressor (53), a four-way switching valve (54), and an electric expansion valve (55). The refrigerant circuit (50) will be described later. Unless otherwise specified, “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “frontward,” and “rearward” used in the following description are directions when the humidity control device (10) is viewed from the front. <Casing> The casing (11) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape which is slightly flat and relatively short. Of the casing (11), a portion that forms a side surface on the left forward side inFIG.1(i.e., a front surface) is a front panel (12), and a portion that forms a side surface on the right rearward side inFIG.1(i.e., the rear surface) is a rear panel (13). Further, of the casing (11), a portion that forms a side surface on the right forward side inFIG.1is a first side panel (14), and a portion that forms a side surface on the left rearward side inFIG.1is a second side panel (15). An outside air suction port (24), a room air suction port (23), an air supply port (22), and an air exhaust port (21) are formed through the casing (11). The outside air suction port (24) and the air exhaust port (21) communicate with the outside space via respective ducts. The room air suction port (23) and the air supply port (22) communicate with the inside space via respective ducts. The outside air suction port (24) and the room air suction port (23) are provided for the rear panel (13). The outside air suction port (24) is disposed at a lower portion of the rear panel (13). The room air suction port (23) is disposed on an upper portion of the rear panel (13). The air supply port (22) is provided for the first side panel (14). The air supply port (22) is disposed around an edge of the first side panel (14) closer to the front panel (12). The air exhaust port (21) is provided for the second side panel (15). The air exhaust port (21) is disposed around an edge of the second side panel (15) closer to the front panel (12). An upstream partition plate (71), a downstream partition plate (72), and a central partition plate (73) are provided in the inner space of the casing (11). These partition plates (71) to (73) are all installed to stand upright on a base plate of the casing (11), and partition the inner space of the casing (11) from the base plate to top plate of the casing (11). The upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) are disposed at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the casing (11) in parallel with the front panel (12) and the rear panel (13). The upstream partition plate (71) is disposed closer to the rear panel (13). The downstream partition plate (72) is disposed closer to the front panel (12). The disposition of the central partition plate (73) will be described later. The upstream partition plate (71) has a width in the lateral direction which is shorter than the width of the casing (11) in the lateral direction. Most of a lower half of a right end portion of the upstream partition plate (71) is cut out, and an upper half thereof is connected to the first side panel (14). A gap is formed between a left end portion of the upstream partition plate (71) and the second side panel (15). The downstream partition plate (72) has a width in the lateral direction which is shorter than the width of the upstream partition plate (71) in the lateral direction. A gap is formed between a right end portion of the downstream partition plate (72) and the first side panel (14). A gap is also formed between a left end portion of the downstream partition plate (72) and the second side panel (15). A first partition plate (74) is disposed to cover the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) from the right side. More specifically, the first partition plate (74) is disposed in parallel with the first side panel (14), and orthogonal to the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72). A front end portion of the first partition plate (74) is connected to the right end portion of the downstream partition plate (72). A rear end portion of the first partition plate (74) is connected to the upstream partition plate (71). A second partition plate (75) is disposed to cover the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) from the left side. More specifically, the second partition plate (75) is disposed in parallel with the second side panel (15), and orthogonal to the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72). A front end portion of the second partition plate (75) is connected to the left end portion of the downstream partition plate (72). A rear end portion of the second partition plate (75) is connected to the rear panel (13). Moreover, the left end portion of the upstream partition plate (71) is connected to the second partition plate (75). In the casing (11), the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the rear panel (13) is partitioned into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space is configured as an room air passage (32), and the lower space an outside air passage (34). The room air passage (32) communicates with the room air suction port (23), and the outside air passage (34) communicates with the outside air suction port (24). A room air filter (27), a room air temperature sensor (91), and a room air humidity sensor (92) are installed in the room air passage (32). The room air temperature sensor (91) detects the temperature of the room air (RA) that flows through the room air passage (32). The room air humidity sensor (92) detects the relative humidity of the room air (RA) that flows through the room air passage (32). An outside air filter (28), an outside air temperature sensor (93), and an outside air humidity sensor (94) are installed in the outside air passage (34). The outside air temperature sensor (93) detects the temperature of the outside air (OA) flowing through the outside air passage (34). The outside air humidity sensor (94) detects the relative humidity of the outside air (OA) that flows through the outside air passage (34). InFIG.1toFIG.3, illustrations of the room air temperature sensor (91), the room air humidity sensor (92), the outside air temperature sensor (93), and the outside air humidity sensor (94) are omitted. In the casing (11), the space between the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72) is partitioned into a left space and a right space by the central partition plate (73). The space on the right side of the central partition plate (73) is configured as the first humidity control chamber (37), and the space on the left side of the central partition plate (73) the second humidity control chamber (38). The first adsorption heat exchanger (51) is housed in the first humidity control chamber (37), and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) is housed in the second humidity control chamber (38). Although not illustrated, the electric expansion valve (55) of the refrigerant circuit (50) is housed in the first humidity control chamber (37). In the following explanation, the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38) are collectively referred to as “humidity control chamber (37,38),” and the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) as “adsorption heat exchanger (51,52).” The adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) is a cross fin-and-tube heat exchanger on a surface of which an adsorbent is supported. As the adsorbent, a material capable of adsorbing moisture in the air can be used, such as zeolite, silica gel, activated carbon, and an organic polymer material having a hydrophilic functional group. The “adsorbent” in this application also includes a material that adsorbs and absorbs vapor (i.e., a sorbent). As a whole, the adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) is formed in a thick rectangular plate shape or a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) is installed in the humidity control chamber (37,38) in an upright state, so that the front surface and rear surface of the adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) are in parallel with the upstream partition plate (71) and the downstream partition plate (72). In the inner space of the casing (11), the space extending along the front surface of the downstream partition plate (72) is divided into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space is configured as a supply air passage (31), and the lower space an exhaust air passage (33). Four openable and closable dampers (41) to (44) are provided for the upstream partition plate (71). Each of the dampers (41) to (44) is generally formed in a laterally elongated rectangular shape. More specifically, to a portion (upper portion) of the upstream partition plate (71) facing the room air passage (32), a first room air damper (41) is attached to be located on the right of the central partition plate (73) and a second room air damper (42) is attached to be located on the left of the central partition plate (73). To a portion (lower portion) of the upstream partition plate (71) facing the outside air passage (34), a first outside air damper (43) is attached to be located on the right of the central partition plate (73), and a second outside air damper (44) is attached to be located on the left of the central partition plate (73). When the first room air damper (41) is opened or closed, the room air passage (32) and the first humidity control chamber (37) are connected or disconnected. When the second room air damper (42) is opened or closed, the room air passage (32) and the second humidity control chamber (38) are connected or disconnected. When the first outside air damper (43) is opened or closed, the outside air passage (34) and the first humidity control chamber (37) are connected or disconnected. When the second outside air damper (44) is opened or closed, the outside air passage (34) and the second humidity control chamber (38) are connected or disconnected. Four openable and closable dampers (45) to (48) are provided for the downstream partition plate (72). Each of the dampers (45) to (48) is generally formed in a laterally elongated rectangular shape. More specifically, to a portion (upper portion) of the downstream partition plate (72) facing the supply air passage (31), a first supply air damper (45) is attached to be located on the right of the central partition plate (73), and a second supply air damper (46) is attached to be located on the left of the central partition plate (73). To a portion (lower portion) of the downstream partition plate (72) facing the exhaust air passage (33), a first exhaust air damper (47) is attached to be located on the right of the central partition plate (73), and a second exhaust air damper (48) is attached to be located on the left of the central partition plate (73). When the first supply air damper (45) is opened or closed, the supply air passage (31) and the first humidity control chamber (37) are connected or disconnected. When the second supply air damper (46) is opened or closed, the supply air passage (31) and the second humidity control chamber (38) are connected or disconnected. When the first exhaust air damper (47) is opened or closed, the exhaust air passage (33) and the first humidity control chamber (37) are connected or disconnected. When the second exhaust air damper (48) is opened or closed, the exhaust air passage (33) and the second humidity control chamber (38) are connected or disconnected. In the casing (11), the space defined by the supply air passage (31), the exhaust air passage (33), and the front panel (12) is partitioned by a partition plate (77) into a left space and a right space. The space on the right side of the partition plate (77) is configured as an air supply fan chamber (36), and the space on the left of the partition plate (77) an exhaust fan chamber (35). An air supply fan (26) is housed in the air supply fan chamber (36). An exhaust fan (25) is housed in the exhaust fan chamber (35). In this example, the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are centrifugal multiblade fans (what are called sirocco fans). The air supply fan (26) blows the air sucked from the downstream partition plate (72) side toward the air supply port (22). The exhaust fan (25) blows the air sucked from the downstream partition plate (72) side toward the air exhaust port (21). The compressor (53) and four-way switching valve (54) of the refrigerant circuit (50) are housed in the air supply fan chamber (36). The compressor (53) and the four-way switching valve (54) are disposed between the air supply fan (26) and the partition plate (77) in the air supply fan chamber (36). An electric component box (90) is fitted to the front panel (12) of the casing (11). The controller (95) is housed in the electric component box (90). The controller (95) will be described later. In the casing (11), the space between the first partition plate (74) and the first side panel (14) is configured as the first bypass passage (81), and the space between the second partition plate (75) and the second side panel (15) the second bypass passage (82). The first and second bypass passages (81,82) allow the air (outside air (OA) and room air (RA)) to bypass the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38). In this example, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are provided adjacent to the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38), respectively. A starting end (an end closer to the rear panel (13)) of the first bypass passage (81) communicates only with the outside air passage (34), and is blocked from the room air passage (32). The first bypass passage (81) communicates with a downstream portion of the outside air filter (28) in the outside air passage (34). A terminal end (an end closer to the front panel (12)) of the first bypass passage (81) is divided from the supply air passage (31), the exhaust air passage (33), and the air supply fan chamber (36) by a partition plate (78). A first bypass damper (83) is provided for a portion of the partition plate (78) facing the air supply fan chamber (36). The first bypass damper (83) is generally formed in a longitudinally elongated rectangular shape. When the first bypass damper (83) is opened or closed, the first bypass passage (81) and the air supply fan chamber (36) are connected or disconnected. A starting end (an end closer to the rear panel (13)) of the second bypass passage (82) communicates only with the room air passage (32), and is blocked from the outside air passage (34). The second bypass passage (82) communicates with the downstream portion of the room air filter (27) in the room air passage (32) via a communication port (76) formed through the second partition plate (75). A terminal end (an end closer to the front panel (12)) of the second bypass passage (82) is divided from the supply air passage (31), the exhaust air passage (33), and the exhaust fan chamber (35) by a partition plate (79). A second bypass damper (84) is provided for a portion of the partition plate (79) facing the exhaust fan chamber (35). The second bypass damper (84) is generally formed in a longitudinally elongated rectangular shape. When the second bypass damper (84) is opened or closed, the second bypass passage (82) and the exhaust fan chamber (35) are connected or disconnected. In the right side view and the left side view inFIG.4, the first bypass passage (81), the second bypass passage (82), the first bypass damper (83), and the second bypass damper (84) are omitted. <Flow Path Switching Mechanism> In this example, the eight dampers (41) to (48) and the first and second bypass dampers (83,84) described above constitute the flow path switching mechanism (40). The flow path switching mechanism (40) is configured to perform switching of the air flow passage in the casing (11). More specifically, the flow path switching mechanism (40) performs the switching of the air flow passage in the casing (11) among a first path (FIG.8), a second path (FIG.9), a third path (FIG.10), and a fourth path (FIG.11), by opening and closing the eight dampers (41) to (48) and the bypass dampers (83,84). The closed dampers are hatched inFIG.8toFIG.11. <<First Path>> To form the first path (FIG.8), the first and second bypass dampers (83,84) are closed; the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), the second exhaust air damper (48) are opened; and the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are closed. In this state, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are closed, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) to be supplied into the room, and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) to be exhausted to the outside. <<Second Path>> To form the second path (FIG.9), the first and second bypass dampers (83,84) are closed; the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are opened; and the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are closed. In this state, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are closed, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) to be supplied into the room, and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) to be exhausted to the outside. <<Third Path>> To form the third path (FIG.10), the first and second bypass dampers (83,84) are opened; the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are opened; and the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are closed. In this state, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are opened, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the first bypass passage (81) to be supplied into the room, and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and the second bypass passage (82) to be exhausted to the outside. <<Fourth Path>> To form the fourth path (FIG.11), the first and second bypass dampers (83,84) are opened; the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are opened; and the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are closed. In this state, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are opened, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and the first bypass passage (81) to be supplied into the room, and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the second bypath passage (82) to be exhausted to the outside. The correspondence among the air paths (first to fourth paths), the opening and closing of the dampers (41-48,83, and84), the type of air (outside air (OA) and room air (RA)) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) are shown in a table inFIG.5. <Refrigerant Circuit> FIG.6is a configuration example of the refrigerant circuit (50). The refrigerant circuit (50) is a closed circuit provided with the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), the compressor (53), the four-way switching valve (54), and the electric expansion valve (55). The refrigerant circuit (50) circulates the refrigerant filling the circuit to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) is configured to perform a first refrigeration cycle operation and a second refrigeration cycle operation. In the refrigerant circuit (50), a discharge pipe of the compressor (53) is connected to a first port of the four-way switching valve (54), and a suction pipe of the compressor (53) is connected to a second port of the four-way switching valve (54). In the refrigerant circuit (50), the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), the electric expansion valve (55), and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) are disposed in this order from a third port to fourth port of the four-way switching valve (54). The four-way switching valve (54) can be switched between a first state in which the first port is communicated with the third port, and the second port is communicated with the fourth port (a state indicated by the solid curves inFIG.6), and a second state in which the first port is communicated with the fourth port, and the second port is communicated with the third port (a state indicated by the broken curves inFIG.6). The compressor (53) is configured to be able to change the operating capacity. In this example, the compressor (53) is a fully hermetic compressor in which the compression mechanism and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism are housed in a single casing. An alternating current is supplied to an electric motor of the compressor (53) via an inverter. When the output frequency of the inverter (i.e., the operating frequency of the compressor (53)) is changed, the rotation speeds of the electric motor and the compression mechanism driven by the electric motor are changed, thereby changing the operating capacity of the compressor (53). When the rotation speed of the compression mechanism is increased, the operating capacity of the compressor (53) is increased, and when the rotation speed of the compression mechanism is reduced, the operating capacity of the compressor (53) is reduced. <<First Refrigeration Cycle Operation>> In the first refrigeration cycle operation, the compressor (53) is set to be driven, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the first state (a state indicated by the solid curves inFIG.6), and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is adjusted. Consequently, in the refrigerant circuit (50), the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) functions as a condenser and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) functions as an evaporator. In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the condenser, the adsorbent is heated by heat dissipated from the refrigerant, and moisture contained in the adsorbent is released in the air, thereby regenerating the adsorbent. In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool the adsorbent, moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. <<Second Refrigeration Cycle Operation>> In the second refrigeration cycle operation, the compressor (53) is set to be driven, the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second state (a state indicated by the broken curves inFIG.6), and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (55) is adjusted. Consequently, in the refrigerant circuit (50), the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) functions as an evaporator, and the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) functions as a condenser. In the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool the adsorbent, moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the heat generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. In the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the condenser, the adsorbent is heated by heat dissipated from the refrigerant, moisture contained in the adsorbent is released in the air, thereby regenerating the adsorbent. <<Air Passing through Adsorption Heat Exchanger>> As described above, the air passing through the adsorption heat exchanger (51) or (52) serving as the condenser receives the moisture from the adsorbent in the adsorption heat exchanger (51) or (52), thereby increasing in humidity. The air passing through the adsorption heat exchanger (51) or (52) serving as the evaporator loses its moisture as the adsorbent in the adsorption heat exchanger (51) or (52) adsorbs it, thereby decreasing in humidity. The correspondence among the states (first and second states) of the four-way switching valve (54) and the functions of the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (condenser and evaporator) are shown in a table inFIG.7. <<Sensors>> The refrigerant circuit (50) is provided with various sensors, such as a discharge pressure sensor (61), a suction pressure sensor (62), a discharge temperature sensor (63), and a suction temperature sensor (64). The discharge pressure sensor (61) detects the pressure of the refrigerant (high-pressure refrigerant) discharged from the compressor (53). The suction pressure sensor (62) detects the pressure of the refrigerant (low-pressure refrigerant) sucked into the compressor (53). The discharge temperature sensor (63) detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (53). The suction temperature sensor (64) detects the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor (53). <Controller> The controller (95) receives detection values of various sensors (for example, the room air temperature sensor (91), the room air humidity sensor (92), the outside air temperature sensor (93), the outside air humidity sensor (94), the discharge pressure sensor (61), the suction pressure sensor (62), the discharge temperature sensor (63), and the suction temperature sensor (64)). Then, the controller (95) controls the flow path switching mechanism (40) and the refrigerant circuit (50) of the humidity control device (10) based on the supplied detection values and signals. More specifically, the controller (95) controls the dampers (41-48,83, and84), the fans (25,26), the compressor (53), the electric expansion valve (55), and the four-way switching valve (54). In this example, the controller (95) controls the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) so that the humidity control device (10) selectively performs normal humidity control (first humidity control) and bypass humidity control (second humidity control). <Normal Humidity Control (First Humidity Control Operation)> The normal humidity control is an operation for controlling the humidity in the room without using the first and second bypass passages (81,82), and includes a normal dehumidification operation for dehumidifying the room and a normal humidification operation for humidifying the room. In the normal humidity control, the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are set to be driven. Consequently, the outside air (OA) is taken into the casing (11) through the outside air suction port (24), and the room air (RA) is taken into the casing (11) through the room air suction port (23). Moreover, in the normal humidity control, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are closed, and the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) are alternately switched to the condenser or the evaporator. Then, the air flow passages in the casing (11) are switched so that the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (specifically, one of the adsorption heat exchangers serving as the condenser or the evaporator), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the other one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (specifically, the other adsorption heat exchanger serving as the evaporator or the condenser) between the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52). More specifically, the following first operation and second operation are alternately performed every three minutes. <<First Operation of Normal Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.8, in the first operation of the normal humidity control, the air flow passage in the casing (11) is set to the first path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration cycle operation in the normal dehumidification operation, and the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle operation in the normal humidification operation. The outside air (OA) that has passed through the outside air suction port (24) and taken into the outside air passage (34) flows into the first humidity control chamber (37) through the first outside air damper (43), and passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) in the first humidity control chamber (37) to have its humidity controlled (dehumidified or humidified). More specifically, in the normal dehumidification operation, the outside air (OA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the evaporator. In the normal humidification operation, the outside air (OA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the condenser. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes through the first supply air damper (45), the supply air passage (31), the air supply fan chamber (36), and the air supply port (22) in this order, and is supplied into the room. The room air (RA) that has passed through the room air suction port (23) and taken into the room air passage (32) flows into the second humidity control chamber (38) through the second room air damper (42), and passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) in the second humidity control chamber (38) to have its humidity controlled (humidified or dehumidified). More specifically, in the normal dehumidification operation, the room air (RA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the condenser. In the normal humidification operation, the room air (RA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the evaporator. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes through the second exhaust air damper (48), the exhaust air passage (33), the exhaust fan chamber (35), and the air exhaust port (21) in this order, and is exhausted to the outside. <<Second Operation of Normal Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.9, in the second operation of the normal humidity control, the air flow passage in the casing (11) is set to the second path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle operation in the normal dehumidification operation, and the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration cycle operation in the normal humidification operation. The outside air (OA) that has passed through the outside air suction port (24) and taken into the outside air passage (34) flows into the second humidity control chamber (38) through the second outside air damper (44), and passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) in the second humidity control chamber (38) to have its humidity controlled (dehumidified or humidified). More specifically, in the normal dehumidification operation, the outside air (OA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the evaporator, and in the normal humidification operation, the outside air (OA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the condenser. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes through the second supply air damper (46), the supply air passage (31), the air supply fan chamber (36), and the air supply port (22) in this order, and is supplied into the room. The room air (RA) that has passed through the room air suction port (23) and taken into the room air passage (32) flows into the first humidity control chamber (37) through the first room air damper (41), and passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) in the first humidity control chamber (37) to have its humidity controlled (humidified or dehumidified). More specifically, in the normal dehumidification operation, the room air (RA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the condenser. In the normal humidification operation, the room air (RA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the evaporator. The air the humidity of which is controlled by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes through the first air exhaust side damper (47), the exhaust air passage (33), the exhaust fan chamber (35), and the air exhaust port (21) in this order and is exhausted to the outside. <Bypass Humidity Control (Second Humidity Control Operation)> The bypass humidity control is an operation for controlling the humidity in a room using the first and second bypass passages (81,82), and includes a bypass dehumidification operation for dehumidifying a room and a bypass humidification operation for humidifying a room. In the bypass humidity control, the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are set to be driven. Consequently, the outside air (OA) is taken into the casing (11) through the outside air suction port (24), and the room air (RA) is taken into the casing (11) through the room air suction port (23). In the bypass humidity control, the first and second bypass passages (81,82) are opened, and the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) are alternately switched to the condenser or the evaporator. The air flow passages in the casing (11) are switched so that the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (more specifically, one of the adsorption heat exchangers serving as the condenser or the evaporator) and one of the first and second bypass passages (81,82) (in this example, always the first bypass passage (81)), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the other adsorption heat exchanger (more specifically, the other adsorption heat exchanger serving as the evaporator or the condenser), and the other one of the first and second bypass passages (81,82) (in this example, always the second bypass passage (82)). More specifically, the following first operation and the second operation are alternately performed every three minutes. <<First Operation of Bypass Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.10, in the first operation of the bypass humidity control, the flow path switching mechanism (40) sets the air flow passage in the casing (11) to the third path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration cycle operation in the bypass dehumidification operation, and the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle operation in the bypass humidification operation. A portion of the outside air (OA) that has passed through the outside air suction port (24) and taken into the outside air passage (34) passes through the first outside air damper (43) and flows into the first humidity control chamber (37). The remaining portion of the outside air (OA) passes through the first bypass passage (81) and flows into the air supply fan chamber (36). The outside air (OA) that has flowed into the first humidity control chamber (37) has its humidity controlled (dehumidified or humidified) as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) in the first humidity control chamber (37). More specifically, in the bypass dehumidification operation, the outside air (OA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the evaporator, and in the bypass humidification operation, the outside air (OA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the condenser. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes through the first supply air damper (45) and the supply air passage (31) in this order, flows into the air supply fan chamber (36), mixed with the air that has passed through the first bypass passage (81) in the air supply fan chamber (36), and is supplied into the room after passing through the air supply port (22). A portion of the room air (RA) that has passed through the room air suction port (23) and taken into the room air passage (32) passes through the second room air damper (42) and flows into the second humidity control chamber (38). The remaining portion of the room air (RA) passes through the second bypass passage (82) and flows into the air supply fan chamber (36). The room air (RA) that has flowed into the second humidity control chamber (38) has it humidity controlled (humidified or dehumidified) as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) in the second humidity control chamber (38). More specifically, in the bypass dehumidification operation, the room air (RA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the condenser, and in the bypass humidification operation, the room air (RA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the evaporator. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes through the second exhaust air damper (48) and the exhaust air passage (33) in this order, flows into the exhaust fan chamber (35), mixed with the air that has passed through the second bypass passage (82) in the exhaust fan chamber (35), and is exhausted to the outside after passing through the air exhaust port (21). <<Second Operation of Bypass Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.11, in the second operation of the bypass humidity control, the flow path switching mechanism (40) sets the air flow passage in the casing (11) to the fourth path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration operation in the bypass dehumidification operation, and the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration operation in the bypass humidification operation. Portion of the outside air (OA) that has passed through the outside air suction port (24) and taken into the outside air passage (34) passes through the second outside air damper (44) and flows into the second humidity control chamber (38). The remaining portion of the outside air (OA) passes through the first bypass passage (81) and flows into the air supply fan chamber (36). The outside air (OA) that has flowed into the second humidity control chamber (38) has its humidity controlled (dehumidified or humidified) as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) in the second humidity control chamber (38). More specifically, in the bypass dehumidification operation, the outside air (OA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the evaporator, and in the bypass humidification operation, the outside air (OA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) serving as the condenser. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes through the second supply air damper (46) and the supply air passage (31) in this order, flows into the air supply fan chamber (36), mixed with the air that has passed through the first bypass passage (81) in the air supply fan chamber (36), and is supplied into the room after passing through the air supply port (22). Portion of the room air (RA) that has passed through the room air suction port (23) and taken into the room air passage (32) passes through the first room air damper (41) and flows into the first humidity control chamber (37). The remaining portion of the room air (RA) passes through the second bypass passage (82) and flows into the air supply fan chamber (36). The room air (RA) that has flowed into the first humidity control chamber (37) has its humidity controlled (humidified or dehumidified) as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) in the first humidity control chamber (37). More specifically, in the bypass dehumidification operation, the room air (RA) is humidified and heated as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the condenser, and in the bypass humidification operation, the room air (RA) is dehumidified and cooled as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) serving as the evaporator. The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes through the first exhaust air damper (47) and the exhaust air passage (33) in this order, flows into the exhaust fan chamber (35), mixed with the air that has passed through the second bypass passage (82) in the exhaust fan chamber (35), and is exhausted to the outside after passing through the air exhaust port (21). It is to be noted that the correspondence among the operations of the humidity control (normal humidity control and bypass humidity control), the air paths (first to fourth paths), the refrigeration cycle operations (first and second refrigeration cycle operations) performed by the refrigerant circuit (50), and the types of operation (humidification operation and dehumidification operation) are shown in a table inFIG.12. <Switching of Operation Modes> Next, switching of operation modes in the humidity control device (10) will be described with reference toFIG.13andFIG.14. InFIG.14, a first capacity characteristic curve (L1) indicates a relation between the operating capacity of the compressor (53) and the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control (first humidity control operation). A second capacity characteristic curve (L2) indicates a relation between the operating capacity of the compressor (53) and the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation). The controller (95) sets a target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) according to the humidity control load of the room (i.e., a difference between the humidity of the room air (RA) and a predetermined target humidity). More specifically, the controller (95) sets the target operating capacity (Ctg) according to the humidity control load of the room such that the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) increases with the increase in the humidity control load of the room. As illustrated inFIG.13, when the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) falls below a predetermined lower limit operating capacity (CL) while the normal humidity control is performed, the controller (95) controls the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) to switch from the normal humidity control to the bypass humidity control. The lower limit operating capacity (CL) in the normal humidity control is set to the operating capacity that is equal to or more than a minimum operating capacity (Cmin) of the compressor (53) and equal to or less than a first operating capacity. The first operating capacity corresponds to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) when the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control is equivalent to the maximum value of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control (i.e., the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) when the operating capacity of the compressor (53) is a maximum operating capacity (Cmax) in the bypass humidity control). The humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control can be estimated based on the flow rate of air that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) and the operating capacity of the compressor (53) in the bypass humidity control. Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.13, when the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) exceeds a predetermined upper limit operating capacity (CH) while the bypass humidity control is performed, the controller (95) controls the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) to switch from the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control. The upper limit operating capacity (CH) in the bypass humidity control is set to the operating capacity that is equal to or more than a second operating capacity and equal to or less than the maximum operating capacity (Cmax) of the compressor (53). The second operating capacity corresponds to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) when the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control is equivalent to the minimum value of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control (i.e., the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) when the operating capacity of the compressor (53) is the minimum operating capacity (Cmin) in the normal humidity control). The humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control can be estimated based on the flow rate of air that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) and the operating capacity of the compressor (53) in the normal humidity control. In the example ofFIG.14, the lower limit operating capacity (CL) is set to the minimum operating capacity (Cmin) of the compressor (53), and the upper limit operating capacity (CH) is set to the maximum operating capacity (Cmax) of the compressor (53). Moreover, the first humidity control capacity corresponding to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) being the lower limit operating capacity (CL) in the normal humidity control is lower than the second humidity control capacity corresponding to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) being the upper limit operating capacity (CH) in the bypass humidity control. <Adjustment Width of Humidity Control Capacity> Next, with reference toFIG.14, an adjustment width (width of adjustable range) of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) will be described. InFIG.14, the adjustment width (W1) indicates the adjustment width of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control. The adjustment width (W2) indicates the adjustment width of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control. The humidity control width (W3) indicates the adjustment width of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) when the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control are interchangeably performed. The humidity control capacity in the humidity control depends on the operating capacity of the compressor (53) and the flow rate of air that passes through the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (will be hereinafter referred to as the “amount of air passing through the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52)”). In other words, the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) tends to increase with the increase in the operating capacity of the compressor (53), and the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) tends to increase with the increase in the amount of air passing through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52). In the bypass humidity control, the outside air (OA) is diverged into the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) and the first bypass passage (81), and the room air (RA) is diverged into the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) and the second bypass passage (82). Consequently, the amount of air passing through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) in the bypass humidity control is less than the amount of air passing through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) in the normal humidity control. Consequently, switching from the normal humidity control to the bypass humidity control can reduce the amount of air passing through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52), and shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the negative side (lower side). Conversely, switching from the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control can increase the amount of air passing through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52), and shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the positive side (higher side). Advantages of First Embodiment As described above, switching between the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control makes it possible to shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10). More specifically, switching the normal humidity control to the bypass humidity control if the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) falls below the lower limit operating capacity (CL) in the normal humidity control makes it possible to shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the negative side in a situation where there is no allowance to adjust the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the negative side. Further, switching the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control if the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) exceeds the upper limit operating capacity (CH) in the bypass humidity control makes it possible to shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the positive side in a situation where there is no allowance to adjust the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the positive side. In this manner, the switching between the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control can shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10), and thus, it is possible to further broaden the adjustment width (width of adjustable range) of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) than the case where only the normal humidity control is performed. Moreover, if the lower limit operating capacity (CL) and the upper limit operating capacity (CH) are set such that the first humidity control capacity (humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) corresponding to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) being the lower limit operating capacity (CL) in the normal humidity control) is lower than the second humidity control capacity (humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) corresponding to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) being the upper limit operating capacity (CH) in the bypass humidity control), it is possible to avoid the bypass humidity control, which has just been switched from the normal humidity control, from returning to the normal humidity control due to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) exceeding the upper limit operating capacity (CH). Further, it is also possible to avoid the normal humidity control, which has just been switched from the bypass humidity control, from returning to the bypass humidity control due to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) falling below the lower limit operating capacity (CL). This can reduce the possibility of frequent switching between the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control (i.e., hunting). When the humidity control capacity lower than the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) is required to control the humidity in the room (i.e., when the humidity control load in the room is relatively low), the compressor (53) of the humidity control device (10) is started and stopped repeatedly. Moreover, the power consumption of the humidity control device (10) tends to increase with the increase in the frequency of repeated start and stop of the compressor (53). Furthermore, when the compressor (53) is switched from the stop state to the driving state (i.e., when the compressor (53) is activated), it is preferable to set the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) to the stop state in order to secure the difference between the high pressure and the low pressure in the refrigerant circuit (50). However, if the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are stopped, the ventilation in the room is stopped, as a result of which the ventilation amount in the room will be lowered. In the humidity control device (10) of this embodiment, the width of the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) can be broadened (particularly, the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) can be further broadened to the negative side than when only the normal humidity control is performed). Thus, it is possible to reduce the frequency of repeated start and stop of the compressor (53). This can further reduce the power consumption of the humidity control device (10) than when only the normal humidity control is performed. Moreover, reducing the frequency of repeated start and stop of the compressor (53) can prevent the ventilation amount in the room from decreasing when the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are stopped by the activation of the compressor (53). Modification of First Embodiment In the humidity control device (10) of the first embodiment, the controller (95) may also be configured as follows. Specifically, when a predetermined anti-condensation condition is satisfied during the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation), the controller (95) may control the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) so as to finish the bypass humidity control (for example, so as to switch from the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control). The anti-condensation condition is a condition predetermined for preventing condensation in at least one of the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38) and the first and second bypass passages (81,82). For example, the anti-condensation condition includes a condition that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the adsorption heat exchanger (51) or (52) serving as the evaporator is below an anti-condensation temperature of the adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) (in other words, a condition for preventing condensation in the humidity control chambers (37,38)). It is to be noted that the anti-condensation temperature of the adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) is set to the temperature at which condensation probably occurs in the adsorption heat exchanger (51,52) serving as the evaporator (more specifically, a temperature slightly higher than the dew-point temperature of the outside air (OA)). The anti-condensation condition may also include a condition that the temperature of the room air (RA) is below the anti-condensation temperature of the bypass passage (in this example, the first bypass passage (81)) and the humidity control chambers (37,38) through which the outside air (OA) passes (in other words, a condition for preventing condensation in the bypass passage and the humidity control chambers (37,38) through which the outside air (OA) passes). It is to be noted that the anti-condensation temperature of the bypass passage and the humidity control chambers (37,38) through which the outside air (OA) passes is set to the temperature at which condensation probably occurs in the bypass passage and the humidity control chambers (37,38) through which the outside air (OA) passes (more specifically, a temperature slightly higher than the dew-point temperature of the outside air (OA)). Through the above-described control, it is possible to finish the bypass humidity control when the anti-condensation condition is satisfied in the bypass humidity control. This can prevent the condensation in at least one of the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38) and the first and second bypass passages (81,82). Second Embodiment FIG.15is a configuration example of the humidity control device (10) of a second embodiment. Just like the humidity control device (10) of the first embodiment, the humidity control device (10) of the second embodiment includes the casing (11), the refrigerant circuit (50), the flow path switching mechanism (40), and the controller (95). In the humidity control device (10) of the second embodiment, the configurations of the bypass passage (80) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) are different from those of the humidity control device (10) of the first embodiment. In the humidity control device (10) of the second embodiment, the bypass passage (80) is comprised of the first bypass passage (81), and the flow path switching mechanism (40) is comprised of the eight dampers (41-48) and the first bypass damper (83). In other words, in the humidity control device (10) of the second embodiment, the second bypass passage (82) and the second bypass damper (84) illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.4are omitted. Other configurations are the same as those in the humidity control device (10) of the first embodiment. <Casing> In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the casing (11) is not provided with the second partition plate (75) and the partition plate (79) illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.4, and the left end of the upstream partition plate (71) and the left end of the downstream partition plate (72) are connected to the second side panel (15). The other configurations are the same as those in the casing (11) of the first embodiment. <Flow Path Switching Mechanism> In the second embodiment, just like in the first embodiment, the flow path switching mechanism (40) is configured to switch the air flow passage in the casing (11). More specifically, the flow path switching mechanism (40) switches the air flow passage in the casing (11) to a first path (FIG.17), a second path (FIG.18), a third path (FIG.19), and a fourth path (FIG.20), by opening and closing the eight dampers (41) to (48) and the bypass damper (83). The closed dampers are hatched inFIG.17toFIG.20. <<First Path>> To form the first path (FIG.17), the first bypass damper (83) is closed; the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are opened; and the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are closed. In this state, the first bypass passage (81) is closed, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). <<Second Path>> To form the second path (FIG.18), the first bypass damper (83) is closed; the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are opened; and the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are closed. In this state, the first bypass passage (81) is closed, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). <<Third Path>> To form the third path (FIG.19), the first bypass damper (83) is opened; the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are opened; and the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are closed. In this state, the first bypass passage (81) is opened, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) and the first bypass passage (81), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52). <<Fourth Path>> To form the fourth path (FIG.20), the first bypass damper (83) is opened; the first room air damper (41), the second outside air damper (44), the second supply air damper (46), and the first exhaust air damper (47) are opened; and the second room air damper (42), the first outside air damper (43), the first supply air damper (45), and the second exhaust air damper (48) are closed. In this state, the first bypass passage (81) is opened, and the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) and the first bypass passage (81), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51). The correspondence among the air paths (first to fourth paths), the opening and closing of the dampers (41-48,83), the type of air (outside air (OA) and room air (RA)) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) are shown in a table inFIG.16. <Controller> In the second embodiment, just in the first embodiment, the controller (95) controls the flow path switching mechanism (40) and refrigerant circuit (50) of the humidity control device (10) based on the detected values and signals supplied thereto. More specifically, the controller (95) controls the dampers (41-48,83), the fans (25,26), the compressor (53), the electric expansion valve (55), and the four-way switching valve (54). Moreover, in the second embodiment, just like in the first embodiment, the controller (95) controls the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) so that the humidity control device (10) selectively performs the normal humidity control (first humidity control operation) and the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation). <Normal humidity control (First Humidity Control Operation)> The normal humidity control is an operation for controlling the humidity in a room without using the first bypass passage (81), and includes the normal dehumidification operation for dehumidifying the room and the normal humidification operation for humidifying the room. In the normal humidity control, the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are set to be driven. Consequently, the outside air (OA) passes through the outside air suction port (24) and is taken into the casing (11), and the room air (RA) passes through the room air suction port (23) and is taken into the casing (11). Moreover, in the normal humidity control, the first bypass passage (81) is closed, and the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) are alternately switched to the condenser or the evaporator. The air flow passages in the casing (11) are switched so that the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (more specifically, one of the adsorption heat exchangers serving as the condenser or the evaporator), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the other of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (more specifically, the other adsorption heat exchanger serving as the evaporator or the condenser). More specifically, the following first operation and the second operation are alternately performed every three minutes. <<First Operation of Normal Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.17, in the first operation of the normal humidity control, the air flow passage in the casing (11) is set to the first path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration cycle operation in the normal dehumidification operation, and the first refrigeration cycle operation in the normal humidification operation. It is to be noted that the flow of the outside air (OA) and the room air (RA) in the first operation of the normal humidity control in the second embodiment is the same as the flow of the outside air (OA) and the room air (RA) in the first operation of the normal humidity control in the first embodiment (seeFIG.8). <<Second Operation of Normal Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.18, in the second operation of the normal humidity control, the air flow passage in the casing (11) is set to the second path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle operation in the normal dehumidification operation, and the second refrigeration cycle operation in the normal humidification operation. It is to be noted that the flow of the outside air (OA) and the room air (RA) in the second operation of the normal humidity control in the second embodiment is the same as the flow of the outside air (OA) and the room air (RA) in the second operation of the normal humidity control in the first embodiment (seeFIG.9). <Bypass Humidity Control (Second Humidity Control Operation)> The bypass humidity control is an operation for controlling the humidity in a room by using the first bypass passage (81), and includes the bypass dehumidification operation for dehumidifying the room and the bypass humidification operation for humidifying the room. In the bypass humidity control, the air supply fan (26) and the exhaust fan (25) are set to be driven. Consequently, the outside air (OA) passes through the outside air suction port (24) and is taken into the casing (11), and the room air (RA) passes through the room air suction port (23) and is taken into the casing (11). Moreover, in the bypass humidity control, the first bypass passage (81) is opened, and the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) are alternately switched to the condenser or the evaporator. The air flow passages in the casing (11) are switched so that the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (more specifically, one of the adsorption heat exchangers serving as the condenser or the evaporator) and the first bypass passage (81), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the other of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (more specifically, the other of the adsorption heat exchangers serving as the evaporator or the condenser). More specifically, the following first operation and the second operation are alternately performed every three minutes. <<First Operation of Bypass Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.19, in the first operation of the bypass humidity control, the flow path switching mechanism (40) sets the air flow passage in the casing (11) to the third path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the second refrigeration cycle operation in the bypass dehumidification operation, and the first refrigeration cycle operation in the bypass humidification operation. It is to be noted that the flow of the outside air (OA) in the first operation of the bypass humidity control in the second embodiment is the same as the flow of the outside air (OA) in the first operation of the bypass humidity control in the first embodiment (seeFIG.10). The room air (RA) that has passed through the room air suction port (23) and taken into the room air passage (32) flows into the second humidity control chamber (38) through the second room air damper (42). The room air (RA) that has flowed into the second humidity control chamber (38) has its humidity controlled (humidified or dehumidified) as it passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) in the second humidity control chamber (38). The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the second adsorption heat exchanger (52) passes through the second exhaust air damper (48) and the exhaust air passage (33) in this order, flows into the exhaust fan chamber (35), and is exhausted to the outside after passing through the air exhaust port (21). <<Second Operation of Bypass Humidity Control>> As illustrated inFIG.20, in the second operation of the bypass humidity control, the flow path switching mechanism (40) sets the air flow passage in the casing (11) to the fourth path. Moreover, a refrigeration cycle operation is performed in the refrigerant circuit (50). More specifically, the refrigerant circuit (50) performs the first refrigeration cycle operation in the bypass dehumidification operation, and the second refrigeration cycle operation in the bypass humidification operation. The flow of the outside air (OA) in the second operation of the bypass humidity control in the second embodiment is the same as the flow of the outside air (OA) in the second operation of the bypass humidity control in the first embodiment (seeFIG.11). The room air (RA) that has passed through the room air suction port (23) and taken into the room air passage (32) flows into the first humidity control chamber (37) through the first room air damper (41). The room air (RA) that has flowed into the first humidity control chamber (37) has its humidity controlled (humidified or dehumidified) as it passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) in the first humidity control chamber (37). The air the humidity of which has been controlled by the first adsorption heat exchanger (51) passes through the first exhaust air damper (47) and the exhaust air passage (33) in this order, flows into the exhaust fan chamber (35), and is exhausted to the outside after passing through the air exhaust port (21). The correspondence among the operation of the humidity control (normal humidity control and bypass humidity control), the air paths (first to fourth paths), the refrigeration cycle operation (first and second refrigeration cycle operations) of the refrigerant circuit (50), and the operation state (humidification operation and dehumidification operation) are shown in a table inFIG.12, just like in the first embodiment. <Switching of Operation Modes> The switching of operation modes in the humidity control device (10) in the second embodiment is the same as the switching of operation modes in the humidity control device (10) in the first embodiment. More specifically, in the second embodiment, just like in the first embodiment, the controller (95) sets the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) according to the humidity control load in the room (i.e., difference between the humidity of the room air (RA) and a predetermined target humidity). As illustrated inFIG.13, when the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) falls below the predetermined lower limit operating capacity (CL) while the normal humidity control is performed, the controller (95) controls the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) to perform switching from the normal humidity control to the bypass humidity control. Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.13, when the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) exceeds the predetermined upper limit operating capacity (CH) while the bypass humidity control is performed, the controller (95) controls the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) to perform switching from the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control. <Adjustment Width of Humidity Control Capacity> Moreover, in the second embodiment, just like in the first embodiment, the first capacity characteristic curve (L1) illustrated inFIG.14indicates the relation between the operating capacity of the compressor (53) and the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control (first humidity control operation), and the second capacity characteristic curve (L2) illustrated inFIG.14indicates the relation between the operating capacity of the compressor (53) and the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation). The adjustment width (W1) illustrated inFIG.14indicates the adjustment width of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the normal humidity control. The adjustment width (W2) illustrated inFIG.14indicates the adjustment width of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) in the bypass humidity control. The humidity control width (W3) indicates the adjustment width of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10), when the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control are interchangeably performed. The humidity control capacity of the humidity control operation depends on the operating capacity of the compressor (53) and the flow rate of air that passes through the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) (particularly, the amount of the outside air (OA) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52)). In other words, the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) tends to increase with the increase in the operating capacity of the compressor (53), and the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) tends to increase with the increase in the amount of the outside air (OA) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52). In the bypass humidity control, the outside air (OA) is diverged into the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) and the first bypass passage (81). Consequently, the amount of the outside air (OA) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) in the bypass humidity control is less than the amount of the outside air (OA) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) in the normal humidity control. Consequently, switching from the normal humidity control to the bypass humidity control makes it possible to reduce the amount of the outside air (OA) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52), thereby shifting the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the negative side (lower side). Conversely, switching from the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control makes it possible to increase the amount of the outside air (OA) that passes through the adsorption heat exchangers (51,52), thereby shifting the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the positive side (higher side). Advantages of Second Embodiment As described above, switching between the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control makes it possible to shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10). More specifically, switching the normal humidity control to the bypass humidity control if the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) falls below the lower limit operating capacity (CL) in the normal humidity control makes it possible to shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the negative side in a situation where there is no allowance to adjust the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the negative side. Further, switching the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control if the target operating capacity (Ctg) of the compressor (53) exceeds the upper limit operating capacity (CH) in the bypass humidity control makes it possible to shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the positive side in a situation where there is no allowance to adjust the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) to the positive side. In this manner, the switching between the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control can shift the adjustable range of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10), and thus, it is possible to further broaden the adjustment width (width of adjustable range) of the humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) than the case where only the normal humidity control is performed. Moreover, if the lower limit operating capacity (CL) and the upper limit operating capacity (CH) are set such that the first humidity control capacity (humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) corresponding to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) being the lower limit operating capacity (CL) in the normal humidity control) is lower than the second humidity control capacity (humidity control capacity of the humidity control device (10) corresponding to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) being the upper limit operating capacity (CH) in the bypass humidity control), it is possible to avoid the bypass humidity control, which has just been switched from the normal humidity control, from returning to the normal humidity control due to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) exceeding the upper limit operating capacity (CH). Further, it is also possible to avoid the normal humidity control which has just been switched from the bypass humidity control, from returning to the bypass humidity control due to the operating capacity of the compressor (53) falling below the lower limit operating capacity (CL). This can reduce the possibility of frequent switching between the normal humidity control and the bypass humidity control (i.e., hunting). Modification of Second Embodiment Just like the modification of the first embodiment, in the humidity control device (10) of the second embodiment, the controller (95) may also control the refrigerant circuit (50) and the flow path switching mechanism (40) so as to finish the bypass humidity control (for example, so as to switch from the bypass humidity control to the normal humidity control), when a predetermined anti-condensation condition is satisfied while the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation) is performed. Just like the modification of the first embodiment, the anti-condensation condition described above is a predetermined condition for preventing condensation in at least one of the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38) and the first bypass passage (81). Through the above-described control, it is possible to finish the bypass humidity control when the anti-condensation condition is satisfied in the bypass humidity control. This can prevent the condensation in at least one of the first and second humidity control chambers (37,38) and the first bypass passage (81). OTHER EMBODIMENTS In the first embodiment described above, it has been described that the flow path switching mechanism (40) is configured such that, in the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation), a portion of the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is always supplied into the room through the first bypass passage (81), and a portion of the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is always exhausted to the outside through the second bypass passage (82). However, the flow path switching mechanism (40) may also be configured as follows. Specifically, the flow path switching mechanism (40) may also be configured to be able to alternately switch between a first bypass state and a second bypass state. In the first bypass state, a portion of the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through the first bypass passage (81), while a portion of the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the second bypass passage (82). In the second bypass state, a portion of the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through the second bypass passage (82), while a portion of the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the first bypass passage (81). Even if the flow path switching mechanism (40) is configured in this manner, in the bypass humidity control (second humidity control operation), the outside air (OA) taken into the casing (11) is supplied into the room through one of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52) and one of the first and second bypass passages (81,82), and the room air (RA) taken into the casing (11) is exhausted to the outside through the other of the first and second adsorption heat exchangers (51,52), and the other of the first and second bypass passages (81,82). The embodiments described above can be combined with one another as appropriate. The embodiments described above are merely exemplary ones in nature, and do not intend to limit the scope of the present invention or applications or use thereof. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As can be seen, the above-described humidity control device is useful as a humidity control device for controlling humidity in a room. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 10Humidity Control Device11Casing37First Humidity Control Chamber38Second Humidity Control Chamber40Flow Path Switching Mechanism50Refrigerant Circuit51First Adsorption Heat Exchanger52Second Adsorption Heat Exchanger53Compressor80Bypass Passage81First Bypass Passage82Second bypass passage95Controller (Controlling Unit) | 85,218 |
11859836 | In the drawings, the main references are listed:100—wall-mounted air purifier;10—casing;11—front side plate;111—insertion hole;112—opening;113—engagement opening;12—side plate;13—back plate;131—inclined plate;132—extending plate;133—support plate;1331—through hole;134—hook;135—partition;136—hanging buckle;14—bottom plate;141—air outlet;142—stop baffle;15—top cover;151—air inlet;154—reinforcing plate;20—purification module;21—bracket;211—support plate;2111—slot;212—enclosing plate;2121—air inlet hole;2122—air outlet hole;2123—opening;22—filter;23—ultraviolet light source;24—detector;30—fan;31—cross flow wind wheel;32—support seat;33—motor;41—front cover;411—hanging hook;42—sensor;43—cover;431—deflector;432—bending plate;4321—vertical plate;4322—upper side plate;430—cable channel;4301—sub-channel;44—hanging plate;441—hook body;50—wind guide assembly;51—wind guide piece;511—through opening;52—rotating shaft;53—motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order to make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution and the advantages of the present application be clearer and more understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to accompanying figures and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely intended to illustrate but not to limit the present application. It is noted that when a component is referred to as being “fixed to” or “disposed on” another component, it can be directly or indirectly on another component. When a component is referred to as being “connected to” another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to another component. In addition, terms “the first” and “the second” are only used in describe purposes, and should not be considered as indicating or implying any relative importance, or impliedly indicating the number of indicated technical features. As such, technical feature(s) restricted by “the first” or “the second” can explicitly or impliedly comprise one or more such technical feature(s), in the description of the present application, “a plurality of” means two or more, unless there is additional explicit and specific limitation. In the description of the present application, it needs to be understood that, directions or location relationships indicated by terms such as “length”, “width”, “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside”, and so on are the directions or location relationships shown in the accompanying figures, which are only intended to describe the present application conveniently and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that an indicated device or component must have specific locations or be constructed and manipulated according to specific locations; therefore, these terms shouldn't be considered as any limitation to the present application. In the description of the present application, it is noted that unless there is additional explicit stipulation and limitation, terms such as “mount”, “connect with each other”, “connect”, “fix”, and so on should be generalizedly interpreted, for example, “connect” can be interpreted as being fixedly connected, detachably connected, or connected integrally; “connect” can also be interpreted as being mechanically connected or electrically connected; “connect” can be further interpreted as being directly connected or indirectly connected through intermediary, or being internal communication between two components or an interaction relationship between the two components. For the one of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the aforementioned terms in the present application can be interpreted according to specific conditions. In the description of the present application, “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “embodiments” described in the specification of the present application means that one or more embodiments of the present application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment. Therefore, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments”, “in some other embodiments”, “in some further embodiments”, etc. appearing in different places in the specification are not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. In addition, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. For the convenience of description, please refer toFIGS.1to3, which is defined in the present application: when a casing is mounted on a wall, a side on the casing adjacent to the wall is a rear side of the casing and the wall-mounted air purifier, and a side on the casing away from the wall is the front side of the casing and the wall-mounted air purifier. Please refer toFIGS.1to3, the wall-mounted air purifier100provided in the present application will now be described. The wall-mounted air purifier100includes a casing10, a purification module20and a fan30. The purification module20and the fan30are mounted in the casing10, and the purification module20and the fan30are protected by the casing10. The casing10is provided with air inlet151and air outlet141. The fan30is located between air inlet151and air outlet141. When fan30is operating, air enters the casing10from the air inlet151, and after being accelerated by the fan30, the air flows out from air outlet141. The purification module20is set on an air flow path of the fan30, so that the air will pass through the purification module20during the process from the air inlet151to the air outlet141, so that the purification module20can purify the air. In one embodiment, please refer toFIGS.2to4. The purification module20includes a bracket21and a filter22. The filter22is mounted on the bracket21to support the filter22via the bracket21, and the bracket21is mounted in the casing10to support the filter22in the casing10to filter and remove dust via the filter22. In some other embodiments, the purification module20may also be a high-voltage electrostatic module, which removes dust via high-voltage electrostatic. In one embodiment, the filter22is inserted into the bracket21so that the filter22in the bracket21can be plugged and replaced, which is also convenient for the assembly of the purification module20. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,4, and5, the bracket21includes two support plates211, and each support plate211is provided with a slot2111, and the two support plates211are respectively provided at both ends of the filter22. The slots2111on the two support plates211cooperate to support the two ends of the filter22, that is, during assembling of the structure, the two ends of the filter22can be inserted into the slots2111of the two support plates211to facilitate assembly. The support plates211are mounted on the casing10to support the filter22on the casing10. In addition, the support plates211can better position the filter22to facilitate the insertion of the filter22. Of course, in other embodiments, the bracket21may also use other structures, such as using a rod structure to support the filter22. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,4and5, the purification module20also includes an ultraviolet light source23. The ultraviolet light source23is arranged between the two support plates211and can be supported by the two support plates211. The arrangement of the ultraviolet light source23is convenient for sterilizing the air. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,4and5, the bracket21further includes an enclosing plate212, which cooperates with two support plates211to form a box structure, and the enclosing plate212is arranged around the ultraviolet light source23. An air inlet hole2121is provided on the side of the enclosing plate212adjacent to the air inlet151, and an air outlet hole2122is provided on the side of the enclosing plate212adjacent to the fan30, so that air can enter the enclosing plate212from the air inlet hole2121for sterilizing the air via the ultraviolet light source23, and then the air flows out through the air outlet hole2122. The arrangement of the enclosing plate212can protect the ultraviolet light source23, and also prevent the ultraviolet light source23from emitting light to protect the casing10. In one embodiment, a filter22is provided on the side of the enclosing plate212adjacent to the air inlet hole2121to filter the air entering the enclosing plate212, and the light can be blocked by the filter22to prevent the light from the ultraviolet light source23from being emitted from air inlet151. In one embodiment, a slot2111is provided on the support plate211adjacent to the air inlet hole2121, and the slot2111is located in the enclosing plate212, and an opening2123is provided on the enclosing plate212on the side adjacent to the air inlet hole2121, so that the filter22is inserted into the slot2111of the support plate211via the opening2123. This structure can protect the filter22through the enclosing plate212adjacent to the air inlet151. Of course, in one embodiment, the slot2111can also be provided on the outside of the enclosing plate212. In one embodiment, the filter22is provided on the side of the enclosing plate212adjacent to the air outlet hole2122, so that the air flowing out of the enclosing plate212can be filtered. In one embodiment, the slot2111is provided on the support plate211adjacent to the air outlet hole2122, and the slot2111is located outside the enclosing plate212. Of course, in some other embodiments, the slot2111on the support plate211adjacent to the air outlet hole2122can also be provided in the enclosing plate212, and the opening2123is provided on the enclosing plate212corresponding to the enclosing plate212, so that the filter22can be inserted and removed. In one embodiment, the purification module20further includes a detector24, the detector24is mounted on the bracket21, the detector24is configured for sensing the filter22, and the detector24is mounted on the bracket21to determine whether the filter22is inserted in the bracket21, so as to ensure that the purification module20can filter and purify the air well. In one embodiment, the detector24may be a micro switch. When the filter22is inserted in the bracket21, the filter22touches the micro switch to activate the micro switch to sense whether the filter22is mounted in the bracket21. Of course, in some other embodiments, the detector24may also be a photodetector or the like. In one embodiment, the detector24may be mounted on the support plate211adjacent to the slot2111, so as to sense whether the slot2111is inserted with the filter22. In one embodiment, the enclosing plate212adopts a combination of multiple plate structures to form the box structure with the support plates211. In some other embodiments, the enclosing plate212may also use a cylindrical shell structure, and two support plates211are covered on both ends of the cylindrical shell to form the box structure. In one embodiment, please refer toFIGS.2and3, the air inlet151is located at the top of the casing10, and the air outlet141is located at the bottom of the casing10, so as to achieve good air circulation, and to discharge air from the bottom of the casing10, which is convenient to blow the purified air to the bottom, so that the user can use it directly. In some other embodiments, the air inlet151may also be provided on the front side of the casing. In some embodiments, the air outlet141may be provided on the front side of the casing10. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2and3, the casing10includes a top cover15, a back plate13, a bottom plate14, a front side plate11, and two side plates12, and the two side plates12are located at left and right ends of the front side plate11, the rear ends of the two side plates12are connected to the back plate13, the lower end of the back plate13, the lower end of the bottom plate14, the lower end of the front side plate11, and the lower ends of the two side plates12are connected to the bottom plate14; the upper end of the back plate13, the upper end of the bottom plate14, the upper end of the front side plate11, and the upper ends of the two side plates12are connected to the top cover15. The casing10structure is easy to manufacture and easy to assemble. The front side surface of the casing10is located on the front side plate11. The back side surface of the casing10is located on the back plate13. The bottom plate14constitutes the bottom of the casing10. The top cover15constitutes the top of the casing10. Of course, in some embodiments, any three to five structures of the top cover15, the back plate13, the bottom plate14, the front side plate11, and the two side plates12may be integrally formed to ensure the connection strength. Of course, in some embodiments, any two adjacent structures among the top cover15, the back plate13, the bottom plate14, the front side plate11and the two side plates12may be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the side plates12and the front side plate11are integrally formed, which is convenient for assembly and can ensure the connection strength between the side plates12and the front side plate11. In an embodiment, please refer toFIG.6, the air inlet151is arranged on the top cover15of the casing10, and the height of one sidewall152of the air inlet151is greater than the height of another sidewall153of the air inlet151, so that a vertical air inlet151can be formed, and during the carrying, the user can insert into the air inlet151to lift the top cover15using his hand, and then carry the wall-mounted air purifier100. In one embodiment, the sidewall153of the air inlet151adjacent to the front side of the casing10extends downward from the front to the back direction, so that the air inlet151faces the front side of the casing10, and the air in front of the casing10can enter the casing10from the air inlet151for purification. In one embodiment, in the front-to-back direction: the sidewall152of the air inlet151adjacent to the back side of the casing10is in an arch shape with the middle part bent upward to facilitate hand-carrying. Of course, in other embodiments, the sidewall of the air inlet151adjacent to the back side of the casing10may also be flat. In one embodiment, the top cover15is provided with a reinforcing plate154connecting the two opposite sidewalls of the air inlet151to increase the structural strength of the top cover15corresponding to the position of the air inlet151. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,7and8, a cover43is mounted in the casing10, two sides of the cover43are arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the casing10, and the inner surfaces of the cover43and the casing10enclose to form a cable channel430, so that the cables of the wall-mounted air purifier100can be arranged in the cable channel430, and the cables can be protected by the cover43, and the wiring can be facilitated, the cables can be prevented from being messy, and the assembly and maintenance of the devices in the casing10can be facilitated. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,7and8, the inner surface of the casing10is convexly provided with a partition135, and the partition135extends into the cover43to separate the cable channel430into at least two sub-channels4301. If one partition135is arranged in the cover43, the cable channel430can be divided into two sub-channels4301, so that the two sub-channel4301can be used for high-voltage cables and low-voltage cables to respectively pass through, avoiding interference between the high-voltage cables and the low-voltage cables, especially to avoid high-voltage breakdown at the high-voltage end, which can generate electromagnetic waves that interfere with the stable output of the low-voltage end, avoid affecting signal reception, thereby avoiding failures of the whole machine, and ensuring the safe operation of the whole machine. Of course, the two sub-channels4301can be used for passing through the cable layouts of different devices respectively. When two partitions135are spaced apart in the cover43, the cable channel430can be divided into three sub-channels4301for different cable layouts to pass through. In one embodiment, the partition135may be a reinforcing rib on the inner surface of the casing10to increase the strength of the casing10. In addition, the cable channel430can be divided into at least two sub-channels4301by the reinforcing ribs. Of course, in some embodiments, the partition(s)135may be separately provided on the inner surface of the casing10. In one embodiment, the cover43is mounted on the back plate13of the casing10to facilitate wiring, and when the casing10is mounted on the wall, it can also facilitate the layout of the cable to be connected to an external power supply. Of course, in some other embodiments, the cover43may be provided on the top cover15of the casing10to form the cable channel430on the top cover15of the casing10. In some other embodiments, the cover43may be provided on the front side plate11of the casing10to form the cable channel430on the front side plate11of the casing10. In some other embodiments, the cover43may be provided on the bottom plate14of the casing10to form the cable channel430on the bottom plate14of the casing10. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,3and8, the air inlet151is located at the top of the casing10, the air outlet141is located at the bottom of the casing10, and the fan30includes a cross flow wind wheel31, a support seat32and a motor33, the support seat32supports the cross flow wind wheel31, and the support seat32and the motor33are mounted in casing10. By using of the cross flow wind wheel31, the occupied space is smaller, the area of air-out is larger, so that the wall-mounted air purifier100can be made smaller in size and can supply purified air to a larger area. One side of air outlet141is convexly provided with a stop baffle142, the stop baffle142is located on the side of air outlet141downstream of the cross flow wind wheel31, and the stop baffle142is used to stop the cross flow wind wheel31from flowing back, such that the air flow sent out by the rotation of the cross flow wind wheel31will be discharged from the air outlet141, and the there is no need to separately set up a windshield, thereby the occupied space can be reduced, the weight and the costs can be reduced. Of course, in other embodiments, the fan30with a windshield may also be provided in the casing10. In some other embodiments, a centrifugal fan30may be provided in the casing10. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,3and8, the casing10is provided with a deflector431, which is suitable for guiding airflow into the cross flow wind wheel31, and the deflector431extends from the inner surface of the casing10away from the stop plate142toward the middle of the casing10and extends obliquely upwards. By arranging the deflector431, the air can be better guided into the cross flow wind wheel31and cooperated with the stop baffle142to guide the cross flow wind wheel31to ensure the air outlet efficiency of the cross flow wind wheel31. In one embodiment, the deflector431is mounted on the back plate13of the casing10, and the stop baffle142is located on the side of the air outlet141adjacent to the front side of the casing10, so that the wind from the cross flow wind wheel31can better flow toward the front side of the bottom of the casing10. Of course, in some embodiments, the deflector431can also be mounted on the front side plate11of the casing10, and the stop baffle142is located on the side of the air outlet141adjacent to the back side of the casing10, so that the wind from the cross flow wind wheel31can better flow toward rear side of the bottom of the casing10. In one embodiment, the wall-mounted air purifier100further includes a bending plate432connected to the deflector431, and the bending plate432extends from the upper side of the deflector431toward the inner surface of the casing10away from the stop baffle142. By setting the bending plate432, the deflector431can be better supported, and the bending plate432can cooperate with the deflector431to form the cover43mentioned above, so that the inner surfaces of the cover43and the casing10on the side away from the stop baffle142are enclosed to form the cable channel430through which the cable layout can pass. In one embodiment, the bending plate432includes a vertical plate4321and an upper side plate4322. The vertical plate4321extends upward from the upper side of the deflector431, and the upper side plate4322extends from the upper side of the vertical plate4321toward the inner surface of the casing10away from the stop baffle142. By arranging the vertical plate4321and upper side plate4322can increase the cross-sectional area of the cable channel430to facilitate cable layout. In addition, the upper side plate4322extends from the upper side of the vertical plate4321toward the inner surface of the casing10away from the stop baffle142, which can better guide the air flowing out of the purification module20into the cross flow wind wheel31to reduce air flow resistance. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,3and8, the stop baffle142is located on the side of the air outlet141adjacent to the front side of the casing10, and the lower end of the back plate13of the casing10is provided with an inclined plate131, the inclined plate131extends from the lower end of the back plate13downward and forward obliquely, and the inclined plate131is located at the lower side of the central axis of the cross flow wind wheel31, so that the air can be drawn through the inclined plate131, and the air can better flow out of the air outlet141to improve the wind efficiency. In one embodiment, the inclined plate131is located in the middle of the lower end of the back plate13, the lower end of the back plate13at two ends of the inclined plate131respectively extend downward with an extending plate132, and two ends of the inclined plate131respectively extend backward with a support plate133. The support plates133are connected with the corresponding extending plates132to avoid wind exposure at two ends of the inclined plate131, so as to improve the air outlet efficiency of the air outlet141. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,9and10, the wall-mounted air purifier100further includes a wind guide assembly50, and the wind guide assembly50is used to guide the wind. The wind guide assembly50includes a wind guide piece51and a motor53, the wind guide piece51is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the casing10, the motor53is mounted in the casing10, the wind guide piece51is driven to swing by the motor53, and the wind guide piece51can be covered on the air outlet141, to close the air outlet141to prevent impurities from entering the casing10. When the wind guide piece51rotates, the air outlet141can also be opened to guide the air flow from the air outlet141to flow downward and forward, thereby guiding the wind out. In one embodiment, the rear side of the wind guide piece51is provided with a rotating shaft52, the rotating shaft52is connected to the motor53, and the rotating shaft52is rotatably mounted on the casing10. This structure can prevent airflow from flowing out from the rear side of the wind guide piece51, and can better guide the airflow to the front side below the casing10. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.10to12, the bottom of the back side of the casing10is provided with a hook134, the rotating shaft52is hung on the hook134, and the rear side of the wind guide piece51is provided with a through opening511, and when the rotating shaft52is connected to the hook134, the hook134passes through the through opening511. By arranging the hook134, the rotating shaft52can be supported better, and then the wind guide piece51is supported. When the casing10includes the back plate13, the hook134is provided on the back plate13. In one embodiment, when the aforementioned inclined plate131is provided on the back plate13of the casing10, the hook134is provided on the outer surface of the inclined plate131to better support the rotating shaft52and reduce the occupation the rotating shaft52to the internal space of casing10. In one embodiment, when the above-mentioned support plates133is provided on the back plate13of the casing10, each support plate133is provided with a through hole1331, and the end of the rotating shaft52passes through the corresponding through hole1331to rotate and support the rotating shaft52, in turn, supports the wind guide piece51. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.11and12, a hanging buckle136is provided on the rear side of the casing10, so that the casing10can be mounted on the wall by means of hooking, which is convenient for installation and fixation. Of course, in some other embodiments, the casing10can also be mounted on the wall using screws. In one embodiment, the wall-mounted air purifier100further includes a hanging plate44. The hanging plate44is provided with a hook body441that cooperates with the hanging buckle136, and the hanging plate44is used for fixing to a wall. By arranging of the hanging plate44, the user can fix the hanging plate44on the wall first, and then hang the casing10on the hanging plate44, which is convenient for positioning and installation. The hanging plate44can be pasted on the wall or fixed on the wall by nails. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,3and13, an insertion hole111is provided on the front side of the casing10, and the insertion hole111is suitable for inserting the filter22into the bracket21, and the insertion hole111is located at the purification module20corresponding to the position of the filter22, that is the filter22in the bracket21can be pulled out through the insertion hole111, or the filter22can be inserted into the bracket21through the insertion hole111to facilitate the replacement of the filter22. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.2,3and13, the wall-mounted air purifier100further includes a front cover41, the front cover41is mounted on the casing10, and the front cover41is covered on the front side of the casing10, to ensure the good appearance of the casing10and enhance the user's sensory experience. In an embodiment, please refer toFIGS.3,13and14, the front cover41can be detachably mounted on the casing10, so that the front cover41can be easily removed to replace the filter22, and realize the balance of the appearance of the wall-mounted air purifier100and the convenient replacement of the filter22. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.3,13and14, a sensor42is mounted on the casing10, and the sensor42is used to sense the front cover41to determine whether the front cover41is mounted on the casing10to ensure that the wall-mounted air purifier100can be operated more safely. In one embodiment, the sensor42may be a micro switch, when the front cover41is mounted on the casing10, the front cover41contacts the micro switch to activate the micro switch to sense whether the front cover41is mounted on the casing10. Of course, in other embodiments, the sensor42may also be a photodetector or the like. In one embodiment, the sensor42is mounted inside the casing10, and the casing10is provided with an opening112exposing the sensor42. By mounting the sensor42inside the casing10to better protect the sensor42. In one embodiment, referring toFIGS.3,13and14, a number of engagement openings113are provided on the casing10, and a number of hanging hooks411are correspondingly provided on the front cover41. When the front cover41is mounted on the casing10, the hanging hooks411are hung in the corresponding engagement openings113to support the front cover41on the casing10, which is convenient for installation and also facilitates the removal of the front cover41from the casing10. Of course, in other embodiments, the front cover41can also be detachably mounted on the casing10in other ways, such as being fixed on the casing10by magnetic attraction. In one embodiment, the front cover41is U-shaped, and the front cover41covers the front side and the left and right sides of the casing10. This structure can make the wall-mounted air purifier100look more integrated and improve the user's sensory experience. Of course, in other embodiments, the front cover41may also be only covered on the front side of the casing10. In the wall-mounted air purifier100of the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the bracket21in the casing10, and the filter22is inserted on the bracket21, and the insertion hole111is provided on the front side of the casing10, the removing and replacement of the filter22can be realized, and the filter22is easy to replace; in addition, the front cover41is detachably covered at the front side of the casing10to protect the filter22and enhance the appearance of the casing10, so as to balance the appearance of the wall-mounted air purifier100and the convenient replacement of the filter22. In the wall-mounted air purifier100of the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the cover43in the casing10, the cable channel430is enclosed between the inner surface of the cover43and the inner surface of the casing10, so as to facilitate the layout of cables and facilitate the assembly and maintenance of the components in the casing10, and can protect the cables. In the wall-mounted air purifier100of the embodiment of the present application, the stop baffle142is provided on the side downstream of the cross flow wind wheel31from the air outlet141, so as to block the cross flow wind wheel31from flowing back; then the air flow sent out by the rotation of the cross flow wind wheel31will be discharged from the air outlet141, thereby there is no need to set up a separate windshield, which can reduce the occupied space, reduce weight and reduce cost. The aforementioned embodiments are only optional embodiments of the present application, and should not be regarded as being limitation to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, and so on, which are made within the spirit and the principle of the present application, should be included in the protection scope of the present application. | 30,287 |
11859837 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The disclosed technology includes devices and systems for an economizer used in HVAC systems. In particular, the disclosed technology includes an economizer of an HVAC system that can reduce the inefficiencies common to many existing economizer designs by reducing the pressure drop and airflow maldistribution caused by the economizer during normal heating or cooling operations. The disclosed technology, for example, includes an economizer having a sliding door that can be opened and closed to selectively intake ambient air depending on the temperature of the ambient air. When the sliding door is closed, the sliding door can be configured to move out of the way of the returning air such that returning air from the HVAC system is permitted to flow to the evaporator without substantial obstruction, thereby avoiding the pressure drop and uneven air distribution common to existing economizer designs. Furthermore, when the sliding door is opened, the sliding door can be configured to redirect at least some of the returning air through barometric relief dampers to release the redirected returning air to the atmosphere. Further configurations and advantages of the disclosed technology will become apparent throughout this disclosure. Although various aspects of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other aspects of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components expressly set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented and practiced or carried out in various ways. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being devices and systems for an economizer of an HVAC system. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable in other contexts. The present disclosure, for example, can include devices and systems for use with any air conditioning, heat pump system, or air handling system, including packaged air conditioning systems and heat pumps, rooftop systems, split air conditioning systems and heat pumps, or other air handling systems that are designed to provide reconditioned and/or fresh air to a conditioned space. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of an economizer of an HVAC system, it will be understood that other implementations can take the place of those referred to. It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. Also, in describing the disclosed technology, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, the disclosed technology can include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Further, ranges described as being between a first value and a second value are inclusive of the first and second values. Likewise, ranges described as being from a first value and to a second value are inclusive of the first and second values. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term “step” can be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required. Further, the disclosed technology does not necessarily require all steps included in the methods and processes described herein. That is, the disclosed technology includes methods that omit one or more steps expressly discussed with respect to the methods described herein. Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such. The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter. Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, the present disclosure is herein described.FIGS.2A and2Billustrate a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system200having an economizer220in a closed position, in accordance with the disclosed technology (FIG.2Ais a perspective view whileFIG.2Bis a side view of the HVAC system200, with both figures being partially transparent for clarity of description). The HVAC system200can include an packaged unit202(e.g., a rooftop unit, a wall-mounted unit, a ground unit, an outdoor unit or other HVAC unit) having an air moving device204that can be configured to draw air through an evaporator206and direct the air through a supply air duct214to a building or ventilated space. Air can be returned to the packaged unit202through a return air duct216and either circulated back through the evaporator206or released to the atmosphere through barometric relief dampers212. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, although the term ‘evaporator’ is used herein to describe the evaporator206, the evaporator206is a heat exchanger coil that can also be operated as a condenser when the HVAC system200is in a heating mode. The air moving device204can be any type of air moving device configured to draw or move air through the HVAC system200. For example, the air moving device204can be a draft inducer, a fan, a blower, or any other air moving device configured to move air through the system. The evaporator206can be any type of evaporator206that can be used to cool air passing around the evaporator206. The evaporator206, for example, can be an A-coil, an N-coil, a Z-coil, a slab coil, a cased coil, an uncased coil, a microchannel coil, or any other suitable type of evaporator for the application. The economizer220can include a sliding door221having a sealing portion222that can be configured to prevent airflow from passing through the sliding door221and into the HVAC system200when the sliding door221is in the closed position and a perforated portion224that can be configured to permit airflow to pass through the sliding door221and into the HVAC system200when the sliding door221is in the open position. The sealing portion222can include a plurality of connected panels configured to align and form a seal when in the closed position. The sealing portion222can be configured to provide an airtight seal when in the closed position thereby preventing ambient air from entering the economizer220and redirecting return air through the evaporator206(as illustrated inFIG.3A). Alternatively, the sealing portion222can be configured to provide less than an airtight seal when in closed position. That is, the sealing portion222can optionally be configured to prevent a substantial portion, but not necessarily all, airflow between interior and exterior portions of the economizer220. The sealing portion222can be made from metal, plastic, composite material, wood, or other materials capable of withstanding the pressures created by operation of the HVAC system200. The plurality of panels can include a sealing material or a gasket material (e.g., around the perimeter of the panels) that can help to ensure a suitable seal is formed between the panels to meet the sealing requirements of the HVAC system200. Alternatively, or in addition, the sealing portion222can include a continuous flexible material that is configured to bend when the economizer is actuated between the closed position and the open position. If the sealing portion222is made from a flexible material, the sealing portion222can be made from rubber, flexible metal, plastic, Kevlar, composite materials, or any other material that can bend when the sliding door221is actuated between the closed position and the open position. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the sealing portion222can comprise many different configurations that can each be capable of preventing air from entering the packaged unit202when the HVAC system200is in operation and the sliding door221is in the closed position. The perforated portion224can include a plurality of panels having a gap between adjacent panels such that air is permitted to flow through the perforated portion224and into the HVAC system200when in operation. The plurality of panels of the perforated portion224can be angled to form a louver that can help prevent precipitation or foreign objects from entering the HVAC system200when the sliding door221is in the open position. For example, as the perforated portion224is moved into the open position, the perforated portion224can be positioned over the opening203and comprise panels that are angled downward and project outwardly from the opening to permit air to enter the HVAC system200while helping to prevent precipitation and foreign objects from entering the HVAC system200. Alternatively, or in addition, the perforated portion224can comprise perforated panels or a grille424(or screen or mesh), such as is depicted inFIG.4C. If the perforated portions224comprises perforated panels, each perforated panel can form a frame with one or more perforations within the frame such that air is permitted to flow through the perforated panel. For example, a perforated panel can include a continuous piece of material having one or more holes, slits, or other apertures to permit air to flow through the perforated panel. Alternatively or in addition, the perforated portion224can include multiple panels spaced apart from each other such that the multiple panels permit air to flow into the HVAC system200. Similar to the sealing portion222, the perforated portion224can be configured to bend when the economizer is actuated between the closed position and the open position. If the perforated portion224is made from a flexible material, the sealing portion222can be made from rubber, flexible metals, plastic, Kevlar, composite materials, or any other material that can bend when the sliding door221is actuated between the closed position and the open position. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the perforated portion224can comprise many different configurations that can each be capable of permitting air to enter the packaged unit202when the HVAC system200is in operation and the sliding door221is in the open position. The sealing portion222and the perforated portion224can be connected to each other and be configured to open and close together to form the sliding door221. For example, when the sliding door221is in the closed position (as depicted inFIGS.2A and2B), the sealing portion222can align with the opening203of the packaged unit202to prevent air from entering into the packaged unit202. The sliding door221can be actuated from the closed position to an open position (e.g., as depicted inFIGS.2C and2D) by moving the sealing portion222and the perforated portion224together such that the perforated portion224aligns with the opening203of the packaged unit202to permit air to enter the packaged unit202(as further illustrated inFIG.3Cdepicting airflow through the economizer220). The sealing portion222and the perforated portion224can be the same size or different sizes. Furthermore, the sealing portion222can be sized to cover or substantially cover the opening203to prevent air from entering the HVAC system200while the perforated portion224can be configured to at least partially uncover the opening203such that air is permitted to flow through the perforated portion224and into the HVAC system200. The sealing portion222can be configured to redirect some of the return air through the barometric relief dampers212when the sliding door221is in the open position. As depicted inFIGS.2C and2D, the sealing portion222can be moved into an angled position such that at least a portion of the return air being drawn up through the return air duct216can be directed by the sealing portion222through the barometric relief dampers212. The barometric relief dampers212can be configured to open by the pressure caused by the return air being redirected by the sealing portion222when the sliding door221is in the open position. In this way, the sliding door221can be configured to circulate air through the opening203of the HVAC system200, through the building, and then out through the barometric relief damper212to the atmosphere such that fresh air is circulated through the HVAC system200. The sealing portion222and the perforated portion224can be configured to slide between the open position and the closed position by moving along a track226configured to guide the sliding door221between the open and closed positions. The track226can be mounted to an inside surface of the packaged unit202. Alternatively, or in addition, the track226can be mounted to a frame configured to support the track226and the sliding door221. The track226can include an extending portion that can extend into an interior portion of the economizer220. The extending portion can be angled such that the extending portion can guide the sealing portion222into an airflow path at an appropriate angle and to an appropriate length for redirecting a predetermined amount of the return air when the sliding door221is in the open position. In this way, the sealing portion222can be configured to direct at least a portion of the return air through the barometric relief dampers212. Furthermore, because the sliding door221can be moved along the track226back to the closed position, the sliding door221can be moved completely out of the way of the returning air when the sliding door221is in the closed position. By moving the sliding door221completely out of the way of the returning air, the large pressure drop caused by existing economizer designs (i.e., economizer110) can be reduced or altogether eliminated to increase the overall efficiency of the HVAC system200. The sealing portion222and the perforated portion224can comprise wheels configured to facilitate movement of the sliding door221along the track226. Alternatively, the sealing portion222and the perforated portion224can simply be configured to slide along the track226without the aid of wheels. The sliding door221can be actuated between the open position and the closed position by a motor system228. The motor system228can be mounted to the inside surface of the packaged unit202or a frame configured to support the motor system228. Alternatively, the motor system228can be mounted to the sealing portion222or the perforated portion224and be configured to move along with the sliding door221when it is actuated between the open position and the closed position. The motor system228can include an electric motor that is configured to actuate the sliding door221between the open position and the closed position when the electric motor is energized. The motor system228can include gears, sprockets, pulleys, and/or other similar devices that can transfer the mechanical energy generated by the electric motor to the sliding door221to actuate the sliding door221. For example, as depicted inFIGS.4A and4B, the motor system228can be configured to engage a sprocket450that can engage a chain452that runs along an edge of the sealing portion222and/or the perforated portion224. In this way, the motor system228can turn the sprocket450and engage the chain452to actuate the sliding door221between the open and closed positions. The sprocket450can be mounted near a top or a bottom of the perforated portion224when the sliding door is in the open position. The sprocket450can be a gear or pulley and the chain452can be a chain, corresponding gear teeth mounted on the sliding door221, a cable, or any other suitable component that can be engaged by the sprocket450. The motor system228can be in communication with a controller230that is configured to output a control signal to energize the motor system228and actuate the sliding door221. The controller230can be configured to determine when the sliding door221should be actuated between the open position and the closed position. For example, the controller230can be configured to receive temperature data from a temperature sensor240and humidity data from a humidity sensor242and determine, based on the temperature data and/or the humidity data, that the sliding door221should be actuated to either the open or closed position. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the controller230can be additionally or alternatively configured to receive data from other types of sensors in the HVAC system200and determine, based on data received from the sensor(s), whether the sliding door221should be actuated between the open and closed position. For example, and not limitation, the controller230can be configured to receive data from a refrigerant gas sensor (e.g., a sensor configured to detect a refrigerant leak of the evaporator206), a presence sensor (e.g., a sensor configured to detect a presence of an occupant in the corresponding building, room, or area), a carbon monoxide or dioxide sensor, one or more air quality sensors, or any other sensor that can be configured to detect a condition of or near the HVAC system200(e.g., detect indoor and/or outdoor environmental conditions). The controller230can be configured to determine, based on the received sensor data, that the sliding door221should be actuated between the open or the closed position. For example, the controller230can determine that the sliding door221should be actuated to an open position based on receiving data from the refrigerant gas sensor or carbon monoxide sensor indicating that a refrigerant leak or carbon monoxide is present thereby venting harmful refrigerant gasses or carbon monoxide to the atmosphere rather than into the building. As another example, the controller230can determine that the sliding door221should be actuated to either the open or closed position based on the presence sensor indicating that an occupant is present in the building. In other words, the controller230can be configured to control the sliding door221based on a condition of an occupant being present in the building or absent from the building. As another example, the controller230can be configured to actuate the sliding door221to the closed position based on receiving data from the air quality sensors indicating that the outdoor air quality is below a threshold quality and should not be circulated into the building. The temperature sensor240can be configured to detect a temperature of the ambient air and output the temperature data to the controller230. Similarly, the humidity sensor242can be configured to detect a humidity level of the ambient air and output the humidity data to the controller230. If the controller230, for example, determines that the ambient temperature is less than a threshold temperature and that the humidity is less than a threshold humidity level, the controller230can output a control signal to actuate the sliding door221from the closed position to the open position to permit ambient air to enter the HVAC system200and cool the building or ventilated space. On the other hand, if the controller230determines that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature or that the humidity is greater than or equal to a threshold humidity level, the controller230can output a control signal to actuate the sliding door221from the open position to the closed position to prevent ambient air from entering the HVAC system200. The controller230can determine, based on the temperature data, humidity data, or other sensor data, that the sliding door221should be partially actuated (moved to a position somewhere between fully open and fully closed) to help regulate the temperature or air quality of the building or ventilated space. As illustrated inFIG.3B, by opening the sliding door221to a position between fully open and fully closed, the economizer220can permit ambient air to enter the economizer220and direct return air through the evaporator206as well as out the barometric relief dampers212. For example, if the controller230determines that only a small amount of ambient air should be circulated through the building (e.g., if the temperature of the ambient air is much cooler than the temperature of the air inside of the building), then the controller230can output a control signal to move the sliding door221to a suitable position between fully open and fully closed to help maintain the temperature or air quality of the building or ventilated space. The controller230can be configured to continue to monitor the temperature of the ambient air and the air inside of the building or ventilated space and output a control signal to change a position of the sliding door221to maintain the temperature of the air inside of the building or ventilated space within a predetermined temperature range. The controller230can be further configured to output a control signal to the evaporator206based on the ambient temperature or a position of the sliding door221. For example, if the controller230determines, based at least in part on the temperature data received from the temperature sensor240, that the ambient temperature is less than a threshold temperature, the controller230can output a control signal to turn off the evaporator206(e.g., turn off a compressor configured to circulate refrigerant through the evaporator206). Alternatively, or in addition, the controller230can be configured to output a control signal to turn off the evaporator206when the sliding door221is in the open position. In both instances, the HVAC system200can be configured to conserve energy by not operating the evaporator206when it is not needed to cool the building or ventilated space. In other examples, the controller230can determine whether the evaporator206should be operated in addition to having the economizer220in an open position. For example, the controller230can determine, based on the ambient air temperature and the temperature of the air inside of the building or ventilated space, whether to output a control signal to turn on the evaporator206to provide further cooling to the air being supplied to the building or ventilated space. In other examples, the controller230can determine whether to turn on the evaporator206based on a temperature of mixed air (i.e., the ambient air mixed with the returning air) being directed across the outer surface of the evaporator206. The controller230can be further configured to output a control signal to the barometric relief dampers212based on the ambient temperature or a position of the sliding door221. For example, if the controller230determines, based at least in part on the temperature data received from the temperature sensor240, that the ambient temperature is less than a threshold temperature, the controller230can output a control signal to open the barometric relief dampers212. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller230can be configured to output a control signal to open the barometric relief dampers212when the sliding door221is in the open position. In this way, the controller230can ensure that the air drawn into the HVAC system200is able to be circulated through the building or ventilated space and released to the atmosphere to ensure fresh and cool ambient air is circulated through the building. Furthermore, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, by opening the barometric relief dampers212, the air pressure within the HVAC system200and the building or ventilated space can be maintained at a suitable pressure level. The controller230can have a memory232, a processor234, and a communication interface236. The controller230can be a computing device configured to receive data, determine actions based on the received data, and output a control signal instructing one or more components of the HVAC system200to perform one or more actions. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the controller230can be installed in any location, provided the controller230is in communication with at least some of the components of the system. Furthermore, the controller230can be configured to send and receive wireless or wired signals and the signals can be analog or digital signals. The wireless signals can include Bluetooth™, BLE, WiFi™, ZigBee™, infrared, microwave radio, or any other type of wireless communication as may be suitable for the particular application. The hard-wired signal can include any directly wired connection between the controller and the other components described herein. Alternatively, the components can be powered directly from a power source and receive control instructions from the controller230via a digital connection. The digital connection can include a connection such as an Ethernet or a serial connection and can utilize any suitable communication protocol for the application such as Modbus, fieldbus, PROFIBUS, SafetyBus p, Ethernet/IP, or any other suitable communication protocol for the application. Furthermore, the controller230can utilize a combination of wireless, hard-wired, and analog or digital communication signals to communicate with and control the various components. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the above configurations are given merely as non-limiting examples and the actual configuration can vary depending on the particular application. The controller230can include a memory232that can store a program and/or instructions associated with the functions and methods described herein and can include one or more processors234configured to execute the program and/or instructions. The memory232can include one or more suitable types of memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash memory, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), and the like) for storing files including the operating system, application programs (including, for example, a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine, and or other applications, as necessary), executable instructions and data. One, some, or all of the processing techniques or methods described herein can be implemented as a combination of executable instructions and data within the memory. The controller230can also have a communication interface236for sending and receiving communication signals between the various components. Communication interface236can include hardware, firmware, and/or software that allows the processor(s)234to communicate with the other components via wired or wireless networks, whether local or wide area, private or public, as known in the art. Communication interface236can also provide access to a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network, or another wide-area network as suitable for the particular application. Additionally, the controller230can have or be in communication with a user interface238for displaying system information and receiving inputs from a user. The user interface238can be installed locally or be a remote device such as a mobile device. The user, for example, can view system data on the user interface238and input data or commands to the controller230via the user interface238. For example, the user can view threshold settings on the user interface238and provide inputs to the controller230via the user interface238to change a threshold setting. FIG.5Aillustrates a perspective view of a perforated plate560installed in an HVAC system500, in accordance with the disclosed technology. The perforated plate560can include at least first perforations562and second perforations564that can help guide return air across an outer surface of the evaporator206more evenly than without the perforated plate560(as illustrated inFIG.5B). As described previously in relation toFIG.1B, existing HVAC systems100can experience uneven airflow distribution across the evaporator206because of the configuration of the economizer120. This can lead to inefficiencies in the HVAC system100because the evaporator106is not fully utilized. By incorporating a perforated plate560into the HVAC system500, the HVAC system500can operate more efficiently because air is moved across a greater percentage of the outer surface of the evaporator206resulting in more efficient heat transfer between the air being moved across the outer surface of the evaporator206and the refrigerant passing through the evaporator. As illustrated inFIG.5A, the first perforations562can be located near a top portion of the perforated plate560while the second perforations564can be located near a bottom portion of the perforated plate560. The first perforations562can comprise a smaller flow area than the second perforations564. For example, the first perforations562can be smaller in size and collectively form a smaller flow area than the second perforations564. In this way, the second perforations564can permit a greater amount of air to flow through the second perforations564than the first perforations562. Thus, the perforated plate560can direct the air toward locations of the evaporator206that would normally receive a smaller amount of airflow to cause the air to be more evenly distributed across the outer surface of the evaporator206. Although depicted as having only the first perforations562and the second perforations564, the disclosed technology can have any number of perforations having any shapes or sizes to ensure the air is evenly distributed across the outer surface of the evaporator206. Furthermore, although depicted as having the first perforations562near the top portion of the perforated plate560and the second perforations564near the bottom portion of the perforated plate560, the first perforations562and the second perforations564can be arranged in any suitable configuration to help ensure the air is evenly distributed across the outer surface of the perforated plate560. For example, the first perforations562can be located near a center of the perforated plate560while the second perforations564can be located near the outer edges of the perforated plate560. As another example, the first perforations can be located near the bottom of the perforated plate560while the second perforations can be located near the top of the perforated plate560. In yet other examples, the first perforations562can be located near a first edge of the perforated plate560while the second perforations564can be located near a second edge of the perforated plate560. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the perforated plate560can include any number of configurations of perforations (including size, shape, position, and combination of various perforations) to distribute the air across the evaporator206more evenly than without the perforated plate560. FIG.6illustrates a flow diagram of an example method600of operating an economizer, in accordance with the disclosed technology. The method600can be executed or carried out by a computing device such as the controller230previously described. The method600can include receiving602temperature data from a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor240) that can be indicative of the temperature of the ambient air. Alternatively, or in addition, the method600can include receiving604humidity data from a humidity sensor (e.g., humidity sensor242) that can be indicative of the humidity level of the ambient air. The method600can include determining606, based on the temperature data, whether the temperature of the ambient air is within a target temperature range and/or determining608, based on the humidity data, whether the humidity of the ambient air is within a target humidity range. The target temperature range, for example, can be a temperature range of the ambient air that would commonly be considered comfortable by an occupant of the building, and the target humidity range, for example, can be a humidity range of the ambient air that would commonly be considered comfortable by an occupant of the building. One or both of the target temperature range and the target humidity range can be predetermined (e.g., preprogrammed), and/or one or both of the target temperature range and the target humidity range can be received and/or determined from user-inputted data. In response to determining that the temperature of the ambient air is within the target temperature range and/or the humidity of the ambient air is within the target humidity range, the method600can include outputting610a control signal to open the sliding door to permit ambient air to enter the building. Optionally, the method600can include confirming or determining that the sliding door of the economizer (e.g., sliding door221) is closed before outputting610the control signal to open the sliding door to permit ambient air to enter the building. In this way, disclosed technology can permit the ambient air to be circulated through the building by the HVAC system to help maintain the temperature of the building within a comfortable temperature range. In response to determining that the temperature of the ambient air is not within the target temperature range and/or the humidity of the ambient air is not within the predetermined humidity range, the method600can include outputting612a control signal to close the sliding door to prevent ambient air from entering the building. Optionally, the method600can include confirming or determining that the sliding door of the economizer is open before outputting612the control signal to open the sliding door to permit ambient air to enter the building. In this way, disclosed technology can ensure ambient air that is either too warm, too cool, or too humid is prevented from being circulated through the building by the HVAC system. While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of example aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described subject matter for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. In this disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. But other equivalent methods or compositions to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. Moreover, various aspects of the disclosed technology have been described herein as relating to methods, systems, devices, and/or non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not necessarily limited to the examples and embodiments expressly described herein. That is, certain aspects of a described system can be included in the methods described herein, various aspects of a described method can be included in a system described herein, and the like. | 36,952 |
11859838 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Conventional Energy Audit-Style Approach Conventionally, estimating periodic HVAC energy consumption and therefore fuel costs includes analytically determining a building's thermal conductivity (UATotal) based on results obtained through an on-site energy audit. For instance, J. Randolf and G. Masters,Energy for Sustainability: Technology, Planning, Policy, pp. 247, 248, 279 (2008), present a typical approach to modeling heating energy consumption for a building, as summarized therein by Equations 6.23, 6.27, and 7.5. The combination of these equations states that annual heating fuel consumption QFuelequals the product of UATotal, 24 hours per day, and the number of heating degree days (HDD) associated with a particular balance point temperature TBalance Point, as adjusted for the solar savings fraction (SSF) (or non-utility supplied power savings fraction) divided by HVAC system efficiency (ηHVAC): QFuel=(UATotal)(24*HDDBalancePoint)(1-SSF)(1ηHVAC)suchthat:(1)TBalancePoint=TSetPoint-InternalGainsUATotaland(2)ηHVAC=ηFurnaceηDistribution(3) where TSet Pointrepresents the temperature setting of the thermostat, Internal Gains represents the heating gains experienced within the building as a function of heat generated by internal sources and auxiliary heating, as further discussed infra, ηFurnacerepresents the efficiency of the furnace or heat source proper, and ηDistributionrepresents the efficiency of the duct work and heat distribution system. For clarity, HDDTBalance Pointwill be abbreviated to HDDBalance Point Temp. A cursory inspection of Equation (1) implies that annual fuel consumption is linearly related to a building's thermal conductivity. This implication further suggests that calculating fuel savings associated with building envelope or shell improvements is straightforward. In practice, however, such calculations are not straightforward because Equation (1) was formulated with the goal of determining the fuel required to satisfy heating energy needs. As such, there are several additional factors that the equation must take into consideration. First, Equation (1) needs to reflect the fuel that is required only when indoor temperature exceeds outdoor temperature. This need led to the heating degree day (HDD) approach (or could be applied on a shorter time interval basis of less than one day) of calculating the difference between the average daily (or hourly) indoor and outdoor temperatures and retaining only the positive values. This approach complicates Equation (1) because the results of a non-linear term must be summed, that is, the maximum of the difference between average indoor and outdoor temperatures and zero. Non-linear equations complicate integration, that is, the continuous version of summation. Second, Equation (1) includes the term Balance Point temperature (TBalance Point) The goal of including the term TBalance Pointwas to recognize that the internal heating gains of the building effectively lowered the number of degrees of temperature that auxiliary heating needed to supply relative to the temperature setting of the thermostat TSet Point. A balance point temperature TBalance Pointof 65° F. was initially selected under the assumption that 65° F. approximately accounted for the internal gains. As buildings became more efficient, however, an adjustment to the balance point temperature TBalance Pointwas needed based on the building's thermal conductivity (UATotal) and internal gains. This assumption further complicated Equation (1) because the equation became indirectly dependent on (and inversely related to) UATotalthrough TBalance Point. Third, Equation (1) addresses fuel consumption by auxiliary heating sources. As a result, Equation (1) must be adjusted to account for solar gains. This adjustment was accomplished using the Solar Savings Fraction (SSF). The SSF is based on the Load Collector Ratio (see Eq. 7.4 in Randolf and Masters, p. 278, cited supra, for information about the LCR). The LCR, however, is also a function of UATotal. As a result, the SSF is a function of UATotalin a complicated, non-closed form solution manner. Thus, the SSF further complicates calculating the fuel savings associated with building shell improvements because the SSF is indirectly dependent on UATotal. As a result, these direct and indirect dependencies in Equation (1) significantly complicate calculating a change in annual fuel consumption based on a change in thermal conductivity. The difficulty is made evident by taking the derivative of Equation (1) with respect to a change in thermal conductivity. The chain and product rules from calculus need to be employed since HDDBalance Point Tempand SSF are indirectly dependent on UATotal: dQFueldUATotal={(UATotal)[HDDBalancePointTemp(-dSSFdLCRdLCRdUATotal)+(dHDDBalancePointTempdTBalancePointdTBalancePointdUATotal)(1-SSF)]+(HDDBalancePointTemp)(1-SSF)}(24ηHVAC)(4) The result is Equation (4), which is an equation that is difficult to solve due to the number and variety of unknown inputs that are required. To add even further complexity to the problem of solving Equation (4), conventionally, UATotalis determined analytically by performing a detailed energy audit of a building. An energy audit involves measuring physical dimensions of walls, windows, doors, and other building parts; approximating R-values for thermal resistance; estimating infiltration using a blower door test; and detecting air leakage. A numerical model is then run to perform the calculations necessary to estimate thermal conductivity. Such an energy audit can be costly, time consuming, and invasive for building owners and occupants. Moreover, as a calculated result, the value estimated for UATotalcarries the potential for inaccuracies, as the model is strongly influenced by physical mismeasurements or omissions, data assumptions, and so forth. Empirically-Based Approaches to Modeling Heating Fuel Consumption Building heating (and cooling) fuel consumption can be calculated through two approaches, annual (or periodic) and hourly (or interval), to thermally characterize a building without intrusive and time-consuming tests. The first approach, as further described infra beginning with reference toFIG.1, requires typical monthly utility billing data and approximations of heating (or cooling) losses and gains. The second approach, as further described infra beginning with reference toFIG.11, involves empirically deriving three building-specific parameters, thermal mass, thermal conductivity, and effective window area, plus HVAC system efficiency using short duration tests that last at most several days. The parameters are then used to simulate a time series of indoor building temperature and of fuel consumption. While the discussion herein is centered on building heating requirements, the same principles can be applied to an analysis of building cooling requirements. In addition, conversion factors for occupant heating gains (250 Btu of heat per person per hour), heating gains from internal electricity consumption (3,412 Btu per kWh), solar resource heating gains (3,412 Btu per kWh), and fuel pricing ( PriceNG105 if in units of $ per therm and PriceElectrity3,TagBox[",", NumberComma, Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]]412 if in units of $ per kWh) are used by way of example; other conversion factors or expressions are possible. First Approach: Annual (or Periodic) Fuel Consumption Fundamentally, thermal conductivity is the property of a material, here, a structure, to conduct heat.FIG.1is a functional block diagram10showing heating losses and gains relative to a structure11. Inefficiencies in the shell12(or envelope) of a structure11can result in losses in interior heating14, whereas gains13in heating generally originate either from sources within (or internal to) the structure11, including heating gains from occupants15, gains from operation of electric devices16, and solar gains17, or from auxiliary heating sources18that are specifically intended to provide heat to the structure's interior. In this first approach, the concepts of balance point temperatures and solar savings fractions, per Equation (1), are eliminated. Instead, balance point temperatures and solar savings fractions are replaced with the single concept of balance point thermal conductivity. This substitution is made by separately allocating the total thermal conductivity of a building (UATotal) to thermal conductivity for internal heating gains (UABalance Point), including occupancy, heat produced by operation of certain electric devices, and solar gains, and thermal conductivity for auxiliary heating (UAAuxiliary Heating) The end result is Equation (34), further discussed in detail infra, which eliminates the indirect and non-linear parameter relationships in Equation (1) to UATotal. The conceptual relationships embodied in Equation (34) can be described with the assistance of a diagram.FIG.2is a graph20showing, by way of example, balance point thermal conductivity UABalance Point, that is, the thermal conductivity for internal heating gains. The x-axis21represents total thermal conductivity, UATotal, of a building (in units of Btu/hr-° F.). The y-axis22represents total heating energy consumed to heat the building. Total thermal conductivity21(along the x-axis) is divided into “balance point” thermal conductivity (UABalance Point)23and “heating system” (or auxiliary heating) thermal conductivity (UAAuxiliary Heating)24. “Balance point” thermal conductivity23characterizes heating losses, which can occur, for example, due to the escape of heat through the building envelope to the outside and by the infiltration of cold air through the building envelope into the building's interior that are compensated for by internal gains. “Heating system” thermal conductivity24characterizes heating gains, which reflects the heating delivered to the building's interior above the balance point temperature TBalance Point, generally as determined by the setting of the auxiliary heating source's thermostat or other control point. In this approach, total heating energy22(along the y-axis) is divided into gains from internal heating25and gains from auxiliary heating energy25. Internal heating gains are broken down into heating gains from occupants27, gains from operation of electric devices28in the building, and solar gains29. Sources of auxiliary heating energy include, for instance, natural gas furnace30(here, with a 56% efficiency), electric resistance heating31(here, with a 100% efficiency), and electric heat pump32(here, with a 250% efficiency). Other sources of heating losses and gains are possible. The first approach provides an estimate of fuel consumption over a year or other period of inquiry based on the separation of thermal conductivity into internal heating gains and auxiliary heating.FIG.3is a flow diagram showing a computer-implemented method40for modeling periodic building heating energy consumption in accordance with one embodiment. Execution of the software can be performed with the assistance of a computer system, such as further described infra with reference toFIG.26, as a series of process or method modules or steps. In the first part of the approach (steps41-43), heating losses and heating gains are separately analyzed. In the second part of the approach (steps44-46), the portion of the heating gains that need to be provided by fuel, that is, through the consumption of energy for generating heating using auxiliary heating18(shown inFIG.1), is determined to yield a value for annual (or periodic) fuel consumption. Each of the steps will now be described in detail. Specify Time Period Heating requirements are concentrated during the winter months, so as an initial step, the time period of inquiry is specified (step41). The heating degree day approach (HDD) in Equation (1) requires examining all of the days of the year and including only those days where outdoor temperatures are less than a certain balance point temperature. However, this approach specifies the time period of inquiry as the winter season and considers all of the days (or all of the hours, or other time units) during the winter season. Other periods of inquiry are also possible, such as a five- or ten-year time frame, as well as shorter time periods, such as one- or two-month intervals. Separate Heating Losses from Heating Gains Heating losses are considered separately from heating gains (step42). The rationale for drawing this distinction will now be discussed. Heating Losses For the sake of discussion herein, those regions located mainly in the lower latitudes, where outdoor temperatures remain fairly moderate year round, will be ignored and focus placed instead on those regions that experience seasonal shifts of weather and climate. Under this assumption, a heating degree day (HDD) approach specifies that outdoor temperature must be less than indoor temperature. No such limitation is applied in this present approach. Heating losses are negative if outdoor temperature exceeds indoor temperature, which indicates that the building will gain heat during these times. Since the time period has been limited to only the winter season, there will likely to be a limited number of days when that situation could occur and, in those limited times, the building will benefit by positive heating gain. (Note that an adjustment would be required if the building took advantage of the benefit of higher outdoor temperatures by circulating outdoor air inside when this condition occurs. This adjustment could be made by treating the condition as an additional source of heating gain.) As a result, fuel consumption for heating losses QLossesover the winter season equals the product of the building's total thermal conductivity UATotaland the difference between the indoor TIndoorand outdoor temperature TOutdoor, summed over all of the hours of the winter season: QLosses=∑tEndtStart(UATotal)(TtIndoor-TtOutdoor)(5) where Start and End respectively represent the first and last hours of the winter (heating) season. Equation (5) can be simplified by solving the summation. Thus, total heating losses QLossesequal the product of thermal conductivity UATotaland the difference between average indoor temperatureTIndoorand average outdoor temperatureTOutdoorover the winter season and the number of hours H in the season over which the average is calculated: QLosses=(UATotal)(Tindoor−TOutdoor)(H) (6) Heating Gains Heating gains are calculated for two broad categories (step43) based on the source of heating, internal heating gains QGains-Internaland auxiliary heating gains QGains-Auxiliary Heating, as further described infra with reference toFIG.4. Internal heating gains can be subdivided into heating gained from occupants QGains-Occupants, heating gained from the operation of electric devices QGains-Electricand heating gained from solar heating QGains-Solar. Other sources of internal heating gains are possible. The total amount of heating gained-QGainsfrom these two categories of heating sources equals: QGains=QGains-Internal+QGains-Auxiliary Heating(7) where QGains-Internal=QGains-Occupants+QGains-Electric+QGains-Solar(8) Calculate Heating Gains Equation (8) states that internal heating gains QGains-Internalinclude heating gains from Occupant, Electric, and Solar heating sources.FIG.4is a flow diagram showing a routine50for determining heating gains for use in the method40ofFIG.3Each of these heating gain sources will now be discussed. Occupant Heating Gains People occupying a building generate heat. Occupant heating gains QGains-Occupants(step51) equal the product of the heat produced per person, the average number of people in a building over the time period, and the number of hours (H) (or other time units) in that time period. Let P represent the average number of people. For instance, using a conversion factor of 250 Btu of heat per person per hour, heating gains from the occupants QGains-Occupantsequal: QGains-Occupants=(250)(P)(H) Other conversion actors or expressions are possible. Electric Heating Gains The operation of electric devices that deliver all heat that is generated into the interior of the building, for instance, lights, refrigerators, and the like, contribute to internal heating gain. Electric heating gains QGains-Electric(step52) equal the amount of electricity used in the building that is converted to heat over the time period. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the measured electricity consumption corresponds to the indoor usage. Two adjustments may be required. First, many electric utilities measure net electricity consumption. The energy produced by any photovoltaic (PV) system needs to be added back to net energy consumption (Net) to result in gross consumption if the building has a net-metered PV system. This amount can be estimated using time- and location-correlated solar resource data, as well as specific information about the orientation and other characteristics of the photovoltaic system, such as can be provided by the Solar Anywhere SystemCheck service (http://www.SolarAnywhere.com), a Web-based service operated by Clean Power Research, L.L.C., Napa, CA, with the approach described, for instance, in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,719,636, issued Jul. 21, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, or measured directly. Second, some uses of electricity may not contribute heat to the interior of the building and need be factored out as external electric heating gains (External). These uses include electricity used for electric vehicle charging, electric dryers (assuming that most of the hot exhaust air is vented outside of the building, as typically required by building code), outdoor pool pumps, and electric water heating using either direct heating or heat pump technologies (assuming that most of the hot water goes down the drain and outside the building—a large body of standing hot water, such as a bathtub filled with hot water, can be considered transient and not likely to appreciably increase the temperature indoors over the long run). For instance, using a conversion factor from kWh to Btu of 3,412 Btu per kWh (since QGains-Electricis in units of Btu), internal electric gains QGains-Electricequal: QGains-Electric=(Net+PV-External_)(H)(3,TagBox[",", NumberComma, Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]]412BtukWh)(10) where Net represents net energy consumption, PV represents any energy produced by a PV system, External represents heating gains attributable to electric sources that do not contribute heat to the interior of a building. Other conversion factors or expressions are possible. The average delivered electricityNet+PV−Externalequals the total over the time period divided by the number of hours (H) in that time period. Net+PV-External_=Net+PV-ExternalH(11) Solar Heating Gains Solar energy that enters through windows, doors, and other openings in a building as sunlight will heat the interior. Solar heating gains QGains-Solar(step53) equal the amount of heat delivered to a building from the sun. In the northern hemisphere, QGains-Solarcan be estimated based on the south-facing window area (m2) times the solar heating gain coefficient (SHGC) times a shading factor; together, these terms are represented by the effective window area (W). Solar heating gains QGains-Solarequal the product of W, the average direct vertical irradiance (DVI) available on a south-facing surface (Solar, as represented by DVI in kW/m2), and the number of hours (H) in the time period. For instance, using a conversion factor from kWh to Btu of 3,412 Btu per kWh (since QGains-Solaris in units of Btu while average solar is in kW/m2), solar heating gains QGains-Solarequal: QGains-Solαr=(Solar_)(W)(H)(3,TagBox[",", NumberComma, Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]]412BtukWh)(12) Other conversion factors or expressions are possible. Note that for reference purposes, the SHGC for one particular high quality window designed for solar gains, the Andersen High-Performance Low-E4 PassiveSun Glass window product, manufactured by Andersen Corporation, Bayport, MN, is 0.54; many windows have SHGCs that are between 0.20 to 0.25. Auxiliary Heating Gains The internal sources of heating gain share the common characteristic of not being operated for the sole purpose of heating a building, yet nevertheless making some measureable contribution to the heat to the interior of a building. The fourth type of heating gain, auxiliary heating gains QGains-Auxiliary Heating, consumes fuel specifically to provide heat to the building's interior and, as a result, must include conversion efficiency. The gains from auxiliary heating gains QGains-Auxiliary Heating(step53) equal the product of the average hourly fuel consumedQFueltimes the hours (H) in the period times HVAC system efficiency ηHVAC. QGains-Auxiliary Heating=(QFuel)(H)(ηHVAC) (13) Equation (13) can be stated in a more general form that can be applied to both heating and cooling seasons by adding a binary multiplier, HeatOrCool. The binary multiplier HeatOrCool equals 1 when the heating system is in operation and equals −1 when the cooling system is in operation. This more general form will be used in a subsequent section. QGains (Losses)-HVAC=(HeatOrCool)(QFuel)(H)(ηHVAC) (14) Divide Thermal Conductivity into Parts Consider the situation when the heating system is in operation. The HeatingOrCooling term in Equation (14) equals 1 in the heating season. As illustrated inFIG.3, a building's thermal conductivity UATotal, rather than being treated as a single value, can be conceptually divided into two parts (step44), with a portion of UATotalallocated to “balance point thermal conductivity” (UABalance Point) and a portion to “auxiliary heating thermal conductivity” (UAAuxiliary Heating), such as pictorially described supra with reference toFIG.2. UABalance Pointcorresponds to the heating losses that a building can sustain using only internal heating gains QGains-Internal. This value is related to the concept that a building can sustain a specified balance point temperature in light of internal gains. However, instead of having a balance point temperature, some portion of the building UABalance Pointis considered to be thermally sustainable given heating gains from internal heating sources (QGains-Internal). As the rest of the heating losses must be made up by auxiliary heating gains, the remaining portion of the building UAAxiliary Heatingis considered to be thermally sustainable given heating gains from auxiliary heating sources (QGains-Auxiliary Heating) The amount of auxiliary heating gained is determined by the setting of the auxiliary heating source's thermostat or other control point. Thus, UATotalcan be expressed as: UATotal=UABalance Points+UAAuxiliary Heating(15) where UABalance Point=UAOccupants+UAElectric+UASolar(16) such that UAOccupants, UAElectric, and UASolarrespectively represent the thermal conductivity of internal heating sources, specifically, occupants, electric and solar. In Equation (15), total thermal conductivity UATotalis fixed at a certain value for a building and is independent of weather conditions; UATotaldepends upon the building's efficiency. The component parts of Equation (15), balance point thermal conductivity UABalance Pointand auxiliary heating thermal conductivity UAAuxiliary Heating, however, are allowed to vary with weather conditions. For example, when the weather is warm, there may be no auxiliary heating in use and all of the thermal conductivity will be allocated to the balance point thermal conductivity UABalance Pointcomponent. Fuel consumption for heating losses QLossescan be determined by substituting Equation (15) into Equation (6): QLosses=(UABalance Points+UAAuxiliary Heating)(TIndoor−TOutdoor)(H) (17) Balance Energy Heating gains must equal heating losses for the system to balance (step45), as further described infra with reference toFIG.5. Heating energy balance is represented by setting Equation (7) equal to Equation (17): QGains-Internal+QGains-Auxiliary Heating=(UABalance Points+UAAuxiliary Heating)(TIndoor−TOutdoor)(H) (18) The result can then be divided by (TIndoor−TOutdoor)(H), assuming that this term is non-zero: UABalancePoint+UAAuxiliaryHeating=QGains-Internal+QGains-AuxiliaryHeating(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(19) Equation (19) expresses energy balance as a combination of both UABalance Pointand UAAuxiliary Heating.FIG.5is a flow diagram showing a routine60for balancing energy for use in the method40ofFIG.3. Equation (19) can be further constrained by requiring that the corresponding terms on each side of the equation match, which will divide Equation (19) into a set of two equations: UABalancePoint=QGains-Internal(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(20)UAAuxiliaryHeating=QGains-AuxiliaryHeating(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(21) The UABalance Pointshould always be a positive value. Equation (20) accomplishes this goal in the heating season. An additional term, HeatOrCool is required for the cooling season that equals 1 in the heating season and −1 in the cooling season. UABalancePoint=(HeatOrCool)(QGains-Internal)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(22) HeatOrCool and its inverse are the same. Thus, internal gains equals: QGains-Internal=(HeatOrCool)(UABalance Points)(TIndoor−TOutdoor)(H) (23) Components of UABalance Point For clarity, UABalance Pointcan be divided into three component values (step61) by substituting Equation (8) into Equation (20): UABalancePoint=QGains-Occupants+QGains-Electric+QGains-Solαr(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(24) Since UABalance Pointequals the sum of three component values (as specified in Equation (16)), Equation (24) can be mathematically limited by dividing Equation (24) into three equations: UAOccupants=QGains-Occupants(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(25)UAElectric=QGains-Electric(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(26)UASolar=QGains-Solαr(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)(27) Solutions for Components of UABalance Pointand UAAuxiliary Heating The preceding equations can be combined to present a set of results with solutions provided for the four thermal conductivity components as follows. First, the portion of the balance point thermal conductivity associated with occupants UAOccupants(step62) is calculated by substituting Equation (9) into Equation (25). Next, the portion of the balance point thermal conductivity UAElectricassociated with internal electricity consumption (step63) is calculated by substituting Equation (10) into Equation (26). Internal electricity consumption is the amount of electricity consumed internally in the building and excludes electricity consumed for HVAC operation, pool pump operation, electric water heating, electric vehicle charging, and so on, since these sources of electricity consumption result in heat or work being used external to the inside of the building. The portion of the balance point thermal conductivity UASolarassociated with solar gains (step64) is then calculated by substituting Equation (12) into Equation (27). Finally, thermal conductivity UAAuxiliary Heatingassociated with auxiliary heating (step64) is calculated by substituting Equation (13) into Equation (21). UAOccupants=250(P_)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(28)UAElectric=(Net+PV-External_)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(3,412BtukWh)(29)UASolar=(Solar_)(W)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(3,412BtukWh)(30)UAAuxiliaryHeating=Q_FuelηHVAC(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(31) Determine Fuel Consumption Referring back toFIG.3, Equation (31) can used to derive a solution to annual (or periodic) heating fuel consumption. First, Equation (15) is solved for UAAuxiliary Heating. UAAuxiliary Heating=UATotal−UABalance Points(32) Equation (32) is then substituted into Equation (31): UATotal-UABalancePoint=Q_FuelηHVAc(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(33) Finally, solving Equation (33) for fuel and multiplying by the number of hours (H) in (or duration of) the time period yields: QFuel=(UATotal-UABalancePoint)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)ηHVAC(34) Equation (34) is valid during the heating season and applies where UATotal≥UABalance Point. Otherwise, fuel consumption is 0. Using Equation (34), annual (or periodic) heating fuel consumption QFuelcan be determined (step46). The building's thermal conductivity UATotal, if already available through, for instance, the results of an energy audit, is obtained. Otherwise, UATotalcan be determined by solving Equations (28) through (31) using historical fuel consumption data, such as shown, by way of example, in the table ofFIG.7, or by solving Equation (52), as further described infra. UATotalcan also be empirically determined with the approach described, for instance, in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,024,733, issued Jul. 17, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Other ways to determine UATotalare possible. UABalance Pointcan be determined by solving Equation (24). The remaining values, average indoor temperatureTindoorand average outdoor temperatureTOutdoorand HVAC system efficiency ηHVAC, can respectively be obtained from historical weather data and manufacturer specifications. Practical Considerations Equation (34) is empowering. Annual heating fuel consumption QFuelcan be readily determined without encountering the complications of Equation (1), which is an equation that is difficult to solve due to the number and variety of unknown inputs that are required. The implications of Equation (34) in consumer decision-making, a general discussion, and sample applications of Equation (34) will now be covered. Change in Fuel Requirements Associated with Decisions Available to Consumers Consumers have four decisions available to them that affects their energy consumption for heating.FIG.6is a process flow diagram showing, by way of example, consumer heating energy consumption-related decision points. These decisions71include:1. Change the thermal conductivity UATotalby upgrading the building shell to be more thermally efficient (process72).2. Reduce or change the average indoor temperature by reducing the thermostat manually, programmatically, or through a “learning” thermostat (process73).3. Upgrade the HVAC system to increase efficiency (process74).4. Increase the solar gain by increasing the effective window area (process75). Other decisions are possible. Here, these four specific options can be evaluated supra by simply taking the derivative of Equation (34) with respect to a variable of interest. The result for each case is valid where UATotal≥UABalance Point. Otherwise, fuel consumption is 0. Changes associated with other internal gains, such as increasing occupancy, increasing internal electric gains, or increasing solar heating gains, could be calculated using a similar approach. Change in Thermal Conductivity A change in thermal conductivity UATotalcan affect a change in fuel requirements. The derivative of Equation (34) is taken with respect to thermal conductivity, which equals the average indoor minus outdoor temperatures times the number of hours divided by HVAC system efficiency. Note that initial thermal efficiency is irrelevant in the equation. The effect of a change in thermal conductivity UATotal(process72) can be evaluated by solving: dQFueldUATotal=(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)ηHVAc(35) Change in Average Indoor Temperature A change in average indoor temperature can also affect a change in fuel requirements. The derivative of Equation (34) is taken with respect to the average indoor temperature. Since UABalance Pointis also a function of average indoor temperature, application of the product rule is required. After simplifying, the effect of a change in average indoor temperature (process73) can be evaluated by solving: dQFueldTIndoor_=(UATotal)(HηHVAC)(36) Change in HVAC System Efficiency As well, a change in HVAC system efficiency can affect a change in fuel requirements. The derivative of Equation (34) is taken with respect to HVAC system efficiency, which equals current fuel consumption divided by HVAC system efficiency. Note that this term is not linear with efficiency and thus is valid for small values of efficiency changes. The effect of a change in fuel requirements relative to the change in HVAC system efficiency (process74) can be evaluated by solving: dQFueldηHVAC=-QFuel(1ηHVAC)(37) Change in Solar Gains An increase in solar gains can be accomplished by increasing the effective area of south-facing windows. Effective area can be increased by trimming trees blocking windows, removing screens, cleaning windows, replacing windows with ones that have higher SHGCs, installing additional windows, or taking similar actions. In this case, the variable of interest is the effective window area W. The total gain per square meter of additional effective window area equals the available resource (kWh/m2) divided by HVAC system efficiency, converted to Btus. The derivative of Equation (34) is taken with respect to effective window area. The effect of an increase in solar gains (process74) can be evaluated by solving: dQFueldW_=-[(Solar_)(H)ηHVAC](3,412BtukWh)(38) Discussion Both Equations (1) and (34) provide ways to calculate fuel consumption requirements. The two equations differ in several key ways:1. UATotalonly occurs in one place in Equation (34), whereas Equation (1) has multiple indirect and non-linear dependencies to UATotal.2. UATotalis divided into two parts in Equation (34), while there is only one occurrence of UATotalin Equation (1).3. The concept of balance point thermal conductivity in Equation (34) replaces the concept of balance point temperature in Equation (1).4. Heat from occupants, electricity consumption, and solar gains are grouped together in Equation (34) as internal heating gains, while these values are treated separately in Equation (1). Second, Equations (28) through (31) provide empirical methods to determine both the point at which a building has no auxiliary heating requirements and the current thermal conductivity. Equation (1) typically requires a full detailed energy audit to obtain the data required to derive thermal conductivity. In contrast, Equations (25) through (28), as applied through the first approach, can substantially reduce the scope of an energy audit. Third, both Equation (4) and Equation (35) provide ways to calculate a change in fuel requirements relative to a change in thermal conductivity. However, these two equations differ in several key ways:1. Equation (4) is complex, while Equation (35) is simple.2. Equation (4) depends upon current building thermal conductivity, balance point temperature, solar savings fraction, auxiliary heating efficiency, and a variety of other derivatives. Equation (35) only requires the auxiliary heating efficiency in terms of building-specific information. Equation (35) implies that, as long as some fuel is required for auxiliary heating, a reasonable assumption, a change in fuel requirements will only depend upon average indoor temperature (as approximated by thermostat setting), average outdoor temperature, the number of hours (or other time units) in the (heating) season, and HVAC system efficiency. Consequently, any building shell (or envelope) investment can be treated as an independent investment. Importantly, Equation (35) does not require specific knowledge about building construction, age, occupancy, solar gains, internal electric gains, or the overall thermal conductivity of the building. Only the characteristics of the portion of the building that is being replaced, the efficiency of the HVAC system, the indoor temperature (as reflected by the thermostat setting), the outdoor temperature (based on location), and the length of the winter season are required; knowledge about the rest of the building is not required. This simplification is a powerful and useful result. Fourth, Equation (36) provides an approach to assessing the impact of a change in indoor temperature, and thus the effect of making a change in thermostat setting. Note that Equation (31) only depends upon the overall efficiency of the building, that is, the building's total thermal conductivity UATotal, the length of the winter season (in number of hours or other time units), and the HVAC system efficiency; Equation (31) does not depend upon either the indoor or outdoor temperature. Equation (31) is useful in assessing claims that are made by HVAC management devices, such as the Nest thermostat device, manufactured by Nest Labs, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, or the Lyric thermostat device, manufactured by Honeywell Int'l Inc., Morristown, NJ, or other so-called “smart” thermostat devices. The fundamental idea behind these types of HVAC management devices is to learn behavioral patterns, so that consumers can effectively lower (or raise) their average indoor temperatures in the winter (or summer) months without affecting their personal comfort. Here, Equation (31) could be used to estimate the value of heating and cooling savings, as well as to verify the consumer behaviors implied by the new temperature settings. Balance Point Temperature Before leaving this section, balance point temperature should briefly be discussed. The formulation in this first approach does not involve balance point temperature as an input. A balance point temperature, however, can be calculated to equal the point at which there is no fuel consumption, such that there are no gains associated with auxiliary heating (QGains-Auxiliary Heatingequals 0) and the auxiliary heating thermal conductivity (UAAuxiliary Heatingin Equation (31)) is zero. Inserting these assumptions into Equation (19) and labeling TOutdooras TBalance Pointyields: QGains-Internal=UATotal(TIndoor−TOutdoor)(H) (39) Equation (39) simplifies to T_BalancePoint=T_Indoor-Q_Gains-InternalUATotalwhereQ_Gains-Internal=QGains-InternalH(40) Equation (40) is identical to Equation (2), except that average values are used for indoor temperatureTIndoor, balance point temperature TBalance Pointand fuel consumption for internal heating gainsQGains-Internaland that heating gains from occupancy (QGains-Occupants) electric (QGains-Electric) and solar (QGains-Solar) are all included as part of internal heating gains (QGains-Internal). Application: Change in Thermal Conductivity Associated with One Investment An approach to calculating a new value for total thermal conductivityTotalafter a series of M changes (or investments) are made to a building is described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,719,789, issued Jul. 21, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The approach is summarized therein in Equation (41), which provides: Total=UATotal+∑j=1M(Uj-U^j)Aj+ρc(n-n^)V(41) where a caret symbol ({circumflex over ( )}) denotes a new value, infiltration losses are based on the density of air (ρ), specific heat of air (c), number of air changes per hour (n), and volume of air per air change (V). In addition, Ujand Ûjrespectively represent the existing and proposed U-values of surface j, and Ajrepresents the surface area of surface j. The volume of the building V can be approximated by multiplying building square footage by average ceiling height. The equation, with a slight restatement, equals: Total=UATotal+ΔUATotaland(42)ΔUATotal=∑j=1M(Uj-U^j)Aj+ρc(n-n^)V.(43) If there is only one investment, the m superscripts can be dropped and the change in thermal conductivity UATotalequals the area (A) times the difference of the inverse of the old and new R-values R and {circumflex over (R)}: ΔUATotal=A(U-U^)=A(1R-1R^).(44) Fuel Savings The fuel savings associated with a change in thermal conductivity UATotalfor a single investment equals Equation (44) times (35): ΔQFuel=ΔUATotαldQFueldUATotal=A(1R-1R)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)ηHVAC(45) where ΔQFuelsignifies the change in fuel consumption. Economic Value The economic value of the fuel savings (Annual Savings) equals the fuel savings times the average fuel price (Price) for the building in question: AnnualSavings=A(1R-1R^)(T_Indoor-T_Outdoor)(H)ηHVAC(Price)wherePrice={PriceNG105ifpricehasunitsof$perthermPriceElectrity3,412ifpricehasunitsof$perKwh(46) where PriceNGrepresents the price of natural gas and PriceElectricityrepresents the price of electricity. Other pricing amounts, pricing conversion factors, or pricing expressions are possible. Example Consider an example. A consumer in Napa, CA wants to calculate the annual savings associating with replacing a 20 ft2single-pane window that has an R-value of 1 with a high efficiency window that has an R-value of 4. The average temperature in Napa over the 183-day winter period (4,392 hours) from October 1 to March 31 is 50° F. The consumer sets his thermostat at 68° F., has a 60 percent efficient natural gas heating system, and pays $1 per therm for natural gas. How much money will the consumer save per year by making this change? Putting this information into Equation (46) suggests that he will save $20 per year: AnnualSavings=20(11-14)(68-50)(4,392)0.6(1105)=$20(47) Application: Validate Building Shell Improvements Savings Many energy efficiency programs operated by power utilities grapple with the issue of measurement and evaluation (M&E), particularly with respect to determining whether savings have occurred after building shell improvements were made. Equations (28) through (31) can be applied to help address this issue. These equations can be used to calculate a building's total thermal conductivity UATotal. This result provides an empirical approach to validating the benefits of building shell investments using measured data. Equations (28) through (31) require the following inputs:1) Weather:a) Average outdoor temperature (° F.).b) Average indoor temperature (° F.).c) Average direct solar resource on a vertical, south-facing surface.2) Fuel and energy:a) Average gross indoor electricity consumption.b) Average natural gas fuel consumption for space heating.c) Average electric fuel consumption for space heating.3) Other inputs:a) Average number of occupants.b) Effective window area.c) HVAC system efficiency. Weather data can be determined as follows. Indoor temperature can be assumed based on the setting of the thermostat (assuming that the thermostat's setting remained constant throughout the time period), or measured and recorded using a device that takes hourly or periodic indoor temperature measurements, such as a Nest thermostat device or a Lyric thermostat device, cited supra, or other so-called “smart” thermostat devices. Outdoor temperature and solar resource data can be obtained from a service, such as Solar Anywhere SystemCheck, cited supra, or the National Weather Service. Other sources of weather data are possible. Fuel and energy data can be determined as follows. Monthly utility billing records provide natural gas consumption and net electricity data. Gross indoor electricity consumption can be calculated by adding PV production, whether simulated using, for instance, the Solar Anywhere SystemCheck service, cited supra, or measured directly, and subtracting out external electricity consumption, that is, electricity consumption for electric devices that do not deliver all heat that is generated into the interior of the building. External electricity consumption includes electric vehicle (EV) charging and electric water heating. Other types of external electricity consumption are possible. Natural gas consumption for heating purposes can be estimated by subtracting non-space heating consumption, which can be estimated, for instance, by examining summer time consumption using an approach described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,789,396, issued Sep. 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Other sources of fuel and energy data are possible. Finally, the other inputs can be determined as follows. The average number of occupants can be estimated by the building owner or occupant. Effective window area can be estimated by multiplying actual south-facing window area times solar heat gain coefficient (estimated or based on empirical tests, as further described infra), and HVAC system efficiency can be estimated (by multiplying reported furnace rating times either estimated or actual duct system efficiency), or can be based on empirical tests, as further described infra. Other sources of data for the other inputs are possible. Consider an example.FIG.7is a table80showing, by way of example, data used to calculate thermal conductivity. The data inputs are for a sample house in Napa, CA based on the winter period of October 1 to March 31 for six winter seasons, plus results for a seventh winter season after many building shell investments were made. (Note the building improvements facilitated a substantial increase in the average indoor temperature by preventing a major drop in temperature during night-time and non-occupied hours.) South-facing windows had an effective area of 10 m2and the solar heat gain coefficient is estimated to be 0.25 for an effective window area of 2.5 m2. The measured HVAC system efficiency of 59 percent was based on a reported furnace efficiency of 80 percent and an energy audit-based duct efficiency of 74 percent. FIG.8is a table90showing, by way of example, thermal conductivity results for each season using the data in the table80ofFIG.7as inputs into Equations (28) through (31). Thermal conductivity is in units of Btu/h-° F.FIG.9is a graph100showing, by way of example, a plot of the thermal conductivity results in the table90ofFIG.8. The x-axis represents winter seasons for successive years, each winter season running from October 1 to March 31. The y-axis represents thermal conductivity. The results from a detailed energy audit, performed in early 2014, are superimposed on the graph. The energy audit determined that the house had a thermal conductivity of 773 Btu/h-° F. The average result estimated for the first six seasons was 791 Btu/h-° F. A major amount of building shell work was performed after the 2013-2014 winter season, and the results show a 50-percent reduction in heating energy consumption in the 2014-2015 winter season. Application: Evaluate Investment Alternatives The results of this work can be used to evaluate potential investment alternatives.FIG.10is a graph110showing, by way of example, an auxiliary heating energy analysis and energy consumption investment options. The x-axis represents total thermal conductivity, UATotalin units of Btu/hr-° F. They-axis represents total heating energy. The graph presents the analysis of the Napa, CA building from the earlier example, supra, using the equations previously discussed. The three lowest horizontal bands correspond to the heat provided through internal gains111, including occupants, heat produced by operating electric devices, and solar heating. The solid circle112represents the initial situation with respect to heating energy consumption. The diagonal lines113a,113b,113crepresent three alternative heating system efficiencies versus thermal conductivity (shown in the graph as building losses). The horizontal dashed line114represents an option to improve the building shell and the vertical dashed line115represents an option to switch to electric resistance heating. The plain circle116represents the final situation with respect to heating energy consumption. Other energy consumption investment options (not depicted) are possible. These options include switching to an electric heat pump, increasing solar gain through window replacement or tree trimming (this option would increase the height of the area in the graph labeled “Solar Gains”), or lowering the thermostat setting. These options can be compared using the approach described with reference to Equations (25) through (28) to compare the options in terms of their costs and savings, which will help the homeowner to make a wiser investment. Second Approach: Time Series Fuel Consumption The previous section presented an annual fuel consumption model. This section presents a detailed time series model. This section also compares results from the two methods and provides an example of how to apply the on-site empirical tests. Building-Specific Parameters The building temperature model used in this second approach requires three building parameters: (1) thermal mass; (2) thermal conductivity; and (3) effective window area.FIG.11is a functional block diagram showing thermal mass, thermal conductivity, and effective window area relative to a structure121. By way of introduction, these parameters will now be discussed. Thermal Mass (M) The heat capacity of an object equals the ratio of the amount of heat energy transferred to the object and the resulting change in the object's temperature. Heat capacity is also known as “thermal capacitance” or “thermal mass” (122) when used in reference to a building. Thermal mass Q is a property of the mass of a building that enables the building to store heat, thereby providing “inertia” against temperature fluctuations. A building gains thermal mass through the use of building materials with high specific heat capacity and high density, such as concrete, brick, and stone. The heat capacity is assumed to be constant when the temperature range is sufficiently small. Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as: QM=M(Tt+ΔtIndoor−TtIndoor) (48) where M equals the thermal mass of the building and temperature units Tare in ° F. Q is typically expressed in Btu or Joules. In that case, M has units of Btu/° F. Q can also be divided by 1 kWh/3,412 Btu to convert to units of kWh/° F. Thermal Conductivity (UATotal) The building's thermal conductivity UATotal(123) is the amount of heat that the building gains or losses as a result of conduction and infiltration. Thermal conductivity UATotalwas discussed supra with reference to the first approach for modeling annual heating fuel consumption. Effective Window Area (W) The effective window area (in units of m2) (124), also discussed in detail supra, specifies how much of an available solar resource is absorbed by the building. Effective window area is the dominant means of solar gain in a typical building during the winter and includes the effect of physical shading, window orientation, and the window's solar heat gain coefficient. In the northern hemisphere, the effective window area is multiplied by the available average direct irradiance on a vertical, south-facing surface (kW/m2), times the amount of time (H) to result in the kWh obtained from the windows. Energy Gain or Loss The amount of heat transferred to or extracted from a building (Q) over a time period of Δt is based on a number of factors, including:1) Loss (or gain if outdoor temperature exceeds indoor temperature) due to conduction and infiltration and the differential between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.2) Gain, when the HVAC system is in the heating mode, or loss, when the HVAC system is in the cooling mode.3) Gain associated with:a) Occupancy and heat given off by people.b) Heat produced by consuming electricity inside the building.c) Solar radiation. Mathematically, Q can be expressed as: QΔt=[EnvelopeGainorLoss︷UATotal(T_Outdoor-T_Indoor)+OccupancyGain︷(250)P_+InternalElectricGain︷Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)+SolarGain︷WSolar_(3,412Btu1kWh)+HVACGainOrLoss︷(HeatOrCool)RHVACηHVACStatus_]Δt(49) where:Except as noted otherwise, the bars over the variable names represent the average value over Δt hours, that is, the duration of the applicable empirical test. For instance,TOutdoorrepresents the average outdoor temperature between the time interval of t and t+Δt.UATotalis the thermal conductivity (in units of Btu/hour-° F.).W is the effective window area (in units of m2).Occupancy Gain is based on the average number of people (P) in the building during the applicable empirical test (and the heat produced by those people). The average person is assumed to produce 250 Btu/hour.Internal Electric Gain is based on heat produced by indoor electricity consumption (Electric), as averaged over the applicable empirical test, but excludes electricity for purposes that do not produce heat inside the building, for instance, electric hot water heating where the hot water is discarded down the drain, or where there is no heat produced inside the building, such as is the case with EV charging.Solar Gain is based on the average available normalized solar irradiance (Solar) during the applicable empirical test (with units of kW/m2). This value is the irradiance on a vertical surface to estimate solar received on windows; global horizontal irradiance (GHI) can be used as a proxy for this number when W is allowed to change on a monthly basis.HVAC Gain or Loss is based on whether the HVAC is in heating or cooling mode (GainOrLoss is 1 for heating and −1 for cooling), the rating of the HVAC system (R in Btu), HVAC system efficiency (ηHVAC, including both conversion and delivery system efficiency), average operation status (Status) during the empirical test, a time series value that is either off (0 percent) or on (100 percent),Other conversion factors or expressions are possible. Energy Balance Equation (48) reflects the change in energy over a time period and equals the product of the temperature change and the building's thermal mass. Equation (49) reflects the net gain in energy over a time period associated with the various component sources. Equation (48) can be set to equal Equation (49), since the results of both equations equal the same quantity and have the same units (Btu). Thus, the total heat change of a building will equal the sum of the individual heat gain/loss components: TotalHeatChange︷M(Tt+ΔtIndoor-TtIndoor=[EnvelopeGainorLoss︷UATotal(T_Outdoor-T_Indoor)+OccupancyGain︷(250)P_+InternalElectricGain︷Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)+SolarGain︷WSolar_(3,412Btu1kWh)+HVACGainOrLoss︷(HeatOrCool)RHVACηHVACStatus_]Δt(50) Equation (50) can be used for several purposes.FIG.12is a flow diagram showing a computer-implemented method130for modeling interval building heating energy consumption in accordance with a further embodiment. Execution of the software can be performed with the assistance of a computer system, such as further described infra with reference toFIG.26, as a series of process or method modules or steps. As a single equation, Equation (50) is potentially very useful, despite having five unknown parameters. In this second approach, the unknown parameters are solved by performing a series of short duration empirical tests (step131), as further described infra with reference toFIG.14. Once the values of the unknown parameters are found, a time series of indoor temperature data can be constructed (step132), which will then allow annual fuel consumption to be calculated (step133) and maximum indoor temperature to be found (step134). The short duration tests will first be discussed. Empirically Determining Building- and Equipment-Specific Parameters Using Short Duration Tests A series of tests can be used to iteratively solve Equation (50) to obtain the values of the unknown parameters by ensuring that the portions of Equation (50) with the unknown parameters are equal to zero. These tests are assumed to be performed when the HVAC is in heating mode for purposes of illustration. Other assumptions are possible. FIG.13is a table140showing the characteristics of empirical tests used to solve for the five unknown parameters in Equation (50). The empirical test characteristics are used in a series of sequentially-performed short duration tests; each test builds on the findings of earlier tests to replace unknown parameters with found values. The empirical tests require the use of several components, including a control for turning an HVAC system ON or OFF, depending upon the test; an electric controllable interior heat source; a monitor to measure the indoor temperature during the test; a monitor to measure the outdoor temperature during the test; and a computer or other computational device to assemble the test results and finding thermal conductivity, thermal mass, effective window area, and HVAC system efficiency of a building based on the findings. The components can be separate units, or could be consolidated within one or more combined units. For instance, a computer equipped with temperature probes could both monitor, record and evaluate temperature findings.FIG.14is a flow diagram showing a routine150for empirically determining building- and equipment-specific parameters using short duration tests for use in the method130ofFIG.12. The approach is to run a serialized series of empirical tests. The first test solves for the building's total thermal conductivity (UATotal) (step151). The second test uses the empirically-derived value for UATotalto solve for the building's thermal mass (M) (step152). The third test uses both of these results, thermal conductivity and thermal mass, to find the building's effective window area (W) (step153). Finally, the fourth test uses the previous three test results to determine the overall HVAC system efficiency (step145). Consider how to perform each of these tests. Test 1: Building Thermal Conductivity (UATotal) The first step is to find the building's total thermal conductivity (UATotal) (step151). Referring back to the table inFIG.13, this short-duration test occurs at night (to avoid any solar gain) with the HVAC system off (to avoid any gain from the HVAC system), and by having the indoor temperature the same at the beginning and the ending of the test by operating an electric controllable interior heat source, such as portable electric space heaters that operate at 100% efficiency, so that there is no change in the building temperature's at the beginning and at the ending of the test. Thus, the interior heart source must have sufficient heating capacity to maintain the building's temperature state. Ideally, the indoor temperature would also remain constant to avoid any potential concerns with thermal time lags. These assumptions are input into Equation (50): M(0)=[UATotal(T_Outdoor-T_Indoor)+(250)P_+Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)+W(0)(3,412Btu1kWh)+(1)RHVACηHVAC(0)]Δt(51) The portions of Equation (51) that contain four of the five unknown parameters now reduce to zero. The result can be solved for UATotal: UATotαl=[(250)P¯+Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)](T¯Indoor-T¯Outdoor)(52) whereTIndoorrepresents the average indoor temperature during the empirical test,TOutdoorrepresents the average outdoor temperature during the empirical test,Prepresents the average number of occupants during the empirical test, andElectricrepresents average indoor electricity consumption during the empirical test. Equation (52) implies that the building's thermal conductivity can be determined from this test based on average number of occupants, average power consumption, average indoor temperature, and average outdoor temperature. Test 2: Building Thermal Mass (A) The second step is to find the building's thermal mass (M) (step152). This step is accomplished by constructing a test that guarantees M is specifically non-zero since UATotalis known based on the results of the first test. This second test is also run at night, so that there is no solar gain, which also guarantees that the starting and the ending indoor temperatures are not the same, that is, Tt+ΔtIndoor≠TtIndoor, respectively at the outset and conclusion of the test by not operating the HVAC system. These assumptions are input into Equation (50) and solving yields a solution for M: M=[UATotαl(T¯Outdoor-T¯Indoor)+(250)P¯+Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)(Tt+ΔtIndoor-TtIndoor)]Δt(53) where UATotalrepresents the thermal conductivity,TIndoorrepresents the average indoor temperature during the empirical test,TOutdoorrepresents the average outdoor temperature during the empirical test,Prepresents the average number of occupants during the empirical test,Electricrepresents average indoor electricity consumption during the empirical test, t represents the time at the beginning of the empirical test, Δt represents the duration of the empirical test, Tt+ΔtIndoorrepresents the ending indoor temperature, TtIndoorrepresents the starting indoor temperature, and Tt+ΔtIndoor≠TtIndoor Test 3: Building Effective Window Area (W) The third step to find the building's effective window area (W) (step153) requires constructing a test that guarantees that solar gain is non-zero. This test is performed during the day with the HVAC system turned off. Solving for W yields: W={[M(Tt+ΔtIndoor-TtIndoor)3,412Δt]-UATotαl(T¯Outdoor-T¯Indoor)3,412-(250)P¯3,412-Electric_}[1Solar_](54) where M represents the thermal mass, t represents the time at the beginning of the empirical test, Δt represents the duration of the empirical test, Tt+ΔtIndoorrepresents the ending indoor temperature, and TtIndoorrepresents the starting indoor temperature, UATotalrepresents the thermal conductivity,TIndoorrepresents the average indoor temperature,TOutdoorrepresents the average outdoor temperature,Prepresents the average number of occupants during the empirical test,Electricrepresents average electricity consumption during the empirical test, andSolarrepresents the average solar energy produced during the empirical test. Test 4: HVAC System Efficiency (ηFurnaceηDelivery) The fourth step determines the HVAC system efficiency (step154). Total HVAC system efficiency is the product of the furnace efficiency and the efficiency of the delivery system, that is, the duct work and heat distribution system. While these two terms are often solved separately, the product of the two terms is most relevant to building temperature modeling. This test is best performed at night, so as to eliminate solar gain. Thus: ηHVAC=[M(Tt+ΔtIndoor-TtIndoor)Δt-UATotαl(T¯Outdoor-T¯Indoor)-(250)P¯-Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)][1(1)RHVACStatus_](55) where M represents the thermal mass, t represents the time at the beginning of the empirical test, Δt represents the duration of the empirical test, Tt+ΔtIndoorrepresents the ending indoor temperature, and TtIndoorrepresents the starting indoor temperature, UATotalrepresents the thermal conductivity,TIndoorrepresents the average indoor temperature,TOutdoorrepresents the average outdoor temperature,Prepresents the average number of occupants during the empirical test,Electricrepresents average electricity consumption during the empirical test,Statusrepresents the average furnace operation status, and RFurnacerepresents the rating of the furnace. Note that HVAC duct efficiency can be determined without performing a duct leakage test if the generation efficiency of the furnace is known. This observation usefully provides an empirical method to measure duct efficiency without having to perform a duct leakage test. Time Series Indoor Temperature Data The previous subsection described how to perform a series of empirical short duration tests to determine the unknown parameters in Equation (50). Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,789,396, cited supra, describes how a building's UATotalcan be combined with historical fuel consumption data to estimate the benefit of improvements to a building. While useful, estimating the benefit requires measured time series fuel consumption and HVAC system efficiency data. Equation (50), though, can be used to perform the same analysis without the need for historical fuel consumption data. Referring back toFIG.12, Equation (50) can be used to construct time series indoor temperature data (step132) by making an approximation. Let the time period (Δ t) be short (an hour or less), so that the average values are approximately equal to the value at the beginning of the time period, that is, assumeToutdoor≈TtOutdoor. The average values in Equation (50) can be replaced with time-specific subscripted values and solved to yield the final indoor temperature. Tt+ΔtIndoor=TtIndoor+[1M][UATotal(TtOutdoor-TtIndoor)+(250)Pt+Electrict(3,412Btu1kWh)+WSolart(3,412Btu1kWh)+(HeatOrCool)RHVACηHVACStatust]Δt(56) Once Tt+ΔtIndooris known, Equation (56) can be used to solve for Tt+2ΔtIndoorand so on. Importantly, Equation (56) can be used to iteratively construct indoor building temperature time series data with no specific information about the building's construction, age, configuration, number of stories, and so forth. Equation (56) only requires general weather datasets (outdoor temperature and irradiance) and building-specific parameters. The control variable in Equation (56) is the fuel required to deliver the auxiliary heat at time t, as represented in the Status variable, that is, at each time increment, a decision is made whether to run the HVAC system. Seasonal Fuel Consumption Equation (50) can also be used to calculate seasonal fuel consumption (step133) by letting Δt equal the number of hours (H) in the entire season, either heating or cooling (and not the duration of the applicable empirical test), rather than making Δt very short (such as an hour, as used in an applicable empirical test). The indoor temperature at the start and the end of the season can be assumed to be the same or, alternatively, the total heat change term on the left side of the equation can be assumed to be very small and set equal to zero. Rearranging Equation (50) provides: (HeatOrCool)RHVACηHVACStatus_(H)=-[UATotal(T¯Outdoor-T¯Indoor)](H)-[(250)P¯+Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)+WSolar_(3,412Btu1kWh)](H)(57) Total seasonal fuel consumption based on Equation (50) can be shown to be identical to fuel consumption calculated using the annual method based on Equation (34). First, Equation (57), which is a rearrangement of Equation (50), can be simplified. Multiplying Equation (57) by HeatOrCool results in (HeatOrCool)2on the left hand side, which equals 1 for both heating and cooling seasons, and can thus be dropped from the equation. In addition, the sign on the first term on the right hand side of Equation (57) ([UATotal(TOutdoor−TIndoor)](H)) can be changed by reversing the order of the temperatures. Per Equation (8), the second term on the right hand side of the equation ([(250)P¯+Electric_(3,412Btu1kWh)+WSolar_(3,412Btu1kWh)](H)) equals internal gains (QGains-Internal) which can be substituted into Equation (57). Finally, dividing the equation by HVAC efficiency ηHVACyields RHVACStatus_(H)=[(HeatOrCool)(UATotal)(T¯Indoor-T¯Outdoor)(H)-(HeatOrCool)QGains-Internal](1ηHVAC)(58) Equation (58), which is a simplification of Equation (57), can be used to calculate net savings in fuel, cost, and carbon emissions (environmental), as described, for instance, in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,332,021, issued Jun. 25, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Next, substituting Equation (23) into Equation (58): RHVACStatus_(H)=[(HeatOrCool)(UATotal)(T¯Indoor-T¯Outdoor)(H)-(HeatOrCool)(HeatOrCool)(UABalancePoint)(T¯Indoor-T¯Outdoor)(H)](1ηHVAC)(59) Once again, HeatOrCool2equals 1 for both heating and cooling seasons and thus is dropped. Equation (59) simplifies as: RHVACStatus_(H)==[HeatOrCool(UATotαl)-(UABαlαncePoint)](T¯Indoor-T¯Outdoor)(H)ηHVAC(60) Consider the heating season when HeatOrCool equals 1. Equation (60) simplifies as follows. QFuel=(UATotαl-UABαlαncePoint)(T¯Indoor-T¯Outdoor)(H)ηHVAC(61) Equation (61) illustrates total seasonal fuel consumption based on Equation (50) is identical to fuel consumption calculated using the annual method based on Equation (34). Consider the cooling season when HeatOrCool equals −1. Multiply Equation (61) by the first part of the right hand side by −1 and reverse the temperatures, substitute −1 for HeatOrCool, and simplify: QFuel=(UATotαl+UABαlαncePoint)(T¯Outdoor-T¯Indoor)(H)ηHVAC(62) A comparison of Equations (61) and (62) shows that a leverage effect occurs that depends upon whether the season is for heating or cooling. Fuel requirements are decreased in the heating season because internal gains cover a portion of building losses (Equation (61)). Fuel requirements are increased in the cooling season because cooling needs to be provided for both the building's temperature gains and the internal gains (Equation (62)). Maximum Indoor Temperature Allowing consumers to limit the maximum indoor temperature to some value can be useful from a personal physical comfort perspective. The limit of maximum indoor temperature (step134) can be obtained by taking the minimum of Tt+ΔtIndoorand TIndoor-Max, the maximum indoor temperature recorded for the building during the heating season. There can be some divergence between the annual and detailed time series methods when the thermal mass of the building is unable to absorb excess heat, which can then be used at a later time. Equation (56) becomes Equation (63) when the minimum is applied. Tt+ΔtIndoor=Min{TIndoor-Max,TtIndoor+[1M][UATotal(TtOutdoor-TtIndoor)+(250)Pt+Electrict(3,412Btu1kWh)+WSolart(3,412Btu1kWh)+(HeatOrCool)RHVACηHVACStatust]Δt}(63) Using a Building's Thermal Mass to Shift HVAC Loads Well-intentioned, albeit naïve, attempts at lowering energy costs by manually adjusting thermostat settings are usually ineffective in achieving appreciable savings. In a typical house, HVAC load is not directly measured. As a result, the cost savings resulting from manual thermostat changes cannot be accurately gauged for lack of a direct correlation between HVAC use and power consumption. A change in thermostat setting often fails to translate into a proportional decrease in energy expense, especially when HVAC use remains high during periods of increased utility rates. Conversely, while HVAC load remains an unknown, indoor temperatures can be estimated. As discussed supra with reference toFIG.12, Equation (50) can be used to construct time series indoor temperature data. This data can be used to shift HVAC load to meet energy savings goals. HVAC load is shifted by adjusting HVAC consumption that, in turn, affects indoor temperatures. HVAC load shifting advantageously harnesses the thermal storage that exists due to a building's thermal mass by pre-heating or pre-cooling the structure. When performing HVAC load shifting, HVAC consumption is adjusted to reduce or flatten peak energy consumption loads, to move HVAC consumption from high cost to low cost periods, or to match HVAC consumption with PV production. Other energy savings goals are possible. Thus, by storing indoor climate conditioning through thermal mass, an HVAC system can be run at an increased load at those times when energy costs are lower, thereby decreasing overall energy expense. Equation (56) states that the indoor temperature in a subsequent time period equals the indoor temperature in the current time period plus the total heat change divided by thermal mass. Alternatively, Equation (56) can be written as the sum of five sources of heat gain (or loss), envelope gains (or losses), occupancy gains, internal electric gains, solar gains, and HVAC gains (or losses): Tt+ΔtIndoor=TtIndoor+[Envelopet+Occupancyt+InternalElectrict+SolarEnergyt+HVACtM](64)suchthat:Envelopet=UATotal(TtOutdoor-TtIndoor)ΔtOccupancyt=(250)PtΔtInternalElectrict=Electrict(3,412Btu1kWh)ΔtSolarEnergyt=WSolart(3,412Btu1kWh)ΔtHVACt=HeatOrCoolηHVACLtHVACLtHVAC=RHVACStatustΔt(65) where LtHVACequals the HVAC load (kWh) consumed at time t over the time interval Δt. Envelope is the only source of heat that depends on indoor temperature. Thus, Envelope represents the only dependent source heat gain (or loss) of the five sources of heat gain (or loss) presented in Equation (64). All other sources heat gain (or loss) are independent of each other and are independent of indoor temperature. This independence means that changing the values of Occupancy, Internal Electric, Solar Energy, or HVAC only impacts the value of Envelope. The values of the other sources are unaffected. Residential applications typically only have one electric meter that measures net load, even when a PV system is installed. As a result, several terms and load relationships need to be defined to obtain HVAC load. There are five load components, total load LTotal, HVAC load LHVAC, non-HVAC load LNon-HVAC, net load LNetand PV production PV. Note that the non-HVAC load can be estimated by examining historical usage under different weather patterns. These load definitions can be combined to express HVAC load. First, total load LtTotalat any given time t equals net load LtNetplus PV production Pvt: LtTotal=LtNet+PVt(66) Note that the total (gross) load LTotalcan be estimated, such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,719,636, cited supra. Next, total load LTotalat time t can be expressed as the sum of HVAC load LtHVACand non-HVAC load LtNon-HVAC: LtTotal=LtHVAC+LtNon-HVAC(67) Finally, HVAC load can be obtained by setting Equation (66) equal to Equation (67) and solving for HVAC load LtHVAC. At time t, HVAC load LtHVACequals net load LtNetplus PV production PVtminus non-HVAC load LtNon-HVAC. LtHVAC=LtNet+PVt−LtNon-HVAC(68) Equation (68) provides that HVAC load can be calculated using net load, measured (or simulated) PV production, and estimated non-HVAC load. Equations (66), (67), and (68) are for an existing, single value at time t. Notationally, a caret symbol ({circumflex over ( )}) signifies a modified scenario value. The Greek letter delta (Δ) signifies a change between a modified scenario value and an existing scenario values. For example, the change in HVAC load at time t is represented by ΔLtHVAC, which equals ΔLtHVAC=−LtHVAC. Array of values are denoted by dropping the subscript for time t and using a bold font. For example, the array of change in HVAC loads equals ΔLHVAC={ΔL0HVAC, ΔL1HVAC, . . . , ΔLTHVAC}, where Δt equals 1 and the time starts at 0 and goes to T. Similarly, the change in indoor temperatures equals ΔTIndoor={ΔT0Indoor, ΔT1Indoor, . . . , ΔTTIndoor}. Change in Indoor Temperature The change in indoor temperature for any given time t can be calculated by subtracting existing scenario values from modified scenario values, using Equation (64) to calculate both existing (TtIndoor) and modified ({circumflex over (T)}tIndoor) indoor temperatures. Assuming that only the HVAC load is modified, the change in indoor temperature can be calculated as: (Tˆt+Δtindoor=Tˆtindoor+|+Occupancyt+InternalElectrict+SolarEnergyt+M]-Tt+ΔtIndoor=TtIndoor+[Envelopet+Occupancyt+InternalElectrict+SolarEnergyt+HVACtM])ΔTt+ΔtIndoor=ΔTtIndoor+|(Envelopet-Envelopet)+(-HVACt)M] The terms for Occupancy, Internal Electric, and Solar Energy all cancel out because these terms are the same for both existing and modified scenarios. By substituting the Envelope and HVAC definitions from Equation (64), the change in indoor temperature resulting from a change in HVAC operation equals: ΔTt+ΔtIndoor=ΔTtIndoor-(UATotalΔTtIndoorΔt+HeatOrCoolηHVACΔLtHVAC)(1M)(69) Equation (69) can be arranged as follows. ΔTt+ΔtIndoor=[(M-UATotalΔt)ΔTtIndoor-(HeatOrCoolηHVACΔLtHVAC)](1M)(70) Equation (70) can be rearranged such that the change in temperature for the previous time period is based on the data for the subsequent time period: ΔTt+ΔtIndoor=MΔTt+ΔtIndoor+(HeatOrCoolηHVACΔLtHVAC)M-UATotαlΔt(71) Equations (70) and (71) allow the change in indoor temperature to be iteratively calculated respectively starting either at the beginning of the HVAC load shifting strategy and working forward (Equation (70)) or at the end of the HVAC load shifting strategy and working backward (Equation (71)). When working forward from the beginning of the time period, each change in indoor temperature applies to the next time interval in the time period following the change in HVAC load. When working backward from the ending of the time period, each change in indoor temperature applies to the prior time interval in the time period preceding the change in HVAC load. In both Equations (70) and (71), two change in indoor temperature boundary conditions must be satisfied:1. The change in temperature at the start of the HVAC load shifting strategy equals zero (ΔTtStartIndoor=0)2. The change in temperature Δt time after the end of the HVAC load shifting strategy equals zero (ΔTtEnd+ΔtIndoor=0) Equations (70) and (71) are only reliant on a change in HVAC load coupled with three static parameters, thermal mass, HVAC efficiency, and thermal conductivity. In addition, Equations (70) and (71) can be solved iteratively to determine a new HVAC load shape, which defines HVAC consumption, and indoor temperature profile. Equations (70) and (71) are independent of external temperature, non-HVAC load, occupancy, and solar irradiance, which are required inputs for current load shifting solutions. Constrained Cost Minimization Problem The problem of minimizing the cost associated with net load () can be formulated as a constrained cost minimization problem by shifting HVAC load () during an adjustment time period, subject to several constraints. First, throughout the time period, the HVAC load is subject to operational constraints in that the HVAC load must always be positive, that is, non-negative, and must not exceed the HVAC equipment rating. Second, Equation (71) can be used to guarantee that the two change in indoor temperature boundary conditions at the beginning and ending of the time period are satisfied: Cost()(72) such that 0≤≤HVAC Rating for all t, ΔTtStartIndoor=0,andΔTtEnd+ΔtIndoor=0. Optionally, the indoor temperature can be constrained to not change beyond some specified range, such that −ΔTIndoor Min≤ΔTtIndoor≤ΔTIndoor Maxfor all t. Still other constraints are possible. Change in Losses The increase in envelope losses associated with extra cooling or the decrease in envelope losses associated with extra heating can be calculated to examine changes in total energy use. These values equal the building's total thermal conductivity times the average change in temperature times the number of hours: Changes in Losses=(UATotal)(ΔTtStartto tEndIndoor)(tEnd−tStart) (73) whereΔTtStartto tEndIndoorrepresents the average change in indoor temperature. Implementation Equation (71) requires time series change in HVAC load data (ΔLHVAC) as an input HVAC load shape and generates time series change in indoor temperature data (ΔTIndoor) as an output indoor temperature profile. The time series change in HVAC load data is used as modified scenario values to meet desired energy savings goals, such as reducing or flattening peak energy consumption load to reduce demand charges, moving HVAC consumption to take advantage of lower utility rates, or moving HVAC consumption to match PV production. Still other energy savings goals are possible.FIG.15is a flow diagram showing a method for providing constraint-based HVAC system optimization160with the aid of a digital computer. Execution of the software can be performed with the assistance of a computer system, such as further described infra with reference toFIG.26, as a series of process or method modules or steps. The change in HVAC load can be constructed using the following steps. First, time series net load data (LNet) is obtained (step161) for a time period during which HVAC load for the building will be shifted. The time series net load data can be measured, simulated, or forecasted. If a PV production system (or other type of renewable resource power production system) is installed on-site (step162), time series PV production data for the building (PV) is obtained (step163) and added to the time series net load data to equal time series total load data for the building (LTotal) (step164). The time series PV production data can also be measured, forecasted, or simulated, such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,165,811; 8,165,812; 8,165,813, all issued to Hoff on Apr. 24, 2012; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,326,535 and 8,326,536, both issued to Hoff on Dec. 4, 2012; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,335,649, issued to Hoff on Dec. 18, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. Otherwise, the time series total load data for the building (LTotal) is simply set to equal the time series net load data (LNet) (step165). Time series non-HVAC load data (LNon-HVAC) is estimated (step166). The time series non-HVAC load data can be estimated by examining historical usage under different weather patterns. The time series non-HVAC load data is subtracted from the time series total load data to equal time series HVAC load data (LHVAC) (step167). Next, a HVAC load shifting strategy that satisfies the constrained optimization is selected (step168). In choosing the strategy, the proposed adjustments to the existing HVAC load data ΔLHVACmust be selected to satisfy the two change in indoor temperature boundary conditions bounded at the beginning and ending of the time period during which HVAC load will be shifted. In addition, the change in HVAC load data should preferably be constructed within the context of existing net energy consumption, as indicated by the constrained cost minimization problem outline in Equation (72). Based on these considerations, modified time series net load data () is constructed (step169) by modifying the existing time series HVAC load data (LHVAC) to match the selected HVAC load shifting strategy. Next, if a PV production system (or other type of renewable resource power production system) is installed on-site (step170), the existing time series PV production data for the building (PV) is added to and the existing time series non-HVAC load data (LNon-HVAC) is subtracted from the modified time series net load data () to equal modified time series HVAC load data () (step171). Otherwise, only the existing time series non-HVAC load data (LNon-HVAC) is subtracted from the modified time series net load data () to equal the modified time series HVAC load data () (step172). Finally, time series change in HVAC load data (ΔLHVAC) is calculated by subtracting the modified time series HVAC load data () from the existing time series non-HVAC load data (LNon-HVAC) (step173). Time series change in indoor temperature data (ΔTIndoor) is then constructed (step174) by iteratively applying Equation (70) starting at the beginning of the time period for the HVAC load shifting strategy and working forward or by iteratively applying Equation (71) at the ending of the time period for the HVAC load shifting strategy and working backward. The modified time series HVAC load data () and the time series change in indoor temperature data (ΔTIndoor) are evaluated to verify that all conditions are satisfied (step175). Specifically, the following conditions must be met:1. Modified HVAC load is never negative.2. Modified HVAC load never exceeds HVAC equipment ratings.3. The indoor temperature boundary conditions are satisfied. If any of the conditions are not satisfied (step175), a new (or revised) HVAC load shifting strategy is selected and vetted (steps168-174) until all conditions are met (step175), after which the method is complete. Example: Pre-Cooling in the Summer The foregoing methodology can be illustrated by generating exemplary results using data measured on Sep. 10, 2015 for an actual house located in Napa, CA, based on air conditioning (A/C) usage in the summer. This day was the peak load day for the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and was also the hottest day of the year in Napa, CA The house has a 10 kW PV system and an A/C system rated a 13 SEER, which corresponds to an “efficiency” of 381%. The SEER rating is converted into efficiency by multiplying by the Btu-to-Wh conversion factor, that is, 3.81=13Btu/Wh3.412Btu/Wh. The house has a thermal conductivity UATotalof 1,600 Btu/hr-° F., that is, 0.47 kWh/hr-° F., and a thermal mass M of 25,000 Btu/° F., that is, 7.33 kWh/° F. Assume that a demand charge of $20 per kW per month was assessed based on the peak demand during the period of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and that electricity cost was $0.10 per kWh. To minimize the demand charge, the cost minimization problem in Equation (72) suggests a strategy of shifting HVAC load to obtain the lowest possible constant net load from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., taking into account PV production. The question becomes how will such a strategy change the indoor temperature?FIG.16is a table180showing, by way of example, data and calculations used in the example house for the peak load day of Sep. 10, 2015. The data is grouped under categories of Existing, Modified, and Change. The Existing category presents measured hourly outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, and total load without PV production (LTotal). PV production data was obtained for a 10 kW PV system using data measured from a nearby location. Alternatively, the PV production data could have been obtained using simulation algorithms, such as described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,165,811, 8,165,812, 8,165,813, 8,326,535, 8,326,536, and 8,335,649, cited supra. PV production is subtracted from the total load to obtain net load (LNet). Non-HVAC load was estimated and subtracted from the total load to obtain HVAC load (LHVAC). The Modified category presents modified total load () and modified net load (). In this example, the goal was to flatten the net load with PV production throughout the HVAC load shifting period. This goal was achieved by selecting the lowest practicable constant net load during the HVAC load shifting period with the change in temperature equaling 0 at the boundary conditions. A constant net load of 3.10 kW satisfied this requirement. The change in indoor temperature was added to the existing indoor temperature to obtain the modified indoor temperature. Note that calculating the modified indoor temperature is not required for the analysis, but is included for purposes of illustration. Focus, for the moment, on the Change category, especially the highlighted area in the table. Equation (71) was iteratively applied to calculate the change in indoor temperature as a function of the modified HVAC load. Equation (71) has two inputs, the change in HVAC load in the current hour and the change in indoor temperature in the next hour. The second boundary condition requires that, by definition, the change in temperature immediately after the end of the pre-cooling period at 9:00 p.m. equals 0, that is, ΔT21Indoor=0. Sufficient information now exists to iteratively apply Equation (71) starting at 8:00 p.m, such that the change in indoor temperature at 8:00 p.m. equals -0.54°F.=(7.33kWh/∘F.)(0∘F.)+(3.81)(-0.97kWh)(7.33kWh/∘F.)-(0.47kWh/hr-°F.)(1hr). Next, Equation (71) can be applied at 7:00 p.m., such that the change in indoor temperature at 7:00 p.m. equals −0.34° F.= (7.33kWh/∘F.)(-0.54∘F.)+(3.81)(0.42kWh)(7.33kWh/∘F.)-(0.47kWh/hr-°F.)(1hr). This process of iteratively applying Equation (71) to determining the change in indoor temperature for the preceding hour is repeated until 8:00 a.m., when the change in indoor temperature again equals 0, which satisfies the first boundary condition. Many possible changes in HVAC load patterns exist that could satisfy the first boundary condition. Here, this initial boundary condition was satisfied by setting the change in HVAC load to flatten the net load.FIG.17is a set of graphs190showing, by way of example, existing and modified total loads, net loads, and indoor and outdoor temperatures with 0.0, 5.0, or 10.0 kW of PV production. In the first and second columns, the x-axes represent time of day and the y-axes represent load in kWh. In the third column, the x-axes represent time of day and the y-axes represent indoor and outdoor temperatures in F°. The third row of graphs summarizes the results of the analysis. The graph on the left presents total load. The middle graph presents net load. The right graph presents the indoor and outdoor temperatures. The solid lines are the existing load and the dashed lines are the modified loads. Referring back toFIG.16, the bottom rows of the table show that peak demand for Existing total load was 9.57 kW, peak demand for Existing net load was 6.40 kW, and peak demand for Modified net load was 3.10 kW. PV production reduces peak demand by 3.17 kW and HVAC load shifting reduces demand by an additional 3.30 kW. The average temperature change over the 13-hour period was −2.40° F. According to Equation (73), the increased losses should equal 3.85kWh=(0.47kWhhr-°F.)(2.4∘F.)(13hours)/3.81. Existing A/C consumed 73.67 kWh and Modified A/C consumed 77.52 kWh. Thus, the Modified strategy increased A/C consumption by 3.85 kWh, or 5%, verifying that the results are as expected. Economic Benefit Consider the economic benefit of this HVAC load shifting strategy. Here, there would have been an additional economic benefit of $62 if the peak demand reduction of 3.10 kW was consistent throughout the entire month ($62.00=$20.00/kW×3.10 kW). Suppose that the HVAC load shifting strategy needed to be applied 10 days out of a 30-day month with the same amount of energy required each day to achieve the peak load reduction. This strategy would have cost $3.85 in extra energy charges, that is, $3.85=10 days×3.85 kWh/day×$0.10/kWh) with a net benefit of $58.15 saved. Thus, the HVAC load shifting strategy would have resulted in a significant economic benefit. The results change as a function of PV system size. Comparing the results based on PV system size, the HVAC load shifting strategy almost doubles the peak load reduction relative to PV production alone. The specific strategy is dependent upon PV production. Example: Pre-Heating in the Winter The previous example was applied to summer conditions. Results are also applicable to winter conditions. The following example is for the coldest day of the year in the winter, Dec. 27, 2015, for an efficient house located in Napa, CA with a thermal conductivity of 400 Btu/hr-° F., 20,000 Btu/° F. thermal mass that used electric baseboard heating with 100% heater efficiency. The cost-minimization goal was to flatten the net load starting at 9:00 a.m. on the day prior to the coldest day.FIG.18is a set of graphs200showing, by way of example, existing and modified loads, net loads, and indoor and outdoor temperatures with 10.0 kW of PV production. In the first and second columns, the x-axes represent time of day and the y-axes represent load in kWh. In the third column, the x-axes represent time of day and the y-axes represent indoor and outdoor temperatures in F. There was an indoor temperature increase because the building needed to be pre-heated during the day to maintain acceptable temperatures on the following morning. The average increase in temperature was 1.4° F. over the 24-hour period. A peak increase of 2.8° F. occurred in the early afternoon. Energy consumed for heating for the day increased from 40 kWh to 44 kWh, which represents a 10% increase. The results suggest that the pre-cooling strategy described in the previous example also works as a pre-heating strategy in the winter. Comparison to Annual Method (First Approach) Two different approaches to calculating annual fuel consumption are described herein. The first approach, per Equation (34), is a single-line equation that requires six inputs. The second approach, per Equation (63), constructs a time series dataset of indoor temperature and HVAC system status. The second approach considers all of the parameters that are indirectly incorporated into the first approach. The second approach also includes the building's thermal mass and the specified maximum indoor temperature, and requires hourly time series data for the following variables: outdoor temperature, solar resource, internal electricity consumption, and occupancy. Both approaches were applied to the exemplary case, discussed supra, for the sample house in Napa, CA Thermal mass was 13,648 Btu/° F. and the maximum temperature was set at 72° F. The auxiliary heating energy requirements predicted by the two approaches was then compared.FIG.19is a graph210showing, by way of example, a comparison of auxiliary heating energy requirements determined by the hourly approach versus the annual approach. The x-axis represents total thermal conductivity, UATotalin units of Btu/hr-° F. The y-axis represents total heating energy.FIG.19uses the same format as the graph inFIG.10by applying a range of scenarios. The red line in the graph corresponds to the results of the hourly method. The dashed black line in the graph corresponds to the annual method. The graph suggests that results are essentially identical, except when the building losses are very low and some of the internal gains are lost due to house overheating, which is prevented in the hourly method, but not in the annual method. The analysis was repeated using a range of scenarios with similar results.FIG.20is a graph220showing, by way of example, a comparison of auxiliary heating energy requirements with the allowable indoor temperature limited to 2° F. above desired temperature of 68° F. Here, the only cases that found any meaningful divergence occurred when the maximum house temperature was very close to the desired indoor temperature.FIG.21is a graph230showing, by way of example, a comparison of auxiliary heating energy requirements with the size of effective window area tripled from 2.5 m2to 7.5 m2. Here, internal gains were large by tripling solar gains and there was insufficient thermal mass to provide storage capacity to retain the gains. The conclusion is that both approaches yield essentially identical results, except for cases when the house has inadequate thermal mass to retain internal gains (occupancy, electric, and solar). Example How to perform the tests described supra using measured data can be illustrated through an example. These tests were performed between 9 PM on Jan. 29, 2015 to 6 AM on Jan. 31, 2015 on a 35 year-old, 3,000 ft2house in Napa, CA This time period was selected to show that all of the tests could be performed in less than a day-and-a-half. In addition, the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures was not extreme, making for a more challenging situation to accurately perform the tests. FIG.22is a table240showing, by way of example, test data. The sub columns listed under “Data” present measured hourly indoor and outdoor temperatures, direct irradiance on a vertical south-facing surface (VDI), electricity consumption that resulted in indoor heat, and average occupancy. Electric space heaters were used to heat the house and the HVAC system was not operated. The first three short-duration tests, described supra, were applied to this data. The specific data used are highlighted in gray.FIG.23is a table250showing, by way of example, the statistics performed on the data in the table240ofFIG.22required to calculate the three test parameters. UATotalwas calculated using the data in the table ofFIG.10and Equation (52). Thermal Mass (M) was calculated using UATotal, the data in the table ofFIG.10, and Equation (53). Effective Window Area (W) was calculated using UATotal, M, the data in the table ofFIG.10, and Equation (54). These test parameters, plus a furnace rating of 100,000 Btu/hour and assumed efficiency of 56%, can be used to generate the end-of-period indoor temperature by substituting them into Equation (56) to yield: Tt+ΔtIndoor=TtIndoor+[118,084][429(TtOutdoor-TtIndoor)+(250)Pt+3412Electrict+11,600Solart+(1)(100,000)(0.56)Statust]Δt(74) Indoor temperatures were simulated using Equation (74) and the required measured time series input datasets. Indoor temperature was measured from Dec. 15, 2014 to Jan. 31, 2015 for the test location in Napa, CA The temperatures were measured every minute on the first and second floors of the middle of the house and averaged.FIG.24is a graph260showing, by way of example, hourly indoor (measured and simulated) and outdoor (measured) temperatures.FIG.25is a graph270showing, by way of example, simulated versus measured hourly temperature delta (indoor minus outdoor).FIG.24andFIG.25suggest that the calibrated model is a good representation of actual temperatures. Energy Consumption Modeling System Modeling energy consumption for heating (or cooling) on an annual (or periodic) basis, as described supra with referenceFIG.3, and on an hourly (or interval) basis, as described supra beginning with reference toFIG.12, and also shifting HVAC load by adjusting HVAC consumption that, in turn, affects indoor temperatures, as described supra beginning with reference toFIG.15, can be performed with the assistance of a computer, or through the use of hardware tailored to the purpose.FIG.26is a block diagram showing a computer-implemented system300for modeling building heating energy consumption in accordance with one embodiment. A computer system301, such as a personal, notebook, or tablet computer, as well as a smartphone or programmable mobile device, can be programmed to execute software programs302that operate autonomously or under user control, as provided through user interfacing means, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The computer system301includes hardware components conventionally found in a general purpose programmable computing device, such as a central processing unit, memory, input/output ports, network interface, and non-volatile storage, and execute the software programs302, as structured into routines, functions, and modules. In addition, other configurations of computational resources, whether provided as a dedicated system or arranged in client-server or peer-to-peer topologies, and including unitary or distributed processing, communications, storage, and user interfacing, are possible. In one embodiment, to perform the first approach, the computer system301needs data on heating losses and heating gains, with the latter separated into internal heating gains (occupant, electric, and solar) and auxiliary heating gains. The computer system301may be remotely interfaced with a server310operated by a power utility or other utility service provider311over a wide area network309, such as the Internet, from which fuel purchase data312can be retrieved. Optionally, the computer system301may also monitor electricity304and other metered fuel consumption, where the meter is able to externally interface to a remote machine, as well as monitor on-site power generation, such as generated by a PV system305. The monitored fuel consumption and power generation data can be used to create the electricity and heating fuel consumption data and historical solar resource and weather data. The computer system301then executes a software program302to determine annual (or periodic) heating fuel consumption313based on the empirical approach described supra with reference toFIG.3. In a further embodiment, to assist with the empirical tests performed in the second approach, the computer system301can be remotely interfaced to a heating source306and a thermometer307inside a building303that is being analytically evaluated for thermal performance, thermal mass, effective window area, and HVAC system efficiency. In a further embodiment, the computer system301also remotely interfaces to a thermometer308outside the building f163, or to a remote data source that can provide the outdoor temperature. The computer system301can control the heating source306and read temperature measurements from the thermometer307throughout the short-duration empirical tests. In a further embodiment, a cooling source (not shown) can be used in place of or in addition to the heating source306. The computer system301then executes a software program302to determine hourly (or interval) heating fuel consumption313based on the empirical approach described supra with reference toFIG.12. In a still further embodiment, to shift HVAC load to change indoor temperature, the computer system301executes a software program302to calculate time series change in indoor temperature data314, which provides an output temperature profile314, based on the approach described supra with reference toFIG.15. A time series change in HVAC load data315is used as input modified scenario values that represent an HVAC load shape. The HVAC load shape is selected to meet desired energy savings goals, such as reducing or flattening peak energy consumption load to reduce demand charges, moving HVAC consumption to take advantage of lower utility rates, or moving HVAC consumption to match PV production. Still other energy savings goals are possible. The software program302uses only inputs of the time series change in HVAC load data315combined with thermal mass316, HVAC efficiency317, and thermal conductivity318. The approach is applicable whenever there is consumption of electrical HVAC313and includes the summer when cooling is provided using electrical A/C and in the winter when heating is proved using electric resistance or heat pump technologies for controlling heating. The approach can be efficaciously applied when the building303has an on-site PV system305. Applications The two approaches to estimating energy consumption for heating (or cooling), hourly and annual, provide a powerful set of tools that can be used in various applications. A non-exhaustive list of potential applications will now be discussed. Still other potential applications are possible. Application to Homeowners Both of the approaches, annual (or periodic) and hourly (or interval), reformulate fundamental building heating (and cooling) analysis in a manner that can divide a building's thermal conductivity into two parts, one part associated with the balance point resulting from internal gains and one part associated with auxiliary heating requirements. These two parts provide that:Consumers can compare their house to their neighbors' houses on both a total thermal conductivity UATotalbasis and on a balance point per square foot basis. These two numbers, total thermal conductivity UATotaland balance point per square foot, can characterize how well their house is doing compared to their neighbors' houses. The comparison could also be performed on a neighborhood- or city-wide basis, or between comparably built houses in a subdivision. Other types of comparisons are possible.As strongly implied by the empirical analyses discussed supra, heater size can be significantly reduced as the interior temperature of a house approaches its balance point temperature. While useful from a capital cost perspective, a heater that was sized based on this implication may be slow to heat up the house and could require long lead times to anticipate heating needs. Temperature and solar forecasts can be used to operate the heater by application of the two approaches described supra, so as to optimize operation and minimize consumption. For example, if the building owner or occupant knew that the sun was going to start adding a lot of heat to the building in a few hours, he may choose to not have the heater turn on. Alternatively, if the consumer was using a heater with a low power rating, he would know when to turn the heater off to achieve desired preferences. Application to Building Shell Investment Valuation The economic value of heating (and cooling) energy savings associated with any building shell improvement in any building has been shown to be independent of building type, age, occupancy, efficiency level, usage type, amount of internal electric gains, or amount solar gains, provided that fuel has been consumed at some point for auxiliary heating. As indicated by Equation (46), the only information required to calculate savings includes the number of hours that define the winter season; average indoor temperature; average outdoor temperature; the building's HVAC system efficiency (or coefficient of performance for heat pump systems); the area of the existing portion of the building to be upgraded; the R-value of the new and existing materials; and the average price of energy, that is, heating fuel. This finding means, for example, that a high efficiency window replacing similar low efficiency windows in two different buildings in the same geographical location for two different customer types, for instance, a residential customer versus an industrial customer, has the same economic value, as long as the HVAC system efficiencies and fuel prices are the same for these two different customers. This finding vastly simplifies the process of analyzing the value of building shell investments by fundamentally altering how the analysis needs to be performed. Rather than requiring a full energy audit-style analysis of the building to assess any the costs and benefits of a particular energy efficiency investment, only the investment of interest, the building's HVAC system efficiency, and the price and type of fuel being saved are required. As a result, the analysis of a building shell investment becomes much more like that of an appliance purchase, where the energy savings, for example, equals the consumption of the old refrigerator minus the cost of the new refrigerator, thereby avoiding the costs of a whole house building analysis. Thus, a consumer can readily determine whether an acceptable return on investment will be realized in terms of costs versus likely energy savings. This result could be used in a variety of places:Direct display of economic impact in ecommerce sites. A Web service that estimates economic value can be made available to Web sites where consumers purchase building shell replacements. The consumer would select the product they are purchasing, for instance, a specific window, and would either specify the product that they are replacing or a typical value can be provided. This information would be submitted to the Web service, which would then return an estimate of savings using the input parameters described supra.Tools for salespeople at retail and online establishments.Tools for mobile or door-to-door sales people.Tools to support energy auditors for immediate economic assessment of audit findings. For example, a picture of a specific portion of a house can be taken and the dollar value of addressing problems can be attached.Have a document with virtual sticky tabs that show economics of exact value for each portion of the house. The document could be used by energy auditors and other interested parties.Available to companies interacting with new building purchasers to interactively allow them to understand the effects of different building choices from an economic (and environmental) perspective using a computer program or Internet-based tool.Enable real estate agents working with customers at the time of a new home purchase to quantify the value of upgrades to the building at the time of purchase.Tools to simplify the optimization problem because most parts of the problem are separable and simply require a rank ordering of cost-benefit analysis of the various measures and do not require detailed computer models that applied to specific houses.The time to fix the insulation and ventilation in a homeowner's attic is when during reroofing. This result could be integrated into the roofing quoting tools.Incorporated into a holistic zero net energy analysis computer program or Web site to take an existing building to zero net consumption.Integration into tools for architects, builders, designers for new construction or retrofit. Size building features or HVAC system. More windows or less windows will affect HVAC system size. Application to Thermal Conductivity Analysis A building's thermal conductivity can be characterized using only measured utility billing data (natural gas and electricity consumption) and assumptions about effective window area, HVAC system efficiency and average indoor building temperature. This test could be used as follows:Utilities lack direct methods to measure the energy savings associated with building shell improvements. Use this test to provide a method for electric utilities to validate energy efficiency investments for their energy efficiency programs without requiring an on-site visit or the typical detailed energy audit. This method would help to address the measurement and evaluation (M&E) issues currently associated with energy efficiency programs.HVAC companies could efficiently size HVAC systems based on empirical results, rather than performing Manual J calculations or using rules of thumb. This test could save customers money because Manual J calculations require a detailed energy audit. This test could also save customers capital costs since rules of thumb typically oversize HVAC systems, particularly for residential customers, by a significant margin.A company could work with utilities (who have energy efficiency goals) and real estate agents (who interact with customers when the home is purchased) to identify and target inefficient homes that could be upgraded at the time between sale and occupancy. This approach greatly reduces the cost of the analysis, and the unoccupied home offers an ideal time to perform upgrades without any inconvenience to the homeowners.Goals could be set for consumers to reduce a building's heating needs to the point where a new HVAC system is avoided altogether, thus saving the consumer a significant capital cost. Application to Building Performance Studies A building's performance can be fully characterized in terms of four parameters using a suite of short-duration (several day) tests. The four parameters include thermal conductivity, that is, heat losses, thermal mass, effective window area, and HVAC system efficiency. An assumption is made about average indoor building temperature. These (or the previous) characterizations could be used as follows:Utilities could identify potential targets for building shell investments using only utility billing data. Buildings could be identified in a two-step process. First, thermal conductivity can be calculated using only electric and natural gas billing data, making the required assumptions presented supra. Buildings that pass this screen could be the focus of a follow-up, on-site, short-duration test.The results from this test suite can be used to generate detailed time series fuel consumption data (either natural gas or electricity). This data can be combined with an economic analysis tool, such as the PowerBill service (http://www.cleanpower.com/products/powerbill/), a software service offered by Clean Power Research, L.L.C., Napa, CA, to calculate the economic impacts of the changes using detailed, time-of-use rate structures. Application to “Smart” Thermostat Users The results from the short-duration tests, as described supra with reference toFIG.4, could be combined with measured indoor building temperature data collected using an Internet-accessible thermostat321, such as a Nest thermostat device or a Lyric thermostat device, cited supra, or other so-called “smart” thermostat devices, thereby avoiding having to make assumptions about indoor building temperature. The building characterization parameters could then be combined with energy investment alternatives to educate consumers about the energy, economic, and environmental benefits associated with proposed purchases. In addition, the HVAC load shifting methodology provides the basis for a real-time software service, such as a Web service320operating on a server319over the network309, that optimizes HVAC system operation in conjunction with “smart” thermostats321. The service would be applicable whenever there is electrical HVAC consumption, which includes during the summer when cooling is provided using electrical A/C and during the winter when heating is provided using electric resistance or heat pump technologies. The service is particularly applicable when the building has an on-site PV system. Moreover, the results of the HVAC load shifting strategy could be combined with forecasted PV output to provide daily guidance on how to optimize HVAC system operation, using, for instance, a smart thermostat321combined with a demand controller (not shown). The approach could minimize costs even when the consumer is on a complicated rate structure that has basic demand charges, and time-of-use demand charges or energy charges, such as the Salt River Project's E-27 rate structure. While the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. | 113,259 |
11859839 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference toFIGS.1to3, a first preferred embodiment of a portable air conditioner in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing assembly10and an operating unit20. The housing assembly10includes a top cover11, a front cover12, an evaporating end cover13, a condensing end cover14, and a bottom cover15. The top cover11has a hot air outlet111formed through the top cover11. The front cover12has a cool air outlet121formed through the front cover12. A shielding panel122is mounted on the front cover12and is disposed by the cool air outlet121. The cool air outlet121is selectively opened or covered by the shielding panel122. Specifically, the shielding panel122slides up and down to selectively open or closes the cool air outlet121. A structure allowing the shielding panel122to slide up and down is conventional and thus further details about the structure is omitted. The evaporating end cover13has an evaporating end inlet131formed through the evaporating end cover13. The condensing end cover14has a condensing end inlet141formed through the condensing end cover14. The bottom cover15has multiple wheels151mounted on a bottom of the bottom cover15. An interior space is surrounded by the top cover11, the front cover12, the evaporating end cover13, the condensing end cover14, and the bottom cover15. The evaporating end inlet131, the condensing end inlet141, the hot air outlet111, and the cool air outlet121communicate with the interior space. In the first preferred embodiment, each of the evaporating end inlet131, the condensing end inlet141, the hot air outlet111and the cool air outlet121is, but not limited to be, formed as a grille. With reference toFIGS.3and4, the operating unit20includes a refrigerant circulating system21and an air guiding system22. The refrigerant circulating system21is mounted in the interior space of the housing assembly10and includes an evaporator211, a condenser212, a compressor213, and an expansion device214that are connected with each other. Specifically, the evaporator211and the condenser212are oppositely disposed, and the compressor213and the expansion device214are disposed at a bottom of the refrigerant circulating system21. The refrigerant circulating system21is a conventional standard component and thus further details about the refrigerant circulating system is omitted. With further reference toFIGS.3to5and8, the air guiding system22is mounted in the interior space of the housing assembly10and has an air channel switching device23, an evaporating end fan24, and a condensing end fan25. The air channel switching device23includes a guiding housing26, a switching valve27, a driving device28, and a guiding cover29. The guiding housing26is mounted in the interior space of the housing assembly10and has an evaporating end recess261, a valve port262, a connecting channel263, a condensing end recess264, and a hot air channel265. The evaporating end recess261is formed in one of two sides of the guiding housing26. The valve port262is formed through an upper side of the guiding housing26and communicates with the evaporating end recess261. The connecting channel263is a three-way channel and communicates with the evaporating end recess261, the cool air outlet121, and the valve port262. The condensing end recess is formed in the other one of the two sides of the guiding housing26. The hot air channel265has two ends communicating with the condensing end recess264and the hot air outlet111respectively. With reference toFIGS.4to7, the switching valve27is a plate, is mounted on the guiding housing26, is pivotally connected to the guiding housing26, and is disposed adjacent to the valve port262. Specifically, the switching valve27has a pivot pin271and a driven gear272. The pivot pin271is disposed on an end edge of the switching valve27and is pivotally connected to the guiding housing26beside the valve port262. The driven gear is disposed on an end of the pivot pin271. The driving device28is a motor, is mounted on the guiding housing26, is connected to the switching valve27, and has a driving gear281meshing with the driven gear272. Thus, when the driving device28drives the driven gear272to rotate through the driving gear281, the switching valve27selectively opens or closes the valve port262. However, the switching valve27is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and can be modified as needed. The guiding cover29is mounted on the guiding housing26, covers a top of the guiding housing26, and has a guiding recess291formed in an end edge of the guiding cover29. An upper channel292is formed between the guiding cover29and the guiding housing26and connects a first mounting space, in which the evaporator end fan24is mounted, and a second mounted space, in which the condensing end fan25is mounted. Specifically, the upper channel292is formed in the guiding recess291and connects the valve port262and the condensing end recess264. With reference toFIGS.4,5, and8, the evaporating end fan24is mounted in the air channel switching device23and is mounted in the evaporating end recess261of the guiding housing26. The evaporator211is disposed by an outer side of the evaporating end recess261, and the evaporating end inlet131of the evaporating end cover13is disposed beside the evaporator211. Moreover, the condensing end fan25is mounted in the air channel switching device23and is mounted in the condensing end recess264of the guiding housing26. The condenser212is disposed by an outer side of the condensing end recess264, and the condensing end inlet141of the condensing end cover14is disposed beside the condenser212. The air channel switching device23is disposed between the evaporating end fan24and the condensing end fan25. A channel is formed between the evaporating end recess261and the condensing end recess264and is formed by connecting the connecting channel263and the upper channel292. The portable air conditioner of the present invention can be switched between a cooling mode and a dehumidifying mode. With reference toFIGS.5and8, in the cooling mode, the switching valve27is switched to close the valve port262, such that the upper channel292is closed. The shielding panel122is switched to open the cool air outlet121. The evaporating end fan24draws in a first exterior air and the first exterior air flows through the evaporating end inlet131and the evaporator211to become cool air and then is discharged from the cool air outlet121. Meanwhile, the condensing end fan25draws in a second exterior air and the second exterior air flows through the condensing end inlet141and the condenser212to become hot air and then is discharged from the hot air outlet111. The first exterior air and the second exterior air flow along separate flowing paths that are not connected with each other. A guiding pipe may be connected to the hot air outlet111to exhaust the hot air to the outdoors. With reference toFIGS.6,7,9, and10, in the dehumidifying mode, in the dehumidifying mode, the switching valve27is switched to open the valve port262, such that the upper channel292communicates with the evaporating end recess261, in which the evaporating end fan24is mounted. The shielding panel122is switched to close the cool air outlet121. The evaporating end fan24draws in a third exterior air and the third exterior air flows through the evaporating end inlet131, the evaporator211, the valve port262, the upper channel292and the condenser212to become hot air and is discharged from the hot air outlet111. In the foregoing process, the cool third exterior air drawn by the evaporating end fan24in the dehumidifying mode directly flows through the condenser212and is heated to become said hot air and is discharged from the hot air outlet111. Therefore, compared with a dehumidifying function of a conventional conditioner which can only work below room temperature, the portable air conditioner of the present invention has both cooling function like an ordinary air conditioner and dehumidifying function like an ordinary dehumidifier. When the portable air conditioner of the present invention works under the dehumidifying mode, warm air would be discharged. Accordingly, when the portable air conditioner is used in cold weather, the room temperature would not become too low to cause discomfort. With reference toFIG.11, a second preferred embodiment of a portable air conditioner in accordance with the present invention is shown. The second embodiment of the portable air conditioner has the same housing assembly10as the first embodiment of the portable air conditioner. The difference between the second and first embodiments of the portable air conditioner is that, in the second embodiment of the portable air conditioner, an opening, which is disposed adjacent to the connecting channel263A, of the guiding housing26A of the operating unit20A is reduced. In other words, when operating under the cooling mode, the switching valve27is switched to fully close the valve port262A, which is the same like the first embodiment of the portable air conditioner. With reference toFIG.12, when operating under the dehumidifying mode, the switching valve27can fully close the cool air outlet121. Accordingly, airflow inside the second embodiment of the portable air conditioner can be more completely delivered to the upper channel292than the first embodiment of the portable air conditioner, so as to reduce loss of volume of the airflow. With reference toFIGS.13and15, a third preferred embodiment of a portable air conditioner in accordance with the present invention is shown. The third embodiment of the portable air conditioner has the same housing assembly10as the first embodiment of the portable air conditioner. The difference between the third and first embodiments of the portable air conditioner is that two guiding rails266B are mounted on an end, which is disposed adjacent to the connecting channel263B, of the guiding housing26B of the operating unit20B. Each one of the guiding rails266B is disposed opposite to the other guiding rail266B, is bent, and extends from the valve port262B toward the cool air outlet121. The switching valve27B is a soft plate and has a main body273B, a guiding portion274B, and multiple guiding elements275B. The guiding portion274B is formed on a side edge of a top surface of the main body273B. In the third preferred embodiment, the guiding portion274B is, but not limited to, a rack. The guiding elements275B are mounted on an outer peripheral edge of the main body273B. Each of the guiding elements275B is mounted on a corresponding one of the guiding rails266B and is slidable relative to the corresponding one of the guiding rails266B. The guiding portion274B is connected with the driving device28. Specifically, the guiding portion274B meshes with the driven gear272. When operating under the cooling mode, the switching valve27B, the switching valve27B fully closes the valve port262B. With reference toFIG.14, when operating under the dehumidifying mode, the switching valve27B is moved toward the cool air outlet121by the driven gear272, so as to fully close the cool air outlet121. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and features of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. | 11,694 |
11859840 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise. Meanwhile, it should be understood that the sizes of the respective portions shown in the drawings are not drawn in an actual proportional relationship for the convenience of description. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail but are intended to be part of the specification where appropriate. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any particular value should be construed as exemplary only and not as limiting. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference signs and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be discussed further in subsequent figures. To make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent, the present disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The inventors of the present disclosure found through research that an energy generated by photovoltaic device is greatly influenced by the environmental climate and the connection load. In the related art, the photovoltaic device is usually used as a power generation source, and cannot effectively participate in the startup and operation of the air conditioning system. When the air conditioning system is started, a large amount of energy is instantaneously required. If the generated power of the photovoltaic device is smaller than the power required by the air conditioner, the service life of the photovoltaic device will be damaged, and negative effects can be generated on the air conditioning system. In view of the above, the present disclosure provides a startup method of a photovoltaic air conditioning system, capable of improving the stability of the system. FIG.1is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a startup method of a photovoltaic air conditioning system of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following startup method is performed by a controller. In step110, a bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter an operating state under a condition that a photovoltaic device meets a preset power generation condition. It should be noted here that an air conditioning system can only be operated after the bidirectional inverter is started. The bidirectional inverter can convert a direct current (DC) into an alternating current (AC) and also can convert the alternating current into the direct current. FIG.2is a schematic structural view of one embodiment of the photovoltaic air conditioning system of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, the photovoltaic air conditioning system includes a controller210, a photovoltaic device220, a DC-DC converter230, an outdoor unit240of the air conditioning device, an indoor unit250of the air conditioning device, a bidirectional inverter260, and a DC bus270. The DC side includes a photovoltaic device220, a DC-DC converter230, and other auxiliary circuits and structures. The photovoltaic device220converts the output DC power into DC power that can be transmitted on the DC bus270through the DC-DC converter230, and sends electrical parameters to the controller210. The electrical parameters include the open circuit voltage and the insulation impedance of the output of the photovoltaic device220. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic device220includes a single-path photovoltaic string or a multi-path photovoltaic string. The DC-DC converter230is a single DC (Direct Current)/DC circuit, and also be a circuit with a series or parallel function correspondingly. The DC/DC circuit can be a BUCK conversion circuit BUCK, a BOOST conversion circuit BOOST, a flyback circuit, a forward circuit, a half-bridge circuit, a full-bridge circuit and other topologies with the function of converting direct current into direct current or the deformation of corresponding topology circuits. In some embodiments, the voltage on the DC bus is a fixed DC voltage, or a DC voltage that is within a voltage range. The outdoor unit240of the air conditioning device receives electric power from the DC bus270and transmits its own state to the controller210. The outdoor unit240of the air conditioning device is in communication connection with the indoor unit250of the air conditioner and the controller210. In some embodiments, the communication means includes CAN or RS485, etc. The indoor unit250of the air conditioning device receives power from the DC bus270or power from the AC power source280through the bidirectional inverter260, and transmits its own state to the controller210. The bidirectional inverter260is connected to a DC bus270. The AC side includes an AC power supply280, a bidirectional converter260, and other auxiliary circuits and structures. In some embodiments, AC power source280is an independent power generation source, or a series-parallel combination of multiple power generation sources or multiple power generation devices. The AC power supply280is capable of outputting AC power having a particular voltage level and voltage frequency. In some embodiments, the AC power output by AC power supply280may be a single phase power supply or a multi-phase power supply. In some embodiments, the AC power source280is a respective power generation device, power supply device, or energy storage device. The bidirectional inverter260can convert power of the DC bus into AC power, or convert AC power into power of the DC bus, and in some embodiments, the bidirectional inverter260is a single-path DC/AC (Alternating Current) circuit, or a circuit formed by connecting multiple circuits with DC/AC functions in series or in parallel. In some embodiments, the bidirectional inverter260circuit is a circuit with DC/AC function such as H bridge, H5, H6 and the like, and other derivative topologies. In step120, the DC-DC converter connected to the photovoltaic device is controlled to enter the operating state under a condition that the bidirectional inverter enters the operating state. The photovoltaic device can only supply electric power to the air conditioning device through the DC-DC converter after the DC-DC converter is operated. In the startup method of the photovoltaic air conditioning system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter the operating state under a condition that the photovoltaic device meets the preset power generation condition, and then the DC-DC converter connected with the photovoltaic device is controlled to enter the operating state, so that the system stability is improved. FIG.3is a schematic flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a startup method of the photovoltaic air conditioning system according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following startup method is performed by a controller. In step310, the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device enters a standby state after the photovoltaic air conditioning system is connected to the mains supply. At this time, the bidirectional inverter is in a non-operating state, and the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is in a power-off state. In step320, it is determined whether the electrical parameter of the photovoltaic device satisfies a predetermined power generation condition. If the electrical parameters of the photovoltaic device satisfies the predetermined power generation condition, step330is executed. Otherwise, step340is performed. In some embodiments, the electrical parameters include output voltage and insulation impedance. In some embodiments, it is determined that the photovoltaic device satisfies the preset power generation condition under a condition that the output voltage of the photovoltaic device is greater than the voltage threshold and the insulation impedance of the photovoltaic device is greater than the impedance threshold. Otherwise, it is determined that the photovoltaic device does not meet the preset power generation condition. For example, when the open-circuit voltage of the photovoltaic device is greater than or equal to 120V and the insulation impedance detection is normal, the photovoltaic device meets the preset power generation condition. The insulation impedance detection is used for detecting whether the insulation degree between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the output end of the photovoltaic device and the ground is qualified or not. In step330, the bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter the operating state. It should be noted that the photovoltaic device is connected to the bidirectional inverter through the DC-DC converter and the DC bus. In step340, it is determined whether the indoor unit of the air conditioning device receives a startup instruction. If the indoor unit of the air conditioning device receives the startup instruction, step330is executed. Otherwise, step350is performed. In step350, the bidirectional inverter is controlled to be in a non-operating state. In this case, the air conditioning device is connected to the bidirectional inverter via a DC bus. FIG.4is a schematic flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a startup method of a photovoltaic air conditioning system according to the present disclosure. In step410, an operation flag bit of the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device, an operation flag bit of the bidirectional inverter and an startup flag bit of the indoor unit of the air conditioning device are all set to be 0 under a condition that the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device is in a standby state. In step420, it is determined whether the photovoltaic device satisfies a predetermined power generation condition. If the photovoltaic device meets the preset power generation condition, step430is performed. Otherwise, step460is performed. In step430, it is determined that the DC-DC converter satisfies a preset startup condition. And setting a startup flag of the DC-DC converter, namely setting the startup flag of the DC-DC converter to 1. In step431, the bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter the operating state. Namely, the operation flag bit of the bidirectional inverter is set to 1. In some embodiments, the controller sends a first control signal to the bidirectional inverter to activate the bidirectional inverter. In step440, it is determined whether the bidirectional inverter is in an operating state. If the bidirectional inverter is in the operating state, steps450and490are respectively executed. Otherwise, step410is performed. The DC air conditioning device needs to obtain electric power from a DC bus. Therefore, if the air conditioning device needs to be put into an operating state, the bidirectional inverter must be in an operating state. That is, the parameters of the photovoltaic device indirectly affects the air conditioning device. In step450, it is determined whether the DC-DC converter satisfies a predetermined startup condition. That is, it is detected whether the startup flag of the DC-DC converter is 1. If the start flag is 1, step451is executed, otherwise, step410is executed. In step451, the DC-DC converter is controlled to be in an operating state. In some embodiments, the controller sends a second control signal to the DC-DC converter to startup the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter connected to the photovoltaic device is allowed to operate, only when the bidirectional inverter connected to the DC air conditioning device is in an operating state, i.e. the relevant parameters of the air conditioning device functions in the startup of the photovoltaic system. In step460, the DC-DC converter is not allowed to operate, i.e., the startup flag of the DC-DC converter is set to 0. In step470, it is determined whether the indoor unit of the air conditioning device receives a startup instruction. If the indoor unit of the air conditioner receives the startup instruction, step480is executed, otherwise, step410is executed. In step480, the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is controlled to enter the power on state, and the startup flag of the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is set to 1. Step431is subsequently performed. In step490, it is determined whether the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is in an on state, that is, it is determined whether the power on flag bit of the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is 1. If the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is in an on state, step4100is performed. Otherwise, step410is performed. In step4100, the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device is controlled to enter an operating state. Namely, the operation flag bit of the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device is set to 1. After indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device are operated, if the user turns off the indoor unit, the step470is continuously performed subsequently. In the embodiment, parameters related to the photovoltaic device and parameters related to the air conditioning device are correlated and interacted, so that the stability and the reliability of the system are improved, and the service life of the system is prolonged. FIG.5is a schematic structural diagram of one embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure. The controller includes a bidirectional inverter control unit510and a DC-DC converter control unit520. The bidirectional inverter control unit510is configured to control the bidirectional inverter to enter an operating state when the photovoltaic device satisfies a preset power generation condition. For example, when the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device is in a standby state, the bidirectional inverter control unit510determines whether the electrical parameters of the photovoltaic device meet a preset power generation condition. And if the electrical parameters of the photovoltaic device meet the preset power generation conditions, a startup identifier of the DC-DC converter is set, and the bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter an operating state. If the electrical parameters of the photovoltaic device do not meet the preset power generation condition, it is determined whether the indoor unit of the air conditioning device receives a startup command. And if the indoor unit of the air conditioning device receives the startup command, the indoor unit of the air conditioning device is controlled to enter an operating state and the bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter the operating state. In some embodiments, the bidirectional inverter control unit510sends a first control signal to the bidirectional inverter to startup the bidirectional inverter. The DC-DC converter control unit520is configured to control the DC-DC converter connected to the photovoltaic device to enter an operating state under a condition that the bidirectional inverter enters the operating state, so that the photovoltaic device supplies the electric power to the air conditioning device through the DC-DC converter. In the controller provided by the above embodiment of the present disclosure, under the condition that the photovoltaic device meets the preset power generation condition, the bidirectional inverter is controlled to enter the operating state, and then the DC-DC converter connected to the photovoltaic device is controlled to enter the operating state, so that the system stability is improved. FIG.6is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure. The controller includes a memory610and a processor620, wherein the memory610may be a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or any other non-volatile storage medium. The memory is used for storing instructions in the embodiments corresponding toFIGS.1,3and4. The processor620is coupled to memory610, and may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processor620is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory. FIG.7is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the controller of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, the controller700includes a memory710and a processor720. The processor720is coupled to the memory710by the BUS730. The controller700may also be connected to an external storage device750via a storage interface740for retrieving external data, and may also be connected to a network or another computer system (not shown) via a network interface760, which will not be described in detail herein. In the embodiment, data instructions are stored by the memory and processed by the processor, so that the stability of the system is improved. In further embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium has stored thereon computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method in the embodiments corresponding toFIGS.1,3and4. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as a method, apparatus, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, and so forth) having computer-usable program code embodied therein. The present disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each flow and/or block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and/or blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks. Thus far, the present disclosure has been described in detail . Some details well known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can now fully appreciate how to implement the teachings disclosed herein, in view of the foregoing description. Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. | 20,900 |
11859841 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, an air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. The air-conditioning system according to present Embodiment 1 includes one or more indoor units as one or more pieces of equipment involved in air-conditioning, and an outdoor unit as a high level device connected to the one or more indoor units configured to control the one or more indoor units, [Configuration of Air-Conditioning System100] FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 1. As illustrated inFIG.1, the air-conditioning system100includes an update management device1, a central management device2, outdoor units3A to3F, and indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L. It is noted that in the air-conditioning system100, the number of the outdoor units3A to3F and the number of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are not limited to the numbers in this example, and any number of units may also be used. The central management device2is connected to the outdoor units3A to3F by a communication cable10. The outdoor unit3A is connected to the indoor units4A to4L by a communication cable11. The outdoor unit3C is connected to the indoor units5A to5L by a communication cable12. The outdoor unit3E is connected to the indoor units6A to6L by a communication cable13. The update management device1is to be connected to the central management device2by a communication cable20when a program of the pieces of equipment is updated. The communication cable20that connects the update management device1to the central management device2is detached once the program update is ended. The update management device1previously stores update programs for updating the pieces of equipment disposed in the air-conditioning system100. At the time of program update, the update management device1transmits the update programs to the outdoor units3A to3F via the central management device2. The central management device2transmits and receives various types of data to and from the outdoor units3A to3F via the communication cable10to manage and control the outdoor units3A to3F and the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L connected to these outdoor units3A to3F. For example, the central management device2receives information indicating states of the outdoor units3A to3F and the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L, and also transmits control signals for controlling these units via the communication cable10. The outdoor units3A to3F perform an air-conditioning operation in cooperation with the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and GA to6L based on the control signals received from the central management device2via the communication cable10. In addition, when the air-conditioning operation is performed, the outdoor units3A to3F transmit, to the central management device2via the communication cable10, signals including data needed for the central management device2to perform the control. The indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are installed in air-conditioned spaces, and perform air-conditioning in the air-conditioned spaces based on control from the respective cooperating outdoor units3A to3F. The indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L perform various operations such as a cooling operation and a heating operation while the components in their own devices are controlled based on the control signals from the outdoor units3A to3F to which the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and GA to6L are respectively connected. (Update Processing Device30) Here, according to present Embodiment 1, the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E include update processing devices30. The update processing devices30are disposed to execute program update processing for updating programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L connected to the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E. FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the update processing device30ofFIG.1. As illustrated inFIG.2, the update processing device30includes a first communication unit31, a second communication unit32, a check processing unit33, an update execution unit34, and a storage device35. Various functions of the update processing device30are realized by executing software on an arithmetic device such as a microcomputer, or the update processing device30is configured by hardware such as a circuit device that realizes the various functions. The first communication unit31is an interface configured to communicate with the update management device1via the communication cable10. The first communication unit31receives the update program from the update management device1. The second communication unit32is an interface configured to communicate with the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L via the communication cables11to13. The second communication unit32receives programs before the update from the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L (hereinafter, referred to as “pre-update programs”), and setting information data indicating information related to settings. In addition, the second communication unit32transmits control signal update programs and various types of data such as the setting information data to the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L. The setting information data is, for example, data including setting information at the time of the operation, such as validation or invalidation of a power saving function. The check processing unit33checks operation states and update states of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L connected to the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E. Specifically, when the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are to be updated, the check processing unit33determines whether or not the programs of the respective units are updated, and determines the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, or6A to6L to be updated. In addition, when the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are updated, the check processing unit33checks the respective operation states of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L, and determines whether or not the respective units operate normally. The update execution unit34performs the program update processing on the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, or6A to6L determined by the check processing unit33. In addition, when the program is to be updated, the update execution unit34controls the operation of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, or6A to6L set to be updated and stopping of the operation. Specifically, the update execution unit34reads out the update programs stored in the storage device35and the setting information data at the time of the program update. Then, the update execution unit34transmits the read-out update programs and setting information data to the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, or6A to6L in which the program is to be updated, via the second communication unit32. The storage device35is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory, and stores various pieces of information used when the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are updated. Specifically, the storage device35temporarily stores the update programs received via the first communication unit31. In addition, the storage device35temporarily stores the pre-update programs and the setting information data on the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L that are received via the second communication unit32. FIG.3is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the update processing device30ofFIG.2. When various functions of the update processing device30are executed by hardware, the update processing device30ofFIG.2is configured by a communication device51and a processing circuit52as illustrated inFIG.3. The first communication unit31and the second communication unit32ofFIG.2correspond to the communication device51ofFIG.3. In addition, respective functions of the check processing unit33, the update execution unit34, and the storage device35are realized by the processing circuit52. When the respective functions are executed by hardware, the processing circuit52corresponds, for example, to a single circuit, a combined circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination of these. Each of the functions of the respective units of the check processing unit33, the update execution unit34, and the storage device35may also be realized by the processing circuit52, and the functions of the respective units may also be realized by the processing circuit52. FIG.4is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the update processing device30ofFIG.2. When the various functions of the update processing device30are executed by software, as illustrated inFIG.4, the update processing device30ofFIG.2is configured by a communication device61, a processor62, and a memory63. The first communication unit31and the second communication unit32ofFIG.2correspond to the communication device61ofFIG.4. In addition, the respective functions of the check processing unit33, the update execution unit34, and the storage device35are realized by the processor62and the memory63. When the respective functions are executed by software, the functions of the check processing unit33and the update execution unit34are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and the firmware are written as a program and stored in the memory63. The processor62reads out and executes the program stored in the memory63to realize the function of each unit. As the memory63, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), and an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), or other memories are used. In addition, as the memory63, for example, a magnetic disc, a detachable recording medium such as a flexible disc, an optical disc, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), and a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. [Operation of the Air-Conditioning System100] An operation of the air-conditioning system100that has the above-described configuration will be described. According to present Embodiment 1, the program update processing for sequentially updating the programs is performed on all of the plurality of indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L disposed in the air-conditioning system100. (Program Update Processing) First, the update management device1notifies the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E of starting of the program update. Each of the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E that have received the notification obtains an update program from the update management device1, and temporarily saves the update program in the storage device35. The outdoor unit3A selects one of the indoor units4A to4L to be updated, and updates the program. The outdoor unit3C selects one of the indoor units5A to5L to be updated, and updates the program. The outdoor unit3E selects one of the indoor units6A to6L to be updated, and updates the program. It is noted that since the program update processing in each of the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E is similarly performed, hereinafter, the outdoor unit3A will be featured for providing the description. When the indoor unit4A corresponding to one of the indoor units4A to4L to be updated is selected, the outdoor unit3A obtains, from the selected indoor unit4A, the setting information data and the pre-update program. The outdoor unit3A temporarily saves the obtained setting information data and pre-update program in the storage device35. Next, the outdoor unit3A excludes the indoor unit4A set to be updated from operational devices, and stops the operation of the indoor unit4A. The indoor unit4A obtains the update program from the outdoor unit3A, and overwrites and saves the obtained update program in the non-volatile memory where the program is written. With this configuration, the program of the indoor unit4A is updated. After the program update is completed, the indoor unit4A obtains the setting information data temporarily saved in the outdoor unit3A from the outdoor unit3A, and performs the setting again. Then, the indoor unit4A restarts and resumes the operation. Next, the outdoor unit3A performs the program update processing on the indoor unit4B set to be updated next by a procedure similar to the procedure of the processing on the indoor unit4A. In this manner, the outdoor unit3A sequentially executes the program update processing on all the devices to be updated. Here, after the program is updated, there is a possibility that an indoor unit does not operate normally. In the above-mentioned case, the outdoor unit3A performs processing for restoring the program of the indoor unit that does not operate normally to the pre-update program. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the indoor unit4B does not operate normally as a result of the program update will be described. In a case where the indoor unit4B does not operate normally as a result of the program update, the outdoor unit3A excludes the indoor unit4B set to be updated from the operational devices, and stops the operation of the indoor unit4B. The indoor unit43obtains the pre-update program from the outdoor unit3A, and overwrites and saves the obtained pre-update program in the non-volatile memory. With this configuration, the program of the indoor unit4B is restored to the pre-update program. After the program is restored to the pre-update program, the indoor unit4B obtains the setting information data temporarily saved in the outdoor unit3A from the outdoor unit3A, and performs the setting again. Then, the indoor unit4A restarts and resumes the operation. In this manner, according to present Embodiment 1, the update programs stored in the update management device1are transmitted to the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L via the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E. With this configuration, an operator can update the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L by simply operating the update management device1. In other words, according to present Embodiment 1, the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L can be updated without causing physical burdens on the operator. In addition, when the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are updated, the update is sequentially performed one by one. For this reason, it is sufficient to stop the operation of only the indoor unit to be updated, and the operation of the entirety of the air-conditioning system100is not stopped. FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of the program update processing by the outdoor units3A to3E ofFIG.1. It is noted that hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where the outdoor unit3A performs the program update processing. In step S1, the first communication unit31of the outdoor unit3A receives a notification for starting the program update that is transmitted from the update management device1. In step S2, the check processing unit33determines whether or not an indoor unit in which the program is not updated exists among the indoor units4A to4L connected to its own device. When the indoor unit in which the program is not updated does not exist (step S2; No), the series of processes is ended. On the other hand, when the indoor unit in which the program is not updated exists (step S2; Yes), the processing shifts to step S3. In step S3, the check processing unit33determines whether or not the update program is obtained from the update management device1. When it is determined that the update program is obtained (step S3; Yes), the processing shifts to step S5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the update program is not obtained (step S3; No), in step S4, the first communication unit31obtains the update program from the update management device1, and temporarily saves the update program in the storage device35. In step S5, the second communication unit32obtains the setting information data and the pre-update program from the indoor unit to be updated (for example, the indoor unit4A), and temporarily saves the setting information data and the pre-update program in the storage device35. In step S6, the update execution unit34stops the operation of the indoor unit4A to be updated. In step S1, the second communication unit32transmits the update program to the indoor unit4A. With this configuration, in the indoor unit4A, the update program is overwritten in the non-volatile memory, so that the program is updated. In step S8, the second communication unit32transmits the temporarily saved setting information data to the indoor unit4A. With this configuration, in the indoor unit4A, the setting is performed based on the setting information data. In step S9, the update execution unit34starts the operation of the indoor unit4A. Next, processing performed when one of the indoor units4A to4L in which the program is updated does not operate normally will be described.FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an example of processing for restoring the updated program to the program before the update. It is noted that hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where the indoor unit4B does not operate normally after the program is updated. In step S11, the check processing unit33checks the operation states of the indoor units4A to4L in which the programs are updated. In step S12, the check processing unit33determines whether or not the indoor units4A to4L operate normally. When it is determined that the indoor units4A to4L operate normally (step S12; Yes), the series of processes is ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that even any one of the indoor units4A to4L does not operate normally (step S12; No), the processing shifts to step S13. In step S13, the update execution unit34stops the operation of the indoor unit that does not operate normally (for example, the indoor unit4B). In step S14, the second communication unit32transmits the pre-update program temporarily saved in the storage device35to the indoor unit4B. With this configuration, in the indoor unit4B, the pre-update program is overwritten in the non-volatile memory, so that the program is restored to the pre-update program. In step S15, the second communication unit32transmits the temporarily saved setting information data to the indoor unit4B. With this configuration, in the indoor unit4B, the setting is performed based on the setting information data. In step S16, the update execution unit34starts the operation of the indoor unit4B. It is noted that it is preferable to set whether to execute the program update or able to set an update time from a standpoint of comfort of a user. For example, in a case where an air-conditioner is installed in a hotel, it is considered that the user normally stays in a room in the morning and at night and does not stay in the daytime. For this reason, in this case, the program update is set to be executed in the daytime and not to be executed in the morning and at night. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the execution of the program update when the user uses the air-conditioner. As described above, in the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 1, the update programs obtained from the update management device1are transmitted to the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L, and the programs of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are updated. With this configuration, since the operator does not need to directly access the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L to perform the program update operation, it is possible to reduce the physical burdens imposed on the operator. In addition, when one of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L in which the programs are updated does not operate normally, the pre-update program stored in the storage device35is transmitted to the one of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L, and the program of the one of the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L is restored to the pre-update programs. With this configuration, an inoperative state is immediately restored to the state in which the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L operate normally. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the state in which the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L do not operate. Embodiment 2 Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1 in that the programs of only indoor units previously selected among the plurality of indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L are updated. It is noted in the following description, parts common to the parts of Embodiment 1 are assigned with the same reference signs, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. [Configuration of the Air-Conditioning System100] FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 2. The air-conditioning system100illustrated inFIG.7has a configuration similar to the air-conditioning system100according to Embodiment 1 illustrated inFIG.1. InFIG.7, the indoor units4A,4C to4F,4H, and4J, which are illustrated as shaded blocks, correspond to indoor units in which the program is to be updated in present Embodiment 2. It is noted that, in this example, to avoid the complicated description, illustrations of the outdoor units3C to3F and the indoor units5A to5L and6A to6L are omitted. The update management device1according to present Embodiment 2 previously stores update condition information in addition to the update programs. When the programs are to be updated, the update management device1transmits the update programs and the update condition information to the outdoor units3A to3F via the central management device2. The update processing devices30of the outdoor units3A to3F temporarily store the update programs and the update condition information received from the update management device1. The update condition information is information indicating an update condition of the program. Specifically, the update condition information includes information on the indoor unit in which the program is to be updated. [Operation of the Air-Conditioning System100] The program update processing by the air-conditioning system100illustrated inFIG.7will be described. First, the update management device1notifies the outdoor unit3A of starting of the program update. In response to the notification, the outdoor unit3A obtains the update program from the update management device1, and temporarily stores the update program in the storage device35. In addition, the outdoor unit3A obtains the update condition information from the update management device1, and temporarily saves the update condition information in the storage device35. It is noted that, as illustrated inFIG.7, the update condition information is set to include information indicating that the programs of the indoor units4A,4C to4F,4H, and4J are to be updated. The outdoor unit3A sequentially searches for and selects the indoor units4A to4L connected to its own device. Then, the outdoor unit3A determines whether or not the selected indoor unit is to be updated based on the update condition information. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the selected indoor unit is to be updated, the outdoor unit3A updates the program for the selected indoor unit. For example, when the indoor unit4A corresponding to one of the indoor units4A to4L to be updated is selected, the outdoor unit3A determines whether or not the selected indoor unit4A is to be updated based on the update condition information. In this case, since the indoor unit4A is to be updated, the outdoor unit3A obtains the setting information data and the pre-update program from the indoor unit4A. The outdoor unit3A temporarily saves the obtained setting information data and pre-update program in the storage device35. Thereafter, the outdoor unit3A updates the program of the indoor unit4A as in Embodiment 1. After this, the outdoor unit3A updates the programs of the indoor units40to4F,4H, and4J to be updated included in the update condition information as in Embodiment 1. In this manner, according to present Embodiment 2, only the programs of the indoor units4A,4C to4F,4H, and4J that are needed to be updated among the indoor units4A to4L are updated based on the update condition information stored in the update management device1. FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of the program update processing by the outdoor unit3A ofFIG.7. It is noted that inFIG.8, the processing common to the processing inFIG.5is assigned with the same sign, and the detailed description will be omitted. In step S1, the first communication unit31receives a notification for starting the program update that is transmitted from the update management device1. In step S21, the first communication unit31receives the update condition information transmitted from the update management device1. The received update condition information is temporarily saved in the storage device35. In step S22, the check processing unit33selects one of the indoor units4A to4L connected to its own device. In step S23, the check processing unit33determines whether or not the selected indoor unit is to be updated based on the update condition information. When the selected indoor unit is not to be updated (step S23; No), the processing returns to step S22, and the check processing unit33selects the next indoor unit. On the other hand, when the selected indoor unit is to be updated (step S23; Yes), the processing shifts to step S24. In step S24, the check processing unit33determines whether or not the program of the selected indoor unit is not yet updated. When the program of the selected indoor unit is updated (step S24; No), the series of processes is ended. On the other hand, when the program of the selected indoor unit is not yet updated (step S24; Yes), the processing shifts to step S3. Thereafter, as in Embodiment 1 illustrated inFIG.5, the processing from steps S3to S9is performed, and the program is updated. Then, when the program of the indoor unit set to be updated is updated, the processing returns to step S22, and the program update processing on the next indoor unit is performed. As described above, in the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 2, the indoor units in which the program is to be updated are sequentially selected based on the update condition information stored in the update management device1, and the program of the selected indoor unit is updated. With this configuration, since the programs of only the indoor units that need the update are updated, it is possible to efficiently perform the program update processing. Embodiment 3 Next, Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. Present Embodiment 3 is different from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that groups are set for a plurality of indoor units, and when a program of an indoor unit in the set group is being updated, other indoor units in the same group operate to compensate for an air-conditioning capability of the indoor unit in which the update is being performed. It is noted in the following description, parts common to the parts according to Embodiments 1 and 2 are assigned with the same signs, and the detailed description will be omitted. [Configuration of the Air-Conditioning System100] FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 3. The air-conditioning system100illustrated inFIG.9has a configuration similar to the air-conditioning system100according to Embodiments 1 and 2 illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.7. InFIG.9, the indoor units4D,4E,4G,4J, and4K that are shaded for illustration correspond to the indoor units in which the programs are being updated according to present Embodiment 3. It is noted that in this example, to avoid the complicated description, illustrations of the outdoor units3C to3F and the indoor units5A to5L and6A to6L are omitted. In the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 3, a plurality of groups are set for the indoor units4A to4L. In the example illustrated inFIG.9, three groups #1 to #3 are set for the indoor units4A to4L. The indoor units4A,4B,4E, and4F belong to the group #1. The indoor units4C,4D,4G, and4H belong to the group #2. The indoor units4I to4L belong to the group #3. The groups for the indoor units4A to4L are set in units of management, for example. More specifically, the groups are set such that indoor units disposed to be adjacent to one another belong to the same group, such as a group for each set of indoor units in the same room or a group for each set of indoor units in the same section in a large room. [Operation of the Air-Conditioning System100] In the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 3, as in Embodiment 1 or 2, the program update processing on the indoor units4A to4L is performed. Here, with the air-conditioning capability for each group taken into consideration, when a program of a part of the indoor units belonging to the group is being updated, since the operation of the indoor unit in the middle of update is stopped, the conditioning capability as a group decreases. In view of the above, according to present Embodiment 3, when the program update of the part of the indoor units in the group is being performed, other indoor units are caused to operate such that the indoor units other than the indoor unit in the middle of update compensate for the decreased air-conditioning capability. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.9, in the group #1, when the program of the indoor unit4E is being updated, the other indoor units4A,4B, and4F belonging to the group #1 perform the operation for increasing the air-conditioning capability. In addition, in the group #2, when the programs of the indoor units4D and4G are being updated, the other indoor units4C and4H belonging to the group #2 perform the operation for increasing the air-conditioning capability. Furthermore, in the group #3, when the programs of the indoor units4J and4K are being updated, the other indoor units4I and4L belonging to the group #3 perform the operation for increasing the air-conditioning capability. In this manner, according to present Embodiment 3, when the indoor unit where the operation is stopped in the middle of program update exists in the same group, the other indoor units in the relevant group operate to compensate for the decrease of the air-conditioning capability caused by the indoor unit in the middle of update. With this configuration, the air-conditioning capability in the group is maintained. As described above, in the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 3, when the program of the part of the indoor units in the group is being updated, the update processing device30causes the other indoor units in the group to operate to compensate for the air-conditioning capability of the relevant indoor unit. With this configuration, even when the indoor unit where the operation is stopped exists in the group, since the decrease of the air-conditioning capability caused by the stopping of the operation is compensated for by the other indoor units in the same group, it is possible to suppress the decrease of the air-conditioning capability in the group. Embodiment 4 Next, Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure will be described. Present Embodiment 4 is different from Embodiments 1 to 3 in that the re-update of the program is attempted when the update of the program for the indoor unit fails. It is noted in the following description, the parts common to the parts according to Embodiments 1 to 3 are assigned with the same signs, and the detailed description will be omitted. [Configuration of the Air-Conditioning System100] FIG.10is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the air-conditioning system100according to present Embodiment 4. The air-conditioning system100illustrated inFIG.10has a configuration similar to the air-conditioning system100according to Embodiments 1 to 3 illustrated inFIG.1,FIG.7, andFIG.9. InFIG.10, the indoor units4A and4F that are shaded for illustration correspond to indoor units in which the program update fails in present Embodiment 4. It is noted that in this example, to avoid the complicated description, illustrations of the indoor unit4H, the outdoor units3C to3F, and the indoor units5A to5L and6A to6L are omitted. FIG.11is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the update processing device30ofFIG.10. As illustrated inFIG.11, the update processing device30has the first communication unit31, the second communication unit32, the check processing unit33, the update execution unit34, the storage device35, and an analysis unit36. Various functions of the update processing device30are realized when software is executed on an arithmetic device such as a microcomputer, or the update processing device30is configured by hardware such as a circuit device that realizes the various functions. As described according to Embodiment 1, the second communication unit32receives the pre-update program and the setting information data from the indoor units4A to4G, and also receives device update data. The device update data is data indicating a state of the indoor unit when the program of each of the indoor units4A to4G is updated and an update state. The check processing unit33checks success or failure of the program update in the indoor units4A to4G based on the device update data received by the second communication unit32. The analysis unit36analyzes a correlation relationship of various types of information based on various parameters included in the device update data and the success or failure of the program update. When it is determined that the correlation relationship exists based on the analysis result of the correlation relationship by the analysis unit36, the update execution unit34performs processing for re-updating the programs of the indoor units4A to4G being subjects of the analysis. On the other hand, when it is determined that the correlation relationship does not exist or the program re-update fails, the update execution unit34performs the processing for restoring the programs of the indoor units4A to4G being the subjects of the analysis to the pre-update programs. (Device Update Data) FIG.12is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the device update data. As illustrated inFIG.12, the device update data includes a version of the pre-update program in each of the indoor units4A to4G, various parameters such as a model type of the indoor unit and an update time, and information indicating the success or failure of the program update. The version of the pre-update program is information indicating a version of the program before the program is updated. The model type is information indicating a model type of the relevant indoor unit. The update time is information indicating a time when the program update is executed. The update time may also include information indicating a transmission traffic at this time. The success or failure of the update is information indicating a result of the execution of the program update. In the example illustrated inFIG.12, for example, it is indicated with regard to the indoor unit4A that the version of the pre-update program is “X”, the model type is “#1”, the update time is “13:00 (transmission traffic: intermediate)”, and the program update fails. In addition, it is indicated with regard to the indoor unit4B that the version of the pre-update program is “X”, the model type is “#3”, the update time is “23:00 (transmission traffic: low)”, and the program update is successful. [Operation of the Air-Conditioning System100] The operation of the air-conditioning system100that has the above-mentioned configuration will be described. According to present Embodiment 4, when the program update fails in any of the indoor units4A to4G, program re-update processing for attempting program re-update is performed. (Program Re-Update Processing) The program re-update processing is performed after the program update of all the indoor units4A to4G in which the program is to be updated. First, the update processing device30receives the device update data from each of the indoor units4A to4G in which the program is updated via the second communication unit32. The second communication unit32supplies the received device update data to the check processing unit33. The check processing unit33determines whether or not the program update of all of the indoor units4A to4G is successful based on the received device update data. When any of all of the indoor units4A to4G in which the program update fails exists, the check processing unit33supplies the device update data to the analysis unit36. The analysis unit36extracts a correlation relationship between various parameters included in the received device update data and the information indicating the success or failure of the program update, and analyses the extracted correlation relationship of the various types of information. As a result of the analysis, when the correlation relationship exists in the various types of information, the update execution unit34performs the processing for re-updating the program on the indoor unit being subjects of the analysis. On the other hand, when the correlation relationship does not exist in the various types of information or the program update fails even after the re-update of the program is performed, as in Embodiment 1, the update execution unit34performs the processing for restoring the program to the pre-update program. Here, with reference toFIG.12, a specific example of the program re-update processing will be described. For example, when attention is paid to the indoor unit4A and the indoor unit4B, the version of the pre-update program is “X” in both the two indoor units. The program update is successful in the indoor unit4B, but the program update fails in the indoor unit4A. In view of the above, the update execution unit34of the update processing device30performs the program re-update processing on the indoor unit4A to attempt the re-update of the program. At this time, the indoor unit4A and the indoor unit4B have different update time when the program update processing is executed, and it is considered that there is a possibility that the transmission traffic at the time of the update affects the success or failure of the program update. Therefore, when the program re-update processing is performed on the indoor unit4A, the update execution unit34performs the program re-update processing on the indoor unit4A at a timing close to the update time when the program of the indoor unit4B is updated or at a timing at which the transmission traffic is close to the transmission traffic when the program of the indoor unit4B is updated. It is noted that when the program update fails in this case too, it is considered that there is a possibility that the difference of the model types of the indoor units affects the success or failure of the program update. However, since the model type of the indoor unit cannot be changed, in this case, the update execution unit34suspends the program update. Similarly, when attention also is paid to the indoor unit4D and the indoor unit4F, the version of the pre-update program is “Y” in both the two indoor units. The program update is successful in the indoor unit4D, but the program update fails in the indoor unit4F. It is noted that since the program update processing in the indoor unit4D and the indoor unit4F is performed at timings at which the transmission traffics are comparable to each other, it is conceivable that there is a possibility that the difference of the model types of the indoor units affects the success or failure of the program update. Therefore, also in this case, the update execution unit34suspends the program update. Next, when attention is paid to the versions of the pre-update programs in all of the indoor units4A to4G, the program update is successful in all of the indoor unit4C, the indoor unit4E, and the indoor unit4G in which the version of the pre-update program is “Z”. From this, it is considered that there is a possibility that the program update may be successful by updating the program from the pre-update program in which the version is “Z”. In view of the above, the update execution unit34performs processing on the indoor unit4A and the indoor unit4F where the program update fails for updating the program to the program in which the version is “Z” and then updating the program to the latest program. It is noted that in this example, the information illustrated inFIG.12is used as the parameter affecting the success or failure of the program update, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, the program re-update processing may also be performed based on a commonality and a difference that are obtained from various types of information related to indoor units in which programs are updated using artificial intelligence. In addition, the analysis result by the analysis unit36may also be stored, for example, in the storage device35, and fed back to a creation source of the update program. In addition, when the program update processing performed on all of the indoor units4A to4G fails, the analysis result may also be fed back to the creation source of the update program, with a possibility of a bug of the update program in itself taken into account. With this configuration, the program creation source can study and create a subsequent renewed update program based on the information related to the update. FIG.13is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of the program re-update processing by the outdoor unit3A ofFIG.10. In step S31, the check processing unit33determines whether or not the program update of all of the indoor units4A to4G is successful based on the device update data received from the respective indoor units4A to4G via the second communication unit32. It is noted that here, also when the program of the indoor unit is restored to the pre-update program in step S37that will be described below, this case is similarly treated as the success of the program update. When it is determined that the program update of all of the indoor units4A to4G is successful (step S31; Yes), the series of processes is ended. On the other hand, when it is determined that the program update fails in any of the indoor units4A to4G (step S31; No), the processing shifts to step S32. In step S32, the analysis unit36extracts various parameters affecting the success or failure of the program update from the device update data. Then, in step S33, the analysis unit36analyses the correlation relationship between the extracted various parameters and the information indicating the success or failure of the program update. In step S34, the analysis unit36determines whether or not the correlation relationship between the various parameters and the success or failure of the update exists. When it is determined that the correlation relationship exists (step S34; Yes), the update execution unit34performs the processing for re-updating the program on the indoor unit being a subject of the determination, in step S35. On the other hand, when it is determined that the correlation relationship does not exist (step S34; No), the processing shifts to step S37. In step S36, the update execution unit34determines whether or not the re-update of the program is successful. When it is determined that the re-update of the program is successful (step S36; Yes), the processing returns to step S31. On the other hand, when it is determined that the re-update of the program fails (step S36; N in step S37, the update execution unit34performs the processing for restoring the program of the relevant indoor unit to the pre-update program. Then, the processing returns to step S31. As described above, according to present Embodiment 4, when the device update data on each indoor unit is analyzed after the program update and the correlation relationship exists in the parameters included in the relevant data, the program re-update processing is performed on the indoor unit in which the update fails. With this configuration, even when the program update fails due to any cause in the indoor unit where the program update could be performed under normal circumstances, the program of the relevant indoor unit can be more reliably updated than before. Embodiments 1 to 4 of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to above-described Embodiments 1 to 4 of the present disclosure, and various modifications and applications can be made in a range without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. According to Embodiments 1 to 4, the description has been made while the storage device35that temporarily saves the update program is disposed in each of the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E serving as the high level devices, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, the update management device1or the central management device2may also be set as the high level device, and the storage device35may also be disposed in the update management device1or the central management device2. With this configuration, the program update processing may also be executed on the outdoor units3A to3F. In addition, according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the case has been described where the update management device1is connected to the central management device2, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the central management device2may also have the functions of the update management device1. Furthermore, according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the case has been described where the outdoor units3A to3E are connected to the central management device2, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is also sufficient when the central management device2is not disposed. In this case, when the program is to be updated, the update management device1is connected to each of the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E by the communication cable20, and the update programs are directly exchanged between the update management device1and the outdoor units3A,3C, and3E without the intermediation of the central management device2. Furthermore, the outdoor unit serving as the high level device including the update processing device30may also have the functions of the update management device1. In this case, the update program or the update condition information previously stored in the update management device1is recorded in a recording medium that is detachable such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory. Then, when the program of the indoor unit is to be updated, the recording medium such as the USB memory is connected to the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit reads out the update program or the update condition information recorded in the recording medium. It is noted that when the program update is performed using the recording medium as described above, the pre-update program received by the outdoor unit from the indoor unit may also be recorded, for example, in the recording medium. In addition, the update program or other data recorded in the recording medium may also be stored, for example, in the storage device35of the outdoor unit. In addition, the devices in which the programs are updated are not limited to the indoor units4A to4L,5A to5L, and6A to6L, and may also include any devices as long as the devices are disposed in the air-conditioning system100. For example, when a relay, a ventilating device, a remote controller, and other devices are disposed in the air-conditioning system100, the program update processing may also be executed by setting these pieces of equipment to be updated. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1update management device2central management device3A to3F outdoor unit4A to4L,5A to5L,6A to6L indoor unit10,11,12,13,20communication cable30update processing device31first communication unit 32second communication unit33check processing unit34update execution unit35storage device36analysis unit51communication device52processing circuit61communication device62processor63memory100air-conditioning system | 48,833 |
11859842 | To facilitate understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the drawings shown and discussed in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Referring toFIG.1, an indoor air purification system100having an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor110of the present invention is illustratively shown in electronic communication with a bi-polar ionization unit202, via cable222and controller204. Bi-polar ionization unit receives electrical power from cable224, and can support other connectors, such as a two-pin aviation connector to which cable223is connected, for monitoring purposes. The air purification system100is installed in a heat, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building in accordance with well-known building and HVAC standards. The indoor air purification system100includes an IAQ monitor110which is mounted in a return duct of the HVAC system to detect various undesirable gases that may be present in the air such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, ozone, as well as climatic conditions such as temperature and relative humidity in the HVAC system. The monitoring of the climatic conditions and the various gases by the IAQ monitor110provides data and electronic signals which the air purification system100uses to trigger and control the bi-polar ionization unit202to help alleviate undesirable air quality issues that can be considered health risks at excessive levels. The IAQ monitor110communicates electronically with the ionization unit202and a building HVAC automation system via wireless and/or wired electronic communication networks, for example, using a BACnet/IP protocol over a local area network (LAN) of the building. The building HVAC automation system can utilize data from the IAQ monitor110to control some HVAC functions to optimize HVAC efficiency. For example, by reading carbon dioxide, the HVAC system can automatically adjust outside air dampers to allow for minimal outside air and maximize efficiency. Implementing the IAQ monitor in a building HVAC air purification system, the ASHRAE 62.1 IAQ procedure can be utilized to allow for the code minimum outside air and energy savings for the building. One of ordinary skill in the art will comprehend that if the outside air is of bad quality, a user will want to minimize the intake of outside air, not only for the sake of best operating efficiency, but also to minimize any degradation of indoor air quality. This is an especially important feature in many geographic regions with cities having outside air that is orders of magnitude worse than indoor air (e.g., China, India and the like). Also the impact of air quality events like wildfires can be minimized by the sensors of the IAQ monitor constantly collecting data and making real-time adjustments to the outside air dampers and ion intensity. Referring now toFIGS.2-9, the IAQ monitor110is configured with an aerodynamic fin-shape first housing section to minimize air flow disturbances as the air flow in a duct passes over or around the IAQ monitor110. In particular, the IAQ monitor110includes a housing111having a first housing section112and a second housing section114which collectively define an interior chamber113(seeFIG.9). The first housing section112is preferably shaped as a fin or airfoil and is configured to be inserted within the interior channel of a return or air handler duct (not shown) via a similarly dimensioned cutout or through-hole that is formed in the ductwork (e.g., a lower wall of the duct) to accommodate the fin-shaped first housing section112. The first housing section112is typically inserted through the bottom wall of the ductwork, and elements will be further described as “upper” or “lower” with this typical orientation in mind. However, such orientation is not considered limiting, as the first housing section110can be oriented and installed in the ductwork along a sidewall or top of the rectangular shaped ductwork without diminishing the detection capabilities of the sensors therein. The first housing section112includes at least one sidewall116that defines an interior channel115(seeFIG.9) which forms an upper portion of the interior chamber113, and an air inlet port124for permitting duct airflow into the IAQ monitor110. The second housing section114is also formed from at least one sidewall128to define a lower portion117of the interior chamber113. The upper channel115and lower interior chamber117(seeFIG.9) collectively form the interior chamber113of the housing111through which air from the return duct flows, as discussed in further detail below with respect toFIG.9. In one embodiment, the second housing section114includes a support frame or sensor mounting bridge150for mounting a plurality of gas and climatic sensors that detect the quality of air flow through the IAQ monitor110. The second housing section114is depicted as being generally rectangular in shape, although such shape is not considered limiting, as the second housing section114can be square, oval, circular, curvilinear or any other shape suitable for housing the sensor mounting bridge150, electronic circuitry, communication ports and other components necessary to detect and communicate the air quality in the ductwork. The shape and location of the air inlet port124helps prevent the internal sensors from fouling more rapidly and/or drifting out of calibration quickly, as the dirt-laden air doesn't enter directly into the interior of the IAQ monitor110. The sampling port is positioned to face downstream of the air flow, and due to the inlet metering fan's constant and calculated sampling rate, the ram-air effect is minimized. This stabilizes the sampling rate to always match the algorithms, enhancing accuracy. Furthermore, by having the sampling port facing downstream, debris that may be entrained in the airflow is prevented substantially blocking the cross-sectional area of the sampling port. The fin or airfoil shape assists this diversion process. The shape and location of the air inlet port124is designed such that the sampling rate of the metering fan should be relatively constant, despite the fact that, as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, air handler speed and air flow can vary for many reasons, and change frequently. The constant and repeatable sampling rate enhances accuracy, longevity and repeatability of data collected over long periods of time. Referring toFIGS.2and6, the first housing section112includes a top122and an open bottom portion. The second housing section114includes a bottom wall129and an open top portion. A first outwardly extending flange131circumscribes the open bottom portion of the first housing section112, and a second outwardly extending flange132circumscribes the open top portion of the second housing section114. The outwardly extending flanges131and132are sized and dimensioned to conform in shape for attachment to each other after the sensor mounting bridge150and other electronic components are installed in the second housing section114. Preferably a gasket133having a central opening135is inserted between the flanges131and132to form an airtight seal therebetween. The outwardly extending flanges132and133include a plurality of spaced apart and aligned apertures136for receiving a fastener (not shown) to attach the IAQ monitor110to the ductwork in which the first housing section112is inserted within the ductwork and the second housing section114is mounted on the exterior sidewall of the duct to orientate and secure the first housing section112therein. A duct sealing gasket134(FIG.2) is preferably used when attaching the IAQ monitor110to the ductwork. The first and second housing sections112,114can be fabricated from various non-porous, moisture resistant materials such as, for example, aluminum or stainless steel sheet metal, a ceramic material, polyvinylchloride or any other non-porous, water/moisture/corrosive resistant material. Referring toFIGS.2,4and6, the first housing section112is generally triangular or V-shaped with symmetrical lateral sidewalls116extending between a leading edge118and a trailing edge or end120of the first housing section112. The leading edge118is configured to be positioned in a direction upstream of the airflow in the ductwork, e.g., a return duct or air handler of the HVAC system. In one embodiment, the top surface122includes markings123which indicate the direction of air flow through the ductwork. The leading edge118and sidewalls116are configured to be aerodynamic so as to minimize structural impedance of airflow by the IAQ monitor110within the ductwork. Preferably, the lateral sidewalls116are convex and symmetrical in shape with respect to a central longitudinal axis “L” of the fin-shaped first housing section112, although the shape of the leading edge and sidewall is not considered limiting, as other shapes can be implemented (e.g., U-shaped leading edge and straight or curvilinear sidewalls, and the like). Referring now toFIGS.3,5and6, a rear or trailing edge portion120of the first housing section112is preferably U-shaped, as best seen inFIGS.1and6. A top portion122of the first housing section112is substantially flat, as best seen inFIG.6. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the U-shape trailing edge120and the flat top portion122are not considered limiting, as the trailing edge120can be flat or substantially flat, among other shapes, and the top portion122can be dome shaped, pointed or any other curvilinear shape which minimizes disturbances of airflow within the ductwork. The rear or tailing edge portion120includes the air inlet port124, as best seen inFIG.5, which is provided to receive a steady flow of the duct air at a controlled velocity so that a plurality of sensors installed within an interior chamber113of the second housing section114can sample a portion of the duct air as it passes therethrough. The sensors and electronic circuitry are housed within the interior chamber113of the second housing section114to minimize exposure to contaminants within the duct which can detrimentally affect the operability of the sensors, as discussed below in further detail. The air inlet port124is preferably formed proximate the top cover122so as to minimize influx of heavier contaminants (e.g., dust and the like) which are more likely to be present near the interior surface or walls of the duct. For example, the interior surface of a duct can be lined with fiberglass insulation, which is prone to collect dust and particles. In some applications, the insulation lining can illustratively be two inches thick. Accordingly, the first housing section112and the positioning of the air inlet port124are at a height that extends sufficiently beyond (above) the lining to thereby minimize inflow of debris and contaminants into the interior chamber via the air inlet port124. In one embodiment, the height of the first housing section112is approximately four inches, although such height is not considered limiting. The inlet port124can include a grill or screen to further block larger contaminants from entering the interior chamber113. Referring again toFIGS.4and5, the second housing section114includes one or more openings121in the sidewall128that are sized and dimensioned to receive an input or output port or connector, such as, for example, an RJ-45 Ethernet connector125(FIGS.1-3), an electrical connector127(FIG.2) for receiving electrical power from an external source, a universal serial bus (USB) port126(FIG.2), an HDMI connector137(FIG.2) or any other well-known power/communications port suitable to indicate and/or provide power/communications to and from IAQ monitor110. Caps138are provided to protect any unused connectors and ports from dust and/or moisture. The electrical connector127can be connected to an external power supply140via cord221, as shown. In an alternate embodiment, power supply140can be located inside second housing section114. The various input and output ports enable communications with other components of the HVAC system, such as a controller204illustratively mounted on the bi-polar ionization unit202, as illustratively shown inFIG.1. A user can optionally attach a computer monitor directly to the HDMI connector137, to directly view the climatic and gaseous metrics being measured by IAQ monitor110. Although the controller204is illustratively shown mounted to the ionization device202, such location is not considered limiting as a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller204can be locally or remotely located from either the ionization unit202or the IAQ monitor110. Referring toFIGS.7and8, the sensor mounting bridge150is illustratively shown with a plurality of sensors160(FIG.8) mounted thereon to detect climatic and gaseous conditions of the airflow in the ductwork of the HVAC system. The plurality of sensors160illustratively include a temperature and relative humidity sensor162, a total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) sensor163, a formaldehyde (CH2O) sensor164, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor165, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, an ozone (O3) sensor (FIG.7), and a particulate matter (PM) sensor168(e.g., PM 2.5 particle sensor). The types and sensitivities of the sensors160mounted on the sensor mounting bridge150is not limiting and can vary depending upon local building and outside atmospheric conditions. The sensor mounting bridge150is illustratively configured as a V-shaped support and includes a plurality of raised sidewalls152which for slots or channels154therebetween in which one or more sensors is mounted. The channels154channel the airflow to the sensors to enhance their detection capabilities of the airflow. The spacing between the sidewalls152forming the air flow channels154is dependent in part on the sensor being mounted therein. Although the sensor mounting bridge150is shown as having a V-shape configuration, such shape is not considered limiting. One or more perforations or orifices155can be provided through the channels154to further distribute the airflow around the sensors160. Preferably, a digital microprocessor169is also mounted in one of the channels154of the mounting bridge150to receive electrical signals from the sensors160. The microprocessor169includes programming to determine whether a predetermined threshold associated with one or more sensors160has been exceeded, and send an output signal to a remotely located controller204for controlling the bi-polar ionizer202(seeFIG.1) and/or a damper, register or other airflow device in the HVAC system of the building. The microprocessor169can store data associated with various parameters and metrics associated with the airflow, e.g., timestamps, source of electronic sensor signals, destination of electronic signals sent, among any other operatives associated with the operation of the IAQ monitor110. Referring toFIGS.2,3and9in conjunction withFIG.7, an electric fan170is installed on the mounting bridge150to draw air into the inlet port124, through the interior chamber113and out through the air output port130. The electric fan170is preferably mounted adjacent the air outlet port130, illustratively shown in the slot154F of the mounting bridge150inFIG.7, although such location is not considered limiting. For example, the electric fan170can be mounted in other areas of the interior chamber113, such as within the upper interior channel portion115of the first housing section112, e.g., in vicinity of the inlet port124or near the open bottom between the first and second housing sections112,114, among other locations within the interior chamber113of the housing110. The electric fan170is controlled by one or more programs executed by the microprocessor169to control the rotational speed of the fan blades, and thereby control the rate of air flow into the interior chamber113and over the plurality of sensors160. The rotational speed is controlled by adjusting the power supplied to the electric fan170from the electric power source140(FIG.1). The fan assists in maintaining a constant and predetermined airflow to the various sensors. Referring toFIGS.2and3, the sensor mounting bridge150with the plurality of sensors160and microprocessor169mounted thereto are installed within the lower interior chamber117of the second housing section114. Additionally, the power and communication ports125-127are also preferably mounted to the second housing section114, although such location on the housing111is not considered limiting. The installation of the electronic components and sensors160in the second housing section114better enables access to such internal and external components from the outside of the ductwork at times where maintenance/troubleshooting of the IAQ monitor110is required. Referring toFIG.9, the IAQ monitor110is preferably installed within a return duct or air handler of the building's HVAC system in order to best sample the air quality in one or more rooms, and mitigate improper sample readings which may be caused by excessive or irregular air duct velocity, air dilution from outside air entering and mixing with the partially closed HVAC system, and stratification in the duct networks caused by bends, expansions, contractions and the like in the ductwork. The IAQ monitor110is a closed housing110with the exception of duct air flowing into the inlet port124, through the interior chamber113of the housing111, and being discharged via the outlet port130. More specifically, during operation, duct air from the HVAC system flows through the ductwork as indicated by arrows180. The duct airflow in the return of the HVAC system flows past the leading edge118, lateral sidewalls116and trailing end120of the first housing section112. The aerodynamic shape of the first housing section112minimizes airflow disturbances within the ductwork. When the electric fan170is activated, it rotates at a predetermined rotational rate which is greater than the duct airflow rate, thereby creating a low pressure zone at the inlet port124and within the interior chamber113. A portion of the duct air182enters the low pressure zone at the inlet port124and flows through the interior channel115of the first housing section112to the interior chamber portion117in the second housing section114, as indicated by airflow paths184and186. More specifically, the air flowing in the lower interior chamber portion117is directed over and past the plurality of sensors160via the plurality of channels or slots154formed between the vertically directed sidewalls152, as discussed above with respect toFIGS.7and8. The fan170then expels the air inside the interior chamber113out of the IAQ monitor110via the output port130, as indicated by airflow path188inFIG.9. Advantageously, positioning the sensors160within an interior chamber113of the housing110, as opposed to the prior art in which the sensors were predominately mounted on or flush with the exterior surface of the monitor housing, reduces exposure to high concentrations of pollutants and contaminants within the HVAC system which, after prolonged exposure, can accumulate on the sensors and negatively affect the sensor detection capabilities. Accordingly, the present invention minimizes direct exposure to the pollutants and contaminants in the duct air stream, thereby increasing reliability and longevity of the IAQ monitor, as well as decreasing the frequency for cleaning and maintenance repairs. Another advantage is the ability to control the flow rate of air into the IAQ monitor110so that the sensors can maintain their high sensitivity levels for prolonged periods to detect the quality of the air therethrough. The IAQ monitor is configured to be certified by standard industry certification organizations, such as RESET™ which has developed a healthy building certification program based around continuous monitoring and maintenance. The air purification system uses data collected by the IAQ monitor110to automatically adjust ion intensity levels of the bi-polar ionization unit202in response to changes in air quality to help maintain optimal ion saturation in the treated space for optimal air purification. The various climatic and gaseous conditions monitored trigger automatic adjustment of the bi-polar ionization unit202using feedback loops when programmed threshold values are exceeded. FIG.10illustrates system configurations available for IAQ monitor110for data display, data collection, and building management system control. As box1005indicates, the IAQ monitor110can integrate for controlling indoor HVAC function with or without bi-polar ionization (BPI), and can integrate for HVAC systems with or without damper controls for outside air admission. As box1010indicates, the IAQ monitor110can operate in a display mode only. In this mode, as shown in box1015, a user's computer monitor is connected directly to IAQ monitor110, via the HDMI connector137discussed previously. As shown in box1020, the IAQ monitor110can be used for data collection. One method is shown in boxes1025and1030, where comma-separated values (CSV) are saved to a USB memory thumb drive, that can be periodically retrieved by a user. Another method is shown in boxes1035-1045, where sensor and node universal unique identifier (UUID) codes are obtained from a user, and a proprietary API posts the IAQ monitor110sensor values to the user's remote server. The General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) is used for modeling the HVAC system for mathematical optimization. As shown in boxes1050-1090, the IAQ monitor110can be used with a building management system, via a wired electronic communication network, for example, using a BACnet/IP protocol over a local area network of the building. When used in this manner, the IAQ monitor110will use object identifiers (Oids), an identifier mechanism standardized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and ISO/IEC for naming any object, concept, or thing with a globally unambiguous persistent name, and a static IP, ad address assigned by a network administrator for each device connected to the network. The BACnet/IP protocol can be configured with a BACnet protocol stack and metering, such as available through Cimetrics and other vendors. Data from IAQ monitor110can be stored on a cloud server and made available to a user. Automatic alerts can also be sent based upon readings. The IAQ monitor110can also send regular analysis of the building air quality, together with a comparison to published IAQ standards and guidelines, as well as comparisons to similar buildings. In an alternate embodiment, the sensors can be compartmentalized to help avoid cross interference between sensors. In another alternate embodiment, NIST-certified sensors can be used, allowing for the IAQ monitor110to be used in place of conventional IAQ testing services or industrial hygiene testing, both of which are far more costly and which only provide a snapshot in time. Although an exemplary description of the invention has been set forth above to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, that description should not be construed to limit the invention, and various modifications and variations may be made to the description without departing from the scope of the invention, as will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. | 23,836 |
11859843 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. When introducing elements of various embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Turning now the figures,FIG.1illustrates an HVAC system10in accordance with one embodiment. As depicted, the system10provides heating and cooling for a residential structure12. But the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a myriad of heating and cooling situations, including industrial and commercial settings. The described HVAC system10divides into two primary portions: The outdoor unit14, which mainly comprises components for transferring heat with the environment outside the structure12; and the indoor unit16, which mainly comprises components for transferring heat with the air inside the structure12. To heat or cool the illustrated structure12, the indoor unit16has an air-handler unit (or AHU) that is an airflow circulation system, which in the illustrated embodiment draws ambient indoor air via returns26, passes that air over one or more heating/cooling elements (i.e., sources of heating or cooling), and then routes that conditioned air, whether heated or cooled, back to the various climate-controlled spaces28through ducts or ductworks30—which are relatively large pipes that may be rigid or flexible. A blower32provides the motivational force to circulate the ambient air through the returns26, AHU, and ducts30. As shown, the HVAC system10is a “dual-fuel” system that has multiple heating elements. A gas furnace24located downstream (in terms of airflow) of blower32combusts natural gas to produce heat in furnace tubes (not shown) that coil through the furnace. These furnace tubes act as a heating element for the ambient indoor air being pushed out of the blower32, over the furnace tubes, and into the ducts30. However, the furnace is generally operated when robust heating is desired. During conventional heating and cooling operations, air from the blower32is routed over an indoor heat exchanger20and into the ductwork30. The blower, gas furnace, and indoor heat exchanger may be packaged as an integrated AHU, or those components may be modular. Moreover, it is envisaged that the positions of the gas furnace and indoor heat exchanger and blower can be reversed or rearranged. The indoor heat exchanger20can act as a heating or cooling element that add or removes heat from the structure, respectively, by manipulating the pressure and flow of refrigerant circulating within and between the indoor and outdoor units via refrigerant lines18. But that is just one embodiment. It is also envisaged that the refrigerant could be circulated to only cool (i.e., extract heat from) the structure, with heating provided independently by another source—like a gas furnace, for example. Or there may be no gas heating. Or in another embodiment there may be no heating of any kind. HVAC systems that use refrigerant to both heat and cool the structure12are often described as heat pumps, while systems that use refrigerant only for cooling are commonly described as air conditioners. Whatever the state of the indoor heat exchanger (i.e., absorbing or releasing heat), the outdoor heat exchanger22is in the opposite state. More specifically, if heating is desired, the illustrated indoor heat exchanger20acts as a condenser, aiding transition of the refrigerant from a high-pressure to gas to a high-pressure liquid and releasing heat in the process. And the outdoor heat exchanger22acts as an evaporator, aiding transition of the refrigerant from a low-pressure liquid to a low-pressure gas, thereby absorbing heat from the outdoor environment. If cooling is desired, the outdoor unit14has flow-control devices38that reverse the flow of the refrigerant—such that the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. To facilitate the exchange of heat between the ambient indoor air and the outdoor environment in the described HVAC system10, the respective heat exchangers20,22have tubing that winds or coils through heat-exchange surfaces, to increase the surface area of contact between the tubing and the surrounding air or environment. As a result, a substantial portion of the tubing that comprises the refrigerant loop is found in the heat exchangers. In the illustrated embodiment, the outdoor unit14is a side-flow unit that houses, within a plastic or metal casing or housing48, the various components that manage the refrigerant's flow and pressure. This outdoor unit14is described as a side-flow unit because the airflow across the outdoor heat exchanger22is motivated by a fan that rotates about an axis that is non-perpendicular with respect to the ground. In contrast, traditional “up-flow” devices generate airflow by rotating a fan about an axis generally perpendicular to the ground. (As illustrated, the X-axis is perpendicular to the ground.) In one embodiment, the side-flow outdoor unit14may have a fan50that rotates about an axis that is generally parallel to the ground. (As illustrated, the Y- and Z-axes are parallel to the ground.) Advantageously, the side-flow outdoor unit14provides a smaller footprint than traditional up-flow units, which are more cubic in nature. This smaller footprint allows the side-flow outdoor unit to be installed in tighter spaces, where sufficient horizontal spacing for an up-flow unit is not available. For example, the side-flow outdoor unit14may be particularly beneficial for heating and/or cooling a residential structure that comes up to or that is very close to the structure's property line. But the smaller footprint of the side-flow outdoor unit14can reduce the available space within the outdoor unit's casing48—space that is used to mount the equipment that helps circulate and controls the flow of the refrigerant. For example, the described outdoor unit14has an accumulator46that helps prevents liquid refrigerant from reaching the inlet of a compressor36. And the outdoor unit14has a receiver42that helps maintains a sufficient volume of refrigerant in the system. The size of these components is often defined by the amount of refrigerant employed by the system. For example, the receiver may be sized such that it is fifteen percent (15%) larger than the total amount of refrigerant present in the system. Or the system may be designed without a receiver, but it may have an accumulator that is sized for the amount of refrigerant in the system—the accumulator taking up valuable space in the casing48. Advantageously, the outdoor unit may have electrical circuity64that monitors and assists in the control of the outdoor unit. The structure's occupant may control the HVAC system10using a control device, such as a thermostat66, that allows the user to see what the measured temperature of the room is as well as allowing the user to enter setpoints that will activate the heating or cooling functions when the indoor space's temperature reaches the respective heating or cooling setpoints. FIG.2illustrates an exemplary thermostat in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The thermostat has two primary interfaces to receive inputs from and communicate with the user: a dial70that allows the user to provide inputs and adjust various functions of the thermostat and a display72that visually communicates information to the user. Advantageously, the illustrated display72is a touchscreen display that also allows the user to provide inputs and adjust the thermostat's functions, independent of or in conjunction with the dial70. In the illustrated thermostat, the heating setpoint100is set at 78° F. and the cooling setpoint102is set at 71° F. As shown, the thermostat has been set with a deadband value104of 7° F. that sits between the two set points. If the thermostat reads the indoor space's28temperature as being between the two setpoints, it will not request the heating or cooling functions from the HVAC system. However, if the thermostat reads a temperature above 78° F., it will call for cooling. And if the thermostat reads a temperature below 71° F., it will call for heating. The user may adjust each setpoint individually, using either the dial70or the touchscreen display72. Indeed, the user may adjust the cooling setpoint by touching the cooling setpoint bar106and either turning the dial70or moving his or her finger upwardly or downwardly to get to the desired setpoint. Similarly, the user may do the same to set the change the heating setpoint by pressing the heating setpoint bar112. By manipulating the heating and cooling setpoint individually, the user can change the defined deadband. For example, if the user were to lower the cooling setpoint to 77° F. and raiser the heating setpoint to 72° F., the new deadband value would be narrowed to 5° F. If the setpoints are set too close—i.e., the deadband value is just a few degrees—it could cause the heating and cooling functions to compete against one another, causing inefficient operation. Accordingly, the thermostat may have programming stored on control circuitry that prevents the deadband value from being below a preset value—such as 1° or 2° F. That programing may also prevent the heating setpoint from being above the cooling setpoint, or the cooling setpoint being below the heating setpoint. While in some instances the user may wish to adjust the setpoints individually, the user may be desire to adjust both setpoints concurrently but maintaining the same or substantially the same deadband value. InFIG.3, the user, by using the touchscreen to select a point between the two setpoints, has activated the thermostats deadband adjustment114, which allows adjustment of the setpoints but maintains the previously set 7° F. deadband value as shown inFIG.2. For example, as shown inFIG.3, by using the dial or touchscreen, the user could raise the cooling setpoint to 81° F. and heating setpoint to 74° F., maintaining the 7° F. deadband value between the two setpoints. It is envisaged that this deadband based adjustment could be used to adjust various functions of the thermostat, including adjusting setpoints at preprogramed times—such as during expected sleep times or times when the indoor space is expected to be empty. While the aspects of the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. But it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. | 11,791 |
11859844 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS <Configuration of Air Conditioning System Using Air Conditioner Management Devices According to Embodiment> As an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration of an air conditioning system using a tablet terminal as air conditioner management devices will be described with reference toFIG.1. An air conditioning system1according to the present embodiment includes: 128 air conditioners to be managed (indoor equipment)10-1to10-128that are installed in a four-story building X; a controller20as a central management device that is connected to the air conditioners10-1to10-128; wireless communication access points40-1to40-3that are connected to the controller20via a hub30; a tablet terminal50-1that is wirelessly connected to the access point40-1; a tablet terminal50-2that is wirelessly connected to the access point40-2; and a tablet terminal50-3that is wirelessly connected to the access point40-3. The tablet terminals50-1to50-3are operated by the manager of the air conditioning system1. In the air conditioning system1, the tablet terminals50-1to50-3correspond to air conditioner management devices. The number of tablet terminal used in the air conditioning system1may be one. Store A is located on the first floor of the building X, and the air conditioners10-1to10-32are installed in the store A. Store B is located on the second floor, and the air conditioners10-33to10-64are installed in the store B. Store C is located on the third floor, and the air conditioners10-65to10-96are installed in the store C. Store D is located on the fourth floor, and the air conditioners10-97to10-128are installed in the store D. The air conditioners10-1to10-128are configured to be workable in an working modes, that is, cooling mode, heating mode, ventilation mode, or dehumidification mode. Hereinafter, the air conditioners10-1to10-128will be described as “air conditioners10” unless it is necessary to specify any of them. Similarly, the tablet terminals50-1to50-3will be described as “tablet terminals50” unless it is necessary to specify any of them. Similarly, the access points40-1to40-3will be described as “access points40” unless it is necessary to specify any of them. The controller20communicates with the air conditioners10-1to10-128to transmit working-control information for controlling the working of the air conditioners10-1to10-128as needed, and acquire working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128at predetermined time intervals. This working status information includes at least information on the working/stopped (ON/OFF) state, set working mode, set temperature, air volume, and wind direction of each air conditioner10. As illustrated inFIG.2, each tablet terminal50has a touch panel51, a CPU52, and a communication unit53. The touch panel51has an operation information detection unit511and a display unit512. The operation information detection unit511detects the position of an operation performed by the contact of a manager's finger or the like on the touch panel51, and the operation type such as tap operation or swipe operation. The display unit512displays the display information generated by a displayed-information generation unit522described later. The communication unit53sequentially performs communication with the controller20via the access points40, issues various instructions regarding operation to the air conditioners10-1to10-128, and acquires the working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128from the controller20. The CPU52has an operation determination unit521, a displayed-information generation unit522, and a working-control information generation unit523. The operation determination unit521determines the content of the operation performed by the manager based on the operation information detected by the operation information detection unit511and the display information generated by the displayed-information generation unit522. That is, the operation determination unit521determines the content of the operation from a combination of the content of the display information at the operation position detected by the operation information detection unit511and the type of the applied operation, and outputs the corresponding operation information. Examples of the content of the operation include an operation of displaying a summary screen regarding the working status of the air conditioners to be managed, an operation of displaying a control screen for manipulating the operation of a predetermined one of the air conditioners, an operation of changing the content of working of a predetermined one of the air conditioners based on the operation information on the summary screen or control screen. The displayed-information generation unit522generates display information to be displayed on the display unit512, based on the content of the operation determined by the operation determination unit521and the working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128acquired from the controller20. In addition, the displayed-information generation unit522updates as appropriate the working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128in the generated display information to the latest information. The working-control information generation unit523generates working control information of the air conditioner10to be operated based on the content of the operation determined by the operation determination unit521. <Operations of Air Conditioning System Using Air Conditioner Management Device According to Embodiment> Next, the operations of the air conditioning system1according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG.3and the screen configuration diagrams ofFIGS.4to8. In the air conditioning system1, the controller20acquires and holds the working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128at predetermined time intervals. When the manager starts the management work of the air conditioners10-1to10-128using the tablet terminal50, the displayed-information generation unit522acquires the latest working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128from the controller20, and generates display information to be presented on a main management screen60using the acquired information. The main management screen60has area display sections61-1to61-4and air conditioner icon display sections62-1to62-4corresponding to the first floor (store A) to the fourth floor (store D), respectively. Text information “first floor (store A)” is located in the area display section61-1corresponding to the first floor, and air conditioner icons63-1to63-32corresponding to the air conditioners10-1to10-32installed on the first floor are located in the air conditioner icon display section62-1. Text information “second floor (store B)” is located in the area display section61-2corresponding to the second floor, and air conditioner icons63-33to63-64corresponding to the air conditioners10-33to10-64installed on the second floor are located in the air conditioner icon display section62-2. Text information “third floor (store C)” is located in the area display section61-3corresponding to the third floor, and air conditioner icons63-65to63-96corresponding to the air conditioners10-65to10-96installed on the third floor are located in the air conditioner icon display section62-3. Text information “fourth floor (store D)” is located in the area display section61-4corresponding to the fourth floor, and air conditioner icons63-97to63-128corresponding to the air conditioners10-97to10-128installed on the fourth floor are located in the air conditioner icon display section62-4. These air conditioner icons63-1to63-128functions as operation switches for switching ON/OFF of the corresponding air conditioners10-1to10-128. The display information in these area display section and air conditioner icon display section is appropriately changed depending on the number of floors of the building to be managed and the number of air conditioners installed. The generated display information on the main management screen60is sent to and displayed on the display unit512of the touch panel51(S1).FIG.4illustrates an example of the main management screen60displayed on the display unit512. InFIG.4, since all the information of the main management screen60cannot be displayed on the display unit512, some portions of the area display section61-2and the air conditioner icon display section62-2in the main management screen60are displayed on the display unit512. Text information “second floor (store B)” is displayed in the area display section61-2, and the air conditioner icons63-33to63-47are displayed in the air conditioner icon display section62-2. Of the display information on the main management screen60, information that currently does not appear can be displayed by moving the display area in the main management screen60with the operation of the scroll bar64at the right end of the screen. These air conditioner icons63-33to63-47are displayed in different colors or brightness based on the ON/OFF states of the corresponding air conditioners. For example, the air conditioner icons corresponding to the air conditioners in the ON state are displayed in color graphics, and the air conditioner icons corresponding to the air conditioners in the OFF state are displayed in monochrome and low-brightness graphics. InFIG.4, the air conditioner icons63-37,63-41, and63-47are displayed in monochrome and low-brightness graphics, indicating that the corresponding air conditioners10-37,10-41,10-47are in the OFF state. A mark indicating the occurrence of an error is displayed at the display position of the air conditioner icon63-46, indicating that the corresponding air conditioner10-46has caused an error and is in the OFF state. The other air conditioner icons63-33to63-36,63-38to63-40,63-42to63-45are displayed in color graphics, indicating that the corresponding air conditioners10-33to10-36,10-38-10-40, and10-42-10-45are in the ON state. In addition, each icon includes a mark indicating the working mode currently set for the corresponding air conditioner. InFIG.4, the air conditioner icons63-33to63-38,63-41to63-45, and63-47contain a mark representing the cooling mode, which indicates that the corresponding air conditioners10-33to10-38,10-41to10-45, and10-47are currently set to the cooling mode. The air conditioner icon63-39contains a mark indicating the heating mode, which indicates that the corresponding air conditioner10-39is currently set to the heating mode. The air conditioner icon63-40contains a mark indicating the dehumidification mode, which indicates that the corresponding air conditioner10-40is currently set to the dehumidification mode. The marks contained in the air conditioner icons63-37,63-41, and63-47corresponding to the air conditioners currently in the OFF state represent the working modes in which the air conditioners have worked most recently. The working mode in which an air conditioner has worked most recently is maintained even in the OFF state, and when the air conditioner in the OFF state is turned on, the working is restarted in the working mode. Further, in the upper right of the main management screen60ofFIG.4, displayed is working status simple information65that simply indicates the working status of all the air conditioners in the building X. InFIG.4, as the working status simple information65, displayed are a mark and text information “116” indicating the number of the air conditioners in the ON state in the building X and a mark and text information “3” indicating the number of the air conditioners in the error state. By looking at the main management screen60, the manager can grasp the ON/OFF states and the currently set working modes of the air conditioners. While the main management screen60is being displayed, the display information is appropriately updated based on the latest information acquired by the displayed-information generation unit522from the controller20at predetermined time intervals. On the main management screen60displayed in this way, when the manager taps at any position in the display information of the mark and the text information “116” indicating the number of the air conditioners in the ON state in the working status simple information65(“YES” in S2), the displayed-information generation unit522aggregates the number of working air conditioners in each of the working modes and the number of stopped air conditioners in each of the working modes based on the latest working status information of the air conditioners10-1to10-128. Then, an overall summary screen70A indicating the detailed working status of the air conditioners in the entire building X is generated and displayed on the display unit512(S3). FIG.5illustrates an example of the overall summary screen70A displayed on the display unit512. The overall summary screen70A ofFIG.5is configured in a horizontally long manner, and has at the upper left part, total working unit number information71that indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the ON state in the building X, and graphical information72that indicates the proportion of the number of the air conditioners in the ON state to the total number of the air conditioners by the length of an arc. The overall summary screen70A also has at the lower left part, total stopped unit number information73displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the OFF state in the building X. The overall summary screen70A further has at the upper central part, graphic icons corresponding to the respective working modes (automatic working mode, cooling mode, heating mode, ventilation mode, and dehumidification mode) displayed in a horizontal row, and under the corresponding icons (working mode icons), has mode-specific working unit number information74displayed, indicating the number of the air conditioners currently in the ON state in the set working modes of all the air conditioners in the building X, and further under the mode-specific working unit number information74, has mode-specific stopped unit number information75displayed, indicating the number of the air conditioners currently in the OFF state in the set working modes of all the air conditioners in the building X. That is, the working mode icons, the mode-specific working unit number information74, and the mode-specific stopped unit number information75are arranged at positions vertically corresponding to the working modes. The overall summary screen70A has “ALL ON” button information76displayed at the upper right part, which is first information for performing an operation to turn all the air conditioners in the building X into the ON state. The “ALL ON” button information76includes a square frame and the characters “ALL ON” arranged in almost the center of the frame. The overall summary screen70A has “ALL OFF” button information77displayed at the lower right part, which is second information for performing an operation to turn all the air conditioners in the building X into the OFF state. The “ALL OFF” button information77includes a square frame and the characters “ALL OFF” arranged in almost the center of the frame. The “ALL ON” button information76is displayed at a position corresponding to the total working unit number information71and the mode-specific working unit number information74which are information on the number of the air conditioners in the ON state, for example, inFIG.5, on the right side of the information on the number of the air conditioners in the ON state. The “ALL OFF” button information77is displayed at a position corresponding to the total stopped unit number information73and the mode-specific stopped unit number information75which are information on the number of the air conditioners in the OFF state, for example, inFIG.5, on the right side of the information on the number of the air conditioners in the OFF state. That is, the “ALL ON” button information76and the “ALL OFF” button information77are arranged at vertically corresponding positions. This display makes it easier for the manager to recognize the functions of the “ALL ON” button information76and the “ALL OFF” button information77. Since the “ALL ON” button information76is set to the height (length) covering both the working mode icons and the mode-specific working unit number information74, the “ALL ON” button information76is longer heightwise than the “ALL OFF” button information77. Therefore, the “ALL ON” button information76and the “ALL OFF” button information77have the same width, but the quadrangular frame of the “ALL ON” button information76has the shape of an almost square, and the quadrangular frame of the “ALL OFF” button information77has the shape of a horizontally long rectangle. When the manager taps at the position of the “ALL ON” button information76, the working-control information generation unit523generates ON control information for switching the air conditioners in the OFF state to the ON state in the currently set working modes, and transmits the ON control information to the corresponding air conditioners10via the controller20. The air conditioners10for which the ON control information has been acquired are switched from the OFF state to the ON state in the currently set working modes. No instruction is given to the air conditioners10that are already in the ON state, and these air conditioners10remain in the ON state. When the manager taps at the position of the “ALL ON” button information76, the displayed-information generation unit522updates the information71to75displayed in the overall summary screen70A. Specifically, the displayed-information generation unit522updates the information such that the values of the corresponding working modes in the mode-specific working unit number information74increase by the number of the air conditioners10that have been switched to the ON state by this operation. The displayed-information generation unit522also updates the information such that the values of all the working modes in the mode-specific stopped unit number information75become “0”. On the other hand, when the manager taps at the position of the “ALL OFF” button information77, the working-control information generation unit523generates OFF control information for switching the air conditioners in the ON state to the OFF state, and transmits the OFF control information to the corresponding air conditioners10via the controller20. The air conditioners10for which the OFF control information has been acquired are switched from the ON state to the OFF state. No instruction is given to the air conditioners10that are already in the OFF state, and these air conditioners10remain in the OFF state. When the manager taps at the position of the “ALL OFF” button information77, the displayed-information generation unit522updates the information71to75displayed in the overall summary screen70A. Specifically, the displayed-information generation unit522also updates the information such that the values of all the working modes in the mode-specific working unit number information74become “0”. In addition, the displayed-information generation unit522updates the information such that the values of the corresponding working modes (the working modes immediately before turning to the OFF state) in the mode-specific stopped unit number information75increase by the number of the air conditioners10that have been switched to the OFF state by this operation. While the overall summary screen70A is displayed, the displayed-information generation unit522appropriately aggregates the number of working units and the number of stopped units in each of the working modes based on the latest information acquired from the controller20at predetermined time intervals, and updates the display information. The overall summary screen70A also has “CLOSE” button information78displayed at the lower right part, and when the manager taps at the position of the “CLOSE” button information78(“YES” in S4), the touch panel51returns to the state in which the main management screen60ofFIG.4is displayed. When the manager taps one of the air conditioner icons, for example, the air conditioner icon63-35on the main management screen60ofFIG.4(“NO” in S2to “YES” in S5), the displayed-information generation unit522generates a control screen80-35for operating the detailed working contents of the corresponding air conditioner10-35and displays the same on the display unit512(S6). FIG.6illustrates an example of the control screen80-35displayed on the display unit512. The control screen80-35ofFIG.6is horizontally long, and has displayed start/stop (ON/OFF) button information801, automatic working mode button information802, cooling mode button information803, heating mode button information804, ventilation mode button information805, dehumidification mode button information806, set temperature information807, set temperature change button information808, wind direction change button information809, air volume change button information810, lock button information811, and option button information812. With these pieces of information displayed, when the manager performs a touch operation at the position of any button information on the control screen80-35, the operation information detection unit511detects the operation information. Then, the operation determination unit521determines the content of the operation performed by the manager based on the operation information detected by the operation information detection unit511and the display information generated by the displayed-information generation unit522. When the operation determination unit521determines the content of the operation, the working-control information generation unit523generates working control information of the air conditioner10-35to be operated, based on the determined content of the operation. The generated working control information is transmitted to the corresponding air conditioner10-35via the communication unit53and the controller20, and the content of the working is changed. In other words, by operating these buttons, the manager can turn ON/OFF a predetermined air conditioner, change the working mode, change the set temperature, change the wind direction, change the air volume, prohibit the acceptance of operations, set optional functions, and the like. In addition, when the operation determination unit521determines the content of the operation, the displayed-information generation unit522changes the corresponding button information in the control screen80-35based on the determined content of the operation. InFIG.6, on the left side of the control screen80-35, displayed is a part of a control screen80-34for performing the detailed contents of working of the air conditioner10-34. When the manager performs a flick operation to the right on the touch panel51, the control screen80-34moves to the center of the touch panel51. In addition, on the right side of the control screen80-35, displayed is a part of a control screen80-36for performing the detailed contents of working of the air conditioner10-36. When the manager performs a flick operation to the left on the touch panel51, the control screen80-36moves to the center of the touch panel51. Also, by repeating the flick operation to the right, when the flick operation to the right is further performed (“YES” in S7) while the first air conditioner10-33among the air conditioners on the second floor currently being operated is displayed in the center, the displayed-information generation unit522generates a floor-specific summary screen90A representing the detailed working status of the air conditioners10-33to10-64on the second floor, and displays the same on the display unit512(S8). FIG.7illustrates an example of the floor-specific summary screen90A displayed on the display unit512. The floor-specific summary screen90A ofFIG.7is configured horizontally, and has at the upper left part, total working unit number information91that indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the ON state on the second floor, and graphical information92that indicates the proportion of the number of the air conditioners in the ON state to the total number of the air conditioners on the second floor by the length of an arc, displayed. The floor-specific summary screen90A also has at the lower left part, total stopped unit number information93displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners in the OFF state on the second floor. The floor-specific summary screen90A also has in the upper central part, mode-specific working unit number information94displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners on the second floor currently in the ON state in each of the working modes (the automatic working mode, cooling mode, heating mode, ventilation mode, and dehumidification mode), and has in the lower central part, mode-specific stopped unit number information95displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the OFF state in each of the working modes. The floor-specific summary screen90A has at the upper right part, “ALL ON” button information96displayed, for performing an operation to turn all the air conditioners on the second floor into the ON state. The floor-specific summary screen has at the lower right part, “ALL OFF” button information97for performing an operation to turn all the air conditioners on the second floor into the OFF state. InFIG.7, on the right side of the floor-specific summary screen90A, displayed is a part of a control screen80-33. When the manager performs a flick operation to the left on the touch panel51, the control screen80-33moves to the center of the touch panel51. A leftward arrow mark81is displayed at the upper left part of the control screen ofFIG.6. When the manager taps the leftward arrow mark81, the touch panel51returns to the state in which the main management screen60ofFIG.4is displayed (S9). In addition, a leftward arrow mark98is displayed at the upper left part of the floor-specific summary screen90A ofFIG.7. When the manager taps the leftward arrow mark98, the touch panel51similarly returns to the state in which the main management screen ofFIG.4is displayed (S9). According to the above embodiment, even when a large number of air conditioners is to be managed, it is possible to easily display screens for grasping the working status of all the air conditioners. Specifically, for a large number of air conditioners to be managed, a summary screen including the number of the air conditioners in the ON state in each of the working modes and the number of the air conditioners in the OFF state in each of the working modes can be displayed. By displaying such a summary screen, for example, if any air conditioner is working in the heating mode or is stopped in the setting of the heating mode when all the air conditioners should be set to the cooling mode in midsummer, the manager can easily notice this condition and change the setting. In particular, even if the number of air conditioners to be managed is large and all the air conditioner icons cannot be displayed at the same time as illustrated inFIG.4, the manager can easily recognize the working status of all the air conditioners without performing a scroll operation or the like. In the above-described embodiment, the overall summary screen70A and the floor-specific summary screen90A are configured to be horizontally long, but they may be configured to be vertically long instead.FIG.8illustrates an example of a vertically long overall summary screen70B. The overall summary screen70B has at the upper left part, total working unit number information71displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the ON state in the building X, and graphical information72displayed, which indicates the proportion of the number of the air conditioners in the ON state to the total number of the air conditioners by the length of an arc, and has thereunder total stopped unit number information73displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners in the OFF state in the building X. The overall summary screen70B also has in the central left part, mode-specific working unit number information74displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the ON state in each of the working modes (the automatic working mode, cooling mode, heating mode, ventilation mode, and dehumidification mode) of all the air conditioners in the building X, and has in the central right part, mode-specific stopped unit number information75displayed, which indicates the number of the air conditioners currently in the OFF state in each of the working modes of all the air conditioners in the building X. The overall summary screen70B also has at the lower left side “ALL ON” button information76displayed, for performing an operation of turning all the air conditioners in the building X into the ON state and has in the lower right side “ALL OFF” button information77displayed, for performing an operation of turning all the air conditioners in the building X into the OFF state. That is, the “ALL ON” button information76is displayed at a position corresponding to the mode-specific working unit number information74that is information on the number of the air conditioners in the ON state, and the “ALL OFF” button information77is displayed at a position corresponding to the mode-specific stopped unit number information75that is information on the number of the air conditioners in the OFF state. The overall summary screen70B also has “CLOSE” button information78displayed at the lower right part, and when the manager taps at the position of the “CLOSE” button information78(“YES” in S4), the touch panel51returns to the state in which the main management screen60ofFIG.4is displayed. Similarly, the floor-specific summary screen may be configured to be vertically long. In this way, configuring the screens by arranging each of information such that the information indicating the working or stopped states of the air conditioners and the button information for performing ON or OFF operation on all the air conditioners are arranged in pairs, allows the user to grasp the working status of the air conditioners and comprehend the contents of operations of the air conditioners, thereby to reduce the risks of erroneous operations and false recognition of working states of the air conditioners. In the present embodiment, one air conditioner is associated with one air conditioner icon. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of air conditioners may be associated with one air conditioner icon. When a plurality of air conditioners is associated with one air conditioner icon, the working of the corresponding plurality of air conditioners can be collectively controlled by operating the air conditioner icon. Normally, when the air conditioner10is in the OFF state, the working mode cannot be changed from the remote controller (not illustrated) supplied to the air conditioner10, and during in the OFF state, the air conditioner10is maintained in the working mode in which the air conditioner10has worked (been ON) most recently. That is, the working mode can be changed from the remote controller only when the air conditioner10is in the ON state. To handle this, the working mode of the air conditioner10in the OFF state may be changeable using the main management screen60or the control screen80, from the tablet terminal50used in the present embodiment. In this case, when an operation of changing the working mode of the air conditioner10is performed on the control screen related to the air conditioner10in the OFF state, the working mode set to the air conditioner10is changed using the working control information generated by the working-control information generation unit523in response to the operation. Specifically, the working mode set to the air conditioner10in the OFF state is the working mode in which it has worked most recently, or the latest working mode changed by the operation on the tablet terminal50after turning to the OFF state. Then, when the air conditioner10is next switched to the ON state, the air conditioner starts to work in the set working mode. In the above embodiment, the tablet terminal50has been described as an air conditioner management device. Alternatively, the controller20may be provided with a touch panel, and the various functions described in relation to the tablet terminal50described above may be incorporated into the controller20so that the controller20can be both the central management device and the air conditioner management device. Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. | 33,424 |
11859845 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS: Embodiments of the present application are directed to an HVAC system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the HVAC system is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the HVAC system will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the HVAC system as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application and business related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of an individual HVAC unit12as assembled according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the HVAC unit12is installed within the preexisting framing of a wall, although as shown inFIG.1this framing is removed to better illustrated the HVAC unit as assembled. The HVAC unit12can include three sub-assemblies: an indoor air cycling section4, a mechanical section6, and an outdoor air cycling section8. The indoor air cycling section, or simply “indoor section”, cycles air from an interior area of a unit (indoors) and back out to the interior area. The outdoor air cycling section, or simply “outdoor section”, cycles air from an area exterior to the unit (outdoors) and back out to the exterior area. In an application where air conditioning cooling is performed, the indoor section functions as an evaporator section, and the outdoor section functions as a condenser section. It is understood that the HVAC unit also can be used for heating, in which case the functionality of the indoor section and the outdoor section can be reversed from that described regarding an evaporator section and a condenser section. Subsequent discussion may be directed to air conditioning cooling and therefore reference is made in those occurrences to an evaporator section and a condenser section. It is understood that such description can be generally applied to an indoor section and an outdoor section that performs a heating function. The evaporator section4includes a heat exchanger, an air mover, and electrical circuitry. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes an evaporator coil and interconnecting refrigerant tubing. In some embodiments, the air mover includes a motor and a fan. In some embodiments, the electrical circuitry includes power wiring, control wiring, and control/diagnostic sensors. The mechanical section6includes refrigerant loop components, in-line components, and electrical circuitry including HVAC unit control. In some embodiments, the refrigerant loop components include a compressor and a metering device, such as an electronic expansion valve. In some embodiments, the in-line components include one or more valves, one or more filters, and interconnecting refrigerant tubing. In some embodiments, the electrical circuitry of the mechanical section includes HVAC unit controls, electrical components, power wiring, control wiring, and control/diagnostics sensors. The condenser section8includes a heat exchanger, an air mover, an auxiliary heating component, air quality components, and electrical circuitry. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger of the condenser section includes a condenser coil and interconnecting refrigerant tubing. The condenser section can also include an accumulator. In some embodiments, the air mover in the condenser section includes a motor and a fan. In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating component includes one or more resistive heating elements. In some embodiments, the air quality components include an air filter and ventilation components. In the some embodiments, the electrical circuitry of the condenser section includes power wiring, control wiring, and control/diagnostic sensors. FIG.2illustrates a schematic block diagram of the HVAC unit12and constituent components corresponding to air conditioning functionality according to some embodiments. A heat exchanger32including an evaporator coil in the evaporator section4is coupled to a compressor38via interconnecting refrigerant tubing and one or more valves40. The compressor38is coupled to a heat exchanger48including a condenser coil in the condenser section8via interconnecting refrigerant tubing and the one or more valves40. The heat exchanger48can also include an accumulator (not shown) that is coupled to the condenser coil via interconnecting refrigerant tubing. The heat exchanger48is coupled to a metering device44via interconnecting refrigerant tubing, one or more valves, and filters42. The metering device44is coupled to the heat exchanger32via interconnecting refrigerant tubing. In this manner a refrigerant loop is formed, where the refrigerant loop includes the evaporator coil in the heat exchanger32, the compressor38, the condenser coil and the accumulator in the heat exchanger48, the metering device44, and the interconnecting pipes, valves, and filters. It is understood that the number and configuration of interconnecting refrigerant tubing, valves, and filters shown inFIG.2is for exemplary purposes only and that alternative configurations are also contemplated for interconnecting the heat exchanger32, the compressor38, the heat exchanger48, and the metering device40. It is also understood that the direction of refrigerant flow can be one direction for cooling functionality (air conditioning) and the other direction for heating functionality. An air mover30in the evaporator section4is coupled to the heat exchanger32to blow air over the evaporator coil, and an air mover46in the condenser section8is coupled to the heat exchanger48to blow air over the condenser coil. A compressor controller36is coupled to the compressor38. An HVAC unit controller34is coupled to the air mover30, the compressor controller36, the one or more valves such as valves40, the metering device44, and the air mover46. Control signaling, indicated by “C” inFIG.2, is transmitted between the compressor controller36and the compressor38, and between the HVAC unit controller34and the air mover the compressor controller36, the one or more valves such as valves40, the metering device44, and the air mover46. In some embodiments, the compressor controller36can be integrated as part of the HVAC unit controller34. Control/diagnostic sensors64,66,68,70can be used to sense various ambient conditions, such as temperature or humidity, which are connected back to the HVAC unit controller34and can be used to control the various components of the HVAC unit12. High voltage power, such as120VAC, is supplied to each of the air mover30, the compressor controller36, and the air mover46. High voltage power can be supplied from the compressor controller36to the compressor38. High voltage power input is indicated by “H” inFIG.2. Low voltage power is supplied to the unit controller34. Low voltage power can be provided via wiring labeled “C”. It is understood that alternative power supply configurations are also contemplated. The HVAC unit controller34is connected to a human-machine interface (HMI), also referred to as a user interface, that can be installed on a front side of the HVAC unit (FIG.3). User interface with the HVAC unit controller34also can be made using an installation/service application included on a mobile device. The HVAC unit controller34is also connected to the HVAC system via a network connection, either wired or wireless. In some embodiments, air filters are included as part of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8. Air is drawn into the evaporator section4, such as from the unit in which the HVAC unit is installed, directed across the evaporator coil, and output from the evaporator section4back into the unit. The air filter can be positioned at an air intake portion of the evaporator section4such that air is filtered prior to being blown across the evaporator coil. Similarly, air is drawn into the condenser section8, such as from outside the unit within which the HVAC unit is installed, directed across the condenser coil, and output from the condenser section8back outside the unit. The air filter can be positioned at an air intake portion of the condenser section8such that air is filtered prior to being blown across the condenser coil. In some embodiments, the HVAC unit is an integrated single unit that includes the evaporator section, the mechanical section, and the condenser section integrated as a single piece body. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit is an assembly of distinct modular units where the evaporator section is implemented as an evaporator modular unit, the mechanical section is implemented as a mechanical modular unit, and the condenser sector is implemented as a condenser modular unit. The evaporator section, the mechanical section, and the condenser section are described above as each having specific components. It is understood that this is for exemplary purposes only and that one or more components may be positioned in different sections of the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit is also described as a vertical stack where the evaporator section is positioned on top of the mechanical section which is positioned on top of the condenser section. It is understood that the sections can be alternatively arranged, for example the evaporator section can be positioned on top of the condenser section which is positioned on top of the mechanical section. The HVAC unit is mounted within a mounting sleeve, and a front side access panel and a back side grille are attached to cover exposed portions of the HVAC unit. Henceforth, the HVAC unit, the mounting sleeve, the front side access panel, and the back side grille are collectively referred to as the HVAC unit.FIG.3illustrates an exploded view of an HVAC unit including a mounting sleeve, a front side access panel, and a back side grille according to some embodiments. The HVAC unit includes a front side access panel10, the HVAC unit12, a mounting sleeve14, and a back side grille16. The mounting sleeve14is configured to be mounted between preexisting framework of a dwelling, such as a room of an apartment or condominium. In an exemplary application, the mounting sleeve fits between two adjoining studs in a wall.FIG.4illustrates an exemplary preexisting framework into which the HVAC unit can be installed according to some embodiments. The preexisting framework can be an exposed portion of a wall. As shown inFIG.4, the exposed portion of the wall has the drywall removed from an interior side of the room, thereby exposing adjacent studs and the area in between. The area between the adjacent studs is void of insulating material, electrical wiring, plumbing, and the like so as to enable positioning and mounting of the mounting sleeve14within this area. The mounting sleeve14is sized to fit conventional framing configurations. For example, a conventional opening between adjacent studs is16″.FIG.5illustrates a top down view of the mounting sleeve mounted in a preexisting framework of a wall according to some embodiments. The top down view shown inFIG.5corresponds to the cross-section A-A′ shown inFIG.4. A back side of the area between the studs may include plywood, cladding, and/or other materials known in the art. In an exemplary configuration, a back side surface that is exposed within the area between adjacent studs is made of plywood. The mounting sleeve14is configured to fit within the area between adjacent studs and against the back side surface. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve14is secured to the adjacent studs using screws. The mounting sleeve14can include holes to receive the screws, or the screws can be screwed in directly through the mounting sleeve material, forming holes as the screws are applied. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve14is also secured to the back side surface of the preexisting framework in a manner similar to that of the studs. It is understood that alternative techniques can be used to secure the mounting sleeve to the preexisting framework. In some embodiments, one or both of the adjacent studs are configured with a power outlet, such as an AC voltage wall socket, or include a hole through which electrical wiring can be strung to access a power outlet. The mounting sleeve14can be configured with one or more side openings, such as side openings28shown inFIG.3, coincident with the power outlets on one or both of the adjacent studs. The side openings28enable the HVAC unit12to access the power outlet(s) and connect to power. In some embodiments, the HVAC12includes a power cord and plug30configured for connecting to a conventional power outlet, such as the AC voltage wall socket, which provides the high voltage power “H”. The HVAC unit12and the mounting sleeve14each include complementary mounting apparatuses for mounting the HVAC unit12to the mounting sleeve14. In the exemplary configuration shown inFIG.3, the mounting sleeve14includes holes26in the side walls and also includes flanges24that extend from the side walls. The HVAC unit12includes mounting tabs20configured to mate to the flanges24in the mounting sleeve14. The HVAC unit12also includes flanges22with holes where screws or fasteners, such as quarter turn fasteners, can be inserted into the holes26of the mounting sleeve14. The holes26can be screw holes for accepting screws or fasteners. It is understood that additional mounting tab/flange and/or flange/screw hole combinations can be used, or only mounting tab/flange or only flange/screw hole implementations can be used. It is further understood that alternative complementary mounting apparatuses can be used to mount the HVAC unit12to the mounting sleeve14. The front side access panel10is attached to the interior facing portion of the HVAC unit12. The front side access panel10includes a front side grille18that enables air to cycle from an interior area of a unit (indoors) and back out to the interior area. The back side grille16is attached on an exterior surface of the dwelling. The physical positioning, relative alignment, and dimensions of each of the individual components in each of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8can vary according to numerous different configurations and applications. In some embodiments, the air mover is positioned to a lateral side of the heat exchanger, i.e. horizontal to the heat exchanger, in either or both of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8. Alternatively to a lateral configuration, a stacked configuration can be used where the air mover is positioned above or below the heat exchanger, i.e. vertical to the heat exchanger, in either or both of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8. Examples of both a lateral configuration and a stacked configuration are described in the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/733,716 entitled “HVAC System with Coil Arrangement in Blower Unit”, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. As described above, the HVAC unit controller is configured to provide control and power management to the various components of the HVAC unit. In some embodiments, the HVAC unit controller includes a processing control board that includes logic and control circuitry for receiving and processing sensed data from a variety of different types of sensors, applying programmed logic and stored control algorithms and state tables to determine control signaling for the various components in the HVAC unit, and generating and transmitting such determined control signaling to the appropriate HVAC components. In some embodiments, the processing control board includes a microprocessor, a CPU (central processing unit), or other similar type processing circuitry and/or integrated circuit for executing the control algorithms and state tables used to operate and control the HVAC unit. The control algorithms and state tables can be stored locally on the processing board or on a separate storage medium accessible by the processing circuitry. The state table defines controllable actions to be taken based on current determined states of the controllable HVAC components and the various received sensed data. In some embodiments, the state tables include fixed instructions for states of the controllable components of the HVAC unit. In other embodiments, the state tables include equations. In still other embodiments, the state tables include tunable thresholds and equations that can be altered. The controllable HVAC components of the HVAC unit, subject to control by the HVAC unit controller, include, but are not limited to the air mover in the evaporator section, e.g. a blower fan, the air mover in the condenser section, e.g. a condenser fan, the compressor, the metering device, the reversing valve and other controllable valves, as well as, a human-machine interface and exhaust fan where applicable. The HVAC unit controller also includes a first motor driver circuit coupled to the blower fan and a second motor driver circuit coupled to the condenser fan. The first motor driver circuit can be implemented as part of the processing control board or can be implement as a separate first motor driver board under control of the processing control board. Similarly, the second motor driver circuit can be implemented as part of the processing control board or can be implement as a separate second motor driver board under control of the processing control board. The HVAC unit controller can also include an inverter driver circuit coupled to the compressor. The inverter driver circuit can be implemented as part of the processing control board or can be implement as a separate inverter driver circuit board under control of the processing control board. It is understood that other controllable HVAC components can be implemented as part of the HVAC unit under control of the HVAC unit controller. Sensor lines are implemented such that all sensors send sensed data to the HVAC unit controller. Control lines are implemented such that the HVAC unit controller sends control signals to each controllable component in the HVAC unit, either directly or indirectly through a relay or a driver circuit. The control lines can also be used to send control signals to one or more of the sensors, such as to poll, tune, etc. In addition to receiving sensed data and implementing control of the hardware components of the HVAC unit, the HVAC unit control is configured to implement control algorithms and state tables to determine control signaling for the various components in the HVAC unit. The control architecture of the HVAC unit controller can be conceptually segmented into separate control modules.FIG.6illustrates a conceptual block diagram of control algorithms of the HVAC unit controller according to some embodiments. The control algorithms are segmented as a hardware control module, an HVAC control module, and an AI (artificial intelligence) comfort module. Additional control algorithms can be implemented for human-machine interface (manual control) and fault/exception handling. Data transfer and control signaling between the various modules is implemented by an internal data broker. The hardware control module is a control algorithm for directly interfacing and controlling the discrete HVAC components including the various sensors, the motor drivers, such as for the compressor, air movers, and exhaust fan, and valves. The HVAC control module is a control algorithm for determining the specific controllable actions to be implemented by the hardware control module. The controllable actions define specific actions to be performed by specific components in the HVAC unit for implementing the HVAC functions, such as heating, cooling, ventilation, de-humidification, etc., as determined by comfort and environmental models. The AI comfort model is a control algorithm that utilizes the comfort and environmental models to determine what conditions are to be met and the specific statuses of the various HVAC components necessary for implementing such conditions. The comfort and environmental models and related conditions to be met will be described in greater detail to follow. Conceptually, the HVAC control module knows and manages the HVAC unit, while the AI control module knows and manages the space to be conditioned by the HVAC unit. The AI comfort module determines a specific condition to be met and utilizes state tables to determine the specific statuses of the specific HVAC components to achieve the specific condition. The current statuses of the specific HVAC components are compared to the specific statuses to be met. The AI comfort module determines mode controls for changing the modes of the specific HVAC components to meet the specific condition, and the mode controls are sent to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module in turn determines the appropriate device control instructions for the HVAC components, and the device control instructions are sent to the hardware control module. The hardware control module in turn controls the appropriate HVAC components by implementing the received device control instructions. FIG.7illustrates a functional block diagram of exemplary implementation of the control algorithms with controllable HVAC components according to some embodiments. In this exemplary implementation, sensed data is received by various sensors, such as temperature, humidity, occupancy, etc., and supplied to the HVAC unit controller for utilization and implementation by the control algorithms. The various control algorithms can include a comfort control algorithm, a circulation control algorithm, a ventilation control algorithm, and in the case of multiple HVAC units networked together a multi-HVAC unit collaboration algorithm. Each of these exemplary control algorithms can be implemented by the AI comfort module, the HVAC control module, and the hardware control module ofFIG.6to meet various conditions including, but not limited to, cooling demand, heating demand, de-humidification, auxiliary heating, circulation demand, and fresh air demand. The conditions are met by generating control signaling for specific HVAC components. Exemplary control signaling and associated controllable HVAC component actions include electing between different stages of operating indoor blower speed, compressor speed, outdoor blower speed, electric heater, ventilation fan speed, and fresh air damper. The different stages of operation can be implemented for HVAC components that have variable speed or dual-speed operation, such as fans or compressors, which can be selectively controlled for multiple different operational speeds (stages). A stage of operation can also refer to the ON or OFF state of the HVAC component. The HVAC unit controller and corresponding control algorithms can be used to implement a wide variety of intelligent decision making tools. One such tool is an intelligent ventilation capability. The HVAC unit can be configured to include outdoor ventilation. Input air from the interior of the unit is drawn into the evaporator section through the front side grille of the front side access panel. The input air passes across the heat exchanger, such as an evaporator coil, and is directed via an air plenum back out the evaporator section through the front side grille as output air. Outdoor ventilation can be provided at the back side of the evaporator section via a back side opening in the mounting sleeve and the back wall of the unit. Alternatively, outdoor ventilation can be provided at the back side of the condenser section via a back side opening in the mounting sleeve and the back wall of the unit, and the exterior air is ducted to the evaporator section. In some embodiments, a balancing damper and an air filter are positioned at the back side opening, and a balancing damper is positioned proximate the front side grille. Either or both of the balancing dampers can be automated under the control of the HVAC unit controller. Baffles in the balancing dampers enable mixing of the input air with ambient air from the exterior, which enables the outside air to be conditioned prior to being input into the unit and/or enables control of the air temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, a joint ventilation system can be configured between the HVAC unit and an arbitrary number of extra exhaust fans. The joint ventilation system can manage the air temperature and humidity within the unit using the outside air, when possible. The joint ventilation system can also maintain a positive pressure inside the unit.FIG.8illustrates an implementation of the joint ventilation system according to some embodiments. In this exemplary configuration, there is a single exhaust fan72. It is understood that more than one exhaust fan can be used. The HVAC unit controller in the HVAC unit12is coupled to the exhaust fan72using either a wired or wireless connection to control the state of the exhaust fan. Under control of the HVAC unit controller, the exhaust fan72and the outdoor ventilation of the HVAC unit are controlled to bring in air from outside the unit or vent air outside as determined. The HVAC unit controller sends ON/OFF or variable speed state signals to the exhaust fan according to sensor readings from one or more sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, enthalpy sensors, or occupancy sensors positioned inside and outside the unit. The HVAC unit controller can use the sensor readings to compare the indoor and outdoor conditions, and decide on using the air from outside the unit and/or venting inside air to the outside. Using the joint ventilation system, the HVAC unit controller can provide real-time coordination with exhaust fans, moderate and control exhaust fan output, condition the inside air using the outside air, and maintain positive air pressure within the unit. There also may be controllable plenums or dampers in the HVAC unit and/or the exhaust fans to regulate an air flow rate. FIG.9illustrates an exemplary control algorithm used by the HVAC unit controller to implement intelligent ventilation and free cooling using the joint ventilation system according to some embodiments. The control algorithm is implemented in accordance with a corresponding state table.FIG.10illustrates an exemplary state table according to some embodiments. In this example, sensor data from a unit occupancy sensor and sensor data from a unit temperature sensor are utilized. The control algorithm ofFIG.9shows one example of use for determining room occupancy and for implementing ventilation/cooling procedures in accordance with state conditions defined in the state table ofFIG.10. It is understood that the state table shown inFIG.10is not intended to show all possible states and related actions. In the above described implementations, operation in relation to a single HVAC unit installed in a single room of unit within a dwelling. The concepts and descriptions above also can be applied to a multiple HVAC unit configuration where the multiple HVAC units are networked together. The multiple HVAC unit configuration can be implemented in a variety of different ways. In some embodiments, multiple HVAC units can be configured within a unit having only a single room. In such an implementation, the single room can be conceptually segmented into different areas, or zones, and a discrete HVAC unit is positioned within each zone. In other embodiments, multiple HVAC units can be configured within a unit having multiple rooms. In this case, each room can be conceptually considered a zone or each room can be conceptually segmented into different zones, and a discrete HVAC unit is positioned within each zone. In still other embodiments, multiple HVAC units can be configured within a building having multiple units, where each unit may include a single room configured as a single zone, a single room configured as multiple zones, or multiple rooms where each room is configured as either a single zone or multiple zones. Common areas within the building also can be configured as zones, each zone having its own HVAC unit. In such an implementation, a discrete HVAC unit is positioned within each zone. In general, each zone represents a physical or logical space within a unit.FIG.11illustrates a conceptual block diagram of a multiple HVAC unit configuration implemented in a single unit according to some embodiments. In this example, a unit includes two different zones and two discrete HVAC units, one HVAC unit per zone. It is understood that the concept can be expanded to more than two zones per unit. Each zone can represent a different area in a single room, or each zone can represent a different room. The unit and zones configuration represents a provisioning hierarchy where each zone can be separately controlled under a coordinated control. Each discrete HVAC unit has connectivity to controllable HVAC components within the zone, such as sensors or exhaust fans, monitors its corresponding zone conditions according to one or more sensors positioned within the zone, and provides provisioning (control) of the controllable HVAC components. Each HVAC unit also includes network interfacing and control capabilities for networking with the other HVAC unit associated with the unit. Control algorithms within the HVAC unit can be used to implement local control over each zone. Such control can be implemented using current temperature readings, predefined temperature set points, zone occupancy readings, predefined or dynamically adjusted zone scheduling models, and predefined macros. Data can be exchanged between HVAC units to implement unit level provisioning including, but not limited to, predefined macros, home versus away occupancy models, time scheduling models, and modes such as comfort versus energy efficiency. Each HVAC unit also can be configured with network interfacing and control capabilities for networking with HVAC units in other units or for networking with an external network, such as a cloud based network.FIG.12illustrates a networked HVAC system control architecture according to some embodiments. The HVAC unit controller is of the type previously described and includes real-time control logic and advanced management control for executing programming according to received sensor data and control algorithms that enable the determination and generation of actionable control signaling directed to discrete controllable devices both in the HVAC unit itself (controllable HVAC components) and in the local device group considered part of the zone to which the HVAC unit is associated. The local device group also includes the variety of sensors that sense corresponding conditions of the zone and provide sensed data to the HVAC unit controller. Data received by the HVAC unit controller also includes the current state of controllable devices in the local device group as well as user input data from a human-machine interface connected to the HVAC unit. User input via the human-machine interface, for example a temperature setting entered manually, either through the human-machine interface on the HVAC unit itself or via cellular telephone application, may be one of the inputs which feeds into the HVAC unit controller. On-site diagnostics also can be provided to and from the HVAC unit controller via an external device using a technical application. In addition to having networking capabilities with the local device group, the HVAC unit controller is also connected to an external network, such as a cloud based network. Current states of the controllable local devices and HVAC components, along with sensed data, can be transmitted to the external network and any externally connected control device or devices, such as a central control device, and applications within the central control device. Any number of HVAC units can be connected to the external network, and the central control device distributes the data provided from the connected HVAC units to each of the other connected HVAC units.FIG.13illustrates a conceptual block diagram of a network of interconnected HVAC units according to some embodiments. The exemplary networked HVAC system shown inFIG.13has four discrete HVAC units74,76,78, and80each connected to a central control device82via an external network. Each discrete HVAC unit has access to the local device group and associated controllable devices and sensed data, as well as control over the controllable devices in the HVAC unit itself and the local device group. The states of the controllable devices and the sensed data from the sensors can be tracked and stored over time, which provides statistically rich data used as the basis for intelligent decision making Local knowledge, i.e. at the level of each discrete HVAC unit and corresponding zone, is acquired for the generation of various models, such as thermal comfort models, environment models, sensor dynamics models, and occupancy models, that can be applied as control algorithms for controlling the controllable devices within the HVAC system, both at a discrete device level and at a system level taking into account coordination of multiple discrete devices. For example, to the extent that negative or positive pressure caused by one (first) HVAC unit may impact a zone being conditioned by another (second) HVAC unit, each HVAC controller can include a control algorithm to mitigate or compensate, either by modifying the second HVAC unit settings, or, less likely, informing and requesting, within the comfort model limits of the first HVAC unit, that the settings of the first HVAC unit be changed. Data at the local level enables distributed learning at each of the discrete HVAC units, while network connection and aggregation from the discrete devices in the network enables real-time analytics and reporting. Learning models enable profiling of the physical environment and response characteristics to provide thermal comfort control within each of the various zones of the HVAC system. Edge computing, such as local control at each discrete HVAC unit, enables execution of all thermal comfort control activities. Environmental models account for fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, moisture transport, weather, and occupancy behavior. Deep learning predictive models simultaneously ensure occupancy preferences are met while reducing energy usage. Game-theoretic control harnesses multiple HVAC units working together. Predictive maintenance models deploy ready fault prediction methods, and advanced anomaly detection provides rapid identification of system faults. In general, machine learning at each HVAC unit enables analysis and related actions corresponding to system performance, system functions, condition based maintenance, fault detection and diagnostics, reporting, and implementation of the various models for improved comfort and energy efficiency. The local level models can be aggregated at the system level by the central controller for further analytics and rule set generation. As described above, data analysis can be performed to generate various models with corresponding actionable control of discrete controllable HVAC components and local devices. These models can be adapted over time according to newly received data, e.g. learning models. The models can be implemented in both real-time and as predictors for anticipated actions to be performed. By way of example, a zone occupancy model is described. A zone occupancy model details the occupancy of a zone according to sensed data obtained from an occupancy sensor positioned in the zone. In addition to determining an occupancy state, the HVAC unit controller senses zone conditions, e.g. humidity temperature, light intensity, etc. This sensed data is correlated to construct zone-specific high-fidelity occupancy information.FIG.14illustrates a conceptual diagram of the correlation of occupancy and condition data to form a real-time zone occupancy model according to some embodiments. The occupancy model correlates specific condition data to when a zone is occupied and to when the zone is not occupied. In some embodiments, the occupancy sensor is an infrared sensor. In other embodiments, the occupancy sensor is a motion detection sensor. It is understood that other types of sensors or sensor combinations can be used to determine occupancy of a zone. Over time, the HVAC unit controller and/or the HVAC system controller learns the conditions and resulting actions over time, either continuously or periodically, for both occupied states and a not occupied states. In this manner, it can be learned how each HVAC unit functions at various times, such as specific days, weeks, and months in order to maintain a certain comfort profile, where a comfort profile is considered to be certain conditions levels at certain times. As used herein, a comfort model refers to a matrix of airflow, temperature, and humidity values that define a 3 D mathematical space which represents various zones of comfort. The collective modeling of such comfort is referred to as a comfort model, which can be represented on a per zone basis. The comfort model can utilize various comfort indicators and corresponding values, such as a comfort index. Using a comfort indicator level, such as the comfort index, is often more beneficial than simply using a single variable such as temperature. For example, at a given temperature, a user comfort level will be greater for a user at certain humidity levels and airflow rates then at others. A principle here is to control two or more variables that make up the comfort index to achieve an improved comfort index level.FIG.15illustrates a conceptual diagram of the correlation of occupancy and condition data over time to form a zone occupancy model according to some embodiments. The zone occupancy model builds upon the real-time zone occupancy model ofFIG.14by collecting occupancy and conditions data over time. A prediction algorithm is applied to this historical data. In the exemplary application shown inFIG.15, a day-ahead zone occupancy model is established by determining predicted occupancy and conditions, according to the historical data and prediction algorithm, for the next 24-hour period. The day-ahead zone occupancy model determines anticipated time frames where the zone will be occupied and un-occupied over the next 24-hours and corresponding conditions, e.g. typical humidity and temperature levels at specific times. The day-ahead zone occupancy model also determines the states of corresponding controllable HVAC components and local devices associated with the zone in order to met the anticipated conditions, and the actions required to achieve those conditions. In anticipation of meeting the predicted conditions during the established time frames, the HVAC unit controller can generate the appropriate control commands, at the appropriate times, corresponding to the required actions established by the day-ahead zone occupancy model. In this manner, historical comfort conditions within the zone can be automatically achieved without occupant or other user input. The time frames for establishing occupancy and related conditions can be established with a set resolution, such as 15 minutes, or can be adjusted to narrower or broader resolutions. The prediction algorithms can be configured to adaptively select between simple (high bias, low variance) and complex (low bias, high variance) determinations. It is understood that the zone occupancy model can be adapted to predict occupancy and conditions over time frames other than 24-hours. The prediction algorithm can also take into account the season of the year, such as summer versus winter, and the anticipated impact that may have on anticipated conditions to be met. By way of example, say Bob lives in the unit. Over time, the collection os sensed and state data over time enables the one or more HVAC unit controllers in Bob's unit to learn and predict Bob's occupancy patterns and comfort levels within each of the zones. The models implemented by the HVAC unit controllers enable the system to anticipate when Bob may or may not be home and operate the HVAC units to prepare the zones according to Bob's typical comfort levels for a given time, day, week, or even month. As the networked HVAC system enables coordination between discrete HVAC units and other controllable devices in the system, such as exhaust fans, the zone occupancy model can be expanded and predictive comfort control can be applied to multiple zones.FIG.16illustrates the zone occupancy model applied to a multiple zone configuration according to some embodiments. In this exemplary case, the multiple zone configuration encompasses four different zones corresponding to four HVAC units, e.g. HVAC unit1in a first room, HVAC unit2in a second room, and HVAC unit3and HVAC unit4in a third room. A zone occupancy model is established for each of the four zones as determined by the occupancy and condition data collected over time, in addition to the corresponding states of each of the controllable devices associated with each zone over that same time. The zone occupancy models are executed by a control scheduler. A control scheduler can be included within each of the discrete HVAC units, or the control scheduler can be implemented by a central control in an external network. In some embodiments, environmental models can also be utilized to achieve results predicted by the zone occupancy model and to meet desired comfort levels. Environmental models are used to model airflow distribution and resulting temperature variances and changes over time as conditioned air is output from the HVAC unit into the zone. Using environmental models, optimal modes/stages for controllable devices can be implemented. More complex models also can be implemented whereby the conditions in zones are monitored and analyzed to determine how operation of one HVAC unit influences the conditions in other zones, and thereby the operations of the HVAC units corresponding to those other zones. Additional modeling also can be done to account for whether or not a specific zone is isolated or not. For example, door sensors can be used to determine if a door is open or closed, such as the door entering the room including HVAC unit3and HVAC unit4inFIG.16. If the door between a first room and a second room is closed, then one model can be used. If the door is open, then another model can be used since in this case the conditions in the first room may impact the conditions in the second room. The present application has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the HVAC system. Many of the components shown and described in the various figures can be interchanged to achieve the results necessary, and this description should be read to encompass such interchange as well. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. | 44,250 |
11859846 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now generally to the Figures, systems and methods of cost savings from fault prediction are presented. In various embodiments, a first machine learning model is generated by training a machine learning system such as a neural network on historical operating data. For example, the machine learning system may perform regression analysis on historical operating parameters such as CO2levels (e.g., measured in parts-per-million (PPM)), CO2setpoints (e.g., measured in PPM), cooling valve setpoints (e.g., measured as a percentage), cooling valve levels (e.g., measured as a percentage), filter statuses (e.g., indicating whether a filter alarm exists), heating valve setpoints (e.g., measured in ° C., etc.), outside air humidity (e.g., measured as a percentage of room humidity, etc.), outside air temperature (e.g., measured in ° C., etc.), outside air damper setpoint (e.g., measured as a percentage), outside air damper levels (e.g., measured as a percentage), return air humidity (e.g., measured as a percentage of room humidity, etc.), return air temperature (e.g., measured in ° C., etc.), return air damper setpoints (e.g., measured as a percentage), supply air humidity (e.g., measured as a percentage of room humidity), supply air temperature (e.g., measured in ° C., etc.), supply air static pressure setpoints (e.g., measured in Pascals, etc.), supply air static pressure levels (e.g., measured in Pascals, etc.), supply air temperature setpoints (e.g., measured in ° C., etc.), and/or supply fan frequency (e.g., measured in Hz, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that other machine learning systems are possible. For example, decision trees, support-vector machines, Bayesian networks, regression trees, linear regression, and/or the like may be used. In various embodiments, the first machine learning model generates predicted functional parameters for a space and/or building. For example, the first machine learning model may ingest historical functional parameters (e.g., from the last two weeks, etc.) and may generate predicted functional parameters such as predicted supply air temperature for a future period such as the next two days. In various embodiments, one or more additional machine learning models are executed on the historical functional parameters and/or the predicted functional parameters to identify predicted faults. For example, a univariate one class support vector machine (SVM) may be executed on a predicted supply air temperature to generate a fault prediction. As another example, a multivariate one class SVM may be executed on a number of predicted functional parameters to generate a fault prediction. As yet another example, a univariate one class SVM may be executed on one or more predicted functional parameters to generate a fault prediction. In various embodiments, the one or more additional machine learning models are configured to predict faults associated with a building management system (BMS) and/or a component thereof (e.g., such as an HVAC system, etc.). For example, the one or more additional machine learning models may be trained on historical fault information relating to a HVAC system such as historical functional parameters associated with the HVAC system, any faults that occurred, and/or the root cause of the faults. In various embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure classify predicted faults. For example, the one or more additional machine learning models may generate one or more fault predictions and/or associated context data such as root cause information and the systems and methods of the present disclosure may analyze this information to classify one or more predicted faults. In various embodiments, the one or more predicted faults may be classified as high zone temperature faults or low zone temperature faults. For example, if a predicted supply air temperature is greater than a predicted supply air temperature setpoint then a corresponding predicted fault may be classified as a high zone temperature fault. In various embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure diagnose predicted faults. For example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may analyze the one or more fault predictions and/or the associated context data generated by the one or more additional machine learning models to diagnose one or more predicted faults. In various embodiments, the predicted faults are diagnosed according to one or more categories. For example, the predicted faults may be diagnosed as no fault, supply air temperature sensor fault, other than supply air temperature fault, fault of supply air temperature because of other feeding equipment, and/or the like. In various embodiments, context data is used to diagnose predicted faults. For example, systems and methods of the present disclosure may analyze a time range associated with a predicted fault, one or more pieces of equipment that may impact the predicted fault, the outside air temperature feeding the HVAC system, any related faults (e.g., a fault indicating a malfunctioning damper, etc.), and/or the like. In various embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may calculate cost savings associated with predicted faults. For example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may measure an amount of energy consumption associated with the predicted fault (e.g., an amount of excess energy consumption that would have occurred if the fault had not be predicted and averted before it occurred, etc.) and may calculate a cost associated with the energy consumption (e.g., in dollars, etc.). In various embodiments, systems and methods of the present disclosure automatically perform one or more actions to prevent and/or fix the predicted faults. For example, a work order ticket may be automatically generated to fix a piece of equipment causing a predicted fault. Overview Chillers are generally critical components of HVAC equipment in buildings and can consume about half of building energy consumption. As such, it is desirable to maintain chillers properly so as to ensure optimal functionality as well as ideal performance. In some instances even temporary loss of a chiller can lead to substantial losses including financial losses, losses of related HVAC equipment due to a malfunctioning or non-functioning chiller, as well as other potential losses including those associated with inefficient or incomplete operation. Such substantial losses from chiller malfunction and/or non-function such as may be experienced from a chiller shutdown present a desire for predicting chiller events such as shutdowns before they happen. A chiller is equipped with numerous sensors capable of collecting a variety of data from chillers in real time in accordance with some embodiments. In some instances, this can aid in scheduling maintenance in advance of any unexpected chiller events, such as shutdowns. Predicting faults (events including chiller shutdowns, such as safety shutdowns) prior to occurring through analysis of chiller data can allow for preventative maintenance, thus optimizing the performance of chillers and preventing costly losses including unplanned maintenance costs and damage to expensive equipment. In order to predict chiller faults, IoT (Internet of Things) learning and deep learning accurately predict in advance (with service lead time) future faults using historic data collected by connected chiller sensors in some embodiments. For example, with regard to machine learning Multivariate Gaussian Modeling (MVG) and Graphical Gaussian Modeling (GGM) may be implemented. Deep learning techniques may include Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) with autoencoder, as well as Variational Autoencoder (VAE) methods. Ultimately, connected chiller sensors and associated connected chillers can enable the collection of chiller operation data in real time and allow for analysis thereof. However, the use of machine learning and deep learning methods and modeling to predict chiller faults can require that the models be carefully trained to make accurate predictions. As such, historic training data is used in the training process for machine learning and deep learning models. More specifically, the quality of historic training data available and hyper-parameter tuning of machine learning and deep learning models may impact the accuracy of fault projections. Machine learning and deep learning models can be developed for each chiller (i.e., individual chillers) and/or for clustered chillers (i.e., groups of chillers). Machine learning can be trained on groups of chillers since newly commissioned chillers may not have adequate individual historic data to train machine learning and deep learning models for predictions of the individual chiller. With regard to machine learning and deep learning models, prediction accuracy can be variable and for some models may be good enough to deploy the model, in which case the model may be applied to other chillers and/or used for training purposes. In the event that machine learning and deep learning models are not good enough to be deployed, the model may be discarded with new machine learning and deep learning models generated based on newly collected data. Machine learning and deep learning models may implement anomaly detection, which is a machine learning and deep learning technique that can identify patterns for normal states, and then compare patterns with new observations. In the event of a new pattern being observed that is significantly different, this may be classified as an anomaly, or fault in some embodiments. An anomaly detection model can capture underlying probability distributions of non-anomalous (i.e., normal) data in a space that may be different from that of anomalous data. With regard to machine learning and deep learning models, each model has a set of hyper-parameters that may be tuned to ensure model accuracy. As such, developing an effective combination of machine learning and deep learning models with correct hyper-parameters can be critical to model accuracy. Thus, multiple models may be trained using different sets of hyper-parameters, where a selection may then be made as to which combination may produce the most accurate predictions. For anomaly detection models, an anomaly threshold may be set in the underlying probability distribution to distinguish normal behavior from abnormal behavior. In some instances, this may allow for correct separation of true negative results from true positive results, for example. As such, developing anomaly detection in machine learning and deep learning models with an effective threshold may allow for models to perform optimally and output the most accurate predictions. Building and HVAC System Referring particularly toFIG.1, a perspective view of a building10is shown. Building10is served by a BMS. A BMS is, in general, a system of devices configured to control, monitor, and manage equipment in or around a building or building area. A BMS can include, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, a lighting system, a fire alerting system, any other system that is capable of managing building functions or devices, or any combination thereof. The BMS that serves building10includes a HVAC system100. HVAC system100can include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g., heaters, chillers, air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energy storage, etc.) configured to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, or other services for building10. For example, HVAC system100is shown to include a waterside system120and an airside system130. Waterside system120may provide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unit of airside system130. Airside system130may use the heated or chilled fluid to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10. An exemplary waterside system and airside system which can be used in HVAC system100are described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.2-3. HVAC system100is shown to include a chiller102, a boiler104, and a rooftop air handling unit (AHU)106. Waterside system120may use boiler104and chiller102to heat or cool a working fluid (e.g., water, glycol, etc.) and may circulate the working fluid to AHU106. In various embodiments, the HVAC devices of waterside system120can be located in or around building10(as shown inFIG.1) or at an offsite location such as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, a steam plant, a heat plant, etc.). The working fluid can be heated in boiler104or cooled in chiller102, depending on whether heating or cooling is required in building10. Boiler104may add heat to the circulated fluid, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., natural gas) or using an electric heating element. Chiller102may place the circulated fluid in a heat exchange relationship with another fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to absorb heat from the circulated fluid. The working fluid from chiller102and/or boiler104can be transported to AHU106via piping108. AHU106may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an airflow passing through AHU106(e.g., via one or more stages of cooling coils and/or heating coils). The airflow can be, for example, outside air, return air from within building10, or a combination of both. AHU106may transfer heat between the airflow and the working fluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example, AHU106can include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass the airflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid. The working fluid may then return to chiller102or boiler104via piping110. Airside system130may deliver the airflow supplied by AHU106(i.e., the supply airflow) to building10via air supply ducts112and may provide return air from building10to AHU106via air return ducts114. In some embodiments, airside system130includes multiple variable air volume (VAV) units116. For example, airside system130is shown to include a separate VAV unit116on each floor or zone of building10. VAV units116can include dampers or other flow control elements that can be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided to individual zones of building10. In other embodiments, airside system130delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building10(e.g., via supply ducts112) without using intermediate VAV units116or other flow control elements. AHU106can include various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured to measure attributes of the supply airflow. AHU106may receive input from sensors located within AHU106and/or within the building zone and may adjust the flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supply airflow through AHU106to achieve setpoint conditions for the building zone. Waterside System Referring now toFIG.2, a block diagram of a waterside system200is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, waterside system200may supplement or replace waterside system120in HVAC system100or can be implemented separate from HVAC system100. When implemented in HVAC system100, waterside system200can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100(e.g., boiler104, chiller102, pumps, valves, etc.) and may operate to supply a heated or chilled fluid to AHU106. The HVAC devices of waterside system200can be located within building10(e.g., as components of waterside system120) or at an offsite location such as a central plant. InFIG.2, waterside system200is shown as a central plant having a plurality of subplants202-212. Subplants202-212are shown to include a heater subplant202, a heat recovery chiller subplant204, a chiller subplant206, a cooling tower subplant208, a hot thermal energy storage (TES) subplant210, and a cold thermal energy storage (TES) subplant212. Subplants202-212consume resources (e.g., water, natural gas, electricity, etc.) from utilities to serve thermal energy loads (e.g., hot water, cold water, heating, cooling, etc.) of a building or campus. For example, heater subplant202can be configured to heat water in a hot water loop214that circulates the hot water between heater subplant202and building10. Chiller subplant206can be configured to chill water in a cold water loop216that circulates the cold water between chiller subplant206building10. Heat recovery chiller subplant204can be configured to transfer heat from cold water loop216to hot water loop214to provide additional heating for the hot water and additional cooling for the cold water. Condenser water loop218may absorb heat from the cold water in chiller subplant206and reject the absorbed heat in cooling tower subplant208or transfer the absorbed heat to hot water loop214. Hot TES subplant210and cold TES subplant212may store hot and cold thermal energy, respectively, for subsequent use. Hot water loop214and cold water loop216may deliver the heated and/or chilled water to air handlers located on the rooftop of building10(e.g., AHU106) or to individual floors or zones of building10(e.g., VAV units116). The air handlers push air past heat exchangers (e.g., heating coils or cooling coils) through which the water flows to provide heating or cooling for the air. The heated or cooled air can be delivered to individual zones of building10to serve thermal energy loads of building10. The water then returns to subplants202-212to receive further heating or cooling. Although subplants202-212are shown and described as heating and cooling water for circulation to a building, it is understood that any other type of working fluid (e.g., glycol, CO2, etc.) can be used in place of or in addition to water to serve thermal energy loads. In other embodiments, subplants202-212may provide heating and/or cooling directly to the building or campus without requiring an intermediate heat transfer fluid. These and other variations to waterside system200are within the teachings of the present disclosure. Each of subplants202-212can include a variety of equipment configured to facilitate the functions of the subplant. For example, heater subplant202is shown to include a plurality of heating elements220(e.g., boilers, electric heaters, etc.) configured to add heat to the hot water in hot water loop214. Heater subplant202is also shown to include several pumps222and224configured to circulate the hot water in hot water loop214and to control the flow rate of the hot water through individual heating elements220. Chiller subplant206is shown to include a plurality of chillers232configured to remove heat from the cold water in cold water loop216. Chiller subplant206is also shown to include several pumps234and236configured to circulate the cold water in cold water loop216and to control the flow rate of the cold water through individual chillers232. Heat recovery chiller subplant204is shown to include a plurality of heat recovery heat exchangers226(e.g., refrigeration circuits) configured to transfer heat from cold water loop216to hot water loop214. Heat recovery chiller subplant204is also shown to include several pumps228and230configured to circulate the hot water and/or cold water through heat recovery heat exchangers226and to control the flow rate of the water through individual heat recovery heat exchangers226. Cooling tower subplant208is shown to include a plurality of cooling towers238configured to remove heat from the condenser water in condenser water loop218. Cooling tower subplant208is also shown to include several pumps240configured to circulate the condenser water in condenser water loop218and to control the flow rate of the condenser water through individual cooling towers238. Hot TES subplant210is shown to include a hot TES tank242configured to store the hot water for later use. Hot TES subplant210may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the hot water into or out of hot TES tank242. Cold TES subplant212is shown to include cold TES tanks244configured to store the cold water for later use. Cold TES subplant212may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the cold water into or out of cold TES tanks244. In some embodiments, one or more of the pumps in waterside system200(e.g., pumps222,224,228,230,234,236, and/or240) or pipelines in waterside system200include an isolation valve associated therewith. Isolation valves can be integrated with the pumps or positioned upstream or downstream of the pumps to control the fluid flows in waterside system200. In various embodiments, waterside system200can include more, fewer, or different types of devices and/or subplants based on the particular configuration of waterside system200and the types of loads served by waterside system200. Airside System Referring now toFIG.3, a block diagram of an airside system300is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, airside system300may supplement or replace airside system130in HVAC system100or can be implemented separate from HVAC system100. When implemented in HVAC system100, airside system300can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100(e.g., AHU106, VAV units116, ducts112-114, fans, dampers, etc.) and can be located in or around building10. Airside system300may operate to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10using a heated or chilled fluid provided by waterside system200. InFIG.3, airside system300is shown to include an economizer-type air handling unit (AHU)302. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outside air and return air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling. For example, AHU302may receive return air304from building zone306via return air duct308and may deliver supply air310to building zone306via supply air duct312. In some embodiments, AHU302is a rooftop unit located on the roof of building10(e.g., AHU106as shown inFIG.1) or otherwise positioned to receive both return air304and outside air314. AHU302can be configured to operate exhaust air damper316, mixing damper318, and outside air damper320to control an amount of outside air314and return air304that combine to form supply air310. Any return air304that does not pass through mixing damper318can be exhausted from AHU302through exhaust damper316as exhaust air322. Each of dampers316-320can be operated by an actuator. For example, exhaust air damper316can be operated by actuator324, mixing damper318can be operated by actuator326, and outside air damper320can be operated by actuator328. Actuators324-328may communicate with an AHU controller330via a communications link332. Actuators324-328may receive control signals from AHU controller330and may provide feedback signals to AHU controller330. Feedback signals can include, for example, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, an amount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnostic information (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators324-328), status information, commissioning information, configuration settings, calibration data, and/or other types of information or data that can be collected, stored, or used by actuators324-328. AHU controller330can be an economizer controller configured to use one or more control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control actuators324-328. Still referring toFIG.3, AHU302is shown to include a cooling coil334, a heating coil336, and a fan338positioned within supply air duct312. Fan338can be configured to force supply air310through cooling coil334and/or heating coil336and provide supply air310to building zone306. AHU controller330may communicate with fan338via communications link340to control a flow rate of supply air310. In some embodiments, AHU controller330controls an amount of heating or cooling applied to supply air310by modulating a speed of fan338. Cooling coil334may receive a chilled fluid from waterside system200(e.g., from cold water loop216) via piping342and may return the chilled fluid to waterside system200via piping344. Valve346can be positioned along piping342or piping344to control a flow rate of the chilled fluid through cooling coil334. In some embodiments, cooling coil334includes multiple stages of cooling coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller330, by BMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of cooling applied to supply air310. Heating coil336may receive a heated fluid from waterside system200(e.g., from hot water loop214) via piping348and may return the heated fluid to waterside system200via piping350. Valve352can be positioned along piping348or piping350to control a flow rate of the heated fluid through heating coil336. In some embodiments, heating coil336includes multiple stages of heating coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller330, by BMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of heating applied to supply air310. Each of valves346and352can be controlled by an actuator. For example, valve346can be controlled by actuator354and valve352can be controlled by actuator356. Actuators354-356may communicate with AHU controller330via communications links358-360. Actuators354-356may receive control signals from AHU controller330and may provide feedback signals to controller330. In some embodiments, AHU controller330receives a measurement of the supply air temperature from a temperature sensor362positioned in supply air duct312(e.g., downstream of cooling coil334and/or heating coil336). AHU controller330may also receive a measurement of the temperature of building zone306from a temperature sensor364located in building zone306. In some embodiments, AHU controller330operates valves346and352via actuators354-356to modulate an amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310(e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature for supply air310or to maintain the temperature of supply air310within a setpoint temperature range). The positions of valves346and352affect the amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310by cooling coil334or heating coil336and may correlate with the amount of energy consumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature. AHU330may control the temperature of supply air310and/or building zone306by activating or deactivating coils334-336, adjusting a speed of fan338, or a combination of both. Still referring toFIG.3, airside system300is shown to include a building management system (BMS) controller366and a client device368. BMS controller366can include one or more computer systems (e.g., servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) that serve as system level controllers, application or data servers, head nodes, or master controllers for airside system300, waterside system200, HVAC system100, and/or other controllable systems that serve building10. BMS controller366may communicate with multiple downstream building systems or subsystems (e.g., HVAC system100, a security system, a lighting system, waterside system200, etc.) via a communications link370according to like or disparate protocols (e.g., LON, BACnet, etc.). In various embodiments, AHU controller330and BMS controller366can be separate (as shown inFIG.3) or integrated. In an integrated implementation, AHU controller330can be a software module configured for execution by a processor of BMS controller366. In some embodiments, AHU controller330receives information from BMS controller366(e.g., commands, setpoints, operating boundaries, etc.) and provides information to BMS controller366(e.g., temperature measurements, valve or actuator positions, operating statuses, diagnostics, etc.). For example, AHU controller330may provide BMS controller366with temperature measurements from temperature sensors362-364, equipment on/off states, equipment operating capacities, and/or any other information that can be used by BMS controller366to monitor or control a variable state or condition within building zone306. Client device368can include one or more human-machine interfaces or client interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reporting interfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services, web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling, viewing, or otherwise interacting with HVAC system100, its subsystems, and/or devices. Client device368can be a computer workstation, a client terminal, a remote or local interface, or any other type of user interface device. Client device368can be a stationary terminal or a mobile device. For example, client device368can be a desktop computer, a computer server with a user interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a PDA, or any other type of mobile or non-mobile device. Client device368may communicate with BMS controller366and/or AHU controller330via communications link372. Building Management Systems Referring now toFIG.4, a block diagram of a building management system (BMS)400is shown, according to some embodiments. BMS400can be implemented in building10to automatically monitor and control various building functions. BMS400is shown to include BMS controller366and a plurality of building subsystems428. Building subsystems428are shown to include a building electrical subsystem434, an information communication technology (ICT) subsystem436, a security subsystem438, a HVAC subsystem440, a lighting subsystem442, a lift/escalators subsystem432, and a fire safety subsystem430. In various embodiments, building subsystems428can include fewer, additional, or alternative subsystems. For example, building subsystems428may also or alternatively include a refrigeration subsystem, an advertising or signage subsystem, a cooking subsystem, a vending subsystem, a printer or copy service subsystem, or any other type of building subsystem that uses controllable equipment and/or sensors to monitor or control building10. In some embodiments, building subsystems428include waterside system200and/or airside system300, as described with reference toFIGS.2-3. Each of building subsystems428can include any number of devices, controllers, and connections for completing its individual functions and control activities. HVAC subsystem440can include many of the same components as HVAC system100, as described with reference toFIGS.1-3. For example, HVAC subsystem440can include a chiller, a boiler, any number of air handling units, economizers, field controllers, supervisory controllers, actuators, temperature sensors, and other devices for controlling the temperature, humidity, airflow, or other variable conditions within building10. Lighting subsystem442can include any number of light fixtures, ballasts, lighting sensors, dimmers, or other devices configured to controllably adjust the amount of light provided to a building space. Security subsystem438can include occupancy sensors, video surveillance cameras, digital video recorders, video processing servers, intrusion detection devices, access control devices and servers, or other security-related devices. Still referring toFIG.4, BMS controller366is shown to include a communications interface407and a BMS interface409. Interface407may facilitate communications between BMS controller366and external applications (e.g., monitoring and reporting applications422, enterprise control applications426, remote systems and applications444, applications residing on client devices448, etc.) for allowing user control, monitoring, and adjustment to BMS controller366and/or subsystems428. Interface407may also facilitate communications between BMS controller366and client devices448. BMS interface409may facilitate communications between BMS controller366and building subsystems428(e.g., HVAC, lighting security, lifts, power distribution, business, etc.). Interfaces407,409can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with building subsystems428or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications via interfaces407,409can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network446(e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, interfaces407,409can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, interfaces407,409can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, one or both of interfaces407,409can include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. In some embodiments, communications interface407is a power line communications interface and BMS interface409is an Ethernet interface. In other embodiments, both communications interface407and BMS interface409are Ethernet interfaces or are the same Ethernet interface. Still referring toFIG.4, BMS controller366is shown to include a processing circuit404including a processor406and memory408. Processing circuit404can be communicably connected to BMS interface409and/or communications interface407such that processing circuit404and the various components thereof can send and receive data via interfaces407,409. Processor406can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory408(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory408can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory408can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, memory408is communicably connected to processor406via processing circuit404and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit404and/or processor406) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, BMS controller366is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various other embodiments BMS controller366can be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). Further, whileFIG.4shows applications422and426as existing outside of BMS controller366, in some embodiments, applications422and426can be hosted within BMS controller366(e.g., within memory408). Still referring toFIG.4, memory408is shown to include an enterprise integration layer410, an automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer412, a demand response (DR) layer414, a fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer416, an integrated control layer418, and a building subsystem integration later420. Layers410-420can be configured to receive inputs from building subsystems428and other data sources, determine optimal control actions for building subsystems428based on the inputs, generate control signals based on the optimal control actions, and provide the generated control signals to building subsystems428. The following paragraphs describe some of the general functions performed by each of layers410-420in BMS400. Enterprise integration layer410can be configured to serve clients or local applications with information and services to support a variety of enterprise-level applications. For example, enterprise control applications426can be configured to provide subsystem-spanning control to a graphical user interface (GUI) or to any number of enterprise-level business applications (e.g., accounting systems, user identification systems, etc.). Enterprise control applications426may also or alternatively be configured to provide configuration GUIs for configuring BMS controller366. In yet other embodiments, enterprise control applications426can work with layers410-420to optimize building performance (e.g., efficiency, energy use, comfort, or safety) based on inputs received at interface407and/or BMS interface409. Building subsystem integration layer420can be configured to manage communications between BMS controller366and building subsystems428. For example, building subsystem integration layer420may receive sensor data and input signals from building subsystems428and provide output data and control signals to building subsystems428. Building subsystem integration layer420may also be configured to manage communications between building subsystems428. Building subsystem integration layer420translate communications (e.g., sensor data, input signals, output signals, etc.) across a plurality of multi-vendor/multi-protocol systems. Demand response layer414can be configured to optimize resource usage (e.g., electricity use, natural gas use, water use, etc.) and/or the monetary cost of such resource usage in response to satisfy the demand of building10. The optimization can be based on time-of-use prices, curtailment signals, energy availability, or other data received from utility providers, distributed energy generation systems424, from energy storage427(e.g., hot TES242, cold TES244, etc.), or from other sources. Demand response layer414may receive inputs from other layers of BMS controller366(e.g., building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer418, etc.). The inputs received from other layers can include environmental or sensor inputs such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity levels, air quality sensor outputs, occupancy sensor outputs, room schedules, and the like. The inputs may also include inputs such as electrical use (e.g., expressed in kWh), thermal load measurements, pricing information, projected pricing, smoothed pricing, curtailment signals from utilities, and the like. According to some embodiments, demand response layer414includes control logic for responding to the data and signals it receives. These responses can include communicating with the control algorithms in integrated control layer418, changing control strategies, changing setpoints, or activating/deactivating building equipment or subsystems in a controlled manner. Demand response layer414may also include control logic configured to determine when to utilize stored energy. For example, demand response layer414may determine to begin using energy from energy storage427just prior to the beginning of a peak use hour. In some embodiments, demand response layer414includes a control module configured to actively initiate control actions (e.g., automatically changing setpoints) which minimize energy costs based on one or more inputs representative of or based on demand (e.g., price, a curtailment signal, a demand level, etc.). In some embodiments, demand response layer414uses equipment models to determine an optimal set of control actions. The equipment models can include, for example, thermodynamic models describing the inputs, outputs, and/or functions performed by various sets of building equipment. Equipment models may represent collections of building equipment (e.g., subplants, chiller arrays, etc.) or individual devices (e.g., individual chillers, heaters, pumps, etc.). Demand response layer414may further include or draw upon one or more demand response policy definitions (e.g., databases, XML, files, etc.). The policy definitions can be edited or adjusted by a user (e.g., via a graphical user interface) so that the control actions initiated in response to demand inputs can be tailored for the user's application, desired comfort level, particular building equipment, or based on other concerns. For example, the demand response policy definitions can specify which equipment can be turned on or off in response to particular demand inputs, how long a system or piece of equipment should be turned off, what setpoints can be changed, what the allowable set point adjustment range is, how long to hold a high demand setpoint before returning to a normally scheduled setpoint, how close to approach capacity limits, which equipment modes to utilize, the energy transfer rates (e.g., the maximum rate, an alarm rate, other rate boundary information, etc.) into and out of energy storage devices (e.g., thermal storage tanks, battery banks, etc.), and when to dispatch on-site generation of energy (e.g., via fuel cells, a motor generator set, etc.). Integrated control layer418can be configured to use the data input or output of building subsystem integration layer420and/or demand response later414to make control decisions. Due to the subsystem integration provided by building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer418can integrate control activities of the subsystems428such that the subsystems428behave as a single integrated supersystem. In some embodiments, integrated control layer418includes control logic that uses inputs and outputs from a plurality of building subsystems to provide greater comfort and energy savings relative to the comfort and energy savings that separate subsystems could provide alone. For example, integrated control layer418can be configured to use an input from a first subsystem to make an energy-saving control decision for a second subsystem. Results of these decisions can be communicated back to building subsystem integration layer420. Integrated control layer418is shown to be logically below demand response layer414. Integrated control layer418can be configured to enhance the effectiveness of demand response layer414by enabling building subsystems428and their respective control loops to be controlled in coordination with demand response layer414. This configuration may advantageously reduce disruptive demand response behavior relative to conventional systems. For example, integrated control layer418can be configured to assure that a demand response-driven upward adjustment to the setpoint for chilled water temperature (or another component that directly or indirectly affects temperature) does not result in an increase in fan energy (or other energy used to cool a space) that would result in greater total building energy use than was saved at the chiller. Integrated control layer418can be configured to provide feedback to demand response layer414so that demand response layer414checks that constraints (e.g., temperature, lighting levels, etc.) are properly maintained even while demanded load shedding is in progress. The constraints may also include setpoint or sensed boundaries relating to safety, equipment operating limits and performance, comfort, fire codes, electrical codes, energy codes, and the like. Integrated control layer418is also logically below fault detection and diagnostics layer416and automated measurement and validation layer412. Integrated control layer418can be configured to provide calculated inputs (e.g., aggregations) to these higher levels based on outputs from more than one building subsystem. Automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer412can be configured to verify that control strategies commanded by integrated control layer418or demand response layer414are working properly (e.g., using data aggregated by AM&V layer412, integrated control layer418, building subsystem integration layer420, FDD layer416, or otherwise). The calculations made by AM&V layer412can be based on building system energy models and/or equipment models for individual BMS devices or subsystems. For example, AM&V layer412may compare a model-predicted output with an actual output from building subsystems428to determine an accuracy of the model. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer416can be configured to provide on-going fault detection for building subsystems428, building subsystem devices (i.e., building equipment), and control algorithms used by demand response layer414and integrated control layer418. FDD layer416may receive data inputs from integrated control layer418, directly from one or more building subsystems or devices, or from another data source. FDD layer416may automatically diagnose and respond to detected faults. The responses to detected or diagnosed faults can include providing an alert message to a user, a maintenance scheduling system, or a control algorithm configured to attempt to repair the fault or to work-around the fault. FDD layer416can be configured to output a specific identification of the faulty component or cause of the fault (e.g., loose damper linkage) using detailed subsystem inputs available at building subsystem integration layer420. In other exemplary embodiments, FDD layer416is configured to provide “fault” events to integrated control layer418which executes control strategies and policies in response to the received fault events. According to some embodiments, FDD layer416(or a policy executed by an integrated control engine or business rules engine) may shut-down systems or direct control activities around faulty devices or systems to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life, or assure proper control response. FDD layer416can be configured to store or access a variety of different system data stores (or data points for live data). FDD layer416may use some content of the data stores to identify faults at the equipment level (e.g., specific chiller, specific AHU, specific terminal unit, etc.) and other content to identify faults at component or subsystem levels. For example, building subsystems428may generate temporal (i.e., time-series) data indicating the performance of BMS400and the various components thereof. The data generated by building subsystems428can include measured or calculated values that exhibit statistical characteristics and provide information about how the corresponding system or process (e.g., a temperature control process, a flow control process, etc.) is performing in terms of error from its setpoint. These processes can be examined by FDD layer416to expose when the system begins to degrade in performance and alert a user to repair the fault before it becomes more severe. Referring now toFIG.5, a block diagram of another building management system (BMS)500is shown, according to some embodiments. BMS500can be used to monitor and control the devices of HVAC system100, waterside system200, airside system300, building subsystems428, as well as other types of BMS devices (e.g., lighting equipment, security equipment, etc.) and/or HVAC equipment. BMS500provides a system architecture that facilitates automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution. Equipment discovery can occur on multiple levels of BMS500across multiple different communications busses (e.g., a system bus554, zone buses556-560and564, sensor/actuator bus566, etc.) and across multiple different communications protocols. In some embodiments, equipment discovery is accomplished using active node tables, which provide status information for devices connected to each communications bus. For example, each communications bus can be monitored for new devices by monitoring the corresponding active node table for new nodes. When a new device is detected, BMS500can begin interacting with the new device (e.g., sending control signals, using data from the device) without user interaction. Some devices in BMS500present themselves to the network using equipment models. An equipment model defines equipment object attributes, view definitions, schedules, trends, and the associated BACnet value objects (e.g., analog value, binary value, multistate value, etc.) that are used for integration with other systems. Some devices in BMS500store their own equipment models. Other devices in BMS500have equipment models stored externally (e.g., within other devices). For example, a zone coordinator508can store the equipment model for a bypass damper528. In some embodiments, zone coordinator508automatically creates the equipment model for bypass damper528or other devices on zone bus558. Other zone coordinators can also create equipment models for devices connected to their zone busses. The equipment model for a device can be created automatically based on the types of data points exposed by the device on the zone bus, device type, and/or other device attributes. Several examples of automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution are discussed in greater detail below. Still referring toFIG.5, BMS500is shown to include a system manager502; several zone coordinators506,508,510and518; and several zone controllers524,530,532,536,548, and550. System manager502can monitor data points in BMS500and report monitored variables to various monitoring and/or control applications. System manager502can communicate with client devices504(e.g., user devices, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices, etc.) via a data communications link574(e.g., BACnet IP, Ethernet, wired or wireless communications, etc.). System manager502can provide a user interface to client devices504via data communications link574. The user interface may allow users to monitor and/or control BMS500via client devices504. In some embodiments, system manager502is connected with zone coordinators506-510and518via a system bus554. System manager502can be configured to communicate with zone coordinators506-510and518via system bus554using a master-slave token passing (MSTP) protocol or any other communications protocol. System bus554can also connect system manager502with other devices such as a constant volume (CV) rooftop unit (RTU)512, an input/output module (IOM)514, a thermostat controller516(e.g., a TEC5000 series thermostat controller), and a network automation engine (NAE) or third-party controller520. RTU512can be configured to communicate directly with system manager502and can be connected directly to system bus554. Other RTUs can communicate with system manager502via an intermediate device. For example, a wired input562can connect a third-party RTU542to thermostat controller516, which connects to system bus554. System manager502can provide a user interface for any device containing an equipment model. Devices such as zone coordinators506-510and518and thermostat controller516can provide their equipment models to system manager502via system bus554. In some embodiments, system manager502automatically creates equipment models for connected devices that do not contain an equipment model (e.g., IOM514, third party controller520, etc.). For example, system manager502can create an equipment model for any device that responds to a device tree request. The equipment models created by system manager502can be stored within system manager502. System manager502can then provide a user interface for devices that do not contain their own equipment models using the equipment models created by system manager502. In some embodiments, system manager502stores a view definition for each type of equipment connected via system bus554and uses the stored view definition to generate a user interface for the equipment. Each zone coordinator506-510and518can be connected with one or more of zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550via zone buses556,558,560, and564. Zone coordinators506-510and518can communicate with zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550via zone busses556-560and564using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Zone busses556-560and564can also connect zone coordinators506-510and518with other types of devices such as variable air volume (VAV) RTUs522and540, changeover bypass (COBP) RTUs526and552, bypass dampers528and546, and PEAK controllers534and544. Zone coordinators506-510and518can be configured to monitor and command various zoning systems. In some embodiments, each zone coordinator506-510and518monitors and commands a separate zoning system and is connected to the zoning system via a separate zone bus. For example, zone coordinator506can be connected to VAV RTU522and zone controller524via zone bus556. Zone coordinator508can be connected to COBP RTU526, bypass damper528, COBP zone controller530, and VAV zone controller532via zone bus558. Zone coordinator510can be connected to PEAK controller534and VAV zone controller536via zone bus560. Zone coordinator518can be connected to PEAK controller544, bypass damper546, COBP zone controller548, and VAV zone controller550via zone bus564. A single model of zone coordinator506-510and518can be configured to handle multiple different types of zoning systems (e.g., a VAV zoning system, a COBP zoning system, etc.). Each zoning system can include a RTU, one or more zone controllers, and/or a bypass damper. For example, zone coordinators506and510are shown as Verasys VAV engines (VVEs) connected to VAV RTUs522and540, respectively. Zone coordinator506is connected directly to VAV RTU522via zone bus556, whereas zone coordinator510is connected to a third-party VAV RTU540via a wired input568provided to PEAK controller534. Zone coordinators508and518are shown as Verasys COBP engines (VCEs) connected to COBP RTUs526and552, respectively. Zone coordinator508is connected directly to COBP RTU526via zone bus558, whereas zone coordinator518is connected to a third-party COBP RTU552via a wired input570provided to PEAK controller544. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can communicate with individual BMS devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.) via sensor/actuator (SA) busses. For example, VAV zone controller536is shown connected to networked sensors538via SA bus566. Zone controller536can communicate with networked sensors538using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Although only one SA bus566is shown inFIG.5, it should be understood that each zone controller524,530-532,536, and548-550can be connected to a different SA bus. Each SA bus can connect a zone controller with various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, occupancy sensors, etc.), actuators (e.g., damper actuators, valve actuators, etc.) and/or other types of controllable equipment (e.g., chillers, heaters, fans, pumps, etc.). Each zone controller524,530-532,536, and548-550can be configured to monitor and control a different building zone. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can use the inputs and outputs provided via their SA busses to monitor and control various building zones. For example, a zone controller536can use a temperature input received from networked sensors538via SA bus566(e.g., a measured temperature of a building zone) as feedback in a temperature control algorithm. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can use various types of control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control a variable state or condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, etc.) in or around building10. Adaptive Training and Deployment of Single Chiller and Clustered Chiller Fault Detection Models Referring now toFIG.6, a system600is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system600is shown to include a chiller analysis system602configured to generate prediction of equipment shutdowns. Chiller analysis system602is shown to communicate with chillers626, which include chiller sensors628. Chillers626may be one or multiple chillers, e.g., chiller102as described with reference toFIG.1. Chiller sensors628can be positioned on, within, and/or adjacent to chillers626, according to some embodiments. Further, chiller sensors628can be configured to collect a variety of data including usage time, efficiency metrics, input and output quantities, as well as other data. According to some embodiments, chiller sensors628can be configured to store and/or communicate collected chiller data. In some embodiments, chillers626can also be configured to store and/or communicate collected chiller data from chiller sensors628. Chiller analysis system602can receive performance data from chillers626and generate fault prediction models for the chillers and utilize the fault prediction models to determine if a fault will occur in the future for chillers626. Chiller analysis system602may not be limited to performing fault predictions for chillers and can also be configured to perform fault prediction for type of building equipment, e.g., air handler unit106as described with reference toFIG.1, boiler104as described with reference toFIG.1, etc. Chiller analysis system602is shown to include a controller604, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, controller604is shown to include a processing circuit606, a processor608, and a memory610. Controller604can include one or more computer systems (e.g., servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) that serve as system level controllers, application or data servers, head nodes, or master controllers for chiller analysis system602. Controller604may communicate with multiple downstream systems or subsystems. Controller604can also be in communication with processing circuit606, processor608, and/or memory610, according to some embodiments. Chiller analysis system602is shown to include processing circuit606which can be included in controller604, according to some embodiments. Processing circuit606is shown to include processor608and memory610in some embodiments. Processing circuit606can allow and enable communication between controller604and memory610, as well as other possible components that may be included in some embodiments. Processor608can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Chiller analysis system602is shown to include memory610, according to some embodiments. Memory610(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory610can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory610can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, memory610is communicably connected to processor608via processing circuit606and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit606and/or processor608) one or more processes described herein. Memory610is shown to include a model manager612, a trainer620, and chiller models614. Model manager612can be configured to manage chiller models614. Chiller models614are shown to include multiple single chiller models616and multiple cluster chiller models618. Model manager612can be configured to manage single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618. Chiller analysis system602may also vary according to desired preferences and specifications of a user and/or operator, according to some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments chiller analysis system602may be configured to perform certain tasks and functions periodically, with the intervals for which periodic tasks and functions are performed variable according to embodiment and user preferences. Further, some embodiments may be configured to accommodate a user and/or operator who desires various evaluations, analyses and re-training of models more frequently (i.e. shorter intervals) than another user and/or operator. As such, chiller analysis system602may be configured differently according to embodiment in order to perform a variety of functions with many configurations variable according to user and/or operator specifications, depending on the embodiment. Model manager612is shown to be in communication with single chiller models616as well as cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. Model manager612may be configured to manage single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618at the same time, according to some embodiments. Further, model manager612may also be configured to perform certain analyses and evaluations for single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618. For example, model manager612may be configured to—by means of user and/or operator preference, or other circumstance—periodically evaluate single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. Additionally, model manager612may also be configured to make determinations as to the result of certain analyses and/or evaluations that may be performed with relation to single chiller models616and cluster models618, according to some embodiments. For example, upon completion of an evaluation of single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618, model manager612may determine if one or more of single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618may require modification, maintenance, and/or any other attention, according to some embodiments. Chiller models614is shown to include single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. Single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618are shown to be in communication with model manager612, as seen in some embodiments. Single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618can relate to chillers626and/or other similar components, according to some embodiments. Additionally, single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618can be built using data collected chillers626. Both single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618may be present within chiller models614. Further, chiller models614can also contain solely single chiller models616or solely cluster models618, according to some embodiments. Chiller models614can be in communication with model manager612. Further, chiller models614can communicate single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618to model manager612in some embodiments. Such communication of single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618may be scheduled, determined according to specific events that may occur, initiated by a user and/or operator, or a variety of other options, according to some embodiments. Memory610is also shown to include trainer620, according to some embodiments. Trainer620is shown to be in communication with chiller models614, which can include single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. As such, communication between trainer620and chiller models614can include the communication of single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. Further, trainer620is shown to include a model selector622and a threshold selector624, according to some embodiments. Model selector622and threshold selector624can be in communication with chiller models614, as model selector622and threshold selector624are components configured within trainer620, which can communicate with chiller models614. Further, model selector622and threshold selector624can perform operations on single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments and user and/or operator preference. Model selector622can perform operations involving single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments trainer620may receive single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618. Model selector622may subsequently evaluate, analyze, or perform other similar operations on and relating to single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618received by trainer620. Model selector can also be configured to evaluate and/or otherwise analyze single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618according to various desired parameters and/or specifications. For example, the methods and techniques implemented by model selector622may vary based on the source and/or contents of single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618. Further, model selector622can be configured to operate differently according to user and/or operator specifications. For example, model selector622can be configured to select models from single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618that prioritize factors, parameters or variables desired by a user and/or operator such as efficiency, input or output quantities, as well as other possible factors. Threshold selector624can perform operations on both single chiller models616as well as cluster chiller models618, according to some embodiments. As a component of trainer620which is shown to be in communication with single chiller models614, threshold selector624can communicate with single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618, which are components of chiller models614. In some embodiments, threshold selector624is configured to evaluate single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618and, through the implementation of one or more analysis techniques, select a desirable threshold for each corresponding model of single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618. The selection process of threshold selector624can in some embodiments include obtaining an operating point, which can incorporate user and/or operator preference. Further, threshold selector624can be configured to perform operations on, analyze and otherwise interact with single chiller models616and/or cluster chiller models618in various ways in order to select a threshold for one or more models. Additionally, threshold selector can be configured to operate the same or differently with regard to single chiller models616and cluster chiller models618. Threshold selector624can also be configured to implement different analysis techniques and/or other operations in the selection of thresholds for single chiller models616than for cluster chiller models618. For example, in some embodiments threshold selector624may be configured to incorporate user and/or operator preferences, such as a desire to optimize specific metrics, parameters and functions, differently than in some embodiments. Further, in the instance that a user and/or operator desired a threshold that optimized efficiency, threshold selector624can be configured to accommodate such a desire. Single Chiller and Cluster Chiller Fault Detection Modeling Referring now toFIG.7A, a system for model management700is shown. System700is shown to include a chiller702and chiller sensors704, as well as a chiller cluster706which includes chiller cluster sensors708. Chiller702and chiller cluster706can be the same and/or similar to chiller626s, which is described in reference toFIG.6. Similarly, both chiller sensors704and chiller cluster sensors708can be the same and/or similar to chiller sensors628which are described in reference toFIG.6. Chiller702and chiller cluster706are shown to communicate chiller data and cluster data, respectively, to a cluster manager710. In some embodiments, chiller data communicated to cluster manager710may include data collected from and processed by chiller sensors704. Chiller data may also pertain to chiller702as a whole, may be directed at a specific component of chiller702, and/or may relate to other systems that may be working in conjunction with chiller702. Similar to the chiller data communicated by chiller702, cluster data communicated by chiller cluster706may include data collected by chiller cluster sensors708. Cluster data may include data collected from and processed by chiller cluster sensors708, and may correspond to components of one or more chillers, individual chillers, and/or chiller cluster706as a whole. Both chiller data and cluster data communicated to cluster manager710may vary according to some embodiments. For example, chiller data and cluster data communicated to cluster manager710may include input and/or output quantities, efficiency metrics, and/or past data for chiller702and/or chiller cluster706, according to some embodiments. Model manager710can receive both chiller data and cluster data from chiller702and chiller cluster706and the corresponding chiller sensors704and chiller cluster sensors708. Model manager710can generate models through various means upon receiving chiller data and cluster data. Further, model manager710can be configured to be in communication with more components than chiller702and chiller cluster706. In some embodiments, model manager710can be in communication with a plurality of equipment similar to chiller702and/or may also be in communication with a plurality of equipment clusters similar to chiller cluster706. Model manager710can be configured to evaluate received chiller data and/or cluster data and evaluate and compile said data accordingly. For example, model manager710can be configured to sort and subsequently compile chiller data from cluster data in some embodiments or can also be configured to sort received data according to other variables such as data contents, time period, and data source, among other variables. Upon compiling chiller data and cluster data, model manager710can be configured to analyze, sort, and otherwise process the received data in a variety of ways. For example, model manager710may analyze received chiller data differently that received chiller cluster data. Additionally, model manager710can be configured to validate received data. In some embodiments, model manager710can generate models for chiller data and cluster data using the same or similar methods and techniques, while in some embodiments the methods and techniques for generating chiller models may be different than those for generating cluster models. Model manager710can also assess performance of the designated models, which can be a process that can be performed the same for chiller and/or cluster models or can be performed using different methods. In some embodiments, chiller models may be assessed, and upon completion of assessment, can be assigned to a cluster. Further, cluster models can also be assessed in some embodiments. Model manager710can label both chillers and clusters as good chillers, bad chillers, or good clusters, according to some embodiments. Good chillers can also be considered accurately predicting chillers, and good models can also be considered accurately predicting models, as models generated by such chillers can produce accurate predictions, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, good chillers (or accurately predicting chillers) can produce data used in the generation of good chiller models (or accurately predicting chiller models). Similarly, good clusters can, in some embodiments, include clusters of which collected data can be used to generate models that can accurately predict future activity of chillers and/or clusters. Good clusters can also be considered accurately predicting clusters and good cluster models can also be considered accurately predicting cluster models. Additionally, bad chillers can include chillers of which collected data cannot be used to generate models that can accurately predict future chiller activity. Bad chillers can also be considered fault chillers, as models generated by such chillers may not perform without fault. Model manager710can then deploy models that have been determined to perform sufficiently, with all models also being re-evaluated periodically. Model manager can be configured to accommodate user and/or operator preferences, such as optimizing specific parameters such as efficiency or output, among other parameters. Model manager710is shown to include a chiller cluster evaluator712. Chiller cluster evaluator712is shown to be in communication with chiller702and chiller cluster706, and receive chiller data and cluster data, respectively. Chiller cluster evaluator712may be in communication with a plurality of equipment similar to chiller702and/or a plurality of equipment clusters similar to chiller cluster706in some embodiments. Chiller cluster evaluator712may perform a variety of functions in some embodiments. For example, chiller cluster evaluator712may evaluate inputted data from chiller702and/or chiller cluster706and determine which data corresponds to chiller702and/or similar, and which data corresponds to chiller cluster706and/or similar, among other functions. Chiller cluster evaluator712may perform other functions that evaluate data based on origin in some embodiments. For example, chiller cluster evaluator712may evaluate inputted chiller data and chiller cluster data in order to evaluate other variables associated with inputted data, such as geographic location and time, among other possible variables. Chiller cluster evaluator712may also evaluate chiller data and chiller cluster data in order to store, sort, and/or otherwise process said data in order to prepare the data for further evaluation and analysis. Additionally, chiller cluster evaluator712is shown to be in communication with a data compiler714, according to some embodiments. Communication between chiller cluster evaluator712and data compiler714can include, for example, sorted data from both chiller702and chiller cluster706and/or other similar components. Model manager710is shown to include data compiler714. Data compiler714is shown to be in communication with chiller cluster evaluator712, as well as a training data evaluator716, according to some embodiments. Data compiler714can compile data communicated to and evaluated by chiller cluster evaluator712that can be received from chiller702and/or chiller cluster706, according to some embodiments. Data compiler714can also prepare data that may include chiller data and cluster data outputted by chiller702and chiller cluster706for analysis by training data evaluator716. For example, in some embodiments data compiler714can compile data from chiller702and chiller cluster706differently and/or separately in order to facilitate evaluation of said data by training data evaluator716. Additionally, data compiler714can compile data from multiple sources. For example, data compiler714may compile data from chiller702, as well as other equipment that may be similar to chiller702, and/or may also compile data from chiller cluster706as well as other equipment clusters that may be similar to chiller cluster706, according to some embodiments. Model manager710is shown to include training data evaluator716, according to an. Training data evaluator716is shown to be in communication with data compiler714, as well as a chiller model validator718and a cluster model validator720, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, training data evaluator716can receive an input from data compiler714. Data compiler714can input data that has been collected and compiled from chiller702and/or other similar equipment, as well as data that may have been collected and compiled from chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. Training data evaluator716can evaluate data inputted from data compiler714in a variety of ways. For example, training data evaluator716can determine which data received form data compiler714corresponds to chiller702and/or other similar equipment, and which data corresponds to chiller cluster706and/or similar equipment clusters. Training data evaluator716can also prepare data received from data compiler714to be communicated to chiller model validator718and chiller model validator720, according to some embodiments. For example, training data evaluator716can evaluate data received from data compiler714in order to prepare data initially collected by chiller702and/or other similar equipment to be communicated to chiller model validator718and can also prepare data initially collected by chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters to be communicated to cluster model validator720, according to some embodiments. Model manager710is shown to include chiller model validator718and cluster model validator720, according to some embodiments. Additionally, both chiller model validator718and cluster model validator720can be in communication with and receive an input from training data evaluator716and can also be in communication with historical operational data722. Chiller model validator718and cluster model validator720can operate in a variety of ways. For example, chiller model validator718can receive data from training data evaluator716that has been evaluated and determined to have originated from chiller702and/or other similar equipment. Chiller model validator718can then compare data from chiller702and/or other similar equipment to historical operational data722, which may include data previously collected from chiller702and/or other similar equipment. Chiller model validator718can then determine the validity of data received from training data evaluator716, which may include determining if said data received from training data evaluator716accurately represents activity of chiller702and/or other similar equipment. Similarly, cluster model validator720can receive data from training data evaluator716that has been evaluated and determined to have originated from chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. Cluster model validator720can then compare data from chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters to historical operational data722, which can include data previously collected from chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. In some embodiments, cluster model validator720can then determine the validity of data received from training data evaluator716, which can include determining if said data received from training data evaluator716accurately represents activity of chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. It should also be noted that chiller model validator718may receive data from training data evaluator716that may originate from chiller702and/or a plurality of similar equipment, and cluster model validator720may similarly receive training data from training data evaluator716that may originate from chiller cluster706and/or a plurality of similar equipment clusters, according to some embodiments. It should also be noted that historical operational data722can include data originating from chiller702and/or a plurality of other similar equipment and can also include data originating from chiller cluster706and/or a plurality of other similar equipment clusters. Historical operational data722can vary in some embodiments, and parameters of historical operational data722including quantity and time period can also vary according to some embodiments. Model manager710is shown to include a prediction performance assessor724, according to some embodiments. Prediction performance assessor724is shown to be in communication with chiller model validator718as well as cluster model validator720, according to some embodiments. Prediction performance assessor724can receive an input from both chiller model validator718as well as cluster model validator720. Prediction performance assessor724can also assess the ability of the chiller data and cluster data validated by chiller model validator718and cluster model validator720to predict events that may occur for chiller702and/or other similar equipment, as well as chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. For example, some chiller data may be validated by chiller model validator718, which may indicate that the data and corresponding model is a valid representation of normal activity of chiller702and/or other similar equipment. Prediction performance assessor724may then assess the ability of the data and the corresponding (now validated) model to predict various events known to occur with chiller702and/or other similar equipment. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to predict a shutdown of chiller702and/or other similar equipment prior to the shutdown occurring, in which case prediction performance assessor724may assess the validated data and corresponding for the ability to accurately predict a shutdown of chiller702and/or other similar equipment. Prediction performance assessor724can also perform similar assessment functions for data and corresponding models received from cluster model validator720and assess the ability of said data and models to predict events in chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters, such as shutdowns. Model manager710is shown to include a cluster assigner726. Cluster assigner726is shown to be in communication with prediction performance assessor724, according to some embodiments. Additionally, chiller model validator718is also shown to be in communication with cluster assigner726, according to some embodiments. Cluster assigner726can operate so as to assign single chillers, which may include chiller702and/or other similar equipment, to a cluster such as chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment cluster. For example, in the event that chiller model validator718determines that data and the corresponding model for a chiller such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment in invalid, said chiller can be assigned by cluster assigner726to a cluster such as chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. The assignment of said chiller to a cluster by cluster assigner726may allow for the chiller to operate as a part of a cluster such as cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters and thus become integrated with a validated cluster model of the assigned cluster. Cluster assigner726can also assign a chiller such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment to a plurality of clusters such as chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment clusters. Model manager710is shown to include a list of bad chillers728, a list of good chillers730, and a list of good clusters732. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, good chillers and good clusters such as those of list of good chillers730and list of good clusters732can be referred to as accurately predicting chillers, accurately predicting clusters, normal chillers, and normal clusters, which is to say that accurately predicting chillers and accurately predicting clusters can be synonymous to good chillers and good clusters. Further, accurately predicting chillers and accurately predicting clusters can also correspond to the generation of accurately predicting models, according to some embodiments. It should also be noted that good chillers and good clusters can also be referred to as non-fault chillers and non-fault clusters, according to some embodiments. Similarly, it should be noted that, in some embodiments, bad chillers such as those of list of bad chillers728can be referred to as inaccurately predicting chillers and abnormal chillers, which is to say that inaccurately predicting chillers and abnormal chillers can be synonymous to bad chillers. It should also be noted that inaccurately predicting chillers can also be referred to as fault chillers, according to some embodiments. Further, inaccurately predicting chillers can correspond to the generation of inaccurately predicting models, according to some embodiments. List of bad chillers728, list of good chillers730, and list of good clusters732are also shown to be in communication with prediction performance assessor724, according to some embodiments. List of bad chillers728can correspond to a list of chillers, such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment, that has been determined to fail to meet established criteria. For example, if the data collected from a chiller such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment is deficient in that it does not accurately represent behavior of the chiller and/or is unable to aid in predicting future events of said chiller, then that chiller may be added to list of bad chillers728, according to some embodiments. List of bad chillers728can include a plurality of chillers such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment and can also be dynamic in that chillers may be added and removed from the list periodically. List of good chillers730can also be in communication with prediction performance assessor724, according to some embodiments. A chiller such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment may be added to list of good chillers730because the chiller may provide sufficient data that accurately represents the behavior of the chiller and/or it may aid in the prediction of future events of said chiller and/or other similar chillers. For example, if a chiller such as chiller702and/or other similar equipment may produce data indicative of normal behavior of the chiller that may contribute to efforts to predict chiller events such as possible future shutdowns, said chiller may be added to list of good chillers728. Similar to list of bad chillers728, list of good chillers730is dynamic in that chillers can be added and/or removed depending on circumstances and embodiments. List of good clusters732is also shown to be in communication with prediction performance assessor724, according to some embodiments. A cluster such as chiller cluster706and/or other similar equipment cluster may be added to list of good clusters732because the cluster can provide sufficient data that accurately represents the behavior of the cluster and/or it may aid in the prediction of future events of said cluster and/or other similar clusters. Similar to both list of bad chillers728and list of good chillers730, list of good clusters732is dynamic in that clusters may be added and/or removed according to some embodiments. Model manager710is shown to include a connected chiller service734. Connected chiller service734is shown to be in communication with list of good chillers730as well as list of good clusters734, according to some embodiments. Connected chiller service734can include all chillers and clusters that have been assessed by prediction performance assessor724, and subsequently added to list of good chillers730and list of good clusters732, according to some embodiments. Connected chiller service734can be connected to a plurality of chillers and clusters such as chiller702and chiller cluster706, respectively, with the connected chillers and clusters potentially being in a plurality of locations. Connected chiller service734can also compile data and corresponding models for both chillers and clusters that have been validated by chiller model validator718and cluster model720, respectively. Data and models compiled by connected chiller service734can include models for specific chillers and/or clusters of which the performance has been assessed by prediction performance assessor724, according to some embodiments. Assessed data and models of connected chiller service734may be assessed for the ability to predict possible future events of chillers and/or clusters, such as shutdowns. Connected chiller service734can also include data and models that have been assessed and determined to be good models for specific chillers and/or clusters, as well as data and models that may have been assessed and determined to be good models for general chillers and/or clusters. Model manager710is shown to include a periodic evaluator736. Periodic evaluator736is shown to be in communication with list of bad chillers728, as well as connected chiller service734, according to some embodiments. Periodic evaluator736can perform a number of functions, which can depend on the chiller and/or cluster and the corresponding model and data to be evaluated. For example, periodic evaluator736can evaluate a specific set of chiller data and the corresponding model for the ability to accurately predict events of one or more chillers, such as a shutdown. Periodic evaluator736can also incorporate other operational data into such an evaluation, such as data from previous shutdowns as well as other available chiller operational data. Periodic evaluator736can also contribute to the dynamic nature of list of bad chillers728, list of good chillers730, and list of good clusters732, according to some embodiments. For example, if periodic evaluator736is configured to evaluate chiller and/or cluster models on a monthly basis, such evaluations may account for operational data for relevant chillers and clusters that has been collected since the most recent period evaluation. As such, periodic evaluator736can determine that data and the corresponding model collected from a previously good chiller has not recently been effective in predicting future events of that chiller and/or similar chillers and may reassign such a chiller to list of bad chillers728. Similarly, a chiller with data and a corresponding model that was previously ineffective in predicting future events of said chiller and/or other chillers may now produce new data and a new corresponding model that is now effective in predicating future events of the chiller and/or other chillers, with said chiller being reassigned by periodic evaluator736to list of good chillers730. It should also be noted that periodic evaluator736can evaluate chillers and clusters based on a number of different parameters, as well as based on chiller data and cluster data collected from chiller sensors704of chiller702and chiller cluster sensors708of chiller cluster706, according to some embodiments. Such parameters that may be evaluated by periodic evaluator736can include input and output quantities, consumption quantities, efficiency metrics, as well as other possible parameters that may indicate performance and activity of chillers and clusters such as chiller702and chiller cluster706. Referring now toFIG.7B, a process740of chiller evaluation is shown. Steps of process740may be performed by some and/or all of the components ofFIG.7A, which shows system700. Process740can be applied to a single chiller and/or piece of equipment, such as chiller702, and/or multiple pieces of equipment similar to and/or thereof. Similarly, process740can also be performed for a chiller cluster and/or equipment cluster, such as chiller cluster706ofFIG.7A, and/or multiple equipment clusters similar to and/or thereof. It should be noted that process740may include additional steps, different steps, or otherwise modified steps from those seen in the process740inFIG.7B. In step742, chiller sensors704and chiller cluster sensors708collect chiller data and chiller cluster data, respectively. Additionally, step742may include both chiller data and chiller cluster data, only chiller data, or only cluster data, according to some embodiments. Data collected in step742may also vary, but may include input and output quantities, consumption quantities, and efficiency metrics, as well as other possible data. Collected data of step742can also be evaluated by a component the same as or similar to chiller cluster evaluator712in some embodiments. Chiller cluster evaluator712can serve to sort and otherwise organize data, as well as perform other functions in some embodiments. In step744, process740compiles the chiller data and the chiller cluster data of step742to be prepared for validation. Compilation of chiller data and chiller cluster data in step744can be performed by data compiler714ofFIG.7Aand/or a similar component, according to some embodiments. Additionally, similar to step742, step744can include compiling solely chiller data, solely chiller cluster data, or a combination of the two. Further, the preparation of the aforementioned chiller data and/or chiller cluster data for validation can be done in various ways. For example, in some embodiments preparation for validation may include chronologically organizing data, while some embodiments may include organizing the data according to source, while some embodiments may include alternative data preparation. In step746, process740trains and validates generated models. In some embodiments, models can be trained and validated based on chiller data and chiller cluster data and can also incorporate historical operational data722. The training and validation of the models can be the same or different based on the incorporation of chiller data and/or cluster data. For example, step746may include training and validating single chiller models using data that has been collected from single chillers rather than chiller clusters, with the same being true for and historical operational data722that may be implemented. Similarly, step746may include training and validating chiller cluster models using data that has been collected from chiller clusters rather than single chillers, with the same being true for any historical operational data722that may be incorporated in the training and validating processes. Training processes can be different for single chiller models and chiller cluster models in some embodiments. For example, machine learning, deep learning, and transfer learning techniques implemented in the training of single chiller models may be the same as, similar to, or different from the machine learning, deep learning, and transfer learning techniques used in training chiller cluster models. Further, various validation methods can be used for both validating single chiller models and chiller cluster models. In step748, process740assesses performance of models and categorizing chillers and chiller clusters and making cluster, according to some embodiments. Step748can include prediction performance assessor724, as well as cluster assigner726ofFIG.7A, according to some embodiments. Performance of models in step742can be analyzed using various means, methods and techniques, which may vary in some embodiments. For example, models associated with chiller training data can be analyzed differently than models associated with chiller cluster training data, according to some embodiments. Further, assignment of chillers to clusters can vary depending on various factors including user and/or operator preferences. In some embodiments, performance assessment techniques may be variable, and as such so too may list of bad chillers728, list of good chillers730, and list of good clusters732ofFIG.7A. In step750, process740is shown to include sending training data and corresponding models for good chillers and good clusters to connected chiller service. As mentioned with step748above, chillers and chiller clusters designated as good chillers and good chiller clusters can vary. Similarly, the models thereof included in step750can also vary according to some embodiments in terms of which chillers and/or chiller clusters can have corresponding training data and models sent to a component the same or similar to connected chiller service734ofFIG.7A, according to some embodiments. As such, connected chiller service of step750can vary, for example including solely chiller training data and models in some embodiments, including solely chiller cluster training data and models in some embodiments, and including both chiller and chiller cluster training data and models in some embodiments. In step752, process740is shown to include periodically evaluating all bad chillers, good chillers, and good chiller clusters according to some embodiments. Chillers and chiller clusters that can be designated as good or bad can vary. Additionally, all bad chillers, good chillers, and good chiller clusters can be periodically evaluated and/or re-evaluated using steps similar to those of process for chiller evaluation740. Further, the methods and/or techniques that can be used for periodic evaluation and re-evaluation of bad chillers, good chillers, and good chiller clusters, as wells as their associated training data and models, can vary according to some embodiments and can also vary according to user and/or operator preference. Also, step752of process740can be the final step of process for chiller evolution740, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, process740may be cyclical, which is to say that some or all of the steps seen inFIG.7Bmay be repeated multiple times. Referring now toFIG.7C, a flow diagram of a process760for model training and evaluation is shown. It should be noted that the flow diagram seen inFIG.7Ccan include one or more steps and/or processes that may be similar to and/or performed by the components ofFIGS.7A-B, according to some embodiments.FIG.7Cis shown to include both single chillers and cluster chillers, as well as an initial evaluation to determine, identify, and/or sort single chillers from cluster chillers, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, all existing chillers of interest are known, with said chillers then identified as being either single chillers or part of a chiller cluster. Depending on whether chillers are identified as single chillers or cluster chillers, model training and evaluation can occur differently. Process760is shown to include all existing chillers of interest762, for which process for model training and evaluation760also includes single chiller training and model evaluation, similar to steps742and744ofFIG.7B, according to some embodiments. In the instance that single chillers are identified in the initial step of model evaluation, a determination can then be made as to whether training data is available by a data identification764, which is similar to step746ofFIG.7B, according to some embodiments. If a determination can be made that training data is not available, a single chiller may be allocated to a cluster for which one or more models are available, similar to step748ofFIG.7B, according to some embodiments. Should training data be available, machine learning, deep learning and/or transfer learning may be applied by a chiller model training772in order to generate and or train one or more models for a single chiller, with historic chiller operational data770being incorporated as well according to some embodiments. Once one or more models for a single chiller have been generated, model performance may then be evaluated by a chiller performance evaluation774. In the instance that the performance and prediction capabilities of the one or more models is deemed to be acceptable, and similar to step750ofFIG.7B, the one or more models can then undergo a good chiller identification782and can be stored with other identified good models as part of a connected chiller service778, which can be similar to connected chiller service734ofFIG.7A. Other chillers may undergo a bad chiller identification784. In some embodiments, good models for single chillers can be stored in connected chiller service778and used to a shutdown prediction790, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, in the instance that the performance and prediction capabilities of the one or more models is not deemed to be acceptable, the one or more models can then undergo a periodic evaluation780, similar to step752ofFIG.7B, and the corresponding chillers may be allocated to a list of bad chillers. In the instance that the single chiller is deemed to be a bad chiller, it may be subject to periodic evaluation780as such. Process760is shown to include cluster chiller training and model evaluation as well as single chiller model training and evaluation. Following the identification of cluster chillers rather than a single chiller, a cluster evaluation766can implement a clustering algorithm, similar to steps744and746ofFIG.7B. A new chiller addition788may also be incorporated into a cluster, according to some embodiments. Machine learning, deep learning, and/or transfer learning may then be implemented by a cluster model training768in order to train cluster chiller models. Historic chiller operational data770may also be incorporated, according to some embodiments. Cluster chiller models may then be evaluated by a cluster performance evaluation776for acceptable performance and prediction capabilities, similar to steps748and750ofFIG.7B, according to some embodiments. In the instance that performance and prediction capabilities are not verified and deemed unacceptable, cluster chillers may be listed for cluster membership, and may then undergo periodic re-evaluation as such, according to some embodiments. In the instance that model performance and prediction capabilities are deemed to be acceptable and are verified, cluster chiller models may be stored in connected chiller service778and used to generate a shutdown prediction790of for shutdown events, similar to step750ofFIG.7B, according to some embodiments. Models deemed to have acceptable performance and prediction capabilities may also be subject to periodic evaluation780and re-training as well, similar to step752ofFIG.7B. Adaptive Model Selection with Optimal Hyper-Parameters for Anomaly Detection of Connected Chillers Referring now toFIG.8A, a system for model training and selection800is shown. System800may be configured to train a plurality of different models for a variety of different equipment, similar to chiller702and chiller cluster706ofFIG.7A. Additionally, system800may also be configured to continuously and/or adaptively train machine learning and deep learning models corresponding to both chiller702and chiller cluster706ofFIG.7A, which is to say that system800may be configured to train single-chiller and multiple-chiller models based on available historic training data. System800may also implement hyper-parameter tuning of machine learning and/or deep learning models in order to identify and select well-performing models for deployment for connected chiller services, which may be similar to connected chiller service734ofFIG.7A. Also, system800may also be configured to continuously and/or adaptively re-evaluate and re-train well-performing models as well as poorly performing models, according to some embodiments. This re-evaluating and re-training may involve the implementation and analysis of cluster models, as well as the use of hyper-parameters for tuning purposes. Recently accumulated historic training data may also be a component of the re-evaluation and re-training process that may be performed by system800, which may also include updating event detection models. That is to say that as operational data is accumulated, this data may be implemented in re-evaluation and re-training of models in order to improve the prediction of future events of components such as chiller702and/or chiller cluster706such that shutdowns, faults, and other possible events may be more accurately predicted. Additionally, system for model training and selection may also include transfer learning as one possible means of best training models. For example, system800may allow for data and corresponding single-chiller models to be applied to clustered-chiller models, and vice-versa. System800may also implement machine learning and/or deep learning practices in conjunction with transfer learning practices, for example applying weights and biases of a deep neural network model. System800may also lead to an increased accuracy of fault prediction models for chiller702and chiller cluster706ofFIG.7A, which may include connected chillers and/or connected chiller services such as connected chiller service734also ofFIG.7A, according to some embodiments. An increase in prediction accuracy for events that may occur for any possible connected chillers and/or other equipment may include many benefits to operators. For example, accurately predicting an event such as a shutdown for a component such as a chiller may allow operators to reduce equipment down time, thus reducing operational costs. Additionally, this may lead to a reduction in possible maintenance costs in the instance that operators may be able to optimize the scheduling of chiller maintenance services. Prediction of equipment events including shutdowns may also allow for reduced repair costs, with appropriately scheduled maintenance possibly reducing the likelihood of emergency maintenance being required. Prediction of possible equipment events may also allow for operators to improve customer service, as well as potentially extend the possible lifespan of equipment. Another possible advantage that may result from the implementation of system800is an overall increased revenue for the operator of the equipment, with accurate predictions allowing for ideal operation of subsequent equipment. System800is shown to include a chiller802, which is in turn shown to include chiller sensors804. Chiller802is also shown to be in communication with a current operational data compiler808, which is included in a trainer806, according to some embodiments. Chiller sensors804of chiller802may be positioned, on, within, or adjacent to chiller802, and may also be configured to collect a variety of data. For example, chiller sensors804may collect data that includes input and output values, duration of operations, efficiency metrics, as well as other possible data pertaining to chiller802and/or the operation thereof. Chiller802may be a single unit that operates a system, or may be part of a collection of components, possibly a cluster, with chiller802possible being the same, similar to, or different than other components of said collection. Chiller802may also have specific attributes that vary. For example, chiller location, orientation, size, capacity, age, and other factors may vary and as such, data collected by chiller sensors804may also vary depending on both the specific attributes and characteristics of chiller802. Chiller sensors804may collect data, and may also store, sort, and communicate data with other components that may exist within system800. System800is shown to include trainer806. Trainer806is shown to include several components, according to some embodiments. Trainer806can also aid in the implementation of some and/or all of the deep learning and machine learning techniques discussed above that components of system800collectively implement. For example, while chiller sensors804collect data for chiller802, the analysis of collected data as well as subsequent re-evaluation and re-training of existing models may be performed at least in part by trainer806. Trainer806may operate iteratively and may also operate on a predetermined and/or variable cycle for occur. Trainer806may also include some, all, and/or different components than those seen inFIG.8A, and such variations in components may depend on variables including specifics of chiller802, chiller sensors804, as well as other possible factors. Trainer806can implement different training methods and techniques, which may depend on a variety of factors. For example, training a single chiller model may involve processes that may be the same and/or different than processes used in training a chiller cluster model. Further, training practices and procedures may vary according to the incorporation of chiller data. For example, training a single chiller model may not involve the use of any chiller cluster data, while training a chiller cluster model may require the implementation of single chiller data. In some embodiments, historical operational data722or similar may be incorporated into the processes of trainer806. For example, historical operational data722or similar may contain data from a critical event for which a single chiller model and/or chiller cluster models must be trained to predict. Trainer806may also implement historical operational data722or similar for a variety of different time frames and scenarios. For example, some historical operational data722or similar may become obsolete by means of installation of new chillers, new chiller and/or chiller cluster models, as well as other means. Trainer806, in some embodiments, can determine historical operational data722or similar relevant to specific chillers, as well as specific chiller and/or chiller cluster models in order to train models as accurately as possible. Further, the training processes of trainer806can include machine learning, deep learning, and transfer learning techniques similar to those used by various models for prediction. Trainer806may also implement hyper-parameters in the training of both single chiller and chiller cluster models. In some embodiments, each model for single chillers and/or chiller clusters has a set of hyper-parameters that can be tuned in order to adjust model accuracy. As such, trainer806may train models with multiple sets of hyper-parameters in order to evaluate the predictions of the models with the various different sets of hyper-parameters applied. In some embodiments in which machine learning and/or deep learning and/or transfer learning models may be used in the generation of predictions such as the application of single chiller models and cluster chiller models, hyper-parameter iteration can be critical to the accuracy of model predictions. As such, trainer806can be configured to perform iterative hyper-parameter processes in order to maximize the accuracy of the predictions generated by the machine learning, deep learning, and transfer learning models of the single chiller and chiller cluster models, according to some embodiments. Trainer806is shown to include current operational data compiler808. Current operational data compiler808is shown to be in communication with a daily shutdown predictor810, according to some embodiments. Current operational data compiler808may also be in communication with chiller802and chiller sensors804thereof, which may allow for data collected by chiller sensors804relating to chiller802to be communicated to current operational data compiler808. Such data that may be communicated from chiller802to current operational data compiler808may include usage details, input and output quantities, efficiency metrics, as well as other possible data pertaining to chiller802as it operates. That is to say that the data communicated from chiller802to current operational data compiler808may not impact the immediate re-evaluation and re-training of models that may be performed as a part of trainer806and subsequently system for model training808. Trainer806is shown to include daily shutdown predictor810. Daily shutdown predictor810is shown to be in communication with current operational data compiler808, as well as a data updater826and a period updater828, according to some embodiments. Daily shutdown predictor810can, through communication with current operational data compiler808, receive current operational data so as to provide a basis for the generation of a daily shutdown prediction, according to some embodiments. For example, daily shutdown predictor810may receive current operational data from current operational data compiler808, which can impact a daily shutdown prediction generated by current operational data compiler808, according to some embodiments. Daily shutdown predictor810can generate various daily shutdown predictions, with said predictions variable based on current operational data received from current operational data compiler808, as well as the specifics of chiller802and the data collected by chiller sensors804, which may vary according to some embodiments. Trainer806is also shown to include data updater826. Data updater826is also shown to be in communication with daily shutdown predictor810, according to some embodiments. As such, data updater826can receive daily shutdown predictions that have been generated by daily shutdown predictor810, and may update data accordingly, according to some embodiments. Data updater826can update a variety of data upon the receipt of daily shutdown predictions from daily shutdown predictor810, with the data that may be updated to include data and corresponding models that may be analyzed and implemented in the re-evaluation and re-training of chillers such as chiller802, for example. Data updater826can also update general data with daily shutdown predictions, which may subsequently allow for analysis of daily shutdown predictions in relation to data collected by chiller sensors804. That is to say that data updater826may update a variety of data, which may allow for the comparison and accuracy evaluation of daily shutdown predictions generated by daily shutdown predictor810in relation to data collected by chiller sensors804. Data updater826may also update other stored data to include the most recently collected data that may enable further analysis of models in use for the training, possibly through transfer learning, machine learning, and/or deep learning, of chillers such as chiller802, for example. Trainer806is shown to include period updater828. Period updater828is shown to be in communication with data updater826, according to some embodiments. Period updater828may update a variety of components of trainer806relative to new data that has been collected and subsequently updated by data updater826, according to some embodiments. For example, after current operational data compiler808has collected data from chiller sensors804, with the data having then been processed by daily shutdown predictor810and updated by data updater826, period updater828may update data used in the generation, training, and evaluation of new models as well as the re-evaluation and re-training of existing models. Further, period updater828may also provide an indication to components of trainer806that recently collected data relates to a specified, period. For example, if a shutdown event were to occur in chiller802, period updater828may indicate that data collected during the shutdown event of chiller802pertains to a specific period and may also indicate specific start and end points to such a period. It should also be noted that the components updated by period updater828may include components of trainer806seen in some embodiments. Trainer806is shown to include a past operational data compiler812. Past operational data compiler812is shown to be in communication with a model generator814, according to some embodiments. Past operational data compiler812may compile operations data that spans a set time period, with said time period depending on other attributes of trainer806, as well as system800. For example, in the instance of a relatively recently installed chiller such as chiller802, chiller sensors804may not have collected sufficient data to be compiled by past operational data compiler812, in which case past operational data compiler812may include data collected from other chillers the same as and/or similar to chiller802. Past operational data compiler812may also prepare compiled data for analysis and application by model generator814, such as creating data sets that may be for specific time periods, or sorting data based on possible chiller events that may have occurred during the time period for which the data was collected, according to some embodiments. In some instances, a customer and/or operator of system800may select specific occurrences which may be found in past operational data that may be identified by past Trainer806is shown to include a hyper-parameter iterator814. Hyper-parameter iterator814is shown to be in communication with past operational data compiler812, according to some embodiments. As such, hyper-parameter iterator814can be configured to receive an input from past operational data compiler812. In some embodiments, chiller shutdown prediction models can be generated, tuned, and/or trained based on a choice of hyper-parameter. Hyper-parameter iterator814can be configured to select, determine and/or identify a hyper-parameter from a set of multiple hyper-parameters through which hyper-parameter iterator814may iterate. According to the selection of hyper-parameter by hyper-parameter iterator814, appropriate corresponding models may be generated by model generator816, according to some embodiments. Generated models may each have a set of hyper-parameters that require tuning in order for the model to operate optimally. As such, developing machine learning, deep learning, and transfer learning models useful in prediction can be dependent on the corresponding sets of hyper-parameters for the models. In some embodiments, hyper-parameter iterator814can train multiple models with different sets of hyper-parameters in order to determine which set of hyper-parameters produces the most accurate predictions for each model. Further, in some embodiments this may be an iterative process. Determination of hyper-parameters may be involve analyzed function of equipment such as chiller802and may also include user and/or operator preferences. Hyper-parameters implemented by hyper-parameter iterator814may vary in some embodiments. In some embodiments hyper-parameters may incorporate data collected from chiller sensors804of chiller802, or another similarly configured chiller with sensing equipment. For example, if W indicates a hyper-parameter, then W can take values such as W=30 days, W=365 days, and/or W=‘All Data’. It should be also noted that multiple hyper-parameters and models can exist for a single chiller such as chiller802, according to some embodiments. Trainer806is shown to include model generator816. In some embodiments, model generator816may be configured to receive one or more hyper-parameters from hyper-parameter iterator814, which can be in communication with model generator816. Model generator816can be dependent on a number of factors, including chiller data and hyper-parameters, that impact the generation of models that may apply machine learning and deep learning concepts, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, for example, model generator816may generate multiple models for each set time period for which data is available. These models generated may be done so based on one or more hyper-parameters which may be made available to model generator816, which may be a component of and made available to trainer806, according to some embodiments. Models generated by model generator816may be based on training data, with the data possibly having been collected by chiller sensors804of chiller802, or a similar structure. Model generator816may generate models just relevant to chiller802in some embodiments or may generate a model or models applicable to a plurality of chillers the same as and/or similar to chiller802. Some models generated by model generator816can include machine learning models, which more specifically can include Multivariate Gaussian Modeling (MVG) and Graphical Gaussian Modeling (GGM). Similarly, some models generated by model generator814can include deep learning models, which more specifically can include Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) with Autoencoder and Variational Autoencoder (VAE) configurations. Additionally, model generator816may also construct different models for different scenarios, with possible preferences and specifications for desired models to be indicated by an operator with model generator816thus accounting for preferred variables and other potential factors. Trainer806is shown to include a model evaluator818. Model evaluator818is shown to be in communication with model generator816, according to some embodiments. Model evaluator818, through communication with model generator816, may receive one or more models that have been trained using one or more hyper-parameters, according to some embodiments. Model evaluator818may receive multiple models from model generator816that have been trained for a given time period. Also, model evaluator818may employ one or more algorithms to evaluate models, according to some embodiments. Algorithms implemented by model evaluator818on models received from model generator816may be configured to evaluate said models without using any test data. In some instances, the use of test data (artificially generated data that has not been collected from real equipment) may impair the training and eventual operation of models. Model evaluator818may ultimately evaluate a plurality of models using a variety of techniques and may also use said techniques and other algorithms to ultimately select one or more models from the set of received models based on evaluation results. Trainer806is shown to include a model selector820. Model selector820is shown to be in communication with model evaluator818, according to some embodiments. Model selector820may select models based on varying statistics calculated depending on the nature of the data received from model evaluator818, according to some embodiments. For example, if training data includes a fault such as a shutdown, model selector820may select based on a measure of area under the curve (AUC) calculated under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) for the given model. In some instances, a larger area under the curve may correspond to better model performance than a lesser area under the curve. Further, in the instance that faults such as shutdowns were not present in training data, model selector820can use a measure of a probability density function (PDF). The measure of the probability density function can indicate how well a model has learned normal behavior and can be calculated in multiple ways. Some calculation methods can include assigning equal weight to all points of a given training period for which a model is trained, while other calculation methods can assign weights to different points within the time period of the training data so as to prioritize a specific time. The measure of the probability density function may then have a standard deviation for which an inverse thereof can be calculated, with the standard deviation normalized by mean. The calculated values for both the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics and the inverse of the standard deviation normalized by mean of the measure of the probability density function can be indicative of how well a model has learned normal behavior. Also, it should be noted that for models trained with data deficient of a shutdown, ROC may not be able to be calculated, thus necessitating the determination of the measure of the probability density function. Additionally, in the selection of models performed by model selector820, probability measures may be analyzed regardless of the presence or lack thereof of a shutdown in training data. Model selector820can be configured to analyze the calculations performed by model evaluator818in order to determine and select the best model. In some embodiments, the calculated value of the area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic which can be calculated for data including shutdowns can be compared to the calculated value of the inverse of the standard deviation normalized by mean for the measure of the probability density function which can be calculated for data that does not include shutdowns. Model selector820can then compare the calculated values of the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics and the inverse of the standard deviation normalized by mean of the measure of the probability density function. In some embodiments, model selector820can be configured to select the model with the greatest value when the calculated values of the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics and the inverse of the standard deviation normalized by mean of the measure of the probability density function are compared. That is to say that, according to some embodiments, model selector820is configured to select the greatest calculated value of either the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics or the inverse of the standard deviation normalized by mean of the measure of the probability density function, with the selection of the greatest value corresponding to the selection of a best performing model. Trainer806is shown to include a threshold selector822. Threshold selector822is shown to be in communication with daily shutdown predictor810, according to some embodiments. Threshold selector822is also shown to receive one or more selected models from model selector820, according to some embodiments. The threshold selection of threshold selector822may be performed on one or more models to have been determined to have the best hyper-parameter set. Additionally, the selected threshold of the aforementioned selection process of threshold selector822may involve a p-measure needed to achieve a desired operating point. In some embodiments, the p-measure for any point in a training period can be a function of the probability of that point being anomalous (non-normal), as calculated by a chosen model. The operating point to be selected may vary according to user and/or operator preference, among other variable factors. The selection of a threshold by threshold selector822may be expressed in terms of a false positive, i.e. false positive should be below 2/365. It should also be noted that in the event that calculation of the ROC is possible, a threshold may be able to be selected by threshold selector822directly on the ROC to achieve a given operating point. Conversely, in the event that ROC may not be available, estimation may be performed by threshold selector822in terms of probability distribution of the p-measure with the threshold possibly being expressed as a percentile point on the distribution, i.e. the 95th percentile of the p-measure evaluated. Further, time-series modeling can also be performed on the p-measure in order to forecast p-measures for all time points within a given test window, and a threshold can be determined based on a predictive series. It should also be noted that threshold selector822may employ a variety of means, including those details above as well as other possible means and methods in order to determine and possibly set a desired threshold which may be determined by a number of inputs and/or factors. Trainer806is shown to include an operating point generator824. Operating point generator824is shown to be in communication with threshold selector822, according to some embodiments. Operating point generator824may be subject to user and/or operator preference. For example, a user and/or operator may have specific preferences in terms of the operation of chiller802, for example. As such, models generated, trained, and selected by components of trainer806may have constraints and/or operating points tied to the models implemented in the form of thresholds, such as thresholds determined by threshold selector822. That is to say that, in the process of threshold selector822determining, selecting, and implementing a threshold, operating point generator824may influence the aforementioned process of threshold selector822, according to some embodiments. Operating point generator824may also vary, for example the preferences of one user and/or operator may differ greatly from another, in which case some embodiments may carry substantially different activity of operating point generator824and subsequently different activity and results of threshold selector822. It should also be noted that both operating point generator824and threshold selector822may operate simultaneously and may also operate so as to determine multiple operating points and thresholds simultaneously, depending on circumstances. Referring now toFIG.8B, a process for model training840is shown. It should be noted that process840and its component steps maybe performed by and/or related to components ofFIG.8A, according to some embodiments. Further, process840may be performed for one or more chillers. Additionally, process840may be performed iteratively and/or cyclically, which is to say that one or more chillers and their associated training data and corresponding models me experience parts of or process840in its entirety multiple times. Process840may also be performed with additional steps or with slight modifications according to some embodiments. In step842, process840is shown to include collecting data from chiller sensors and separating past operational data from current operational. Both current operation data and past operational data of step842may have been collected by chiller sensors804of chiller802. Further, both past operational data and current operational data may include various data such as input and output quantities, efficiency metrics, usage values, among other data and as such may be organized, sorted, and or separated in various ways. Additionally, past operational data and current operational data may be compiled and or otherwise acted upon by past operational data complier812and/or current operational data compiler808or similar, both ofFIG.8A, according to some embodiments. In step844, process840is shown to include generating models based on past operational data. Step844of process840can be performed by model generator814ofFIG.8Aor another similar component, according to some embodiments. Further, step844may be performed differently depending on various factors. For example, past operational data for which a model is to be generated may contain data for different time periods (i.e. epochs), according to some embodiments. As such, models may be generated using different methods and or techniques based on the time period for which the data was generated, among other variables such as contents of past operational data. Additionally, step844can also include generating models that implement various methods and techniques in predicting future events, with those methods and techniques including machine learning, deep learning, and transfer learning. In step846, process840is shown to include determining hyper-parameters for given models. Step846may vary according to user and/or operator preferences that may be incorporated into the determination of hyper-parameters. For example, in the instance that efficiency may by a primary concern for a user and/or operator, such concerns may correspond to a range for which hyper-parameters may exist, according to some embodiments. Further, determination of hyper-parameters may be performed by a component the same as or similar to hyper-parameter iterator814ofFIG.8A, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, generated models may have one or more sets of hyper-parameters that can be tuned in order to optimize accuracy of the models. In some embodiments, applying hyper-parameters correctly to machine learning and/or deep learning and/or transfer learning models can be a critical component of model performance. As such, step846may be performed iteratively, with different sets of hyper-parameters used to train multiple models in order to ultimately select hyper-parameters for each model that produce the most accurate predictions. In step848, process840is shown to include training generated models. Training generated models as seen in step848may include components the same as or similar to hyper-parameter iterator814and model generator816ofFIG.8A. Additionally, training of generated models may vary according to some embodiments. For example, given that past operational data on which models are based may vary, so too may techniques for model generation. In the instance that past operational data includes several large data sets and subsequently corresponds to several large models, the models may be trained using a different method or technique than for past operational data that includes shorter data sets, according to some embodiments. Further, generated models may be trained differently in some embodiments according to preferences of users and/or operators. That is to say that, in some embodiments, models may be trained according to user and/or operator preferences. For example, if a user and/or operator expressed a desire to optimize specific parameters for a system such as efficiency or output, models training of step848may be trained accordingly. In step850, process840is shown to include evaluating model performance and selecting best performing models. Step850may, in some embodiments, include components the same as or similar to model evaluator818and model selector824ofFIG.8A. Further, step850may vary in both the evaluation process as well as the selection process for generated and trained models. For example, in some instances models may have been generated using past operational data that included shutdown events, which may call for a specific evaluation method that may not be applicable to or effective for models generated using past operational data deficient of shutdowns. Step850may also vary according to embodiment in terms of model selection. In some embodiments, models may be evaluated mathematically. Further, models may be evaluated according to the process described for model evaluator818in which calculations are performed in order to evaluate models with the specific calculations dependent on the corresponding training data for a model. In some embodiments, a model with one or more shutdowns present in a training period can have a corresponding area under the curve found for generated receiver operating characteristics. Models that do not contain shutdowns in training data may be evaluated by calculating an inverse standard deviation normalized by mean for a measure of a probability density function, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the calculated area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics and the standard deviation normalized by mean for the measure of the probability density function may be compared, with the greatest value indicating the best performing model. In some embodiments in which a user and/or operator has preferences for model performance, such preferences can be incorporated into the model selection process in various ways. In step852, process840is shown to include generating and applying operating points to the selecting models. Step852can include operating point generator824ofFIG.8Aor similar, according to some embodiments. Step852may also vary according to various factors, among them application of user and/or operator preferences. For example, a user and/or operator may have defined performance expectations for chillers, in which case step852and the generation of operating points may be impacted by and also incorporate such preferences. Additionally, generation of operating points may depend on past operational data used in generating models, specific chillers that may be impacted, as well as other variables. In step854, process840is shown to include selecting thresholds based on calculations performed on models and corresponding data. Step854can include threshold selector822ofFIG.8Aor similar, according to some embodiments. Step854may also vary in terms of the methods and/or techniques implemented in selection of thresholds. For example, some models may have been generated using past operational data that included shutdowns, for which evaluation of projected model performance must be conducted differently than for models that may have been generated using past operational data that did not include shutdowns, according to some embodiments. Further, models for different chiller types may differ in configuration and may thus require different thresholds and thus different calculations of their associated models. Step854, as with other previous steps, may also incorporate user and/or operator preferences into the selection of thresholds. In step856, process840is shown to include applying thresholds and current operational data to daily shutdown predictions. Step856can include daily shutdown predictor810of theFIG.8Aor another similar component, according to some embodiments. Additionally, daily shutdown predictions can incorporate current operational data as well as past operational data. For example, both past operational data and current operational data may have been collected from chiller sensors804of chiller802inFIG.8A, or another similar component. Further, past operational data may be from various previous time periods, while current operational data may serve as an indication of more recent activity of chiller802or similar, according to some embodiments. Additionally, daily shutdown predictor may be configured to account for factors not included in past operational data, current operational data, or input from threshold selections. Such factors may include geographic location, planned activity for chiller802or similar, as well as other possible user and/or operator preferences that may further influence a possible shutdown. In step858, process840is shown to include updating data and corresponding period with shutdown predictions. Step858can include daily shutdown predictor810, as well as data updater826and period updater828or other similar components, according to some embodiments. Step858may also vary according to terms of the updating of data and period. For example, time periods for data collection and corresponding model generation may vary according to variables such as specifics of chiller802ofFIG.8Aor similar, as well as other possible user and/or operator preferences. Additionally, data updating may vary according to factors such as technical capabilities of equipment involved including memory and hard drive or cloud storage, for example, among other factors. Updating of shutdown predictions may also vary by embodiment for reasons the same as or similar to those above that may possible impact period updating and data updating, as well as other possible reasons such as network configuration, among other possible concerns. It should also be noted that, as the final step in process840, step858may not necessarily serve as a definitive end to such a process. In some embodiments, process840may be cyclical, iterative, or otherwise repeat some steps or all steps of process840. Referring now toFIG.8C, a flow diagram of a process for model training and evaluation870is shown. Process870can be similar to process840, according to some embodiments. The flow diagram ofFIG.8Cand process870therein may pertain to systems the same as and/or similar to those for which process840may apply. It should also be noted that, according to some embodiments, process870may be applied to systems such as that ofFIG.8Ain conjunction with process840. Process870is shown to include a receiving chiller operational data872. According to some embodiments, receiving chiller operational data872may be done for varying time periods (i.e. epochs), and also may contain a variety of different data. Receiving chiller operational data872may include collecting data from chiller802and chiller sensors804ofFIG.8A, according to some embodiments. Receiving chiller operational data872may also be the same as or similar to that of steps842and844ofFIG.8B, according to some embodiments. Receiving chiller operational data872may then include sending data for a hyper-parameter iteration 874, which may include components similar to hyper-parameter iterator814ofFIG.8Aand also similar to step846of process840, according to some embodiments. Further, process870is shown to include a model training876and a model evaluation878. Model training876and model evaluation878may receive include an input of data from receiving chiller operational data872and may also operate similar to model evaluator818ofFIG.8A. Additionally, model training876and model evaluation878may correspond to steps848and850of process840, according to some embodiments. Process870is shown to include a model selection880. Model selection880may be similar to model selector820ofFIG.8A, according to some embodiments, and may also relate to step850of process840ofFIG.8B. Process870is also shown to include a threshold selection882, according to some embodiments. Threshold selection882may include components similar to threshold selector822ad operating point generator824ofFIG.8A. Further, threshold selection882may be similar to step854of process840ofFIG.8B, according to some embodiments. Process870is also shown to include a shutdown prediction884. In some embodiments, shutdown prediction884may relate to daily shutdown predictor810ofFIG.8A. Additionally, shutdown prediction884may also relate to step856of process840as seen inFIG.8B. Process870is also shown to include a data update886. Data update886can relate to data updater826as well as period updater828ofFIG.8Aand may also correspond to step858of process840ofFIG.8B, according to some embodiments. Data update886can serve as the final step in process for model training an evaluation in some embodiments. However, process870may by dynamic and may also operate cyclically with some blocks and other components thereof involved in process870multiple times. Automatic Model Threshold Selection for Anomaly Detection of Connected Chillers Referring now toFIG.9A, a threshold system900is shown. System900may include a number of other components, such as those seen inFIG.9A, although components of system900may vary according to some embodiments. System900can also operate in series, in parallel, and/or in conjunction with the components of system700ofFIG.7A, as well as system800ofFIG.8A, according to some embodiments. It should also be noted that system900may operate in conjunction with a variety of different equipment including but not limited to chiller702and chiller cluster706ofFIG.7A, as well as chiller802ofFIG.8A. In some embodiments, system900may also operate in conjunction with other equipment other than the aforementioned components of previous figures. System900is shown to include a threshold selector902. Threshold selector902may include some or all of the components seen inFIG.9Abut may also be deficient of some components seen inFIG.9Aor may also include additional components not seen inFIG.9A, according to some embodiments. Threshold selector902may also perform similarly to threshold selector822ofFIG.8A. Additionally, threshold selector902may also work in conjunction with machine learning, deep learning, and/or transfer learning techniques, such as those involved in systems ofFIG.7AandFIG.8A, as well as models and other products generated through the implementation of such techniques. Generally, threshold selector may be configured to aid in the generation of a selection of one or more thresholds to be applied to one or more models that may be implemented in order to govern behavior of equipment that may include chillers, such as chiller802ofFIG.8A. Threshold selector902can employ multiple methods and techniques in order to select a threshold for one or more models. In some embodiments, threshold selector902may evaluate training data for models for which a threshold is to be selected. For example, if training data for a given model includes a shutdown, threshold selector902can perform certain calculations in order to determine a threshold. Further, if training data for a model does not include a shutdown, threshold902can perform different calculations in order to determine a threshold. Threshold selector902can implement the calculation of receiver operating characteristics for models with training data that included a shutdown, according to some embodiments. Further, an operating point can be obtained on the receiver operating characteristics by threshold selector902, with the operating point allowing for the identification of a corresponding threshold. Additionally, probability measures can also be incorporated in the calculation of the receiver operating characteristics, and the operating points on the receiver operating characteristics can serve as false positive constraints. In some embodiments, threshold selector902can be configured to estimate a probability distribution. Further, threshold selector902can then obtain an operating point and corresponding threshold as a percentile point of the probability distribution. In some embodiments, threshold selector902can then implement the selected threshold from either calculation method that accounted for the presence of a shutdown event in the training data for a model or a lack thereof. Thresholds selected by threshold selector902can act as a reference point in order for anomalous data to be identified, according to some embodiments. For example, if a model (machine learning, deep learning, transfer learning, etc.) is operating with a threshold selected by threshold selector902, then said threshold can act to define data analyzed by the model as non-anomalous (normal) or anomalous. Further, if activity occurs that is analyzed by the model and shows data exceeding the threshold selected by threshold selector902, then that data can be identified as anomalous. In some embodiments, the identification of anomalous data can lead to a prediction of a future fault, such as a shutdown. Threshold selector902is shown to include shutdown evaluator906. Shutdown evaluator906is shown to be in communication with model training data904, according to some embodiments. Model training data904can be the same as or similar to data collected from chiller702, chiller cluster706, and/or other similar components. Further, model training data may correspond to a variety of different epochs, according to some embodiments. Shutdown evaluator906can be configured to receive an input of data from model training data904and may also be configured to process and/or evaluate said data. Shutdown evaluator906may also be configured to receive a variety of data, which is to say that any input to shutdown evaluator906from model training data904may include data of varying size, type, content, and relevant equipment, among other factors, according to some embodiments. Shutdown evaluator906may also be configured to analyze data that may be received as an input from model training data904for specific content and/or events, such as shutdown events, for example. Further, in the instance that shutdown evaluator906may receive an input of data from model training data904, shutdown evaluator906may use one or more of a variety of techniques to process said inputted data in order to identify and shutdown events. If shutdown evaluator906may identify one or more shutdown events in data that may have been received from model training data904, shutdown evaluator906may sort and/or otherwise categorize data according to the presence of a shutdown event of a lack thereof. Additionally, in the event that shutdown evaluator906identifies a shutdown in any inputted data, shutdown evaluator906may output said data including the shutdown event differently than data for which no shutdown events were identified by shutdown evaluator906. For example, in the event that shutdown evaluator906may receive an input of data that is determined to contain a shutdown event, shutdown evaluator906may output that data to an ROC calculator910. Conversely, in the event that shutdown evaluator906may receive an input of data that is determined to be deficient of any shutdown events, shutdown evaluator906may output that data to a distribution estimator908, according to some embodiments. Threshold selector902is shown to include distribution estimator908. Distribution estimator908is shown to be in communication with shutdown evaluator906, according to some embodiments. Distribution estimator908can be configured to estimate a probability distribution of a p-measure and/or a threshold based on a percentile point of a distribution. Additionally, distribution estimator908may also be configured to estimate a threshold based on a percentile point which may be evaluated under a selected model, according to some embodiments. For example, a specific model which may have been created by and/or implement in operation the practices of machine learning, deep learning, and/or transfer learning may have a distribution calculated by distribution estimator908based on a percentile point of the distribution, i.e. the 95th percentile of p-measure evaluated under a selected model. In some instances, for data received by distribution estimator908that is determined to contain a shutdown event, other threshold determination methods may not yield threshold values of those determined using a method including distribution estimator908. It should also be noted that the method and or methods of distribution estimator908may include an input from a probability generator912, according to some embodiments. Probability generator912may be configured to determine relevant probability measures which may vary according to data type, content of data, among other factors, and provide probability data to distribution estimator908. That is to say that a received input from probability generator912may be a component of a method implemented by distribution estimator908in order to generate an estimated distribution. Threshold selector902is shown to include a threshold calculator918. Threshold calculator918is shown to be in communication with distribution estimator918, according to some embodiments. Threshold calculator918may also be configured to obtain a threshold in terms of a percentile point configuration, according to some embodiments. Additionally, it should be noted that threshold calculator918can be configured to determine one or more thresholds, according to some embodiments. For example, threshold calculator918may receive one or more distributions from distribution estimator908, and in turn may calculate one or more thresholds for each of the one or more models. In some embodiments, threshold calculator918is also shown to be in communication with a percentile point constraint920. According to some embodiments, percentile point constraint may use one or more methods to configure an operating point, which may then be communicated to threshold calculator918. Percentile point constraint920can also be configured, in some embodiments, to define a range for which threshold calculator918may calculate a threshold for data. Threshold selector902is shown to include ROC calculator910. ROC calculator910is shown to be in communication with shutdown evaluator906, according some embodiments. ROC calculator910can be configured to calculate receiver operating characteristics. ROC calculator910may also be configured to receive an input from shutdown evaluator906, according to some embodiments. For example, in the event that shutdown evaluator906were to determine that specific data contained a shutdown event, said data may be inputted to ROC calculator910. Further, ROC calculator910can then calculate an ROC for one or more data sets. In some embodiments for which data may be determined to include a shutdown event, ROC calculations such as those that may be performed by ROC calculator910may enable the determination of a threshold. If an ROC has been calculated for a data set, a threshold may be able to be determined and/or selected directly on the calculated ROC in order to achieve a given operating point, according to some embodiments. It should also be noted that ROC calculator910may be configured to calculate one or more receiver operating characteristics for one or more data sets. Threshold selector902is shown to include an operating point calculator916. Operating point calculator916is shown to be in communication with ROC calculator910, according to some embodiments. Operating point calculator916may be configured to determine and/or identify an operating point based on an input received from ROC calculator910, according to some embodiments. For example, upon receiving an input that may include receiver operating characteristics from ROC calculator910, operating point calculator916may then determine one or more operating points based on one or more data sets received from ROC calculator910. Further, operating point calculator916may be configured to select a threshold directly on receiver operating characteristics of inputted data, with said threshold corresponding to a desired operating point, according to some embodiments. Additionally, operating point calculator916is shown to be in communication with a false positive constraint914, according to some embodiments. False positive constraint914may be configured to input data, for example a false positive constraint, to operating point calculator916. In some embodiments, a false positive constraint inputted to operating point calculator916from false positive constraint914may define a range and/or interval for which operating points may be selected on given receiver operating characteristics by operating point calculator916. Threshold selector902is shown to include a threshold identifier922. Threshold identifier922is shown to be in communication with operating point calculator916, as well as threshold calculator918, according to some embodiments. Threshold identifier922can be configured to receive one or more inputs from both operating point calculator916and threshold calculator918. For example, threshold identifier922may receive an input from threshold calculator918in the event that a given data set was deficient of any shutdowns, while threshold identifier922may receive operating points (corresponding to thresholds) on receiver operating characteristics from operating point calculator916in the event that a given data set did include one or more shutdowns. Further, threshold identifier922may be configured to evaluate and identify one or more optimal thresholds for both instances in which a data set included one or more shutdowns, as well as instances for which one or more data sets was deficient of shutdowns. That is to say that given an input of one or more operating points and/or thresholds for one or more given models, threshold identifier922may determine one or more optimal thresholds for one and/or both different possibilities in terms of the contents of inputted data sets. Referring now toFIG.9B, process for model evaluation930is shown. Process930may include multiple steps, according to some embodiments. Process930may also be structured to evaluate training data collected from chillers such as chiller802and corresponding chiller sensors804ofFIG.8Aand/or other equipment in some embodiments. Further, the steps of process930can be performed by some and/or all of the components of system900, according to some embodiments. For example, with reference to chiller802and corresponding chiller sensors804ofFIG.8A, chiller sensors804may collect data from chiller802. Further, data collected by chiller sensors804from chiller802may be used to generate models with machine learning, deep learning, and/or transfer learning. Collected data used in the generation of those models, and by association the models themselves, may be evaluated using process930. In step932, process930is shown to include gathering training models generated for epoch n. Step932may include model training data904of system900, according to some embodiments. Training models may be generated according to training data, and training data may be collected from sources such as chiller sensors804of chiller802as seen inFIG.8A. Further, training models and corresponding training data gathered in step932may be for a single time period, noted as epoch n in step932. That is to say that models gathered in step932may all have been generated and trained using data from a single epoch, which is also to say that models gathered in step932may be representative of a single epoch. It should also be noted that models gathered in step932may be the same and/or different. For example, some models gathered in step932may use machine learning techniques and/or deep learning techniques and/or transfer learning techniques. In step934, process930is shown to include determining if shutdowns are present in the training period. Training data and corresponding training models may be evaluated using one or more methods to determine if the training period for which training data was collected and training models were generated includes shutdowns. Step934can include shutdown evaluator906of system900, according to some embodiments. This evaluation may produce an outcome that yes, training data and model does include a shutdown, or no, training data and model does not include a shutdown. In the instance that such a determination may be made, different steps may be taken in terms of further analysis and calculations for training data and models. In some embodiments, training periods evaluated as part of step934may vary. Additionally, so too may shutdown activity. That is to say that training data used for different models may vary, and so too may the appearance of a shutdown in that training data. As such, step934may implement multiple methods in order to analyze data for a training period and determine if a shutdown occurred during said period. In step936, process930is shown to include calculating receiver operating characteristics. In calculating the receiver operating characteristics, various probability measures may also be considered. Step936can include ROC calculator910of system900, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, receiver operating characteristics may only be possible to calculate for models trained with data that included at least one shutdown. Additionally, receiver operating characteristics calculation of step936may vary according to model and training data. Receiver operating characteristics of step936can vary according to training data and model parameters such as duration of training period and model techniques (machine learning, deep learning, transfer learning, etc.). For example, the receiver operating characteristics may be calculated differently for training data from a longer time period (epoch) than for a shorter time period according to some embodiments. In step938, process930is shown to include obtaining operating points on the receiver operating characteristics. Step938can include operating point calculator916of system900, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an operating point may be selected according to preferences of a user and/or operator. For example, if a user and/or operator desires optimized efficiency, step938can be configured to select an operating point that aligns with optimized efficiency. Further, step938can also include obtaining an operating point according to other factors such as maximized performance as well as other preferences. In step938, the operating point obtained can correspond to a threshold, which can then be selected. In step940, process930is shown to include, in the event that shutdowns are present in the training period, estimating a probability distribution. Step940can include distribution estimator908of system900, according to some embodiments. Models for which the training data does not include a shutdown may not allow for calculation of receiver operating characteristics. As such, the alternative method of step940is used in which the probability distribution is estimated. The probability distribution of step940can also be a measure of a probability density function, which may vary according to training data and model parameters such as duration of training period and model techniques (machine learning, deep learning, transfer learning, etc.). In step942, process940is shown to include obtaining an operating point configured as a percentile point on the probability distribution of step940. In some embodiments, the operating point may be restricted and/or selected according to preferences of a user and/or operator. Step942can include threshold calculator918of system900, according to some embodiments. For example, if a user desired maximized output, the operating point of step942can be selected accordingly. Additionally, the operating point of step942can correspond to a threshold on the probability distribution. In some embodiments, the selection of the operating point can correspond to a threshold to be applied to a model. In step944, process940is shown to include the selection of a threshold. Depending on training data for models, operating points and thresholds may be determined differently. In some embodiments, thresholds obtained for models based on the operating points obtained in step938and/or step942may be determined by similar and/or the same means in step944. Step944can include threshold identifier922of system900, according to some embodiments. For example, thresholds determined based on calculating receiver operating characteristics and identifying operating points thereon can be similar to or the same as thresholds determined by estimating a probability distribution and identifying operating points as percentile points thereon. Further to the previous example, thresholds determined in step944can be comparable whether determined by the same or similar methods or different methods, such as the two differing methods of process940. Referring now toFIG.9C, a flow diagram of a process for threshold calculation and selection950is shown. Process950can be similar to process930, according to some embodiments. It should also be noted that process950can be applied to various training data and models generated thereof for chillers. In some embodiments, the models for which process950is conducted can employ machine learning, deep learning, and/or transfer learning techniques. Further, the training data associated with the aforementioned models can also vary in time period as well as contents of the data. Additionally, components seen inFIG.9Acan be used to perform some and/or all of process950, according to some embodiments. Process950is shown to include collecting training data for selected models952. Training data of collecting training data for selected models952can be from a single epoch, according to some embodiments. Further, training data of collecting training data for selected model952can also vary by time period, contents, and other factors. Similarly, models generated by training data of collecting training data for selected model952may also vary according to techniques implemented which can include machine learning, deep learning, and/or transfer learning. Process950is also shown to include identification of shutdowns954. Identification of shutdowns can involve analyzing training data of collecting training data for selected model952, according to some embodiments. Training data of collecting training data for selected model952can also vary according to time duration for data as well as contents of the data, which can result in multiple data analysis techniques being used in identification of shutdowns954in order to detect any shutdowns present in data. Process950is shown to include calculating receiver operating characteristics (ROC)956in response to identification of shutdowns present in training data. In some embodiments, calculating receiver operating characteristics956can include the incorporation of various probability measures. Depending on the contents of training data of process950, the result of the receiver operating characteristics can vary. Process950is shown to include obtaining operating points on receiver operating characteristics958. Operating point of obtaining operating points on receiver operating characteristics958can also correspond to a threshold and can also serve as a false positive constraint, according to some embodiments. Process950is shown to include estimating a probability distribution960in response to determining that training data is free of shutdowns. In some embodiments, probability estimation of estimating a probability distribution960can correspond to a measure of a probability density function and can vary according to the contents of training data for which the probability distribution was estimated. Process950is shown to include obtaining an operating point as a percentile point962on the estimated probability distribution of p-measures, according to some embodiments. Operating point of obtaining an operating point as a percentile point962can, in some embodiments, correspond to a threshold. Process950is shown to include selecting a threshold for an epoch964. Threshold of selecting a threshold for an epoch964can, in some embodiments, be similar and/or the same independent of the calculation means implement in order to determine said threshold. Further, threshold of selecting a threshold for an epoch964can be determined to allow for optimal operation of one or more models, according to some embodiments. Thresholds determined in selecting a threshold for an epoch964can also vary according to any user and/or operator preferences. For example, if a user and/or operator desired maximized output rather than efficiency, thresholds selected in selecting a threshold for an epoch964can be modified to reflect such preferences. Additionally, thresholds of selecting a threshold for an epoch964are selected and implemented in order to provide a reference point by which anomalous data can be recognized, which is to say that data detected by operating models that exceeds thresholds of selecting a threshold for an epoch964can be identified as anomalous. Referring now toFIG.10, a time plot1000is shown. Time plot1000shows an automatic threshold selection, according to some embodiments. Time plot1000can be generated by stitching together adjacent test windows for a given chiller. Time plot1000can correspond to chiller802ofFIG.8Aor can be another similar and/or different chiller. Multiple epochs can be seen in plot1000, which shows data spanning a 15-month time frame. Time plot1000is shown to include a y-axis1010. Y-axis1010is shown to include a measure of calculated p-measures, spanning in value from 0 to −250, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, p-measure of y-axis1010can be calculated as a natural log of a probability that data at a time point is not anomalous (normal). Time plot1000is also shown to include an x-axis1020. X-axis is shown to include a measure of time, scaled every other month for a total of 15 months. As seen on x-axis1020, data shown on time plot1000corresponds to a total time period of September of 2015 to November of 2016, according to some embodiments. Time plot1000is shown to include four sets of data, which includes normal data1030, anomaly data1040, shutdown data1050, and threshold data1060. Normal data1030can be seen as a p-measure selected every epoch for a given model. On time plot1000, it can be seen that normal data1030fluctuates between approximate values of 0 and −50 according to the p-measure on y-axis1010. Normal data1030can also be considered to be non-anomalous data, which is to say that normal data1030is free of anomalies. Normal data1030can be indicative of standard and expected chiller operation. Time plot1000is also shown to include anomaly data1040, according to some embodiments. Anomaly data1040can also be considered non-normal data, according to some embodiments. Anomaly data1040is seen to fluctuate between approximate values of 0 and −250 and is seen to have the greatest approximate range of values, according to some embodiments. Anomaly data1040can correspond to a time period in close proximity to a fault event for a chiller, for example a shutdown or other event that can be classified as a chiller fault. Time plot1000is also shown to include shutdown data1050. In some embodiments, shutdown data1050can be indicative of a shutdown or other chiller fault that occurred. As such, shutdown data1050can have an approximate p-measure value of 0. Further, in some embodiments shutdown data1050can be indicative of a lack of chiller activity which can be due to factors including a shutdown due to loss of power, necessary maintenance, malfunction, and other factors. Time plot1000is also shown to include threshold data1060. In some embodiments, threshold data1060can correspond to one or more thresholds that have been determined by a component such as threshold identifier922ofFIG.9A. Further, threshold data1060can be dynamic in some embodiments, as seen on time plot1000in which threshold data fluctuates between p-measures of approximately 0 and −70. In some embodiments, threshold data1060can be dependent on other data as well as various calculations, identifications and determinations. Time plot1000is also shown to include an anomaly area1070. Anomaly area1070is shown to include a concentration of anomaly data1040, according to some embodiments. Anomaly data1040can, in some embodiments, be indicative of a possible shutdown. Anomaly area1070includes a concentration of anomaly activity, which can correspond to shutdown activity as seen by shutdown data1050, according to some embodiments. The time period of time plot1000defined on x-axis1020as July 2016 to November 2016 includes anomaly area1070, according to some embodiments. Within this time period, a plurality of shutdown data1050is present, which can correspond to a plurality of anomaly data1040, according to some embodiments. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the fluctuation of normal data1030is lesser than that of anomaly data as seen in anomaly area1070. Time plot1000indicates, according to some embodiments, dynamic threshold activity as seen by threshold data1060, with anomaly activity including anomaly data1040having p-measure values exceeding p-measure values of threshold data1060, as well as shutdown data1050with p-measure values of approximately 0. In some embodiments, establishment of a threshold as seen by threshold data1060a presence of anomaly data1040exceeding the p-measure values of threshold data1060can lead to generation of a fault and/or shutdown prediction. Cost Savings from Fault Prediction and Diagnosis Referring now toFIG.11, system1100for identifying faults and generating cost savings is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, system1100is similar to chiller analysis system602. For example, system1100may implement one or more machine learning models as described above in reference toFIGS.6-10to generate predictions. In various embodiments, system1100includes fault prediction and diagnosis system1112. Fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may communicate with building subsystems428and/or equipment1190via network446. Equipment1190may include one or more pieces of building equipment associated with a building and/or a space. For example, equipment1190may include HVAC equipment such as boilers, chillers, fans, dampers, humidifiers, rooftop units, and/or the like. In various embodiments, equipment1190includes equipment sensors1192. For example, a fan may include a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the fan in Hertz. As another example, a supply unit may include a temperature sensor. Equipment sensors1192may include temperature sensors, speed sensors, airflow sensors, humidity sensors, and/or the like. In various embodiments, equipment1190and/or equipment sensors1192transmit information to fault prediction and diagnosis system1112. For example, equipment1190may transmit a cooling valve setpoint and a cooling valve value. Fault prediction and diagnosis system1112is shown to include processing circuit1110having processor1114and memory1116. Processor1114may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor1114is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory1116or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). Memory1116may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, or other computer-readable medium) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory1116may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory1116may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory1116may be communicably connected to processor1114via processing circuit1110and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor1114) one or more processes described herein. Memory1116is shown to include machine learning models1120, analysis circuit1130, cost savings circuit1140, control circuit1150, and training circuit1160. Machine learning models1120may include one or more machine learning models. For example, machine learning models1120may include a machine learning model trained on historical operational data from a HVAC system. Machine learning models1120is shown to include univariate outlier machine learning circuit1122and multivariate outlier machine learning circuit1124. Univariate outlier machine learning circuit1122and/or multivariate outlier machine learning circuit1124are configured to generate one or more fault predictions based. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may execute univariate outlier machine learning circuit1122on predicted operational parameters to identify one or more predicted faults. In some embodiments, machine learning models1120include or otherwise implement the machine learning systems and methods described above with reference toFIGS.6-10. In various embodiments, machine learning models1120include a machine learning model configured to generate future operational parameters for a BMS system and/or a component thereof (e.g., an HVAC system, etc.). For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may train a model on historical operating parameters of a HVAC system and may execute the trained model (e.g., using recent operating data, etc.) to generate predicted operating parameters (e.g., future operating parameters, etc.). In various embodiments, machine learning models1120are iteratively updated. For example, machine learning models1120may be updated based on user feedback regarding the predicted faults. As another example, machine learning models1120may generate predicted operating parameters and/or predicted faults and may update one or more machine learning models based on comparing the predicted operating parameters and/or the predicted faults to corresponding measured operating parameters and/or detected faults (e.g., faults that occurred, etc.). In various embodiments, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112dynamically updates machine learning models1120. Analysis circuit1130may receive fault predictions and/or context data from machine learning models1120and/or other systems/devices (e.g., equipment1190, building subsystems428, etc.) and may classify and/or diagnose fault predictions using the received data. For example, analysis circuit1130may classify faults as either high zone temperature faults or low zone temperature faults (e.g., based on whether a predicted supply air temperature is higher or lower than a predicted supply air temperature setpoint, etc.). In some embodiments, machine learning models1120generate a binary fault determination. In some embodiments, analysis circuit1130analyzes the binary fault determinations to generate a fault diagnosis for each predicted fault. For example, machine learning models1120may generate one or more binary outputs (e.g., fault (1), no fault (0), etc.) that populate a fault diagnosis matrix and the fault diagnosis matrix may be used to diagnose a predicted fault (e.g., by mapping a combination of binary outputs to a fault diagnosis, etc.). In some embodiments, analysis circuit1130diagnosis predicted faults according to the table below: Univariate ResultMultivariateof Supply AirResult of AllTemperatureParametersFault DiagnosisNo Fault (0)No Fault (0)No FaultFault (1)No Fault (0)Supply Air TemperatureSensor FaultNo Fault (0)Fault (1)Other than Supply AirTemperature Sensor FaultFault (1)Fault (1)Fault of Supply AirTemperature because ofOther Feeding Equipment Cost savings circuit1140may calculate cost savings associated with predicted faults. For example, cost savings circuit1140may calculate the cost savings of a predicted fault based on a rule engine execution time. In various embodiments, cost savings circuit1140calculates the cost savings based on energy consumption associated with the predicted fault corresponding to a time period until the predicted fault is identified by a rules engine. In various embodiments, cost savings circuit1140calculates energy consumption using predicted functional parameters (e.g., as generated by machine learning models1120, etc.). In various embodiments, cost savings circuit1140calculates energy consumption associated with the predicted fault. For example, cost savings circuit1140may calculate an amount of energy (e.g., measured in Watts, British-thermal-units (BTUs), etc.) associated with overheating a space (e.g., as in a high zone temperature fault, etc.) based on the degree of overheating and/or a length of time the space was overheated. In some embodiments, cost savings circuit1140calculates a cost savings based on the energy consumption. For example, cost savings circuit1140may determine a dollar value associated with the energy consumption that was avoided due to predicting and/or correcting the fault before it occurred (e.g., by multiplying a price of energy times the energy consumption, etc.). Control circuit1150may perform one or more actions related to the predicted fault. For example, control circuit1150may automatically generate a work order ticket. As another example, control circuit1150may adjust a temperature setpoint. As another example, control circuit1150may generate an alert associated with the predicted fault and/or a suggestion on how to avoid the predicted fault (e.g., suggested maintenance, suggested repairs, etc.). In some embodiments, control circuit1150may operate one or more BMS components such as a HVAC system. For example, control circuit1150may disable a HVAC system for a period of time related to the predicted fault to avoid wasting energy. Training circuit1160may train the one or more models of machine learning models1120. For example, training circuit1160may retrieve historical data from a BMS and/or component thereof and train a machine learning model using the historical data. In some embodiments, training circuit1160iteratively trains the one or more models. For example, training circuit1160may train a model of machine learning models1120using historical fault information and may update the trained model based on user feedback regarding one or more predicted faults generated by the trained model. Referring now toFIG.12, method1200for generating a fault prediction is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, system1100performs method1200. At step1202, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may receive equipment sensor data. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may receive sensor data including a supply air temperature associated with supply air for a space supplied by a HVAC system. In various embodiments, the sensor data includes operating parameters associated with a HVAC system. In various embodiments, the sensor data is current sensor data for a space. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor data may include historical sensor data. At step1204, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may generate a model based on past equipment sensor data. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may retrieve historical operating data for a HVAC system and may train a machine learning model using the historical operating data. At step1206, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may generate one or more functional parameters using a machine learning algorithm. In various embodiments, the machine learning algorithm includes the machine learning model trained in step1204. In various embodiments, the machine learning algorithm includes a neural network. In some embodiments, the machine learning algorithm includes a linear regression system. In various embodiments, the one or more functional parameters include operational parameters for a HVAC system. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may generate one or more predicted operational parameters for a HVAC system, the one or more predicted operational parameters corresponding to a future time period. At step1208, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may analyze the one or more functional parameters to generate a fault prediction. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may execute a univariate one class SVM on one or more of the one or more functional parameters. As another example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may execute a multivariate one class SVM on one or more of the one or more functional parameters. In various embodiments, the fault prediction includes context information. For example, the fault prediction may include a fault type, one or more associated pieces of equipment, a fault category, a fault diagnosis, a root cause, and/or the like. At step1210, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may compare the fault information associated with the fault prediction to generate a fault diagnosis and fault distinguishing information. In various embodiments, step1210includes classifying the predicted fault and/or diagnosing the predicted fault. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may analyze one or more binary determinations generated by a univariate SVM and/or a multivariate SVM to determine a fault diagnosis. In various embodiments, the fault diagnosis includes at least one of (i) no fault, (ii) supply air temperature sensor fault, (iii) other than supply air temperature fault, or (iv) fault of supply air temperature because of other feeding equipment. In some embodiments, the fault distinguishing information includes context information such as a listing of one or more pieces of equipment associated with the fault and/or a root cause of the fault. At step1212, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may compute cost savings associated with the predicted fault. In various embodiments, step1212includes calculating an energy consumption associated with the predicted fault. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may determine an amount of electricity associated with a high temperature fault (e.g., an amount of energy used to heat a space above what would be required to achieve a temperature setpoint for the space, etc.). In various embodiments, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112generates the cost savings based on the energy consumption. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may retrieve prices associated with various resources (e.g., utilities such as electricity) and may calculate a cost savings based on the retrieved prices and the energy consumption. In various embodiments, step1212includes transmitting an indication of the cost savings to a user (e.g., displaying the cost savings on a user interface, etc.). At step1214, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may perform preventative maintenance associated with the predicted fault. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may automatically generate a work order ticket for repair of a piece of equipment indicated as faulty by the predicted fault. In various embodiments, step1214includes preventing the predicted fault from occurring. Referring now specifically toFIG.13, method1300for generating a predicted fault and cost savings is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, system1100performs method1300. At step1302, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may generate a predicted supply air temperature and/or additional functional parameters corresponding to a designated time period using a machine learning model. In various embodiments, step1302includes executing a machine learning model on HVAC operational data to generate predicted functional parameters such as a supply air temperature for a designated time period. At step1304, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may execute at least one of (i) a first univariate one class SVM using the predicted supply air temperature, (ii) a multivariate one class SVM using at least one of the additional functional parameters, or (iii) a second univariate one class SVM using at least one of the additional functional parameters to predict a fault associated with the designated time period. In various embodiments, the predicted fault corresponds to a difference between a predicted operational parameter and a predicted operational parameter setpoint. In various embodiments, the predicted fault includes context information. For example, the predicted fault may include a source of the fault or a cause of the fault. At step1306, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may compare the predicted supply air temperature to a predicted supply air temperature setpoint to determine whether a fault exists. In various embodiments, step1306includes verifying and/or validating the predicted fault. In some embodiments, step1306includes classifying the predicted fault. At step1308, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may classify the predicted fault based on a result of the first univariate one class SVM and/or the multivariate one class SVM to generate a fault diagnosis. In various embodiments, the fault diagnosis may include a type of fault. In some embodiments, the fault diagnosis includes a source of the fault. In various embodiments, step1308includes performing a lookup (e.g., using one or more binary determinations, etc.) in a table as described above in reference to analysis circuit1130. At step1310, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may calculate a cost savings associated with the predicted fault. In various embodiments, step1310includes calculating an energy consumption associated with the predicted fault. In some embodiments, step1310includes transmitting an indication of the calculated cost savings to a user. Additionally or alternatively, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may perform one or more actions. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may compare the cost savings to a threshold (e.g., associated with a cost of preventing the predicted fault, etc.) and may take one or more actions based on the comparison (e.g., automatically generate a ticket to fix the predicted fault if doing so would save money or preemptively silence a number of alarms associated with the predicted fault if attempting to fix the predicted fault would cost more than allowing the fault to occur, etc.). In various embodiments, a work order ticket may include instructions for an individual to repair and/or otherwise interact with a piece of equipment to achieve a desired outcome. For example, a work order ticket may be submitted to a work order ticketing system that instructs maintenance personnel to repair a defective blower fan in a HVAC system to solve a low zone temperature fault. Referring now toFIG.14A, diagram1410illustrating predicted supply air temperature is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, system1100generates diagram1410. For example, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may generate one or more predicted operational parameters such as predicted supply air temperature corresponding to a period of time. Diagram1410is shown to include actual (measured) supply air temperature1412and predicted supply air temperature1414. In various embodiments, actual supply air temperature1412corresponds to a measured supply air temperature within a space and/or building. In various embodiments, predicted supply air temperature1414corresponds to a predicted supply air temperature generated by fault prediction and diagnosis system1112. In various embodiments, fault prediction and diagnosis system1112may execute one or more machine learning model on predicted supply air temperature1414to generate a predicted fault. For example,FIG.14Billustrates diagram1410having actual supply air temperature1422and predicted supply air temperature fault1424, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, predicted supply air temperature fault1424corresponds to predicted supply air temperatures that are associated with a fault (e.g., a deviation from a predicted setpoint, etc.). Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain operation or group of operations. Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. | 192,234 |
11859847 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview Referring generally to the figures, methods and systems for training a reinforcement learning (RL) model for control of an HVAC system are disclosed. A RL model can be trained using simulated and real experience data to determine a control action for the HVAC system based on the current state of the system. The methods and systems disclosed herein provided advantageous form and function to improve the training of RL models and overall control of the HVAC system using the RL model. RL models require a substantial amount of data to train the model to be able to accurately determine the preferred action to perform in response to a given system state. Simulated experience data can be generated relatively quickly, but may not accurately capture the actual operation and dynamics of a particular HVAC system. Real experience data typically is collected slowly over a long period of time, such that a system may require real experience data to be measured for over a year before enough data is collected to adequately train a RL model. Accordingly, there exists a need to accurately train a RL control model that improves control in both the short-term and long-term. The present disclosure provides a solution to this problem by mixing simulated and real experience data to train a RL model. Simulated experience data is generated using a dynamic model of the HVAC system. The simulated experience data is used to initially train the RL model, and over time as real experience data is collected from the HVAC system, the RL model is retrained using the real experience data. In some embodiments, the real experience data is additionally or alternatively used to retrain the dynamic model to generate additional simulated experience data to train the RL. The present disclosure can generally utilize simulated experience data during the initial operation of the RL control model, and improve the model control policy over time using the measured experience data to reach an improved HVAC control. For use with a RL model, experience data can generally include, but is not limited to, the current state of a system at a given time, one or more actions performed by the controller in response to the current state of the system, a future or resultant state of the system caused by the performed action, and/or a determined reward responsive to performing the action in the current state. Experience data may also include other values, such as other valuation metrics or error measurements. The simulated experience data may be data generated by a prediction model of the particular HVAC system to predict future states and rewards of the system, but does not actually rely on measurements from actual operation of the particular HVAC system. Simulated experience data may be generated using data measured by different HVAC systems or otherwise rely on other HVAC operational knowledge or experience. Real experience data (used interchangeably with measured experience data, actual experience data) should be appreciated to be defined as data measured by the particular HVAC system during operation. Real experience data may be measured or collected while the particular HVAC system is using the RL model or any other control algorithm to control operation of the HVAC system. The system may be configured to associate a state-action pair with a measured reward or future state. Building and HVAC Systems Referring particularly toFIG.1, a perspective view of a building10is shown. Building10is served by a BMS. A BMS is, in general, a system of devices configured to control, monitor, and manage equipment in or around a building or building area. A BMS can include, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, a lighting system, a fire alerting system, any other system that is capable of managing building functions or devices, or any combination thereof. The BMS that serves building10includes a HVAC system100. HVAC system100can include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g., heaters, chillers, air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energy storage, etc.) configured to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, or other services for building10. For example, HVAC system100is shown to include a waterside system120and an airside system130. Waterside system120may provide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unit of airside system130. Airside system130may use the heated or chilled fluid to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10. An exemplary waterside system and airside system which can be used in HVAC system100are described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.2-3. HVAC system100is shown to include a chiller102, a boiler104, and a rooftop air handling unit (AHU)106. Waterside system120may use boiler104and chiller102to heat or cool a working fluid (e.g., water, glycol, etc.) and may circulate the working fluid to AHU106. In various embodiments, the HVAC devices of waterside system120can be located in or around building10(as shown inFIG.1) or at an offsite location such as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, a steam plant, a heat plant, etc.). The working fluid can be heated in boiler104or cooled in chiller102, depending on whether heating or cooling is required in building10. Boiler104may add heat to the circulated fluid, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., natural gas) or using an electric heating element. Chiller102may place the circulated fluid in a heat exchange relationship with another fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to absorb heat from the circulated fluid. The working fluid from chiller102and/or boiler104can be transported to AHU106via piping108. AHU106may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an airflow passing through AHU106(e.g., via one or more stages of cooling coils and/or heating coils). The airflow can be, for example, outside air, return air from within building10, or a combination of both. AHU106may transfer heat between the airflow and the working fluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example, AHU106can include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass the airflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid. The working fluid may then return to chiller102or boiler104via piping110. Airside system130may deliver the airflow supplied by AHU106(i.e., the supply airflow) to building10via air supply ducts112and may provide return air from building10to AHU106via air return ducts114. In some embodiments, airside system130includes multiple variable air volume (VAV) units116. For example, airside system130is shown to include a separate VAV unit116on each floor or zone of building10. VAV units116can include dampers or other flow control elements that can be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided to individual zones of building10. In other embodiments, airside system130delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building10(e.g., via supply ducts112) without using intermediate VAV units116or other flow control elements. AHU106can include various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured to measure attributes of the supply airflow. AHU106may receive input from sensors located within AHU106and/or within the building zone and may adjust the flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supply airflow through AHU106to achieve setpoint conditions for the building zone. Waterside System Referring now toFIG.2, a block diagram of a waterside system200is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, waterside system200may supplement or replace waterside system120in HVAC system100or can be implemented separate from HVAC system100. When implemented in HVAC system100, waterside system200can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100(e.g., boiler104, chiller102, pumps, valves, etc.) and may operate to supply a heated or chilled fluid to AHU106. The HVAC devices of waterside system200can be located within building10(e.g., as components of waterside system120) or at an offsite location such as a central plant. InFIG.2, waterside system200is shown as a central plant having a plurality of subplants202-212. Subplants202-212are shown to include a heater subplant202, a heat recovery chiller subplant204, a chiller subplant206, a cooling tower subplant208, a hot thermal energy storage (TES) subplant210, and a cold thermal energy storage (TES) subplant212. Subplants202-212consume resources (e.g., water, natural gas, electricity, etc.) from utilities to serve thermal energy loads (e.g., hot water, cold water, heating, cooling, etc.) of a building or campus. For example, heater subplant202can be configured to heat water in a hot water loop214that circulates the hot water between heater subplant202and building10. Chiller subplant206can be configured to chill water in a cold water loop216that circulates the cold water between chiller subplant206building10. Heat recovery chiller subplant204can be configured to transfer heat from cold water loop216to hot water loop214to provide additional heating for the hot water and additional cooling for the cold water. Condenser water loop218may absorb heat from the cold water in chiller subplant206and reject the absorbed heat in cooling tower subplant208or transfer the absorbed heat to hot water loop214. Hot TES subplant210and cold TES subplant212may store hot and cold thermal energy, respectively, for subsequent use. Hot water loop214and cold water loop216may deliver the heated and/or chilled water to air handlers located on the rooftop of building10(e.g., AHU106) or to individual floors or zones of building10(e.g., VAV units116). The air handlers push air past heat exchangers (e.g., heating coils or cooling coils) through which the water flows to provide heating or cooling for the air. The heated or cooled air can be delivered to individual zones of building10to serve thermal energy loads of building10. The water then returns to subplants202-212to receive further heating or cooling. Although subplants202-212are shown and described as heating and cooling water for circulation to a building, it is understood that any other type of working fluid (e.g., glycol, CO2, etc.) can be used in place of or in addition to water to serve thermal energy loads. In other embodiments, subplants202-212may provide heating and/or cooling directly to the building or campus without requiring an intermediate heat transfer fluid. These and other variations to waterside system200are within the teachings of the present disclosure. Each of subplants202-212can include a variety of equipment configured to facilitate the functions of the subplant. For example, heater subplant202is shown to include a plurality of heating elements220(e.g., boilers, electric heaters, etc.) configured to add heat to the hot water in hot water loop214. Heater subplant202is also shown to include several pumps222and224configured to circulate the hot water in hot water loop214and to control the flow rate of the hot water through individual heating elements220. Chiller subplant206is shown to include a plurality of chillers232configured to remove heat from the cold water in cold water loop216. Chiller subplant206is also shown to include several pumps234and236configured to circulate the cold water in cold water loop216and to control the flow rate of the cold water through individual chillers232. Heat recovery chiller subplant204is shown to include a plurality of heat recovery heat exchangers226(e.g., refrigeration circuits) configured to transfer heat from cold water loop216to hot water loop214. Heat recovery chiller subplant204is also shown to include several pumps228and230configured to circulate the hot water and/or cold water through heat recovery heat exchangers226and to control the flow rate of the water through individual heat recovery heat exchangers226. Cooling tower subplant208is shown to include a plurality of cooling towers238configured to remove heat from the condenser water in condenser water loop218. Cooling tower subplant208is also shown to include several pumps240configured to circulate the condenser water in condenser water loop218and to control the flow rate of the condenser water through individual cooling towers238. Hot TES subplant210is shown to include a hot TES tank242configured to store the hot water for later use. Hot TES subplant210may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the hot water into or out of hot TES tank242. Cold TES subplant212is shown to include cold TES tanks244configured to store the cold water for later use. Cold TES subplant212may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the cold water into or out of cold TES tanks244. In some embodiments, one or more of the pumps in waterside system200(e.g., pumps222,224,228,230,234,236, and/or240) or pipelines in waterside system200include an isolation valve associated therewith. Isolation valves can be integrated with the pumps or positioned upstream or downstream of the pumps to control the fluid flows in waterside system200. In various embodiments, waterside system200can include more, fewer, or different types of devices and/or subplants based on the particular configuration of waterside system200and the types of loads served by waterside system200. Airside System Referring now toFIG.3, a block diagram of an airside system300is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, airside system300may supplement or replace airside system130in HVAC system100or can be implemented separate from HVAC system100. When implemented in HVAC system100, airside system300can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100(e.g., AHU106, VAV units116, ducts112-114, fans, dampers, etc.) and can be located in or around building10. Airside system300may operate to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10using a heated or chilled fluid provided by waterside system200. InFIG.3, airside system300is shown to include an economizer-type air handling unit (AHU)302. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outside air and return air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling. For example, AHU302may receive return air304from building zone306via return air duct308and may deliver supply air310to building zone306via supply air duct312. In some embodiments, AHU302is a rooftop unit located on the roof of building10(e.g., AHU106as shown inFIG.1) or otherwise positioned to receive both return air304and outside air314. AHU302can be configured to operate exhaust air damper316, mixing damper318, and outside air damper320to control an amount of outside air314and return air304that combine to form supply air310. Any return air304that does not pass through mixing damper318can be exhausted from AHU302through exhaust damper316as exhaust air322. Each of dampers316-320can be operated by an actuator. For example, exhaust air damper316can be operated by actuator324, mixing damper318can be operated by actuator326, and outside air damper320can be operated by actuator328. Actuators324-328may communicate with an AHU controller330via a communications link332. Actuators324-328may receive control signals from AHU controller330and may provide feedback signals to AHU controller330. Feedback signals can include, for example, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, an amount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnostic information (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators324-328), status information, commissioning information, configuration settings, calibration data, and/or other types of information or data that can be collected, stored, or used by actuators324-328. AHU controller330can be an economizer controller configured to use one or more control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control actuators324-328. Still referring toFIG.3, AHU302is shown to include a cooling coil334, a heating coil336, and a fan338positioned within supply air duct312. Fan338can be configured to force supply air310through cooling coil334and/or heating coil336and provide supply air310to building zone306. AHU controller330may communicate with fan338via communications link340to control a flow rate of supply air310. In some embodiments, AHU controller330controls an amount of heating or cooling applied to supply air310by modulating a speed of fan338. Cooling coil334may receive a chilled fluid from waterside system200(e.g., from cold water loop216) via piping342and may return the chilled fluid to waterside system200via piping344. Valve346can be positioned along piping342or piping344to control a flow rate of the chilled fluid through cooling coil334. In some embodiments, cooling coil334includes multiple stages of cooling coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller330, by BMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of cooling applied to supply air310. Heating coil336may receive a heated fluid from waterside system200(e.g., from hot water loop214) via piping348and may return the heated fluid to waterside system200via piping350. Valve352can be positioned along piping348or piping350to control a flow rate of the heated fluid through heating coil336. In some embodiments, heating coil336includes multiple stages of heating coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller330, by BMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of heating applied to supply air310. Each of valves346and352can be controlled by an actuator. For example, valve346can be controlled by actuator354and valve352can be controlled by actuator356. Actuators354-356may communicate with AHU controller330via communications links358-360. Actuators354-356may receive control signals from AHU controller330and may provide feedback signals to controller330. In some embodiments, AHU controller330receives a measurement of the supply air temperature from a temperature sensor362positioned in supply air duct312(e.g., downstream of cooling coil334and/or heating coil336). AHU controller330may also receive a measurement of the temperature of building zone306from a temperature sensor364located in building zone306. In some embodiments, AHU controller330operates valves346and352via actuators354-356to modulate an amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310(e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature for supply air310or to maintain the temperature of supply air310within a setpoint temperature range). The positions of valves346and352affect the amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310by cooling coil334or heating coil336and may correlate with the amount of energy consumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature. AHU330may control the temperature of supply air310and/or building zone306by activating or deactivating coils334-336, adjusting a speed of fan338, or a combination of both. Still referring toFIG.3, airside system300is shown to include a building management system (BMS) controller366and a client device368. BMS controller366can include one or more computer systems (e.g., servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) that serve as system level controllers, application or data servers, head nodes, or master controllers for airside system300, waterside system200, HVAC system100, and/or other controllable systems that serve building10. BMS controller366may communicate with multiple downstream building systems or subsystems (e.g., HVAC system100, a security system, a lighting system, waterside system200, etc.) via a communications link370according to like or disparate protocols (e.g., LON, BACnet, etc.). In various embodiments, AHU controller330and BMS controller366can be separate (as shown inFIG.3) or integrated. In an integrated implementation, AHU controller330can be a software module configured for execution by a processor of BMS controller366. In some embodiments, AHU controller330receives information from BMS controller366(e.g., commands, setpoints, operating boundaries, etc.) and provides information to BMS controller366(e.g., temperature measurements, valve or actuator positions, operating statuses, diagnostics, etc.). For example, AHU controller330may provide BMS controller366with temperature measurements from temperature sensors362-364, equipment on/off states, equipment operating capacities, and/or any other information that can be used by BMS controller366to monitor or control a variable state or condition within building zone306. Client device368can include one or more human-machine interfaces or client interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reporting interfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services, web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling, viewing, or otherwise interacting with HVAC system100, its subsystems, and/or devices. Client device368can be a computer workstation, a client terminal, a remote or local interface, or any other type of user interface device. Client device368can be a stationary terminal or a mobile device. For example, client device368can be a desktop computer, a computer server with a user interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a PDA, or any other type of mobile or non-mobile device. Client device368may communicate with BMS controller366and/or AHU controller330via communications link372. Building Management Systems Referring now toFIG.4, a block diagram of a building management system (BMS)400is shown, according to some embodiments. BMS400can be implemented in building10to automatically monitor and control various building functions. BMS400is shown to include BMS controller366and a plurality of building subsystems428. Building subsystems428are shown to include a building electrical subsystem434, an information communication technology (ICT) subsystem436, a security subsystem438, a HVAC subsystem440, a lighting subsystem442, a lift/escalators subsystem432, and a fire safety subsystem430. In various embodiments, building subsystems428can include fewer, additional, or alternative subsystems. For example, building subsystems428may also or alternatively include a refrigeration subsystem, an advertising or signage subsystem, a cooking subsystem, a vending subsystem, a printer or copy service subsystem, or any other type of building subsystem that uses controllable equipment and/or sensors to monitor or control building10. In some embodiments, building subsystems428include waterside system200and/or airside system300, as described with reference toFIGS.2-3. Each of building subsystems428can include any number of devices, controllers, and connections for completing its individual functions and control activities. HVAC subsystem440can include many of the same components as HVAC system100, as described with reference toFIGS.1-3. For example, HVAC subsystem440can include a chiller, a boiler, any number of air handling units, economizers, field controllers, supervisory controllers, actuators, temperature sensors, and other devices for controlling the temperature, humidity, airflow, or other variable conditions within building10. Lighting subsystem442can include any number of light fixtures, ballasts, lighting sensors, dimmers, or other devices configured to controllably adjust the amount of light provided to a building space. Security subsystem438can include occupancy sensors, video surveillance cameras, digital video recorders, video processing servers, intrusion detection devices, access control devices and servers, or other security-related devices. Still referring toFIG.4, BMS controller366is shown to include a communications interface407and a BMS interface409. Interface407may facilitate communications between BMS controller366and external applications (e.g., monitoring and reporting applications422, enterprise control applications426, remote systems and applications444, applications residing on client devices448, etc.) for allowing user control, monitoring, and adjustment to BMS controller366and/or subsystems428. Interface407may also facilitate communications between BMS controller366and client devices448. BMS interface409may facilitate communications between BMS controller366and building subsystems428(e.g., HVAC, lighting security, lifts, power distribution, business, etc.). Interfaces407,409can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with building subsystems428or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications via interfaces407,409can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network446(e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, interfaces407,409can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, interfaces407,409can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, one or both of interfaces407,409can include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. In some embodiments, communications interface407is a power line communications interface and BMS interface409is an Ethernet interface. In other embodiments, both communications interface407and BMS interface409are Ethernet interfaces or are the same Ethernet interface. Still referring toFIG.4, BMS controller366is shown to include a processing circuit404including a processor406and memory408. Processing circuit404can be communicably connected to BMS interface409and/or communications interface407such that processing circuit404and the various components thereof can send and receive data via interfaces407,409. Processor406can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory408(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory408can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory408can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, memory408is communicably connected to processor406via processing circuit404and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit404and/or processor406) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, BMS controller366is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various other embodiments BMS controller366can be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). Further, whileFIG.4shows applications422and426as existing outside of BMS controller366, in some embodiments, applications422and426can be hosted within BMS controller366(e.g., within memory408). Still referring toFIG.4, memory408is shown to include an enterprise integration layer410, an automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer412, a demand response (DR) layer414, a fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer416, an integrated control layer418, and a building subsystem integration later420. Layers410-420can be configured to receive inputs from building subsystems428and other data sources, determine control actions for building subsystems428based on the inputs, generate control signals based on the determined control actions, and provide the generated control signals to building subsystems428. The following paragraphs describe some of the general functions performed by each of layers410-420in BMS400. Enterprise integration layer410can be configured to serve clients or local applications with information and services to support a variety of enterprise-level applications. For example, enterprise control applications426can be configured to provide subsystem-spanning control to a graphical user interface (GUI) or to any number of enterprise-level business applications (e.g., accounting systems, user identification systems, etc.). Enterprise control applications426may also or alternatively be configured to provide configuration GUIs for configuring BMS controller366. In yet other embodiments, enterprise control applications426can work with layers410-420to optimize building performance (e.g., efficiency, energy use, comfort, or safety) based on inputs received at interface407and/or BMS interface409. Building subsystem integration layer420can be configured to manage communications between BMS controller366and building subsystems428. For example, building subsystem integration layer420may receive sensor data and input signals from building subsystems428and provide output data and control signals to building subsystems428. Building subsystem integration layer420may also be configured to manage communications between building subsystems428. Building subsystem integration layer420translate communications (e.g., sensor data, input signals, output signals, etc.) across a plurality of multi-vendor/multi-protocol systems. Demand response layer414can be configured to optimize resource usage (e.g., electricity use, natural gas use, water use, etc.) and/or the monetary cost of such resource usage in response to satisfy the demand of building10. The optimization can be based on time-of-use prices, curtailment signals, energy availability, or other data received from utility providers, distributed energy generation systems424, from energy storage427(e.g., hot TES242, cold TES244, etc.), or from other sources. Demand response layer414may receive inputs from other layers of BMS controller366(e.g., building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer418, etc.). The inputs received from other layers can include environmental or sensor inputs such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity levels, air quality sensor outputs, occupancy sensor outputs, room schedules, and the like. The inputs may also include inputs such as electrical use (e.g., expressed in kWh), thermal load measurements, pricing information, projected pricing, smoothed pricing, curtailment signals from utilities, and the like. According to some embodiments, demand response layer414includes control logic for responding to the data and signals it receives. These responses can include communicating with the control algorithms in integrated control layer418, changing control strategies, changing setpoints, or activating/deactivating building equipment or subsystems in a controlled manner. Demand response layer414may also include control logic configured to determine when to utilize stored energy. For example, demand response layer414may determine to begin using energy from energy storage427just prior to the beginning of a peak use hour. In some embodiments, demand response layer414includes a control module configured to actively initiate control actions (e.g., automatically changing setpoints) which minimize energy costs based on one or more inputs representative of or based on demand (e.g., price, a curtailment signal, a demand level, etc.). In some embodiments, demand response layer414uses equipment models to determine a set of control actions. The equipment models can include, for example, thermodynamic models describing the inputs, outputs, and/or functions performed by various sets of building equipment. Equipment models may represent collections of building equipment (e.g., subplants, chiller arrays, etc.) or individual devices (e.g., individual chillers, heaters, pumps, etc.). Demand response layer414may further include or draw upon one or more demand response policy definitions (e.g., databases, XML files, etc.). The policy definitions can be edited or adjusted by a user (e.g., via a graphical user interface) so that the control actions initiated in response to demand inputs can be tailored for the user's application, desired comfort level, particular building equipment, or based on other concerns. For example, the demand response policy definitions can specify which equipment can be turned on or off in response to particular demand inputs, how long a system or piece of equipment should be turned off, what setpoints can be changed, what the allowable set point adjustment range is, how long to hold a high demand setpoint before returning to a normally scheduled setpoint, how close to approach capacity limits, which equipment modes to utilize, the energy transfer rates (e.g., the maximum rate, an alarm rate, other rate boundary information, etc.) into and out of energy storage devices (e.g., thermal storage tanks, battery banks, etc.), and when to dispatch on-site generation of energy (e.g., via fuel cells, a motor generator set, etc.). Integrated control layer418can be configured to use the data input or output of building subsystem integration layer420and/or demand response later414to make control decisions. Due to the subsystem integration provided by building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer418can integrate control activities of the subsystems428such that the subsystems428behave as a single integrated supersystem. In some embodiments, integrated control layer418includes control logic that uses inputs and outputs from a plurality of building subsystems to provide greater comfort and energy savings relative to the comfort and energy savings that separate subsystems could provide alone. For example, integrated control layer418can be configured to use an input from a first subsystem to make an energy-saving control decision for a second subsystem. Results of these decisions can be communicated back to building subsystem integration layer420. Integrated control layer418is shown to be logically below demand response layer414. Integrated control layer418can be configured to enhance the effectiveness of demand response layer414by enabling building subsystems428and their respective control loops to be controlled in coordination with demand response layer414. This configuration may advantageously reduce disruptive demand response behavior relative to conventional systems. For example, integrated control layer418can be configured to assure that a demand response-driven upward adjustment to the setpoint for chilled water temperature (or another component that directly or indirectly affects temperature) does not result in an increase in fan energy (or other energy used to cool a space) that would result in greater total building energy use than was saved at the chiller. Integrated control layer418can be configured to provide feedback to demand response layer414so that demand response layer414checks that constraints (e.g., temperature, lighting levels, etc.) are properly maintained even while demanded load shedding is in progress. The constraints may also include setpoint or sensed boundaries relating to safety, equipment operating limits and performance, comfort, fire codes, electrical codes, energy codes, and the like. Integrated control layer418is also logically below fault detection and diagnostics layer416and automated measurement and validation layer412. Integrated control layer418can be configured to provide calculated inputs (e.g., aggregations) to these higher levels based on outputs from more than one building subsystem. Automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer412can be configured to verify that control strategies commanded by integrated control layer418or demand response layer414are working properly (e.g., using data aggregated by AM&V layer412, integrated control layer418, building subsystem integration layer420, FDD layer416, or otherwise). The calculations made by AM&V layer412can be based on building system energy models and/or equipment models for individual BMS devices or subsystems. For example, AM&V layer412may compare a model-predicted output with an actual output from building subsystems428to determine an accuracy of the model. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer416can be configured to provide on-going fault detection for building subsystems428, building subsystem devices (i.e., building equipment), and control algorithms used by demand response layer414and integrated control layer418. FDD layer416may receive data inputs from integrated control layer418, directly from one or more building subsystems or devices, or from another data source. FDD layer416may automatically diagnose and respond to detected faults. The responses to detected or diagnosed faults can include providing an alert message to a user, a maintenance scheduling system, or a control algorithm configured to attempt to repair the fault or to work-around the fault. FDD layer416can be configured to output a specific identification of the faulty component or cause of the fault (e.g., loose damper linkage) using detailed subsystem inputs available at building subsystem integration layer420. In other exemplary embodiments, FDD layer416is configured to provide “fault” events to integrated control layer418which executes control strategies and policies in response to the received fault events. According to some embodiments, FDD layer416(or a policy executed by an integrated control engine or business rules engine) may shut-down systems or direct control activities around faulty devices or systems to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life, or assure proper control response. FDD layer416can be configured to store or access a variety of different system data stores (or data points for live data). FDD layer416may use some content of the data stores to identify faults at the equipment level (e.g., specific chiller, specific AHU, specific terminal unit, etc.) and other content to identify faults at component or subsystem levels. For example, building subsystems428may generate temporal (i.e., time-series) data indicating the performance of BMS400and the various components thereof. The data generated by building subsystems428can include measured or calculated values that exhibit statistical characteristics and provide information about how the corresponding system or process (e.g., a temperature control process, a flow control process, etc.) is performing in terms of error from its setpoint. These processes can be examined by FDD layer416to expose when the system begins to degrade in performance and alert a user to repair the fault before it becomes more severe. Referring now toFIG.5, a block diagram of another building management system (BMS)500is shown, according to some embodiments. BMS500can be used to monitor and control the devices of HVAC system100, waterside system200, airside system300, building subsystems428, as well as other types of BMS devices (e.g., lighting equipment, security equipment, etc.) and/or HVAC equipment. BMS500provides a system architecture that facilitates automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution. Equipment discovery can occur on multiple levels of BMS500across multiple different communications busses (e.g., a system bus554, zone buses556-560and564, sensor/actuator bus566, etc.) and across multiple different communications protocols. In some embodiments, equipment discovery is accomplished using active node tables, which provide status information for devices connected to each communications bus. For example, each communications bus can be monitored for new devices by monitoring the corresponding active node table for new nodes. When a new device is detected, BMS500can begin interacting with the new device (e.g., sending control signals, using data from the device) without user interaction. Some devices in BMS500present themselves to the network using equipment models. An equipment model defines equipment object attributes, view definitions, schedules, trends, and the associated BACnet value objects (e.g., analog value, binary value, multistate value, etc.) that are used for integration with other systems. Some devices in BMS500store their own equipment models. Other devices in BMS500have equipment models stored externally (e.g., within other devices). For example, a zone coordinator508can store the equipment model for a bypass damper528. In some embodiments, zone coordinator508automatically creates the equipment model for bypass damper528or other devices on zone bus558. Other zone coordinators can also create equipment models for devices connected to their zone busses. The equipment model for a device can be created automatically based on the types of data points exposed by the device on the zone bus, device type, and/or other device attributes. Several examples of automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution are discussed in greater detail below. Still referring toFIG.5, BMS500is shown to include a system manager502; several zone coordinators506,508,510and518; and several zone controllers524,530,532,536,548, and550. System manager502can monitor data points in BMS500and report monitored variables to various monitoring and/or control applications. System manager502can communicate with client devices504(e.g., user devices, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices, etc.) via a data communications link574(e.g., BACnet IP, Ethernet, wired or wireless communications, etc.). System manager502can provide a user interface to client devices504via data communications link574. The user interface may allow users to monitor and/or control BMS500via client devices504. In some embodiments, system manager502is connected with zone coordinators506-510and518via a system bus554. System manager502can be configured to communicate with zone coordinators506-510and518via system bus554using a master-slave token passing (MSTP) protocol or any other communications protocol. System bus554can also connect system manager502with other devices such as a constant volume (CV) rooftop unit (RTU)512, an input/output module (IOM)514, a thermostat controller516(e.g., a TEC5000 series thermostat controller), and a network automation engine (NAE) or third-party controller520. RTU512can be configured to communicate directly with system manager502and can be connected directly to system bus554. Other RTUs can communicate with system manager502via an intermediate device. For example, a wired input562can connect a third-party RTU542to thermostat controller516, which connects to system bus554. System manager502can provide a user interface for any device containing an equipment model. Devices such as zone coordinators506-510and518and thermostat controller516can provide their equipment models to system manager502via system bus554. In some embodiments, system manager502automatically creates equipment models for connected devices that do not contain an equipment model (e.g., IOM514, third party controller520, etc.). For example, system manager502can create an equipment model for any device that responds to a device tree request. The equipment models created by system manager502can be stored within system manager502. System manager502can then provide a user interface for devices that do not contain their own equipment models using the equipment models created by system manager502. In some embodiments, system manager502stores a view definition for each type of equipment connected via system bus554and uses the stored view definition to generate a user interface for the equipment. Each zone coordinator506-510and518can be connected with one or more of zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550via zone buses556,558,560, and564. Zone coordinators506-510and518can communicate with zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550via zone busses556-560and564using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Zone busses556-560and564can also connect zone coordinators506-510and518with other types of devices such as variable air volume (VAV) RTUs522and540, changeover bypass (COBP) RTUs526and552, bypass dampers528and546, and PEAK controllers534and544. Zone coordinators506-510and518can be configured to monitor and command various zoning systems. In some embodiments, each zone coordinator506-510and518monitors and commands a separate zoning system and is connected to the zoning system via a separate zone bus. For example, zone coordinator506can be connected to VAV RTU522and zone controller524via zone bus556. Zone coordinator508can be connected to COBP RTU526, bypass damper528, COBP zone controller530, and VAV zone controller532via zone bus558. Zone coordinator510can be connected to PEAK controller534and VAV zone controller536via zone bus560. Zone coordinator518can be connected to PEAK controller544, bypass damper546, COBP zone controller548, and VAV zone controller550via zone bus564. A single model of zone coordinator506-510and518can be configured to handle multiple different types of zoning systems (e.g., a VAV zoning system, a COBP zoning system, etc.). Each zoning system can include a RTU, one or more zone controllers, and/or a bypass damper. For example, zone coordinators506and510are shown as Verasys VAV engines (VVEs) connected to VAV RTUs522and540, respectively. Zone coordinator506is connected directly to VAV RTU522via zone bus556, whereas zone coordinator510is connected to a third-party VAV RTU540via a wired input568provided to PEAK controller534. Zone coordinators508and518are shown as Verasys COBP engines (VCEs) connected to COBP RTUs526and552, respectively. Zone coordinator508is connected directly to COBP RTU526via zone bus558, whereas zone coordinator518is connected to a third-party COBP RTU552via a wired input570provided to PEAK controller544. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can communicate with individual BMS devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.) via sensor/actuator (SA) busses. For example, VAV zone controller536is shown connected to networked sensors538via SA bus566. Zone controller536can communicate with networked sensors538using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Although only one SA bus566is shown inFIG.5, it should be understood that each zone controller524,530-532,536, and548-550can be connected to a different SA bus. Each SA bus can connect a zone controller with various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, occupancy sensors, etc.), actuators (e.g., damper actuators, valve actuators, etc.) and/or other types of controllable equipment (e.g., chillers, heaters, fans, pumps, etc.). Each zone controller524,530-532,536, and548-550can be configured to monitor and control a different building zone. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can use the inputs and outputs provided via their SA busses to monitor and control various building zones. For example, a zone controller536can use a temperature input received from networked sensors538via SA bus566(e.g., a measured temperature of a building zone) as feedback in a temperature control algorithm. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can use various types of control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control a variable state or condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, etc.) in or around building10. Generating Simulated Experience Data Generally, to generate simulated experience data, sample input data is input into a dynamics model. The dynamics model can include a calibrated simulation model or a surrogate model of the HVAC system. Sample input data is generally categorized either as an exogenous parameter or an endogenous parameter. Exogenous parameters are parameters pertaining to the environment or otherwise outside of the control of the HVAC system, such as time of day, weather and weather forecasts, occupancy schedules, and occupancy trends. Endogenous parameters are variables chosen by a control system, such as setpoints or operating conditions. For input into the dynamics model, the exogenous and endogenous parameters can be sampled to simulate different scenarios. Any sampling algorithm can be used to sample the exogenous and endogenous parameters. In some embodiments, several different sampling algorithms may be used to vary the state-action pair space for training the RL model. For example, exogenous parameters may be sampled by first using a fitting algorithm. A fitting algorithm, given a sequence of one or more parameters over time, returns a sequence corresponding to the mean predictions of the parameters. The fitting algorithm can be calculated as follows: The fitting algorithm receives as input, 1) a sequence of measured parameters ytindexed 0 through T, where each sample ytis a vector of I values with yitdenoting the value of the (scalar) parameter i; 2) for each scalar parameter i, an integer value Ni>0 to select the number of Fourier modes in that parameter's mean model; and 3) an integer value M selecting the order of the autoregressive correction model. For each scalar parameter i, the real Fourier transform of the sequence yitis computed to produce values of coefficients ajand bjsuch that: yit=∑j=0⌊T/2⌋(ajsin(2πjt/T)+bjcos(2πjt/T)) A setis then defined to contain 0 and the Nivalues of j>0 corresponding to the Nilargest values of aj2+bj2. The mean sequenceyitcan then be defined as: y¯it:=∑j∈{0}⋃𝒥(ajsin(2πjt/T)+bjcos(2πjt/T)) From the mean sequence yit, the residuals can be calculate as: xit:=yit−yit and be concatenated into vectors xt. An autoregressive model of order M is then fitted to predict the values of xtby solving the least squares problem: minA1,…,AM∑t=MTxt-∑m=1MAmxt-m2 The error covariance E is calculated as the sample covariance of eM, . . . , eT, where: et:=xt-∑m=1MAmxt-m Block matricesand ε can then be calculated as: 𝒜:=(0I0…0000I…00⋮⋮⋮⋱⋮⋮000…I0000…0IAMAM-1AM-2…A2A1)ε:=(0…00⋮⋱⋮⋮0…000…0E) such that the discrete Lyapunov equation can be solved to find the matrix X, the Lyapunov equation written as: χ=χAT+ε Given a determined starting and ending time t0and tf, a sampling algorithm then randomly chooses a vector X from the multivariable normal distribution with mean zero and covariance χ and splits that vector into M pieces (each length l). Each piece is then defined as {circumflex over (x)}t0-Mthrough {circumflex over (x)}t0-1. For each of t=t0, . . . , tf, a vector etfrom the multivariable normal distribution with mean zero and covariance E is randomly chosen. The sequence {circumflex over (x)}tis then calculated as: xˆt:=et+∑m=1M𝒜mxˆt-m Finally, for t=t0, . . . , tf, the sampled sequence ŷtis calculated as: ŷt:={circumflex over (x)}t+yt wherein ŷtis used as input into the dynamics model. It should also be appreciated that the sampling algorithm can be extended to generate sequences longer than T steps. Assuming that the data is P-periodic (for example, by making explicit adjustments such that y0is equal to yp). the fitting algorithm can be performed on the restricted sequence y0, . . . , yp-1, wherein the mean termsytis interpreted with t modulo P. If certain parameters have explicit bounds (e.g., cloud cover expressed as a percentage between 0 and 100), those values can be transformed to an unbounded space before training and then transformed back to the original space after training. For example, given a variable ytbounded between 0 and 1, determine a value ϵ≈0 and train the model on the transformed variable y′tand use the sampling procedure to determine ŷ′twith yt′:=-log(1ϵ+(1-2ϵ)yt-1)yˆt:=11+exp(-yˆt′)) If various subsets of parameters are known to be uncorrelated, order-M autoregressive model and error covariance E can be performed separately on each subset to ensure that the sampled parameters are not explicitly correlated. In another example, samples of endogenous parameters may be determined according to a random exploration algorithm. A random exploration algorithm outputs a sequence of exogenous parameter values given time varying bounds, a standard deviation σ, and a quantization step Q. One or more processors executing the random exploration algorithm may first randomly choose an initial value x0 from the uniform distribution on the interval [0,2]. For each time t=0, 1, . . . T−1, a value etis randomly chosen from the standard normal distribution, wherein a next x value xt+1is defined as: xt+1=(xt+σet)mod 2 and a new value ũt:=utmin+(utmax−utmin)|1−xt| For each t=0, . . . , T, apply quantization to calculate ut:=Qround(u~tQ) In variations of the random exploration algorithm, the value etcan be forced to zero to constrain a parameter to be constant over a given time interval when utshould not change. In another example, endogenous parameters may be sampled according to a random pre-cooling algorithm. Given a sequence of time-varying bounds utminand utmaxfor t=0, . . . , T with t=0 corresponding to the end of peak hours on the previous day and t=T corresponding to the end of peak hours on the current day, the starting time ty if peak hours for the current day, and a minimum and maximum transition periods τminand τmaxsatisfying τmin≥0 and τmax≤tp/2, one or more processors executing the random pre-cooling algorithm can generate a sequence utof a endogenous control parameter that achieves some amount of pre-cooling for an HVAC system. The one or more processors may first randomly choose two values τ1and τ2from the uniform distribution on the interval [τmin,τmax]. and a value tafrom the uniform distribution on the interval [0,tp−τ2]. Then, defining tb:=ta+τ1and tc:=tp−τ2, for each t=0, . . . , T, define xtas: xt:={0if0≤t≤tat-tatb-taifta<t≤tb1iftb<t≤tct-tctp-tciftc<t≤tp0iftp<t≤T and utas: ut=utmax+(utmin−utmax)xt Various other interpolation methods can be used as part of the pre-cooling method to determine the exact values during transition periods, e.g., exponential transitions with a specified or random decay rate. In both the random exploration algorithm and the pre-cooling algorithm, if there are rate-of-change limitations on the resulting control decisions, a nearby feasible trajectory can be found via optimization. For example, if the input can change by no more than 8 in a given timestep then we can replace utvia u′tcomputed by solving to the following optimization problem: minuo,…,′ut′∑t=0T❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"ut′-ut❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"s.t.❘"\[LeftBracketingBar]"ut′-ut-1′❘"\[RightBracketingBar]"≤δ,t=1,…,Tutmin≤ut′≤utmax,t=0,…,T To generate the simulated experience data, a dynamics model is chosen, such as a simulator or surrogate model. A state-action pair is determined. In some embodiments, the state-action pair inputs are sampled from the sample data. In some embodiments, the state-action pair inputs are sampled randomly. The state-action pair is input into the dynamics model such that a next state and observed reward can be generated. The state, action, reward, and next state can be stored in simulated experience storage604as a single experience data point. In some embodiments, predictive modeler602also calculates other metrics and stores the generated values in association with the experience data point. For example, predictive modeler may calculate the Bellman gap according to the equation: g=Lnorm2[Q(s,a)-(r+γ*maxa′Q(s′,a′)] where g is the Bellman gap, s is the current state, a is the current action, Q(s,a) is the Q function for a state-action pair (s,a), γ is the discount rate, s′ is the future state after performing action a at state s, r is the reward for performing action a in state s,is the maximum Q value for all possible actions a′ in state s′, and L2normis a magnitude calculation, calculated as the square root of the sum of the squared vector values. In embodiments where the dynamics model is a calibrated simulation model, the internal loads, operating strategies, and building parameters of the HVAC system can be loaded into a simulation engine to model building zones and thermal dynamics for the HVAC system in its environment. Weather data may also be introduced to simulate loads over a week, month, or year, for example. The simulation model may then determine actions to perform in a given state and predict a resultant state and reward, such as power consumption or cost that can be structured and stored as simulated experience data for the HVAC system. In embodiments where the dynamics model is a surrogate model, the surrogate model may include a deep neural network (DNN) model with several types of configurations. In some embodiments, the DNN model may be a structured DNN model and include a decomposition strategy derived from a particular closed-loop control structure of one or more zones of a building. The DNN model may be controlled by a zone controller and zone physics that can be split into two independent subsystems for which all the inputs and outputs are known. The two independent subsystems may be independent, but may still be interconnected. Particularly, the local controllers of each zone may induce a sensible cooling load on the zone, which induces zone heat-transfer physics to affect the zone temperature. The zone temperature may then be measured by the controller. The measured zone temperature then may lead to a change in the sensible cooling load on the zone, and then the overall process may repeat. The overall architecture of the DNN model may mathematically partition the overall state x of the system into substates xcfor the controller and xpfor the physics, each with corresponding outputs ycand yp. The inputs u may largely be shared by both sub-models. In some embodiments, the general prediction structure of the DNN model is: xk+1c=fc(xkc,ykc,ykp,ut+k) ykc=hc(xkc) xk+1p=fp(xkp,ykc,ykp,ut+k) ykp=hp(xkp) where f(⋅) and h(⋅) are state-space prediction models, and c and p denote prediction models for the controller and physics, respectively, and t and k represents time instances or intervals. The presence of ykcas an argument to fc(⋅) and ykpas an argument to fP(⋅) is for state-estimation purposes. By contrast, the presence of ykpin fc(⋅) and yk+1cin fp(⋅) may facilitate the appropriate interaction between sub-models of the DNN model architecture. The current output of the physics sub-model, the zone temperature, may be an input to the controller sub-model. In some embodiments, the controller sub-model may then output the next predicted output, such as the average zone heating and cooling duties over a current interval, which may then be used as inputs to the physics sub-model. The composite output ykof the prediction system may then be created by joining ykcand ykpin the appropriate order. In some embodiments, the filtered sub-models of the DNN model may include the current prediction error as an additional input. For state estimation, the oldest state may be chosen as an affine transformation of the oldest measurement yt-N, similar to the approach in the system identification prediction. However, the coefficients of the transformation may be decision variables rather than fixed values. In some embodiments, fc(⋅) and fp(⋅) are then iterated through the past data, except that all values of ykcand ykpare the known past values from components of yt+k. As such, during the filtering steps of the DNN model, there may be no interactions between the two sub-models. In some embodiments, the sub-models are in innovations-form and as such, the predicted outputs have no effect on updated states of the sub-models. Therefore, those connections are not shown in the overall estimation and prediction structure of the DNN model. The DNN model may be trained such that each sub-model is trained separately for fifteen epochs. In some embodiments, the outputs from the opposite sub-models are directly taken from the training data. Therefore, the training processes of the sub-models may be completely independent. In some embodiments, the controller sub-model is trained using only excitation data from training data that contains both excitation and conventional training data. The physics sub-model may be trained using both excitation training data and conventional training data. After initial training of the sub-models separately, the sub-models are combined and additional epochs of training may be performed. The future y values may now be used as the output of the opposite sub-models, such as when making future predictions. Thus, the additional training steps may allow the sub-models to correct for any biases in the predictions of the other, separate sub-models. In some embodiments, weights may be saved for several best epochs during training in terms of mean squared error on the entire training dataset. With thirteen weeks of training data, the training of DNN model may take roughly two and a half hours. In some embodiments, the DNN model may have a hierarchical model structure. Similar to the structured DNN model, the hierarchical DNN model may also use two separate sub-models based on the structure of the system. However, rather than decompose the physics and regulatory control, the DNN model may decompose the zones and the AHU that serves the zones. In particular, the zone sub-model may predict zone temperature and airflow from temperature setpoints, while the AHU sub-model may use the predicted flows and temperatures to calculate cooling duty and fan power. Hence, the DNN model is a hierarchical DNN model because the predictions flow upward from the lower level (zones sub-models) to the higher level (the AHU sub-models). In some embodiments, both the zone sub-models and the AHU sub-models have the same structure. The structure of both the zone and the AHU sub-models may consist of two connected LSTMs that perform state estimation and prediction, respectively. The first LSTM, which is referred to as the “encoder”, may take the values of past u and y as inputs at each timestep. After iterating over all of the past timesteps, the internal states of the encoder may then be used as the initial states of the second LSTM, which is referred to as the “decoder”. For each timestep in the “decoder”, the LSTM may also receive u and y as inputs. However, they values may now be the predictions made at the previous timestep. In some embodiments, filtering in the DNN model is completely in parallel, but during prediction, the zone sub-model outputs may be inputs to the AHU sub-model. The structure of the zone and AHU sub-models may use xtijto denote the internal LSTM states, with i∈{a,z} for the AHU and zone sub-models, and j∈{e,d} for the encoder or decoder. Both of the encoders may operate completely in parallel. In some embodiments, particularly, xk+1ie=fLSTMie(xkie,uk,yk) where the oldest state (e.g., time t−N, which corresponds to k=0) is initialized to zero. The two encoders in the structure of the DNN model may not directly interact. By contrast, for the decoders, the structure may be xk+1zd=fLSTMzd(xkzd,uk,ŷkzd) ŷk+1zd=hLSTMzd(xk+1zd) xk+1ad=fLSTMad(xkad,uk,ŷk+1zd,ŷkad) yk+1ad=hLSTMad(xk+1ad) In some embodiments, all the LSTMs are in standard form, meaning that all of the u and y function arguments may be treated the same. The initial conditions can include: x0ie=0,x0id=xNie, ŷ0id=y96 Each of the encoder states may be initialized to zero. In some embodiments, the value of the encoder states after processing N timesteps of past data is used as the initial encoder state. In a similar manner, the initial “predicted” outputs may use the most recent measurement (i.e., the final element in Yp). The overall DNN model outputs ŷkare the appropriate concatenation of ykzdand ykzd. In some embodiments, all four LSTMs in the DNN model have 50 units, meaning that each state xijhas 100 vector components. In other embodiments, the LSTMs in the DNN model may contain more or less units, with the corresponding state xijhaving more or less vector components. In some embodiments, the zone sub-model outputs include both zone temperature and VAV airflow, which are components of y and z respectively for the overall prediction system of the DNN model. Therefore, the past data inputs may include z and y, but only the relevant values of z (i.e., VAV airflow) may be used. The other values of z may be ignored. In some embodiments, the airflow predictions are not necessary predictions, and therefore may be discarded after being used by the AHU decoder. As such, only the zone temperature prediction may be included in the composite ŷk. The outputs of the AHU sub-model may include energy consumption terms, such as fan power and heating and cooling coil loads, all of which may be included in the composite output of the DNN model. During training of the DNN model, each encoder and decoder pair may be trained in isolation using real data for all of the y inputs. In particular, during training, all of the decoder inputs ŷkidmay be received from sample training data. As such, the future predictions of the decoder may be dynamically forced by the known values. Therefore, during training, the encoder and decoder may have the same input and output structure, in which all inputs may be taken from known measurements, and the only unknown quantities may be the internal states. In some embodiments, both models are trained for fifty epochs, taking the weights at the end of the last epoch as the trained DNN model. Using thirteen weeks of training data, the training of the DNN model may take approximately 2.7 hours. In some embodiments, the DNN model may be configured as monolithic model structure. In some embodiments, the monolithic DNN model uses a single LSTM encoder and decoder pair to make each prediction. As such, the structure of the monolithic DNN model may be similar to the structure of the zone sub-model used in the structured DNN model. As before, a state xkeis associated with the encoder and a state xkdis associated with the decoder. These two states in the monolithic DNN model may evolve as: xk+1e=fLSTMe(xkd,uk,yk+1,zk+1) xk+1=fLSTMd(xkd,uk) ŷk=hLSTMd(xkd) Therefore, the encoder may take all known values as inputs, while the decoder may take only utas inputs. In some embodiments, the offset, time indexing for u and {y,z} may be chosen such that the oldest measurement may be discarded. The output predictions of the decoder may not be fed back as inputs at the next timestep, since ŷkis a linear transformation of xkd. The encoder may receive additional inputs as compared to the inputs received by the decoder. Therefore, the encoder may need a larger state to remember a sufficient amount of past information. Accordingly, the final encoder states may be passed through an affine transformation function(⋅) to obtain the initial decoder states, i.e., x0d=(xNe) The matrix and vector that define(⋅) can be trainable parameters. In other embodiments, the encoder and decoder states have the same dimensions, and therefore the extra transformation may be unnecessary. The encoder initial state x0emay also be a trainable parameter, and thus it may be held constant across all samples. In some embodiments, x0eis chosen as an affine transformation of yt-N. Herein, any training data, experience data, or measured data (such as that received from an HVAC system) can include timeseries data. A timeseries can include a series of values for the same point and a timestamp for each of the data values. For example, a timeseries for a point provided by a temperature sensor can include a series of temperature values measured by the temperature sensor and the corresponding times at which the temperature values were measured. An example of a timeseries which can be generated is as follows:[<key, timestamp1, value1>, <key, timestamp2, value2>, <key, timestamp3, value3>] where key is an identifier of the source of the raw data samples (e.g., timeseries ID, sensor ID, device ID, etc.), timestampimay identify the time at which the ith sample was collected, and valueimay indicate the value of the ith sample. Time series data may allow modeling systems or analytic systems to correlate data in time and identify data trends over time for either model training or execution. Additional methods and systems for generating experience data and for training predictive models can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/844,660 filed May 7, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Training a Reinforcement Learning Model for HVAC Control Referring now toFIG.6, a block diagram of a training system600for training a RL model using simulated and real experience data is shown. Training system600includes a predictive modeler602that generates simulated experience data and stores the simulated experience data in simulated experience storage604, a RL model606, a RL trainer608to optimize RL model606, an HVAC controller610that controls HVAC system612using the RL model606, generates real experience data from the actual operation of HVAC system612, and stores the real experience data in real experience storage614. Predictive modeler602, RL trainer608, and controller610may be implemented as one or more computing devices. Data storages604and614may be any storage device, such as a database, data buffer, or other memory device. Training system600is generally configured to initially train RL model606for HVAC control using simulated experience storage604, and improve the RL model606over time using the real experience data from HVAC system612. Predictive modeler602generates simulated experience data to train the RL model606. Predictive modeler602can include one or more dynamic models to generate the simulated experience data. Predictive modeler602may receive initial data samples as input for generating the simulated experience data. Simulated experience data can be stored in simulated experience storage604by predictive modeler602. In some embodiments, the dynamic model of predictive modeler602includes a calibrated simulation model to generate the simulated experience data. In some embodiments, the calibrated simulation model may be modeled in an EnergyPlus™, Python, or Simscape simulation program. Calibrated simulation models generally use multiple data inputs to simulate how system behavior will determine state changes and rewards over a time interval. Data inputs could include, but are not limited to, predicted weather patterns, energy rates, system efficiencies, environmental dynamics, occupancy data, equipment models, and other simulation data. The simulation model can use the data inputs to generate predicted results, such as future states of the system and cost savings. In some embodiments, the simulation model generates a predicted optimal control for any number of system states, such that subsequent RL training and can use the predicted optimal control for initial training. Given the complexity of analysis, simulation models can generally produce more accurate simulated experience data than other dynamic models. In some embodiments, the dynamic model of predictive modeler602is a surrogate model, which may include a deep neural network (DNN) model of HVAC dynamics. Surrogate models are generally designed to simulate how a particular system may react to a given input. The surrogate model can include a DNN of any configuration, such as a convolution neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), long short term memory (LSTM) architecture, LSTM sequence-to-sequence (LSTM-S2S) framework, or a gated recurrent unit (GRU). In some embodiments, the surrogate model may be trained by data generated by a calibrated simulation model so as to optimize the weights used in the edges and nodes of the neural network. The surrogate model may receive sample data as input in the neural network to predict resultant states and rewards. Surrogate models may generally produce simulated experience data faster than other dynamic models. Surrogate models can be retrained over time to produce more accurate results, which will be discussed in further detail in regards toFIG.9. In some embodiments, a simulation model is used to train a surrogate model, wherein the surrogate model is used to generate simulated experience data for training RL model606. In some embodiments, both a simulation model and a surrogate model are used to generate simulated experience data for training RL model606. In such embodiments, the output of the surrogate model and the simulation model may be reformatted such that the outputs can be used or stored together. Referring still toFIG.6, RL model606can be one or more of a variety of RL models used to control HVAC system612. RL model606can be trained by RL trainer608using simulated or real experience data. RL model606is generally configured to receive a current state of the HVAC system612and determine an action for the HVAC system to perform based on the current state. RL model606can be a deterministic model (i.e., for any input, the model determines an output) or a stochastic model (i.e., outputs the possibility of an action being performed). RL model606can define a plurality of states. In some embodiments, the plurality of states can each be defined to include one or more of a system setpoint, current temperature measurement, occupancy data, weather data, or any other endogenous or exogenous parameters discussed herein. A future state may be defined as the state of HVAC system612after a pre-determined time interval. In some embodiments, the time interval is based on a frequency to update control parameters (e.g., every minute, hour, day, etc.). In some embodiments, the time period is based on the time day (e.g., before working hours, during the work day, after the work day, etc.). In some embodiments, the pre-determined time interval is based on how often control signals are sent to the HVAC system612using the RL model606. RL model606may also define a plurality of actions that HVAC system612may perform. In some embodiments, the RL model606may define each action based on a vector of control parameters, such as one or more of a system setpoint, operational condition, power consumption, pre-cooling sequence, or other control parameter. Actions defined by RL model606can be used by HVAC controller610to generate control signals for HVAC system612. RL model606may also define a reward function that defines a value for entering a state. The reward function may be based on the current state of the system. In some embodiments, the reward function may be based on both the current state of the system and the action performed in the current state. In some embodiments, the reward function is a look-up table of reward values for a state or state-action pair. In some embodiments, the reward function is an efficiency or cost function based on the current state or action parameters. In some embodiments, RL model606is a Q-Learning model. A Q-Learning model generates a Q value for a given state and action (i.e., a state-action pair) that represents the short-term and long-term value of performing the action in the given state. In some embodiments, the Q-Learning model may use a lookup table to determine a Q value for the state-action pair. The Q table may be updated based on training data to adjust the Q values for each state-action pair. In some embodiments, the Q-Learning model is a deep Q-Learning model wherein the model uses a neural network (e.g., a DNN, CNN, etc.) to generate a Q value for the given state-action pair input. The neural network may contain one or more hidden layers. The weights of the neural network may be updated based on a backpropagation algorithm using training data. In some embodiments, RL model606is a policy gradient model. A policy gradient may generally determine a vector of actions or action parameters based on an input state, wherein the values of the vector determine what likelihood an action may be performed in a state. The values of the policy gradient may then be used by a controller to determine which action or actions to perform while in the current state. In some embodiments, a policy gradient may uses a neural network to generate the policy gradient for a given input state, wherein the weights of edges or nodes in the neural network are updated by a backpropagation algorithm. In some embodiments, RL model606may be configured to extend the RL model to estimate the preferred action to perform for previously unseen or untested states. For example, in embodiments wherein the RL model606comprises a neural network, the neural network can be used to generate control values for inputs not used to train the neural network, despite not having been trained using a particular input state or input action. RL model606may be configured in some embodiments with quantized states or actions. Quantized states may reduce the complexity of the input space (i.e., number of states, number of potential actions, etc.). Quantization may be defined by the structure of RL model606. In some embodiments, quantized states can be defined by a statistical function to divide an input space into regions. Still referring toFIG.6, RL trainer608trains RL model606using simulated experience data and real experience data. RL trainer608can initialize the RL model606using simulated experience data generated by predictive modeler602. RL trainer608may also be configured to use real experience data or simulated experience data to retrain the RL model606after a period of time. RL trainer608may retrieve real experience data from real experience storage614and the simulated experience data from simulated experience storage604. Retraining RL model606may include adjusting the pre-existing model based on a learning rate. In some embodiments, RL trainer608may also be configured to reinitialize the weighted values of the RL model606and train a new RL model606. RL trainer608may be configured to determine whether the RL model606should be retrained. In some embodiments, RL trainer608is configured to retrain RL model606after a regular time interval, such as, for example, every week, month, or year. In some embodiments, RL trainer608is configured to retrain RL model606on an exponential curve, such that the RL model606is trained less often as time progresses. In some embodiments, RL trainer608is configured to retrain the RL model606after a number of real experience data samples are collected from HVAC system612. In some embodiments, RL model606is configured to retrain RL model606in response to a user input. Still referring toFIG.6, HVAC system612is controlled by HVAC controller610. Controller610may receive sensor and operational data from HVAC system612and input the received data into the RL model606. In some embodiments, controller610formats the received data such that the real experience data can be stored in real experience storage614for future RL model training. Controller610can generate control signals based on the output of the RL model606and send to the HVAC system612to alter an operational state. In some embodiments, controller610is configured within HVAC system612. In some embodiments, controller610is configured to communicate with a processing circuit or equipment within HVAC system612via, for example, a building network. In some embodiments, controller610is configured within a BMS. In some embodiments, controller610controls HVAC system612using an s-greedy policy, wherein probabilistically the controller610deviations from a target control policy and performs a random or pseudo-random action. HVAC system612may be the HVAC100. HVAC system612can be configured to report sensor measurements, setpoints, operating conditions, or power consumption to RL model606. Controller610may be configured to use the received information to determine a current state of the HVAC system612for input into the RL model606. HVAC system612can receive one or more instructions from controller610to vary one or more parameters of controlling HVAC system612. For example, the received instruction may comprise a new setpoint for the system or control instructions for a subcomponent of HVAC system612. In some embodiments, HVAC system612may be configured to generate real experience data and store the real experience data in the real experience storage614. In some embodiments, at least one of HVAC system612and controller610may be included within a BMS, such as BMS400, wherein the BMS can report additional information regarding operation of the HVAC system612to the controller610, such as, but not limited to, occupant feedback, weather conditions, expected occupancy trends, or other data collected, generated, or analyzed by the BMS. In some embodiments, training system600can be configured to generate or collect initial real experience data responsive to actual operation of the HVAC system during an offline period of time. The offline period may be before the online operation of the HVAC system or otherwise under control of the trained RL model. The offline period may be a short time period relative to a time period over which the HVAC system operates in an online time period (e.g., a day, week, month). The initial real experience data may be generated responsive to random control actions of the HVAC system. In some embodiments, the RL trainer608may be configured to initialize the RL model606to generate the random control actions before later being trained using simulated experience data. Controller610may be configured to collect or generate the initial real experience data. RL trainer608or predictive modeler602may be configured to train the RL model606or a surrogate model, respectively, using the initial real experience data in addition to or in the alternative to the other training data discussed herein, such as simulated experience data or data generated from the calibrated simulation model. Using the initial real experience data may improve initial training of the RL model or surrogate model by supplementing the simulated experience data with a small amount of real experience data. Referring generally toFIG.7, several configurations of RL trainer608are shown, according to various embodiments. RL trainer608is configured to train and retrain RL model606. RL model606may be initialized by RL trainer608. In some embodiments, RL model606is initialized by another component of an RL modeler. Initialization of the RL model606generally includes configuring the input domain space, the various value functions or matrices, and training parameters of an RL model. To train the RL model606, the simulated experience data stored in the simulated experience storage604is sampled by the RL trainer608for training data. The RL trainer can sample the storage according to any sampling method. In some embodiments, the storage may be randomly sampled. In some embodiments, the storage is sampled based on error measurements, such as the Bellman gap value for an experience data sample. In some embodiments, specific samples are chosen based on knowledge of the domain, such as, for example, the maximum, minimum, mean, or standard deviation of one or more values of the experience data. In some embodiments, the storage is sampled such that experience data with low probability is chosen to offset data imbalance. For each experience data sample, the RL model generates an output to determine which action to perform. Once the output of RL model606is generated, the output is compared to the expected output associated with the sampled experience data. The comparison is used by RL trainer608to adjust the values of RL model606such that the model produces outputs closer to the expected output for the same input. After the model has been updated, RL trainer608may determine whether additional experience data samples should be used to continue training the RL model606. In some embodiments, RL trainer608may be configured to use a pre-defined number of experience samples to train the RL model606. In some embodiments, RL trainer608may be configured to calculate an accumulated Bellman gap value as a measure of optimization of the RL model606, and terminate training when the accumulated Bellman gap value surpasses a predefined threshold value. In some embodiments, the RL trainer608determines if the model has been trained using a well distributed exploration space, and may choose subsequent experience samples to offset the imbalance of the exploration space. In embodiments where the RL model606is a Q-Learning model, a Q value is generated by the RL model606based on the input state and input action of the sampled experience data. The Q function of the RL model606can be trained according to the equation: Qnew(s,a)=(1-α(t))*Q(s,a)+α(t)*(r+γ*maxa′Q(s′,a′)) where s is the current state, a is the current action, Qnewis the new Q value for the state-action pair (s,a), α(t) is the dynamic learning rate as a function of time step t, s′ is the future state after performing action a at state s, r is the reward for performing action a at state s, γ is the discount rate of future rewards, andis the maximum Q value for all possible actions a′ in state s′. By dividing the training processing into a series of sub problems, training a Q-Learning model converges the model to an minimum-cost function once a variety of inputs have been tested and retested. For embodiments where the RL model is a deep reinforcement learning model, such as a deep Q-Learning model, the RL model may be initialized as a deep neural network, in which experience data is received as input into the model and a Q value for the input experience data is generated as the output. The Q function neural network may be trained using backpropagation to train weights of the network such that the Q function produces more accurate outputs to the expected output. The ideal Q value Q* may be calculated as: Q*(s,a)=r+γ*maxa′Q(s′,a′) where s is the current state, a is the current action, s′ is the future state after performing action a at state s, r is the reward for performing action a at state s, γ is the discount rate of future rewards, andis the maximum Q value for all possible actions a′ in state s′. The backpropagation algorithm can then minimize the error: e=∑i=1NQi-Qi* where e is the total model error over N experience data samples, Qiis the output Q value for an input sample i, and Qi* is the ideal output for input sample i. In embodiments where the RL model606is a policy gradient model, the current state of the sampled experience data is input into RL model606to generate an action vector. The action vector can be compared to the expected action for a given state in the sampled experience data. The policy gradient may be represented as a neural network, and may use a gradient backpropagation method according to the equation: ∇θJ(θ)=∑m=1M∑t=0T(Qθπ(st,at)-Vθπ(st))*∇θlogπθ(at|st) where J(θ) is the expected rewards, T is the number of states considered in a policy gradient trajectory, with t as the iterative variable over the trajectory, M is the number of samples considered with m as the iterative variable, Qθπ(st,at)−Vθ90(st) defines the reward of taking action at in state st(with Qθπbeing a Q function of future projected value, and Vθπbeing a value function of the current state). Using the gradient of J(θ), the reward function can be maximized to derive an actionable policy for a given state or trajectory of states and actions. Once the RL trainer608has satisfied the stop condition for training, the RL model606can be used by controller610to control HVAC system612. In controlling HVAC system612, controller610receives state information from HVAC system612, inputs the state or potential action into the RL model606, and sends a control action based on the determined output of RL model606. As controller610operates and controls the action of HVAC system612, real experience data is generated. The RL trainer can then determine whether the RL model606should be retrained using the real experience data or simulated experience data. InFIG.7A, one embodiment of a RL trainer700is shown to include a training controller702, RL model updater704, simulated-data sampler706, and real data sampler708. RL trainer608is configured to determine when RL model606should be retrained, gather training data from the real and simulated experience storages614and604, and update the RL model606. Training controller702can be configured to determine when to retrain RL model606. In some embodiments, training controller702trains RL model606responsive to receiving a user input. In some embodiments, training controller702trains RL model606responsive to receiving a control signal from another computing device, such as a server in BMS400. In some embodiments, training controller702may be configured to retrain the RL model606after a period of time or number of generated real experience data points. For example, training controller702may be configured to retrain the RL model606every day, month, or year. In another example, training controller702retrains the RL model606after a predetermined number of real experience data points are generated. In some embodiments, the training controller702is configured to retrain the RL model606according to an exponential curve, such that the model is trained more often during the initial phase of operation, and trained less often as time progresses. In some embodiments, training controller702maintains one or more dynamic probability functions to determine when to retrain the RL model606. For example, training controller702may be configured to perform a uniform random number generator algorithm once a day, and responsive to the random number output exceeding a threshold value, initiate a sequence of commands to retrain the RL model. In some embodiments, two different probabilistic controls are maintained separately for the simulated experience data and measured experience data, such as by using different dynamic probability functions or threshold values. Accordingly, execution of the probabilistic controls by training controller702enable training controller702to determine whether the RL model should be retrained using simulated experience storage604, retrained using real experience storage614, or retrained using both simulated experience storage604and real experience storage614. RL trainer700also comprises simulated-data sampler706and real-data sampler708. Simulated-data sampler706is configured to sample a simulated experience data point from simulated experience storage604. Real-data sampler708is configured to sample a measured experience data point from real experience storage614. Samplers706and708may be configured within the same or separate modules. Samplers706and708sample their respective storage devices according to a sampling function. In some embodiments, samplers706or708can be configured to randomly sample experience data from the respective storages. In some embodiments, samplers706or708can be configured to sample based on domain knowledge. In some embodiments, samplers706or708can be configured to sample experience data based on a Bellman gap calculation. In some embodiments, samplers706or708can be configured to sample experience data based on previous sampled values to offset data imbalance. In some embodiments, samplers706or708can be configured to sample experience data based on approximated surrogate model error. RL trainer700also comprises RL model updater704generally uses information received from training controller702to update one or more values in the RL model606. In one embodiment, updater704receives an error measurement for a sampled experience data point from training controller702. Updater704uses the error measurement to update one or more values of the RL model606. In some embodiments, training controller702sends a signal to either the simulated-data sampler706or the real-data sampler708to sample an experience data point. Training controller702, responsive to receiving the sampled experience data point, inputs at least part of the experience data point into RL model606. Training controller702can receive the output value of the RL model606responsive to the training controller702inputting the at least part of the experience data point into RL model606. Responsive to the indication that the RL model606should be trained, RL trainer608executes a series of instructions to train the RL model606. In some embodiments, training controller702signals simulated data sampler to sample an experience data point. Referring now toFIG.7B, another configuration of a RL trainer720is shown. RL trainer720is shown to include training controller722, RL model updater724, and experience data sampler726. In some such embodiments, the experience data sampler726samples both the simulated experience storage604and the real experience storage614such that both simulated and real experience data is represented in the training data. In some embodiments, the simulated experience storage604and the real experience storage614are combined into a single storage database728such that the RL trainer720samples both real and simulated experience data from the same storage location. Training controller722can include any configuration or function as described in relation to training controller702. Training controller722may generally determine whether to retrain the RL model606. Training controller722may send an indication to experience data sampler726to sample one or more experience data samples from experience data storage728. Training controller722may be configured to receive training data from experience data sampler726and input the training data into the RL model606to generate output states and rewards. Training controller722may send output states and rewards to data RL model updater724to update one or more values in the RL model606based on the output state or expected reward. Experience data sampler726can include any configuration or function as described in relation to simulated data sampler706and real data sampler708. Experience data sampler726may be configured to sample data from experience data storage728. Experience data sampler726may use any sampling criteria as described in regard to samplers706and708. In some embodiments, experience data sampler726may be configured to prioritize real experience data samples over simulated experience data samples when sampling training data. RL model updater724may include any configuration or function as described in relation to RL model updater704. RL model updater724may be configured to update one or more values of RL model606based on the output of RL model606with input of training data. RL model updater724may use an error measurement between an expected output associated with samples of the training data and the output values from RL model606. RL model updater724may be configured to update the values of the RL model606based on whether the training data sample is simulated or real experience data. In some embodiments, the magnitude of which the one or more values of the RL model are changed is based on how many data samples have been previously used to train the RL model606. In some such embodiments, RL model updater724maintains a learning rate parameter that decreases over time. In some embodiments, a separate learning rate is used for each of simulated experience data and real experience data. Referring now toFIG.8, a flow diagram800is shown for training a RL model using simulated and real experience data. In some embodiments, the steps of flow diagram800may be performed by one or more computing devices, such as the various components of training system600, to train the RL model for control of an HVAC system. At802, simulated experience data is generated using a dynamics model of a building. In some embodiments, the simulated experience data is generated by predictive modeler602. In some embodiments, simulated experience data may generally include a state-action pair, an expected future state, and a reward for taking the action at the state. The dynamics model may be, for example, a calibrated simulation model or a surrogate model of the building, such as a neural network. In some embodiments, both a calibrated simulation model and a surrogate model can be used to generate the simulated experience data. Simulated experience data may be stored in a storage database, such as simulated experience storage604. Alternatively, in some embodiments, simulated experience data is received from an external device. Simulated experience data may be retrieved from a database or storage device. Simulated experience data may be received from an external computing device that generates or collects the simulated experience data. Received simulated experience data may be the same as or include any of the features as described with the generated simulated experience data. At804, a RL model is trained using the simulated experience data. The RL model may be RL model606. The RL model be trained by RL trainer608. In some embodiments, training the RL model at804using the simulated experience data may be an offline training (i.e., before operation of the building equipment within the building). Training the RL model generally configures the various parameters of the RL model to generate a preferred action responsive to an input state. The use of simulated experience data to perform offline training of the RL model allows for a larger amount of training data as compared to available real experience data such that the RL model can be used to control the HVAC system before an adequate amount of real experience data has been collected to train the RL model. At806, the HVAC system is controlled using the RL model. The HVAC system may be any of the systems or devices discussed herein, such as HVAC system100or HVAC system612. The HVAC system may be controlled by a controller, such as controller610. The HVAC system is generally configured to send sensor and operational data to the controller such that the controller can determine a state in which the HVAC system is currently operating. The controller can input at least the current state into the RL model to determine the preferred action to control the HVAC system in the current state. The controller can then send one or more control signals or instructions to the HVAC system to affect the operating condition of the HVAC system. At808, real experience data is generated from the HVAC system. In some embodiments, real experience data may be generated or formatted by controller610or HVAC system612, or another processing circuit. Real experience data is generated responsive to operation of HVAC system612. In some embodiments, the real experience data is generated responsive to control actions determined using the RL model. Real experience data may include a performed state-action pair of the HVAC system, a future state resultant of the action performed in the previous state, and a measurement of a reward or incentive for taking the performed action in the state. The generated real experience data may be stored in a storage device with previously captured real experience data. In some embodiments, real experience data is generated periodically, rather than responsive to each control action. At810, a determination of whether to retrain the RL model is made. In some embodiments, the determination may be based on a probabilistic threshold, wherein a random value is generated and compared to a set threshold, and responsive to the random value exceeding the threshold, the RL model is retrained; otherwise, the RL model is not retrained. In some embodiments, the determination may be based on a number of real experience data points collected, wherein the RL model is retrained responsive to a counter exceeding the predefined number of collected points. In some such embodiments, the number of collected points varies with time such that as time goes on the number of collected points required to retrain the RL model increases. In some embodiments, the determination may be based on a period of time, such that the RL model is retrained after the expiration of the period of time. In some such embodiments, the period of time increases over time such that the RL model is retrained less often over time. In some embodiments, two separate determinations may be made to retrain the RL model using simulated experience data and to retrain the RL model using real experience data. In some embodiments, the determination is made periodically rather than responsive to each determined control action. If the determination at810is to not retrain the RL model, the system continues to control the HVAC system at808using the RL model and generating more real experience data. If the determination at810is to retrain the RL model, execution of the retraining algorithm begins at814by sampling training data. Sampling training data may include selecting one or more data points from an experience database. Sampling training data may be performed by any of samplers706,708, or726. Sampled training data may comprise at least one of the simulated experience data or real experience data. Sampling training data may be performed randomly on experience data. In some embodiments, sampling training data may be based on previously used training data. In some embodiments, sampling training data may prioritize real experience data. In some embodiments, sampling training data may be based on the time at which a data point was collected. At816, the values of the RL model are updated based on the sampled training data. In some embodiments, the RL model is updated by RL model updater704or724. In some embodiments, The RL model is updated by a gradient decent algorithm. In some embodiments, the RL model is updated based on an error measurement between the expected output and the generated output of the RL model. In some embodiments, the RL model is updated using a backpropagation algorithm. One or more values of the RL model may be changed as a result of the update. After completion of the update of the RL model, the controller resumes control of the HVAC system at806using the updated RL model. In some embodiments, the likelihood of retraining the RL model at810is decreased after each time the RL model is updated. Retraining a Reinforcement Learning Model Using a Retrained Surrogate Model Referring now toFIG.9, another embodiment of a training system900for training a RL model using real and simulated experience data is shown. Training system900includes a surrogate model902, experience data generator906, simulated experience data storage908, RL trainer910, RL model912, HVAC controller914, HVAC system916, real experience data storage918, and surrogate model trainer904. Training system900generally uses an RL model to control an HVAC system and generate real experience data that is used to retrain the surrogate model, such that the surrogate model can generate additional simulated experience data to retrain the RL model. This configuration provides an advantage where additional input domain can be explored for the RL model that otherwise may not often occur in actual operation of the HVAC system. Surrogate model902can include any feature, configuration, or function of the surrogate model as described in relation to predictive modeler602. In some embodiments, surrogate model902is a DNN. In some embodiments, the DNN is configured as a LSTM-S2S. Surrogate model902is generally used by experience data generator906to produce simulated experience data using input exogenous and endogenous parameters. Surrogate model trainer904may include any feature, configuration, or function as described in relation to predictive modeler602. Surrogate model trainer904may generally initialize, train, and retain surrogate model902. Surrogate model trainer904may initially train surrogate model902using sample data from a different HVAC system than the HVAC system916controlled by the RL model912. In some embodiments, surrogate model trainer904may use a calibrated simulation model of the HVAC system to generate sample data, and initially train the surrogate model902with the sample data. Experience data generator906is generally configured to use the surrogate model to generate simulated experience data using the surrogate model902. Experience data generator906may sample exogenous and endogenous parameters for input into surrogate model902. In some embodiments, experience data generator906may simulate various control scenarios, such as pre-cooling algorithms. Experience data generator906stores simulated experience data in simulated experience data storage908. RL trainer910may include any feature, configuration, or function as described in relation to RL trainer608. In some embodiments, RL trainer910is configured to only use simulated experience data to retrain the RL model912. In some such embodiments, RL trainer910may be configured to sample the simulated experience data based on when the simulated experience data as generated, such that experience data generated by the retrained surrogate model is prioritized for RL model training. In some embodiments, RL trainer910is configured to use both real and simulated experience data to retrain the RL model912. HVAC controller914and HVAC system916may include any feature, configuration, or function of controller610and HVAC system612, respectively. Controller914may be configured to determine the current state of HVAC system916using sensor measurements from HVAC system916. Controller914may be configured to use RL model912to determine the preferred action for HVAC system916to perform based on the output of RL model912. Controller914may be configured to send one or more control signals or instructions to HVAC system916based on output of RL model912. Controller914may be configured to generate real experience data and store the real experience data in real experience data storage918. Surrogate model trainer904may be further configured to determine whether the surrogate model902should be retrained using the generated real experience data, sample the real experience data, and retrain the surrogate model902using the sampled training data. In some embodiments, training data can be sampled based on pre-defined measures. One measure can be defined to prioritize samples with high dynamic model prediction error. Another measure could be the Bellman gap. In some embodiments, training data can be sampled randomly. Retraining the surrogate model902may change one or more values of surrogate model902. Surrogate model trainer904may be configured to train the surrogate model902after a predetermined number of real experience data points has been collected. In some embodiments, surrogate model trainer904may be configured to train the surrogate model902after a predetermined period of time as elapsed since the previous retraining of surrogate model902. In some embodiments, surrogate model trainer904is configured to retrain the surrogate model902based on a user input. In some embodiments, training system900can be configured to generate or collect initial real experience data responsive to actual operation of the HVAC system during an offline period of time. The offline period may be before the online operation of the HVAC system or otherwise under control of the trained RL model. The offline period may be a short time period relative to a time period over which the HVAC system operates in an online time period (e.g., a day, week, month). The initial real experience data may be generated responsive to random control actions of the HVAC system. In some embodiments, the RL trainer910may be configured to initialize the RL model912to generate the random control actions before later being trained using simulated experience data. Controller914may be configured to collect or generate the initial real experience data. RL trainer910or surrogate model trainer904may be configured to train the RL model912or surrogate model902, respectively, using the initial real experience data in addition to or in the alternative to the other training data discussed herein, such as simulated experience data or data generated from the calibrated simulation model. Using the initial real experience data may improve initial training of the RL model or surrogate model by supplementing the simulated experience data with a small amount of real experience data. Referring now toFIG.10, another flow diagram1000for training a RL model using a retrained surrogate model is shown. Flow diagram may be executed by one or more computing devices, such as the various components of training system900. At1002, simulated experience data may be generated using a surrogate model. In other embodiments, the simulated experience data may be retrieved from a storage device. The surrogate model may be trained using experience data generated by a calibrated simulation model. In some embodiments, the surrogate model may be trained using initial real experience data generated by the HVAC system during an offline period of time prior to an online operation, in addition to or alternatively to other training data. In some embodiments, the initial real experience data may be random experience data generated from random control actions of the HVAC system. At1004, a RL model is trained using the simulated experience data. The simulated experience data can be sampled according to any of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the simulated experience data is sampled randomly. In some embodiments, the simulated experience data is sampled based on a Bellman gap calculation. Part or all of the simulated experience data may be generated by the surrogate model, another dynamics model, or multiple dynamics models. Initial real experience data may also be included as training data in training the RL model. At1006, the HVAC system is controlled using the trained RL model. The HVAC system may be controlled by a controller using the RL model. The controller may determine a current state of the HVAC system using sensor and operational measurements from the HVAC system. The controller may determine a control action for the HVAC system to perform based on the output of the RL model. The controller may send one or more control signals or instructions to the HVAC system based on the output of the RL model. At1008, real experience data is generated based on the operation of the HVAC system. The real experience data may include a state, an action performed at the state, a future or resultant state, and a reward for performing the action at the state. The real experience data may use a predetermined period of time to determine the future state of the HVAC system. In some embodiments, the real experience data may be generated periodically rather than for each control action sent by the controller to the HVAC system. At1010, a determination whether to retrain the surrogate model or RL model is made. The determination may be based on a time period since the previous time the RL model or the surrogate model was retrained. In some embodiments, the determination to retrain the surrogate model or the RL model is based on a number of real experience data samples generated. In some embodiments, the determination to retrain the surrogate model or the RL model is based on time such that the models are less likely to be retrained over time. In some embodiments, the determination to retrain the RL model or the surrogate model is based on a user input. In some embodiments, the determination to retrain the RL model or the surrogate model is based on a probabilistic function, wherein a random value is generated, and responsive to the random value meeting a criteria, determining the RL model or surrogate model should be retrained. The determination may cause both the surrogate model to be retrained and the RL model to be retrained. In some embodiments, the surrogate model is retrained before the RL model is retrained. In some embodiments, a separate determination is made for retraining each of the surrogate model and retraining the RL model. The separate determinations may be configured in any ways as described above. In some such embodiments, similar criteria may be used as discussed in regards toFIG.8to retrain the RL model. In some embodiments, the determination may include whether to retrain the surrogate model using real or simulated experience data. One of the distinct determinations may cause its respective model to be retrained, but not the other model. In this way, one of the RL model or the surrogate model may be retrained more than one time for each instance the other model is retrained. If the determination at1010indicates the surrogate model or RL model should not be retrained, the system continues control of the HVAC system using the RL model at1006and generating additional real experience data. If the determination at1010indicates the surrogate model or the RL model will be retrained, the surrogate model is retrained by first sampling the real experience data for training data at1014. The real experience data may be sampled according to any disclosed method. The sampling at1014may sample for one or more training data samples. At1016, one or more values of the surrogate model are updated based on the sampled training data. The updated values may more accurately reflect the actual operation and dynamics of the building and HVAC system. The retrained surrogate model can then be used to generate additional or updated simulated experience data at1002, wherein the simulated experience data can later be used to retrain the RL model at1004. In some embodiments, the surrogate model is retrained multiple times before the RL model is retrained. Referring now toFIG.11, a RL model controller1100is shown, according to one embodiment. RL model controller1100may be configured within, or performed by a BMS, such as BMS400. RL model controller1100may be configured as one or more distinct processing circuits1102that comprise at least a processor1104and memory1106. Processor1104is configured to use instructions stored in memory1106to execute one or more functions. In some embodiments, any component of memory1106may be configured as a distinct circuit or controller. RL model controller1100may be configured to perform the functions of any of flow diagram800or flow diagram1000. Processing circuit1102can comprise one or more processing circuits that can be communicably connected to communications interface1128such that processing circuit1102and the various components thereof can send and receive data via communications interface1128(e.g., to/from building network1130, etc.). Processor1104can be implemented as one or more general purpose processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory1106(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory1106can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory1106can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to an example embodiment, memory1106is communicably connected to processor1104via processing circuit802and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit1102or processor1104) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, RL model controller1100is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various other embodiments, RL model controller1100can be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). Memory1106comprises predictive modeler1108, RL modeler1116, simulated experience data storage1124, and real experience data storage1126. Predictive modeler1108may comprise any of the features or configurations of predictive modeler602, surrogate model trainer904, or experience data generator906. RL modeler1116may comprise any of the features or configurations of RL trainer608, RL trainer910, HVAC controller610, or RL model912. Simulated experience data storage1124can be any memory device configured to store simulated experience data. Real experience data storage1126can be any memory device configured to store real experience data. In some embodiments, the simulated experience data storage1124and the real experience data storage1126are configured as the same memory device or database. Predictive modeler1108may generally generate simulated experience data to train an RL model. Predictive modeler1108includes dynamics model trainer1110, simulated data generator1112, and dynamics models1114. Dynamics model trainer1110may train any of dynamics models1114using sample data. Simulated data generator may use dynamics models1114to generate simulated experience data. Dynamics models1114may include one or more of a calibrated simulation model or surrogate model of the HVAC system. RL modeler1116may generally train the RL model1122using various experience data. RL modeler1116includes RL model trainer1118, real data generator1120, and RL model1122. RL model trainer1118may generally train and retrain RL model1122based on real and simulated experience data for the HVAC system. Real data generator1120may use information received from the HVAC system during operation to generate real experience data. RL model1122may be any RL control model discussed herein, wherein the RL model is used to control the HVAC system by determining a control action to perform in a given state of the HVAC system. RL modeler may be configured to communicate with an HVAC controller such that the controller can determine control actions or instructions based on output of the RL model. In some embodiments, RL modeler1116comprises the HVAC controller can is configured to communicate with the HVAC system via communications interface1128. Communications interface1128can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with building subsystems1130or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications via interface1128can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, interface1128can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, interface1128can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, interface1128can include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. In one embodiment, communications interface818is a power line communications interface. Interface1128can be configured to interface with external computing devices and sensors. Communications interface1128may generally interface RL model controller1100to a building network or subsystems1130, such as, a BMS network, the HVAC system, HVAC controller, or other various building systems. Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments It should be appreciated that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to control any building equipment system that affects a condition of a building or space, such as, but not limited to, an HVAC system, waterside system, airside system, electrical system, or any other building equipment system. The illustrations and descriptions herein describe embodiments configured to control of an HVAC system, but these and other embodiments can be extended to control any one of the other building equipment systems. It should also be appreciated that the systems and methods disclosed herein can utilize any machine learning control algorithm. RL and DRL models provide a framework for state-driven control using training data, but other models can be used to control the building equipment, such as, but not limited to, genetic algorithm control, neural network control, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning control. The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. The term “client or “server” include all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus may include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The apparatus may also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question (e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them). The apparatus and execution environment may realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures. The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be completed by any computer program. A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. The processes and logic flows described in this specification may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by, and apparatus may also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry (e.g., an FPGA or an ASIC). Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data (e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks). However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer may be embedded in another device (e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), etc.). Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks). The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diode), TFT (thin-film transistor), or other flexible configuration, or any other monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard, a pointing device, e.g., a mouse, trackball, etc., or a touch screen, touch pad, etc.) by which the user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser. Implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer) having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user may interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this disclosure, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a LAN and a WAN, an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks). The present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and thus, descriptions thereof may not be repeated. Further, features or aspects within each example embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other example embodiments. It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” “has,” “have,” and “having,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration. A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. | 133,925 |
11859848 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview Referring generally to the FIGURES, systems and methods for operating building devices based on positions of control devices in a conduit are shown and described, according to some embodiments. For example, the systems and methods described herein can be applied in an airside system for controlling an air handling unit (AHU) fan variable frequency drive (VFD) using a variable air volume (VAV) damper position as a proxy for static pressure in a duct. As another example, the systems and methods described herein can be applied in a waterside system for controlling a VFD of a pump by using a valve position as a proxy for differential pressure in a pipe. In some embodiments, damper positions, valve positions, or various other positions of HVAC devices may be used as a proxy for static pressure or differential pressure. In some embodiments, the HVAC device position (e.g., valve position, etc.) is used as a proxy for differential pressure when implemented in a closed loop system. More generally, the systems and methods described herein can be applied to regulate a flow of a fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) through a conduit (e.g., a duct, a pipe, etc.) by utilizing a position of a control device (e.g., a VAV damper, a valve, etc.) as a proxy for static pressure in the conduit. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that description included herein with regard to a particular environmental control system (e.g., an airside system) is provided for sake of example and should not be interpreted as limiting on the present disclosure. The systems and methods described herein can be applied in a variety of environmental control systems that involve regulation of a fluid in a conduit. With regard to an example airside system, the systems and methods may add VAV damper position feedback (e.g., as proxy to the duct static pressure) to traditional volumetric control logic. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the AHUs described herein may include a variable speed drive (VSD) instead of and/or in addition to a VFD. However, VFDs are primarily referred to herein for consistency and ease of explanation. Static pressure in a conduit can refer to a resistance to flow of a fluid in the conduit. For example, static pressure in a duct can describe a resistance to airflow within the duct. AHUs can operate to affect static pressure in ducts by providing airflow to the duct. Specifically, a VFD of an AHU can operate to move (e.g., rotate) a fan of the AHU to produce an airflow. However, if the duct static pressure is too high, the AHU may not be able to properly circulate air through the duct work. Failure to circulate air can result in, among other deficiencies, additional operating costs as air will not be able to reach spaces where the air is needed to fulfill a heating or cooling load. Utilizing the VAV damper position as a proxy for the duct static pressure can provide a number of advantages over traditional volumetric control logic that utilizes the duct static pressure. For example, the proposed control logic can provide cost savings to control VFDs as a need for differential pressure transmitter (DPT) sensors installed in ductwork can be eliminated. Further, as fewer components are required, downtime and maintenance for the system can be reduced. Utilizing the VAV damper position can also eliminate issues that arise if no ideal location for mounting sensors to measure the duct static pressure can be identified. Even if no ideal location can be identified, utilizing the VAV damper position as the proxy can nonetheless provide a similar energy benefit as if the duct static pressure were known and used. In experimental testing, utilizing the VAV damper position as the proxy for duct static pressure has been measured to result in an up to 21% reduction in AHU motor energy consumption. Utilizing the VAV damper position can also arrest duct noise and vibration, maintain flow across each VAV in a building system, increase overall equipment life, and can maintain static pressure in the duct. These benefits can result in significant cost and energy savings in building systems utilizing AHUs. Building HVAC Systems and Building Management Systems Referring now toFIGS.1-5, several building management systems (BMS) and HVAC systems in which the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be implemented are shown, according to some embodiments. In brief overview,FIG.1shows a building10equipped with a HVAC system100.FIG.2is a block diagram of a waterside system200which can be used to serve building10.FIG.3is a block diagram of an airside system300which can be used to serve building10.FIG.4is a block diagram of a BMS which can be used to monitor and control building10.FIG.5is a block diagram of another BMS which can be used to monitor and control building10. Building and HVAC System Referring particularly toFIG.1, a perspective view of a building10is shown. Building10is served by a BMS. A BMS is, in general, a system of devices configured to control, monitor, and manage equipment in or around a building or building area. A BMS can include, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, a lighting system, a fire alerting system, any other system that is capable of managing building functions or devices, or any combination thereof. The BMS that serves building10includes a HVAC system100. HVAC system100can include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g., heaters, chillers, air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energy storage, etc.) configured to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, or other services for building10. For example, HVAC system100is shown to include a waterside system120and an airside system130. Waterside system120may provide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unit of airside system130. Airside system130may use the heated or chilled fluid to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10. An exemplary waterside system and airside system which can be used in HVAC system100are described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.2-3. HVAC system100is shown to include a chiller102, a boiler104, and a rooftop air handling unit (AHU)106. Waterside system120may use boiler104and chiller102to heat or cool a working fluid (e.g., water, glycol, etc.) and may circulate the working fluid to AHU106. In various embodiments, the HVAC devices of waterside system120can be located in or around building10(as shown inFIG.1) or at an offsite location such as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, a steam plant, a heat plant, etc.). The working fluid can be heated in boiler104or cooled in chiller102, depending on whether heating or cooling is required in building10. Boiler104may add heat to the circulated fluid, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., natural gas) or using an electric heating element. Chiller102may place the circulated fluid in a heat exchange relationship with another fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to absorb heat from the circulated fluid. The working fluid from chiller102and/or boiler104can be transported to AHU106via piping108. AHU106may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an airflow passing through AHU106(e.g., via one or more stages of cooling coils and/or heating coils). The airflow can be, for example, outside air, return air from within building10, or a combination of both. AHU106may transfer heat between the airflow and the working fluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example, AHU106can include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass the airflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid. The working fluid may then return to chiller102or boiler104via piping110. Airside system130may deliver the airflow supplied by AHU106(i.e., the supply airflow) to building10via air supply ducts112and may provide return air from building10to AHU106via air return ducts114. In some embodiments, airside system130includes multiple variable air volume (VAV) units116. For example, airside system130is shown to include a separate VAV unit116on each floor or zone of building10. VAV units116can include dampers or other flow control elements that can be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided to individual zones of building10. In other embodiments, airside system130delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building10(e.g., via supply ducts112) without using intermediate VAV units116or other flow control elements. AHU106can include various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured to measure attributes of the supply airflow. AHU106may receive input from sensors located within AHU106and/or within the building zone and may adjust the flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supply airflow through AHU106to achieve setpoint conditions for the building zone. Waterside System Referring now toFIG.2, a block diagram of a waterside system200is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, waterside system200may supplement or replace waterside system120in HVAC system100or can be implemented separate from HVAC system100. When implemented in HVAC system100, waterside system200can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100(e.g., boiler104, chiller102, pumps, valves, etc.) and may operate to supply a heated or chilled fluid to AHU106. The HVAC devices of waterside system200can be located within building10(e.g., as components of waterside system120) or at an offsite location such as a central plant. InFIG.2, waterside system200is shown as a central plant having a plurality of subplants202-212. Subplants202-212are shown to include a heater subplant202, a heat recovery chiller subplant204, a chiller subplant206, a cooling tower subplant208, a hot thermal energy storage (TES) subplant210, and a cold thermal energy storage (TES) subplant212. Subplants202-212consume resources (e.g., water, natural gas, electricity, etc.) from utilities to serve thermal energy loads (e.g., hot water, cold water, heating, cooling, etc.) of a building or campus. For example, heater subplant202can be configured to heat water in a hot water loop214that circulates the hot water between heater subplant202and building10. Chiller subplant206can be configured to chill water in a cold water loop216that circulates the cold water between chiller subplant206building10. Heat recovery chiller subplant204can be configured to transfer heat from cold water loop216to hot water loop214to provide additional heating for the hot water and additional cooling for the cold water. Condenser water loop218may absorb heat from the cold water in chiller subplant206and reject the absorbed heat in cooling tower subplant208or transfer the absorbed heat to hot water loop214. Hot TES subplant210and cold TES subplant212may store hot and cold thermal energy, respectively, for subsequent use. Hot water loop214and cold water loop216may deliver the heated and/or chilled water to air handlers located on the rooftop of building10(e.g., AHU106) or to individual floors or zones of building10(e.g., VAV units116). The air handlers push air past heat exchangers (e.g., heating coils or cooling coils) through which the water flows to provide heating or cooling for the air. The heated or cooled air can be delivered to individual zones of building10to serve thermal energy loads of building10. The water then returns to subplants202-212to receive further heating or cooling. Although subplants202-212are shown and described as heating and cooling water for circulation to a building, it is understood that any other type of working fluid (e.g., glycol, CO2, etc.) can be used in place of or in addition to water to serve thermal energy loads. In other embodiments, subplants202-212may provide heating and/or cooling directly to the building or campus without requiring an intermediate heat transfer fluid. These and other variations to waterside system200are within the teachings of the present disclosure. Each of subplants202-212can include a variety of equipment configured to facilitate the functions of the subplant. For example, heater subplant202is shown to include a plurality of heating elements220(e.g., boilers, electric heaters, etc.) configured to add heat to the hot water in hot water loop214. Heater subplant202is also shown to include several pumps222and224configured to circulate the hot water in hot water loop214and to control the flow rate of the hot water through individual heating elements220. Chiller subplant206is shown to include a plurality of chillers232configured to remove heat from the cold water in cold water loop216. Chiller subplant206is also shown to include several pumps234and236configured to circulate the cold water in cold water loop216and to control the flow rate of the cold water through individual chillers232. Heat recovery chiller subplant204is shown to include a plurality of heat recovery heat exchangers226(e.g., refrigeration circuits) configured to transfer heat from cold water loop216to hot water loop214. Heat recovery chiller subplant204is also shown to include several pumps228and230configured to circulate the hot water and/or cold water through heat recovery heat exchangers226and to control the flow rate of the water through individual heat recovery heat exchangers226. Cooling tower subplant208is shown to include a plurality of cooling towers238configured to remove heat from the condenser water in condenser water loop218. Cooling tower subplant208is also shown to include several pumps240configured to circulate the condenser water in condenser water loop218and to control the flow rate of the condenser water through individual cooling towers238. Hot TES subplant210is shown to include a hot TES tank242configured to store the hot water for later use. Hot TES subplant210may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the hot water into or out of hot TES tank242. Cold TES subplant212is shown to include cold TES tanks244configured to store the cold water for later use. Cold TES subplant212may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the cold water into or out of cold TES tanks244. In some embodiments, one or more of the pumps in waterside system200(e.g., pumps222,224,228,230,234,236, and/or240) or pipelines in waterside system200include an isolation valve associated therewith. Isolation valves can be integrated with the pumps or positioned upstream or downstream of the pumps to control the fluid flows in waterside system200. In various embodiments, waterside system200can include more, fewer, or different types of devices and/or subplants based on the particular configuration of waterside system200and the types of loads served by waterside system200. Airside System Referring now toFIG.3, a block diagram of an airside system300is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, airside system300may supplement or replace airside system130in HVAC system100or can be implemented separate from HVAC system100. When implemented in HVAC system100, airside system300can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100(e.g., AHU106, VAV units116, ducts112-114, fans, dampers, etc.) and can be located in or around building10. Airside system300may operate to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10using a heated or chilled fluid provided by waterside system200. InFIG.3, airside system300is shown to include an economizer-type air handling unit (AHU)302. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outside air and return air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling. For example, AHU302may receive return air304from building zone306via return air duct308and may deliver supply air310to building zone306via supply air duct312. In some embodiments, AHU302is a rooftop unit located on the roof of building10(e.g., AHU106as shown inFIG.1) or otherwise positioned to receive both return air304and outside air314. AHU302can be configured to operate exhaust air damper316, mixing damper318, and outside air damper320to control an amount of outside air314and return air304that combine to form supply air310. Any return air304that does not pass through mixing damper318can be exhausted from AHU302through exhaust damper316as exhaust air322. Each of dampers316-320can be operated by an actuator. For example, exhaust air damper316can be operated by actuator324, mixing damper318can be operated by actuator326, and outside air damper320can be operated by actuator328. Actuators324-328may communicate with an AHU controller330via a communications link332. Actuators324-328may receive control signals from AHU controller330and may provide feedback signals to AHU controller330. Feedback signals can include, for example, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, an amount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnostic information (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators324-328), status information, commissioning information, configuration settings, calibration data, and/or other types of information or data that can be collected, stored, or used by actuators324-328. AHU controller330can be an economizer controller configured to use one or more control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control actuators324-328. Still referring toFIG.3, AHU302is shown to include a cooling coil334, a heating coil336, and a fan338positioned within supply air duct312. Fan338can be configured to force supply air310through cooling coil334and/or heating coil336and provide supply air310to building zone306. AHU controller330may communicate with fan338via communications link340to control a flow rate of supply air310. In some embodiments, AHU controller330controls an amount of heated or cooled supply air310to a zone of a building by modulating a speed of fan338. Cooling coil334may receive a chilled fluid from waterside system200(e.g., from cold water loop216) via piping342and may return the chilled fluid to waterside system200via piping344. Valve346can be positioned along piping342or piping344to control a flow rate of the chilled fluid through cooling coil334. In some embodiments, cooling coil334includes multiple stages of cooling coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller330, by BMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of cooling applied to supply air310. Heating coil336may receive a heated fluid from waterside system200(e.g., from hot water loop214) via piping348and may return the heated fluid to waterside system200via piping350. Valve352can be positioned along piping348or piping350to control a flow rate of the heated fluid through heating coil336. In some embodiments, heating coil336includes multiple stages of heating coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller330, by BMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of heating applied to supply air310. Each of valves346and352can be controlled by an actuator. For example, valve346can be controlled by actuator354and valve352can be controlled by actuator356. Actuators354-356may communicate with AHU controller330via communications links358-360. Actuators354-356may receive control signals from AHU controller330and may provide feedback signals to controller330. In some embodiments, AHU controller330receives a measurement of the supply air temperature from a temperature sensor362positioned in supply air duct312(e.g., downstream of cooling coil334and/or heating coil336). AHU controller330may also receive a measurement of the temperature of building zone306from a temperature sensor364located in building zone306. In some embodiments, AHU controller330operates valves346and352via actuators354-356to modulate an amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310(e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature for supply air310or to maintain the temperature of supply air310within a setpoint temperature range). The positions of valves346and352affect the amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310by cooling coil334or heating coil336and may correlate with the amount of energy consumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature. AHU330may control the temperature of supply air310and/or building zone306by activating or deactivating coils334-336, adjusting a speed of fan338, or a combination of both. Still referring toFIG.3, airside system300is shown to include a building management system (BMS) controller366and a client device368. BMS controller366can include one or more computer systems (e.g., servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) that serve as system level controllers, application or data servers, head nodes, or master controllers for airside system300, waterside system200, HVAC system100, and/or other controllable systems that serve building10. BMS controller366may communicate with multiple downstream building systems or subsystems (e.g., HVAC system100, a security system, a lighting system, waterside system200, etc.) via a communications link370according to like or disparate protocols (e.g., LON, BACnet, etc.). In various embodiments, AHU controller330and BMS controller366can be separate (as shown inFIG.3) or integrated. In an integrated implementation, AHU controller330can be a software module configured for execution by a processor of BMS controller366. In some embodiments, AHU controller330receives information from BMS controller366(e.g., commands, setpoints, operating boundaries, etc.) and provides information to BMS controller366(e.g., temperature measurements, valve or actuator positions, operating statuses, diagnostics, etc.). For example, AHU controller330may provide BMS controller366with temperature measurements from temperature sensors362-364, equipment on/off states, equipment operating capacities, and/or any other information that can be used by BMS controller366to monitor or control a variable state or condition within building zone306. Client device368can include one or more human-machine interfaces or client interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reporting interfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services, web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling, viewing, or otherwise interacting with HVAC system100, its subsystems, and/or devices. Client device368can be a computer workstation, a client terminal, a remote or local interface, or any other type of user interface device. Client device368can be a stationary terminal or a mobile device. For example, client device368can be a desktop computer, a computer server with a user interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a PDA, or any other type of mobile or non-mobile device. Client device368may communicate with BMS controller366and/or AHU controller330via communications link372. Building Management Systems Referring now toFIG.4, a block diagram of a building management system (BMS)400is shown, according to some embodiments. BMS400can be implemented in building10to automatically monitor and control various building functions. BMS400is shown to include BMS controller366and a plurality of building subsystems428. Building subsystems428are shown to include a building electrical subsystem434, an information communication technology (ICT) subsystem436, a security subsystem438, a HVAC subsystem440, a lighting subsystem442, a lift/escalators subsystem432, and a fire safety subsystem430. In various embodiments, building subsystems428can include fewer, additional, or alternative subsystems. For example, building subsystems428may also or alternatively include a refrigeration subsystem, an advertising or signage subsystem, a cooking subsystem, a vending subsystem, a printer or copy service subsystem, or any other type of building subsystem that uses controllable equipment and/or sensors to monitor or control building10. In some embodiments, building subsystems428include waterside system200and/or airside system300, as described with reference toFIGS.2-3. Each of building subsystems428can include any number of devices, controllers, and connections for completing its individual functions and control activities. HVAC subsystem440can include many of the same components as HVAC system100, as described with reference toFIGS.1-3. For example, HVAC subsystem440can include a chiller, a boiler, any number of air handling units, economizers, field controllers, supervisory controllers, actuators, temperature sensors, and other devices for controlling the temperature, humidity, airflow, or other variable conditions within building10. Lighting subsystem442can include any number of light fixtures, ballasts, lighting sensors, dimmers, or other devices configured to controllably adjust the amount of light provided to a building space. Security subsystem438can include occupancy sensors, video surveillance cameras, digital video recorders, video processing servers, intrusion detection devices, access control devices and servers, or other security-related devices. Still referring toFIG.4, BMS controller366is shown to include a communications interface407and a BMS interface409. Interface407may facilitate communications between BMS controller366and external applications (e.g., monitoring and reporting applications422, enterprise control applications426, remote systems and applications444, applications residing on client devices448, etc.) for allowing user control, monitoring, and adjustment to BMS controller366and/or subsystems428. Interface407may also facilitate communications between BMS controller366and client devices448. BMS interface409may facilitate communications between BMS controller366and building subsystems428(e.g., HVAC, lighting security, lifts, power distribution, business, etc.). Interfaces407,409can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with building subsystems428or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications via interfaces407,409can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network446(e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, interfaces407,409can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, interfaces407,409can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, one or both of interfaces407,409can include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. In one embodiment, communications interface407is a power line communications interface and BMS interface409is an Ethernet interface. In other embodiments, both communications interface407and BMS interface409are Ethernet interfaces or are the same Ethernet interface. Still referring toFIG.4, BMS controller366is shown to include a processing circuit404including a processor406and memory408. Processing circuit404can be communicably connected to BMS interface409and/or communications interface407such that processing circuit404and the various components thereof can send and receive data via interfaces407,409. Processor406can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory408(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory408can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory408can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, memory408is communicably connected to processor406via processing circuit404and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit404and/or processor406) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, BMS controller366is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various other embodiments BMS controller366can be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). Further, whileFIG.4shows applications422and426as existing outside of BMS controller366, in some embodiments, applications422and426can be hosted within BMS controller366(e.g., within memory408). Still referring toFIG.4, memory408is shown to include an enterprise integration layer410, an automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer412, a demand response (DR) layer414, a fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer416, an integrated control layer418, and a building subsystem integration later420. Layers410-420can be configured to receive inputs from building subsystems428and other data sources, determine optimal control actions for building subsystems428based on the inputs, generate control signals based on the optimal control actions, and provide the generated control signals to building subsystems428. The following paragraphs describe some of the general functions performed by each of layers410-420in BMS400. Enterprise integration layer410can be configured to serve clients or local applications with information and services to support a variety of enterprise-level applications. For example, enterprise control applications426can be configured to provide subsystem-spanning control to a graphical user interface (GUI) or to any number of enterprise-level business applications (e.g., accounting systems, user identification systems, etc.). Enterprise control applications426may also or alternatively be configured to provide configuration GUIs for configuring BMS controller366. In yet other embodiments, enterprise control applications426can work with layers410-420to optimize building performance (e.g., efficiency, energy use, comfort, or safety) based on inputs received at interface407and/or BMS interface409. Building subsystem integration layer420can be configured to manage communications between BMS controller366and building subsystems428. For example, building subsystem integration layer420may receive sensor data and input signals from building subsystems428and provide output data and control signals to building subsystems428. Building subsystem integration layer420may also be configured to manage communications between building subsystems428. Building subsystem integration layer420translate communications (e.g., sensor data, input signals, output signals, etc.) across a plurality of multi-vendor/multi-protocol systems. Demand response layer414can be configured to optimize resource usage (e.g., electricity use, natural gas use, water use, etc.) and/or the monetary cost of such resource usage in response to satisfy the demand of building10. The optimization can be based on time-of-use prices, curtailment signals, energy availability, or other data received from utility providers, distributed energy generation systems424, from energy storage427(e.g., hot TES242, cold TES244, etc.), or from other sources. Demand response layer414may receive inputs from other layers of BMS controller366(e.g., building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer418, etc.). The inputs received from other layers can include environmental or sensor inputs such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity levels, air quality sensor outputs, occupancy sensor outputs, room schedules, and the like. The inputs may also include inputs such as electrical use (e.g., expressed in kWh), thermal load measurements, pricing information, projected pricing, smoothed pricing, curtailment signals from utilities, and the like. According to some embodiments, demand response layer414includes control logic for responding to the data and signals it receives. These responses can include communicating with the control algorithms in integrated control layer418, changing control strategies, changing setpoints, or activating/deactivating building equipment or subsystems in a controlled manner. Demand response layer414may also include control logic configured to determine when to utilize stored energy. For example, demand response layer414may determine to begin using energy from energy storage427just prior to the beginning of a peak use hour. In some embodiments, demand response layer414includes a control module configured to actively initiate control actions (e.g., automatically changing setpoints) which minimize energy costs based on one or more inputs representative of or based on demand (e.g., price, a curtailment signal, a demand level, etc.). In some embodiments, demand response layer414uses equipment models to determine an optimal set of control actions. The equipment models can include, for example, thermodynamic models describing the inputs, outputs, and/or functions performed by various sets of building equipment. Equipment models may represent collections of building equipment (e.g., subplants, chiller arrays, etc.) or individual devices (e.g., individual chillers, heaters, pumps, etc.). Demand response layer414may further include or draw upon one or more demand response policy definitions (e.g., databases, XML files, etc.). The policy definitions can be edited or adjusted by a user (e.g., via a graphical user interface) so that the control actions initiated in response to demand inputs can be tailored for the user's application, desired comfort level, particular building equipment, or based on other concerns. For example, the demand response policy definitions can specify which equipment can be turned on or off in response to particular demand inputs, how long a system or piece of equipment should be turned off, what setpoints can be changed, what the allowable set point adjustment range is, how long to hold a high demand setpoint before returning to a normally scheduled setpoint, how close to approach capacity limits, which equipment modes to utilize, the energy transfer rates (e.g., the maximum rate, an alarm rate, other rate boundary information, etc.) into and out of energy storage devices (e.g., thermal storage tanks, battery banks, etc.), and when to dispatch on-site generation of energy (e.g., via fuel cells, a motor generator set, etc.). Integrated control layer418can be configured to use the data input or output of building subsystem integration layer420and/or demand response later414to make control decisions. Due to the subsystem integration provided by building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer418can integrate control activities of the subsystems428such that the subsystems428behave as a single integrated supersystem. In some embodiments, integrated control layer418includes control logic that uses inputs and outputs from a plurality of building subsystems to provide greater comfort and energy savings relative to the comfort and energy savings that separate subsystems could provide alone. For example, integrated control layer418can be configured to use an input from a first subsystem to make an energy-saving control decision for a second subsystem. Results of these decisions can be communicated back to building subsystem integration layer420. Integrated control layer418is shown to be logically below demand response layer414. Integrated control layer418can be configured to enhance the effectiveness of demand response layer414by enabling building subsystems428and their respective control loops to be controlled in coordination with demand response layer414. This configuration may advantageously reduce disruptive demand response behavior relative to conventional systems. For example, integrated control layer418can be configured to assure that a demand response-driven upward adjustment to the setpoint for chilled water temperature (or another component that directly or indirectly affects temperature) does not result in an increase in fan energy (or other energy used to cool a space) that would result in greater total building energy use than was saved at the chiller. Integrated control layer418can be configured to provide feedback to demand response layer414so that demand response layer414checks that constraints (e.g., temperature, lighting levels, etc.) are properly maintained even while demanded load shedding is in progress. The constraints may also include setpoint or sensed boundaries relating to safety, equipment operating limits and performance, comfort, fire codes, electrical codes, energy codes, and the like. Integrated control layer418is also logically below fault detection and diagnostics layer416and automated measurement and validation layer412. Integrated control layer418can be configured to provide calculated inputs (e.g., aggregations) to these higher levels based on outputs from more than one building subsystem. Automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer412can be configured to verify that control strategies commanded by integrated control layer418or demand response layer414are working properly (e.g., using data aggregated by AM&V layer412, integrated control layer418, building subsystem integration layer420, FDD layer416, or otherwise). The calculations made by AM&V layer412can be based on building system energy models and/or equipment models for individual BMS devices or subsystems. For example, AM&V layer412may compare a model-predicted output with an actual output from building subsystems428to determine an accuracy of the model. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer416can be configured to provide on-going fault detection for building subsystems428, building subsystem devices (i.e., building equipment), and control algorithms used by demand response layer414and integrated control layer418. FDD layer416may receive data inputs from integrated control layer418, directly from one or more building subsystems or devices, or from another data source. FDD layer416may automatically diagnose and respond to detected faults. The responses to detected or diagnosed faults can include providing an alert message to a user, a maintenance scheduling system, or a control algorithm configured to attempt to repair the fault or to work-around the fault. FDD layer416can be configured to output a specific identification of the faulty component or cause of the fault (e.g., loose damper linkage) using detailed subsystem inputs available at building subsystem integration layer420. In other exemplary embodiments, FDD layer416is configured to provide “fault” events to integrated control layer418which executes control strategies and policies in response to the received fault events. According to some embodiments, FDD layer416(or a policy executed by an integrated control engine or business rules engine) may shut-down systems or direct control activities around faulty devices or systems to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life, or assure proper control response. FDD layer416can be configured to store or access a variety of different system data stores (or data points for live data). FDD layer416may use some content of the data stores to identify faults at the equipment level (e.g., specific chiller, specific AHU, specific terminal unit, etc.) and other content to identify faults at component or subsystem levels. For example, building subsystems428may generate temporal (i.e., time-series) data indicating the performance of BMS400and the various components thereof. The data generated by building subsystems428can include measured or calculated values that exhibit statistical characteristics and provide information about how the corresponding system or process (e.g., a temperature control process, a flow control process, etc.) is performing in terms of error from its setpoint. These processes can be examined by FDD layer416to expose when the system begins to degrade in performance and alert a user to repair the fault before it becomes more severe. Referring now toFIG.5, a block diagram of another building management system (BMS)500is shown, according to some embodiments. BMS500can be used to monitor and control the devices of HVAC system100, waterside system200, airside system300, building subsystems428, as well as other types of BMS devices (e.g., lighting equipment, security equipment, etc.) and/or HVAC equipment. BMS500provides a system architecture that facilitates automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution. Equipment discovery can occur on multiple levels of BMS500across multiple different communications busses (e.g., a system bus554, zone buses556-560and564, sensor/actuator bus566, etc.) and across multiple different communications protocols. In some embodiments, equipment discovery is accomplished using active node tables, which provide status information for devices connected to each communications bus. For example, each communications bus can be monitored for new devices by monitoring the corresponding active node table for new nodes. When a new device is detected, BMS500can begin interacting with the new device (e.g., sending control signals, using data from the device) without user interaction. Some devices in BMS500present themselves to the network using equipment models. An equipment model defines equipment object attributes, view definitions, schedules, trends, and the associated BACnet value objects (e.g., analog value, binary value, multistate value, etc.) that are used for integration with other systems. Some devices in BMS500store their own equipment models. Other devices in BMS500have equipment models stored externally (e.g., within other devices). For example, a zone coordinator508can store the equipment model for a bypass damper528. In some embodiments, zone coordinator508automatically creates the equipment model for bypass damper528or other devices on zone bus558. Other zone coordinators can also create equipment models for devices connected to their zone busses. The equipment model for a device can be created automatically based on the types of data points exposed by the device on the zone bus, device type, and/or other device attributes. Several examples of automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution are discussed in greater detail below. Still referring toFIG.5, BMS500is shown to include a system manager502; several zone coordinators506,508,510and518; and several zone controllers524,530,532,536,548, and550. System manager502can monitor data points in BMS500and report monitored variables to various monitoring and/or control applications. System manager502can communicate with client devices504(e.g., user devices, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices, etc.) via a data communications link574(e.g., BACnet IP, Ethernet, wired or wireless communications, etc.). System manager502can provide a user interface to client devices504via data communications link574. The user interface may allow users to monitor and/or control BMS500via client devices504. In some embodiments, system manager502is connected with zone coordinators506-510and518via a system bus554. System manager502can be configured to communicate with zone coordinators506-510and518via system bus554using a master-slave token passing (MSTP) protocol or any other communications protocol. System bus554can also connect system manager502with other devices such as a constant volume (CV) rooftop unit (RTU)512, an input/output module (TOM)514, a thermostat controller516(e.g., a TEC5000 series thermostat controller), and a network automation engine (NAE) or third-party controller520. RTU512can be configured to communicate directly with system manager502and can be connected directly to system bus554. Other RTUs can communicate with system manager502via an intermediate device. For example, a wired input562can connect a third-party RTU542to thermostat controller516, which connects to system bus554. System manager502can provide a user interface for any device containing an equipment model. Devices such as zone coordinators506-510and518and thermostat controller516can provide their equipment models to system manager502via system bus554. In some embodiments, system manager502automatically creates equipment models for connected devices that do not contain an equipment model (e.g., IOM514, third party controller520, etc.). For example, system manager502can create an equipment model for any device that responds to a device tree request. The equipment models created by system manager502can be stored within system manager502. System manager502can then provide a user interface for devices that do not contain their own equipment models using the equipment models created by system manager502. In some embodiments, system manager502stores a view definition for each type of equipment connected via system bus554and uses the stored view definition to generate a user interface for the equipment. Each zone coordinator506-510and518can be connected with one or more of zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550via zone buses556,558,560, and564. Zone coordinators506-510and518can communicate with zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550via zone busses556-560and564using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Zone busses556-560and564can also connect zone coordinators506-510and518with other types of devices such as variable air volume (VAV) RTUs522and540, changeover bypass (COBP) RTUs526and552, bypass dampers528and546, and PEAK controllers534and544. Zone coordinators506-510and518can be configured to monitor and command various zoning systems. In some embodiments, each zone coordinator506-510and518monitors and commands a separate zoning system and is connected to the zoning system via a separate zone bus. For example, zone coordinator506can be connected to VAV RTU522and zone controller524via zone bus556. Zone coordinator508can be connected to COBP RTU526, bypass damper528, COBP zone controller530, and VAV zone controller532via zone bus558. Zone coordinator510can be connected to PEAK controller534and VAV zone controller536via zone bus560. Zone coordinator518can be connected to PEAK controller544, bypass damper546, COBP zone controller548, and VAV zone controller550via zone bus564. A single model of zone coordinator506-510and518can be configured to handle multiple different types of zoning systems (e.g., a VAV zoning system, a COBP zoning system, etc.). Each zoning system can include a RTU, one or more zone controllers, and/or a bypass damper. For example, zone coordinators506and510are shown as Verasys VAV engines (VVEs) connected to VAV RTUs522and540, respectively. Zone coordinator506is connected directly to VAV RTU522via zone bus556, whereas zone coordinator510is connected to a third-party VAV RTU540via a wired input568provided to PEAK controller534. Zone coordinators508and518are shown as Verasys COBP engines (VCEs) connected to COBP RTUs526and552, respectively. Zone coordinator508is connected directly to COBP RTU526via zone bus558, whereas zone coordinator518is connected to a third-party COBP RTU552via a wired input570provided to PEAK controller544. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can communicate with individual BMS devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.) via sensor/actuator (SA) busses. For example, VAV zone controller536is shown connected to networked sensors538via SA bus566. Zone controller536can communicate with networked sensors538using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Although only one SA bus566is shown inFIG.5, it should be understood that each zone controller524,530-532,536, and548-550can be connected to a different SA bus. Each SA bus can connect a zone controller with various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, occupancy sensors, etc.), actuators (e.g., damper actuators, valve actuators, etc.) and/or other types of controllable equipment (e.g., chillers, heaters, fans, pumps, etc.). Each zone controller524,530-532,536, and548-550can be configured to monitor and control a different building zone. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can use the inputs and outputs provided via their SA busses to monitor and control various building zones. For example, a zone controller536can use a temperature input received from networked sensors538via SA bus566(e.g., a measured temperature of a building zone) as feedback in a temperature control algorithm. Zone controllers524,530-532,536, and548-550can use various types of control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control a variable state or condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, etc.) in or around building10. Volumetric Control Process Referring now toFIG.6, a process600for performing a volumetric control process is shown, according to some embodiments. If considered alone, process600can illustrate how control signals for VFDs are operated in a “traditional” volumetric control approach. If performed alone, the volumetric control as described in process600may be associated with a variety of deficiencies. In particular, as traditional volumetric control processes may ignore static pressure in a duct, process600may result in a high static pressure that results in energy wastage, increased noise, and higher vibrations which may lead to quicker equipment deterioration. Further, process600may result in a failure to maintain flow across each VAV in an environmental control system and may lack any control over the duct static pressure. The deficiencies described above may be present only if process600is exclusively performed for generating VFD control signals. To alleviate said deficiencies, process600can be performed in tandem with the systems and methods described below with reference toFIGS.7-10. In other words, the systems and methods described in detail below inFIGS.7-10can utilize process600(i.e., utilize the volumetric control approach) to generate control signals for VFDs that account for the duct static pressure. In some embodiments, some and/or all steps of process600may be performed by a volumetric controller710as described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.7. It should be noted that process600is described with regard to an airside system for sake of example. Process600can be similarly applied to other environmental control systems (e.g., to a waterside system). More generally, process600can be performed to determine control signals for drive devices of various building devices that help regulate flow of a fluid in a conduit. Process600is shown to include obtaining flow information associated with variable air volume (VAV) units in an environmental control system (step602). The flow information obtained in step602can include information such as an effective flow setpoint of all serving VAVs, an actual air flow achieved by VAVs, etc. The flow information may be obtained directly from measurements from the VAVs, from a database storing flow information, etc. Process600is shown to include calculating an airflow setpoint as a sum of effective flow setpoints of all variable air volume (VAV) units in an environmental control system (step604). Specifically, step604may include performing the following calculation: As=∑v∈VFv-SPv where Asis a target airflow setpoint, v is a VAV unit of a set of VAV units V, Fvis an actual flow delivered by VAV unit v, and SPvis an effective flow setpoint for VAV unit v. In essence, step604may include calculating a sum of effective flow setpoints for all VAV units in V (e.g., all serving VAV units). Process600is shown to include calculating a process variable describing actual airflow as a sum of airflow achieved by the VAV units (step606). Specifically, step606may include performing the following calculation: Ap=∑v∈VSAv-Fv where Apis the process variable describing actual airflow and SAvis an actual airflow achieved by VAV unit v. In essence, step606may include calculating a sum of airflow achieved by all VAV units in V. Process600is shown to include solving a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm based on the airflow setpoint and the process variable to generate control signals for variable frequency drives (VFDs) of air handling units in the environmental control system (step608). Step608can effectively provide volumetric control for the VFDs. It should be noted that the PID algorithm of step608does not directly account for duct static pressure. Accordingly, the control signals generated in step608may result in a high static pressure, lack of maintained flow across the VAVs, and/or no direct control over the duct static pressure. In some embodiments, the control signals generated in step608are also referred to as “PID outputs” herein. Process600is also shown to include operating the VFDs based on the control signals (step610). Step610is shown as an optional step in process600as step610may only be applied in a traditional volumetric control approach. Accordingly, if process600is being utilized in the control approach described below throughoutFIGS.7-10, step610may not be performed as the PID output (i.e., the control signals) may be utilized as a baseline for control signals for the VFDs. Systems and Methods for Controlling AHU Fan VFD Referring generally toFIGS.7-10, systems and methods for operating building devices based on positions of control devices in a conduit are shown and described, according to some embodiments. For example, the systems of methods can be applied to airside systems for operating variable frequency drives (VFDs) of AHUs using a VAV damper position as a proxy for static pressure in a duct. However, the systems and methods described herein are not limited to airside systems. Rather, the systems and methods described herein can be applied to various environmental control systems (e.g., airside systems, waterside systems, etc.). As an example, the systems and methods described herein can be applied to a waterside system. In the waterside system, operation of a pump can be determined based on operating positions of valves in a pipe that regulate water flow through the pipes. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that descriptions provided below that are associated with specific system components (e.g., VAVs, AHUs, air ducts, etc. in an airside system) are provided for sake of example. The systems and methods described herein can be applied to various environmental control systems that are associated with managing static pressure in a conduit that allows flow of a fluid (e.g., air, liquids, etc.). Utilizing the VAV damper position as the proxy for the duct static pressure can provide a number of advantages for environmental control systems including increased energy savings, reduced noise and vibrations in equipment, indirect control of duct static pressure, etc. The systems and methods described throughoutFIGS.7-10can leverage the volumetric control process of process600, as described above with reference toFIG.6, in determining control signals for VFDs of AHUs. Specifically, the systems and methods described below may utilize the PID output of step608to generate actual control signals for the VFDs. Referring now toFIG.7, a controller700is shown, according to some embodiments. Controller700can be configured to operate VFDs724(and thereby AHUs722) to affect a variable state or condition (e.g., a temperature) of a zone and/or other space of a building (e.g., building10). Specifically, operate of VFDs724may result in fans of AHUs722rotating to provide heated and/or cooled air to a zone of a building. In some embodiments, controller700is a part of BMS controller366as described above with reference toFIGS.3and4. In some embodiments, controller700is an independent controller for a building/building system. Accordingly, controller700may be implemented in a variety of locations such as, for example, in a thermostat of a zone, on a local computing system for a building, on some computational device that communicates with building equipment (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop, a smart phone, etc.), on a cloud computing system, etc. It should be appreciated that while the below descriptions is provided particularly for airside systems including airside components (e.g., AHUs, VAVs, air ducts, etc.), controller700can be utilized in other environmental control systems. For example, controller700can be utilized in a waterside system for regulating flow of a liquid through a conduit (e.g., a pipe). In this example, controller700may utilize an operating position of a valve as a proxy for static pressure in the pipe. Based on the operating position, controller700can determine control signals for a drive device (e.g., a VFD, a VSD, etc.) of a pump to affect a flow rate of a liquid through the pipe. As such, descriptions with regard to airside systems should not be interpreted as limiting to possible functionality of controller700and/or otherwise limiting on the present disclosure. Controller700is shown to include a communications interface708and a processing circuit702. Communications interface708may include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks. For example, communications interface708may include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. Communications interface708may be configured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, a building WAN, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., BACnet, IP, LON, etc.). Communications interface708may be a network interface configured to facilitate electronic data communications between controller700and various external systems or devices (e.g., VAV units720, AHUs722, etc.). For example, controller700may receive VAV information and damper positions from VAV units720via communications interface708. Processing circuit702is shown to include a processor704and memory706. Processor704may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor704may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory706or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). Memory706may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory706may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory706may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory706may be communicably connected to processor704via processing circuit702and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor704) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, one or more components of memory706are part of a singular component. However, each component of memory706is shown independently for ease of explanation. Memory706is shown to include a volumetric controller710. Volumetric controller710can be configured to perform a volumetric control process for AHUs722. Specifically, volumetric controller710may perform some and/or all of the steps of process600as described above with reference toFIG.6. Volumetric controller710is shown to receive VAV information from VAV units720. The VAV information can include a variety of information describing VAV units720. For example, the VAV information may include effective flow setpoints for VAV units720, achieved airflows of VAV units720, etc. Based on the VAV information, volumetric controller710can calculate a target airflow setpoint (As) and a process variable describing actual airflow (Ap) of VAV units720. To perform said calculations, volumetric controller710may utilize the following equations: As=∑v∈VFv-SPvAp=∑v∈VSAv-Fv Where the summation of Fv−SPvis the sum of effective flow setpoint of all serving VAV's and the summation of SAv−Fvis the sum of air flow achieved by all serving VAV's. As a result of calculating (As) and (Ap), volumetric controller710can solve a PID algorithm to generate a PID output. Specifically, volumetric controller710may calculate an error based on (As) and (Ap). Based on the error, volumetric controller710can calculate proportional, integral, and derivative terms that can be used to generate a PID output. The PID output may be defined as a value between 0% and 100%. In some embodiments, the PID output defines initial control signals for VFDs724. However, control signals included in the PID output do not account for duct static pressure and therefore should not be utilized to operate VFDs724. Instead, volumetric controller710can provide the PID output to a second span block module718which is described in greater detail below. In this way, the PID output can be used as a baseline that can be used to generate control signals for VFDs724that account for the duct static pressure. Controller700is also shown to include a VFD limit adjuster714. VFD limit adjuster714can adjust/update a setpoint associated with duct static pressure based on damper positions. The damper positions can be received from VAV units720via communications interface708. The setpoint for duct static pressure may be used interchangeably with the phrase “upper limit” herein. In some embodiments, VFD Limit Adjuster714can adjust/update upper limit of VFD operating range, based on damper position. In some embodiments, the adjusted/updated “upper limit” may be used interchangeably with the phrase “setpoint for duct static pressure,” as described herein. The duct static pressure setpoint (i.e., the upper limit) can be used to operate VAV units720and to determine how VFDs724should be operated. More particularly, VFD limit adjuster714can adjust the duct static pressure setpoint and determine an updated VFD limit associated with VFDs724that achieve the adjusted setpoint. For example, if the duct static pressure setpoint is a pressure value (e.g., in pounds per square inch, pascals, etc.), VFD limit adjuster714can determine a correlated frequency and/or voltage setpoint for VFDs724(i.e., an updated VFD limit) to achieve the pressure value. In determining the adjusted setpoint, VFD limit adjuster714may determine how many VAV dampers of VAV units720are opened at or above a predefined threshold. In this case, a fully open (e.g., 100% open) damper may not significantly impede airflow through the duct whereas a fully closed (e.g., 0% open) damper may effectively stop (or nearly stop) airflow through the duct. Typically, without accounting for other forces, as the VAV dampers close, the static pressure in ducts may rise. Conversely, mostly open (e.g., >85% open) dampers may be associated with a lower static pressure in the ducts as compared to mostly closed (e.g., <85% open) dampers. The predefined threshold can be set by a user, automatically set by VFD limit adjuster714and/or another component of controller700, by an external system/device, etc. For example, the predefined threshold may be automatically set by VFD limit adjuster714at 85%. In the example, VFD limit adjuster714can determine a number of VAV units720that include dampers that are at least 85% open and how many VAV units720have dampers that are less than 85% open. Based on a number of VAV units720having dampers open at or above the predefined threshold, VFD limit adjuster714can apply an adjustment algorithm to determine the adjusted duct static pressure setpoint (i.e., the adjusted upper limit). In some embodiments, the adjustment algorithm utilizes an upper limit (e.g., a current upper limit) and includes applying one of three cases to the upper limit, described in detail below, based on the number of VAV units720having dampers open at or above the predefined threshold. In some embodiments, VFD limit adjuster714can determine a VFD setpoint (i.e., a VFD limit as shown inFIG.7) associated with the upper limit and provide the VFD setpoint to first span block module716. In some embodiments, a first case in the adjustment algorithm includes increasing the upper limit by a certain amount at predefined time increments if the number of VAV units720having dampers open at or above the predefined threshold is greater than an upper threshold. For example, if the upper threshold is three VAV units720, VFD limit adjuster714may increase the upper limit by 1% every minute if more than three VAV units720have dampers open at or above the predefined threshold (e.g., at or above 85% open). As with the predefined threshold described above, the certain amount, the predefined time increments, and the upper threshold can be configurable and adjustable dependent on implementation. In some embodiments, a second case in the adjustment algorithm includes maintaining the upper limit (i.e., maintaining the duct static pressure setpoint) if the number of VAV units720having dampers open at or above the predefined threshold is between a lower threshold and the upper threshold. For example, if the number of VAV units720having dampers at least 85% open is between two to three, VFD limit adjuster714may maintain the upper limit at a current value. In some embodiments, the second case defines a scenario where airflow in the ducts is appropriate, thereby indicating that a duct static pressure is not too high. As with the upper threshold, the lower threshold can be configured and adjusted dependent on implementation. In some embodiments, a third case in the adjustment algorithm includes decreasing the upper limit by a second amount at predefined time increments if the number of VAV units720having dampers open at or above the predefined threshold is below the lower threshold. For example, if less than two VAV dampers are at least 85% open, VFD limit adjuster714may decrease the upper limit by 1% every minute. As should be appreciated, the amount to decrease the upper limit and over what time increments can be configured and adjusted dependent on implementation. In some embodiments, the amount to decrease the upper limit and the time increment in the third case is the same as the amount to increase the upper limit and the time increment to do so in the first case. For example, the upper limit may be increased or decreased by 1% every minute in the first case and third case, respectively. However, in some embodiments, the first and third cases utilize different adjustment amounts and time increments. For example, the first case may increase the upper limit by 1% every minute whereas the third case may decrease the upper limit by 0.5% every 2 minutes. Still referring toFIG.7, memory706is shown to include a VFD average calculator712. VFD average calculator712can calculate an average value between a high VFD limit and a low VFD limit. An operating setpoint for VFDs724may be constrained by the high VFD limit and the low VFD limit. The high VFD limit can indicate a maximum frequency and/or voltage that can be applied by VFD724whereas the low VFD limit can indicate a minimum frequency and/or voltage that can be applied by VFD724. For example, the high VFD limit may be set to 120 Hertz (Hz) such that VFD724cannot apply a frequency higher than 120 Hz to a fan of AHU722. The high VFD limit can be set to a value that is within limitations of VFD724and/or such that the fan (or some other component of AHU722) is operated within a range acceptable (e.g., safe) values. For example, the high VFD limit may be set at a value that ensures the fan is not operated at a dangerous number of rotations per minute that can result in malfunctions, rapid degradation of the fan, etc. With regard to the low VFD limit, the low VFD limit can be selected to maintain a minimum airflow through the duct. In some embodiments, the low VFD limit is zero (e.g., 0 Hz, 0 volts, etc.), thereby indicating that the fan is not required to rotate at some minimum rotational speed. However, in some embodiments, the low VFD limit is greater than zero such that the fan rotates at some minimum speed. For example, the low VFD limit may be set to 10 Hz to meet a building regulation indicating a minimum airflow through ductwork that AHU722should operate to achieve. The high VFD limit and the low VFD limit may be indicated by a user, a manufacturer of VFD724, AHU722itself, etc. Accordingly, the high VFD limit and low VFD limit may be hard-coded into memory706, included in VFD information obtained from AHU722, received from a user device, etc. If the high VFD limit and the low VFD limit are set by a user, the user may estimate reasonable values for the high and low VFD limits, may determine values of the high and low VFD limits that ensure building regulations are met, etc. If the high VFD limit and the low VFD limit are provided by a manufacturer, the high and low VFD limits may be hard-coded into memory706upon installation of AHUs722. As should be appreciated, the high VFD limit and the low VFD limit can be obtained from a variety of sources. It should be noted that the updated VFD limit shown inFIG.7may not be the same as the high or low VFD limit. Specifically, the updated VFD limit may be determined based on the adjusted duct static pressure setpoint and constrained by both the high VFD limit and the low VFD limit such that the updated VFD limit cannot exceed the high VFD limit or fall below the low VFD limit. In other words, if execution of the first or third cases described above result in the updated VFD limit exceeding the high VFD limit or falling below the low VFD limit, respectively, the updated VFD limit may inherently take on the value of the high VFD limit or the low VFD limit accordingly. Based on the high and low VFD limits, VFD average calculator712can calculate an average VFD imit. Specifically, VFD average calculator712may apply the following equation to calculate the average limit: LVFD,avg=LVFD,low+LVFD,high2 where LVFD,avgis the average VFD limit, LVFD,lowis the low VFD limit, and LVFD,highis the high VFD limit. VFD average calculator712can provide the average VFD limit to first span block module716. In some embodiments, VFD average calculator712performs another calculation separate from and/or in addition to the average calculation. For example, VFD average calculator712may assign weights to the low VFD limit and the high VFD limit (e.g., based on an estimated level of importance) and calculate the average with respect to the weights. As another example, VFD average calculator712may simply provide a value of the low VFD limit to first span block module716instead of the average of the low and high VFD limits. Memory706is also shown to include first span block module716. In the context of the present disclosure, a span block can generate/determine a relationship (e.g., a linear relationship) between a low input/output pair and a high input/output pair. Based on the relationship, the span block can apply an input to the relationship to identify a corresponding output. If the input is between the low and high inputs, the corresponding output can be identified directly based on the relationship (e.g., as a point on a line representing the relationship). However, if the input is less than the low input or is greater than the high input, the span block can determine the corresponding output to be the low output or the high output, respectively. Span blocks are described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.8. Further, an illustrative example relationship generated by a span block is described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.9. With specific regard to first span block module716, the average limit determined by VFD average calculator712can be used as both the low input and the low output of the low input/output pair, the high VFD limit received from AHU722(or some other system/device) can be used as both the high input and the high output of the high input/output pair, and the updated VFD limit determined by VFD limit adjuster714can be used as an input to first span block module716. First span block module716can apply a range and extrapolated values (e.g., as defined by the low and high input/output pairs) to the updated VFD limit to produce an updated limit as output. Specifically, first span block module716can generate a relationship (e.g., a linear relationship) between the low input/output pair defined by the average limit and the high input/output pair defined by the high VFD limit. Based on the relationship, first span block module716can determine an output corresponding to the updated VFD limit provided by VFD limit adjuster714. If the updated VFD limit is between the low input and the high input, first span block module716can determine the corresponding output directly based on the relationship. For example, if the relationship is a linear relationship that can be defined by the equation y=mx+b where y is the corresponding output, x is the input, m is some factor applied to the input, and b is an offset, first span block module716can perform a calculation based on the equation. However, if the updated VFD limit is below the low input of the low input/output pair, first span block module716may determine the corresponding output to be the low output of the low input/output pair. Similarly, if the updated VFD limit is above the high input of the high input/output pair, first span block module716may determine the corresponding output to be the high output of the high input/output pair. First span block module716can provide the corresponding output (i.e., the updated limit) to second span block module718. Second span block module718can determine a second relationship (e.g., linear relationship) between a separate low input/output pair and high input/output pair. In some embodiments, the low input/output pair used by second span block module718may define the low input as a predefined value of 0% and the low output as the low VFD limit. In some embodiments, the high input/output pair may define the high input as another predefined value of 100% and the high output as the updated limit provided by first span block module716. Second span block module718can then determine a relationship between the low and high input/output pairs. In some embodiments, the low input and/or the high input are values other than 0% and 100%. In some embodiments, the input to second span block module718is the PID output generated by volumetric controller710. In this way, the volumetric control process can be utilized to determine a corresponding output that accounts for the duct static pressure. In other words, the PID output can be augmented with respect to the duct static pressure to determine appropriate control signals for VFD724. If the PID output provided by volumetric controller710is between the low input and the high input, second span block module718can determine a corresponding output directly based on the second relationship. If the PID output is less than the low input, second span block module718can determine the corresponding output (i.e., the control signals for VFD724) to be the low output. Similarly, if the PID output is greater than the high input, second span block module718can determine the corresponding output to be the high output. It should be noted that, if the low input and the high input are 0% and 100%, respectively, the corresponding output may always be directly identifiable based on the second relationship if the PID output is constrained between values of 0% and 100%. INN The output determined by second span block module718can be provided to VFD724as control signals. Based on the control signals, VFD724can operate to affect a rotational speed of a fan of AHU722(e.g., by providing voltage and/or frequency signals to the fan). Affecting the rotational speed of the fan can aid in regulation of environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) in a zone of a building. For example, operation of VFD724may result in the fan rotating at optimal speed, thereby arresting over-pressurization in duct, which may be otherwise ignored in traditional volumetric control. If multiple VFDs724exist (e.g., due to multiple AHUs722being installed for a building), controller700can provide the control signals to each VFD724to affect airflow in the ductwork. In some embodiments, VAV units720and AHUs722can operate in tandem to maintain an acceptable static pressure. In such embodiments, operating VAV units720and AHUs722in tandem can avoid potential problems that occur in traditional systems where AHU fan VFDs operate to maintain total flow and VAV dampers separately operate to maintain individual flow, which can cause conflicts. Specifically, operating the AHU fan VFDs and VAV dampers separately can result in over-pressurization in the ducts (or other conduits), resulting in energy wastage and disturbed air flow dynamics. In some embodiments, VFD limit adjuster714determines the adjusted upper limit (i.e., the adjusted duct static pressure setpoint) and provides the updated VFD limit to first span block module. In some embodiments, VAV units720will operate dampers to achieve the adjusted setpoint. Operating VAV units720based on the adjusted upper limit can aid in maintaining the static pressure in the ducts by adjusting a flow rate of air through the ducts. Advantageously, adjusting operation of VAV units720can reduce an overall cost of maintaining the static pressure in the ducts. Further, as AHUs722can also be operated to affect the flow rate (and thereby the static pressure), VAV units720and AHUs722can be operated in tandem to maintain an acceptable static pressure. Operating VAV units720and AHUs722in tandem can avoid potential problems that occur in traditional systems where AHU fan VFDs operate to maintain total flow and VAV dampers separately operate to maintain individual flow which can cause conflicts. Specifically, operating the AHU fan VFDs and VAV dampers separately can result in over-pressurization in the ducts (or other conduits), resulting in energy wastage and disturbed air flow dynamics. Referring now toFIG.8, a flow diagram illustrating a control process800performed by controller700is shown, according to some embodiments. Specifically, control process800as shown inFIG.8can illustrate how variables are utilized by different components of controller700to generate control signals for VFDs724. Control process800is shown to include a volumetric control process block802. Volumetric control process block802can represent the volumetric control process performed by volumetric controller710. As shown in control process800, an output of volumetric control process block802can be used as input to a second span block810that illustrates operation of second span block module718. Control process800is also shown to include an averaging block804. Averaging block804can illustrate the calculation performed by VFD average calculator712. Specifically, averaging block804can illustrate how an average of a low VFD limit812and a high VFD limit814can be determined and provided to a first span block808. In some embodiments, averaging block804includes some other calculation separate from and/or in addition to the average calculation. For example, averaging block804may simply pass the low VFD limit812through to first span block808. Control process800is shown to include an updated VFD limit block806. Updated VFD limit block806and inputs provided thereto can illustrate the adjustment process performed by VFD limit adjuster714. As described above with reference toFIG.7, determining an updated VFD limit can involve executing one of three cases dependent on a number of VAV units having dampers open at or above a predefined threshold. The three cases described below can be used to determine an updated duct static pressure setpoint. Based on the updated duct static pressure setpoint, updated VFD limit block806can determine an updated VFD limit associated with the updated duct static pressure setpoint. A first case shown in control process800can be executed if more than three VAV dampers are at least 85% open. Of course, the number of VAV dampers and the 85% threshold are provided for sake of example and can be configured and customized as desired. If the first case is executed, an upper limit (i.e., a duct static pressure setpoint) can be increased by, for example, 1% every minute. A second case shown in control process800can be executed if the number of VAV dampers that are open at least 85% is between two and three. If the second case is executed, the upper limit may be held constant and otherwise be unchanged. A third case shown in control process800can be executed if the number of VAV dampers that are open at least 85% is less than two. If the third case is executed, the upper limit may be decreased, for example, by 1% every minute. An output of updated VFD limit block806may be an updated VFD limit determined based on executing one of the three cases described above. Specifically, the updated VFD limit may be a VFD setpoint (e.g., a frequency/voltage setpoint) that can achieve the updated duct static pressure setpoint. The output of updated VFD limit block806can be provided as an input to first span block808. First span block808can illustrate operation of first span block module716. A low input (IL) and a low output (OL) to first span block808are shown to be an output of averaging block804. A high input (IH) and a high output (OH) to first span block808are shown to be high VFD limit814. As the IL/OL pair and the IH/OH pair have equivalent values, a 1-to-1 linear relationship may be established for first span block808. Based on the established relationship, the updated VFD limit provided by updated VFD limit block806can be provided as input to first span block808. First span block808can utilize the updated VFD limit and the established relationship to generate an output of an updated VFD limit. The updated limit can be provided to second span block810to be used as the high output of second span block810. In other words, the updated limit may be a maximum bound for a control signal generated by second span block810. Second span block810is also shown inFIG.8to utilize a value of 0% as a low input, low VFD limit812as a low output, and a value of 100% as a high input. Based on the low and high input/output pairs, second span block810can establish a relationship between said pairs. The relationship can be used, in combination with the output of volumetric control process block802(i.e., a PID output), to generate the control signal for a VFD. An example relationship is described below with reference toFIG.9. Control process800can illustrate how the traditional volumetric control process can be leveraged to generate more accurate control signals for VFDs by using VAV damper positions as a proxy for duct static pressure. Adjustments to a duct static pressure setpoint (i.e., the upper limit) over time can be used to determine limits on control signals provided to VFDs. More particularly, the OH of second span block810may, at most, be high VFD limit814(i.e., the OH of first span block808). However, the OH of second span block810may be lower if the input to first span block808is between the IL and IH for first span block808. Referring now toFIG.9, a graph900illustrating an example relationship that can be generated by a span block is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, graph900is utilized by first span block module716and/or second span block module718as described with reference toFIG.7. Graph900is shown to include a regression line902that illustrates a relationship that can be established by the span block. Regression line902may be identified from a linear regression performed based on a point904and a point906. In graph900, point904can represent a low input/output pair. Specifically, the low input in graph900is shown to be 2 whereas the low output is shown to be 4. Similarly, point906can illustrate a high input/output pair where the high input is shown to be 10 and the high output is shown to be 8. Regression line902can thereby be established as the line passing through points904and906. Using regression line902, an input can be applied to determine a corresponding output. For example, if an input of 5 is provided, the input can first be compared to the low input and high input values to ensure the input is properly between said values. As the input of 5 is between the low input of 2 and the high input of 10, regression line902can be directly referenced to determine the corresponding output. In particular, the input of 5 can be determined to correspond to an output of 5.5 as shown by regression line902. Referring now toFIG.10, a process1000for controlling a building device using positions of a control device as a proxy for static pressure in a conduit is shown, according to some embodiments. Process1000can be applied to various environmental control systems. For example, process1000may be applied to an airside system where the building device is an AHU including a fan, the control device is a VAV damper, and the conduit is a duct that provides air to a zone. As another example, process1000may be applied to a waterside system where the building device is a pump, the control device is a valve position, and the conduit is a pipe that provides water. In some embodiments, some and/or all of the steps of process1000are performed by components of controller700. Process1000is shown to include performing a volumetric control process to generate an initial control signal for a drive device of a building device (step1002). For example, step1002may generate initial control signals for a VFD of an AHU. In some embodiments, step1002is performed for multiple drive devices (e.g., VFDs, VSDs, etc.) of various building devices (e.g., AHUs, pumps, etc.), thereby resulting in multiple control signals being generated. In some embodiments, step1002includes performing some and/or all of the steps of process600as described with reference toFIG.6. As such, the output of step1002may be control signals (e.g., a PID output) that can be used to operate the drive devices, but does not account for static pressure in the conduit. The output of step1002may be a value between 0% and 100% that is associated with a minimum and maximum frequency and/or voltage that can be applied by the drive devices. In some embodiments, step1002is performed by volumetric controller710. Process1000is shown to include adjusting an upper limit associated with static pressure in a conduit based on positions of control devices (step1004). The upper limit described in step1004can describe a setpoint for static pressure in the conduit. For example, the upper limit may describe a setpoint for static pressure in ductwork. In some embodiments, adjusting the upper limit includes executing one of three cases based on a number of control devices open above some predefined threshold. A first case may include increasing the upper limit if the number of control devices is above a maximum limit. For example, if more than three of the control devices are open at or above 85%, the upper limit may be increased by 1% every minute. A second case may include keeping the upper limit constant if the number of control devices are within a predefined range. For example, if the number of control devices open at or above 85% is between two and three, the upper limit can be held constant. A third case may include decreasing the upper limit if the number of control devices are below a minimum limit. For example, if the number of control devices open at or above 85% is less than two, the upper limit can be decreased by 1% every minute. In some embodiments, step1004is performed by VFD limit adjuster714. Process1000is shown to include determining an updated limit for the drive device based on the adjusted upper limit (step1006). A limit for the drive device may be used to achieve the adjusted upper limit. For example, in an airside system, the updated limit may be an updated limit for a VFD used to achieve a duct static pressure setpoint. The updated limit can be determined based on a model for the drive device that correlates a limit for the drive device to the upper limit associated with static pressure in the conduit. In some embodiments, step1006is performed by VFD limit adjuster714. Process1000is shown to include calculating an average limit for the drive device based on a low limit and a high limit for the drive device (step1008). The low and high limits for the drive device can be provided by a user, by the drive device itself, by a manufacturer, etc. The low and high limits can described a minimum and a maximum operating setpoint for the drive device, respectively. For example, the low and high limits may describe a minimum rotations per minute (RPM) and a maximum RPM for the drive device. In some embodiments, step1008includes performing a calculation other than and/or in addition to an averaging calculation. For example, step1008may include simply providing the low limit as an output of step1008. In some embodiments, step1008is performed by VFD average calculator712. Process1000is shown to include performing a first regression process based on the high limit, the average limit, and the updated limit to determine a new updated limit (step1010). The first regression process can include performing a regression (e.g., a linear regression) to establish a relationship between the high limit and the average limit. Specifically, the regression can be performed using the average limit as a low input/output pair and the high limit as a high input/output pair. The updated limit can be applied to the relationship to determine a corresponding output that describes the new updated limit. In this case, the new updated limit can describe a maximum value of a control signal for the drive device that accounts for the positions of the control devices. For example, in an airside system, the new updated limit can describe a maximum value for operating a VFD that accounts for VAV damper positions. In some embodiments, step1010is performed by first span block module716. Process1000is shown to include performing a second regression process based on the initial control signal, the low limit, and the new updated limit to determine a control signal for the drive device (step1012). Similar to step1010, step1012can include establishing a relationship between a low input/output pair and a high input/output pair. The low input/output pair may include the low limit as the low output and a predefined value (e.g., 0%) as the low input. The high input/output pair may include the new updated limit as the high output and a second predefined value (e.g., 100%) as the high input. The initial control signal can be applied to the relationship established in step1012to generate the control signal for the drive device. In some embodiments, step1012is performed by second span block module718. Process1000is shown to include operating the drive device based on the control signal (step1014). By operating the drive device, a variable state or condition (e.g., a temperature) of a zone of a building may be affected. For example, in an airside system, operating a VFD (i.e., the drive device) of an AHU may result in cooled air being provided to the zone, thereby decreasing a temperature of the zone. As another example, in a waterside system, operating a VFD of a pump may result in additional cooled/heated water being provided to the zone and/or other building devices, thereby affecting the temperature of the zone. In some embodiments, step1014is performed by second span block module718. Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. | 96,484 |
11859849 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present disclosure and its advantages are best understood by referring toFIGS.1through5of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. As described above, HVAC systems are typically configured to supply an enclosed space with conditioned air that is comfortable for occupants of the space. The air supplied by the HVAC system has an associated temperature and an associated relative humidity. In some HVAC systems, the temperature and/or humidity of the supply air may be adjusted (e.g., using a thermostat) in order to meet the occupant's desired comfort. However, dehumidification using conventional HVAC systems is far from optimal. This is because an HVAC system's ability to dehumidify air in an enclosed space is tied to the extent to which the HVAC system cools the air in the enclosed space. Indeed, HVAC systems remove moisture from the air by circulating moisturized air over and/or through evaporator coils that are colder in temperature than the moisturized air (e.g., because of the temperature of refrigerant circulating through the evaporator coils). As a result of heat-exchange principles, the circulating air is cooled and the moisture from the moisturized air condenses on the evaporator coils, thereby producing dehumidified cold air which may then be directed to an enclosed space via a return air duct. Generally, an HVAC system ceases to operate once a predetermined temperature has been reached. For example, most HVAC systems will discontinue operation once an enclosed space has reached a programmed temperature setpoint (e.g., 73° F.). Although the temperature of the enclosed space may be at a desired temperature setpoint (e.g., 73° F.) when the HVAC system ceases operation, the relative humidity of the enclosed space may not be at a desired humidity value (e.g., 80% relative humidity). In such cases, the temperature setpoint may be adjusted to an undesirably low temperature (e.g., 65° F.) in order to decrease the relative humidity of the enclosed space to a more desirable value (e.g., 44% relative humidity). The extent of cooling and dehumidification an HVAC system can achieve is generally determined by its sensible capacity (Sc) and latent capacity (Lc). Each HVAC system has a total capacity (Tc), which is calculated as the sum of the sensible capacity and a latent capacity (i.e., Tc=Sc+Lc). Generally, sensible capacity refers to an ability of the HVAC system to remove sensible heat from conditioned air (e.g., to cool the air). As used herein, sensible heat refers to heat that, when added to or removed from the air, results in a temperature change of the conditioned air. Comparatively, latent heat refers to the ability of an HVAC system to remove latent heat from conditioned air (e.g., to dehumidify the air). As used herein, latent heat refers to heat that, when added to or removed from the conditioned air, results in a phase change of, for example, water within the conditioned air. Sensible capacity and latent capacity may vary with environmental conditions. A sensible-to-total ratio (“SIT Ratio”), calculated using sensible and latent capacity values where S/T Ratio=Sc/Tc, may represent the comfort of an occupant within a conditioned space. Generally, a lower S/T ratio is indicative of a greater capacity for dehumidification, while a higher S/T ratio is indicative of a lesser capacity for dehumidification. Thus, if the sensible capacity value is very high, the HVAC system will have a high S/T ratio (e.g., 0.9). In the example of a 0.9 S/T ratio, the HVAC system is devoting 90% of its total capacity to removing sensible heat and 10% of its total capacity to remove latent heat. Such a scenario may lead to humidity problems. As described above, an existing approach to achieving a substantially low S/T ratio for air dehumidification involves lowering the temperature setpoint of the HVAC system until the desired dehumidification is achieved. This approach reduces both the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air. However, this approach causes the HVAC system to operate for longer periods of time than if the temperature setpoint of the HVAC system were set to a higher temperature. As such, this approach results not only in over-cooling of the conditioned air (and the consequent occupant discomfort) but also wasted energy for the extended HVAC system run times. Another approach to air dehumidification involves re-heating air leaving the evaporator coil of the system. While this approach can provide conditioned air at a more comfortable temperature for occupants, additional energy is wasted, as energy is expended to first over-cool the air to achieve a comfortable relative humidity value before the air is re-heated to achieve a more comfortable temperature for occupants. The present disclosure provides solutions to the above-described problems and encompasses the recognition that the S/T ratio of an HVAC system can be optimized, by operating the HVAC system at a predetermined optimal rate of air flow per ton of cooling provided by the compressor. For example, in HVAC systems with a variable-speed compressor, the compressor speed, may be modulated. Similarly, a rate of air flow provided by the blower (e.g., a blower “speed”) may be adjusted to achieve a desired predetermined rate of airflow per actual ton of cooling for a given operating mode. In practice, however, appropriately adjusting the rate of airflow per actual ton of cooling for an HVAC system can be difficult or impossible because of mechanical limitations of the blower. A blower generally has a minimum flow rate at which it is designed to operate (e.g., a minimum rated speed that is established by the manufacturer of the blower). Additionally, flow rate cannot generally be decreased below a minimum target flow rate that is required to properly service (e.g., cool and/or dehumidify) a given space. For instance, low flow rates can result in poor air distribution within a large conditioned space, such as a large non-residential space that comprises multiple sub-spaces, each of which requires an adequate flow of conditioned air. An office building, for example, may require a certain minimum air flow rate to ensure substantial airflow is received in offices that are distant from the blower. It is also generally difficult or impossible, in some instances, to adjust the rate of airflow per actual ton of cooling by increasing the speed of the compressor of the HVAC system, because operating a compressor at an excessively high speed can adversely impact the HVAC system by decreasing its performance and possibly damaging itself and/or other components of the HVAC system. Increasing the speed of the compressor can result in over-cooling of the air. To prevent the conditioned space from being cooled to an uncomfortably low temperature, the compressor will also need to cycle on and off at a greater frequency. This cycling can cause re-evaporation of the moisture on the evaporator coil in the system, which will counterproductively increase the humidity of the air supplied to the conditioned space. This increased frequency of power cycling can stress the compressor and other components of the HVAC system, resulting in increased maintenance costs and an increased probability of premature system failure. Additionally, when the compressor is operated at a high speed, the turndown ratio, or the ratio of the maximum and minimum discharge pressures of the compressor, is generally decreased resulting in a narrower operational range of cooling and dehumidification for the HVAC system. This disclosure contemplates an unconventional HVAC system that includes an evaporator bypass line and a supply recirculation line which allow the S/T ratio of the HVAC system to be optimized while mitigating the problems described above. Recirculating conditioned air through the HVAC system effectively decreases the temperature and humidity of the return air directed to the evaporator coil of the HVAC system, allowing the system to more effectively dehumidify this air. In the systems described herein, a damper in the recirculation line can be moved (e.g., to an appropriate angle) to divert a portion of the flow of conditioned air to recirculate back through the HVAC system. For example, the portion of the flow of conditioned air that is not needed to the conditioned space (e.g., the flow that is in excess of a target air flow required by the HVAC system) can be recirculated through the HVAC system to improve the S/T ratio of the system. A bypass damper in the bypass line can similarly be used to improve the S/T ratio of the HVAC system. The bypass damper can be moved (e.g., to an appropriate angle) to divert a portion of the air that would normally pass through the evaporator coil (i.e., return air+any recirculated supply air from the supply recirculation line) to bypass the evaporator coil. Causing air to bypass the evaporator coil results in a decreased flow of air through the evaporator coil. When the flow of air through the evaporator coil is decreased, the airside convective heat transfer coefficient is reduced, which lowers the coil temperature leading to higher dehumidification or latent capacity at the expense of decreased sensible and total cooling capacities. This results in an improved S/T ratio. FIG.1illustrates an HVAC system, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. In a typical embodiment, HVAC system100is configured to condition a flow of air (e.g., by cooling and dehumidifying the flow of air) that is received via a return air duct140and supplying the conditioned air to a conditioned space via a supply air duct160. The conditioned space may be, for example, a house, an office building, a warehouse, or the like. Thus, HVAC system100can be a residential system or a commercial system such as, for example, a roof-top system. For exemplary illustration, the HVAC system100as illustrated inFIG.1includes various components. However, in other embodiments, the HVAC system100may include additional components that are not illustrated but typically included within HVAC systems. HVAC system100includes an evaporator coil105, a blower110, a compressor115, and a controller180. HVAC system100also includes a supply air recirculation line120with a recirculation damper125disposed therein and an evaporator bypass line130with a bypass damper135disposed therein. The recirculation damper125of supply air recirculation line120can be moved to divert a portion of the supply air from the supply air duct160to the return air duct140to improve the removal of water from air passing through the HVAC system. Evaporator bypass line130allows a portion of air from the return line140to be bypassed around evaporator coil105so that the portion of air does not pass through the evaporator coil105. This allows the flow of air to the conditioned space and the flow of air through the evaporator coil105to be decreased while the flow of air through the blower110is maintained at or above its minimum flow rate. This also facilitates improved dehumidification of air passing through the HVAC system100. In general, the various air lines, including the supply air recirculation line120and the evaporator bypass line130, and ducts, including the return air duct140and the supply air duct160, may be any appropriate duct or passage for facilitating a directed flow of air. The blower110is any mechanism for providing a flow of air through the HVAC system100. For example, the blower110may be a constant-speed or variable-speed circulation fan. In certain embodiments, it may be beneficial for the blower110to be operable at different capacities (i.e., variable motor speeds) to circulate air through the HVAC system100at different flow rates. The evaporator coil105is generally a heat exchanger for providing heat transfer between air flowing through the evaporator coil (i.e., contacting the outer surface of the evaporator coil105) and refrigerant175passing through the interior of the evaporator coil105. The evaporator coil105is fluidically connected to the compressor115, such that refrigerant175flows from the evaporator coil105to the compressor115. During operation, low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant175is circulated through the evaporator coil105. Refrigerant175is initially in a liquid/vapor state upon entering the evaporator coil105. In a typical embodiment, the refrigerant175is, for example, R-410A, R-134a, R-22, R-744, or any other suitable type of refrigerant as appropriate for particular design requirements. Air entering the evaporator coil105via air line145is typically warmer than the refrigerant175entering the evaporator coil105and is circulated through or around the evaporator coil105by the blower110. In a typical embodiment, the refrigerant175in the evaporator begins to boil after absorbing heat from the air and changes state to a low-pressure (compared to the condenser), super-heated vapor refrigerant175. Saturated vapor, saturated liquid, and saturated fluid refers to a thermodynamic state where a liquid and its vapor exist in approximate equilibrium with each other. Super-heated fluid and super-heated vapor refer to a thermodynamic state where a vapor is heated above a saturation temperature of the vapor at a given pressure. Sub-cooled fluid and sub-cooled liquid refers to a thermodynamic state where a liquid is cooled below the saturation temperature of the liquid at a given pressure. The low-pressure, low-temperature, super-heated vapor refrigerant175from the evaporator coil105is directed to the compressor115. The compressor115may be a constant-speed or variable-speed compressor and may have a single stage or multiple stages. In a typical embodiment, the compressor115increases the pressure and temperature of the low-pressure, low-temperature, super-heated vapor refrigerant175to form a high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant175, which exits the compressor115and is directed to the condenser coil165. Outside air is circulated around the condenser coil165, for example, by a condenser fan. The outside air is typically cooler than the high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant175that enters the condenser coil165. Thus, heat is transferred from the high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant175to the outside air. Removal of heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant causes the high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant175to condense and change from a vapor state to a high-pressure, high-temperature, sub-cooled liquid state. In certain embodiments, the HVAC system100may include a three-way valve (not shown) to divert at least a portion of the high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant from compressor115to a re-heat coil (not shown) positioned in the supply air duct160. The re-heat coil facilitates transfer of a portion of the heat stored in the high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated vapor refrigerant175to the flow of air in the supply air duct160thereby heating the flow of air output to the conditioned space. The high-pressure, high-temperature, sub-cooled liquid refrigerant175exits the condenser coil165and is directed to a metering device170, which abruptly reduces the pressure of refrigerant175. The metering device170may be a thermostatic expansion valve. Abrupt reduction of the pressure of the high-pressure, high-temperature, sub-cooled liquid refrigerant175also causes sudden, rapid, evaporation of a portion of the high-pressure, high-temperature, sub-cooled liquid refrigerant175, commonly known as “flash evaporation.” Flash evaporation lowers the temperature of the resulting liquid/vapor refrigerant mixture to a temperature lower than a temperature of the air in the conditioned space. The liquid/vapor refrigerant mixture leaves the metering device170and returns to the evaporator coil105. While the illustrative example ofFIG.1includes the components described above, fewer, more, or other components may be used to achieve an appropriate flow of low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant to the evaporator coil105. The controller180is operatively coupled to the compressor115, the blower110, the recirculation damper125, and the bypass damper135and is operable to cause dampers125and135to move based on determinations related to monitored properties of the HVAC system100and/or the conditioned space, as described in greater detail herein. The controller180may be an integrated controller or a distributed controller that directs operation of the HVAC system100. In a typical embodiment, the controller180includes an interface to receive, for example, thermostat calls, temperature setpoints, blower control signals, environmental conditions, and operating mode status for the HVAC system100. For example, in a typical embodiment, the environmental conditions may include indoor temperature and relative humidity of the conditioned space. In a typical embodiment, the controller180also includes a processor and a memory to direct operation of the HVAC system100including, for example, an angle to which the bypass damper135should be moved to direct a desired portion of the flow of air from the return air duct passed the evaporator coil (without passing through the evaporator coil). The processor of the controller180is any electronic circuitry, including, but not limited to microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), application specific instruction set processor (ASIP), and/or state machines, that communicatively couples to memory and controls the operation of HVAC system100. The processor of controller180may be 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit or of any other suitable architecture. The processor may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performing arithmetic and logic operations, processor registers that supply operands to the ALU and store the results of ALU operations, and a control unit that fetches instructions from memory and executes them by directing the coordinated operations of the ALU, registers and other components. The processor may include other hardware and software that operates to control and process information. The processor executes software stored on memory of the controller180to perform any of the functions described herein. The processor may be a programmable logic device, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, any suitable processing device, or any suitable combination of the preceding. The processor is not limited to a single processing device and may encompass multiple processing devices. Similarly, the controller180is not limited to a single controller but may encompass multiple controllers. Memory of controller180may store, either permanently or temporarily, data, operational software, or other information for a processor of the controller180. The memory may include any one or a combination of volatile or non-volatile local or remote devices suitable for storing information. For example, the memory may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or any other suitable information storage device or a combination of these devices. The software represents any suitable set of instructions, logic, or code embodied in a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the software may be embodied in memory, a disk, a CD, or a flash drive. In particular embodiments, the software may include an application executable by a processor of controller180to perform one or more of the functions described herein. The HVAC system100may also include environment sensors to provide environmental information about the conditioned space (e.g., temperature and humidity of the conditioned space) to the controller180. The sensors may also send environmental information to a display of a user interface of HVAC system100. In some embodiments, the user interface provides additional functions such as, for example, displaying operational, diagnostic, and status messages and providing a visual interface that allows at least one of an installer, a user, a support entity, and a service provider to perform actions with respect to the HVAC system100. For example, the user interface may be a thermostat of the HVAC system100. In certain embodiments, connections between various components of the HVAC system100are wired. For example, conventional cable and contacts may be used to couple the controller180to the various components of the HVAC system100, including the blower110, the compressor115, the recirculation damper125, and the bypass damper135. In some embodiments, a wireless connection is employed to provide at least some of the connections between components of the HVAC system such as, for example, a connection between controller180and the variable-speed circulation fan110or any environment sensors of system100. In some embodiments, a data bus couples various components of the HVAC system100together such that data is communicated there between. In a typical embodiment, the data bus may include, for example, any combination of hardware, software embedded in a computer readable medium, or encoded logic incorporated in hardware or otherwise stored (e.g., firmware) to couple components of HVAC system100to each other. As an example and not by way of limitation, the data bus may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, or any other suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these. In various embodiments, the data bus may include any number, type, or configuration of data buses, where appropriate. In certain embodiments, one or more data buses (which may each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple the controller180to other components of the HVAC system100. The evaporator bypass line130is fluidically connected to the air line150that fluidically connects the outlet of the evaporator coil105to the inlet of the blower110. The bypass damper135of the evaporator bypass line130may be a motorized damper which is electronically adjustable based on a signal received from the controller180. The bypass damper135is operable to direct a first portion of the flow of air from the return airduct140to the evaporator coil105via air line145and a second portion of the flow of air from the return airduct140to the inlet of the blower110or to air line150, via the evaporator bypass line130. The controller180is operable to cause the bypass damper135to move in order to decrease the first portion of the flow of air from the return airduct140that is directed to the inlet of the evaporator via airline145and to increase the second portion of the flow of air from the return airduct140that is diverted passed the evaporator coil105via the evaporator bypass line130. This allows the total flow of air through the HVAC system100to reach the blower110, while a decreased flow of air passes through the evaporator coil105. In some instances, the evaporator coil105more effectively dehumidifies the flow of air when a decreased flow of air passes through the evaporator coil105, as described in greater detail herein. The supply air recirculation line120fluidically connects the supply air duct160to the return air duct140. The recirculation damper125of the supply air recirculation line120may be a motorized damper which is electronically adjustable based on a signal received from the controller180. The recirculation damper125is operable to direct a first portion of a flow of air from the blower110to a conditioned space via the supply air duct160. The recirculation damper125is also operable to direct a second portion of air from the supply air duct160to the return air duct140via the supply air recirculation line120. The controller180is operable to cause the recirculation damper125to move (e.g., to an adjusted angle) to decrease the first portion of the flow of air supplied to the conditioned space and to increase the second portion of the flow of air directed to the return airduct140. This allows a portion of the conditioned air to be recirculated through the HVAC system100(i.e., recirculated towards the evaporator coil105for further cooling and/dehumidification), while the blower110still provides the total flow of air required for proper operation. As described in greater detail herein with respect toFIGS.4and5, recirculating conditioned air through the HVAC system improve dehumidification performance of the HVAC system100. While the illustrative embodiment ofFIG.1includes the supply air recirculation line120and the recirculation damper125, other embodiments of the HVAC system100(not shown) do not include the recirculation line120or the recirculation damper125disposed therein, as described in greater detail below, for example, with respect toFIG.3. In an example operation of the HVAC system100, a flow of air is provided through HVAC system100by the blower110. In the illustrative example ofFIG.1, the flow of air is provided to air line155which fluidically connects the output of blower110to the supply air duct160and the supply air recirculation line120. The controller180determines a portion of this flow of air to recirculate through the HVAC system100(via the supply air recirculation line120), rather than to supply to the conditioned space (via the supply air duct160). This determination can be made, for example, by determining whether a minimum flow rate of the blower is greater than a predetermined supply air flow rate of the HVAC system100. The predetermined supply air flow rate of the HVAC system100may be based on design specifications of the space being cooled and/or dehumidified by HVAC system100, as described herein. For example, a minimum rate of air flow may be required to provide an adequate flow of air throughout the conditioned space, and any excess flow of air beyond this minimum rate of air flow may be recirculated through the HVAC system100to improve dehumidification. The controller180then determines the portion of the flow of air to recirculate through the HVAC system via the supply air recirculation line120. The controller180then causes the recirculation damper125to move (e.g., to an appropriate angle) such that the determined portion of the flow of conditioned air is diverted through the supply air recirculation line120. For example, if the required supply flow rate of the condition space is 800 CFM and the minimum flow rate of the blower is 900 CFM, controller180may determine that 100 CFM (i.e., 900 CFM-800 CFM) of air is to be recirculated through the HVAC system via the supply air recirculation line120. Controller180then causes recirculation damper125to move to an appropriate angle to direct 100 CFM of air through supply air recirculation line120. Although 800 CFM is provided to the conditioned space, blower110still provides the required minimum flow of 900 CFM, thereby allowing the blower110to function properly while system performance is improved via recirculation of conditioned air through the HVAC system100. The controller180then determines how much air to divert through bypass line130to prevent this portion of the flow of air from passing through the evaporator coil105. Thus, the flow of air through the evaporator coil105is decreased, while the blower110still operates at its full minimum flow of air, corresponding to the flow of air through air line150and bypass line130. As described herein, decreasing the flow of air through the evaporator coil105(i.e., the air provided from air line145ofFIG.1) facilitates improved removal of water from the air passing through the evaporator coil105. To determine a portion of the flow of air from the return air duct to divert through bypass line130, the controller180first determines an operating mode of the HVAC system100. Typically, the controller180determines whether the system is operating in a cooling mode or dehumidification mode. Each mode is associated with a corresponding threshold value for the ratio of (i) the speed of the blower in terms of the rate of air flow provided by the blower (e.g., in CFM) to (ii) the compressor speed (e.g., in terms of a tonnage). For example, this threshold value may be 400 CFM/Ton for a cooling mode and 200 CFM/Ton for a dehumidification mode. It should be understood that these are example threshold values, and different threshold values may be appropriate, for example, depending on environmental conditions, design specifications of the HVAC system100and/or characteristics of the conditioned space. The controller180then determines whether the ratio of (i) the flow of air provided by the blower110to (ii) the speed of the compressor115is greater than the predetermined threshold value for the operating mode. For example, for a blower operating at 900 CFM and a compressor operating at 1.5 Ton, this ratio is 600 CFM/Ton (i.e., 900 CFM/1.5 Ton), which is greater than the threshold value of 400 CFM/Ton for the cooling mode and the threshold value of 200 CFM/Ton for the dehumidification mode. Responsive to this determination that the ratio (600 CFM/Ton) is greater than the predetermined threshold value for the operating mode (e.g., 400 CFM/Ton for the cooling mode), the controller then determines a portion of the flow rate of air from the return air duct to divert to the bypass line130. The controller180determines the portion of air to pass through evaporator coil105based on the threshold value for the operating mode such that the ratio of (i) the flow of air passing through evaporator coil105(via air line145) to (ii) the speed of the compressor is approximately equal to the threshold value. For example, in the example cooling mode, 600 CFM of air (400 CFM/Ton×1.5 Ton) should be directed to the evaporator coil105via air line145. In the example dehumidification mode, 300 CFM (200 CFM/Ton×1.5 Ton) of air should be directed to the evaporator coil105via air line145. The controller180then causes the bypass damper135to move (e.g., to an appropriate angle) to direct the determined flow of air for the operating mode to the evaporator coil105. The remaining flow of air is diverted to the bypass line130in order to bypass the evaporator coil105. FIG.2is a flow chart illustrating a method200for operating an HVAC system, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, the HVAC system100ofFIG.1performs method200. By preforming method200, the HVAC system100more effectively dehumidifies air without over-cooling the conditioned space or requiring compressor115to operate at an excessively high speed, which can result in problems such as the production of moisture in HVAC system100and damage to the compressor115or other components of the HVAC system100. In step205, the controller180of the HVAC system100may first determine whether a minimum flow of the blower110is greater than a predetermined or target flowrate of the HVAC system100. If this condition is met, the controller180proceeds to step210and determines a recirculation portion of the flow of air from the supply air duct160to divert to the return air duct140via the supply air recirculation line120. This determination is based at least in part on a minimum operating flow rate of the blower110. For example, the portion of the flow of air to divert through the supply air recirculation line120may be determined based on a difference between the minimum operating flow rate of the blower110and the predetermined supply air flow rate required for the HVAC system. For example, if the target flow rate to the conditioned space is 800 CFM and the blower110has a minimum air flow rate of 900 CFM, then 100 CFM (900 CFM-800 CFM) of air may be determined as the recirculation portion of the flow of air to divert to the supply air recirculation line120. In step215, the controller180causes the recirculation damper125disposed in the supply air recirculation line120to move so the recirculation portion of the flow of air is diverted to the return air duct140through the supply air recirculation line120. For example, the controller180may transmit a signal to the recirculation damper125which causes the damper125to move to an appropriate angle to achieve the appropriate flow of recirculated air through the supply air recirculation line120. In step220, the controller determines an operating mode of the HVAC system. For example, the operating mode may be a cooling mode or dehumidification mode. As described elsewhere herein, each mode may have a predetermined threshold ratio value for the desired rate of airflow per actual ton of cooling. This predetermined threshold ratio value may be 400 CFM/Ton for a cooling mode and 200 CFM/Ton for a dehumidification mode. In step220, the controller may determine whether the rate of airflow provided by the blower110per actual ton of cooling by the compressor115is greater than the threshold ratio value for the operating mode. If this ratio is greater than the threshold value, the controller proceeds to step230. In step230, the controller180determines a portion of the flow of air from the return air duct140(i.e., the flow of air which would normally pass through the evaporator coil105) to divert through the bypass line130to bypass the evaporator coil105. In other words, the controller180determines a bypass portion of the flow of air from the return air duct to divert to an output of the evaporator coil105through the evaporator bypass line130. This determination is based at least in part on the operating mode of the HVAC system. For example, the portion of air to bypass the evaporator coil105may be determined such that the ratio of the flow passing through the evaporator coil105via air line145to the speed of the compressor115is approximately equal to the threshold ratio value for the operating mode. For example, if the total flow of air in the return air duct140is 900 CFM and the HVAC system100has a 1.5 Ton compressor115and is operating in a cooling mode (threshold ratio value=400 CFM/Ton), then the desired flow of air to pass through the evaporator coil105may be 600 CFM (400 CFM/Ton×1.5 Ton). The flow of air to divert to the bypass line130is thus 300 CFM (900 CFM-600 CFM). This allows an optimal flow of air (600 CFM) to flow through the evaporator coil105, while the blower110functions at its required minimum air flow rate required for proper operation, 900 CFM (600 CFM received from the outlet of the evaporator coil105+300 CFM received from the bypass line130). In step235, the controller180may determine whether airflow to the evaporator coil105is less than the predetermined target flow of the HVAC system100. If the flow of air to the evaporator coil105is greater than the target flow, then air is not required to bypass the evaporator coil105and the controller returns to the start of method300. Otherwise, if the flow of air directed to the evaporator coil105is less than the target flow of the HVAC system100, the controller180proceeds to step240. In step240, the controller180causes the bypass damper135to move to divert the bypass portion (determined in step230) of the flow of air from the return air duct140to the output of the evaporator coil105via the evaporator bypass line130. For example, the controller180may transmit a signal to the bypass damper135which causes the damper135to move to an appropriate angle to achieve the appropriate flow of bypass air through the evaporator bypass line130. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method200depicted inFIG.2. Method200may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. While primarily discussed as HVAC system100(or components thereof) performing the steps, any suitable HVAC system or any suitable components of the HVAC system may perform one or more steps of the methods. As described above, in certain embodiments, system100does not include a supply air recirculation line120. For example, dehumidification can be improved with the bypass line130alone. The example method300illustrated inFIG.3can be used to operate such a system. If in step305, the controller180may determine whether the rate of air flow provided by the blower110is equal to the minimum required air flow of the blower110. In other words, the controller180determines whether the speed of the blower110can be decreased. If the blower110is not at its minimum flow rate, the controller180may proceed to step330to determine whether the flowrate is greater than or equal to some threshold times the minimum flowrate. If this condition is met, the damper is moved to a fully closed position so that no airflow bypasses the evaporator coil105(step335). The controller180may also cause the blower110to operate at a decreased flow rate. Otherwise, referring again to step305, if the blower110is at the minimum flow rate, the controller180proceeds to step310. In step310, the controller180determines an operating mode of the HVAC system. For example, the operating mode may be a cooling mode or dehumidification mode. As already described, each mode may have a predetermined threshold ratio value for the desired rate of airflow per actual ton of cooling. This predetermined threshold ratio value may be, for example, 400 CFM/Ton for a cooling mode and 200 CFM/Ton for a dehumidification mode. In step315, the controller may determine whether the rate of airflow provided by the blower110per actual ton of cooling by the compressor115is greater than the threshold ratio value for the operating mode. If this ratio is greater than the threshold value, the controller180proceeds to step320. Otherwise, the controller returns to the start of method300to monitor operating parameters of the HVAC system. In step320, the controller180determines a portion of the flow of air from the return air duct140(i.e., the flow of air which would normally pass through the evaporator coil105) to bypass the evaporator coil105. In other words, the controller180determines a bypass portion of the flow of air from the return air duct140to divert to an output of the evaporator coil105through the evaporator bypass line130. This determination is based at least in part on the operating mode of the HVAC system, as described above with respect to step230of method200. In step325, the controller180causes the bypass damper135to move to divert the bypass portion of the flow of air from the return air duct140to the output of the evaporator coil105via the evaporator bypass line130. For example, the controller180may transmit a signal to the bypass damper135which causes the damper135to move to an appropriate angle to achieve the appropriate flow of bypass air through the evaporator bypass line130. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method300depicted inFIG.3. Method300may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. While at times discussed as HVAC system100(or components thereof) performing the steps, any suitable HVAC system or components of the HVAC system may perform one or more steps of the method. As described above, the systems apparatus, and methods described herein provide various advantages and improvements for the dehumidification of air by the HVAC system100.FIGS.4and5show plots400and500, respectively, of example performance metrics of the HVAC system that exemplify these advantages and improvements of dehumidification performance.FIG.4shows calculated latent capacities of the HVAC system100with different flows of air through the evaporator bypass line130and the supply air recirculation line120.FIG.5shows calculated S/T Ratios of the HVAC system100with different flows of air through the evaporator bypass line130and the supply air recirculation line120. As shown inFIGS.4AND5, optimum latent capacity and improved (i.e., lower) S/T Ratio can be achieved by increasing the portion of air diverted through the evaporator bypass line130. These exemplary performance metrics can be further improved through the synergistic combination of flowing air through both the evaporator bypass line130and the supply air recirculation line120. It should be understood that the above-described advantages are for illustrative purposes. These particular advantages do not need to be achieved in order to realize a benefit from the systems and methods described herein. Although the present disclosure includes several embodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. For example, refrigeration system100may include any suitable number of compressors, condensers, condenser fans, evaporators, valves, sensors, controllers, and so on, as performance demands dictate. One skilled in the art will also understand that refrigeration system100can include other components that are not illustrated but are typically included with refrigeration systems. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic comprising software, hardware, and/or other logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. | 42,268 |
11859850 | Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring toFIG.1, one embodiment of a heat exchanger is generally indicated at reference number10. The heat exchanger10is generally configured to provide heat recovery in a ventilation system of a forced air climate control system. For example, the illustrated heat exchanger10is thought to be suitably configured for providing heat recovery in a ventilation system that operates during the course of a year in both a cooling mode and a heating mode (e.g., a two-season climate control system). In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger10is configured to provide heat recovery between a supply air duct SD (broadly, a first duct portion) and an exhaust air duct ED (broadly, a second duct portion). In general, the ducts SD, ED are configured to receive air streams SS, ES (FIGS.3and4) of different temperatures (e.g., a warm air stream and a cool air stream). The heat exchanger10could also be used to provide heat recovery between other duct portions, such as first and second portions of a single inline duct at which the temperature of an air stream flowing through the duct is expected to differ. In the illustrated embodiment, the ducts SD, ED are arranged side-by-side such that the ducts are spaced apart along a horizontal axis and disposed at a common height along a vertical axis. The ducts can have other arrangements in other embodiments. Referring toFIG.2, the heat exchanger10includes a heat pipe system, generally indicated at12. The illustrated heat pipe system12comprises a supply heat pipe subassembly14(broadly, a first heat pipe subassembly) that is configured to be installed in the ventilation system in thermal communication with a supply air stream SS (FIG.3) flowing through the supply duct SD and an exhaust heat pipe subassembly16(broadly, a second heat pipe subassembly) that is configured to be installed in the ventilation system in thermal communication with an exhaust air stream ES (FIG.4) flowing through the exhaust duct ED. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the heat pipe subassemblies14,16includes a heat pipe portion that is configured to be installed inside the respective duct SD, ED. Thus, the heat pipe portions of the subassemblies14,16are configured to be in direct thermal contact with the air streams SS, ES as the air streams flow through the ducts SD, ED along the respective heat pipe portions. A heat pipe portion could also be installed in a ventilation system in thermal communication with an air stream flowing through a duct portion in other ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Each of the heat pipe subassemblies14,16comprises a top header20, a bottom header22, and a plurality of heat pipes24that extend vertically and provide fluid communication between the respective top header and the respective bottom header. Other configurations are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Each of the top and bottom headers20,22can comprise a manifold having a main passage that is fluidly coupled to each of the heat pipes24. In the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom headers20,22are located outside of the respective duct SD, ED. In other embodiments, the headers could be installed inside the duct with the vertical heat pipes. The vertical heat pipes24individually and collectively comprise heat pipe portions received in the respective duct SD, ED. In one or more embodiments, the vertical heat pipes24extend along an entirety of a height of the respective duct SD, ED and are spaced apart along a width of the respective duct. Two or more heat pipe subassemblies can also be vertically stacked inside a duct in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the vertical heat pipes24have a height that is greater than about 36 inches (about 91 cm), such as greater than about 40 inches (about 102 cm), greater than about 45 inches (about 114 cm), greater than about 50 inches (about 127 cm), greater than about 55 inches (about 140 cm), greater than about 60 inches (about 152.4 cm), greater than about 65 inches (about 165 cm), greater than about 70 inches (about 178 cm), about 75 inches (about 191 cm), etc. The heat pipes can also have other heights in one or more embodiments. Accordingly, the air streams SS, ES can flow through the gaps between the heat pipes24as they flow through the respective ducts SD, ED. Referring toFIGS.3and4, only a single row of vertical heat pipes24is shown in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, however, a plurality of rows of heat pipes can be spaced apart in the direction of air flow through the respective duct. In certain embodiments, the vertical heat pipes in a plurality of rows of heat pipes can be offset from one another along the width of the duct. Additional rows of vertical heat pipes can be fluidly coupled to the same headers20,22or to different headers (e.g., there can be a dedicated header for each row of heat pipes or for a set of two or more rows of heat pipes). In one or more embodiments, heat transfer fins (not shown) extend along the width of each duct SD, ED at spaced apart locations along the height of each duct such that the respective airstream SS, ES can flow through the gaps between the fins. Suitably, each fin can comprise a thin strip of thermally conductive material that is thermally and physically connected to one or more vertical heat pipes24in the respective duct SD, ED to transfer heat between the respective heat pipes and the respective air stream SS, ES. The heat pipe system12is charged with a refrigerant that is suitable for the temperature range of the ventilation system in which the heat exchanger10is installed. Referring again toFIGS.1and2, the supply heat pipe subassembly14is fluidly connected to the exhaust heat pipe subassembly16such that the refrigerant can flow through the heat pipe system12between the heat pipe subassemblies. More specifically, the illustrated heat pipe system12comprises a vapor conduit30that provides fluid communication between the top headers20of the heat pipe subassemblies14,16and a liquid conduit32that provides fluid communication between the bottom headers22of the heat pipe subassemblies. The heat pipe system12thus defines a continuous refrigerant flow loop extending from the top header20of the supply heat pipe subassembly14in series through vapor conduit30, the top header of the exhaust heat pipe subassembly16, the heat pipes24of the exhaust heat pipe subassembly, the bottom header22of the exhaust heat pipe subassembly, the liquid conduit32, the bottom header of the supply heat pipe subassembly, the heat pipes of the supply heat pipe subassembly, and back to the top header of the supply subassembly. Although the continuous refrigerant flow loop was described as proceeding in a clockwise direction through the passaging depicted inFIGS.1and2, it will be understood that the refrigerant can also flow in the opposite direction. Referring toFIG.2, and as will be explained in further detail below, the heat pipe system12is configured so that either of the heat pipe subassemblies14,16can function as an evaporator (e.g., an evaporator heat pipe subassembly) that is configured to evaporate liquid refrigerant while the other of the subassemblies functions as a condenser (e.g., a condenser heat pipe subassembly) that is configured to condense refrigerant vapor. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the heat pipe subassembly12is configured to transfer heat from the warmer of the air streams SS, ES to the cooler of the air streams as the refrigerant in the heat pipe system12flows between the evaporator heat pipe subassembly14,16and the condenser heat pipe subassembly. In general, heat from the warm air stream SS, ES is absorbed by evaporation of the refrigerant in the evaporator heat pipe subassembly14,16, thereby cooling the warm air stream and warming the refrigerant. The warm, evaporated refrigerant flows through the top header20of the evaporator heat pipe subassembly14,16and through the vapor conduit30to the condenser heat pipe subassembly. In the condenser heat pipe subassembly14,16, the cool air stream SS, ES flows along the heat pipes24and condenses the warm refrigerant vapor. Condensation of the refrigerant transfers heat to the cool air stream SS, ES, thereby warming the air stream and cooling the refrigerant. The cool, condensed refrigerant flows along the liquid conduit32back to the evaporator heat pipe subassembly. This heat recovery cycle can, in certain embodiments, continue passively in a closed loop. Heat transfer between the air streams SS, ES and the heat exchanger10is greatest at locations where refrigerant phase change is occurring. Evaporation in the evaporator heat pipe subassembly14,16absorbs heat from the respective air stream SS, ES and condensation in the condenser heat pipe subassembly releases heat into the other air stream. Heat exchange between the heat pipe subassemblies14,16and the air streams SS, ES is maximized at locations along the heights of the heat pipes24where evaporation or condensation is occurring. Heat exchange may be substantially reduced where no evaporation or condensation is occurring. In the embodiment where heat pipe subassembly14is the evaporator heat pipe assembly and heat pipe subassembly16is the condenser heat pipe assembly, heat exchange is maximized generally at the bottom and middle portions of the evaporator heat pipe subassembly14and at the top and middle portions of the condenser heat pipe subassembly16, as will be explained in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply subassembly14and the exhaust subassembly16are located at about the same height and the vapor conduit30and the liquid conduit32each extend generally horizontally. Accordingly, in the illustrated heat pipe system12, refrigerant is configured to flow passively between the subassemblies14,16and is not gravity driven. In other embodiments, the heat pipe system can be arranged so that refrigerant flow between the subassemblies is gravity-assisted (e.g., by orienting the liquid conduit to slope toward the subassembly functioning as an evaporator). In addition, a pump can be used to drive refrigerant flow through the heat pipe system in certain embodiments. Regardless of the mode by which refrigerant is driven through a heat pipe loop, because of gravity, liquid refrigerant tends to flow toward the bottom end of the heat pipe system12and vaporized refrigerant tends to flow toward the top end of the heat pipe system. As a result, refrigerant vapor may collect in the top segments of the heat pipes24(as well as in the top headers20and the vapor conduit30); and similarly, liquid may collect in the bottom segments of the heat pipes (as well as in the bottom headers22and the liquid conduit32). In the evaporator heat pipe subassembly14,16, the refrigerant vapor that collects in the top segments of the heat pipes24can cause diminished heat transfer at the top segments of the heat pipes in comparison with the bottom and middle segments of the heat pipes where liquid refrigerant that may be evaporated is present. Similarly, in the condenser subassembly14,16, the liquid refrigerant that collects in the bottom segments of the heat pipes24can cause diminished heat transfer at the bottom segments of the heat pipes in comparison with the top and middle segments of the heat pipes where refrigerant vapor that may be condensed is present. As explained below, the illustrated heat exchanger10is generally configured to selectively restrict air flow through low heat-transfer sections of the ducts SD, ED that are aligned with segments of the heat pipes24in which collected refrigerant vapor or liquid refrigerant may reduce heat transfer capacity. Restricting air flow in this manner is thought to maximize the amount of the air streams SS, ES that flows along the segments of the heat pipes24where heat transfer potential may be greater because more evaporation or condensation may be possible. Referring toFIG.1, the illustrated heat exchanger10includes a plurality of adjustable dampers40,42,50,52(broadly, adjustable flow restrictors or, more generally, flow restrictors) that are configured to be installed in the ducts SD, ED for selectively restricting the respective air streams SS, ES from flowing through respective sections of the ducts. Other types of adjustable flow restrictors (e.g., gate valves) or static flow restrictors (e.g., one or more fixed plates, or an enclosure) could also be used in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger10comprises a top supply damper40installed in the top section of the supply duct SD, a bottom supply damper42installed in the bottom section of the supply duct, a top exhaust damper50installed in the top section of the exhaust duct ED, and a bottom exhaust damper52installed in the bottom section of the exhaust duct. The middle sections of the ducts SD, ED are substantially free of any structure (besides the respective heat pipes24and thermal fins) that restricts flow through the middle sections. Each heat pipe24includes a respective segment that is received in the top section, the middle section, and the bottom section of the respective duct SD, ED, as delimited by the respective dampers40,42,50,52. Other embodiments (some of which are described in reference toFIGS.5and6below), can comprise other arrangements of dampers without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, when multiple heat pipe subassemblies are stacked vertically in a single duct, adjustable dampers can be arranged in operative alignment with the top segment and/or bottom segment of one or more the heat pipe subassemblies in the stack (e.g., a damper can be located at a middle section of the duct that is operatively aligned with a top segment of a bottom heat pipe subassembly or a bottom segment of a top heat pipe subassembly, etc.). Each damper40,42,50,52comprises a frame (e.g., a support) configured to mount the damper in the respective duct SD, ED in operative alignment with a respective section of the respective duct SD, ED. Referring toFIGS.3and4, the frame of each of the top dampers40,50defines a top plenum60(broadly, a top section) of the respective duct SD, ED, and the frame of each of the bottom dampers42,52defines a bottom plenum62(broadly, a bottom section) of the respective duct that is spaced apart from the respective top plenum. The top and bottom dampers40,42,50,52in each duct SD, ED define a middle flow plenum64(broadly, a middle section) between the top and bottom plenums. In one embodiment, the frames of the dampers40,42,50,42define respective plenums60,62,64that extend from respective upstream ends spaced apart upstream of the heat pipes24of the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16to respective downstream ends spaced apart downstream of the heat pipes of the respective heat pipe subassembly. As will be explained in further detail below, the adjustable dampers40,42,50,52are configured to selectively restrict air flow through the plenums defined by their frames. In other embodiments, the frames of the adjustable dampers could have other configurations, e.g., the frames could define plenums that are located entirely upstream of the respective heat pipes. In general, the adjustable dampers40,42,50,52are selectively openable to allow passage of the air streams SS, ES through the respective plenums and are selectively closable to restrict air flow through the respective plenums. Referring still toFIGS.3and4, in the illustrated embodiment, each damper40,42,50,52includes a plurality of damper plates that are selectively pivotable about respective horizontal axes between an open configuration (e.g., the bottom supply damper42and the top exhaust damper50) and a closed configuration (e.g., the top supply damper40and the bottom exhaust damper52). In one embodiment, the dampers40,42,50,52are manually adjustable between the open and closed configurations; in another embodiment, the dampers include one or more actuators (not shown) that are configured to drive movement of the damper plates to open and close the dampers. For example, the heat exchanger10can include a controller (not shown) that is configured to automatically direct the actuators to open and close the dampers based on which of the air streams SS, ES has a greater temperature or the mode of operation (e.g., cooling mode, heating mode) of the ventilation system. In the closed configuration of each damper40,42,50,52, the damper plates form a flow restrictor that is arranged to restrict air from flowing through the respective plenum60,62. In one or more embodiments, each of the flow restrictors provided by the closed dampers40,42,50,52extends along substantially an entirety of a width of the respective duct SD, ED and extends along only a partial segment that is less than an entirety of the height of the respective duct. For example, the flow restrictors may extend along about ⅓ of the height of the respective duct. In another embodiment, the flow restrictors may extend along about ¼ of the height of the respective duct. When closed, each damper40,42,50,52is configured to substantially restrict the respective air stream SS, ES from flowing along segments of the heat pipes24that are received in the respective plenum60,62. In contrast, when each damper40,42,50,52is open, gaps are provided between the damper plates, and the respective air stream SS, ES can flow through the gaps and through the respective plenum60,62. Thus, in the open configuration of each damper40,42,50,52, the respective airstream SS, ES can flow along the segments of the heat pipes24that are received in the respective plenum60,62. In the illustrated embodiment, the damper plates of the dampers40,42,50,52when the damper is closed is located directly upstream from the segments of the heat pipes24that are received in the respective plenum60,62. In other embodiments, adjustable damper plates can also be included at a location downstream from the heat pipes. Still other adjustable and static flow restrictor arrangements are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, during use, the top damper40,50is opened when the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as a condenser (e.g., when the respective air stream SS, ES comprises a cool air stream) and the top damper is closed when the respective heat pipe subassembly is functioning as an evaporator (e.g., when the respective air stream comprises a warm air stream). Conversely, the bottom damper42,52is closed when the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as a condenser (e.g., when the respective air stream SS, ES comprises a cool air stream) and the bottom damper is opened when the respective heat pipe subassembly is functioning as an evaporator (e.g., when the respective air stream comprises a warm air stream). When a heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as a condenser, the air stream SS, ES flowing through the respective duct SD, ED comprises a cool air stream. Opening the top damper40,50when the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as a condenser allows the respective cool air stream to flow through the respective top plenum60along the top segments of the that heat pipes24, which contain warm, condensable refrigerant vapor. Heat is transferred from the warm refrigerant vapor in the top segments and middle segments of the heat pipes24to the respective cool air stream SS, ES, thus condensing the refrigerant vapor. Closing the bottom damper42,52when the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as a condenser restricts the respective air stream SS, ES from flowing through the bottom plenum62across the bottom segments of the heat pipes24, which contain collected condensed liquid refrigerant that is not capable of transferring heat to the air stream by condensation. Thus, when the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as a condenser, opening the respective top damper40,50and closing the respective bottom damper directs substantially all of the cool air stream SS, ES flowing through the respective duct SD, ED to flow across the condenser heat pipe subassembly along the middle and upper segments of the heat pipes24, where condensation of the refrigerant is most likely to occur, and substantially restricts the air stream from flowing along the bottom segments of the heat pipes where condensation is less likely to occur. When a heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as an evaporator, the air stream SS, ES flowing through the respective duct SD, ED comprises a warm air stream. Closing the respective top damper40,50when the heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as an evaporator restricts the respective air stream SS, ES from flowing through the top plenum60along the top segments of the heat pipes24, which contain collected refrigerant vapor that is not capable of absorbing heat from the air stream by evaporation. In contrast, opening the bottom damper42,52allows the respective warm air stream SS, ES to flow through the respective bottom plenum62across the bottom segments of the that heat pipes24, which contain cool, liquid refrigerant that can absorb heat by evaporation. Heat is thus transferred from the warm air stream ES, SS to the bottom segments and middle segments of the heat pipes24, thereby evaporating the liquid refrigerant in the bottom and middle segments. Thus, when the respective heat pipe subassembly14,16is functioning as an evaporator, opening the respective bottom damper42,52and closing the respective top damper40,50directs substantially all of the warm air stream SS, ES flowing through the respective duct SD, ED to flow across the heat pipe subassembly along the middle and bottom segments of the heat pipes24, where evaporation of the refrigerant is most likely to occur, and substantially restricts the warm air stream from flowing along the top segments of the heat pipes where evaporation is less likely to occur. A method of using the heat exchanger10in a two-season ventilation system will now be described. In a two-season ventilation system, when the ventilation system switches to a cooling mode, the supply heat pipe subassembly14functions as an evaporator and the exhaust heat pipe subassembly16functions as a condenser. Thus, when the two-season ventilation system switches to a cooling mode, the top damper40in the supply duct SD is closed and the bottom damper42in the supply duct is opened (as shown inFIG.3) and the top damper50of the exhaust duct ED is opened and the bottom damper52of the exhaust duct is closed (as shown inFIG.4). When the ventilation system switches to a heating mode, the supply heat pipe subassembly14functions as a condenser and the exhaust heat pipe subassembly16functions as an evaporator. Thus, the top damper40in the supply duct SD is opened and the bottom damper42in the supply duct is closed and the top damper50in the exhaust duct ED is closed and the bottom damper52in the exhaust duct is opened as shown inFIG.4. In a ventilation system that operates full-time in the heating mode, static flow restrictors could be used in the position(s) of one or more of the closed dampers in the heating mode of the two-season ventilation system described above. Likewise, in a ventilation system that operates full-time in the cooling mode, static flow restrictors could be used in the position(s) of one or more of the closed dampers in the cooling mode of the two-season ventilation system described above. Referring toFIG.5, another embodiment of a heat exchanger is generally indicated at reference number10′. The heat exchanger10′ is substantially identical to the heat exchanger10, and corresponding parts are given corresponding reference numbers, plus a prime symbol. In comparison with the heat exchanger10, the heat exchanger10′ includes a substantially identical heat pipe system12′ comprising heat pipe assemblies14′,16′ that are configured to be installed in the supply duct SD and the exhaust duct ED such that vertical heat pipes24′ of each subassembly are received inside the respective duct. In addition, the heat exchanger10′ comprises bottom adjustable dampers42′,52′ that are substantially identical to the bottom adjustable dampers42,52described above. Unlike the heat exchanger10, however, the heat exchanger10′ does not include top adjustable dampers. Thus, the heat exchanger10′ is a simplified system with fewer components than the heat exchanger10. In a two-season ventilation system, the bottom adjustable dampers42′,52′ can be used in the same manner as described above for the bottom adjustable dampers42,52of the heat exchanger10. Referring toFIG.6, another embodiment of a heat exchanger is generally indicated at reference number10″. The heat exchanger10″ is substantially identical to the heat exchanger10, and corresponding parts are given corresponding reference numbers, plus a double-prime symbol. In comparison with the heat exchanger10, the heat exchanger10″ includes a substantially identical heat pipe system12″ comprising heat pipe assemblies14″,16″ that are configured to be installed in the supply duct SD and the exhaust duct ED such that vertical heat pipes24″ of each subassembly are received inside the respective duct. In addition, the heat exchanger10″ comprises top and bottom adjustable dampers40″,42″ that are operatively aligned with the first heat pipe subassembly14″. The top and bottom dampers40″,42″ can have any of the features of the dampers40,42described above. Unlike the heat exchanger10, the heat exchanger10″ does not include adjustable dampers that are operatively aligned with the second heat pipe subassembly16″. Thus, the heat exchanger10″ is a simplified system with fewer components than the heat exchanger10. In the illustrated embodiment, the dampers40″,42″ are located in only the supply duct SD and not the exhaust duct ED. In a two-season ventilation system, the adjustable dampers40″,42″ can be used in the same manner as described above for the adjustable dampers40,42of the heat exchanger10. In one or more embodiments, the top and bottom dampers can be included in only the exhaust duct; and in these embodiments, the dampers could be used in the same manner as described of the adjustable dampers50,52in a two-season ventilation system. In further embodiments, it is contemplated that the heat exchanger can have only a single adjustable damper (e.g., a single adjustable damper that is operatively aligned with the top segment or the bottom segment of a heat pipe subassembly in a supply duct, in an exhaust duct, or in another duct portion). In a two-season ventilation system, a single damper can be used in the same manner as described above for the adjustable damper40,42,50,52at the corresponding position in the heat exchanger10. When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. | 27,738 |
11859851 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description includes the best mode and accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and which show specific embodiments and portions of a GUI interface for practicing the invention. The embodiments include optional and preferred embodiments to practice the invention which may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example logical, mechanical, electrical, functional and system changes can be made in implementing the invention without departing from the invention. The following detailed description including best mode is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims. In certain embodiments of the invention, the novel hybrid variable air volume terminal system comprises one or more of the following components alone or in combination: (1) a hybrid VAV Box with or without a sub plenum; (2) Dual heating coils; (3) First air distribution duct or a plurality of distribution ducts; (4) Second air distribution duct; (5) Room control dampers for first duct; and (6) Room control dampers and preferably automated space control dampers (ASCD) for second duct. Referring now toFIG.4Aa novel hybrid VAV10is illustrated having an inlet duct12and two outlet ducts14and16. An air velocity flow sensor18is provided at the inlet duct12along with an optional damper20. The novel hybrid VAV10differs from prior art VAV box11(FIG.1A) in having an optional damper20that is not adjusted to control temperature of air leaving hybrid VAV box10. FIG.4A1illustrates the hybrid VAV10without the optional damper20. The temperature of the conditioned air leaving hybrid VAV box is determined not by damper20but instead by an automated space control damper ASCD40A-40GFIG.6Aand heating coils22A and22B inFIG.4A. Heating coils22A and22B can be either water heating coils or electric heating coils with water the preferred implementation. A heating coil actuator24,26is provided for each of the outlets,14and16, respectively of the novel VAV10. Hybrid VAV10includes a sub plenum30disposed between the plurality of outlets and a terminal wall36opposite inlet12to equalize air flow and reduce noise. The size of the sub plenum is approximately 10% to 20% of the interior space of the novel hybrid VAV. Hybrid VAV10has at least two or more outlets14and16but may have one less heating element22A or22B than the total number of outlets. Where the novel hybrid VAV includes an outlet each with a heating element22A and22B a single duct32and34connect the hybrid VAV10to a separate group of offices with each office having its own ASCD or automated space control damper40A,40B,40C and each of which control temperature in duct32which ASCD dampers40E,40F,40G and40H control temperature in duct34as illustrated inFIG.5. Referring now toFIGS.5and6Aeach office served by ASCD40A,40B,40C,40E,40F,40G and40H each can have their separate thermostat to individually set the temperature in their office by opening and closing the damper in the ASCD in their individual office using a wired thermostat or a wireless thermostat that can be accessed through a smart device such as cellphone50. Comparing now prior artFIG.1AandFIG.2AwithFIGS.5and6Ait will become apparent that unlike the prior art, temperature of each individual office is not controlled by damper19but instead dampers in each ASCD40A,40B,40C,40D,40E, and40G in each individual office52,54,56,58,60and62. This change in control converts a VAV variable air volume device into the novel hybrid VAV which operates somewhat like a constant air volume device and somewhat like a variable volume device. A further observation is that room52can be later remodeled or subdivided into two rooms each of which have their own thermostat and temperature control. A further observation is the master slave arrangement between offices has been eliminated. The novel hybrid VAV box can be configured in a number of different ways as illustrated inFIGS.4B,4C,4D and4E. The hybrid VAV10can be rectangular as illustrated inFIGS.4B and4Cor be polygonal as illustrated inFIG.4Dor even round as illustrated inFIG.4E. The hybrid VAV preferably has a single inlet with 2 to 6 or more outlets with each outlet having a heating coil22or one or more outlets not having a heating coil to transfer unheated air to other portions of the building or to another hybrid VAV box. In one embodiment, a single hybrid VAV box (10) feeds two or more ducts (14,16). Each duct can have a heating coil (22) operably connected thereto. Conditioned air is then delivered to individual temperature controlled rooms by ASCD control dampers (40). This assembly can be installed as many times as needed throughout the building. The hybrid VAV box air flow is controlled to maintain a static duct pressure setpointFIG.5using feedback from a duct static pressure sensor P (FIG.5). If the total airflow exceeds the maximum CFM setpoint, then the control is switched to maintain the maximum CFM flow setting using the velocity pressure sensor18within the hybrid VAV box. For each duct (32,34), the heating coil opens if more than half of the served rooms52,54,56,58,60and62(FIG.6A) require heat. If more than half the rooms need heat, then the ASCD room damper control action is reversed (open heat), otherwise the room control action is (open cool). Each room control damper ASCD opens and closes to maintain individual space temperature based on each temperature sensor. Referring now to prior artFIG.2a typical floor office layout for heating and cooling is illustrated. VAV boxes are expensive and as a result each VAV box11serves a plurality of offices27,29,31,33and47resulting in a lot of interior areas such as areas51and53having no interior heat and limited ventilation. These interior spaces51and53generally become wasted office space or storage areas. Referring now toFIG.6and prior artFIG.3the problem of ventilation, comfort control and cost was solved by the novel hybrid VAV box10and ASCD40. InFIG.6only 11 hybrid VAV boxes10coupled with 85 ASCD's40provide 85 controlled areas. Only 6 novel hybrid VAV's are required to heat all the exterior offices and only 5 novel hybrid VAV's are required to provide heat and ventilation to all the interior spaces. Comparison prior artFIG.3shows that to provide the same heating and ventilation 32 prior art VAV boxes are required with 17 prior art VAV boxes required to heat the exterior offices and 15 VAV boxes are required for the interior offices. The comparison between prior artFIG.3andFIG.6the novel hybrid VAV boxes reduce the number of boxes by ⅔rdand results in more granular heating control with the elimination of the master slave system and an 18% lower cost than a conventional system. The advantages are further broken down inFIG.9and presented graphically in a project cost comparison. One of the items in the cost comparison inFIG.9is the cost of a manual labor cost for air balance by utilizing an air balance provided by the combination of the novel hybrid VAV10and the automated space control damper ASCD. In certain embodiments and a preferred application, the hybrid variable air volume terminal system comprises an automated air balance system and demand response control system to control and/or vary the amount of air flow into the plurality of rooms in the building by the ASCD. In the prior art once the system is installed the air balance remains the same until a technician comes out and rebalances the system. As a result seasonal and even diurnal changes can make a static air balanced system feel uncomfortable particularly prior art master slave air balanced systems. The dynamic air balance system provided by the novel VAV10and ASCD40. Referring now toFIG.8the dynamic air balance provided by the novel hybrid VAV and ASCD is achieved by sequentially opening one of the ASCD dampers40A and closing the others40B to40H and then using the novel hybrid VAV as a flow hood and preparing a sequence log of damper settings for minimum and maximum and also log flow versus damper position. The sensor24or26FIG.4Ais used to log flow for each ASCD40A to4011. Once damper40A is complete damper40A is closed and damper40B is opened until all the ASCD40dampers are completed and logged the dampers are set in a balanced position or default position with respect to each other. The advantages of this embodiment is not only provided for periodic rebalancing when an ASCD controller100includes a database102(FIG.19). In the dynamic air balancing embodiment, the hybrid variable air volume terminal system comprises an automated air balance system due to its ability to isolate individual rooms. In certain embodiments, the automated air balance system comprises one or more of the following: (1) Minimum CFM drop damper position (based on measured airflow); (2) Maximum CFM drop damper position (based on measured airflow); (3) Maximum noise CFM drop damper position (based on setting or diffuser design); (4) Drop damper position/CFM calculation (created during balance); (5) hybrid VAV box static pressure setpoint calibration (created during balance); (6) Automated hybrid VAV two point CFM calibration to precision flow hood; and (7) Automated balance report. The novel hybrid and ASCD combination not only provides for a dynamic balancing but also provides a database as illustrated inFIG.19-23for periodic rebalancing as well as for comfort index for each area zone or room served by an ASCD damper40A-40F as illustrated inFIG.10. Each area1-6is provided with a desired temperature setting by changing airflow through each ASCD damper which are set from between 15% to 55% to provide a comfort index of 100% in areas1-3and around 99.7% in area4and 99.2% in/area5and 99.4% in area6with all areas being occupied. Referring now toFIG.7each ASCD damper40A to40G can be set remotely by either a physical thermostat T in the area room or zone as well as by a communication device such as a smart tablet or cellphone connected to the IoT. In certain embodiments the comfort provided by the ASCD may be augmented by the addition of a separate portable plug in heater cartridge as illustrated inFIG.6B. The advantages of the embodiments are further enhanced with an energy saving building management system BMS as illustrated inFIGS.11and12and as described inFIGS.31-40. In the energy saving embodiment occupancy sensors may be provided or connected to a light switch or an entry exit card system. As illustrated inFIG.11the energy saving embodiment may be achieved by maintaining offices at the most efficient temperature for a particular area for example 68 to 70° F. or 20 to 25° C. and then activating service for an individual office upon registering entry of a tenant as illustrated inFIG.11. In addition motion sensors may be employed to cut back service if there is no motion or activate service when motion is detected. Similarly upon exiting the office everything can be turned OFF as illustrated inFIG.11. The system can be activated remotely by a smart device remotely to prepare for meetings or work on weekends as illustrated inFIG.12. In a further energy saving embodiment, a demand response control system may be added to permit the following stages of the system: (1) First stage: Turn off all air in rooms that are not occupied and are being controlled using temperature setback; (2) Second stage: Raise room temperature setpoints in non-critical common areas (i.e. kitchens, break rooms, storage areas, etc.); and (3) Third stage: Raise room temperature setpoints in occupied offices. In certain embodiments, the variable air volume terminal system comprises a virtual office thermostat configured to operate with or without the VAV box described in certain embodiments. The virtual office thermostat provides a web service that allows the office occupant of a building or building personnel using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer to view and control their own individual office space. Virtual thermostats are connected/interfaced into the building BMS system via a web or thick client application. In certain embodiments, the office occupant, building personnel or other user can access and/or control any one of the following using the virtual office thermostat: (1) Room temperature setpoint (includes single and dual set points); (2) Lighting level setpoint; (3) Arrival and departure times; (4) Request after-hour services (includes HVAC and/or lighting); (5) Adjust temperature setpoint limits (Building Staff Only); (6) Adjust setup (Building Staff Only) includes minimum airflow setting, maximum airflow setting, K factor setting, box/damper size settings); (7) Invoke air balance mode (Building Staff Only), which temporarily disables thermostat limits; (8) Displays and notifies the tenant through this web service when a utility company invokes demand response. The system raises its personal setpoint to reduce energy consumption; and (9) 100% onboard, which requires only the user's first and last name, plus email address and/or cell phone number. In certain embodiments, energy savings are realized through the use of the hybrid variable air volume terminal system with the following characteristics: (1) Individual office solar temperature reset; (2) Individual office de-occupy temperature setback; (3) Individual office afterhours control; (4) Multiple demand response levels when for example a utility company announces a power reduction; (5) Prevents overcooling and overheating of all areas; (6) By backing down each area, it dramatically reduces fan and heating/cooling energy; and (7) Due to all interior zones' ability to heat, faster warmup times are achievable. In certain embodiments, the hybrid variable air volume terminal system provides an enhanced occupant experience with the following characteristics: (1) Each room and common area has individual temperature control through a virtual thermostat; (2) Easy intuitive software application for preference adjustments (virtual thermostat & lighting control); and (3) Remote individual controllability (can be set before arriving). In certain embodiments, the variable air volume terminal system provides an enhanced building personnel experience with the following characteristics: (1) Granular control provides for superior remote trouble shooting capability; (2) 3D control graphics are intuitive and easy to use; and (3) Comfort Control software application provides complete control and setup functionality. In certain embodiments, the variable air volume terminal system provides enhanced system functionality with the following characteristics: (1) Intelligent Controlled Cool Down/Warmup is based on past room occupancy as illustrated inFIGS.11and12; (2) Priority Based Floor Recovery Mode (Cool important areas first); (3) Enhanced Demand Response Control (shut off setback areas); and (4) Integrate-able to Access Expert (control office enabled based upon entry and exit). It shall be appreciated that the variable air volume terminal system allows one novel hybrid VAV zoning box to perform the work of multiple prior art VAV boxes. This combined with automated air balance, downstream controlled room dampers, virtual thermostats and enhanced sequences reduces the overall cost and increases the overall effectiveness of the temperature control. The variable air volume terminal system comprises the following advantages: (1) Reduces the cost of air distribution systems while providing better control for commercial buildings; (2) System provides tenants with an intuitive interface (looks like a thermostat) to interact with the building's mechanical system; (3) System provides building personnel with a convenient tool to setup and control the building; and (4) Superior energy savings can be achieved due to the system's design. It shall be appreciated that the variable air volume terminal system's use of a dual or multiple duct heating coil design with downstream room control dampers allows for twice the area coverage and superior control. In a 30,000 square foot commercial building that requires the installation of approximately 33 VAV boxes, the volume terminal system can be installed in the same building using approximately 11 VAV boxes. As such, cost advantages can be realized through the use of the variable air volume terminal system. Referring now toFIGS.13and14the novel hybrid VAV10system is illustrated schematically with four ducts as illustrated inFIG.4C. Each duct has a heating coil22A,22B,22C and22D. In this embodiment the heating coil is mounted in the outlet of the VAV box as a component of the VAV box to provide the heated outlet for the hybrid VAV box. The primary difference betweenFIGS.13and14is the embodiment illustrated inFIG.13has electrically heated heating coils22A-22D while the embodiment inFIG.14has hot water heated heating coils22A-22D. A control circuit is illustrated inFIG.15to control a hybrid VAV with two reheating coils with two air dampers and two space sensors.FIG.16likeFIG.15illustrates a hybrid VAV having a 4 duct four reheat valve water heated coil.FIG.17illustrates a wire diagram for a hybrid VAV with 6 ducts and six heating coils. Referring now toFIG.18a schematic room controller for the hybrid VAV is illustrated having an occupancy or daylight sensor which connect to a combination room temperature sensor and light control. FIG.20is a flow chart of a process for controlling the individual thermostat in each of the rooms or zones of a building employing the novel hybrid VAV.FIG.21is a flow chart of a process for utilizing a shared thermostat which can be accessed through the internet or through an app.FIG.22is a flow chart of a process for providing for comfort control which can be displayed on a smart phone. FIG.23provides a process for locating defaults in various zones and providing an email report.FIGS.24-30illustrate various GUI interfaces for displaying setbacks, setback reports, zone alarms and reports and virtual thermostat types and reports and displays available. It shall be appreciated that the components of the variable air volume terminal system described in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any color, size and/or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the variable air volume terminal system described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. | 18,954 |
11859852 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise. Turning now to the figures,FIGS.1and2illustrate an exemplary air conditioner appliance or air conditioner unit (e.g., air conditioner100). As shown, air conditioner100may be provided as a one-unit type air conditioner100, such as a single-package vertical unit. Air conditioner100includes a package housing114supporting an indoor portion112and an outdoor portion110. Generally, air conditioner100defines a vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is mutually perpendicular with every other direction, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. In some embodiments, housing114contains various other components of the air conditioner100. Housing114may include, for example, a rear opening116(e.g., with or without a grill or grate thereacross) and a front opening118(e.g., with or without a grill or grate thereacross) may be spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T. The rear opening116may be part of the outdoor portion110, while the front opening118may be part of the indoor portion112. Components of the outdoor portion110, such as an outdoor heat exchanger120, outdoor fan124, and compressor126may be enclosed within housing114between front opening118and rear opening116. In certain embodiments, one or more components are mounted on a base136, as shown. The base136may be received on or within a drain pan300. During certain operations, air1000may be drawn to outdoor portion110through rear opening116. Specifically, an outdoor inlet128defined through housing114may receive outdoor air1000motivated by outdoor fan124. Within housing114, the received outdoor air1000may be motivated through or across outdoor fan124. Moreover, at least a portion of the outdoor air1000may be motivated through or across outdoor heat exchanger120before exiting the rear opening116at an outdoor outlet130. It is noted that although outdoor inlet128is illustrated as being defined above outdoor outlet130, alternative embodiments may reverse this relative orientation (e.g., such that outdoor inlet128is defined below outdoor outlet130) or provide outdoor inlet128beside outdoor outlet130in a side-by-side orientation, or another suitable orientation. As shown, indoor portion112may include an indoor heat exchanger122, and an indoor fan142, e.g., a blower fan142as in the illustrated example embodiment. These components may, for example, be housed behind the front opening118. A bulkhead may generally support or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion112, such as the blower fan142. The bulkhead may generally separate and define the indoor portion112and outdoor portion110within housing114. During certain operations, air1002may be drawn to indoor portion112through front opening118. Specifically, an indoor inlet138defined through housing114may receive indoor air1002motivated by blower fan142. At least a portion of the indoor air1002may be motivated through or across indoor heat exchanger122before passing to a duct132. The indoor air1002may be motivated (e.g., by fan142) into and through the duct132and returned to the indoor area of the room through an indoor outlet140defined through housing114(e.g., above indoor inlet138along the vertical direction V). Optionally, one or more conduits (not pictured) may be mounted on or downstream from indoor outlet140to further guide air1002from air conditioner100. It is noted that although indoor outlet140is illustrated as generally directing air upward, it is understood that indoor outlet140may be defined in alternative embodiments to direct air in any other suitable direction. Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers120,122may be components of a thermodynamic assembly (i.e., sealed system), which may be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) or, in the case of the heat pump unit embodiment, a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). Thus, as is understood, exemplary heat pump unit embodiments may be selectively operated to perform a refrigeration cycle at certain instances (e.g., while in a cooling mode) and a heat pump cycle at other instances (e.g., while in a heating mode). By contrast, exemplary A/C exclusive unit embodiments may be unable to perform a heat pump cycle (e.g., while in the heating mode), but still perform a refrigeration cycle (e.g., while in a cooling mode). The sealed system may, for example, further include compressor126(e.g., mounted on base136) and an expansion device (e.g., expansion valve or capillary tube—not pictured), both of which may be in fluid communication with the heat exchangers120,122to flow refrigerant therethrough, as is generally understood. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers120,122may each include coils146,148, as illustrated, through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood. A plenum200may be provided to direct air to or from housing114. When installed, plenum200may be selectively attached to (e.g., fixed to or mounted against) housing114(e.g., via a suitable mechanical fastener, adhesive, gasket, etc.) and extend through a structure wall150(e.g., an outer wall of the structure within which air conditioner100is installed) and above a floor151. In particular, plenum200extends along an axial direction X (e.g., parallel to the transverse direction T) through a hole or channel152in the structure wall150that passes from an internal surface154to an external surface156. Optionally, a caulk bead252(i.e., adhesive or sealant caulk) may be provided to join the plenum200to the external surface156of structure wall150(e.g., about or outside from wall channel152). The plenum200includes a duct wall212that is formed about the axial direction X (e.g., when mounted through wall channel152). Duct wall212may be formed according to any suitable hollow shape, such as conduit having a rectangular profile (shown), defining an air channel210to guide air therethrough. Moreover, duct wall212may be formed from any suitable non-permeable material (e.g., steel, aluminum, or a suitable polymer) for directing or guiding air therethrough. In certain embodiments, plenum200further includes an outer flange220that extends in a radial direction (e.g., perpendicular to the axial direction X) from duct wall212. Specifically, outer flange220may extend radially outward (e.g., away from at least a portion of the axial direction X or the duct wall212). In some embodiments, plenum200includes a divider wall256within air channel210. When assembled, divider wall256defines a separate upper passage258and lower passage260. For instance, divider wall256may extend along the lateral direction L from one lateral side of plenum200to the other lateral side. Generally, upper passage258and lower passage260may divide or define two discrete air flow paths for air channel210. When assembled, upper passage258and lower passage260may be fluidly isolated by divider wall256(e.g., such that air is prevented from passing directly between passages258and260through divider wall256, or another portion of plenum200). Upper passage258may be positioned upstream from outdoor inlet128. Lower passage260may be positioned downstream from outdoor outlet130. The plenum200may further include a second divider wall257which separates a make-up air passage262from the remainder of the air channel210, such as from the upper passage258and the lower passage260. For example, the make-up air passage262may be positioned directly above the upper passage258, whereby the second divider separates and partially defines the make-up air passage262and the upper passage258, e.g., as in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG.2. Similar to the divider wall256described above, the second divider wall257may extend along the lateral direction L from one lateral side of plenum200to the other lateral side. The make-up air passage262may thereby define a discrete air flow path within air channel210which is separate and distinct from the upper and lower passages258and260. When assembled, the make-up air passage262may be fluidly isolated by the second divider wall257from one or both of the upper passage258and lower passage260, e.g., such that air is prevented from passing directly between the make-up air passage262and the upper and lower passages258and260through the second divider wall257, or any other portion of plenum200). The make-up air passage262may be positioned upstream from a make-up air duct400. In some embodiments, outdoor air1000may be drawn into the make-up air duct400by a make-up air fan, e.g., muffin fan406(see, e.g.,FIGS.3and4), via the make-up air passage262. The make-up air duct400may extend from a first end402at the make-up air passage262of the plenum200to a second end404at the indoor portion112of the housing114, e.g., upstream of the indoor inlet138, whereby outdoor air, e.g., make-up air, may be provided directly to the indoor portion112of the air conditioner100via the make-up air duct400. Thus, the make-up air duct400may be a component of a make-up air system or make-up air assembly, which will be described in more detail below. The operation of air conditioner100including compressor126(and thus the sealed system generally), indoor fan142, outdoor fan124, and other suitable components may be controlled by a control board or controller158. Controller158may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner100. By way of example, the controller158may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of air conditioner100. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. Air conditioner100may additionally include a control panel160(FIG.1) and one or more user inputs162, which may be included in control panel160. The user inputs162may be in communication with the controller158. A user of the air conditioner100may interact with the user inputs162to operate the air conditioner100, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs162and controller158to facilitate operation of the air conditioner100based on such user commands. A display164may additionally be provided in the control panel160, and may be in communication with the controller158. Display164may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the air conditioner100. Also as may be seen inFIG.2, in some instances when the plenum200is installed within the wall150above the floor151, the remainder of the air conditioner unit100may be suspended or cantilevered from the plenum200. In order to avoid such cantilever, one or more support legs307and/or308may be provided between the drain pan300and the floor151, whereby at least some of the weight of the remaining components of the air conditioner unit100is shifted off of the plenum200. Where the installation height of the plenum200above the floor151varies, the required height of the leg(s)307and/or308will also vary. Thus, the leg(s)307and/or308may be cut in the field and custom-fitted to the specific installation. The drain pan300may include one or more sockets which are configured to receive the leg(s)307and/or308. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, the drain pan300may include a first socket301and a second socket302. As illustrated inFIG.2, the socket(s)301and/or302may be positioned opposite the plenum200along the transverse direction T. For example, the plenum200may be positioned at a first transverse end of the drain pan300and the socket(s)301/302may be positioned opposite the plenum200at or near a second transverse end of the drain pan300. Also as may be seen inFIG.2, in some embodiments the drain pan300may also or instead include one or more of the sockets301and/or302at the other end of the pan300, e.g., proximate the plenum200. In various embodiments, one or both of the sockets301and302may be provided. In some embodiments, each socket301and302may be one of a pair of matching shaped sockets which are spaced apart along the lateral direction L and aligned along the transverse direction T. The material for the leg(s)307and/or308may be any suitable material which is strong enough to bear the weight of the housing114and drain pan300. For example, materials which are likely to be readily available during installation of the air conditioner unit and which can be suitable for forming the leg(s)307and/or308include building materials such as lumber, e.g., dimensional lumber such as a nominal two-inch-by-four-inch board, commonly referred to as a two-by-four, or plumbing, e.g., PVC piping having sufficient size (e.g., outer diameter, wall thickness, etc.). Thus, in some embodiments, the socket, e.g., first socket301, may have a rectangular cross-section and may thereby be configured to receive a leg307made of lumber, such as a two-by-four leg, a two-by-six leg, or a four-by-four leg, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the socket, e.g., the second socket302, may be cylindrical and may thereby be configured to receive a round, e.g., cylindrical, leg308, such as a piece of piping, e.g., a PVC pipe as mentioned above, or, as another example, a steel pipe or other tubular or solid round leg308. As mentioned above, the air conditioner100may include a make-up air assembly. Portions of the make-up air assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in various perspective views inFIGS.3through8. For example,FIGS.3and4provide perspective views of portions of the make-up air duct400with a plurality of make-up air components, e.g., a muffin fan406, a damper408, and a filter410, and a pair of covers416and418. Only the outer frame of the muffin fan406is illustrated, in order to depict the manner in which the fan406fits within and interacts with the duct400, cover416, and a corresponding bracket420(see, e.g.,FIGS.7and8regarding the brackets420). Internal components of the fan406, e.g., blades and a motor, the structure and function of which are well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, are omitted for the sake of clarity. Additionally, it should be understood that the muffin fan406, the damper408, and the filter410illustrated inFIGS.3and4are by way of example only. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of make-up air components may include any two or more of the illustrated components, such as multiples of the same component, e.g., two or more fans406(such as multiple fans in series), separately or in combination with one or more of the other exemplary make-up air components shown in the accompanying FIGS. and described herein. As will be explained in more detail below, the make-up air assembly may be modular, e.g., in that one or more of the make-up air components406,408, and/or410may be slidably received within the make-up air duct400and a corresponding bracket or brackets420therein, and may be removable therefrom, such as removable without undoing any mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts etc., and/or without releasing any retention clip, clamp or other connection. In some embodiments, the make-up air components may be inserted into the duct400and removed from the duct400through one or more openings in the duct400, such as a first opening412through which the fan406and damper408are inserted and/or removed and a second opening414through which the filter410is inserted and/or removed. For example, the one or more make-up air components406,408, and/or410may be unconstrained by the duct400and bracket(s)420in at least one direction of movement, e.g., upwards along the vertical direction V, for insertion and/or removal of the component into and out of the duct400and bracket420. For example, in some embodiments, all of the make-up air components, e.g., all three of the fan406, damper408, and filter410, may be slidably received in a corresponding bracket420(e.g., with a one-to-one correspondence between components and brackets, one component in each bracket and one bracket for each component) and may be removable therefrom. For example,FIG.5illustrates the make-up air components in an installed and removable position, e.g., were the make-up air components are each received within a corresponding bracket420within the duct400and are unconstrained by the duct400and brackets420against upward movement along the vertical direction. As illustrated inFIG.6, the make-up air components may be fully enclosed and secured in place within the duct400by the one or more covers, e.g., covers416and418, over the respective one or more openings, e.g., openings412and414. Turning now toFIG.7, portions, e.g., sides, of the duct400are removed to more clearly illustrated the plurality of brackets420therein. In various embodiments, the brackets420may be fixed in place within the make-up air duct400, such as fixed to the duct400, e.g., bolted, riveted, and/or welded to the make-up air duct400, or otherwise fixed to the duct400. In some embodiments, the bracket420(or each bracket420in embodiments with more than one bracket420) may include a U-shaped body, e.g., defined by three walls of the bracket420, such as a bottom wall422and a pair of side walls424and426, as described in more detail below. In such embodiments, each make-up air component may be slidably received in the corresponding bracket420through an open side or opening440defined by the U-shaped body of the corresponding bracket420. For example, the bracket420or each bracket420may include a bottom wall422, a first side wall424generally perpendicular to the bottom wall422, a second side wall426generally parallel to the first side wall424, and an open side440. The open side440of the bracket420may be defined opposite the bottom wall422of the bracket420and between the first side wall424and the second side wall426. In such embodiments, when the make-up air components406,408, and410are received within the respective brackets420, e.g., as illustrated inFIG.8, each make-up air component is positioned between the bottom wall422, the first side wall424, and the second side wall426of the corresponding bracket420, whereby each make-up air component is removable from the corresponding bracket420through the open side440of the corresponding bracket420. In some embodiments, each bracket420of the plurality of brackets420includes a bottom wall422extending generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V, a first side wall424extending generally perpendicular to the bottom wall422, a second side wall426extending generally perpendicular to the bottom wall422and generally parallel to the first side wall424, e.g., the first and second side walls424and426may extend generally along the vertical direction V. Each bracket420may also include at least one front lip428extending generally perpendicularly from a front edge of at least one of the bottom wall422, the first side wall424, and/or the second side wall426, and a back lip432extending generally perpendicularly from a back edge of one of the walls422,424,426, e.g., the same wall as the front lip428in some embodiments or a different one of the walls422,424,426in other embodiments. Thus, when the make-up air components406,408, and410are received within the brackets420(and the cover or covers416and418are not installed on the duct400), e.g., as illustrated inFIG.8, each make-up air component, e.g., each of the fan406, damper408, and filter410, is constrained within and by the corresponding bracket420along the lateral direction L by the first side wall424and the second side wall426of the corresponding bracket420and along the transverse direction T by the front lip428and the back lip430of the corresponding bracket420. As mentioned above, each make-up air component is not constrained by the bracket420in at least one direction generally parallel to the vertical direction V, such as upward along the vertical direction V. In some embodiments, the first side wall424of each bracket420may extend upward along the vertical direction V from a first end442of the bottom wall422of the bracket420and the second side wall426of the bracket420may extend upward along the vertical direction V from a second end444(FIG.4) of the bottom wall422of the bracket420opposite the first end442of the bottom wall422of the bracket420. As mentioned above, the bracket420(or each bracket420in embodiments where multiple brackets420are provided) may include at least one front lip and at least one back lip. In some embodiments, the bracket420may include a first front lip428extending along the lateral direction L from the first side wall424towards the second side wall426, a first back lip430extending along the lateral direction L from the first side wall424towards the second side wall426, a second front lip436extending along the lateral direction L from the second side wall426towards the first side wall424, a second back lip438extending along the lateral direction L from the second side wall426towards the first side wall424, a third front lip432extending from the bottom wall422, e.g., upwards along the vertical direction V, between the first side wall424and the second side wall426, and a third back lip434extending from the bottom wall422, e.g., upwards along the vertical direction V, between the first side wall424and the second side wall426. As illustrated inFIG.9, in some embodiments, the damper408may include an actuator454(see, e.g.,FIGS.12and13) enclosed within a housing450. When the damper408is installed within the corresponding bracket420and held in place within the duct400and bracket420by the cover416, the housing450may extend through the cover416, e.g. above the cover416as illustrated inFIG.9. Thus, the housing450may be visible when the damper408is fully installed within the duct400. The housing450may also include a service window452which may be configured to provide a visual indication of a status, e.g., open or closed, of the damper408when the damper408is in the fully installed position. FIG.10provides a perspective illustration of an exemplary damper408in a closed position.FIG.11provides a similar view of the exemplary damper408in an open position.FIG.12illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary damper408with the housing450removed to more clearly depict an actuator454, which in this example embodiment is a motorized actuator comprising a motor that drives a worm gear to rotate a partially circular gear coupled to a blade of the damper408to move, e.g., rotate, the blade between the closed position (see, e.g.,FIG.10) and the open position (see, e.g.,FIG.11).FIG.13illustrates a perspective view of the actuator454in an open position. As may be seen fromFIGS.12and13, the actuator454includes a flat face456and the flat face456is oriented generally along a first direction, e.g., the lateral direction L, when the damper408is in the closed position (see, e.g.,FIGS.10and12) and is oriented generally along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, e.g., the transverse direction T, when the damper408is in the open position (see, e.g.,FIGS.11and13). Turning now toFIGS.14and15,FIG.14provides a view through the service window452when the damper408is in the closed position andFIG.15provides a view through the service window452when the damper408is in the open position. As may be seen by comparingFIGS.14and15, a portion of the motorized actuator454, e.g., including the flat face456, is aligned with the service window452such that the position of the damper408may be visually ascertained through the service window452. For example, when the damper408is in the closed position, the flat face456faces the service window452and may be directly seen through the service window452, as illustrated inFIG.14. In such example embodiments, when the damper408is in the open position the flat face456faces away from the service window452, such that only an edge of the flat face456may be seen through the service window452, e.g., as illustrated inFIG.15, or, in additional embodiments, the flat face456may not be visible through the service window452at all when the damper408is in the open position. Thus, by looking through the service window452, it may be ascertained whether the damper408is in the open position or in the closed position based on whether or to what extend the flat face456of the actuator454is visible through the service window452. The make-up air assembly of the present disclosure provides numerous advantages as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the make-up air assembly may be easily repaired or maintained, such as by replacing the filter410simply by removing the second cover418, sliding the old or clogged filter410out, sliding a new filter410in, and then reattaching the cover418to the duct400over the opening414. As another example the damper408and/or fan406may similarly be accessed for repair or replacement by removing the cover416, etc. For yet another example of such advantages of the present modular make-up air system, the system may also provide reduced cost of manufacturing and greater design flexibility. For example, the size or location of one or more of the make-up air components may be redesigned (or components may be added to or removed from the design) and the only further change to accommodate such redesign may be to change the corresponding bracket, without having to make any changes to the design of the duct400or any other component of the make-up air assembly. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. | 28,326 |
11859853 | The present invention is based on the discovery that it is possible to package the above-described adhesive flexible mineral wool laminates in roll form in a high speed compression step when the adhesive layer or facing, and the optional release liner, comprise through-holes allowing the air to quickly escape through the adhesive layer or facing, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the main faces of the mineral wool mat. A first subject-matter is therefore a flexible self-adhesive mineral wool laminate, comprisinga mineral wool insulation mat with a first and second main face,a first facing laminated onto the first main face of the mineral wool insulation mat,a second facing which is a double-sided adhesive structure adhered with one if its adhesive faces to the second main face of the mineral wool insulation mat, the other adhesive face being made of or comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), the laminate being characterized by the fact that the double-sided adhesive structure comprises a plurality of through-holes. Another subject matter of the present application is a method of thermally and/or acoustically insulating metallic sheet ducts or pipes or metallic sheet cavities, said method comprising applying the above flexible self-adhesive mineral wool laminate to a surface of a such a duct, pipe or cavity with the pressure sensitive adhesive face of the second facing being in contact with the duct or cavity. The self-adhesive laminate of the present invention preferably further comprises a release liner applied to the adhesive structure on the second main face of the insulation mat. Such release liners are well known in the technical field of pressure sensitive adhesives. They generally comprise at least one surface with silicone that allows easy peeling of the PSA. The release liner, when present, covers and protects the adhesive structure and prevents adhesion thereof to the first facing in the rolled-up state. It goes without saying that the release liner covering the adhesive second facing also comprises a plurality of through-holes, at least a part of which overlap the plurality of through-holes of the double-sided adhesive structure. The release liner is not compulsory. As a matter of fact, in cases where the outer pressure sensitive adhesive has moderate adhesive strength to the first facing, thereby allowing it to be peeled off the exposed surface of the first facing, one may dispense with such an additional layer. The release liner is particularly useful when the pressure sensitive adhesive of the adhesive structure is a structural adhesive, i.e. an adhesive with high adhesive strength which can be used to irreversibly bond two materials together. In a preferred embodiment of the flexible adhesive laminate of the present invention, the through-holes of the release liner overlap the through-holes of the double sided adhesive structure. This can be achieved by perforating a laminate of the release liner and the adhesive structure, before or after application thereof to the mineral wool insulation mat. In a particularly preferred embodiment the through-holes of the adhesive structure are congruent with the through-holes of the release liner, which means they have the same dimensions, each through-hole in the release liner overlapping a corresponding through-hole in the adhesive structure. There are different embodiments of the second facing of the laminate. In one embodiment, the double-sided adhesive structure comprises a carrier or support film which is not inherently adhesive but which is coated on both sides with an adhesive coating, at least one of which is a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating. The carrier can be made of any material appropriate for the use envisaged. It can be based on cellulose fibres, such as paper, or on polymer or glass fibres assembled in the form of nonwovens. The carrier may also be a film based on thermoplastic organic polymers. It can be an expanded film, that is to say a foam. The polymer forming the carrier of the double-sided adhesive tape may be selected from the group consisting of polyesters, poly(vinyl chloride), fluoropolymers, polyimides, EPDM (ethylene/propylene/diene monomer), polyurethanes, acrylates and polyolefins, such as polyethylene. Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are adhesives generally present in the form of a thin layer carried by a support. They adhesively bond virtually immediately, by simple contact and application of a pressure, to the material to be adhesively bonded. Although there exist some PSAs having a very high adhesiveness, the very great majority of PSAs are regarded as non-structural or semi-structural adhesives, that is to say the adhesive bonding is reversible. The glass transition temperature of PSAs is always significantly lower than the operating temperature envisaged. At ambient temperature, the polymer network forming the adhesive layer is thus a viscoelastic fluid, the high mobility of the polymer chains being in fact a condition essential to the formation of a multitude of weak bonds (van der Waals and hydrogen bonds) between the adhesive and the surface to be adhesively bonded. The PSAs are generally characterized by their tack, their peel strength and their shear strength. Typically, three main chemical categories of pressure-sensitive adhesives are distinguished:elastomer-based PSAs,acrylic PSAs andsilicone-based PSAs. In another embodiment of the present invention, the double-sided adhesive structure is not a three-layer structure such as described above, but a one-layer structure consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive film made of a pressure sensitive adhesive polymer. PSA films as such generally have a very soft consistence due to their low glass transition temperature, they preferably comprise a reinforcing fibrous structure, made of organic or mineral fibers, preferably of fiberglass. In a preferred embodiment the PSA film is made of an acrylic polymer and has a thickness of about 0.02 to 0.3 mm, more preferably of about 0.05 to 0.20 mm. It preferably comprises a reinforcing mesh or scrim, for example a fiberglass mesh or a polyester or PES/PVA scrim. Such PSA films are generally provided as a laminate together with the release liner and may be applied as such directly onto the second main face of the mineral wool insulation mat. The through-holes may be perforated before or after application of the laminate to the insulation mat. Such a PSA/release liner laminate can be purchased for example from the Belgian company “Option Tape Specialities” under the reference 18242. In a third embodiment of the double-sided adhesive structure forming the second facing of the self-adhesive laminate, the adhesive structure is a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive directly applied onto the second main face of the mineral wool insulation mat. Such a layer is preferably applied as a fluid hot melt adhesive for example by spraying. This way of applying the holt melt PSA in fluid form may results in penetration of the adhesive material into the mineral wool insulation mat. The viscosity of the fluid adhesive should be adjusted so that the penetration is limited to the superficial layers of the insulation mat. This application method may also result in a double-sided adhesive structure with is not completely continuous and may have some open porosity. The number and dimensions of these open pores are however preferably insufficient to allow the free passage of air during the roll-up step of the packaging process. The through-holes in the adhesive structure and optional release layer are preferably regularly distributed over the whole surface of these layers/facings, so as to prevent air being entrapped in large areas of the underlying insulation mat. The through-holes are as “islands” distributed in a “sea” of adhesive surface surrounding the “islands”. The number of through-holes per unit surface area depends of course on the size of the through-holes. The smaller the through-holes, the higher must be their surface density. The total surface area of the through-holes may be comprised in a rather large range, as long as it is high enough to allow enough air to flow through so that delamination in the fiber insulation mat may be prevented, and low enough to still firmly adhere the insulation product to the metallic surface. The total surface area of the through-holes of the double-sided adhesive structure preferably represents from about 0.05% to about 70%, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 65%, still more preferably from about 1% to about 60%, still more preferably from about 2% to about 50%, and in particular from about 5 to about 25% of the total surface area of the double-sided adhesive structure. The total surface area of the double-sided adhesive structure is the surface area before perforation, i.e. the surface of the perforations (“islands”) and of the non-perforated area (adhesive “sea”). The through-holes in the double-sided adhesive structure and in the optional release liner preferably have an average equivalent diameter of between 1 mm and 10 cm, preferably of between 2 mm and 5 cm, more preferably of between 3 mm to 2 cm. The number of through-holes in the double-sided adhesive structure and the number of through-holes in the optional release liner is preferably comprised between about 5 and 100 per square meter, preferably between 10 and 80 per square meter. The way of perforating the adhesive structure and the optional release liner is not critical to the present invention. When carried out before application to the mineral wool insulation mat, perforation may be done for example by means of a punching device. When the adhesive structure is perforated after being applied onto the insulation mat, perforation may be carried out in-line for example by means of a roll provided with a plurality of spikes, regularly spaced apart, in aligned or staggered arrangement. The spikes are preferably long enough to penetrate at least a few millimeters into the mineral wool insulation mat. The structure and chemical nature of the first facing is not critical as long as the first facing may be adhesively bonded to the first main face of the mineral wool insulation mat, resulting in a facing having no or only poor air-permeability. The first facing may be selected for example from the group consisting of woven and non-woven fabrics, for example glass fiber fabrics, metallic foils, in particular aluminum foils, plastic films, and combinations thereof. The adhesives used for bonding the first facing to the mineral wool insulation mat may be selected from water-based adhesives, solvent-based adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, thermoplastic adhesives and thermoset adhesives. The mineral wool insulation mat before application of any of the two facings advantageously has thickness according to EN823 of between 15 mm and 120 mm, preferably of between 20 and 100 mm, and more preferably of between 25 and 80 mm. Its density is advantageously comprised between 8 and 48 kg/m3, preferably between about 10 and 32 kg/m3, and more preferably between about 15 and 25 kg/m3. As explained in the introductory part of this description, the through-holes in the adhesive structure (second facing) and optional release liner allow high speed compressive packaging of the self-adhesive laminate in rolled-up form. The laminate is preferably rolled up under compression with the first facing being on the outer side of the roll. It is then packaged in a protective film or container, preferably in a polymer film or polymer bag. | 11,642 |
11859854 | All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a different part number and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “fixed” refers to two structures that cannot be separated without damaging one of the structures. The term “filled” refers to a state that includes completely filled or partially filled. As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls. The term “opening” as used in this application can refer to any passageway through which air can travel. As explained above, occupant comfort and operating efficiency can be improved by implementing systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention. Particular embodiments use inductive airflow incorporated into a ceiling panel to achieve these benefits. Many types of ceiling systems and methods for mounting ceiling panels have been used. One type of system uses a suspended metal support grid including an array of orthogonally intersecting grid support members. An array of grid openings are formed between the grid support members. These openings are filled by the ceiling panels. Ceiling panels are mounted to and supported by the support grid using numerous approaches. Other types of ceiling systems can use ceiling panels, such as plank ceiling systems, canopy type ceiling systems and baffle type ceiling systems. A building panel can be part of a building system such as a ceiling or wall. In particular embodiments, the building panel is part of a ceiling system which separates an occupied space from a plenum space. The occupied space is space below the ceiling system such as office space or the like. The plenum space is space above the ceiling system in which mechanical, electrical and other building systems and equipment can be housed. In some situations, the plenum space is simply an open space above the ceiling system and below the upper structure of the building space. FIG.1shows an example of one type of suspended ceiling system. In this example, an occupied space10such as, for example, office space is shown below a ceiling system20that extends to and contacts all four walls of the office space. Above ceiling system20and below structural slab60is a plenum space30that can house building systems such as ductwork, wiring, water piping and fire sprinkler piping. Ceiling system20includes a plurality of panels40supported by a suspended grid structure50. Other types of suspended ceiling systems will be described below. FIG.2shows an example of a ceiling system100that separates a building space into an occupied space10and a plenum space30. Plenum space30is above ceiling system100and below structural slab60. Ceiling system100has a plurality of ceiling panels200that, in this example, are acoustic ceiling panels. An air moving system300is shown in this example as integrated into a group of four ceiling panels200. In other examples, such as the example shown inFIGS.3and4, air moving system300is integrated into a single ceiling panel200. While the example shown inFIG.2is a round air moving system, other shapes can also be used. For example,FIG.7shows an example of a square air moving system500. InFIG.7, air moving system500is shown as integrated into a group of four ceiling panels200. In other examples, air moving system500is integrated into a single ceiling panel200. As shown inFIGS.3and4, air moving system300has a body310that defines a pressurized air passageway320. Pressurized air exits pressurized air passageway320through an opening322along the bottom of body310. InFIG.3, body310is mounted directly to ceiling panel200, whereas inFIG.4, body310is mounted to ceiling panel200by way of one or more supports330. Supports330can be hollow to provide a conduit for the pressurized air from an air source above ceiling panel200to pressurized air passageway320. The air source can be a fan located in plenum space30or a remotely located fan that pushes air through ductwork that is located in plenum space30. FIGS.5and6show an example of an embodiment of the invention that induces airflow by the use of a venturi. In such embodiments, pressurized air is fed into a venturi to increase the air flow velocity and then exhausted adjacent to one or more inductive air passageways such that the exhausted pressurized air induces air flow through the inductive air passageways. An air moving system400has a pressurized air passageway420inside a body410. Pressurized air passageway420is fed pressurized air from a remote fan or other air mover that can be located in the plenum space, or located outside of the plenum space and pushes air through ductwork that is located in the plenum space. In this example, the pressurized air can be routed through one or more supports445. In this example, two air diverters430are positioned adjacent to body410to create inductive air passageways440. Other examples can have one or more than two inductive air passageways. As the pressurized air flows out of an outlet470of pressurized air passageway420(represented by arrow B), low pressure regions are created at outlets450of inductive air passageways440. These low pressure regions result in air being drawn (represented by arrows A) into inductive air passageways440and expelled from outlet460. The pressurized air flowing from outlet470and the induced airflow from outlets450mixes and is distributed into the occupied space. Such an induced airflow system can provide increased airflow economically and less obtrusively than a conventional fan. In addition, when the induced airflow is drawn from the occupied space, as in this example, increased circulation is achieved with a reduced fan requirement. This increased circulation provides additional efficiency by mixing the pressurized air, which may be heated or cooled, with the air that is in the occupied space. Other examples of the invention draw the induced airflow from an area outside of the occupied space, such as, for example, the plenum space.FIGS.8and9show such an example. InFIG.8, a canopy type ceiling system100is shown. In such a canopy type ceiling system, one or more ceiling panels210are suspended in a building space to divide the building space into an occupied space10and a plenum space30. Plenum space30is located between ceiling system100and structural slab60. Canopy type ceiling systems usually do not extend all the way to the walls of the occupied space, but instead are positioned away from the walls so as to create gaps. Similarly, ceiling panels210in a canopy type ceiling system are usually spaced apart such that they do not contact each other. However, in some canopy type ceiling systems, multiple panels can contact each other to form one or more canopies. Evaporative cooling can be included in any of the embodiments of the invention. An example of such evaporative cooling includes introducing water into the pressurized air passageway or the inductive air passageway. This can be done by, for example, wetting a surface (such as a porous surface or a wick) in one of the passageways or spraying water into one of the air streams. In the system shown inFIGS.8and9, an air moving system600is located in an opening211in ceiling panel210. Similar to the system shown inFIGS.5and6, air moving system600has a pressurized air passageway inside a body610. The pressurized air passageway is fed pressurized air from a remote fan or other air mover that can be located in plenum space30, or located outside of plenum space30and pushes air through ductwork that is located in plenum space30. In this example, the pressurized air can be routed through one or more supports (not shown). In this example, two air diverters630are positioned adjacent to body610to create an inductive air passageway on either side of body610. Other examples can have one or more than two inductive air passageways. As the pressurized air flows out of the outlet at the bottom of the pressurized air passageway, low pressure regions are created at the outlets of the inductive air passageways. These low pressure regions result in air being drawn into the inductive air passageways and expelled from outlet of body610. The pressurized air flowing from the outlet of body610and the induced airflow from the outlets of the inductive air passageways mixes and is distributed into the occupied space. In this example, the induced airflow is drawn from plenum space30. This arrangement draws the air that can stagnate above a canopy type (or other type) ceiling and circulates it into the occupied space. In some embodiments of the invention, the ceiling panel is an acoustic panel. The acoustic panel can be made from a range of fibers, porous materials including mineral fiber, wood wool, fiberglass, rock wool, sintered metals, foamed polymeric materials, and perforated metals, for example. While the air diverters in the examples shown above are curved, linear air diverters can also be used (as seen in the example shown inFIGS.11-13). The air diverters and the body of the air moving system can be made, for example, from metal or polymeric materials. As stated above, the fan or other air mover can be mounted on the ceiling panel or can be remotely located. Locating the fan and motor remotely from the occupied space and/or the plenum space has the advantages of removing a source of heat and noise from the occupied space. Also, a single (or multiple) remotely located fan can provide pressurized air to multiple air moving systems. Another form of suspended ceiling that can be improved by embodiments of the invention is the baffle type ceiling.FIG.10shows a baffle type ceiling system300having a plurality of vertically oriented baffles220that separate a building space into an occupied space10and a plenum space30. Plenum space30is located between baffles220and a structural slab60. An air moving system700is incorporated into particular ones of baffles220to create an unobtrusive and efficient air moving system. Air moving system700can be similar to air moving system600shown inFIG.9, but split into two semi-circles that are attached to either side of one of the baffles220. While a semi-circular shape is shown in the figures, other shapes such as, for example, diamond, square, rectangular, triangle, oval, compound curve, or other shape can also be used. The pressurized air can be fed to air moving system700by way of a conduit that runs inside baffle220and is therefore hidden from view, or it can be fed by way of a conduit that is a separate support for air moving system700. The fan or air mover that supplies the pressurized air to air moving system700can be located inside baffle220, on top of baffle220, in the plenum space, or remotely from the building space. FIGS.11-13show an example of another type of ceiling system that can be improved by embodiments of the invention.FIG.11shows a canopy type ceiling system that has panels230extending in the shape of wings from a central spine. Panels230separate a building space into an occupied space10and a plenum space30. Plenum space30is located between panels230and a structural slab60. This system has an air moving system800that acts as the spine to which panels230are attached. Some embodiments have only one panel230extending from each side of the spine, whereas other embodiments have multiple panels232extending from each side. FIGS.12and13show air moving system800in more detail. Similarly to the other examples discussed, air moving system800has a pressurized air passageway820inside a body810. Pressurized air passageway820is fed pressurized air from a remote fan or other air mover that can be located in the plenum space, or located outside of the plenum space and pushes air through ductwork that is located in the plenum space. In this example, the pressurized air can be routed through one or more supports (not shown). In this example, two air diverters830are positioned adjacent to body810to create inductive air passageways840. Other examples can have one or more than two inductive air passageways. As the pressurized air flows out of outlets870of pressurized air passageway820(represented by arrows B), low pressure regions are created at outlets of inductive air passageways840. These low pressure regions result in air being drawn (represented by arrows A) into inductive air passageways840and expelled from outlets860. The pressurized air flowing from outlets870and the induced airflow from the inductive air passageway outlets mixes and is distributed into the occupied space. Such an induced airflow system can provide increased airflow economically and less obtrusively than a conventional fan. In addition, when the induced airflow is drawn from the occupied space, as in this example, increased circulation is achieved with a reduced fan requirement. This increased circulation provides additional efficiency by mixing the pressurized air, which may be heated or cooled, with the air that is in the occupied space. In this example, air moving system800acts as the structural support for panels232. As shown inFIG.13, body810includes brackets812to which panels232are attached. Other connection methods and shapes can also be used. FIG.14shows an example of another type of ceiling system that can be improved by embodiments of the invention.FIG.14shows a baffle type ceiling system (similar to that shown inFIG.10) that has a plurality of panels240extending vertically. Panels240separate a building space into an occupied space and a plenum space30. Plenum space30is located between panels240and a structural slab60. In this example, an air moving system900is attached to a bottom edge of one or more panels240. Similarly to the other examples discussed, air moving system900has a pressurized air passageway inside a body. The pressurized air passageway is fed pressurized air from a remote fan or other air mover that can be located in the plenum space, or located outside of the plenum space and pushes air through ductwork that is located in the plenum space. In this example, the pressurized air can be routed through one or more supports (not shown). In this example, two air diverters are positioned adjacent to the body to create inductive air passageways. Other examples can have one or more than two inductive air passageways. As the pressurized air flows out of outlets of the pressurized air passageway, low pressure regions are created at outlets of the inductive air passageways. These low pressure regions result in air being drawn into the inductive air passageways and expelled from outlets of the inductive air passageways. The pressurized air flowing from the outlet of the pressurized air passageway and the induced airflow from the inductive air passageway outlets mixes and is distributed into the occupied space. Such an induced airflow system can provide increased airflow economically and less obtrusively than a conventional fan. In this example, the induced airflow will tend to be drawn from the space between baffles240. Although, some air induced air flow may be drawn from the occupied space. The composition of the induced airflow depends on the relative temperatures of the occupied space and the plenum space, the velocity of the air exiting air moving system900, and the shape and size of the air diverters. The pressurized air can be fed to the pressurized air passageway by way of a conduit running in a baffle240or a conduit running between two baffles240that are attached to each other (as shown inFIG.14). The number of air moving systems900used in a particular occupied space can be one or more. An air moving system900can be attached to every baffle, or can be attached to only certain baffles. Air moving system900can extend completely below the baffle, as shown inFIG.14, or the baffle to which air moving system900is attached can be shortened so that the bottom of air moving system900is even with the bottoms of the baffles that do not have an air moving system. The position of air moving system900relative to the bottom of adjacent baffles will also influence from where the induced airflow will be drawn. All other things being equal, the more elevated the bottom of air moving system900is relative to the bottom of adjacent baffles, the more the induced air will be drawn from the plenum space. FIGS.15and16show an example of an air moving system1200that has an optionally oscillating induction fan1240mounted to a ceiling panel. Induction fan1240has a motor1242and is attached to the ceiling panel by way of a mount1244. In particular embodiments, mount1244and/or motor1242cause induction fan1240to oscillate so that the air moved by air moving system1200passes though opening1220in the ceiling panel at different angles and therefore creates a simulation of a natural breeze on the occupants below. This arrangement draws an inductive airflow from the space above the ceiling panel (the plenum space) and mixes it with pressurized air. The pressurized air can be drawn from the plenum space or from a space outside of the plenum space. The pressurized air can be heated or cooled. The benefits discussed above from using induced airflow also apply to this embodiment. FIGS.17and18show an example of an air moving system110that has a fan that moves air over a phase change material to induce more thermal transfer to and/or from the phase change material. In this example, an induction fan1140has a motor1142, and an outlet1146at its lower edge. A phase change material1120is attached to the upper side of a ceiling panel. Fan1140moves air over phase change material1120to promote increased thermal transfer. The ceiling panel can be any type of ceiling panel such as, for example, a canopy type, a cloud type, a drop in panel in a grid system, or other type of ceiling panel. FIG.17shows an example where fan1140is separate from the ceiling panel whereasFIG.18shows an example where fan1140is attached to the ceiling panel by a mount1144. In both examples, a space exists between outlet1146of fan1140and phase change material1120. Phase change material1120can be a material that changes from a solid to a liquid as it absorbs heat or a material that changes from a liquid to a gas as it absorbs heat. An example of an appropriate phase change material is a salt hydrate phase change material composed of water mixed with calcium chloride and a nucleating agent. Any appropriate phase change material can be used. FIG.19shows an example of an air moving system1300that is used with a radiant surface to promote thermal transfer to/from the radiant surface. In this example, radiant surface70has a plurality of conduits74that are embedded in the structure behind radiant surface70. Conduits74can carry a liquid or a gas through the structure to heat or cool radiant surface70. As stated above, a problem with radiant surfaces is that air flow is needed to transfer heat to/from the radiant surface. The embodiment shown inFIG.19provides air moving system1300to move air across radiant surface70. Air moving system1300includes an air mover1320that is mounted in a ceiling panel1310(in this example, a canopy type panel). Air moving system1300draws air from plenum space30over radiant surface70and projects it down into occupied space10(represented by arrows C). In this example, air mover1320is an inductive air mover. Examples such as this provide increased thermal transfer to/from the radiant surface in an unobtrusive system that has no visible moving parts. While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods/processes described herein may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents. In addition, all combinations of any and all of the features described in the disclosure, in any combination, are part of the invention. | 22,725 |
11859855 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Certain examples will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. One or more examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example maybe combined with the features of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The terms “significantly”, “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, “relatively,” or other such similar terms that may be used throughout this disclosure, including the claims, are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing from a reference or parameter. Such small fluctuations include a zero fluctuation from the reference or parameter as well. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±10%, such as less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Referring toFIG.1, an example is depicted of a perspective view of a portion of a forced air system10, which includes ductwork12and14for directing air flow (depicted by directional arrow16) into a register access cavity18(better seen inFIGS.2and3), passed a wall mounted register20and into a room22, according to aspects described herein. The forced air system10may have been originally used as a forced air heating system for an older home and later converted to a forced air heating and cooling system. The register20, as illustrated inFIG.1, includes a frame19with a plurality of parallel louvers21that extend longitudinally across the frame19. The register functions as a cover, which is mounted over the wall opening28in the wall30. The register20regulates and/or enables the admission of air flow16from the forced air system10into the room22. Referring toFIG.2, an example is depicted of a perspective view of forced warm air (depicted by directional arrows16W) being directed through the register access cavity18, according to aspects described herein. The register access cavity18includes a duct opening24having a maximum length25and a maximum width23. The register access cavity18also includes a wall opening28. The duct opening24of the register access cavity is positioned in a cavity floor26of the register access cavity18and is connected the duct work14adjacent to the register access cavity18. The wall opening28is positioned in a wall30of the room22. As indicated by the directional arrows16W, the forced warm air will flow through ductwork14and enter into the register access cavity18through duct opening24. Once in the cavity18, the warm air16W will swirl around the register access cavity and loose velocity prior to spilling into room22through the wall opening28. However, because the forced warm air16W is lighter in density than room temperature air, the air flow will rise (as indicated by directional arrows16W) as it enters the room22. The rising forced warm air16W aids in mixing with the room temperature air of the room22, but has little directional control when exiting the register access cavity18. Referring toFIG.3, an example is depicted of a perspective view of forced cool air (depicted by directional arrows16C) being directed through the register access cavity18, according to aspects described herein. As indicated by the directional arrows16C, the forced cool air will flow through ductwork14and enter into the register access cavity18through duct opening24. Once in the cavity18, the cool air16C will swirl around the register access cavity18and loose velocity prior to spilling into room22through the wall opening28. However, because the forced cool air16C is heavier in density than room temperature air, the air flow will sink (as indicated by directional arrows16C) as it enters the room22. The sinking forced cool air16C is detrimental in cooling the room because the cool air tends to remain in a lower half of the room and does not mix well with the room temperature air in the upper half of the room. Additionally, the cool air16C has little directional control when exiting the register access cavity18. Referring toFIG.4, an example is depicted of a perspective view of forced air16of a forced air system10being directed through an air redirect apparatus100installed within the register access cavity18, according to aspects described herein. For purposes of clarity, the register20is not shown inFIG.4, but would normally be mounted over the wall opening28. The air redirect apparatus100redirects substantially all of the forced air16from ductwork14into the room22and substantially prevent any air flow from bypassing the air redirect apparatus100. Accordingly, the air flow16enters the room from the register access cavity18at a substantially greater velocity than the velocity of the air flow within the ductwork14. Additionally, the air flow16enters the room22at a substantially greater velocity than it would have if the air redirect apparatus100where not installed within the register access cavity18. The air redirect apparatus includes a duct elbow102and a cover plate104. The duct elbow102is configured to fit into the register access cavity18. The duct elbow102includes an entrance aperture106(seeFIG.5), wherein the air flow16enters the duct elbow, and an exit aperture108, wherein the air flow16exits the duct elbow. The entrance aperture106is sized to connect to the duct opening24of the ductwork14which routes the forced air16into the register access cavity18. In the example illustrated inFIG.1, the entrance aperture106and exit aperture108are oriented at substantially 90 degrees relative to each other. However, it is within the scope of this invention, that the entrance aperture106and exit aperture108may be oriented at other acute or obtuse angles relative to each other. The cover plate104is connected to the entrance aperture106. Additionally, the entrance aperture106penetrates through the cover plate104to allow air flow16from the ductwork14to flow into the duct elbow102. The cover plate104is longer than the maximum length25of the duct opening24and is sized to cover the duct opening24of the ductwork14when the entrance aperture106is connected to the duct opening24. Accordingly, when the duct elbow102of the air redirect apparatus100is fit into the register access cavity18, the air flow16from the ductwork14is routed into the entrance aperture106and directed out of the exit aperture108of the duct elbow102, while the cover plate104of the air redirect apparatus100substantially blocks air flow16around the duct elbow102. Due to the design of the air redirect apparatus100, velocity of forced air16that is directed out of the exit aperture108and into room22is greater than velocity of forced air16that would be directed into the room22when the duct elbow102is not connected to the duct opening24of the duct work14. This is due in large part because the entrance aperture106and exit aperture108of the duct elbow102each may have a cross sectional area that is less than the cross sectional area of the duct opening24. Additionally, the duct elbow may have a minimum cross sectional area that is less than the cross sectional area of the duct opening24. Accordingly, the velocity of the forced air16being directed out of the exit aperture108is greater than velocity of forced air16passing through the ductwork14adjacent to the duct opening24. The velocity of the forced air16being directed into the room22from the register access cavity18by the air redirect apparatus100may be as much as 2 to 3 times greater than the velocity of force air that would be directed into the room22from the register access cavity18without the air redirect apparatus100being installed in the register access cavity18. As such, the forced air16, whether it be warm forced air16W (seeFIG.2) or cool forced air16C (seeFIG.3), will mix more quickly and thoroughly with room temperature air than the forced air16would without the air redirect apparatus100installed. Therefore, the air redirect apparatus100enhances both heating and cooling of the room22. Referring toFIGS.5,6and7, a front view (FIG.5), a sideview (FIG.6) and a perspective view (FIG.7) are depicted of the air redirect apparatus100, according to aspects described herein. The cover plate104, may be pivotably connected, via a swivel connection114, to the entrance aperture106such that the duct elbow102is operable to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise (as indicated by arrow110) relative to the cover plate104to direct forced air flow16leftward or rightward into room22. The terms: “leftward” and “rightward”, as used herein, shall refer to directing air flow16substantially horizontally relative to the floor32of the room22and toward the left side or right side respectively of the room22. The pivotal connection114may include overlapping rims on the entrance aperture106and cover plate104, which may swivel relative to each other. The pivotal connection114may also include any of several other design features that may be appropriate. By enabling the duct elbow102to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the cover plate104, the air redirect apparatus100can more selectively direct air flow from left to right within a room. This provides better horizontal directional control of the air flow16entering the room22from the register access cavity18than can be accomplished without the air redirect apparatus100installed. In the example illustrated inFIGS.5-7, the air redirect apparatus100also includes a plurality of substantially parallel louvers112extending across the exit aperture108of the duct elbow102. The louvers are operable to pivot upward and downward to direct forced air flow upward or downward. The terms: “upward” and “downward”, as used herein, shall refer to directing air flow16substantially vertically relative to the wall30of the room22and toward a ceiling (upward) or the floor32respectively of the room22. By enabling the louvers112to pivot upward or downward, the air redirect apparatus100can more selectively direct air flow from up or down within a room. This provides better vertical directional control of the air flow16entering the room22from the register access cavity18than can be accomplished without the air redirect apparatus100installed. Referring toFIGS.8A and8B, an example is depicted of a front perspective view (FIG.8A) and a rear perspective view (FIG.8B) of the air redirect apparatus100with an adjustable cover plate104set to a minimum length116A, according to aspects described herein. Also referring toFIG.9, an example is depicted of a perspective view of the air redirect apparatus100with the adjustable cover plate104set to a maximum length116B, according to aspects described herein. The cover plate104of the air redirect apparatus100may have an adjustable length116that is operable to be adjusted from a minimum length116A (seeFIGS.8A and8B) to a maximum length116B (seeFIG.9). (Note that, for purposes herein, the length of the cover plate will be designated as reference number116, while its minimum length will be designated as116A and its maximum length will be designated as116B.) The maximum length116B is greater than the maximum length25(seeFIG.2) of the duct opening24. Additionally, the width118of the cover plate104is wider than the maximum width23of the duct opening24. Accordingly, the length of the cover plate104can be adjusted to cover the entire cross sectional area of the duct opening24in order to block substantially all air flow around the duct elbow102. To provide an adjustable length116, the cover plate104may be a cover plate assembly104that includes a top plate120and a bottom plate122. The top plate120may have a first pair of retainer tabs124disposed on a first longitudinal side of the top plate120and a second pair of retainer tabs126disposed on an opposing second longitudinal side of the top plate120. The cover plate assembly104may also include a bottom plate122having a thickness sized to slidably fit within the first and second pairs of retainer tabs124,126of the top plate120. The bottom plate122may include a cutout section128configured to straddle an outer perimeter of the entrance aperture106of the duct elbow102. The bottom plate122may be operable to slide longitudinally within the first and second pairs of retainer tabs124,126to adjust the length116of the cover plate104between the minimum length116A and the maximum length116B. Referring toFIG.10, an example is depicted of an exploded view of the air redirect apparatus100, according to aspects described herein. The exploded view illustrates how the air redirect apparatus100is assembled into the register access cavity18and over the duct opening24of ductwork14. The register20covers the air redirect apparatus100, but allows the air flow16to pass through. The air redirect apparatus100may be fastened to the cavity floor26with any number of appropriate fasteners130. Referring toFIGS.11,12and13, an example is depicted of a front view (FIG.11) a side view (FIG.12) and a perspective view (FIG.13) of another air redirect apparatus100having an air redirect valve132disposed within the exit aperture108of the duct elbow102of the air redirect apparatus100, according to aspects described herein. The air redirect valve disposed132includes a valve frame134having an outer perimeter which substantially conforms to an inner perimeter of the exit aperture108. In the example illustrated inFIGS.11-13, the valve frame134of the air redirect valve132is a ring shaped valve frame134having a substantially circular outer perimeter which substantially conforms to a substantially circular inner perimeter of the exit aperture108. The valve frame134is pivotally connected to a top wall portion and an opposing bottom wall portion of the exit aperture108by pivot pins136such that the valve frame134is operable to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the cover plate104to direct forced air flow16leftward or rightward into the room22. In the example illustrated inFIGS.11-13, the ring shaped valve frame134is pivotally connected to the top and bottom wall portions of the exit aperture108across an axis140of the ring134which extends through a diameter of the ring134. The air redirect valve132also includes a plurality of substantially parallel louvers138extending across the valve frame134. The louvers138are operable to pivot upward and downward to direct forced air flow16upward or downward into the room22. The air redirect apparatus also includes a register replacement plate142, which is used to replace the register20. The register replacement plate142has an exit aperture hole144that is configured to receive the exit aperture108of the duct elbow102therethrough. The register replacement plate142is operable to mount over the wall opening28(seeFIG.2) of the register access cavity18. The air redirect valve132combined with the register replacement plate142enables the air redirect apparatus100to control direction of air flow16in both the leftward/rightward direction and the upward/downward direction without having to remove the register20. Referring toFIGS.14,15and16, an example is depicted of a front view (FIG.14), a side view (FIG.15) and a perspective view (FIG.16) of another air redirect apparatus100having an air redirect plate146disposed in the duct elbow102of the air redirect apparatus100, according to aspects described herein. A plurality of substantially parallel louvers148extend across the exit aperture108of the duct elbow102. The louvers148are operable to pivot upward and downward to direct forced air flow16upward or downward. The air redirect plate146is disposed within the duct elbow102proximate the exit aperture108and upstream of the louvers148. The air redirect plate146includes an outer perimeter which substantially conforms to an inner perimeter of the duct elbow102. The air redirect plate146is pivotally connected to a top wall portion and an opposing bottom wall portion of the duct elbow102via, for example, pivot pins136, such that the air redirect plate146is operable to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the cover plate104to direct forced air flow leftward or rightward. The air redirect plate132and louvers148combined with the register replacement plate142enables the air redirect apparatus100to control direction of air flow16in both the leftward/rightward direction and the upward/downward direction without having to remove the register20. It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail herein (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Although the invention has been described by reference to specific examples, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the described examples, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims. | 17,819 |
11859856 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present application are directed to an HVAC system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the HVAC system is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the HVAC system will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the HVAC system as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application and business related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of the HVAC unit12as assembled according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the HVAC unit12is installed within the preexisting framing of a wall, although as shown inFIG.1this framing is removed to better illustrate the HVAC unit as assembled. The HVAC unit12includes three sub-assemblies: an indoor air cycling section4, a mechanical section6, and an outdoor air cycling section8. The indoor air cycling section, or simply “indoor section”, cycles air from an interior area of a dwelling (indoors) and back out to the interior area. The outdoor air cycling section, or simply “outdoor section”, cycles air from an area exterior to the dwelling (outdoors) and back out to the exterior area. In an application where air conditioning cooling is performed, the indoor section functions as an evaporator section, and the outdoor section functions as a condenser section. Subsequent discussion is directed to air conditioning cooling and therefore reference is made to an evaporator section and a condenser section. It is understood that the HVAC unit also can be used for heating, in which case the functionality of the indoor section and the outdoor section can be reversed from that described regarding an evaporator section and a condenser section. Although subsequent description is directed to an evaporator section and a condenser section, it is understood that such description can be generally applied to an indoor section and an outdoor section that performs a heating function. The evaporator section4includes a heat exchanger, an air mover, and electrical circuitry. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes an evaporator coil and interconnecting refrigerant tubing. In some embodiments, the air mover includes a motor and a fan. In some embodiments, the electrical circuitry includes power wiring, control wiring, and control/diagnostic sensors. The mechanical section6includes refrigerant loop components, in-line components, and electrical circuitry. In some embodiments, the refrigerant loop components include a compressor and a metering device, such as an electronic expansion valve. In some embodiments, the in-line components include one or more valves, one or more filters, and interconnecting refrigerant tubing. In some embodiments, the electrical circuitry of the mechanical section includes HVAC unit controls, electrical components, power wiring, control wiring, and control/diagnostics sensors. The condenser section8includes a heat exchanger, an air mover, an auxiliary heating component, air quality components, and electrical circuitry. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger of the condenser section includes a condenser coil and interconnecting refrigerant tubing. The condenser section can also include an accumulator. In some embodiments, the air mover in the condenser section includes a motor and a fan. In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating component includes one or more resistive heating elements. In some embodiments, the air quality components include an air filter and ventilation components. In some embodiments, the electrical circuitry of the condenser section includes power wiring, control wiring, and control/diagnostic sensors. FIG.2illustrates a schematic block diagram of the HVAC unit12and constituent components corresponding to air conditioning functionality according to some embodiments. A heat exchanger32including an evaporator coil in the evaporator section4is coupled to a compressor38via interconnecting refrigerant tubing and one or more valves40. The compressor38is coupled to a heat exchanger48including a condenser coil in the condenser section8via interconnecting refrigerant tubing and the one or more valves40. The heat exchanger48can also include an accumulator (not shown) that is coupled to the condenser coil via interconnecting refrigerant tubing. The heat exchanger48is coupled to a metering device44via interconnecting refrigerant tubing, one or more valves, and filters42. The metering device44is coupled to the heat exchanger32via interconnecting refrigerant tubing. In this manner a refrigerant loop is formed, where the refrigerant loop includes the evaporator coil in the heat exchanger32, the compressor38, the condenser coil and the accumulator in the heat exchanger48, the metering device44, and the interconnecting pipes, valves, and filters. It is understood that the number and configuration of interconnecting refrigerant tubing, valves, and filters shown inFIG.2is for exemplary purposes only and that alternative configurations are also contemplated for interconnecting the heat exchanger32, the compressor38, the heat exchanger48, and the metering device40. It is also understood that the direction of refrigerant flow can be one direction for cooling functionality (air conditioning) and the other direction for heating functionality. An air mover30in the evaporator section4is coupled to the heat exchanger32to blow air over the evaporator coil, and an air mover46in the condenser section8is coupled to the heat exchanger48to blow air over the condenser coil. A compressor controller36is coupled to the compressor38. An HVAC unit controller34is coupled to the air mover30, the compressor controller36, the one or more valves such as valves40, the metering device44, and the air mover46. Control signaling, indicated by “C” inFIG.2, is transmitted between the compressor controller36and the compressor38, and between the HVAC unit controller34and the air mover30, the compressor controller36, the one or more valves such as valves40, the metering device44, and the air mover46. In some embodiments, the compressor controller36can be integrated as part of the HVAC unit controller34. Control/diagnostic sensors64,66,68,70can be used to sense various ambient conditions, such as temperature or humidity, which are connected back to the HVAC unit controller34and can be used to control the various components of the HVAC unit12. High voltage power, such as 120 VAC, is supplied to each of the air mover30, the compressor controller36, and the air mover46. High voltage power can be supplied from the compressor controller36to the compressor38. High voltage power input is indicated by “H” inFIG.2. Low voltage power is supplied to the unit controller34. Low voltage power can be provided via wiring labeled “C”. It is understood that alternative power supply configurations are also contemplated. In some embodiments, air filters are included as part of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8. Air is drawn into the evaporator section4, such as from the room in which the HVAC is installed, directed across the evaporator coil, and output from the evaporator section4back into the room. The air filter can be positioned at an air intake portion of the evaporator section4such that air is filtered prior to being blown across the evaporator coil. Similarly, air is drawn into the condenser section8, such as from outside the dwelling within which the HVAC is installed, directed across the condenser coil, and output from the condenser section8back outside the dwelling. The air filter can be positioned at an air intake portion of the condenser section8such that air is filtered prior to being blown across the condenser coil. In some embodiments, the HVAC unit is an integrated single unit that includes the evaporator section, the mechanical section, and the condenser section integrated as a single piece body. The single piece HVAC unit is mounted within a mounting sleeve, and an indoor grille and an outdoor grille are attached to cover exposed portions of the HVAC unit.FIG.3illustrates an exploded view of an HVAC system having a single piece HVAC unit according to some embodiments. The HVAC system includes a front side access panel10, a single piece HVAC unit12, a mounting sleeve14, and a back side grille16. The mounting sleeve14is configured to be mounted between preexisting framework of a dwelling, such as a room of an apartment or condominium. In an exemplary application, the mounting sleeve fits between two adjoining studs in a wall.FIG.4illustrates an exemplary preexisting framework into which the HVAC system can be installed according to some embodiments. The preexisting framework can be an exposed portion of a wall. As shown inFIG.3, the exposed portion of the wall has the drywall removed from an interior side of the room, thereby exposing adjacent studs and the area in between. The area between the adjacent studs is void of insulating material, electrical wiring, plumbing, and the like so as to enable positioning and mounting of the mounting sleeve14within this area. The mounting sleeve14is sized to fit conventional framing configurations. For example, a conventional opening between adjacent studs is 16″.FIG.5illustrates a top down view of the mounting sleeve mounted in a preexisting framework of a wall according to some embodiments. The top down view shown inFIG.5corresponds to the cross-section A-A′ shown inFIG.4. A back side of the area between the studs may include plywood, cladding, and/or other materials known in the art. In an exemplary configuration, a back side surface that is exposed within the area between adjacent studs is made of plywood. The mounting sleeve14is configured to fit within the area between adjacent studs and against the back side surface. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve14is secured to the adjacent studs using screws. The mounting sleeve14can include holes to receive the screws, or the screws can be screwed in directly through the mounting sleeve material, forming holes as the screws are applied. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve14is also secured to the back side surface of the preexisting framework in a manner similar to that of the studs. It is understood that alternative techniques can be used to secure the mounting sleeve to the preexisting framework. In some embodiments, one or both of the adjacent studs are configured with a power outlet, such as an AC voltage wall socket, or include a hole through which electrical wiring can be strung to access a power outlet. The mounting sleeve14can be configured with one or more side openings, such as side openings28shown inFIG.3, coincident with the power outlets on one or both of the adjacent studs. The side openings28enable the HVAC unit12to access the power outlet(s) and connect to power. In some embodiments, the HVAC12includes a power cord and plug29configured for connecting to a conventional power outlet, such as the AC voltage wall socket, which provides the high voltage power “H”. The HVAC unit12and the mounting sleeve14each include complementary mounting apparatuses for mounting the HVAC unit12to the mounting sleeve14. In the exemplary configuration shown inFIG.3, the mounting sleeve14includes holes26in the side walls and also includes flanges24that extend from the side walls. The HVAC unit12includes mounting tabs20configured to mate to the flanges24in the mounting sleeve14. The HVAC unit12also includes flanges22with holes where screws or fasteners, such as quarter turn fasteners, can be inserted into the holes26of the mounting sleeve14. The holes26can be screw holes for accepting screws or fasteners. It is understood that additional mounting tab/flange and/or flange/screw hole combinations can be used, or only mounting tab/flange or only flange/screw hole implementations can be used. It is further understood that alternative complementary mounting apparatuses can be used to mount the HVAC unit12to the mounting sleeve14. In some embodiments, the front side access panel10and the HVAC unit12can be installed into the mounted mounting sleeve14by pivoting from a resting position on the floor.FIG.6illustrates a perspective view of the front side access panel10and the HVAC unit12being mounted into the mounting sleeve14according to some embodiments. The front side access panel10can be positioned in a horizontal position on the floor and the HVAC unit12positioned within the front side access panel10. A bottom end of the HVAC unit12is positioned adjacent to the wall opening into which the mounting sleeve14is mounted. The top end of the HVAC unit12is then rotated into the mounting sleeve14, and the mounting tabs20attach to the flanges24of the mounting sleeve14. The flanges22of the HVAC unit12are then attached at the holes26of the mounting sleeve14. In some embodiments, the front side access panel10is removed to enable attachment of the flanges22to the mounting sleeve14. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12is rotated into the mounting sleeve14without the front side access panel10, and the front side access panel10is attached after the HVAC unit12has been mounted and secured to the mounting sleeve14. The back side grille16is attached on an exterior surface of the dwelling and can be attached either before or after the HVAC unit12is mounting in the mounting sleeve14. Various materials can be added to provide thermal, sound, and water isolation. In particular, thermal and sound resistant materials can be included to provide thermal and sound isolation of the HVAC unit from the interior dwelling. Water resistant materials can be used to manage condensate formed in the evaporator section.FIG.7illustrates an exploded view of the HVAC system including exemplary materials for providing thermal, sound, and water isolation according to some embodiments. A sound isolation panel50can be positioned on an interior surface of the front side access panel10without blocking the grille18. Similar material can be positioned around or proximate the air mover30in the evaporator section4and the air mover46in the condenser section8to provide vibrational isolation. Thermal isolation panels52can be positioned on the back side facing surface of the evaporator section4and the front side facing surface of the condenser section8. A thermal isolation trim53can be positioned around a front side facing perimeter of the evaporator section4without blocking the grille18. Condensate forms in the evaporator section4and may form on the outer surfaces of the evaporator section4and portions of the mounting sleeve14in contact with the evaporator section4. Moisture barriers are positioned to prevent condensate from entering the mechanical section6. A moisture barrier54can be positioned between the evaporator section4and the mechanical section6. Additionally, or alternatively, a moisture barrier can be positioned on the inside bottom surface of the evaporator section4. Another moisture barrier54can also be positioned between the mechanical section6and the condenser section8. A moisture barrier trim55can also be positioned around a perimeter of the back side facing grille16without blocking the grille. The moisture barriers54and moisture barrier trim55can be made of any type of moisture resistance material, such as a spray, film, or separate panel of material applied to the surfaces of the evaporator section4and/or the mechanical section6. Additionally, or alternatively, the HVAC system2can be configured to collect and displace condensate.FIG.8illustrates an exploded view of the HVAC system2including condensate flow according to some embodiments. The evaporator section4and the mounting sleeve14are configured such that condensate can collect on the interior side surfaces of the mounting sleeve14and flow down the interior side surfaces to an interior bottom surface of the mounting sleeve, as shown by the arrows inFIG.8. In those configurations where the interior back surface of the mounting sleeve14does not include thermal or acoustic isolation materials, such as inFIG.7, condensate can also collect on the interior back surface of the mounting sleeve14and flow down the interior back surface to the interior bottom surface of the mounting sleeve. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the mounting sleeve14is sloped, such as shown inFIG.9, to collect condensate at a bottom most portion.FIG.9illustrates a cut out side view of the portion A inFIG.8with the HVAC unit12mounted in the mounting sleeve14according to some embodiments. In this exemplary configuration, a bottom surface (base) of the condenser section8is also sloped to match the slope of the mounting sleeve14. This sloped base enables simple alignment with the mounting sleeve during installation and removes the need to adjust the angle of the HVAC unit12for condensate drainage. A drain tube62can be attached at the bottom surface of the mounting sleeve14to drain out the collected condensate. The drain tube62can be directed through a floorboard, such as shown inFIG.9. Additionally, or alternatively, a drain tube64can extend through the back side facing grille16to drain out the collected condensate. In some embodiments, a condensate collection tray66with one or more drain holes can be positioned at the bottom of the mounting sleeve14, and the drain tubes62and/or64can be connected to the condensate collection tray66. Condensate within the evaporator section4drains to a bottom surface of the evaporator section4. One or more drain holes or drain tubes can be positioned at the bottom surface of the evaporator section4to enable condensate to drain out of the evaporator section4. In some embodiments, the condensate drains out of the evaporator section4and down the interior side surface of the mounting sleeve14. In some embodiments, condensate output from the evaporator section4is directed via drain tubes to the bottom surface of the mounting sleeve14. In other embodiments, the condensate is enabled to drain across the condenser coil in the condenser section8via gravity. The physical positioning, relative alignment, and dimensions of each of the individual components in each of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8can vary according to numerous different configurations and applications. In some embodiments, the air mover is positioned to a lateral side of the heat exchanger, i.e. horizontal to the heat exchanger, in either or both of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8.FIG.10illustrates a cut-out top down view of an evaporator section installed in a preexisting framework and having a lateral configuration according to some embodiments. The mounting sleeve14is mounted to the side walls (studs) and the back wall of the preexisting framework. In the lateral configuration, an air mover68is positioned laterally adjacent to a heat exchanger70. In some embodiments, the air mover68includes a tangential fan. It is understood that other types of fans can be used. Input air76from the interior of the dwelling is drawn into the evaporator section4by the air mover68through a first side of a front side grille72. The input air76passes through a filter74and across the heat exchanger70, such as an evaporator coil, and is directed via an air plenum back out the evaporator section4through a second side of the front side grille72as output air78. In the exemplary configuration shown inFIG.10, the first side of the front side grille72is the right hand side through which the input air76enters, and the second side of the front side grille72is the left hand side through which the output air78exits. It is understood that these sides can be reversed. The air mover68, the heat exchanger70, and the front side grille72are analogous to the previously described air mover, the heat exchanger, and the front side grille of the evaporator section. In some embodiments, turning vanes can be positioned adjacently behind the heat exchanger70within the evaporator section4to redirect airflow toward the air mover68, which reduces air pressure drop, and improves or smooths airflow across the heat exchanger. The front side grille72can also include curved blades which reduces noise and airflow pressure drop. In the above described configurations, the evaporator section has indoor ventilation, via the front side opening in the mounting sleeve and the front side grille, but no outdoor ventilation. In other embodiments, the evaporator section, mounting sleeve, and dwelling wall can be configured to include outdoor ventilation.FIG.11illustrates a cut-out top down view of an evaporator section installed in a preexisting framework and having a lateral configuration and outdoor ventilation according to some embodiments. The mounting sleeve14is mounted to the side walls (studs) and the back wall of the preexisting framework. In the lateral configuration, an air mover80is positioned laterally adjacent to a heat exchanger82. In some embodiments, the air mover80includes a tangential fan. It is understood that other types of fans can be used. Input air94from the interior of the dwelling is drawn into the evaporator section4by the air mover80through a first side of a front side grille84. The input air94passes through an air filter86and across the heat exchanger82, such as an evaporator coil, and is directed via an air plenum back out the evaporator section4through a second side of the front side grille84as output air96. In the exemplary configuration shown inFIG.11, the first side of the front side grille84is the right hand side through which the input air94enters, and the second side of the front side grille84is the left hand side through which the output air96exits. It is understood that these sides can be reversed. The air mover80, the heat exchanger82, and the front side grille84are analogous to the previously described air mover, the heat exchanger, and the front side grille of the evaporator section. Outdoor ventilation98is provided at the back side of the evaporator section4via a back side opening in the mounting sleeve14and the back wall of the dwelling. The opening is covered on the exterior of the dwelling by a grille (not shown). A balancing damper92and an air filter90are positioned at the back side opening, and a balancing damper88is positioned proximate the air filter86. The balancing damper98can be an automated balancing damper under the control of the HVAC unit controller34(FIG.2). Baffles in the balancing dampers88,92enable mixing of the input air94with ambient air from the exterior, which enables control of the air temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger82. In some embodiments, the air temperature is controlled to be greater than a threshold temperature. The front side grille84can include curved blades which reduces noise and airflow pressure drop. In some embodiments, such as that shown inFIG.11, the heat exchanger82is angled relative to horizontal. The angled orientation increases surface area relative to a horizontally oriented heat exchanger, such as the heat exchanger70shown inFIG.10. It is understood that the angled heat exchanger also can be applied in the lateral configuration shown inFIG.10, and that the horizontally oriented heat exchanger shown inFIG.10can be used in the lateral configuration shown inFIG.11. Alternatively to a lateral configuration, a stacked configuration can be used where the air mover is positioned above or below the heat exchanger, i.e. vertical to the heat exchanger, in either or both of the evaporator section4and the condenser section8. An example of such a stacked configuration is described in the U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/788,350, entitled “HVAC System with Coil Arrangement in Blower Unit”, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Similar lateral or stacked configurations can be used for the condenser section8, except instead of the input air being input from and output to an interior of the dwelling, air is input from and output to an exterior of the dwelling via a back side grille, such as the back side grille16. It is understood that such a condenser section can also be configured with interior ventilation to enable mixing of air, such as used in the configuration shown inFIG.11. The present application has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the HVAC system. Many of the components shown and described in the various figures can be interchanged to achieve the results necessary, and this description should be read to encompass such interchange as well. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. | 25,976 |
11859857 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION As discussed above, fan devices may inadvertently circulate air which includes harmful bacteria and/or foul-smelling particles. Moreover, such fan devices can encourage the internal growth of bacteria and mold on components such as a motor that is used to generate airflow. This can foul both the air quality of an environment, and shorten the overall lifespan of components within the fan device. In general, the present disclosure is directed to an air treatment system that includes a modular configuration whereby a fan module, filter module, and humidifier module may couple together to provide a plurality of air treatment solutions within a relatively small footprint. In more detail, the fan module, filter module and humidifier module can stack end-to-end in a vertical configuration. The modules may electrically couple to each other via a common electrical bus and enable a controller disposed in the fan module (or other module) to control fan flow rates, direction, and humidity. Note the modules may be configured to operate independent of each other (e.g., when decoupled and separated). The fan module may include an articulating nozzle capable of directing airflow in virtually any direction and angle about an environment. The fan module can further include an intake with an inlet arrangement that can selectively restrict external air from entering the fan module housing when the fan module is fluidly coupled to the filter module. Thus, the fan module may generate air flow from exclusively filtered air to minimize or otherwise reduce bacterial/mold growth within the fan module housing. The term “coupled” as used herein refers to any connection, coupling, link or the like. Such “coupled” devices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may be separated by intermediate components or devices. The term substantially, as generally referred to herein, refers to a degree of precision within acceptable tolerance that accounts for and reflects minor real-world variation due to material composition, material defects, and/or limitations/peculiarities in manufacturing processes. Such variation may therefore be said to achieve largely, but not necessarily wholly, the stated characteristic. To provide one non-limiting numerical example to quantify “substantially,” minor variation may cause a deviation of up to and including ±5% from a provided quality/characteristic unless otherwise provided by the present disclosure. Turning now toFIG.1, one embodiment of an air treatment system100is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the air treatment system100includes a fan102(or fan module102) removably coupled to an optional air filter120(or air filter portion120), and an optional humidifier122(or humidifier portion122). Note that the optional air filter120and the optional humidifier122may be coupled in a different order, such as shown inFIGS.13A-13Dwhere the humidifier122is coupled between the filter120and the base240of the fan module102. As shown and described, the components of the air treatment system may be coupled end-to-end to form a vertical stack configuration. In the stack configuration, the humidifier module122may support the fan module102and the filter module120. The fan module102, filter module120and humidifier122may also be referred to as a fan module102, filter module120and humidifier module122. The fan module102may include a housing110formed of a single piece or may optionally comprise a plurality of housing portions. Each of the optional humidifier122and the air filter120may both electrically and fluidly couple with the fan module102, although this disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, and as discussed further below, the humidifier122may not necessarily be in direct fluid communication (e.g., via one or more passageways therebetween) and may instead be indirectly fluidly coupled by virtue of the humidifier outputting humidified air externally which may then be received by the fan module via, for instance, inlet ports113-1and113-2. The humidifier122may include a plurality of fluid couplings, including air, water, emulsions of air and water, and purified air received from the air filter120. The fan module102includes a controller104, a pan/tilt mechanism106, a motor and fan assembly108, and an air intake112. The fan module102may also include an antenna device116. The antenna device116(which may also be referred to as a network interface) may be configured to communicate with, for instance, one or more user devices such as the user device118. The user device118may include a so-called “app” for controlling operation of the air treatment system100, which will be discussed in greater detail below. The fan module102may therefore communicate with the user device118via a wireless connection120. To this end, air treatment system100may be configured for close range or long range communication between the fan module102and the user device118. The term, “close range communication” is used herein to refer to systems and methods for wirelessly sending/receiving data signals between devices that are relatively close to one another. Close range communication includes, for example, communication between devices using a BLUETOOTH′ network, a personal area network (PAN), near field communication, ZigBee networks, a Wi-Fi network (e.g., IEE 802.11X) millimeter wave communication, ultra-high frequency (UHF) communication, combinations thereof, and the like. Close range communication may therefore be understood as enabling direct communication between devices, without the need for intervening hardware/systems such as routers, cell towers, internet service providers, and the like. The controller104comprises at least one processing device/circuit such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor, x86 instruction set processor, microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller104may be implemented, for example, using software (e.g., C or C++ executing on the controller/processor104), hardware (e.g., hardcoded gate level logic or purpose-built silicon) or firmware (e.g., embedded routines executing on a microcontroller), or any combination thereof. The controller104may further include a memory105. The memory105may comprise, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory105may include operational settings/parameters such as fans speed, heating/cool modes, aromatic selection properties, scheduling, voice recognition profiles, and/or face recognition profiles. Each of the operational settings may be adjusted remotely via the app executed on the user device118, for instance. The memory105may also include air particle quality measurements, and fan schedules. The app may further allow for displaying of data logged from the fan module. Such logged data may include periodic temperature measurements, particle count data, and so on. Note, other modules (e.g., the filter module and the humidifier module) may also include associated controllers and/or memory that enable independent operation. However, the controller104may become a “master” controller when the modules are coupled together. The pan/tilt mechanism106may comprise one or more mechanisms for horizontal and/or vertical adjustment of the portion of the housing110including the motor and fan108. For instance, the pan/tilt mechanism106may be configured with one or more gears, servos, etc., to adjust the yaw/pitch based on user input (e.g., from the user device118). Accordingly, the pan/tilt mechanism106allows the fan module102to adjust both along a horizontal and/or vertical axis to provide up to 360 degrees of motion for each axis thus forming a spherical coverage envelop. The motor and fan108may output air150and may be any suitable motor and fan for providing a desired amount of air volume and air flow speed. The motor of the motor and fan108may be variable (e.g., a DC stepper motor, or a brushless DC motor) for adjusting fan speed during operation. The intake112may include one or more ducts/passageways for providing air to the motor and fan108. The intake112may include a plurality of intake ports including intake ports113-1and113-2. Intake ports113-1and113-2may be configured to receive air140external to the housing110. In some cases, the intake ports113-1and113-2may be disposed on opposite sides of the housing110. The intake112may further include intake ports113-3and113-4. Intake ports113-3and113-4may be configured to receive air142from the filter120. In such cases, the air142may be accurately referred to as filtered air. In an embodiment, the presence of the filter120coupled to the housing110causes the intake ports113-1and113-2to mechanically close. This may be accomplished via an internal damper, valve, closeable vents, or other suitable device. Alternatively, or in addition, the intake ports113-1and113-2may be closed simply by the presence of a portion of the filter120blocking air flow. Therefore, intake ports113-1and113-2may be entirely closed or at least substantially closed, e.g., restricting input from external air140to less than 10%, and preferably, substantially 0%. Thus, the fan module102may receive only filtered air142for output by the motor and fan108when the fan module102is coupled to the filter120. This may advantageously reduce the amount of humidified air from a humidifier or from a surrounding environment that would otherwise enter the fan module102and encouraging bacteria and mold growth. Continuing on, the filter120may include a housing111. The housing111may include a portion configured to removably couple to the housing110of the fan module102. The filter120may include, for instance, a HEPA filter for removing allergens, air droplets, dust and/or other contaminants in an environment. The filter120may include a removable filter portion for easy replacement. The humidifier122may include a housing113. The housing113may include a portion configured to removably couple to the housing111of the filter120and/or couple (e.g., directly) to the housing110of the fan module102. The humidifier122may include one or more water reservoirs (not shown) and an assembly for dispersing water droplets/vapor into the air via air144. The humidifier122may include circuitry (not shown) to output a desired amount of water vapor into an environment. In some cases, the humidifier122electrically couples via bus146to the controller104. The humidifier122may receive signals from the controller104by way of the bus146to control the amount of water vapor output and the amount of time to output water vapor (e.g., based on a schedule). In an embodiment, relative humidity may be periodically measured and may be optionally displayed via an app on the user device118and/or on a display (not shown) provided by the housing110. In response to humidity exceeding a predefined threshold, fan speed and/or the humidifier output may be adjusted to reach a target humidity (e.g., a user defined humidity level set via the app of the user device118). In some embodiments, and as shown, the humidifier122is not in fluid communication with the fan module102. In this case, the humidified air144output by the humidifier122is external to the fan module102. The humidified air144may then be received by the fan module102via intake ports113-1and113-2and/or intake ports113-3and113-4(in cases where the filter120is present). Thus, the growth of bacterial/mold on the motor and fan108may be eliminated as the fan simply receives filtered air rather than humidified air containing water droplets and/or air-borne contaminants which other integrated fan solutions utilize. The fan module102may further include additional circuitry114. Additional circuitry114may include, for example, one or more image sensors/cameras. One example image sensor312is shown inFIG.3. For example, the one or more image sensors may output color image data (RGB), color and depth image data (RGBD camera), depth sensor information, stereo camera information (L/R RGB), YUV, infrared signals, and so on. For example, the additional circuitry114may include a first sensor being an infrared detector and a second sensor being a color-image sensor (e.g., RGB, YUV). In one example, the fan module102includes a first image sensor configured for capturing an image signal (e.g., color image sensor, depth-enabled image sensing (RGDB), stereo camera (L/R RGB), YUV, infrared, and x-ray) and a second image sensor configured to capture image data different from the first image sensor. In an embodiment, the fan module102compares image data received from the one or more image sensors to data within memory105to, for example, recognize a particular user present in an environment. In this embodiment, the controller104may implement a known facial recognition algorithm to recognize a user. In the event a user is recognized, the fan module102may automatically begin output of air150based on a user profile. The user profile may include a preferred fan speed, a preferred fragrance preference, and/or whether the fan module102should output air150directly at a recognized user's position in a room or not, as the case may be. Note that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to tracking only “identified” users. For instance, in some cases the fan module102may pan/tilt, e.g., via the pan/tile mechanism106, to move to follow any person in an environment as they move around. In an embodiment, the image data processed by the fan module102may also include thermal (e.g., infrared) image data, as discussed above. In this embodiment, the fan module102may thermally map a room to identify areas of interest for cooling/heating purposes. For instance, if warm air is found to be in pockets (e.g., the corner of a ceiling), the fan module102may identify the spot and direct air flow in that general direction to bring the temperature down. The thermal map may also extend to people/pets in a room. For example, the heat signature of a user may be utilized to determine if the fan module102should direct air in that user's direction. In this example, a person who appears relatively hot (e.g., having just come indoors on a hot summers day) may cause the fan module102to register the heat signature as needing cooling, e.g., based on a predefined threshold temperature, and direct air accordingly. In some cases, the fan module102provides the thermal data to the user device118, such as shown inFIG.8. In this case, the user may utilize the visualized thermal image data802to “train” the app in order to cause the fan module102to provide heating/cooling depending on a person's registered heat signature. The thermal image data sent to the user device118may also allow a user to recognize spots in their home/office where heat may be entering (e.g., via a crack, window, or other opening) or where heat/cold air is escaping. Such information may be useful for detecting and fixing leaks in an environment. The additional circuitry may further include a microphone sensor for receiving voice input commands from a user. For example, the fan module102may receive voice commands such as “fan on” to cause the fan to begin circulating air in a surrounding environment. In another example, the fan module102may include a voice command such as “fan on me” to cause the fan to target (e.g., via rotation by pan/tilt mechanism106) the user who spoke the command to direct air flow in their general direction. Likewise, “fan off me” or “fan move left/right/up/down” may further be suitable voice commands for adjusting operation of the fan module102. Voice commands may also be utilized to change fan speed of the motor and fan108and/or may be utilized to select a particular output fragrance. The user may therefore utilize voice and/or other commands, e.g., commands executed via an app, to cause the air treatment system to switch from a semi-autonomous mode to a manual mode for a predefined period of time to ensure air circulation comports with a user's desired configuration. In some cases, the user device118may receive/capture the voice commands via a local microphone and transmit the same to the fan module102to cause the same to change operation accordingly. Turning toFIG.2, a block diagram shows a side view of the air treatment system100in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the fan module102includes a housing comprised of a base portion240and a spheroid fan portion241(or fan body241). In some embodiment, the base portion240includes at least two arms extending therefrom to hold the fan body241securely in position, which are better shown inFIGS.3-5. However, the base portion240may include less arms, e.g., one arm as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS.14A-14G, or more than two arms depending on a desired configuration. A first end242, or module coupling end, of the base portion240may include a coupling receptacle for coupling with the optional filter120and/or optional humidifier122. A portion of the pant/title mechanism106may be disposed adjacent the module coupling end242and may allow the base240, and by extension the fan body241, to rotate about the longitudinal axis250(e.g., to provide movement/rotation along a horizontal axis). A second end247, or fan coupling end, of the base portion240may couple to the fan body241. The fan body241may couple to base240by a second portion of the pan/title mechanism106, with the second portion of the pan/title mechanism106allowing for up/down movement, or more particularly, movement along the longitudinal axis250. Thus, the pan/tilt mechanism106of the fan module102allows for 360 degrees of movement to direct output air150towards virtually any location within an environment. The fan body241is not necessarily limited to a sphere shape and may instead comprise any regular or irregular shape that provides at least one convex surface. For example, the fan body241may comprise an ellipsoid, oval or sphere, although these examples are not intended to be limiting. In any event, the fan body241includes a nozzle243which defines at least one outlet244, with the nozzle243being configured to output air150along convex surface245. As shown, the Coanda effect results in air150generally following convex surface245such that the air is generally is substantially output in direction D. Accordingly, air150may travel externally and not necessarily through a passageway provided through the fan body241. However, aspects and embodiments are equally applicable to nozzles that expel air through a passageway that extends substantially through the center of the fan body. The intake112may be adjacent the module coupling end242. The intake112may be fluidly coupled via one or more passageways within the base240which extend substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis250. Referring toFIGS.3-5the air treatment system is shown in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.FIG.3shows an air treatment system100A including only the fan module102. As shown, intake112includes at least one semi-permeable region (e.g., a mesh) to receive air, e.g., air140. Air140may then be provided via passageways/channels in one or both of arms302-1,302-2to the fan body241. As shown, a fragrance unit310(or fragrance diffuser) may be placed on (or adjacent) the intake112and output an adjustable amount of fragrance towards the bottom of the fan body241. Air, e.g., air150, output by the nozzle243may then combine with the fragrance and thus cause air150to have a predefined scent. The fragrance unit310may include one or more scents (e.g., provided by oils or gels or fabrics impregnated with scent) which may be mixed, heated and/or blown (e.g., via a fan within the fragrance unit310) to produce a desired fragrance at a desired intensity. The fragrance unit310may be powered by a battery. Alternatively, or in addition, the fragrance unit310may be powered by electric contacts located on the base240. The fragrance unit310may be controlled via the controller104. In some cases, the fragrance unit310may include a battery and charger circuit to allow the unit to be “charged” via the base240and deposited in another location with an environment to operate independent of the base240. The fragrance unit310may be remotely controlled via the user device118(or controlled indirectly by commands routed through the fan module102). FIG.6Ashows one example embodiment of an air treatment system100D creating room-wide airflow. In an embodiment, the fan module may point directly/substantially upward and may use one or more image sensors to determine a center of the ceiling. Once determined, a convection current may be identified that circulates hot air and causes the same to normally stagnates adjacent the ceiling. The fan module102may efficiently target such hot/stagnate air and direct cooler air to disrupt the same. Thus, stratified layers of air of different temperatures may be mixed efficiently to circulate air fully through an environment. As shown inFIG.6Banother example embodiment of an air treatment system100D is shown. As shown, the fan module may move in a spiral fashion so as to force hot or stagnant/dirty air from the top layers of an airspace adjacent a ceiling. For example, the fan module may begin facing upwards towards the ceiling and then start by rotating in full continuous revolutions about the base vertical pan axis610while slowly tiling down from the upward-facing position. Thus, a spiral may be transcribed by a resulting air stream to force room air downward towards a filter of the air treatment system, for example. FIG.7shows an example embodiment where air treatment system100E is in communication with air treatment system100F to provide room-wide/environment-wide circulation. In this embodiment, each air treatments system may share their present direction with each other, e.g., via wireless connection120, to ensure that their respective outputs are not directly pointed at each other, and instead covering different areas within the environment. FIG.9shows an example embodiment of a fan module102D in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the air is taken in through the base, e.g., via intake112, and brought up to the spheroid fan portion. A change over valve may then direct air through the spheroid fan portion. FIG.10shows another example embodiment of a fan module102E. in this embodiment, hinged elements1002allow the spheroid fan portion to “open” similar to a flower to widen an air path for air150. FIGS.11A-11Cshow the module102E ofFIG.10during various stages of opening/closing. As shown, a stretchable material (e.g., fabric) surrounds the spheroid fan portion. A distal end of the hinged elements1002is coupled to a ring1104which is concentric about an axle1106. As the ring1104travels towards the disc portion1108the spheroid shape widens by function of the hinged elements1002extending substantially orthogonal relative to the axle1106. As shown inFIG.11C, this results in a wider spheroid shape relative to the shape shown inFIG.11A. FIGS.12A-12Cshow an additional configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, fan module102F includes fan inlets within an opening of the base240. FIGS.13A-13Dshow an additional configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the air treatment system100G includes an air filter120which is in fluid communication with base240. FIGS.14A-14Gshow an additional configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the air treatment system100H includes a fan module with a single arm extending from base240. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure a modular air treatment system is disclosed. The air treatment system including a fan module, the fan module including, an intake having at least a first inlet to receive air, a motor to generate airflow based on the received air, a nozzle to output the generated airflow, the nozzle configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to direct the generated airflow at a region of interest in a surrounding environment, an air filter module to removably couple to the fan module, the air filter module having at least one output port to fluidly couple to first inlet of the fan module to provide filtered air, and a humidifier module to removably couple to the fan module and the air filter module, the humidifier module to output humidified air. In accordance with an another aspect an air treatment system is disclosed. The air treatment system including a fan portion having a base, the fan portion including an intake to receive air from at least a first inlet, the first inlet disposed on a bottom surface of the base, a motor to generate airflow based on the air received by the intake, and a nozzle to output the generated airflow, the nozzle configured to rotate about a first and second rotational axis to direct the generated airflow at a region of interest in a surrounding environment, an air filter portion having a first end coupled to the bottom surface of the base and a second end to couple to a humidifier portion, the first end of the air filter portion having at least one output port fluidly coupled to first inlet of the fan portion to provide filtered air, and the humidifier portion coupled to the second end of the air filter portion, the humidifier portion to output humidified air. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure an air treatment system is disclosed. The air treatment system including a fan portion, the fan portion including an intake to receive air from at least one of a first inlet and/or a second inlet, a motor to generate airflow based on the air received by the intake, a nozzle to output the generated airflow, the nozzle configured to rotate about at least a first rotational axis to direct the generated airflow at a region of interest in a surrounding environment, and a controller to cause the nozzle to rotate about the first rotational axis, an air filter portion to removably couple to the fan portion, the air filter portion having at least one output port to fluidly couple to the first inlet of the fan portion to provide filtered air, a humidifier portion to removably couple to the fan portion and the air filter portion, the humidifier portion to output humidified air based on a signal received from the controller of the fan portion, and means for switchably restricting air flow into the fan portion via the second inlet in response to the air filter portion removably coupling to the fan portion. While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an air treatment system may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, which is not to be limited except by the following claims. | 27,554 |
11859858 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a copper coated AC drain pan basin and is generally referred to with numeral10. It can be observed that it basically includes drain pan assembly20. As seen inFIGS.1and2, drain pan assembly20comprises pan base22, first and second longitudinal walls24, first and second transversal walls26, outlet34, and top edge36. Pan base22comprises base top face28. Drain pan assembly20further comprises a first layer of adhesive substance32, and a second layer of copper30, wherein adhesive substance32is spread onto base top face28, and copper30is spread onto adhesive substance32. In a preferred embodiment, adhesive substance32is spread homogeneously onto base top face28, and copper30is spread homogeneously onto adhesive substance32. The first layer of adhesive substance32in one embodiment is applied first, against base top face28, and then copper30is spread onto adhesive substance32. Base top face28defines a first predetermined area, and the first layer of adhesive substance32with the second layer of copper30defines a second predetermined area. The first predetermined area and the second predetermined area are approximately the same. Adhesive substance32may be an epoxy adhesive, a cyanoacrylate adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, a natural adhesive, or any other adhesive having similar characteristics. Adhesive substance32may be a liquid, spray, or paste substance. In a preferred embodiment, adhesive substance32is a spray glue. In a preferred embodiment, copper30is in powder, filament, and/or flake form. Adhesive substance32is infused with copper30. Copper30inhibits a growth of microorganisms in water W collected by drain pan assembly20. The microorganisms may be fungus, mold, and/or bacteria. In operation, water W, collected in drain pan assembly20, is free of mold, bacteria, and fungus, whereby water W contacts copper30in a preferred embodiment. It is noted that water W is only shown for illustrative purposes inFIGS.1and2. It is understood that water W only lands onto drain pan assembly20once incorporated within evaporator drain system60of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system as seen inFIG.3. As seen inFIG.3, drain pan assembly20is incorporated within evaporator drain system60of an HVAC system. In a preferred embodiment, evaporator drain system60comprises blower fan62, evaporator coils64, and drainage line66. Water W drains through outlet34to drainage line66. Copper30prevents or eliminates growth of microorganisms, algae, gunk and/or other matter that otherwise would grow on drain pan assembly20, allowing it to remain clean. Copper30also prevents or eliminates growth of microorganisms, algae, gunk and/or other matter that otherwise would clog drainage line66, therefore allowing it to remain unclogged. In a preferred embodiment, electrical system120comprises power unit122and electric connection124. In a preferred embodiment, power unit122operates with 110 or 240 Volt. The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. | 3,361 |
11859859 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Outdoor units100and300for an air-conditioning apparatus in the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the relationship between the sizes of components in the following drawings may differ from that between the actual sizes of the components. Furthermore, note that components designated by the same reference signs in the following drawings are the same components or equivalents. This note applies to the entire description herein. Additionally, note that the forms of components described herein are intended to be illustrative only and the forms of the components are not intended to be limited to those described herein. For the sake of clarity, terms representing directions or positions, such as “upper”, “lower”, “rightward”, “leftward”, “front”, and “rear”, will be used as appropriate. These terms are used herein only for the purpose of convenience of description and are not intended to limit the arrangement and orientations of units or parts. Embodiment 1 [Configuration of Outdoor Unit100] FIG.1is a front perspective view of an outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a rear perspective view of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.FIG.3is a partly exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The outdoor unit100for an air-conditioning apparatus will be described with reference toFIGS.1to3. As illustrated in the following drawings includingFIG.1, the X axis represents the direction of width of the outdoor unit100, the Y axis represents the direction of depth of the outdoor unit100, and the Z axis represents the direction of height of the outdoor unit100. More specifically, the term “X1 direction” refers to a leftward direction when the outdoor unit100is viewed from the front, the term “X2 direction” refers to a rightward direction, the term “Y1 direction” along the Y axis refers to a forward direction, the term “Y2 direction” refers to a rearward direction, the term “Z1 direction” along the Z axis refers to an upward direction, and the term “Z2 direction” refers to a downward direction in the following description about the outdoor unit100. The phrase “when the outdoor unit100is viewed from the front” means a state of the outdoor unit100viewed from a downstream location, toward which air is blown from a casing50, in an air flow direction in which the air flows through the casing50. The positional relationship between components (in the direction of height, for example) described herein, in principle, is provided in a state where the outdoor unit100is placed in position ready for use. (Shell of Outdoor Unit100) As illustrated inFIG.1, the outdoor unit100includes the casing50, which has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. The casing50of the outdoor unit100is made of sheet metal and constitutes a shell of the outdoor unit100. The casing50of the outdoor unit100includes a shell panel1, a side panel2, a top panel3, and a base4. Each of the shell panel1and the side panel2includes a flange at its top. The top panel3is attached to the flanges. Similarly, the base4also includes a flange. The shell panel1and the side panel2are secured to the flange with, for example, bolts, so that the shell panel1and the side panel2are placed on and combined with the base4. The shell panel1is a sheet metal panel. The shell panel1includes a front portion11, a side portion12, and a rear portion13, which are integrated in one piece. The front portion11constitutes a front wall of the casing50, the side portion12constitutes a side wall of the casing50, and the rear portion13constitutes a part of a rear wall of the casing50. The shell panel1is bent to have an L-shape defined by the front portion11, which is horizontally long, and the side portion12, which is vertically long, when the shell panel1is viewed from above the outdoor unit100, that is, toward the position where the top panel3is disposed. Although the front portion11and the side portion12of the shell panel1are integrated in one piece, the shell panel1may have any other form. The shell panel1may be composed of a plurality of sheet metal panels such that the front portion11and the side portion12are separate panels. The front portion11constitutes a wall of the casing50from which air is blown to the outside. The front portion11has a circular air outlet8. An air-sending device5causes air to be suctioned into the casing50through a rear opening7and side openings1a, which will be described later, and then blown out of the casing50through the air outlet8. Furthermore, a rectangular fan guard6is attached to the front portion11of the shell panel1to cover the air outlet8and protect a propeller fan5b, which will be described later, of the air-sending device5. FIG.4is a side view of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The side portion12will be described below with reference toFIG.4. The side portion12constitutes a wall extending in the direction of depth of the casing50(along the Y axis). The side portion12has the side openings1ato suction outdoor air into the outdoor unit100. As illustrated inFIG.4, the side openings1a, each used as an air inlet, are arranged in the direction of height, or vertically, in the side portion12. The number of side openings1ain the side portion12may be one or more. The side openings1aare used as air inlets in the casing50through which air is caused to enter the casing50from the outside by actuating the air-sending device5. The side portion12further has a vent1c. At least one vent1cis located along side edge parts12aof the side openings1ain the side portion12. The side portion12having the vent1cfaces a partition17with a heat exchanger10interposed between the vent1cand the partition17and constitutes a side wall of an air-sending device chamber31, and the side wall is opposite the partition17. The side portion12and the vent1cwill be described in detail later. With reference again toFIGS.1to3, the rear portion13constitutes a part of the rear of the casing50and partly covers the rear of the heat exchanger10. The rear portion13faces a part of the front portion11in the direction of depth of the casing50(along the Y axis). The shell panel1includes the front portion11, the side portion12, and the rear portion13integrated in one piece. The shell panel1is bent to have an L-shape defined by the side portion12and the rear portion13when the shell panel1is viewed from above the outdoor unit100, that is, toward the position where the top panel3is disposed. The rear portion13extends from the side portion12to a position where the rear portion13partly covers the rear of the heat exchanger10. Although the shell panel1is bent and the side portion12and the rear portion13are integrated in one piece, the shell panel1may have any other form. The shell panel1may be composed of a plurality of sheet metal panels such that the side portion12and the rear portion13are separate panels. The rear portion13constitutes a part of the rear of the casing50and partly covers the heat exchanger10, thus defining an edge of the rear opening7through which to expose the heat exchanger10at the rear of the casing50. More specifically, the rear opening7is defined by respective edges of the rear portion13, the top panel3, the side panel2, and the base4. The rear opening7is used as an air inlet of the casing50. Actuating the air-sending device5causes air to enter the casing50from the outside through the rear opening7. To improve ventilation of the heat exchanger10, the rear opening7has a greater width than does the rear portion13. The side panel2is a sheet metal panel bent in an L-shape when the side panel2is viewed toward the position where the top panel3is disposed. The side panel2includes a second side part2a, which is vertically long and faces the side portion12, and a second rear part2bfacing a part of the front portion11. The second side part2aconstitutes a side wall of the casing50. The second rear part2bconstitutes a part of the rear wall of the casing50. The second rear part2band the rear portion13constitute the rear wall of the casing50. Although the second rear part2band the rear portion13are separate pieces of the casing50, the second rear part2band the rear portion13may be integrated in one piece to constitute the rear wall of the casing50. The second side part2ahas a plurality of openings (not illustrated) through which to draw a refrigerant pipe and a plug connected to an external power source into the casing. Although the second side part2aand the second rear part2bof the side panel2are integrated in one piece, the side panel2may have any other form. The second side part2aand the second rear part2bmay be separate pieces, or two sheet metal panels. The top panel3is a sheet metal panel that constitutes the top of the casing50and that is used as a top cover of the outdoor unit100. The top panel3is attached to upper edges of the shell panel1and the side panel2. The base4is opposite the top panel3in the casing50and constitutes the bottom of the casing50. The base4, to which the shell panel1and the side panel2are attached, has a plurality of legs4aextending from its lower surface. The legs4aare used as supports by which to fix the outdoor unit100to an installation location. (Internal Configuration of Outdoor Unit100) FIG.5is a top view of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure with the top panel3removed. An internal configuration of the outdoor unit100for an air-conditioning apparatus will be described below with reference toFIGS.3and5. The outdoor unit100includes the partition17, the heat exchanger10, the air-sending device5, a motor support14, and a compressor15in the casing50. The partition17, which is disposed in the casing50, is a separating wall that divides a space in the casing50of the outdoor unit100into the air-sending device chamber31and a machine chamber32. The partition17is a plate-shaped part formed by, for example, bending sheet metal. The partition17is disposed on the base4in the casing50such that the partition17extends from the base4upward (along the Z axis) and also extends in the direction of depth of the base4(along the Y axis). An electric equipment box (not illustrated) is attached to the partition17. The air-sending device chamber31is a space defined by the shell panel1, the top panel3, the base4, and the partition17. The air-sending device chamber31is configured such that outdoor air is suctioned from the outside of the outdoor unit100through the air inlets, including the rear opening7and the side openings1a, and the air in the outdoor unit100is discharged out of the outdoor unit100through the air outlet8. The machine chamber32is a space defined by the front portion11of the shell panel1, the side panel2, the top panel3, the base4, and the partition17, and has a structure that prevents the entry of dust or water from the outside of the outdoor unit100. The space of the air-sending device chamber31in the casing50contains the heat exchanger10and the air-sending device5facing the heat exchanger10. The space of the machine chamber32in the casing50contains the compressor15and a refrigerant pipe16. The heat exchanger10and the compressor15are arranged on the base4. The refrigerant pipe16connects components constituting a refrigeration cycle circuit. FIG.6is a perspective view of the heat exchanger10of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The heat exchanger10will be described below with reference toFIGS.5and6. The heat exchanger10, which exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger10and outdoor air, is used as an evaporator in a heating operation and is used as a condenser in a cooling operation. The heat exchanger10has a side area10e, a rear area10f, and a curved area10g, and has an L-shape defined by the side area10e, the rear area10f, and the curved area10gwhen the heat exchanger10is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base4. Such an L-shaped bent structure enables the heat exchanger10to have a greater number of fins10athan does an I-shaped heat exchanger10A, which will be described later, and a greater amount of heat exchange than does the I-shaped heat exchanger10A. The heat exchanger10is disposed between the casing50and the air-sending device5. As illustrated inFIG.5, the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10faces the rear opening7in the outdoor unit100. The rear area10fis exposed to the outside through the rear opening7. As illustrated inFIG.5, the side area10eof the heat exchanger10faces the side openings1ain the outdoor unit100. The side area10eis exposed to the outside through the side openings1a. In other words, the heat exchanger10is disposed to be exposed through the air inlets. AlthoughFIGS.5and6illustrate the heat exchanger10having an L-shape, the heat exchanger10may be U-shaped, when the heat exchanger10is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the base4, such that the curved area10gand the side area10eare arranged at each end of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger10, which is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger, includes heat transfer tubes10cthrough which the refrigerant passes and fins10aby which to increase the area of heat transfer between the outdoor air and the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes10c. The heat transfer tubes10cextend through the fins10a. The refrigerant passes through the heat transfer tubes10c. The refrigerant passing through the heat transfer tubes10crejects heat or receives heat, thus achieving the cooling operation or the heating operation of an air-conditioning apparatus. In the heat exchanger10, the fins10a, which are strip-shaped, spaced apart from each other are horizontally arranged at right angles to the rear opening7and the side openings1a. A fastening plate10bis disposed at the end of the heat exchanger10closest to the machine chamber32in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. The fastening plate10bis secured to the partition17and the side panel2with bolts to attach the heat exchanger10to the inside of the outdoor unit100. The fins10ainclude an end fin group10a1located at the end remote from the partition17. The end fin group10a1is composed of fins10aarranged at the end remote from the partition17. In addition, the end fin group10a1includes an outermost fin10a2located at the extremity remote from the partition17. The air-sending device5, which is disposed in the casing50, creates a flow of air passing through the side openings1a, the rear opening7, and the casing50. As illustrated inFIG.5, the air-sending device5is an air-sending means including a motor5aand the propeller fan5b, and produces air circulation for efficient heat exchange at the heat exchanger10. With reference toFIG.5, the air-sending device5is disposed in front of the heat exchanger10(in the Y1 direction) in the casing50. The air-sending device5is fixed by attaching the motor5ato the motor support14. The air-sending device5creates a negative pressure between the heat exchanger10and the propeller fan5bto introduce outdoor air into the casing50from the rear (located farthest in the Y2 direction) of the casing50and discharge the outdoor air, introduced into the outdoor unit100, to the outside of the casing50from the front (located farthest in the Y1 direction) of the outdoor unit100. Furthermore, the air-sending device5creates a negative pressure between the heat exchanger10and the propeller fan5bto introduce outdoor air into the casing50from the side (located farthest in the X1 direction) of the casing50and discharge the outdoor air, introduced into the outdoor unit100, to the outside of the casing50from the front (located farthest in the Y1 direction) of the outdoor unit100. The motor support14is a pillar-shaped part extending between the base4and the top panel3in the direction of height (along the Z axis) in the casing50. The motor5aof the air-sending device5is secured to and held at substantially the middle of the motor support14in the direction of height (along the Z axis). The motor support14is secured to the base4with fasteners, such as screws. The compressor15is a device that suctions low temperature and low pressure refrigerant, compresses the suctioned refrigerant into high temperature and high pressure refrigerant, and then discharges the refrigerant. The compressor15is, for example, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, or a vane compressor. The compressor15may be, for example, a compressor including an inverter configured to control a capacity. (Details of Side Portion12and Vent1c) FIG.7is a top schematic diagram illustrating an end10tof a heat exchanger10disposed in an outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example.FIG.8is a top schematic diagram illustrating an end10tof the heat exchanger10disposed in the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.FIGS.7and8are enlarged views of part A inFIG.5. A commonality between the configuration of the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example and the configuration of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and a difference between the configuration of the outdoor unit200and the configuration of the outdoor unit100will be described with reference toFIGS.7and8. The end10tof the heat exchanger10is the end remote from the machine chamber32in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. In other words, the end10tof the heat exchanger10is located closer to the side portion12than is the opposite end. The commonality between the configurations of the outdoor units100and200will be described below. For the sake of assembly, or to avoid, for example, interference between parts during assembly of the outdoor unit100and the outdoor unit200, the heat exchanger10is disposed at a distance from a shell part, for example, the side portion12. As described above, the side portion12has the side openings1a. With reference toFIGS.7and8, the side edge parts12a, defining edges of the side openings1a, of the side portion12are bent toward the side area10eof the heat exchanger10to reduce a gap between the side portion12and the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. Specifically, the side portion12is located at a distance D1from the side area10e, whereas each side edge part12ais located at a distance D10smaller than the distance D1from the side area10e(D1>D10). The side edge part12ais formed by bending an edge part of the side portion12such that the distance D10ranges from, for example, 5 to 10 mm. The side edge part12ais formed by burring, for example. As described above, the outdoor units100and200are configured such that each side edge part12a, defining an edge of the side opening1a, of the side portion12is bent toward the fins10ato reduce the gap between the side edge part12aand the heat exchanger10. Such a configuration of the outdoor units100and200prevents the entry of, for example, a finger into the gap between the side edge part12aand the heat exchanger10, thus ensuring safety. Furthermore, the outdoor units100and200are formed such that the side edge part12ais bent inward not to protrude outward. Such a configuration eliminates the need for covering, for example, a burr of the side edge part12awith resin or any other material, and ensures safety. Although the side edge part12abent in an L-shape is illustrated as an example, the side edge part12amay be folded in contact with the side portion12. Furthermore, the side edge part12amay be curved in a U-shape such that its folded portion is not in contact with the side portion12. Additionally, the shape of the side edge part12ais not limited to a bent shape. The side edge part12amay have a shape with no bent portion. In this case, as the side edge part12aincludes no bent portion, the distance D1provided between the side portion12and the side area10eis made smaller than that in the configuration in which the side edge part12ais bent in consideration of, for example, the above-described safety. The difference between the configurations of the outdoor units100and200will be described below. The outdoor unit100differs from the outdoor unit200in that the side portion12has the vent1clocated between the side openings1aand the front portion11. The side portion12, included in the casing50, of the outdoor unit100has the vent1cfacing the end fin group10a1. As illustrated inFIG.4, the side portion12has at least one vent1clocated along the side edge parts12a, which define edges of the side openings1a. The vent1cis located between the side edge parts12aand the front portion11. Furthermore, the vent1cis located in an overlapping region1bof the side portion12in which the side portion12overlaps the side area10eof the heat exchanger10in a direction perpendicular to the side portion12. More specifically, the side portion12has the overlapping region1b, which is a wall part located between the side edge parts12aand the outermost fin10a2when the side portion12is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the side portion12. At least part of the vent1cis located in the overlapping region1b. The overlapping region1bof the side portion12is a part of the side portion12that faces the end fin group10a1, which define the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. Although the whole of the vent1cmay be located in the overlapping region1b, it is preferred that part of the vent1cbe located in the overlapping region1b. In other words, the vent1cis preferably formed such that the outermost fin10ais located in the vent1cwhen the vent1cis viewed in the direction perpendicular to the side portion12. The vent1cis a through-hole in the side portion12. As illustrated inFIG.4, the vent1chas an oblong shape. It is only required that the vent1cis a through-hole. For example, the vent1cmay have any other shape, such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an obround shape, a corner-rounded rectangular shape, a rectangular shape, and a polygonal shape. The number of vents1cin the side portion12may be one or more. The diameter and area of the vent1cor the number of vents1cis determined in relation to the distance between the side portion12and the fins10a, and is a matter of design choice. The vent1cis an air inlet of the casing50through which air is caused to enter the casing50from the outside by actuating the air-sending device5. [Operation of Outdoor Unit100] A common operation of the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure and the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example will be described below. For each of the outdoor units100and200, while the outdoor unit is being driven, the air-sending device5is driven to increase the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger10and outdoor air. The air-sending device5creates a negative pressure between the heat exchanger10and the propeller fan5bto introduce outdoor air27into the casing50from the rear and the side of the casing50. Then, the air-sending device5causes the air introduced into the casing50and subjected to heat exchange to be discharged, as blown air28, out of the casing50through the air outlet8located in the front (located farthest in the Y1 direction) of the casing50. At this time, suction air27aenters the casing50of each of the outdoor units100and200through the rear opening7and the side openings1a. The suction air27aentering the casing50flows through the spaces between the fins10aof the heat exchanger10and exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the heat transfer tubes10c. An operation of the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example will be described below with reference toFIG.7. Suction air27b, which is part of the outdoor air27entering through the air inlets, such as the side openings1a, enters the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10eof the heat exchanger10without passing through the spaces between the fins10a. The suction air27bentering the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10epasses through a space between the side portion12and the side area10ein the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. At this time, the flow of the suction air27bin the direction in which the fins10aare arranged causes turbulence of the air or vortices of air at the edges of the fins10a, generating noise, such as a high-pitched sound like a peep. At the end fin group10a1facing the overlapping region1bin the outdoor unit200, the suction air27bflows in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged and then flows around the outermost fin10a2. This flow makes it difficult for the suction air27ato flow through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the heat exchanger10. The outdoor unit200may fail to fully demonstrate its heat exchange capacity at the end10t. In contrast, the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure has the vent1cin the overlapping region1bof the side portion12. The vent1calso allows the suction air27ato enter the casing50through the vent1c. As described above, in the case where the side portion12has no vent1c, the suction air27bentering the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10epasses through the space between the side portion12and the side area10e, causing noise. In the outdoor unit100, the vent1cof the side portion12allows the suction air27ato flow in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. Therefore, the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the side area10e, and thus readily passes through the heat exchanger10with a low air flow resistance. Thus, the suction air27apassing through the vent1cis less likely to cause turbulence of the air or vortices of air, and thus causes no air-induced noise in the outdoor unit100. As the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the side area10e, with a low air flow resistance, the outdoor air27is less likely to enter the gap, where the air flow resistance is high, between the side edge parts12aand the side area10e. Thus, the suction air27bis less likely to flow through the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10e, eliminating air-induced noise in the outdoor unit100. Furthermore, even if the outdoor air27enters the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10e, the flow of the suction air27bin the direction in which the fins10aare arranged will be interrupted by the suction air27aflowing straight with a low air flow resistance. Therefore, the suction air27bis less likely to flow through the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10e, thus eliminating air-induced noise in the outdoor unit100. Even if the suction air27bpassing past the side edge parts12acauses a vortex of air, the vortex will be canceled by the suction air27apassing through the vent1cand flowing straight. In the above-described outdoor unit200, as the suction air27bentering the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10epasses through the space between the side portion12and the side area10ein the direction in which the fins10aare arranged, the suction air27bhardly passes through the spaces between the fins10aof the heat exchanger10. In the outdoor unit100, however, the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the side area10e, and thus readily passes through the heat exchanger10with a low air flow resistance. Therefore, the outdoor unit100demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10than does the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. FIG.9is a top schematic diagram illustrating the end10tof the heat exchanger10and explaining the position of the vent1cinFIG.8.FIG.10is a schematic diagram of a vent1c1inFIG.9.FIG.11is a schematic diagram of another vent1c2inFIG.9. A desired position of the vent1cin the side portion12will be described below with reference toFIGS.9to11. For the position of the vent1cin the side portion12, three positions of the vent1c1, the vent1c2, and a vent1c3are conceivable. The vent1c1is a through-hole that is fully located in the overlapping region1b. Therefore, the whole of a space defined by an inner edge of the vent1c1faces the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. In other words, as illustrated inFIG.10, only the fins10aare arranged in the vent1c1when the vent1c1is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the side portion12. Therefore, the suction air27apassing through the vent1c1passes through the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. As a result, the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10than does the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. Furthermore, the amount of suction air27athat passes through the heat exchanger10in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1is greater than that in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c2. Therefore, the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10than does the outdoor unit100having the vent1c2. The vent1c2is a through-hole that has at least part that overlaps the overlapping region1b. Therefore, part of a space defined by an inner edge of the vent1c2faces the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. In other words, as illustrated inFIG.11, the outermost fin10a2is located in the vent1c2when the vent1c2is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the side portion12. Therefore, the suction air27apassing through the vent1c2partly passes through the side area10eof the heat exchanger10, and partly flows into the air-sending device chamber31without passing through the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. As a result, the vent1c2reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and allows the heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10to be higher than that in the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. Furthermore, the amount of suction air27athat does not pass through the heat exchanger10in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c2is greater than that in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1. Therefore, the amount of suction air27apassing through the vent1c2is greater than that of suction air27apassing through the vent1c1. Thus, suction air27bis less likely to flow through the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10ein the outdoor unit100having the vent1c2than does that in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1, further reducing the likelihood that the outdoor unit100having the vent1c2will generate air-induced noise. The ratio of the area of part of the vent1c2that is located in the overlapping region1bto the area of part of the vent1c2that is not located in the overlapping region1bis determined in relation to the gap between the side portion12and the fins10a, and is a matter of design choice. The vent1c3is located in a region other than the overlapping region1band between the side edge parts12aand the front portion11in the direction of depth of the outdoor unit100(along the Y axis). Therefore, the whole of a space defined by an inner edge of the vent1c3does not face the fins10a, which define the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. Thus, the suction air27apassing through the vent1c3flows into the air-sending device chamber31without passing through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the side area10eof the heat exchanger10. The amount of suction air27athat does not pass through the heat exchanger10in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c3is greater than that in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1or1c2. Therefore, the amount of suction air27apassing through the vent1c3is greater than that of suction air27apassing through the vent1c1or1c2. Thus, suction air27bhardly flows through the gap between the side edge parts12aand the side area10eeven in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c3, so that air may hardly induce noise. At the position of the vent1c3, the side area10eof the heat exchanger10, which is a resistor to the flow of air, does not exist in the direction in which the suction air27aflows. Therefore, the suction air27aenters the casing50more readily than does that in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1and than does that in the outdoor unit100having the vent1c2. For the position of the vent1c3, however, the suction air27apassing through the vent1c3does not pass through the heat exchanger10, resulting in a reduction in heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger10. From the viewpoint of the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger10, therefore, the vent1cof the outdoor unit100is more preferably located at the position of the vent1c1or the vent1c2than at the position of the vent1c3. [Advantageous Effects of Outdoor Unit100] In the outdoor unit100, suction air27aentering through the vent1cflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a. This flow causes suction air27aentering the casing50through the side openings1a, used as air inlets, to hardly enter the gap, which has a higher air flow resistance than does the vent1c, between the side edge parts12aof these air inlets and the fins10a. As a result, suction air27bis kept from flowing through a gap between the casing50and the heat exchanger10in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged, thus reducing or eliminating turbulence of the air or vortices of air. Thus, the outdoor unit100does not generate noise induced by air that enters the casing50through the side openings1a. Even if suction air27aenters the gap between the side edge parts12aand the fins10a, suction air27bflowing in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged will be interrupted by suction air27apassing through the vent1cand flowing straight. As a result, the suction air27bis kept from flowing through the gap between the casing50and the heat exchanger10in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged, thus reducing or eliminating turbulence of the air or vortices of air. Thus, the outdoor unit100does not generate noise induced by air that enters the casing50through the side openings1a. Even if the suction air27bpassing past the side edge parts12acauses a vortex of air, the vortex will be canceled by the suction air27apassing through the vent1cand flowing straight. Thus, the outdoor unit100does not generate noise induced by air that enters the casing50through the side openings1a. Additionally, in the outdoor unit100, the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the side area10e, and thus readily passes through the heat exchanger10. Thus, the outdoor unit100demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10than does the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. For the vent1c2, at least part of this hole is located in the overlapping region1b. In other words, the outermost fin10a2is located in the vent1c2when the vent1c2is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the side portion12. Therefore, suction air27apassing through the vent1c2partly passes through the end fin group10a1of the heat exchanger10, and partly flows into the air-sending device chamber31without passing through the spaces between the fins10aof the heat exchanger10. As a result, the vent1c2reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and allows the heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10to be higher than that in the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. When the vent1c1is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the side portion12, only the fins10aare arranged in this vent. Therefore, suction air27apassing through the vent1c1readily passes through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the heat exchanger10, whereas the suction air27ahardly flows through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the heat exchanger10in the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. As a result, the outdoor unit100having the vent1c1reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10than does the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. The side portion12having the vent1cconstitutes a side wall of the air-sending device chamber31that is opposite the partition17. Such a configuration enables suction air27aentering the outdoor unit100through the vent1cto pass straight through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the L-shaped heat exchanger10. Thus, the outdoor unit100including the L-shaped heat exchanger10has a greater amount of heat exchange than does that including the I-shaped heat exchanger10A as well as reducing or eliminating air-induced noise. The multiple side openings1a, used as air inlets, are arranged vertically in the side portion12. At least one vent1cis located along the side edge parts12aof the multiple side openings1a. This arrangement allows suction air27aentering the outdoor unit100through the vent1cto pass straight through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the L-shaped heat exchanger10. Thus, the outdoor unit100including the L-shaped heat exchanger10has a greater amount of heat exchange than does that including the I-shaped heat exchanger10A as well as reducing or eliminating air-induced noise. The vent1chas a circular, corner-rounded rectangular, or oblong shape. In the outdoor unit100, therefore, the side edge parts12aadjacent to the vent1cis hardly under localized high stress, thus enhancing the strength of the casing50. Embodiment 2 [Configuration of Outdoor Unit300] FIG.12is a rear perspective view of the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.FIG.13is a top view of the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure with a top panel3removed. The same parts and components as those in the outdoor unit100inFIGS.1to9are designated by the same reference signs and a description of these parts and components is omitted. The outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure differs from the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the shell panel1and that of the heat exchanger10. In the following description about the outdoor unit300, the orientation of the outdoor unit300is the same as that of the above-described outdoor unit100, and the X, Y, and Z axes of the outdoor unit300are the same as those of the above-described outdoor unit100. The following description will focus on the difference between the outdoor unit300and the outdoor unit100. (Shell of Outdoor Unit300) As illustrated inFIGS.12and13, the outdoor unit300includes a casing50having a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. The casing50of the outdoor unit300is made of sheet metal and constitutes a shell of the outdoor unit300. The casing50of the outdoor unit300includes a shell panel1A, a side panel2, the top panel3, and a base4. Each of the shell panel1A and the side panel2includes a flange at its top. The top panel3is attached to the flanges. Similarly, the base4also includes a flange. The shell panel1A and the side panel2are secured to the flange with, for example, bolts, so that the shell panel1A and the side panel2are placed on and combined with the base4. The shell panel1A is a sheet metal panel. The shell panel1A includes a front portion11, a side portion12A, and a rear portion13A, which are integrated in one piece. The shell panel1A is bent to have an L-shape defined by the front portion11, which is horizontally long, and the side portion12A, which is vertically long, when the shell panel1A is viewed from above the outdoor unit300, that is, toward the position where the top panel3is disposed. Although the front portion11and the side portion12A of the shell panel1A are integrated in one piece, the shell panel1A may have any other form. The shell panel1A may be composed of a plurality of sheet metal panels such that the front portion11and the side portion12A are separate panels. The side portion12A constitutes a wall extending in the direction of depth of the casing50(along the Y axis). Although the outdoor unit100according to Embodiment 1 has the side openings1aand the vent1c, the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure has no side openings1aand no vent1c. The reason why the side portion12A has no side openings1aand no vent1cis that the heat exchanger10A mounted in the outdoor unit300is I-shaped when the heat exchanger10A is viewed from above and has no side area10eand eliminates the need for heat exchange with air that enters the outdoor unit through the side openings1a. Although the side portion12A is illustrated as being flat inFIG.12, the side portion12A may be uneven for a variety of reasons, including enhancing the strength of the casing50, providing the ease of holding the casing50to an operator, and rectifying the flow of air through the casing50. The rear portion13A constitutes a part of the rear of the casing50and partly covers the rear of the heat exchanger10A. The rear portion13A faces a part of the front portion11in the direction of depth of the casing50(along the Y axis). The shell panel1A includes the front portion11, the side portion12A, and the rear portion13A, which are integrated in one piece. The shell panel1is bent to have an L-shape defined by the side portion12A and the rear portion13A when the shell panel1is viewed from above the outdoor unit300, that is, toward the position where the top panel3is disposed. The rear portion13A extends from the side portion12A to a position where the rear portion13A partly covers the rear of the heat exchanger10A. Although the shell panel1A is bent and the side portion12A and the rear portion13A are integrated in one piece, the shell panel1A may have any other form. The shell panel1A may be composed of a plurality of sheet metal panels such that the side portion12A and the rear portion13A are separate panels. The rear portion13A, which constitutes a part of the rear of the casing50and partly covers the heat exchanger10A, defines an edge of a rear opening7through which to expose the heat exchanger10A at the rear of the casing50. More specifically, the rear opening7is defined by respective edges of the rear portion13A, the top panel3, the side panel2, and the base4. The rear portion13A has a vent13c. The rear portion13A having the vent13cis opposite the front portion11, which is a front wall, having an air outlet8in the casing50, and constitutes a rear wall of an air-sending device chamber31. The rear portion13A and the vent13cwill be described in detail later. (Internal Configuration of Outdoor Unit300) The outdoor unit300includes a partition17, the heat exchanger10A, an air-sending device5, a motor support14, and a compressor15in the casing50. FIG.14is a perspective view of the heat exchanger10A of the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The heat exchanger10A will be described below with reference toFIGS.13and14. The heat exchanger10A, which exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger10A and outdoor air, is used as an evaporator in the heating operation and is used as a condenser in the cooling operation. The heat exchanger10A is I-shaped when the heat exchanger10A is viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the base4. In other words, the heat exchanger10A includes only the rear area10fof the L-shaped heat exchanger10. As illustrated inFIG.13, the heat exchanger10A faces the rear opening7in the outdoor unit300such that fins10aare exposed to the outside through the rear opening7. In the heat exchanger10A, the fins10a, which are strip-shaped, spaced apart from each other are horizontally arranged at right angles to the rear opening7. A fastening plate10bis disposed at the end of the heat exchanger10A closest to a machine chamber32in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. The fastening plate10bis secured to the partition17and the side panel2with bolts to attach the heat exchanger10A to the inside of the outdoor unit300. The fins10ainclude an end fin group10a1located at the end remote from the partition17. The end fin group10a1is composed of fins10aarranged at the end remote from the partition17. In addition, the end fin group10a1includes an outermost fin10a2located at the extremity remote from the partition17. For installation of an air-conditioning apparatus, if the amount of heat exchange of the L-shaped heat exchanger10is not needed depending on, for example, the size of a room in which the air-conditioning apparatus is installed, the I-shaped heat exchanger10A having a reduced number of fins10amay be used. The I-shaped heat exchanger10A, which has a smaller number of fins10athan does the L-shaped heat exchanger10, offers advantages in that the cost of parts is lower than that of the L-shaped heat exchanger10. (Details of Rear Portion13A and Vent13c) FIG.15is a top schematic diagram illustrating an end of a heat exchanger10A disposed in an outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example.FIG.16is a top schematic diagram illustrating an end of the heat exchanger10A disposed in the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.FIGS.15and16are enlarged views of part B inFIG.13. A commonality between the configuration of the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example and the configuration of the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and a difference between the configuration of the outdoor unit400and the configuration of the outdoor unit300will be described with reference toFIGS.15and16. An end10tof the heat exchanger10A is the end remote from the machine chamber32in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. In other words, the end10tof the heat exchanger10A is located closer to the side portion12A than is the opposite end adjacent to the machine chamber32. The commonality between the configurations of the outdoor units300and400will be described below. For the sake of assembly, or to avoid, for example, interference between parts during assembly of the outdoor unit300and the outdoor unit400, the heat exchanger10A is disposed at a distance from a shell part, for example, the rear portion13A. With reference toFIGS.15and16, the rear portion13includes a side edge part13a, which defines an edge of the rear opening7and is bent toward the fins10aof the heat exchanger10A to reduce a gap between the rear portion13A and the heat exchanger10A. Specifically, the rear portion13A is located at a distance D2from the heat exchanger10A, whereas the side edge part13ais located at a distance D20smaller than the distance D2from the heat exchanger10A (D2>D20). The side edge part13ais formed by bending an edge part of the rear portion13A such that the distance D20ranges from, for example, 5 to 10 mm. As described above, the outdoor units300and400are formed such that the side edge part13a, defining an edge of the rear opening7, of the rear portion13A is bent toward the heat exchanger10A to reduce a gap between the side edge part13aand the heat exchanger10A. Such a configuration of the outdoor units300and400prevents the entry of a finger into the gap between the side edge part13aand the heat exchanger10A, thus ensuring safety. Furthermore, the outdoor units300and400are formed such that the side edge part13ais bent inward not to protrude outward. Such a configuration eliminates the need for covering, for example, a burr of the side edge part13awith resin or any other material, and ensures safety. Although the side edge part13abent one time is illustrated as an example, the side edge part13amay be folded two times, or with two turns. Alternatively, the side edge part13amay be curved in a U-shape such that its folded portion is not in contact with the rear portion13A. Additionally, the shape of the side edge part13ais not limited to a bent shape. The side edge part13amay have a shape with no bent portion. In this case, as the side edge part13aincludes no bent portion, the distance between the rear portion13A and the fins10ais made smaller than that in the configuration in which the side edge part13ais bent in consideration of, for example, the above-described safety. The difference between the configurations of the outdoor units300and400will be described below. The outdoor unit300differs from the outdoor unit400in that the rear portion13A has the vent13clocated between the rear opening7and the side portion12A. The rear portion13A, included in the casing50, of the outdoor unit300has the vent13cfacing the end fin group10a1. As illustrated inFIG.12, the rear portion13A has at least one vent13clocated along the side edge part13adefining an edge of the rear opening7. As illustrated inFIG.16, the vent13cis located between the side edge part13aand the side portion12A. Furthermore, the vent13cis located in an overlapping region13bof the rear portion13A in which the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A overlaps the rear portion13A in a direction perpendicular to the rear portion13A. More specifically, the rear portion13A has the overlapping region13b, which is a wall part located between the side edge part13aand the outermost fin10a2when the rear portion13A is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rear portion13A. At least part of the vent13cis located in the overlapping region13b. The overlapping region13bis a part of the rear portion13A that faces the end fin group10a1, which defines the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10. Although the whole of the vent13cmay be located in the overlapping region13b, it is preferred that part of the vent13cbe located in the overlapping region13b. In other words, the vent13cis preferably formed such that the outermost fin10ais located in the vent13cwhen the vent13cis viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rear area10f. FIG.17is a rear perspective view of the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and illustrates the shape of the vent13c.FIG.18is a rear perspective view illustrating Modification1of the vent13cof the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.FIG.19is a rear perspective view illustrating Modification2of the vent13cof the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.FIGS.17,18, and19are enlarged views of part C inFIG.12. The vent13cis a through-hole in the rear portion13A. As illustrated inFIG.17, the vent13chas a circular shape. However, it is only required that the vent13cis a through-hole. For example, the vent13cmay have a corner-rounded rectangular shape as illustrated inFIG.18, an oblong shape as illustrated inFIG.19, or another shape, such as a perfectly circular shape, an oval shape, an obround shape, a rectangular shape, and a polygonal shape. The number of vents13cof the rear portion13A may be one or more. The diameter and area of the vent13cor the number of vents13cis determined in relation to the distance between the rear portion13A and the fins10a, and is a matter of design choice. The vent13cis an air inlet of the casing50through which air is caused to enter the casing50from the outside by actuating the air-sending device5. [Operation of Outdoor Unit300] A common operation of the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example will be described below. For each of the outdoor units300and400, while the outdoor unit is being driven, the air-sending device5is driven to increase the efficiency of heat exchange between refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger10A and outdoor air. The air-sending device5creates a negative pressure between the heat exchanger10A and a propeller fan5bto introduce outdoor air27into the casing50from the rear (located farthest in the Y2 direction) of the casing50. Then, the air-sending device5causes the air introduced into the casing50and subjected to heat exchange to be discharged, as blown air28, out of the casing50through the air outlet8located in the front (located farthest in the Y1 direction) of the casing50. At this time, suction air27aflows into the casing50of each of the outdoor units300and400through the rear opening7. The suction air27aentering the casing50flows through the spaces between the fins10aof the heat exchanger10and exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the insides of heat transfer tubes10c. An operation of the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example will be described below. Suction air27b, which is part of the outdoor air27entering through the air inlet defined by the rear opening7, enters a gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10without passing through the spaces between the fins10a. The suction air27bentering the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10fpasses through a space between the rear portion13A and the rear area10fin the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. At this time, the flow of the suction air27bin the direction in which the fins10aare arranged causes turbulence of the air or vortices of air at the edges of the fins10a, generating noise, such as a high-pitched sound like a peep. At the end fin group10a1facing the overlapping region13bin the outdoor unit400, the suction air27bflows in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged and then flows around the outermost fin10a2. This flow makes it difficult for the suction air27ato flow through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the heat exchanger10A. The outdoor unit400may fail to fully demonstrate its heat exchange capacity at the end10t. In contrast, the outdoor unit300according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure has the vent13cin the overlapping region13bof the rear portion13A. The vent13calso allows the suction air27ato enter the casing50through the vent13c. As described above, in the case where the rear portion13A has no vent13c, the suction air27bentering the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10fpasses through the space between the rear portion13A and the rear area10f, causing noise. In the outdoor unit300, the vent13cof the rear portion13A allows the suction air27ato flow in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fins10aare arranged. Therefore, the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the rear area10f, and thus readily passes through the heat exchanger10A with a low air flow resistance. Thus, the suction air27apassing through the vent13cis less likely to cause turbulence of the air or vortices of air, and thus causes no air-induced noise in the outdoor unit300. As the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the rear area10f, with a low air flow resistance, the outdoor air27hardly enters the gap, which has a high air flow resistance, between the side edge part13aand the rear area10f. Thus, the suction air27bis less likely to flow through the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10f, eliminating air-induced noise in the outdoor unit300. Furthermore, even if the outdoor air27enters the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10f, the flow of the suction air27bin the direction in which the fins10aare arranged will be interrupted by the suction air27aflowing straight with a low air flow resistance. Therefore, the suction air27bis less likely to flow through the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10f, thus eliminating air-induced noise in the outdoor unit300. Even if the suction air27bpassing past the side edge part13acauses a vortex of air, the vortex will be canceled by the suction air27apassing through the vent13cand flowing straight. In the above-described outdoor unit400, as the suction air27bentering the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10fpasses through the space between the rear portion13A and the rear area10fin the direction in which the fins10aare arranged, the suction air27bhardly passes through the spaces between the fins10aof the heat exchanger10A. In the outdoor unit300, however, the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the rear area10f, and thus readily passes through the heat exchanger10A with a low air flow resistance. Therefore, the outdoor unit300demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10A than does the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example. FIG.20is a top schematic diagram illustrating the end10tof the heat exchanger10A and explaining the position of the vent13cinFIG.16.FIG.21is a schematic diagram of a vent13c1inFIG.20.FIG.22is a schematic diagram of another vent13c2inFIG.20. A desired position of the vent13cin the rear portion13A will be described below with reference toFIGS.20to22. For the position of the vent13cin the rear portion13A, three positions of the vent13c1, the vent13c2, and a vent13c3are conceivable. The vent13c1is a through-hole that is fully located in the overlapping region13b. Therefore, the whole of a space defined by an inner edge of the vent13c1faces the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A. In other words, as illustrated inFIG.21, only the fins10aare arranged in the vent13c1when the vent13c1is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rear portion13A. Therefore, the suction air27apassing through the vent13c1passes through the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10. As a result, the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10A than does the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example. Furthermore, the amount of suction air27athat passes through the heat exchanger10A in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1is greater than that in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c2. Therefore, the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10A than does the outdoor unit300having the vent13c2. The vent13c2is a through-hole that has at least part that overlaps the overlapping region13b. Therefore, part of a space defined by an inner edge of the vent13c2faces the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A. In other words, as illustrated inFIG.22, the outermost fin10a2is located in the vent13c2when the vent13c2is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rear portion13A. Therefore, the suction air27apassing through the vent13c2partly passes through the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A, and partly flows into the air-sending device chamber31without passing through the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A. As a result, the vent13c2reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and allows the heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10A to be higher than that in the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example. Furthermore, the amount of suction air27athat does not pass through the heat exchanger10A in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c2is greater than that in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1. Therefore, the amount of suction air27apassing through the vent13c2is greater than that of suction air27apassing through the vent13c1. Thus, suction air27bis less likely to flow through the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10fin the outdoor unit300having the vent13c2than does that in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1, further reducing the likelihood that the outdoor unit300having the vent13c2will generate air-induced noise. The ratio of the area of part of the vent13c2that is located in the overlapping region1bto the area of part of the vent13c2that is not located in the overlapping region1bis determined in relation to the gap between the rear portion13A and the fins10a, and is a matter of design choice. The vent13c3is located in a region other than the overlapping region13band between the side edge part13aand the rear portion13A in the direction of width of the outdoor unit300(along the X axis). Therefore, the whole of a space defined by an inner edge of the vent13c3does not face the fins10a, which define the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A. Thus, the suction air27apassing through the vent13c3flows into the air-sending device chamber31without passing through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10. The amount of suction air27athat does not pass through the heat exchanger10A in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c3is greater than that in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1or13c2. Therefore, the amount of suction air27apassing through the vent13c2is greater than that of suction air27apassing through the vent13c1or13c2. Thus, suction air27bhardly flows through the gap between the side edge part13aand the rear area10feven in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c3, so that air may hardly induce noise. At the position of the vent13c3, the rear area10fof the heat exchanger10A, which is a resistor to the flow of air, does not exist in the direction in which the suction air27aflows. Therefore, the suction air27aenters the casing50more readily than does that in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1and than does that in the outdoor unit300having the vent13c2. For the position of the vent13c3, however, the suction air27apassing through the vent13c3does not pass through the heat exchanger10A, resulting in a reduction in heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger10A. From the viewpoint of the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger10A, therefore, the vent13cof the outdoor unit300is more preferably located at the position of the vent13c1or the vent13c2than at the position of the vent13c3. [Advantageous Effects of Outdoor Unit300] In the outdoor unit300, suction air27aentering through the vent13cflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a. This flow causes suction air27aentering the casing50through the rear opening7, used as an air inlet, to hardly enter the gap, which has a higher air flow resistance than does the vent13c, between the side edge part13aof this air inlet and the fins10a. As a result, suction air27bis kept from flowing through the gap between the casing50and the heat exchanger10A in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged, thus reducing or eliminating turbulence of the air or vortices of air. Thus, the outdoor unit300does not generate noise induced by air that enters the casing50through the rear opening7. Even if suction air27aenters the gap between the side edge part13aand the fins10a, suction air27bflowing in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged will be interrupted by suction air27apassing through the vent13cand flowing straight. As a result, the suction air27bis kept from flowing through the gap between the casing50and the heat exchanger10A in the direction in which the fins10aare arranged, thus reducing or eliminating turbulence of the air or vortices of air. Thus, the outdoor unit300does not generate noise induced by air that enters the casing50through the rear opening7. Even if the suction air27bpassing past the side edge part13acauses a vortex of air, the vortex will be canceled by the suction air27apassing through the vent13cand flowing straight. Thus, the outdoor unit300does not generate noise induced by air that enters the casing50through the rear opening7. Additionally, in the outdoor unit300, the suction air27aflows straight through the spaces between the fins10a, which define the rear area10f, and thus readily passes through the heat exchanger10with a low air flow resistance. Thus, the outdoor unit300demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10than does the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example. For the vent13c2, at least part of this hole is located in the overlapping region13b. In other words, the outermost fin10a2is located in the vent13c2when the vent13c2is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rear portion13A. Therefore, suction air27apassing through the vent13c2partly passes through the end fin group10a1of the heat exchanger10, and partly flows into the air-sending device chamber31without passing through the spaces between the fins10aof the heat exchanger10. As a result, the vent13c2reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and allows the heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10A to be higher than that in the outdoor unit200according to Comparative Example. When the vent13c1is viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rear portion13A, only the fins10aare arranged in this vent. Therefore, suction air27apassing through the vent13c1readily passes through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the heat exchanger10A, whereas the suction air27ahardly flows through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the heat exchanger10A in the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example. As a result, the outdoor unit300having the vent13c1reduces or eliminates air-induced noise and demonstrates higher heat exchange capacity at the end10tof the heat exchanger10A than does the outdoor unit400according to Comparative Example. The rear portion13A having the vent13cfaces the front wall having the air outlet8, through which air subjected to heat exchange is blown, and constitutes the rear wall of the air-sending device chamber31. Such a configuration enables suction air27aentering the outdoor unit300through the vent13cto pass straight through the spaces between the fins10aat the end10tof the I-shaped heat exchanger10A. The outdoor unit300includes the I-shaped heat exchanger10A having a smaller number of fins10athan does the L-shaped heat exchanger10. Accordingly, the cost of parts of the outdoor unit300can be reduced as compared with that of an outdoor unit including the L-shaped heat exchanger10. In addition to the above-described advantage in that the cost of parts of the outdoor unit300can be reduced, the outdoor unit300having the vent13creduces or eliminates air-induced noise. The side edge part13ais bent toward the fins10a. This reduces the distance between the casing50and the heat exchanger10A in the outdoor unit300to prevent the entry of, for example, a finger into the gap between the side edge part12aand the heat exchanger10, ensuring the safety of an operator. The vent13chas a circular, corner-rounded rectangular, or oblong shape. In the outdoor unit300, therefore, the side edge part13aadjacent to the vent13cis hardly under localized high stress, thus enhancing the strength of the casing50. The configurations illustrated in the aforementioned embodiments are examples describing the present disclosure, and can be combined with another known technique or can be partly omitted or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1shell panel1A shell panel1aside opening1bregion1cvent1c1vent1c2vent1c3vent2side panel2asecond side part2bsecond rear part3top panel4base4aleg5air-sending device5amotor5bpropeller fan6fan guard7rear opening8air outlet10heat exchanger10A heat exchanger10afin10a1end fin group10a2outermost fin10bfastening plate10cheat transfer tube10eside area10frear area10gcurved area10tend11front portion12side portion12A side portion12aside edge part13rear portion13A rear portion13aside edge part13bregion13cvent13c1vent13c2vent13c3vent14motor support15compressor16refrigerant pipe17partition27outdoor air27asuction air27bsuction air28blown air31air-sending device chamber32machine chamber50casing100outdoor unit200outdoor unit300outdoor unit400outdoor unit | 67,719 |
11859860 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be noted that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The present disclosure is directed to a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. A refrigerant may be circulated through or across the HVAC system to condition an air flow, and the HVAC system may deliver the conditioned air flow to a space serviced by the HVAC system. Thus, the HVAC system may condition the space, such as to adjust a temperature and/or a humidity of the space. The HVAC system may include various tubes, such as pipes, conduits, hoses, and/or electrical harnesses, that extend throughout the HVAC system. For instance, the tubes may facilitate operation of the HVAC system by directing the refrigerant to different components of the HVAC system. It may be desirable to guide or support each of the tubes of the HVAC system, for example, to maintain an arrangement or orientation of the tubes and/or to restrict movement of the tubes within the HVAC system. However, different HVAC systems may include different embodiments, configurations, arrangements, and/or types of tubes. For example, different HVAC systems may have tubes with different sizes, tubes having different shapes (e.g., cross-sectional geometries), tubes located at different positions, and the like. In conventional approaches, a particular or specific guide (e.g., a guide have a particularly sized opening) may be manufactured to accommodate and support the specific tubes incorporated in the HVAC system. Thus, multiple embodiments of guides may be manufactured to accommodate the various arrangements of tubes for different HVAC systems. That is, each HVAC system may have a different embodiment of a guide that is particularly manufactured and incorporated based on the specific arrangement of tubes of the HVAC system. However, manufacture and/or installation of different embodiments of guides may increase a cost and/or complexity associated with production of the HVAC system. Thus, it is presently recognized that a guide configured to accommodate and support different embodiments of tubes (e.g., tubes having different sizes) may improve production of HVAC systems. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a tube guide that can receive, accommodate, and support various arrangements of tubes. The tube guide may include a main body coupled to a carrier plate. The main body may include a set of tube support locations, and a tube may be inserted through one of the tube support locations. Each tube support location may be configured to receive different embodiments of tubes, such as a range of tube sizes and/or shapes. By way of example, the main body may be formed from a pliable or flexible material that can deform and adjust to receive, accommodate, and support a particular tube. The main body may also restrict movement of the tubes within the tube support locations. For example, when a tube is positioned within a tube support location, the main body may be biased against the tube extending within the tube support location to support and/or retain the tube within the tube support location. The carrier plate may facilitate mounting of the tube guide to another component of the HVAC system, thereby restricting movement between the main body of the tube guide and the HVAC system and/or fixing a location of the tube guide within the HVAC system. In this way, the tube guide may function as a support for different types, configurations, and/or arrangements of tubes extending through the tube guide. Accordingly, a single embodiment of the tube guide may be manufactured to support multiple different tube arrangements for different HVAC systems, thereby reducing a cost and/or complexity associated with production of the HVAC system. Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management that may employ one or more HVAC units. As used herein, an HVAC system includes any number of components configured to enable regulation of parameters related to climate characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, air quality, and so forth. For example, an “HVAC system” as used herein is defined as conventionally understood and as further described herein. Components or parts of an “HVAC system” may include, but are not limited to, all, some of, or individual parts such as a heat exchanger, a heater, an air flow control device, such as a fan, a sensor configured to detect a climate characteristic or operating parameter, a filter, a control device configured to regulate operation of an HVAC system component, a component configured to enable regulation of climate characteristics, or a combination thereof. An “HVAC system” is a system configured to provide such functions as heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, pressurization, refrigeration, filtration, or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications to control climate characteristics, such as residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, or other applications where climate control is desired. In the illustrated embodiment, a building10is air conditioned by a system that includes an HVAC unit12. The building10may be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unit12is disposed on the roof of the building10; however, the HVAC unit12may be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building10. The HVAC unit12may be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may be part of a split HVAC system, such as the system shown inFIG.3, which includes an outdoor HVAC unit58and an indoor HVAC unit56. The HVAC unit12is an air cooled device that implements a refrigeration cycle to provide conditioned air to the building10. Specifically, the HVAC unit12may include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow before the air flow is supplied to the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit12is a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building10. After the HVAC unit12conditions the air, the air is supplied to the building10via ductwork14extending throughout the building10from the HVAC unit12. For example, the ductwork14may extend to various individual floors or other sections of the building10. In certain embodiments, the HVAC unit12may be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream. A control device16, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air. The control device16also may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork14. For example, the control device16may be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unit12or other components, such as dampers and fans, within the building10that may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork14. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device16may include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building10. FIG.2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the HVAC unit12. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit12is a single package unit that may include one or more independent refrigeration circuits and components that are tested, charged, wired, piped, and ready for installation. The HVAC unit12may provide a variety of heating and/or cooling functions, such as cooling only, heating only, cooling with electric heat, cooling with dehumidification, cooling with gas heat, or cooling with a heat pump. As described above, the HVAC unit12may directly cool and/or heat an air stream provided to the building10to condition a space in the building10. As shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2, a cabinet24encloses the HVAC unit12and provides structural support and protection to the internal components from environmental and other contaminants. In some embodiments, the cabinet24may be constructed of galvanized steel and insulated with aluminum foil faced insulation. Rails26may be joined to the bottom perimeter of the cabinet24and provide a foundation for the HVAC unit12. In certain embodiments, the rails26may provide access for a forklift and/or overhead rigging to facilitate installation and/or removal of the HVAC unit12. In some embodiments, the rails26may fit onto “curbs” on the roof to enable the HVAC unit12to provide air to the ductwork14from the bottom of the HVAC unit12while blocking elements such as rain from leaking into the building10. The HVAC unit12includes heat exchangers28and30in fluid communication with one or more refrigeration circuits. Tubes within the heat exchangers28and30may circulate refrigerant, such as R-410A, through the heat exchangers28and30. The tubes may be of various types, such as multichannel tubes, conventional copper or aluminum tubing, and so forth. Together, the heat exchangers28and30may implement a thermal cycle in which the refrigerant undergoes phase changes and/or temperature changes as it flows through the heat exchangers28and30to produce heated and/or cooled air. For example, the heat exchanger28may function as a condenser where heat is released from the refrigerant to ambient air, and the heat exchanger30may function as an evaporator where the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool an air stream. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may operate in a heat pump mode where the roles of the heat exchangers28and30may be reversed. That is, the heat exchanger28may function as an evaporator and the heat exchanger30may function as a condenser. In further embodiments, the HVAC unit12may include a furnace for heating the air stream that is supplied to the building10. While the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2shows the HVAC unit12having two of the heat exchangers28and30, in other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may include one heat exchanger or more than two heat exchangers. The heat exchanger30is located within a compartment31that separates the heat exchanger30from the heat exchanger28. Fans32draw air from the environment through the heat exchanger28. Air may be heated and/or cooled as the air flows through the heat exchanger28before being released back to the environment surrounding the HVAC unit12. A blower assembly34, powered by a motor36, draws air through the heat exchanger30to heat or cool the air. The heated or cooled air may be directed to the building10by the ductwork14, which may be connected to the HVAC unit12. Before flowing through the heat exchanger30, the conditioned air flows through one or more filters38that may remove particulates and contaminants from the air. In certain embodiments, the filters38may be disposed on the air intake side of the heat exchanger30to prevent contaminants from contacting the heat exchanger30. The HVAC unit12also may include other equipment for implementing the thermal cycle. Compressors42increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger28. The compressors42may be any suitable type of compressors, such as scroll compressors, rotary compressors, screw compressors, or reciprocating compressors. In some embodiments, the compressors42may include a pair of hermetic direct drive compressors arranged in a dual stage configuration44. However, in other embodiments, any number of the compressors42may be provided to achieve various stages of heating and/or cooling. Additional equipment and devices may be included in the HVAC unit12, such as a solid-core filter drier, a drain pan, a disconnect switch, an economizer, pressure switches, phase monitors, and humidity sensors, among other things. The HVAC unit12may receive power through a terminal block46. For example, a high voltage power source may be connected to the terminal block46to power the equipment. The operation of the HVAC unit12may be governed or regulated by a control board48. The control board48may include control circuitry connected to a thermostat, sensors, and alarms. One or more of these components may be referred to herein separately or collectively as the control device16. The control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the equipment, provide alarms, and monitor safety switches. Wiring49may connect the control board48and the terminal block46to the equipment of the HVAC unit12. FIG.3illustrates a residential heating and cooling system50, also in accordance with present techniques. The residential heating and cooling system50may provide heated and cooled air to a residential structure, as well as provide outside air for ventilation and provide improved indoor air quality (IAQ) through devices such as ultraviolet lights and air filters. In the illustrated embodiment, the residential heating and cooling system50is a split HVAC system. In general, a residence52conditioned by a split HVAC system may include refrigerant conduits54that operatively couple the indoor unit56to the outdoor unit58. The indoor unit56may be positioned in a utility room, an attic, a basement, and so forth. The outdoor unit58is typically situated adjacent to a side of residence52and is covered by a shroud to protect the system components and to prevent leaves and other debris or contaminants from entering the unit. The refrigerant conduits54transfer refrigerant between the indoor unit56and the outdoor unit58, typically transferring primarily liquid refrigerant in one direction and primarily vaporized refrigerant in an opposite direction. When the system shown inFIG.3is operating as an air conditioner, a heat exchanger60in the outdoor unit58serves as a condenser for re-condensing vaporized refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit56to the outdoor unit58via one of the refrigerant conduits54. In these applications, a heat exchanger62of the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. Specifically, the heat exchanger62receives liquid refrigerant, which may be expanded by an expansion device, and evaporates the refrigerant before returning it to the outdoor unit58. The outdoor unit58draws environmental air through the heat exchanger60using a fan64and expels the air above the outdoor unit58. When operating as an air conditioner, the air is heated by the heat exchanger60within the outdoor unit58and exits the unit at a temperature higher than it entered. The indoor unit56includes a blower or fan66that directs air through or across the indoor heat exchanger62, where the air is cooled when the system is operating in air conditioning mode. Thereafter, the air is passed through ductwork68that directs the air to the residence52. The overall system operates to maintain a desired temperature as set by a system controller. When the temperature sensed inside the residence52is higher than the set point on the thermostat, or the set point plus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling system50may become operative to refrigerate additional air for circulation through the residence52. When the temperature reaches the set point, or the set point minus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling system50may stop the refrigeration cycle temporarily. The residential heating and cooling system50may also operate as a heat pump. When operating as a heat pump, the roles of heat exchangers60and62are reversed. That is, the heat exchanger60of the outdoor unit58will serve as an evaporator to evaporate refrigerant and thereby cool air entering the outdoor unit58as the air passes over the outdoor heat exchanger60. The indoor heat exchanger62will receive a stream of air blown over it and will heat the air by condensing the refrigerant. In some embodiments, the indoor unit56may include a furnace system70. For example, the indoor unit56may include the furnace system70when the residential heating and cooling system50is not configured to operate as a heat pump. The furnace system70may include a burner assembly and heat exchanger, among other components, inside the indoor unit56. Fuel is provided to the burner assembly of the furnace70where it is mixed with air and combusted to form combustion products. The combustion products may pass through tubes or piping in a heat exchanger, separate from heat exchanger62, such that air directed by the blower66passes over the tubes or pipes and extracts heat from the combustion products. The heated air may then be routed from the furnace system70to the ductwork68for heating the residence52. FIG.4is an embodiment of a vapor compression system72that can be used in any of the systems described above. The vapor compression system72may circulate a refrigerant through a circuit starting with a compressor74. The circuit may also include a condenser76, an expansion valve(s) or device(s)78, and an evaporator80. The vapor compression system72may further include a control panel82that has an analog to digital (A/D) converter84, a microprocessor86, a non-volatile memory88, and/or an interface board90. The control panel82and its components may function to regulate operation of the vapor compression system72based on feedback from an operator, from sensors of the vapor compression system72that detect operating conditions, and so forth. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system72may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSDs)92, a motor94, the compressor74, the condenser76, the expansion valve or device78, and/or the evaporator80. The motor94may drive the compressor74and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD)92. The VSD92receives alternating current (AC) power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an AC power source, and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor94. In other embodiments, the motor94may be powered directly from an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor94may include any type of electric motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor. The compressor74compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser76through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor74may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor74to the condenser76may transfer heat to a fluid passing across the condenser76, such as ambient or environmental air96. The refrigerant vapor may condense to a refrigerant liquid in the condenser76as a result of thermal heat transfer with the environmental air96. The liquid refrigerant from the condenser76may flow through the expansion device78to the evaporator80. The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator80may absorb heat from another air stream, such as a supply air stream98provided to the building10or the residence52. For example, the supply air stream98may include ambient or environmental air, return air from a building, or a combination of the two. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator80may undergo a phase change from the liquid refrigerant to a refrigerant vapor. In this manner, the evaporator80may reduce the temperature of the supply air stream98via thermal heat transfer with the refrigerant. Thereafter, the vapor refrigerant exits the evaporator80and returns to the compressor74by a suction line to complete the cycle. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system72may further include a reheat coil in addition to the evaporator80. For example, the reheat coil may be positioned downstream of the evaporator relative to the supply air stream98and may reheat the supply air stream98when the supply air stream98is overcooled to remove humidity from the supply air stream98before the supply air stream98is directed to the building10or the residence52. Any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the HVAC unit12, the residential heating and cooling system50, or other HVAC systems. Additionally, while the features disclosed herein are described in the context of embodiments that directly heat and cool a supply air stream provided to a building or other load, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other HVAC systems as well. For example, the features described herein may be applied to mechanical cooling systems, free cooling systems, chiller systems, or other heat pump or refrigeration applications. The present disclosure is directed to an HVAC system having various tubes (e.g., conduits) that extend throughout the HVAC system. In certain HVAC systems, the tubes may have different sizes, such as different diameters, arrangements, configurations, geometries, or other varying features. A tube guide of the HVAC system may be configured to support the tubes of different sizes. For example, the tube guide may include a main body that may have openings, slits, notches, grooves, or cuts that define tube support locations configured to accommodate the tubes. For instance, the main body may be pliable, flexible, or adjustable to enable insertion or extension of the tubes through the main body via the tube support locations. Thus, a single embodiment of the tube guide can support different arrangements or embodiments of tubes, such as for different HVAC systems. Further, while the present disclosure describes the tube guide in the context of use with tubes of the HVAC system, it should be noted that the present embodiments may be utilized to support conduits of any type, shape, geometry, or configuration. Indeed, tubes and/or conduits configured to route fluids, power, control signals, sensor feedback, cables, or any other type of tube or conduit may be utilized with the disclosed tube guides. With this in mind,FIG.5is a perspective view of an embodiment of an HVAC system150with multiple tubes152, such as pipes, conduits, hoses, electrical harnesses, and other components extending within the HVAC system150. As an example, a fluid, such as a refrigerant, may be directed through one or more of the tubes152. The tubes152of the illustrated HVAC system150include a first tube152A, which may have a first size, dimension, shape, and/or geometry (e.g., a first diameter), a second tube152B, which may have a second size, dimension, shape, and/or geometry (e.g., a second diameter), a third tube152C, which may have a third size, dimension, shape, and/or geometry (e.g., a third diameter), and a fourth tube152D, which may have a fourth size, dimension, shape, and/or geometry (e.g., a fourth diameter). For example, the size (e.g., diameter) of each of the tubes152may be different from one another in some embodiments. Further, additional or alternative HVAC systems150may include a different number of tubes152and/or tubes152having different sizes, dimensions, shapes, and/or geometries than the illustrated HVAC system150. In other words, different HVAC systems150may have different configurations and/or arrangements of the tubes152. The HVAC system150may also include a tube guide154through which the tubes152may extend. The tube guide154may support the tubes152, such as by restricting movement of the tubes152relative to one another and/or relative to other components of the HVAC system150(e.g., structural components, components to which the tubes152are connected, etc.). In some embodiments, the tube guide154may include a main body156coupled to a carrier plate158. The tubes152may be inserted through the main body156. For instance, the main body156may include various tube support locations160, each of which is configured to receive one or more of the tubes152. Each of the tube support locations160may restrict movement of a corresponding tube152relative to the main body156. Additionally, the carrier plate158may be coupled (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, welds) to a component of the HVAC system150, such as to a panel162disposed within the HVAC system150. With the carrier plate158coupled (e.g., mounted) to the panel162and the tubes152disposed within the tube support locations160, the carrier plate158may restrict movement of the main body156, and therefore of the tubes152, within the HVAC system150. FIG.6is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tube guide154. The main body156of the illustrated tube guide154includes five tube support locations160, but an additional or alternative embodiment of the tube guide154may include a main body156having any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three, four, more than five) of tube support locations160. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each tube support location160is defined via a respective first slit (e.g., a cut, a groove, a notch, a slot, etc.)180and a respective second slit182formed through the main body156. The first slit180and the second slit182traverse one another to forma set of flaps184(e.g., four flaps) for each tube support location160. Although the illustrated first slit180and second slit182are oriented generally perpendicularly (e.g., within 3 degrees) to one another, an additional or alternative embodiment of the first slit180and the second slit182may be oriented crosswise to one another in any suitable manner. In further embodiments, there may be any suitable number of slits formed through the main body156to form any corresponding number of flaps184for each tube support location160. Further still, it should be noted that the slits180,182may have different sizes (e.g., different lengths, different widths) relative to one another such that the tube support locations160may have different sizes. As an example, the slits180,182for one of the plurality of tube support locations160may have an increased size to accommodate a first range of tubes (e.g., tubes having an increased size, tubes of a first geometry), and the slits180,182for another of the plurality of tube support locations160may have a reduced size to accommodate a second range of tubes (e.g., tubes having a reduced size, tubes of a second geometry). The main body156may be formed from a pliable, flexible, or adjustable material, such as rubber, polymer, and/or foam, to enable the flaps184to deform and accommodate insertion of one of the tubes152within the tube support location160associated with the tube152. Indeed, the pliability of the set of flaps184may enable the tube support location160to receive and accommodate a range of tube sizes, configurations, geometries, arrangements, and/or shapes. Additionally, the flaps184of the tube support location160may bias against the tube152received at the tube support location160to secure the tube152within the tube support location160. For example, the tube152may be inserted into the tube support location160by translating the tube152along the first slit180and/or by inserting and extending the tube152through the flaps184. Such insertion of the tube152may impart a force on the flaps184that causes elastic deformation of the flaps184to enable placement of the tube152within the tube support location160. Removal of the force after the tube152is positioned within the tube support location160may cause the flaps184to restore and move toward an undeformed arrangement and bias against the tube152, thereby securing the tube152within the tube support location160. Indeed, the material of the main body156may form flaps184having sufficient flexibility to enable insertion of the tubes152into the tube support locations160and appropriate resilience to retain the tubes152within the tube support locations160. In some embodiments, each of the tube support locations160may be formed and/or positioned (e.g., arrayed) along an axis186that extends along a first length187of the tube guide154. To this end, each of the second slits182may be collinear and offset along the axis186. In certain embodiments, a distance or spacing between adjacent tube support locations160along the axis186may be different. In additional or alternative embodiments, the distance or spacing between adjacent tube support locations160along the axis186may be the same. In further embodiments, the tube support locations160may not be located along the same axis186(e.g., the second slits182may not be collinear along the axis186, the second slits182may be offset from one another along a second length189of the tube guide154). Thus, the tube support locations160may be offset relative to one another in any manner relative to the lengths187,189of the tube support guide154. Indeed, the slits180,182may be formed in any suitable arrangement to create the tube support locations160and the flaps184in the main body156as desired (e.g., based on an expected number of tubes152, arrangement of tubes152, geometry of tubes152, etc.). The main body156may be coupled (e.g., fixedly attached) to the carrier plate158, and the carrier plate158may be coupled (e.g., fixedly attached, mounted) to another component of the HVAC system150to support the tubes152in an installed configuration of the tube guide154. By way of example, the carrier plate158may include a first set of holes or openings188. The first set of holes188may align with corresponding holes or openings of the component of the HVAC system150(e.g., panel162), and a fastener may be inserted through the aligned holes to couple the carrier plate158to the component. In additional or alternative embodiments, the carrier plate158may be coupled to the component in a different manner, such as via an adhesive, a weld, a punch, a hook, and so forth. Moreover, the carrier plate158may be formed from a rigid material, such as a metal, a carbon fiber, and the like, to facilitate securement of the carrier plate158and restrict movement of the carrier plate158and therefore the main body156within the HVAC system150. FIG.7is a perspective view of an embodiment of the main body156. The illustrated main body156includes a first portion210and a second portion212that are coupled to one another via an intermediate portion214. The intermediate portion214may offset the first portion210and the second portion212from one another to form a gap216between the first portion210and the second portion212. The carrier plate158may be positioned within the gap216such that the first portion210and the second portion212capture the carrier plate158therebetween. In this arrangement, the first portion210is disposed on a first side of the carrier plate158, and the second portion212is disposed on a second side, opposite the first side, of the carrier plate158. Additionally, referring back toFIG.6, ends215of the intermediate portion214may abut and/or be biased against (e.g., via force of gravity) an edge217of the carrier plate158in the installed configuration of the tube guide154. In this way, the main body156may be secured to and supported by the carrier plate158. Continuing with reference toFIG.7, each of the first portion210and the second portion212may include respective first slits180and second slits182. The first slits180of the first portion210may align with corresponding first slits180of the second portion212, and the second slits182of the first portion210may align with corresponding second slits182of the second portion212. Thus, each tube support location160may include aligned first slits180of the first portion210and first slits180of the second portion212, as well as aligned second slits182of the first portion210and second slits182of the second portion212. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a first edge218of the main body156(e.g., the edge along which the intermediate portion214extends, an upper edge, first side) may have a first length that is less than a second length of a second edge220(e.g., lower edge, second side) of the main body156. The illustrated geometry of the main body156may facilitate exposure of each of the first set of holes188of the carrier plate158when the main body156and the carrier plate158are coupled to one another in an assembled configuration of the tube guide154. That is, the reduced length of the first edge218(e.g., the contoured geometry of the main body156at the first edge218) may expose the first set of holes188positioned proximate to the intermediate portion214in the assembled configuration. Thus, the carrier plate158may be manufactured without an increased length and/or the main body156may be manufactured without a reduced overall length, while also facilitating coupling of the carrier plate158to the HVAC system150via the first set of holes188. The reduced or limited length of the carrier plate158may reduce manufacturing costs and/or a footprint of the tube guide154in the installed configuration, and the increased overall length or width of the main body156may provide additional support for the tubes152and/or provide an increased number of tube support locations160. Further still, the illustrated tube guide154includes fillets222extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the tube guide154(e.g., along the first edge218, the second edge220). The fillets222may facilitate handling of the main body156(e.g., to couple to the carrier plate158). FIG.8is a side view of an embodiment of the main body156. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion210and the second portion212are generally symmetrical about an axis240(e.g., central axis) extending (e.g., extending vertically) through the main body156. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the first portion210and the second portion212may be asymmetrical about the axis240. Additionally, the illustrated main body156includes a section242(e.g., connecting segment) extending between the first portion210and the second portion212(e.g., through the gap216) from the intermediate portion214toward the second edge220. The section242may facilitate coupling between the main body156and the carrier plate158. For example, in the assembled configuration, the section242may abut against an edge of the carrier plate158to facilitate positioning of the main body156relative to the carrier plate158during assembly of the tube guide154. Indeed, the section242may block the carrier plate158from further extending into the gap216to an undesirable position of the main body156relative to the carrier plate158, such as a position that would cause the carrier plate158to overlap with the tube support locations160and block insertion of the tubes152through the tube support locations160. Thus, the section242may extend past the slits180,182to block overlap between the carrier plate158and the tube support locations160in the installed configuration of the tube guide154, and the slits180,182may be formed through the section242to enable insertion of the tubes152through the main body156. In certain embodiments, the section242may extend from a part (e.g., a center) of the intermediate portion214. However, a remainder of the intermediate portion214(e.g., the ends215) may not be connected to the intermediate portion214. Thus, such part of the intermediate portion214may be configured to abut against the edge217of the carrier plate158. In some embodiments, the main body156may be further secured to the carrier plate158, such as via fasteners, upon desirable positioning of the main body156relative to the carrier plate158via abutment between the section242and the carrier plate158. FIG.9is a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier plate158. The illustrated carrier plate158has a U-shaped geometry with a base portion260and arms262(e.g., extensions, support arms) extending from the base portion260. Thus, the carrier plate158forms a recess264that may receive and/or accommodate at least a portion of the main body156. In the installed configuration of the tube guide154, the arms262may at least partially support the main body156, and the tube support locations160of the main body156and the recess264may overlap with one another to enable insertion of the tubes152through the tube support locations160. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the arms262extends from the base portion260in a generally common direction. Additionally, each arm262includes a curved inner surface263(e.g., first inner surface) extending from the base portion260and a straight inner surface265(e.g., second inner surface) extending from the curved inner surface263. The curved inner surface263and straight inner surface265of each arm262at least partially define the recess264and generally form a hook shape of the respective arm262. The curved inner surface263of each arm262may increase a size (e.g., cross-sectional are) of the recess264, which may enable an increase in the number of tube support locations160included in the main body156and/or the number, configuration, arrangement, size, and or geometry of tubes152accommodated by the tube guide154. However, each of the arms262may extend from the base portion260in any suitable manner and have any other suitable configuration or geometry in additional or alternative embodiments. The carrier plate158may also include a second set of holes266formed in the base portion260and/or the arms262along an edge268of the base portion260adjacent to (e.g., at least partially defining) the recess264. The second set of holes266may facilitate coupling of the main body156and the carrier plate158to one another. As an example, the main body156may have corresponding holes formed therein and configured to align with the second set of holes266when the main body156is positioned within the recess264(e.g., to abut the section242against the edge268the carrier plate158), and a fastener may be inserted through the aligned holes to secure the main body156and the carrier plate158to one another. The present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful in the operation of an HVAC system. For example, the HVAC system may have tubing and a tube guide that supports a position and/or arrangement of the tubing within the HVAC system. The tube guide may have a main body that includes multiple tube support locations. Each of the tube support locations may be configured to receive a range of tube sizes and/or shapes. As an example, slits may be formed through the main body to define the tube support locations, and the main body may be formed from a pliable material to enable the main body to deform and receive differently sized tubes via the tube support locations. Furthermore, the main body may be coupled to a carrier plate of the tube guide. The carrier plate may fixedly couple to another component of the HVAC system, thereby restricting movement of the main body and the tubing relative to the HVAC system to support the tubing. The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems. While only certain features and embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, including temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the disclosure, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed disclosure. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation. | 42,271 |
11859861 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. When introducing elements of various embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Turning now the figures,FIG.1illustrates an HVAC system10in accordance with one embodiment. As depicted, the system10provides heating and cooling for a residential structure12. But the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a myriad of heating and cooling situations, including industrial and commercial settings. The described HVAC system10divides into two primary portions: The outdoor unit14, which mainly comprises components for transferring heat with the environment outside the structure12; and the indoor unit16, which mainly comprises components for transferring heat with the air inside the structure12, To heat or cool the illustrated structure12, the indoor unit16has an air-handler unit (or AHU) that is an airflow circulation system, which in the illustrated embodiment draws ambient indoor air via returns26, passes that air over one or more heating/cooling elements (i.e., sources of heating or cooling), and then routes that conditioned air, whether heated or cooled, back to the various climate-controlled spaces28through ducts or ductworks30—which are relatively large pipes that may be rigid or flexible. A blower32provides the motivational force to circulate the ambient air through the returns26, AHU, and ducts30. As shown, the HVAC system10is a “dual-fuel” system that has multiple heating elements. A gas furnace34located downstream (in terms of airflow) of blower32combusts natural gas to produce heat in furnace tubes (not shown) that coil through the furnace. These furnace tubes act as a heating element for the ambient indoor air being pushed out of the blower32, over the furnace tubes, and into the ducts30. However, the furnace is generally operated when robust heating is desired. During conventional heating and cooling operations, air from the blower32is routed over an indoor heat exchanger20and into the ductwork30. The blower, gas furnace, and indoor heat exchanger may be packaged as an integrated AHU, or those components may be modular. Moreover, it is envisaged that the positions of the gas furnace and indoor heat exchanger and blower can be reversed or rearranged. The indoor heat exchanger20can act as a heating or cooling element that add or removes heat from the structure, respectively, by manipulating the pressure and flow of refrigerant circulating within and between the indoor and outdoor units via refrigerant lines18. But that is just one embodiment. It is also envisaged that the refrigerant could be circulated to only cool (i.e., extract heat from) the structure, with heating provided independently by another source—like a gas furnace, for example. Or there may be no gas heating. Or in another embodiment there may be no heating of any kind. HVAC systems that use refrigerant to both heat and cool the structure12are often described as heat pumps, while systems that use refrigerant only for cooling are commonly described as air conditioners. Whatever the state of the indoor heat exchanger (i.e., absorbing or releasing heat), the outdoor heat exchanger22is in the opposite state. More specifically, if heating is desired, the illustrated indoor heat exchanger20acts as a condenser, aiding transition of the refrigerant from a high-pressure to gas to a high-pressure liquid and releasing heat in the process. And the outdoor heat exchanger22acts as an evaporator, aiding transition of the refrigerant from a low-pressure liquid to a low-pressure gas, thereby absorbing heat from the outdoor environment. If cooling is desired, the outdoor unit14has flow-control devices38that reverse the flow of the refrigerant such that the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. To facilitate the exchange of heat between the ambient indoor air and the outdoor environment in the described HVAC system10, the respective heat exchangers20,22have tubing that winds or coils through heat-exchange surfaces, to increase the surface area of contact between the tubing and the surrounding air or environment. As a result, a substantial portion of the tubing that comprises the refrigerant loop is found in the heat exchangers. In the illustrated embodiment, the outdoor unit14is a side-flow unit that houses, within a plastic or metal casing or housing48, the various components that manage the refrigerant's flow and pressure. This outdoor unit14is described as a side-flow unit because the airflow across the outdoor heat exchanger22is motivated by a fan that rotates about an axis that is non-perpendicular with respect to the ground. In contrast, traditional “up-flow” devices generate airflow by rotating a fan about an axis generally perpendicular to the ground. (As illustrated, the X-axis is perpendicular to the ground.) In one embodiment, the side-flow outdoor unit14may have a fan50that rotates about an axis that is generally parallel to the ground. (As illustrated, the Y- and Z-axes are parallel to the ground.) Advantageously, the side-flow outdoor unit14provides a smaller footprint than traditional up-flow units, which are more cubic in nature. This smaller footprint allows the side-flow outdoor unit to be installed in tighter spaces, where sufficient horizontal spacing for an up-flow unit is not available. For example, the side-flow outdoor unit14may be particularly beneficial for heating and/or cooling a residential structure that comes up to or that is very close to the structure's property line. But the smaller footprint of the side-flow outdoor unit14can reduce the available space within the outdoor unit's casing48—space that is used to mount the equipment that helps circulate and controls the flow of the refrigerant. For example, the described outdoor unit14has an accumulator46that helps prevents liquid refrigerant from reaching the inlet of a compressor36. And the outdoor unit14has a receiver42that helps maintains a sufficient volume of refrigerant in the system. The size of these components is often defined by the amount of refrigerant employed by the system. For example, the receiver may be sized such that it is fifteen percent (15%) larger than the total amount of refrigerant present in the system. Or the system may be designed without a receiver, but it may have an accumulator that is sized for the amount of refrigerant in the system—the accumulator taking up valuable space in the casing48. As is discussed further below, the described HVAC system10has indoor and outdoor heat exchangers with reduced-diameter tubing, which reduces the refrigerant loops overall volume and, in turn, reduces the amount of refrigerant employed by the system. As a benefit, this allows the various components in the outdoor unit—for example, the receiver and accumulator—to be sized for a lower volume, making them easier to fit within the side-flow outdoor unit's casing48. It should be appreciated that it is envisaged that certain components located in the outdoor unit—like the receiver, accumulator, flow-control devices, for example—could be disposed in the indoor unit, if so desired. FIG.2provides further detail about the various components of an HVAC system and their operation. If the HVAC system10is cooling the structure12, the compressor36draws in gaseous refrigerant and pressurizes it, sending it into the closed refrigerant loop18via compressor outlet52. This outlet52is connected to a reversing valve54, which may be electronic, hydraulic or pneumatic and which controls the routing of the high-pressure gas to the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger. For cooling, the high-pressure gas is routed to the outdoor heat exchanger22, where airflow generated by the fan50aids the transfer of heat from the refrigerant to the environment causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid that is at high-pressure. The refrigerant, which is mostly liquid at this point, leaves the outdoor heat exchanger22and progress through a by-pass56, because the outdoor metering device61is in a closed position. From there, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into a series of receiver check valves58that manage the flow of refrigerant into the receiver42. The receiver42stores refrigerant for use by the system, and provides a location where residual high-pressure gaseous refrigerant can transition into liquid form. From the receiver42, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows to the indoor unit16, specifically to a metering device60that restricts the flow of the refrigerant to reduce the refrigerant's pressure. That is, the refrigerant leaves the indoor metering device60as a low-pressure liquid. The metering device may be one of any number of devices, including capillaries, thermal expansion valves, reduced orifice tubing, to name but a few. Moreover, the metering device may be an electronic expansion valve that allows for precise control of flow through it. In such case, refrigerant flow may be able to bypass through the metering valve rather than through a separate line. Low-pressure liquid refrigerant is then routed to the indoor heat exchanger20. As illustrated, the indoor heat exchanger20is an “A-coil” style heat exchanger, the details of which are described below. Airflow generated by the blower32aids in the absorption of heat from the flowing air by the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to transition from a low-pressure liquid to a low-pressure gas as it progresses through the indoor heat exchanger20. And the airflow generated by the blower32drives the now cooled air into the ductwork30, cooling the indoor spaces28. The refrigerant, which is now mostly a low-pressure gas, is routed to the reversing valve54that directs refrigerant to the accumulator. Any remaining liquid in the refrigerant is separated in the accumulator, ensuring that the refrigerant reaching the compressor inlet62is almost entirely in a gaseous state. The compressor36then repeats the cycle, by compressing the refrigerant and expelling it as a high-pressure gas. For heating, the process is reversed. High-pressure gas is still expelled from the compressor outlet52. However, for heating, the reversing valve54directs the high-pressure gas to the indoor heat exchanger20. There, the refrigerant—aided by airflow from the blower32—transitions from a high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid, expelling heat. And that heat is driven by the airflow from the blower32into the ductwork30, heating the indoor spaces28. If more robust heating is desired, the gas furnace34may be ignited, either supplementing or replacing the heat from the heat exchanger. That generated heat is driven into the indoor spaces by the airflow produced by the blower32. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant leaving the indoor heat exchanger20is routed to an indoor bypass63, because the indoor metering device60is in the closed position. Using the refrigerant lines18, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is routed to the receiver check valves58and into the receiver42. As described above, the receiver42stores liquid refrigerant and allows any refrigerant that may remain in gaseous form to condense. From the receiver, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is routed to an outdoor metering device61, which lowers the pressure of the liquid. Just like the indoor metering device60, the illustrated outdoor metering device61is an electrical expansion valve. But it is envisaged that the outdoor metering device could be any number of devices, including capillaries, thermal expansion valves, reduced orifice tubing, for example. The lower-pressure liquid refrigerant is then routed to the outdoor heat exchanger22, which is acting as an evaporator. That is, the airflow generated by the fan50aids the transition of low-pressure liquid refrigerant to a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, absorbing heat from the outdoor environment in the process. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant exits the outdoor heat exchanger22and is routed to the reversing valve, which directs the refrigerant to the accumulator. The compressor36then draws in gaseous refrigerant from accumulator, compresses it, and then expels it via the outlet52as high-pressure gas, for the cycle to be repeated. FIG.3illustrates the HVAC system10ofFIG.2, but provides further information about the HVAC system's control architecture. As illustrated, the HVAC system10includes one or more controllers64that manage the operating of the HVAC's system's components. Such command and control may be effectuated by any number of well-known protocols, such as open systems like CAN or propriety systems like Daikin Industries Limited's P1/P2 protocol, or a ClimateTalk protocol. Moreover, these command and control communications may be over a wired bus or network, or may be communicated over a wireless network. The illustrated controller64—which may be a programmable logic circuit or a processor or integrated circuit with memory, for example—receives input data from a wide variety or sensors located throughout system. Temperature sensors66can determine the temperature of the outdoor air, the air within the indoor spaces, or the refrigerant ingressing and egressing from the heat exchangers20,22. Moreover, the controller may be in communication with various components of the system—for example, the fan50, the compressor36, the receiver42—that send operation data (e.g., motor speed, liquid level in the receiver) to the controller. In turn, the controller can send informed commands to the components of the HVAC system, to optimize their performance. For example, the controller can optimize operation of the electronic expansion valves61, the fan50, the blower, or the compressor36. As one particular example, the disclosed controller64includes inverter circuitry that varies the speed of the compressor's motor, thereby regulating the amount of refrigerant the compressor pumps. Moreover, the inverter circuitry—which changes the frequency of the current motivating various electronic components like motors—can be used to control the speed of other components, like fans50or blowers32. It is believed that the inverter circuity can improve the efficiency of the HVAC system in comparison to traditional system, which operate the compressor motor at a single speed and in a binary (on/off) manner. As shown, the HVAC system10has two controllers64, one for the indoor unit and one for the outdoor unit. However, it is also envisaged that the command of the controllers could be centralized into one controller located in either the indoor or outdoor unit, or it could be decentralized to multiple controllers located throughout the HVAC system, or those controllers may be located at a remote location accessible through a network or the Internet. And if there are multiple controllers, they could be designed to communicate with one another, or could be designed to operate independently. Focusing on the heat exchangers,FIGS.4-9illustrate a variety of heat exchangers that can be employed by the described HVAC system. While a handful of heat exchanger types are described, it is envisaged the techniques described herein are applicable to any number of heat-exchanger types, including heat-pipe heat exchangers; shell-and-tube heat exchangers, wheel heat exchangers, slab-coil heat exchangers, and AWUF CSCF heat exchangers available from Daikin Industries, Ltd., to name but a few. FIGS.4-6illustrate aspects of a traditional fin-and-tube heat exchanger70. This heat exchanger70has a frame72that supports a collection of fins74through which a coiled tube76extends. The coiled tube76forms part of the refrigerant loop through which refrigerant for the HVAC system is circulated. Refrigerant enters the heat-exchanger tubing76through a first port78, circulates through coiled tubing either absorbing or releasing heat, and egresses through a second port80. However, it should be understood that if the first port78receives refrigerant during heating operations, then during cooling operations the second port80receives the refrigerant. The heat exchanger tubing76has an outer diameter82and an inner diameter84—with industry practice being to name heat exchanger tubing by its outer diameter. Traditional HVAC devices have heat exchangers with tubing that has an outer diameter of ⅜ inch (9.525 mm) or more. The relatively large diameter of the tubing increases the overall volume of the refrigerant line18, thus increasing the amount of refrigerant employed by the HVAC system10. In the disclosed embodiment, the heat exchanger tubings' outer diameter, in both the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, are less than traditional sizes. For example, the outer diameter80of the heat exchanger tubing76in the outdoor unit may be less than or equal to 8 mm. Indeed, in another potential embodiment the outdoor heat exchanger's tubing has an outer diameter of less than or equal to 7 mm. The outer diameter of the tubing in the indoor heat exchanger may be less than or equal to 9 mm. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the tubing in the indoor heat exchanger may be less than or equal to 7 mm. (For non-circular tubing, the diameter is defined by the smaller of the cross-sectional dimensions.) The tubing may be formed of any suitable material such as copper or aluminum or copper or aluminum alloys. It is believed that aluminum and aluminum-alloy tubing, because it is thicker, will have a smaller inner diameter than copper tubing with the same outer diameter as the aluminum tubing. Reducing the inner diameter of the tubing reduces the overall volume of the refrigerant lines, which is believed to reduce the amount of refrigerant in the system. FIG.7illustrates an “A-coil” style heat exchanger86that is typically found in indoor units of ducted HVAC systems. The A-coil heat exchanger86comprises a series of fins through which coiled tubing extends. Like the heat exchanger ofFIG.4, the A-coil heat exchanger has first and second ports78,80for the ingress and egress of refrigerant. Advantageously, the shape of the A-coil increases the amount of surface area that is in contact with the air being blown through, for example, the AHU. The outer diameter of the tubing in the A-coil heat exchanger may be less than or equal to 9 mm. In one embodiment, the outer diameter may be less than or equal to 7 mm. That is, in one embodiment, the “A-coil” heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit may have aluminum tubing that is coiled and that has an outer diameter of 7 mm or less. In other embodiments, other system of heat exchangers disposed in an indoor unit may have aluminum tubing that is coiled and that has an outer diameter of 7 mm or less. FIGS.8-10illustrate aspects of a micro-channel heat exchanger88. Like the other described heat exchangers, the micro-channel heat exchanger has first and second ports that facilitate the ingress and egress of refrigerant through the heat exchanger88. In this heat-exchanger88, a series of plates90has defined within them axial channel tubing96for the flow of refrigerant through the heat exchanger. The outer diameter82of a channel96may be less than or equal to 9 mm. In other embodiments, the outer diameter is less than or equal to 8 mm or less than or equal to 7 mm. The inner diameter84of the channel96may be less than or equal to 9 mm, or may be less than or equal to 8 mm, or may be less than or equal to 7 mm. FIGS.11-12illustrate another embodiment of the micro-channel heat exchanger88. In this embodiment, the plates90, or flat tubes, have axial channel tubing96running therethrough for the flow of refrigerant. As shown, these channels are non-circular. Air motivated between the fins102transfers heat with the refrigerant running through the tubing96. To assist this function, the heat exchanger88may include louvers100. As discussed above, heat exchangers having reduced-diameter tubing reduce the overall volume the refrigerant lines, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant employed by the system. In turn, this may reduce the size of certain fluid-storage components in the HVAC system, like the receiver42and the accumulator46. For example, in one embodiment, the HVAC system10may be a 3 Ton system with side-flow outdoor unit and with a 1.1 liter (L) accumulator. (Tonnage of a system refers to its cooling capacity, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.) In another embodiment, the HVAC system10may be a 5 Ton system with a side-flow unit and a 3.0 L accumulator. These embodiments are in contrast to traditional systems, in which a 3 Ton system with an up-flow outdoor unit has a 5.0 L or 6.3 L accumulator. Or a traditional 5 Ton system that has an up-flow outdoor unit and has a 6.3 L or 7.4 L accumulator, depending on the system's efficiency rating (SEER). A fluid-receiving component of those sizes take up substantial space within the outdoor unit's casing. It is believed that the reduced-diameter heat exchanger tubing described herein can provide equivalent cooling efficiency and performance with smaller fluid-receiving components, for example. There are number of refrigerants that can be used by the HVAC system. For example, the system10may circulate a single refrigerant, such as R32. Or the system may employ a composite of multiple refrigerants. For example, the system may employ refrigerants with the following composition (by weight): CompositeR32R125R1234yfRefrigerant(% weight)(% weight)(% weight)DR-5567.07.026.0R41050.050.00.0DR-572.50.027.5 As another potential embodiment, the HVAC system may employ a hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) refrigerant. The employed HFO refrigerant may by of a single type or a composite. For example, the system may employ HFO refrigerants with the following composition (by weight): CompositeHFO-1123R32Refrigerant(% weight)(% weight)HFO-Mix 145.055.0HFO-Mix 240.060.0 While the aspects of the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. But it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. | 23,459 |
11859862 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Some specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to drawings. FIG.1is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a dry space creation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.FIG.2is a schematic right-side view of a treatment tank inFIG.1.FIG.1illustrates the treatment tank as viewed from a front side. A dry space creation system1according to Embodiment 1 includes a hollow treatment tank3housing a material to be treated2, an inflatable balloon member4having a balloon shape provided inside the treatment tank3, a dry air supply unit5supplying dry air into the treatment tank3, an inflation air supply unit6supplying air into the inflatable balloon member4, an interference prevention member8preventing interference between the inflatable balloon member4inflated by supplied air and a device7positioned inside the treatment tank3, and an exhaust unit9exhausting the air inside the treatment tank3. In this example, a case is described where the dry space creation system1according to Embodiment 1 is applied to a facility including the treatment tank3, inside of which is a dry space, among battery manufacturing facilities; however, the application is not limited thereto. In the case where the dry space creation system1is applied to the battery manufacturing facilities, the material to be treated2is a battery under manufacture. Typically, the material to be treated2is an all-solid-state battery under manufacture. The treatment tank3has a hollow shape that can seal the material to be treated2. In an illustrated example, the treatment tank3has a substantially rectangular hollow box shape including a left-side wall10, a right-side wall11, an upper wall12, a lower wall13, a front wall14, and a rear wall15. Typically, the treatment tank3includes an opening. A hollow conveyance path provided between the treatment tank3and an adjacent facility is connected to the opening. In this case, the material to be treated2is conveyed into the treatment tank3from the facility adjacent to the treatment tank3through the conveyance path. In the treatment tank3, treatment is actually performed on the material to be treated2. In addition, processing to check a surface, an inside, etc. of the material to be treated2may be performed. The device7treating the material to be treated2is provided inside the treatment tank3. As described above, since the dry space creation system1is applied to the all-solid-state battery manufacturing facilities, the device7is a device used to manufacture the all-solid-state battery. Note that the dry space creation system1is applicable not only to the manufacturing facilities in the manufacturing line for the all-solid-state battery, but also to an evaluation facility for the material to be treated2extracted from the manufacturing line. In this case, the device7is a device used to evaluate the extracted material to be treated2, and is, for example, a laser microscope. In Embodiment 1, a glove17into which an arm is insertable is provided in one or a plurality of openings16provided on the front wall14of the treatment tank3. The glove17is made of a synthetic resin. The glove17is provided while an end on a side from which the arm is inserted is airtight relative to the front wall14. This makes it possible to operate the device7in the treatment tank3with a hand wearing the glove17. The inflatable balloon member4has a balloon shape inflated and deflated by supply and exhaust of the air. The inflatable balloon member4is made of, for example, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or ethylene-propylene diene rubber. The inflatable balloon member4has a shape inflated in the treatment tank3such that a partial area18remains in the treatment tank3. In Embodiment 1, in the inflated state, the inflatable balloon member4has a box shape including an opened front surface and an opened lower surface. More specifically, the inflatable balloon member4includes a hollow left wall portion19, a hollow right wall portion20, a hollow upper wall portion21, and a hollow rear wall portion22. Insides of these portions communicate with one another. The upper wall portion21of the inflatable balloon member4includes a through hole23penetrating through the upper wall portion21in a vertical direction. In the inflatable balloon member4in the inflated state, in the treatment tank3, the left wall portion19, the right wall portion20, the upper wall portion21, the rear wall portion22respectively abut on the left-side wall10, the right-side wall11, the upper wall12, and the rear wall15of the treatment tank3. Further, a lower end of the inflatable balloon member4airtightly abuts on the lower wall13of the treatment tank3, and a front end of the inflatable balloon member4airtightly abuts on the front wall14of the treatment tank3. As a result, the hollow area18surrounded by the left wall portion19, the right wall portion20, the upper wall portion21, and the rear wall portion22of the inflatable balloon member4and the front wall14and the lower wall13of the treatment tank3remains in the treatment tank3. The above-described device7is positioned inside the area18. The dry air supply unit5supplies dry air into the area18of the treatment tank3. The dry air supply unit5according to Embodiment 1 is, for example, a dehumidifier. The dry air from the dry air supply unit5is supplied into the area18of the treatment tank3through a dry air supply path24. The dry air supply path24includes an unillustrated dry air supply valve. The dry air supply valve opens and closes the dry air supply path24. The inflation air supply unit6supplies air into the inflatable balloon member4. The inflation air supply unit6according to Embodiment 1 is, for example, an air pump. The air from the inflation air supply unit6is supplied into the inflatable balloon member4through an air supply path25. A downstream-side end of the air supply path25penetrates through the upper wall12of the treatment tank3, and is opened inside the inflatable balloon member4. The air supply path25includes an unillustrated air supply valve. The air supply valve opens and closes the air supply path25. The interference prevention member8has a box shape including an opened front surface and an opened lower surface. More specifically, the interference prevention member8includes a left-side plate portion26, a right-side plate portion27, an upper plate portion28, and a rear plate portion29. The interference prevention member8is provided inside the area18of the treatment tank3. At this time, the interference prevention member8is provided on the lower wall13of the treatment tank3such that the left-side plate portion26, the right-side plate portion27, the upper plate portion28, and the rear plate portion29respectively correspond to the left wall portion19, the right wall portion20, the upper wall portion21, and the rear wall portion22of the inflatable balloon member4. The above-described device7is positioned inside the interference prevention member8. Therefore, the interference prevention member8is positioned between the inflated inflatable balloon member4and the device7. The dry air from the dry air supply unit5is supplied into the interference prevention member8in which the device7is internally positioned. Therefore, a downstream-side end of the dry air supply path24penetrates through the upper wall12of the treatment tank3and passes through the through hole23of the inflatable balloon member4, and is opened in the interference prevention member8. At this time, an outer peripheral surface of the dry air supply path24and an inner peripheral surface of the through hole23of the inflatable balloon member4airtightly abut on each other. As illustrated inFIG.1, the air inside the area18of the treatment tank3is collected to the dry air supply unit5through an air collection path30. An upstream-side end of the air collection path30is opened in the area18of the treatment tank3. The air collection path30includes an unillustrated air collection valve. The air collection valve opens and closes the air collection path30. The exhaust unit9is provided in the middle of the air collection path30. The exhaust unit9according to Embodiment 1 is an air blower. In this case, a suction port of the exhaust unit9is connected to the treatment tank3, whereas a discharge port is connected to the dry air supply unit5. Note that the exhaust unit9may be a pump exhausting the air. Next, an example of operation of the dry space creation system1according to Embodiment 1 is described. The operation described below is basically automatically performed by an unillustrated controller. Before the dry space creation system1is operated, the inflatable balloon member4, the interference prevention member8, and the device7are provided inside the treatment tank3. In the dry space creation system1according to Embodiment 1, first, the air supply valve provided in the air supply path25is opened and the inflation air supply unit6is operated to supply air into the inflatable balloon member4, thereby inflating the inflatable balloon member4. After the inflatable balloon member4is completely inflated, the air supply valve is closed and operation of the inflation air supply unit6is stopped. Thereafter, the dry air supply valve provided in the dry air supply path24is opened and the dry air supply unit5is operated to supply the dry air into the area18of the treatment tank3. At this time, the air collection valve provided in the air collection path30is opened and the exhaust unit9is operated to collect the air inside the area18of the treatment tank3, to the dry air supply unit5. When an atmosphere in the area18of the treatment tank3reaches a predetermined dew point by the dry air, the amount of dry air supplied from the dry air supply unit5is adjusted so as to maintain the state. This is achieved by adjusting an opening degree of the dry air supply valve. In Embodiment 1, the area18where the material to be treated2is treated remains in the treatment tank3when the inflatable balloon member4is inflated. Further, the dry air is supplied into the area18to adjust the atmosphere in the area18to the predetermined dew point. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to make a space where the atmosphere is adjusted to the predetermined dew point small as compared with a case where an atmosphere in the treatment tank3is adjusted to the predetermined dew point. In other words, as compared with a case of bringing the inside of the treatment tank3into the dry environment, the space to be brought into the dry environment can be made small, which makes it possible to reduce the cost for supply of the dry air. In addition, making the space to be brought into the dry environment smaller than the treatment tank3makes it possible to reduce the time necessary for bringing the space into the dry environment. For example, it is possible to reduce the time to return the space to the dry environment after maintenance. Further, in Embodiment 1, since the area18can remain when the inflatable balloon member4is inflated, it is possible to easily create the area18to be brought into the dry environment. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the inside of the area18can be put into a negative pressure state by the exhaust unit9. Therefore, the air inside the area18can be efficiently replaced with the dry air. FIG.3is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a dry space creation system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and illustrates a treatment tank as viewed from a front side. In Embodiment 2, features are described, and descriptions of the matters described in Embodiment 1 described above are omitted. In Embodiment 1 described above, the dry air supply unit5supplying the dry air into the area18and the inflation air supply unit6supplying the air into the inflatable balloon member4are provided. In Embodiment 2, in place of the inflation air supply unit6, the dry air supplied into the inflatable balloon member4by the dry air supply unit5is supplied into the area18. In Embodiment 2, the dry air supply unit5supplies the dry air into the inflatable balloon member4. The dry air supply unit5is, for example, a dehumidifier. The dry air from the dry air supply unit5is supplied into the inflatable balloon member4through the dry air supply path24. The downstream-side end of the dry air supply path24penetrates through the upper wall12of the treatment tank3, and is opened in the inflatable balloon member4. The dry air supply path24includes an unillustrated dry air supply valve. The dry air supply valve opens and closes the dry air supply path24. The air inside the area18is collected to the dry air supply unit5through the air collection path30. In other words, the air collection path30is connected to the dry air supply unit5. As in Embodiment 1 described above, the air collection path30includes the unillustrated air collection valve and the exhaust unit9. As in Embodiment 1 described above, the inflatable balloon member4has a box shape including an opened front surface and an opened lower surface. In Embodiment 1 described above, the inflatable balloon member4includes the through hole23, whereas in Embodiment 2, the inflatable balloon member4does not include the through hole23. The inflatable balloon member4according to Embodiment 2 includes one or a plurality of through holes31that make inside and outside of a hollow portion to which the dry air is supplied, communicate with each other. The through holes31are provided at lower end of the upper wall portion21of the inflatable balloon member4. As in Embodiment 1 described above, the interference prevention member8has a box shape including an opened front surface and an opened lower surface. The upper plate portion28of the interference prevention member8according to Embodiment 2 includes an opening32penetrating through the upper plate portion28in the vertical direction. The opening32and the through holes31of the inflatable balloon member4in the inflated state are located at positions corresponding to each other. In other words, the hollow portion of the inflatable balloon member4to which the dry air is supplied and the inside of the interference prevention member8communicate with each other through the through holes31of the inflatable balloon member4and the opening32of the interference prevention member8. Operation of a dry space creation system1aaccording to Embodiment 2 is basically automatically performed by an unillustrated controller as in Embodiment 1 described above. Note that the operation described below is illustrative. In the dry space creation system1aaccording to Embodiment 2, the dry air supply valve provided in the dry air supply path24is opened, and the dry air supply unit5is operated. At this time, the air collection valve provided in the air collection path30is opened, and the exhaust unit9is operated. As a result, the inflatable balloon member4is inflated, and the dry air is supplied into the area18from the inflatable balloon member4through the through holes31and the opening32. When the atmosphere in the area18reaches the predetermined dew point in a state where the inflatable balloon member4is completely inflated, the amount of dry air supplied from the dry air supply unit5is adjusted so as to maintain the state. This is achieved by adjusting an opening degree of the dry air supply valve. In Embodiment 2, the inflatable balloon member4can be inflated and the area18can be brought into the dry environment by the dry air supply unit5. Therefore, the configuration can be made simple. Further, in Embodiment 2, since the air inside the inflatable balloon member4is dry air, the area18is surrounded by a layer of the dry air. This makes it possible to prevent moisture from entering the area18from outside. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within a scope where the objects of the present invention can be achieved are included in the present invention. For example, in Embodiment 1 described above, normal air is supplied into the inflatable balloon member4; however, dry air may be supplied into the inflatable balloon member4. In this case, the inflation air supply unit is a unit supplying the dry air. As described above, the inflation air supply unit and the dry air supply unit may be provided, or a common dry air supply unit may supply the dry air into the inflatable balloon member4and the area18. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1,1a: Dry space creation system2: Material to be treated3: Treatment tank4: Inflatable balloon member5: Dry air supply unit6: Inflation air supply unit7: Device8: Interference prevention member18: Area31: Through hole | 16,853 |
11859863 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The following description includes one example of the present disclosure. It will be clear from this description that the disclosure is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the disclosure also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the disclosure is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In one set of descriptions a novel desiccant system for management of humidity through a building's HVAC system is described wherein new nanostructured porous materials with ultra-high capacity for water are integrated into desiccant beds and thermally coupled to heat pipes. Building air is then passed over these beds to remove water, however instead of using heat for desiccant regeneration the way that commercial dehumidifiers do, these advanced sorbents support facile removal of adsorbed water at room temperature with a simple vacuum pump. The system thus eliminates the additional latent heat cooling load from condensation on the HVAC system evaporator coils. The energy savings obtained more than compensate for the energy required to operate the vacuum pump, and with equipment footprint and capital cost half of today's commercial desiccant dehumidification systems. The system design can also support inclusion of additional sorbent materials in the desiccant bed that permit control of CO2 levels or remove VOCs from building air. The operating principle is very simple, warm building air is passed over a desiccant bed that removes moisture. The treated air is then passed through an air handler to the evaporator and cooled as in standard HVAC systems. The moisture content of the incoming air however, has been reduced sufficiently so that its dewpoint is below the temperature of evaporator coils thus preventing condensation. Once the desiccant has reached its water uptake capacity, the building air flow is switched to contact a second desiccant bed that has completed its regeneration cycle. The use of new ultra-high water capacity desiccant materials (MOFs and other desiccants) in our system enables a sufficiently compact unit that it can fit within the confines of a standard air handler conduit used in most commercial and residential HVAC installations. This integrated design obviates need for extensive modifications to the building's air handler layout and space for a large dedicated dehumidification system making it ideal for both new installations and retrofits. Our much simpler approach provides suctions on the desiccant bed during its regeneration cycle with a commercial off-the shelf (COTS) vacuum pump. Desiccant bed temperature is controlled through the use of heat pipes to provide thermal coupling between the desiccant beds. This provides a passive but highly efficient heat transfer mechanism to “cancel” the heat of water vapor adsorption generated in the active desiccant bed during dehumidification with the endothermic heat of desorption consumed in the desiccant bed undergoing regeneration. Hence, the desiccant beds are regenerated isothermally at the building air temperature and do not increase the sensible heat load on the evaporator from desiccant regeneration. Discharged water vapor from the vacuum pump is just exhausted to ambient. The use of new ultra-high water capacity desiccant materials (MOFs and other desiccants) in our system enables a sufficiently compact unit that it can fit within the confines of a standard air handler conduit used in most commercial and residential HVAC installations. This integrated design obviates need for extensive modifications to the building's air handler layout and space for a large dedicated dehumidification system making it ideal for both new installations and retrofits. FIGS.1-9show various features and sample embodiments. In one example shown in the attached, a configuration is shown wherein the use of new ultra-high water capacity desiccant materials enables a sufficiently compact unit that it can fit within the confines of a standard air handler conduit used in most commercial and residential HVAC installations. This integrated design obviates need for extensive modifications to the building's air handler layout and space for a large dedicated dehumidification system making it ideal for both new installations and retrofits. Referring now to the figures,FIG.1, shows a schematic of one embodiment of the invention wherein a desiccant bed containing a desired material, preferably a metal-organic framework materials such as MOF, (and more preferably MOF 303, 842 or 841, although a variety of other materials can also be utilized depending upon the needs and necessities of the user) is operatively positioned to allow moist, typically warm air from a source such as warm air return in a conventional HVAC unit to pass over the desiccant bed, wherein the materials in the desiccant bed adsorb water from the moist air onto the materials and allow drier air to pass on through the desiccant bed. The newly dried air can then be passed on for cooling through the standard parts of a typical HVAC system which can include an evaporator operatively connected to receive a coolant from an expansion valve whereby coolant flows through the evaporator to a compressor which pumps the coolant through a fan cooled condenser coil and back to the expansion valve which controls the passage of coolant back into the evaporator. The now dry and cooled air can then be passed to the desired location. The desiccant bed is also operatively connected to a vacuum pump that provides suction to the materials in the desiccant bed so as to remove water from the desiccant bed and exhausts this water to another location. The operating principle is very simple. Warm moist building air is passed over a desiccant bed that removes moisture. The now dried air is then passed through an air handler to the evaporator and cooled as in standard HVAC systems. Regeneration of the desiccant takes place as suction pulls water from the desiccant bed materials and exhausts them to a separate location. In a continuously operating system tray of desiccant can be used whereby once the desiccant from a first bed has reached its water uptake capacity, the building air flow is switched to contact a second desiccant bed that has completed its regeneration cycle, this process can be performed alternatingly or serially across a number of beds with each bed being regenerated by vacuum suction while another captures water from a moist, typically warm air source. A variety of types of materials can be utilized as the desiccant material22. Previous work on development of various sorbents for advanced cooling systems has established a unique database on water adsorption properties of various nano-porous materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous organic polymers (POPs), zeolites, mesoporous silica and porous carbons. Our recent work has shown remarkable thermodynamic properties of certain hydrophilic nanoporous materials with large water sorption capacities as well as hydrothermal stabilities established a sufficient and transformational improvement in size, weight, and cost of commercial adsorption chillers (MCGRAILet al., 2014). In this direction, we revisited the data collected on these hydrophilic materials and developed the materials mainly emphasizing the kinetics of adsorption and precise tuning of their water adsorption properties. The tunability of the materials is advantageous in this application because desorption kinetics must be facile under simple vacuum with no heating. Because of this, we followed two major approaches for the tuning of the desiccant materials by (i) decorating organic linkers with suitably shaped/sized hydrophilic/hydrophobic functional groups and (ii) modifying/adjusting the hydrophilicity of pre-reserved metal-containing cluster nodes with different functional groups. The result was adsorbent materials that show mild hydrophobic character at low RH with a sharp sigmoidal-shaped uptick in water adsorption at RH>20% (Type V isotherm). An example of the type of isotherm desired and ability to tune the adsorbent properties via pore-tuning or pore-engineering concepts with SO3H functionalization on the MOF UIO-66 node that shows water sorption behavior as illustrated inFIG.7. Varying the concentration of SO3H groups on the node clearly affects its water adsorption properties. Similarly, decorating the cluster with terminal functional groups of different hydrophilicities (HCCO−, CH3COO−, H2O/OH, and PhCOO−) resulted in precise control of the water uptake step over a range of RH and is attributed to variances in hydrophobic/hydrophilic pore character associated with differences in pore/cluster/functionality shape and size. While these examples were deemed workable for one example, in other arrangements materials that have Type V isotherm shoulders in the range of 20-65% RH and with working capacity higher than 50 wt % were selected. In particular, two zirconium-based MOFs, MOF-841, MOF-801 and an aluminum-based MOF-303 were specifically chosen because of their high chemical stability and required water sorption capacities and regenerability shown by cycling tests to ensure there is no degradation of adsorption properties. Furthermore, we expect can be synthesized in commercial quantities using PNNL's atomization-condensation reactor technology (MOTKURI, 2016) or other synthesis method. MOF-801 and MOF-303 shown to perform the best under the present operating conditions. Since the amount of sorbent required is expected to be in the range of kilogram scale, we were successful in bulk synthesis of MOF-801, prepared/tested in ˜100-gram scale already. To prepare these MOFs, 50 mmol of each fumaric acid and ZrOCl2.8H2O were dissolved 500 mL screw-capped jar, in a mixed solvent of DMF and formic acid (200 mL and 70 mL) and was then heated at 130° C. overnight to give a white precipitate. MOF-801. Similarly, MOF-303 was synthesized using 43.1 mmol of 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid monohydrate dissolved in deionized H2O (˜750 mL) to which a base (NaOH or LiOH solution, ˜65 mmol) was added dropwise under vigorous stirring. The resulting mixture was heated for ˜60-90 min in a pre-heated oven at 120° C. After cooling to RT, 43.1 mmol of AlCl3.6H2O was slowly added to the solution while constant vigorous stirring. Any precipitate formed in the solution was dissolved under extended sonication. The clear solution transferred to autoclave and heated in an oven at 100° C. for 15-24 h to get MOF powder. The obtained MOF powder materials were activated by solvent as well as thermal activation before subjecting to water adsorption. The activated materials were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) for crystallinity, thermogravimetric analysis to understand the stability of the materials and N2 adsorption isotherms for porosity measurements. The well characterized samples were tested their water adsorption measurements at room temperature and then extended to multiple temperatures required for this study. Once the material characterized, the material scaled-up PNNL's atomization-condensation reactor technology (MOTKURI, 2016) for bulk production. This technology offers a low-cost and scalable route to produce sorbent materials (e.g., MOFs) in bulk quantities. While these particular materials were demonstrated in one application a variety of other materials were also identified for use in such a system. A non-exclusive and not limiting list includes but is not limited to Zeolites such as AlPO4-34, AlPO4-LTA, AlPO4-CHA, 13X, SAPO-34; Mesoporous silica, such as MCM-41, SBA-15; MOFs including Zr and Al based MOFs, MIL family MOFs, Co2Cl2(BTDD); Covalent organic frameworks; Porous organic polymers; Porous carbon. FIG.6shows the water uptake kinetics for several MOFs. These results show design flexibility in that particle sizes could be reduced from these nominal values to increase the water flux if attaining continuous diffusive transport over these distances proves challenging. Overall, our systems analysis shows that water uptake in the sorbent must reach 11 wt % in the targeted 90 s half-cycle. There is solid evidence that this uptake rate is attainable as shown inFIG.6. The sorbent development team will need to downselect to desiccants that can achieve this uptake rate through a combination of physical properties including specific surface area, particle size, and intra-crystalline water diffusion. The system design team ensured that water vapor transport to the desiccant surface is sufficient to support the rate of water uptake by the desiccant while minimizing back pressure on the ventilation fan to save energy. Achieving this balance is expected to be most challenging on the adsorption portion of the cycle. Because the vacuum is applied nearly uniformly across the desiccant beds during desorption, water removal rate should be comparatively uniform. Because the desorption rate can be well-controlled by varying the suction pressure, maintenance of an approximate balance between the rate of water adsorption in one chamber and desorption in the other chamber should be readily achievable with adequate sensors monitoring temperature and discharge RH, and feedback through a control system. The tuning of the desiccant materials by (i) decorating organic linkers with suitably shaped/sized hydrophilic/hydrophobic functional groups and (ii) modifying/adjusting the hydrophilicity of pre-reserved metal-containing cluster nodes with different functional groups enable the desired facile removal under specified conditions. Adsorbents that show mild hydrophobic character at low RH with a sharp sigmoidal-shaped uptick in water adsorption at RH>20% (Type V isotherm). An example of the type of isotherm desired and ability to tune the adsorbent properties via pore-engineering and tuning the adsorbent with SO3H functionalization. (SeeFIG.7.) Varying the concentration of SO3H groups on the node clearly affects its water adsorption properties. Similarly, decorating the cluster with terminal functional groups of different hydrophilicities (HCCO—, CH3COO—, H2O/OH, and PhCOO—) resulted in precise control of the water uptake step over a range of RH and is attributed to variances in hydrophobic/hydrophilic pore character associated with differences in pore/cluster/functionality shape and size. Sorbent materials showing promising properties include those that have two or three candidates with optimal Type V isotherm shoulders in the range of 20-65% RH and with working capacity higher than 50 wt %. Preferably desiccant materials that have high chemical stability are utilized to preserve long term performance of the system. Conventional desiccant-based dehumidifiers (desiccant wheels, desiccant beds) regenerate the desiccant by heating. This severely limits their application because: 1) heat source temperature typically >80° C. is required for desiccant regeneration, 2) heat of adsorption released during dehumidification increases the temperature of the desiccant, thereby reducing its dehumidification capacity, and 3) hot desiccant increases the temperature of the discharge air, which increases cooling load on the evaporator and reduces energy savings. This much simpler approach enables the desiccant bed to be regenerated with a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vacuum pump. Desiccant bed temperature can be controlled through the use of heat pipes to provide thermal coupling between the desiccant beds. This provides a passive but highly efficient heat transfer mechanism to “cancel” the heat of water vapor adsorption generated in the active desiccant bed during dehumidification with the endothermic heat of desorption consumed in the desiccant bed undergoing regeneration. Hence, the desiccant beds are regenerated isothermally at the building air temperature and do not increase the sensible heat load on the evaporator from desiccant regeneration. Discharged water vapor from the vacuum pump is just exhausted to ambient. In one preferred embodiment, the desiccant beds are thermally coupled with “heat pipes”. This provides a passive but highly efficient heat transfer mechanism to “cancel” the heat of water vapor adsorption generated in the active desiccant bed with the endothermic heat of desorption consumed in the desiccant bed undergoing regeneration. This isothermal water extraction cycle (IWEC) allows the dry air stream to cool the condenser unit with a minimal temperature change above ambient temperature. A vacuum pump provides suction on the desiccant bed during its regeneration cycle and is used to provide modest compression to raise the vapor pressure sufficiently to condense to liquid water. Because the compression work is only done on the water vapor, this minimizes the energy consumption. Lastly, the condensate is pumped up to atmospheric pressure for discharge to a storage vessel (this consumes a trivial amount of additional energy). This innovative AWE system concept eliminates the heat transfer processes in conventional temperature swing designs that produce large exergetic losses. Moreover, it is possible to quite accurately assess the overall energy consumption for this system from the power required for: 1) fan to move air across the desiccant bed and condenser, 2) vacuum pump, and 3) liquid water pump. The air flow (CFM) needed to bring enough air into the system to produce the required amount of water is just given by: CFM=0.5886MwρamatpɛR(1) where Mwis the mass of water the system is to produce over operating time period tp, ρais the air density, and mais the mixing ratio (kg-H2O/kg-air) determined from the standard psychrometric properties of moist air. The parameter εRis the efficiency of the overall system in removing water from the air stream and is the key parameter connecting sorbent properties with system performance. The power required for the water pump is trivial compared to these other terms and so will be neglected here. To compute the vacuum pump power, we calculate the compression power required to raise the water vapor pressure from the regenerating desiccant bed to its saturation vapor pressure assuming the condenser unit is operating with a change in temperature 10° C. above the ambient air temperature. We assume the vacuum pump is 80% efficient in the compression work performed on the water vapor. A final assumption is that suction on the desiccant bed is sufficient to remove water from the sorbent when operating just under the condenser pressure, i.e. the compression ratio is fixed and ≤1.2. For fan power, we use the data provided in Clarke and Ward (2006) for fan efficiency in typical ventilation systems as shown inFIG.2. As would be expected, the fan efficiency declines as back pressure increases. This provides an important constraint on the design of the desiccant bed. Excessive pressure drop and hence high-power consumption would result from attempting to pass the air stream through a bed of finely packed desiccant particles. To avoid that, our system design concept passes the air stream through channels between fins, similar to radiator designs, and so can provide minimal back pressure on the fan. For analysis purposes here, we used two fan efficiency values, 10 and 3 CFM/W to complete the energy consumption calculation for our AWE system. With the simple assumptions outlined above, the energy consumption for our design falls along a single curve determined by the mixing ratio of the ambient air stream. Fan power consumes about 80% of the total energy budget. The results provide confidence that our AWE system can achieve a target of 42 W·hr/L if the system design provides a low back pressure on the fan. Sorbents optimized for a 43° C., 60% RH condition are likely to perform poorly and result in much higher power consumption at the more challenging 27° C., 10% RH humidity condition and vice versa. FIG.8shows an example of a modified heat pipe radiator design desiccant bed system formed similarly to a radiator with a set of thermally conductive fins made of a very lightweight material like graphene coated with desiccant. As air flow through the channels between the fins heat pipes remove heat from each adsorbing bed for transfer to the other chamber with an identical set of beds undergoing regeneration. A heat transfer simulation of this design using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ANSYS-Fluent confirmed that only a 5° C. maximum temperature rise in the adsorbing bed for the 43° C., 60% RH case that has the lowest air flow rate (1000 CFM). This confirms our design premise in being able to thermally couple the adsorption-desorption chambers and operate the AWE system approximately isothermally. This technology is a significant improvement over today's vapor-compression cooling systems and delivers humidity management in conditioned building spaces with zero energy penalty. In addition, the simple design is amenable to both new build HVAC systems and retrofit installations. Based on expected capacity of advanced desiccants, size of the dehumidifier system for our 50 RT reference case is projected at just over 30 ft3. This can be compared with a commercial building dehumidifier system for this same size air flow (17,000 cfm) of 200 ft3. Hence, the system envisioned here can be integrated in standard HVAC air handler units that is not possible with current dehumidifier systems. Last, we point out that the desiccant system is amenable to addition of other sorbent materials for selective removal of pollutants (such as CO2or VOCs), which could enhance customer appeal beyond energy and cost savings alone. A second schematic design is shown inFIG.9. InFIG.9the heat of adsorption from the active bed to the regenerating bed is provided through a design that utilizes heat pipes. The benefit is a passive heat transfer process that yields an isothermal condition during bed adsorption/regeneration. Moreover, the exterior surfaces of the heat pipes provide a natural support for the desiccant materials to be deposited. In addition to the desiccant bed design, ducting can necessary diversion of air flow and vacuum isolation around each bed during regeneration. In the arrangement shown inFIG.9, the two desiccant sections are expected to be fabricated using cylindrical ducting with ¼-inch diameter heat pipes placed in the crossflow. Each heat pipe will be coated with a layer of sorbent around its periphery with the optimum sorbent layer thickness. A staggered installation pattern along the direction of flow will maximize airflow exposure to the desiccant and promote more turbulence and mixing yielding higher heat and mass transfer coefficients. Bed sections will be assembled with vacuum-rated airflow isolation valves with autonomous diversion control to either the air discharge or the vacuum pump. The system will be fully instrumented with thermocouples, pressure transducers, Coriolis flow meters and RH sensors to monitor key parameters and variables. Water concentrations in the ambient air stream will be controlled by a mixing valve that merges a dry air stream with variable amounts of a 100% RH air stream to achieve a specific humidity. Relative humidity sensors (Omega Engineering, Inc., model RH-USB) are placed at the desiccant bed inlet and outlet to continuously monitor RH values. This simple test system will allow us to collect all the required performance information on the desiccant bed system to assess performance and perform thousands of regeneration cycles to look for any degradation in desiccant properties. While various preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown and described, it is to be distinctly understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. | 24,358 |
11859864 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1depicts an air plenum100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The plenum100is suspended above a user101who is to be protected from contaminants. The plenum100directs air downwardly through slot diffusers (not shown) to create an “air curtain”102around the user101. Although the air curtain102is illustrated as extending downwardly on only two sides of the user101, the air curtain102actually is emitted around the entire periphery of the rectangular air plenum100, as further discussed herein, protecting the user101on all four sides. The air curtain102prevents contaminates106, such as viruses, from being transmitted by a person104in the vicinity of the user101. The user101may be, for example, a cashier at a grocery store. In this situation, the air curtain102protects the user101from particles and viruses that may be emitted by the person104that is a customer. Directly above the user101, low velocity air105is emitted from the air plenum. The low velocity air105passes through a HEPA filter (not shown) within the air plenum100, as further discussed herein. A support post103extends from the air plenum100and supports the air plenum100from a surface (not shown), such as the floor of a store. The support post103is sized such that a lower edge107of the air plenum is about nine feet from the floor. A range of between eight and ten feet from between the floor (or surface that the user101is disposed on) and the lower107edge of the air plenum is acceptable. Raising the air plenum100too high would result in the airflow rate of the air curtain102dropping too dramatically as it reaches the floor. The high-velocity air emitted from the slot diffusers to form the air curtain is at least 450 feet/minute at a distance of twelve (12) inches beneath the lower edge107of the air plenum100. A range of between 450 FPM and 475 FPM is acceptable at this distance. At a distance of three (3) feet beneath the lower edge107of the air plenum100, the air velocity should be about 250 feet per minute. A range of between 250 FPM and 275 FPM is acceptable at this distance. The high-volume, low velocity air105emitted through the center of the air plenum100should generally be no greater than 50 feet per minute at the discharge of the HEPA filter, though a range of 50-60 FPM should be acceptable. At that rate, a high-pressure zone can be formed within the air curtain102that helps to prevent contaminated air from outside of the area from reaching the user101. In the illustrated embodiment, a support flange202disposed on the lower end of the support post103is configured to be bolted to the floor. In other embodiments, the air plenum100may be suspended from structure (not shown) from above the user101(FIG.1). FIG.2is front perspective view of the air plenum100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the air plenum100has a rectangular housing203with a top side204, a bottom side205, a right side206, a left side207, a front side208and a rear side209. In one embodiment the air plenum100is about 4 feet, 11 inches wide by 2 feet, 11 inches deep by 1 foot, 11 inches high, though other dimensions may be used in other embodiments. A goal in sizing the air plenum100was that the air curtain102(FIG.1) will fully protect a user disposed beneath the air plenum100. Air enters the air plenum100via one or more openings (not shown) on the left side207of the air plenum100. An air pre-filter212is disposed on the left side207of the air plenum100and covers the openings. The air pre-filter212filters air prior to the air entering the air plenum100. The bottom side205of the housing203comprises slot diffusers210extending along four sides of the housing203around a perimeter of the bottom side205, near the edges. The slot diffusers210comprise a slot extending continuously around the perimeter of the bottom side205about an inch from each of the four (4) edges of the bottom side205, as further discussed herein. Air exits the slot diffusers210downwardly to form the air curtain102(FIG.1), as further discussed herein. A portion of the air exits the air plenum100via a perforated screen220that permits air flow through a HEPA filter (not shown) when the air plenum100is in use. The portion of air that passes through the screen220is high-volume, low-velocity air, as further discussed herein. FIG.3is a rear perspective view of the air plenum100ofFIG.2. A rear support bracket301extends horizontally along an upper edge of the rear side209of the housing203. The rear support bracket301is releasably affixed to the support post103and to the rear side209of the housing203. An electrical control panel302is also disposed on the rear side209of the housing203. The electrical control panel302provides access to electrical control components within the air plenum100. As further discussed herein with respect toFIG.4., the electrical control panel302is slideably removable from the air plenum100for easy access to repair or replace electrical components. An end cover304is disposed on a right side of the air plenum100. The end cover104is hingedly affixed to the housing203and configured to allow access to the interior of the air plenum100for maintenance of the internal electrical equipment (not shown). A lock (not shown) will secure the end cove304. (Note that the perforated screen200(FIG.2) is not shown inFIG.3.) FIG.4is a partially-exploded rear perspective view of the air plenum100ofFIG.2. The rear support bracket301is releasably affixed to the support post103and to the rear side209of the housing203. The air pre-filter212slides into filter brackets401on the right side207of the housing203, covering an air inlet opening402when installed. The air pre-filter212is configured to prevent coarse particulate from entering the air plenum, which will extend the life of the HEPA filter. Removal of the air pre-filter212provides access for accessing an ionization unit403and an air heater404. The ionization unit403ionizes the air as it enters the air plenum100, neutralizing any active viruses that may be in the air. In this regard, the ionization unit403ionizes the air with a positive and negative charge, while producing no ozone. The ionization nit403will keep the air plenum components free of germs, viruses and particulates by continuously producing ionized air. The air heater404can be activated to prevent the air flowing down onto the user from becoming uncomfortably cool. In one embodiment, the air heater404is an electric 1500 Watt SCR controlled heater configured to raise the air discharge temperature by about 3 degrees F. to offset any cooling effect the air has from being delivered at a nominal velocity over the user below the air discharge of the unit. A HEPA filter406fits within a filter housing409on the bottom side205of the housing203. The HEPA filter406is comprised of synthetic media with minimal static pressure drop. A set volume of low velocity air (not shown) will pass through the HEPA filter to provide filtered air directly below the filter discharge in a linear pattern. The filter housing409comprises a perforated screen220(FIG.2) that permits air flow through the HEPA filter406when the air plenum100is in use. The screen220aids in even distribution of the air. A plurality of filter retaining bars407retain the HEPA filter406within the filter housing409. The filter housing409is releasably affixed to the bottom side205of the housing203with a plurality of fasteners410. FIG.5is a top view of the air plenum100ofFIG.2. The air plenum100is configured such that the internal components can be accessed from the side or back, and there is no need to access the top side204of the air plenum100once it has been installed. In embodiments where the air plenum is desired to be suspended from above, rather than with the support post103, support brackets (not shown) may be affixed to the top side204of the air plenum. Note that the support post103is offset from a footprint of the air plenum100, such that the support post103does not interfere with the user (not shown) when the user is beneath the air plenum100. The distance “D” that the support post103is offset from the air plenum100is driven by the depth of the rear support bracket301. FIG.6is a rear view of the air plenum100ofFIG.2. The rear support bracket301is generally “T”-shaped and extends horizontally across the back of the housing203, near the top edge of the rear side209of the housing203. FIG.7is a cross-sectional view of the air plenum100ofFIG.5, taken along section lines A-A ofFIG.5. The air plenum100comprises a diffusing fan701centrally located within the housing203. The fan701directs air that enters the air plenum100downwardly and disperses it between the HEPA filter406and the slot diffusers210that forms the air curtain (not shown) discussed herein. In one embodiment the fan701comprises a fixed pitch high efficiency direct drive fan with variable speed. The fan701has significant static pressure capability to overcome the associated losses with the filtration and distribution within the air plenum100out to the discharge points at the slot diffusers and HEPA filter406. In one embodiment, the fan is capable of moving air at a minimum of 1500 cubic feet per minute (CFM). In operation of the air plenum100, air enters the air plenum100through the air pre-filter212and travels generally horizontally as indicated by directional arrow705within an interior chamber702of the air plenum100. The air is then drawn downward into the fan701as indicated by directional arrow706. Air exists the fan701is indicated by directional arrow707. When the air leaves the fan, it is in a rotating pattern. The air collides with an inner fan wall709that surrounds the fan701and is forced upwards as indicated by directional arrow708. The air passes over the inner fan wall709, as indicated by directional arrow710and is forced downwardly by an outer fan wall711. The air being forced over the inner fan wall709in a “U”-shape helps to reduce air noise. Additionally, the air passing over the inner fan wall709disperses air pressure in a pattern that allows the air to enter the inner slit715(discussed below) in a uniform manner. The air then travels radially above a HEPA filter406in multiple streams, as indicated by directional arrow713. The air then arrives at the edges of the air plenum100, where it enters a peripheral air duct716via an inner slit715, as indicated by directional arrow714. In one embodiment, the inner slit715is about ½ inches wide, and extends uniformly around the periphery of the air plenum100about one inch from the outer edges. The peripheral air duct716extends around the entire periphery of the lower edges of the housing213and forces the air downwardly (as indicated by directional arrow717) out of the slot diffusers210to form the air curtain102(FIG.1). The peripheral air duct716is about six inches wide and twelve inches high in one embodiment. The peripheral air duct716comprises straight side walls719, parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The straight side walls719transition to angled side walls720on opposed sides of the duct, as illustrated. The angled side walls720narrow the peripheral air duct down to a narrow spout portion721, which is coextensive with the slot diffuser210(i.e., the slit that the air exits the peripheral air duct from). The cross-section of the peripheral air duct716is thus shaped like a funnel, which serves to increase the velocity of the air leaving the duct716. The slot diffuser210is about ⅜ inches wide in the illustrated embodiment. FIG.8is a partial cross-sectional cutaway representation of the air plenum100ofFIG.5, taken along section lines B-B ofFIG.5. As discussed above with respect toFIG.7, in operation of the air plenum100, the fan701drives air flow down through the air plenum100. An inner fan wall709surrounds the fan701in the shape of a square, as can be seen more clearly inFIG.8. The inner fan wall709forms a fan chamber811in the shape of a square. A corner baffle810is disposed in each corner of the fan chamber. (Two sets of corner baffles810are partially shown in blue inFIG.8. Refer toFIG.9for a top view of the corner baffles810.) The corner baffles810serve to concentrate the air within the fan chamber811. Without the corner baffles810, air would be pushed into the corners within the fan chamber811, decreasing air flow. The air leaving the fan701is forced upwards by the inner fan wall709which surrounds the fan701, in the direction indicated by directional arrow802. When the air reaches a top fan wall804it is forced downward against the outer fan wall711, which surrounds the fan outwardly from and spaced apart from the inner fan wall709. A plurality of air straighteners801are affixed to the outer fan wall711and extend inwardly, towards the fan701. Each air straightener801comprises a thin strip of sheet that extends about an inch and a quarter towards the fan701. The air straighteners801serve to “split” the air flow, as indicated by directional arrows803. The air straighteners811extend vertically from the top fan wall804about ⅔ of the way down the outer fan wall711. Terminating the air straighteners before they reach the bottom of the outer fan wall711serves to give the air flowing downwardly sufficient clearance to smoothly exit the space, and also helps with sound attenuation/noise reduction. Note that the outer fan wall711does not extend downwardly as far as the inner fan wall. As discussed above, air enters the peripheral air duct716via the inner slit715, and is then forced downwardly from the slot diffusers210. FIG.9is a cross-sectional view of the air plenum100ofFIG.6, taken along section lines C-C ofFIG.6. The air straighteners801extend between the inner fan wall709and the outer fan wall. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three (3) air straighteners spaced apart on each of the four walls of the fan chamber, for a total of twelve (12) air straighteners. As shown in the drawing, a corner baffle810is disposed in each corner of the fan chamber811. Each corner baffle810comprises a long side902that extends between adjacent inner fan walls709. The corner baffles810extend vertically from the top fan wall804to a bottom surface of the fan chamber811. A baffle extension901extends inwardly from each end of the long side902of the corner baffle810. The baffle extensions are angled generally toward the center of the fan701. The baffle extensions extend about 1-¼ inches in the illustrated embodiment. The baffle extensions are riveted to the bottom surface of the fan chamber811. FIG.10depicts an embodiment of the air plenum that includes laser markers1101directly downwardly from each side of the housing203to project a laser lines1001on the floor. The laser lines define a rectangle within which the user (not shown) will be protected by the air curtain as discussed herein. In one embodiment, the laser markers1101are held in place via a compression-style holder (not shown) that allows for adjustment and replacement of the laser markers1101. FIG.11is an enlarged detail view of the air plenum ofFIG.10, taken along detail line “D” ofFIG.10. The slot diffusers210are shown extending along the perimeter of the housing as discussed herein. A feeler gauge1103is illustrated within the slot diffuser210for illustrative purposes. An LED strip1101is affixed to the perimeter of the housing203in this embodiment for additional lighting to prevent shadows below the air plenum101. | 15,540 |
11859865 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The devices, systems, and methods described herein include hot water heating systems that include individual vertically stacked water heating units and a spine. The water heating units are each coupled to a different coupling area of the spine. The devices, systems, and methods described herein provide for many benefits over the prior art. Because the water, air, exhaust, fuel, and electric manifold lines contained within the spine extend through the top surface of the spine, rather than through the back of the unit like in many current systems, the hot water heating systems described herein are able to be mounted against a wall without the need for utilities being run through the wall. The vertical stacking of the individual water heating units also allows multiple water heating units to occupy a relatively small footprint. Furthermore, because each of the water heating units is an individual, self-contained unit plumbed to a common spine, each of the water heating units is considered a separate unit for regulation purposes. Various implementations include a hot water heating system. The system includes a spine and two or more water heating units. The spine includes a top surface, two or more coupling areas, a cold water manifold, a hot water manifold, and a fuel manifold. The top surface defines one or more top openings. The two or more coupling areas are for coupling a water heating unit to the spine. Each of the coupling areas includes a cold water manifold outlet, a hot water manifold inlet, and a fuel manifold outlet. The cold water manifold includes a cold water manifold inlet fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet of each coupling area. One or more top openings provide access to the cold water manifold inlet. The hot water manifold includes a hot water manifold outlet fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet of each coupling area. One or more top openings provide access to the hot water manifold outlet. The fuel manifold includes a fuel manifold inlet in communication with the fuel manifold outlet of each coupling area. One or more top openings provide access to the fuel manifold inlet. At least one of the coupling areas is located above another coupling area when the spine is oriented with the top surface facing upwardly. Each of the water heating units is coupled to one of the coupling areas. Each water heating unit includes a cold water inlet fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet at a corresponding one of the coupling areas, a hot water outlet fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet at the corresponding one of the coupling areas, and a fuel inlet fluidically coupled to the fuel manifold outlet at the corresponding one of the coupling areas. Various other implementations include a water heating unit. The unit includes a back panel and a water heater. The back panel is configured to be coupled to a surface. The water heater is coupled to the back panel. The water heater includes a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet, and a fuel inlet. The back panel defines one or more openings configured such that each of the one or more openings provides access to one or more of a cold water manifold outlet, a hot water manifold inlet, and a fuel manifold outlet of the surface when the back panel is coupled to the surface. Various other implementations include a spine for a hot water heating system. The spine includes a top surface, two or more coupling areas, a cold water manifold, a hot water manifold, and a fuel manifold. The top surface defines one or more top openings. The two or more coupling areas are for coupling a water heating unit to the spine. Each of the coupling areas includes a cold water manifold outlet, a hot water manifold inlet, and a fuel manifold outlet. The cold water manifold includes a cold water manifold inlet fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet of each coupling area. One or more top openings provide access to the cold water manifold inlet. The hot water manifold includes a hot water manifold outlet fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet of each coupling area. One or more top openings provide access to the hot water manifold outlet. The fuel manifold includes a fuel manifold inlet in communication with the fuel manifold outlet of each coupling area. One or more top openings provide access to the fuel manifold inlet. At least one of the coupling areas is located above another coupling area when the spine is oriented with the top surface facing upwardly. Various other implementations include a method of assembling a hot water heating system. The method includes mounting the spine described above to a floor or wall, fluidically coupling the cold water manifold inlet to a cold water supply source, fluidically coupling the hot water manifold outlet to a hot water supply source, fluidically coupling the fuel manifold inlet to a fuel supply source, and coupling two or more of the water heating units described above to the spine such that each of the water heating units is coupled to one of the coupling areas and the cold water inlet is fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet at a corresponding one of the coupling areas, the hot water outlet is fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet at the corresponding one of the coupling areas, and the fuel inlet is fluidically coupled to the fuel manifold outlet at the corresponding one of the coupling areas. FIGS.1-4show a hot water heating system1000according to one implementation. As shown inFIG.1, the system1000includes a spine1100and six individual water heating units1200. FIG.2shows the hot water heating system1000ofFIG.1with cover panels1290removed from three hot water heating units1200of one coupling surface1112and the spine1100shown transparently. The spine1100includes a central portion1110, a base1102, and a top surface1104that defines five top openings1106. The terms “top,” “base,” “side,” and other similar directional terms, as used herein, describe directions relative to the orientations of the examples shown in the figures. For instance, the “top surface1104” refers to the upper surface of the spine1100when the spine1100is oriented with the top surface1104facing upwardly. The center portion defines two coupling surfaces1112located opposite and spaced apart from each other. Each of the two coupling surfaces1112defines three vertically aligned coupling areas1114such that at least one of the coupling areas1114is located above another coupling area1114when the spine1100is oriented with the top surface1104facing upwardly. One of the six water heating units1200is coupled to each of the six coupling areas1114of the spine1100. The vertical orientation of the modular water heating units1200coupled to the spine1100allow for a configurable hot water heating system1000with a relatively small footprint. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes two coupling surfaces1112that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, in other implementations, the spine5100of the system5000includes one coupling surface5112(as shown inFIGS.5and6) or more than two coupling surfaces. In these implementations, the coupling surfaces5112are oriented such that at least one of the coupling areas5114is located above another coupling area5114when the spine5100is oriented with the top surface5104facing upwardly but can be located in any way relative to each other. In other implementations, the coupling surfaces1112include two (FIG.5), three (FIG.6), four (FIG.7), five, or six or more coupling areas1114that are oriented such that at least one of the coupling areas1114is located above another coupling area1114when the spine1100is oriented with the top surface1104facing upwardly. Although the top surface1104of the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes five top openings1106, in other implementations, the top surface includes any number of top openings and portions of one or more manifolds extends through each top opening. Although the system1000shown inFIGS.1-4is mounted with the base1102of the spine1100against the ground and the top surface1104oriented upwardly, in other implementations, the system is mounted to a wall or any other supporting apparatus such that the base of the spine is not touching the ground and the top surface1104is oriented upwardly. FIG.3shows the hot water heating system1000ofFIG.1with the three hot water heating units1200removed from one of the coupling surfaces1112and the spine1100shown transparently.FIG.4shows cross-section4-4of the hot water heating system1000ofFIG.3. The central portion1110of the spine1100includes a cold water manifold1120, a hot water manifold1130, a fuel manifold1140, an air supply manifold1150, a gas exhaust manifold1160, an electric supply manifold1170, and a condensate manifold1180. The cold water manifold1120includes a cold water manifold inlet1122and six cold water manifold outlets1124fluidically coupled to each other by a cold water manifold line1126. The cold water manifold inlet1122extends through one of the top openings1106defined by the top surface1104, and the cold water manifold line1126extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six cold water manifold outlets1124branch off of the cold water manifold line1126and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. An additive water connection1128is fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold line1126of the cold water manifold1120. The additive water connection1128can be fluidically coupled to a domestic water supply or other water source to add water to the system. Where a cold water manifold inlet1122is not used to circulate water or when water pressure in the system is low, the additive water connection1128provides additional water to the cold water manifold line1126. Although the cold water manifold inlet1122shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the cold water manifold inlet does not extend from top surface such that the cold water manifold inlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the cold water manifold inlet. In other implementations, the cold water manifold outlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the cold water manifold outlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective cold water manifold outlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one cold water manifold line1126with branching cold water manifold outlets1124such that the cold water manifold outlets1124are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate cold water manifold line for each cold water manifold outlet such that the cold water manifold outlets are configured in parallel with each other. The hot water manifold1130includes a hot water manifold outlet1132and six hot water manifold inlets1134fluidically coupled to each other by a hot water manifold line1136. The hot water manifold outlet1132extends through one of the top openings1106defined by the top surface1104, and the hot water manifold line1136extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six hot water manifold inlets1134branch off of the hot water manifold line1136and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Although the hot water manifold outlet1132shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the hot water manifold outlet does not extend from top surface such that the hot water manifold outlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the hot water manifold outlet. In other implementations, the hot water manifold inlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the hot water manifold inlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective hot water manifold inlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one hot water manifold line1136with branching hot water manifold inlets1134such that the hot water manifold inlets1134are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate hot water manifold line for each hot water manifold inlet such that the hot water manifold inlets are configured in parallel with each other. The fuel manifold1140includes a fuel manifold inlet1142and six fuel manifold outlets1144fluidically coupled to each other by a fuel manifold line1146. The fuel manifold1140supplies fuel (e.g., natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or blended combustible fuels) from a fuel source to the individual water heating units1200. The fuel manifold inlet1142extends through one of the top openings1106defined by the top surface1104, and the fuel manifold line1146extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six fuel manifold outlets1144branch off of the fuel manifold line1146and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Although the fuel manifold inlet1142shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the fuel manifold inlet does not extend from top surface such that the fuel manifold inlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the fuel manifold inlet. In other implementations, the fuel manifold outlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the fuel manifold outlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective fuel manifold outlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one fuel manifold line1146with branching fuel manifold outlets1144such that the fuel manifold outlets1144are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate fuel manifold line for each fuel manifold outlet such that the fuel manifold outlets are configured in parallel with each other. The air supply manifold1150includes an air supply manifold inlet1152and six air supply manifold outlets1152fluidically coupled to each other by an air supply manifold line1156. The air supply manifold1150supplies air from an external source to the individual water heating units1200. The air supply manifold inlet1152extends through one of the top openings1106defined by the top surface1104, and the air supply manifold line1156extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six air supply manifold outlets1152branch off of the air supply manifold line1156and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Although the air supply manifold inlet1152shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the air supply manifold inlet does not extend from top surface such that the air supply manifold inlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the air supply manifold inlet. In other implementations, the air supply manifold outlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the air supply manifold outlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective air supply manifold outlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one air supply manifold line1156with branching air supply manifold outlets1154such that the air supply manifold outlets1154are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate air supply manifold line for each air supply manifold outlet such that the air supply manifold outlets are configured in parallel with each other. The gas exhaust manifold1160includes a gas exhaust manifold outlet1162and six gas exhaust manifold inlets1164fluidically coupled to each other by a gas exhaust manifold line1166. The gas exhaust manifold outlet1162extends through one of the top openings1106defined by the top surface1104, and the gas exhaust manifold line1166extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six gas exhaust manifold inlets1164branch off of the gas exhaust manifold line1166and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Although the gas exhaust manifold outlet1162shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the gas exhaust manifold outlet does not extend from top surface such that the gas exhaust manifold outlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the gas exhaust manifold outlet. In other implementations, the gas exhaust manifold inlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the gas exhaust manifold inlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective gas exhaust manifold inlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one gas exhaust manifold line1166with branching gas exhaust manifold inlets1164such that the gas exhaust manifold inlets1164are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate gas exhaust manifold line for each gas exhaust manifold inlet such that the gas exhaust manifold inlets are configured in parallel with each other. The electric supply manifold1170includes an electric supply manifold inlet1172and six electric supply manifold outlets1174fluidically coupled to each other by an electric supply manifold line1176. The electric supply manifold1170supplies electrical power from an electrical source to the individual water heating units1200. The electric supply manifold inlet1172extends through one of the top openings1106defined by the top surface1104, and the electric supply manifold line1176extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six electric supply manifold outlets1174branch off of the electric supply manifold line1176and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Although the electric supply manifold inlet1172shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the electric supply manifold inlet does not extend from top surface such that the electric supply manifold inlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the electric supply manifold inlet. In other implementations, the electric supply manifold outlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the electric supply manifold outlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective electric supply manifold outlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one electric supply manifold line1176with branching electric supply manifold outlets1174such that the electric supply manifold outlets1174are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate electric supply manifold line for each electric supply manifold outlet such that the electric supply manifold outlets are configured in parallel with each other. The condensate manifold1180includes a condensate manifold outlet1182and six condensate manifold inlets1184fluidically coupled to each other by a condensate manifold line1186. The condensate manifold outlet1182extends through a condensate opening defined by a side surface of the spine1100near the base1102, and the condensate manifold line1186extends through the central portion1110of the spine1100. Each of the six condensate manifold inlets1184branch off of the condensate manifold line1186and extends through a coupling area opening1118defined by one of the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Although the condensate manifold outlet1182shown inFIGS.1-4extends from the top surface1104of the spine1100, in other implementations, the condensate manifold outlet does not extend from top surface such that the condensate manifold outlet is disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the top opening provides access to the condensate manifold outlet. In other implementations, the condensate manifold inlets do not extend from the coupling areas of the spine such that the condensate manifold inlets are disposed within the central portion of the spine, and the coupling area openings provide access to the respective condensate manifold inlets. Although the spine1100shown inFIGS.1-4includes one condensate manifold line1186with branching condensate manifold inlets1184such that the condensate manifold inlets1184are configured in series with each other, in other implementations, the spine includes a separate condensate manifold line for each condensate manifold inlet such that the condensate manifold inlets are configured in parallel with each other. Each of the coupling areas1114includes one or more fastener openings1116for coupling the individual water heating units1200to the spine1100, but in other implementations, the coupling areas1114include latches, hooks, slides, guides, pins, or any other means of fastening the individual water heating units1200to the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. Each of the six individual water heating units1200include a water heater1202coupled to a back panel1210. The back panel1210defines one or more fastener openings1216that are alignable with the fastener openings1116defined by the coupling areas1114of the spine1100such that fasteners can extend through the aligned fastener openings1116,1216to couple the water heating units1200to the spine1100. The back panels1210also include one or more back panel openings1218that are alignable with corresponding coupling area openings1118when the water heating units1200are coupled to the coupling areas1114of the spine1100. When the back panel openings1218are aligned with the coupling area openings1118, each of the cold water manifold outlet1124, hot water manifold inlet1134, fuel manifold outlet1144, air supply manifold outlet1154, gas exhaust manifold inlet1164, electric supply manifold outlet1174, and condensate manifold inlet1184extend through one of the one or more back panel openings1218. Each of the water heating units1200also includes a cover panel1290removably coupled to the back panel1210. Each of the cover panels1290is formed separately from the cover panels1290of the other water heating units1200. The cover panels1290can include water heating unit controllers1292for controlling the respective water heating unit1200, a group of water heating units1200, and/or all of the water heating units1200of the system1000. In some implementations, the water heating unit controllers1292of each of the water heating units1200may be networked together and/or to one or more networking hubs or switches, including a building management system (“BMS”) and/or a BMS gateway (not shown). The BMS gateway comprises a water heater hub and a BMS router. The water heater hub facilitates local networking of the water heating units1200and translation of water heater information to a format usable by the BMS router. The BMS router in turn facilitates communication of status and control data between the BMS and the water heating units1200connected to the water heater hub. The user interface on one of the cover panels1290can act as a BMS user interface (UI) for locally facilitating secure access, display, and/or adjustment of water heater status and control data for each of the water heating units1200connected to the BMS gateway. Examples of the BMS gateway and BMS UI are described in more detail in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, titled “Water Heater Building Management System Gateway”, filed concurrently herewith, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Each of the water heaters1202includes a heat exchanger1204, a combustion chamber1206, a cold water inlet1220, a hot water outlet1230, a fuel inlet1240, an air inlet1250, a gas exhaust outlet1260, an electrical inlet1270, and a condensate outlet1280. The cold water inlet1220of each of the water heaters1202is fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet1124of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the heat exchanger1204. The hot water outlet1230of each of the water heaters1202is fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet1134of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the heat exchanger1204. The fuel inlet1240of each of the water heaters1202is fluidically coupled to the fuel manifold outlet1144of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the combustion chamber1206. The air inlet1250of each of the water heaters1202is fluidically coupled to the air supply manifold outlet1154of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the combustion chamber1206. The gas exhaust outlet1260of each of the water heaters1202is fluidically coupled to the gas exhaust manifold inlet1164of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the combustion chamber1206. The electrical inlet1270of each of the water heaters1202is electrically coupled to the electric supply manifold1170of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the water heating unit controller1292. The condensate outlet1280of each of the water heaters1202is fluidically coupled to the condensate manifold inlet1184of the coupling area1114to which it is mounted and to the combustion chamber1206. Although the system1000shown inFIGS.1-4include a cold water manifold outlet1124, hot water manifold inlet1134, fuel manifold outlet1144, air supply manifold outlet1154, gas exhaust manifold inlet1164, electric supply manifold outlet1174, and condensate manifold inlet1184that extend through one of the one or more back panel openings1218, in other implementations, any number of these manifold outlets and inlets are disposed within the interior of the spine1100, and the corresponding cold water inlet1220, hot water outlet1230, fuel inlet1240, air inlet1250, gas exhaust outlet1260, electrical inlet1270, and condensate outlet1280extend through their respective back panel openings1218and coupling area openings1118and into the spine1100to couple to the manifold outlets and inlets. Each of the water heating units1200shown inFIGS.1-4is rated for less than 200,000 BTU/hr. According to ASME HLW-101(a)(1), any potable water heaters that exceed an input greater than 200,000 BTU/hr are subject to the requirements of Part HLW for potable water heaters. Thus, while the entire system1000shown inFIGS.1-4is rated for providing around 1.2 MBTU of heat, the requirements of ASME Part HLW do not apply to the system1000because each of the individual units is rated for less than 200,000 BTU/hr of heating. In use, water flows from the cold water manifold inlet1122, through the cold water manifold line1126, to each of the cold water manifold outlets1124. Where a cold water manifold inlet1122is not used to circulate water or when water pressure in the system is low, the additive water connection1128provides additional water to the cold water manifold line1126. The water then flows from each of the cold water manifold outlets1124, into the cold water inlets1220of the respective water heaters1202, and through a heat exchanger1204of the water heaters1202. Fuel, such as natural gas, flows from the fuel manifold inlet1142, through the fuel manifold line1146, to each of the fuel manifold outlets1144. The fuel then flows from each of the fuel manifold outlets1144, into the fuel inlets1240of the respective water heaters1202, and into a combustion chamber1206in the heat exchanger1204of the water heaters1202. Air flows from the air supply manifold inlet1152, through the air supply manifold line1156, to each of the air supply manifold outlets1152. The air then flows from each of the air supply manifold outlets1152, into the air inlets1250of the respective water heaters1202, and into a combustion chamber1206in the heat exchanger1204of the water heaters1202. The electric supply manifold1170supplies electricity to the electrical inlet1270of the water heater1202, and the electricity flows through a water heating unit controller1292. The water heating unit controller1292causes the combustion chamber1206to ignite the fuel within the combustion chamber1206of the heat exchanger1204. The heat generated by combusting fuel inside each of the water heaters1202transfers heat through the heat exchanger1204to the water supplied to the water heater1202by the cold water manifold1120. The water that has been heated in the heat exchanger1204flows from the heat exchanger1204, through the hot water outlet1230of the water heater1202, to the respective hot water manifold inlet1134. The water then flows to the hot water manifold line1136and out of the hot water manifold outlet1132in the top surface1104of the spine1100so that it can be directed to one or more hot water fixtures. The buoyant hot exhaust gases created as a byproduct of the combustion of the fuel flows upwardly from the heat exchanger1204, through the gas exhaust outlet1260of the water heater1202, to the respective gas exhaust manifold inlet1164. The exhaust gases then flow to the gas exhaust manifold line1166and out of the gas exhaust manifold outlet1162in the top surface1104of the spine1100so that it can be directed exterior to the building structure. The condensate created as a byproduct of the combustion of the fuel drains from the heat exchanger1204, through the condensate outlet1280of the water heater1202, to the respective condensate manifold inlet1184. The condensate then flows to the condensate manifold line1186and out of the condensate manifold outlet1182so that it can be directed exterior to the building structure. Although the implementation of the hot water heating system1000shown inFIGS.1-4includes water heaters1202that are configured to use combustion of a fuel source to heat water, in other implementations, the water heaters2202are configured to use electricity to heat water. In these implementations, each of the water heaters2202includes at least one electric resistance heating element2204to heat water. The spine2100in these implementations include a cold water manifold2120, a hot water manifold2130, and an electric supply manifold2170like in the implementation shown inFIGS.1-4, but because fuel combustion is not being used, the spine2100does not include an air supply manifold, a gas exhaust manifold, a fuel manifold, or a condensate manifold. Each of the water heaters2202includes a heat exchanger2204, a cold water inlet2220, a hot water outlet2230, and an electrical inlet2270. The cold water inlet2220of each of the water heaters2202is fluidically coupled to the cold water manifold outlet2124of the coupling area2114to which it is mounted. The hot water outlet2230of each of the water heaters2202is fluidically coupled to the hot water manifold inlet2134of the coupling area2114to which it is mounted. The electrical inlet2270of each of the water heaters2202is electrically coupled to the electric supply manifold2170of the coupling area2114to which it is mounted. Water flows from the cold water manifold inlet2122, through the cold water manifold line2126, to each of the cold water manifold outlets2124. Where a cold water manifold inlet2122is not used to circulate water or when water pressure in the system is low, the additive water connection2128provides additional water to the cold water manifold line2126. The water then flows from each of the cold water manifold outlets2124, into the cold water inlets2220of the respective water heaters2202, and through a heat exchanger2204of the water heaters2202. The electric supply manifold2170supplies electricity to the electrical inlet2270of the water heater2202, and the electricity flows through the electric resistance heating element2204within the heat exchanger2204. The heat generated by the electric resistance heating element2204inside of each of the water heaters2202transfers heat through the heat exchanger2204to the water supplied to the water heater2202by the cold water manifold2120. The heated water then flows from the heat exchanger2204, through the hot water outlet2230of the water heater2202, to the hot water manifold inlet2134. The water then flows to the hot water manifold line2136and out of the hot water manifold outlet2132in the top surface2104of the spine2100so that it can be directed to one or more hot water fixtures. A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present claims. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are employed for designating the same elements throughout the several figures. A number of examples are provided, nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various implementations, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific implementations and are also disclosed. Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed. | 35,601 |
11859866 | The same elements, or elements having a similar function, are indicated by the same reference numerals. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION In general, an electric heater1according to the invention comprises:a metal body2;a first pipe11and a second pipe12provided in the metal body2;at least one heating stretch21,22of at least one electric resistor, arranged in the metal body2; wherein the at least one heating stretch21,22is adapted to heat the first pipe11and the second pipe12whereby transferring heat through the metal body2; and wherein the first pipe11and the second pipe12are mutually distinct so as to be crossed by two distinct flows of fluid to be heated. In the figures, the first pipe11and the second pipe12are a first tube and a second tube, respectively. FIGS. from1to5illustrate examples of embodiments of an electric heater1, in particular of the flow through heater (FTH) type. In the illustrated examples, the electric heater1comprisesa metal body2;two tubes11,12, also named first tube11and second tube12, arranged in the metal body2;three heating stretches21,22,23of at least one electric heater, also named first heating stretch21, second heating stretch22and third heating stretch23, arranged in the metal body2. Tube11and tube12are mutually distinct so as to apt to be crossed by two distinct flows of fluid to be heated. Preferably, tube11is destined to receive a flow of water to be heated in order to obtain steam; and pipe12is destined to receive another flow of water to be heated to obtain hot water. In this case, advantageously, steam is obtained at the outlet of tube11and hot water is obtained at the outlet of tube12. Alternatively, tube11may be destined to receive a flow of water to be heated in order to obtain hot water and tube12may be destined to receive another flow of water to be heated in order to obtain steam. Tube11and tube12are preferably not in mutual communication. Preferably, the inner diameter of tube11is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of tube12. For example, the ratio between the inner diameter of tube11and the inner diameter of tube12can be comprised between 0.3 and 1, e.g. between 0.3 and 0.9 or between 0.3 and 0.7. Preferably, the tubes11,12are made of metal, e.g. steel, in particular stainless steel. Tube11defines a longitudinal axis X and tube12defines a longitudinal axis Y. Longitudinal axis X and longitudinal axis Y are preferably also the central axes of the respective tube11,12. Tube11and tube12are preferably parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In particular, longitudinal axis X and longitudinal axis Y are preferably parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Tubes11,12, and in particular their longitudinal axes X, Y, can be rectilinear or substantially rectilinear, or can comprise one or more curved portions. For example, the tubes11,12can be substantially helix-shaped, or only one curved portion can be provided, for example. Heating stretch21and heating stretch22are adapted to heat both tube11and tube12by transferring heat by conduction through the metal body2. Preferably, heating stretch21and heating stretch22are identical or substantially identical to each other. Heating stretch21and heating stretch22can be part of the same electric resistor or each heating stretch21,22can be part of a respective electric resistor. In other words, a single electric resistor, preferably sheathed, comprising the heating stretch21and the heating stretch22can be provided, or two distinct electric resistors can be provided, preferably armored, of which one electric resistor comprises the heating stretch21and the other electric resistor comprises the heating stretch22. When a single electric resistor which comprises both heating stretches21,22is provided, such electric resistor is, for example, bent so as to comprise at least one curved stretch62(shown partially inFIG.7), e.g. an elbow, which joins the two heating stretches21,22. Heating stretch21and heating stretch22are preferably parallel or substantially parallel to each other and preferably also parallel or substantially parallel to tube11and tube12. Preferably, the heating stretch21and the second heating stretch22are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a first plane or surface J on which the longitudinal axis X of tube11and the longitudinal axis Y of tube12lie. Preferably, the heating stretch21and the heating stretch22are arranged symmetrically with respect to such plane or surface J. Preferably, the heating stretches21,22and the two tubes11,12are arranged so that a plane or surface K, on which the longitudinal axis A of heating stretch21and the longitudinal axis B of heating stretch22lie, is arranged between the longitudinal axis X of tube11and the longitudinal axis Y of second tube12. Plane J and plane K are mutually transversal. Preferably, plane J and plane K are mutually orthogonal. Preferably, tube11and tube12are arranged between heating stretch21and heating stretch22, e.g. only partially or at least partially arranged between heating stretch21and heating stretch22. By way of non-limiting example only, only a lower portion of tube11and only an upper portion of tube12can be between the first heating stretch21and between the third heating stretch23. Preferably, the third heating stretch23, tube12and tube11are arranged in sequence, in particular directly in sequence, being separated only by the metal body2. Preferably, the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the first heating stretch21and tube11is comprised between 2 and 8 mm; and/or the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the first heating stretch21and tube12is comprised between 2 and 8 mm; and/or the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the second heating stretch22and tube11is comprised between 2 and 8 mm; and/or the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the second heating stretch22and tube12is comprised between 2 and 8 mm. Preferably, the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the first heating stretch21and tube11is substantially equal to the distance, in particular to the minimum distance, between the second heating stretch22and tube11. Preferably, the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the first heating stretch21and tube12is substantially equal to the distance, in particular to the minimum distance, between the second heating stretch22and tube12. Optionally, plane K is proximal to longitudinal axis X and distal from longitudinal axis Y, meaning that the minimum distance between plane K and longitudinal axis X is less than the minimum distance between plane K and longitudinal axis Y. More in general, optionally, heating stretch21and heating stretch22can be proximal with respect to tube11and distal with respect to tube12. In other words, optionally, the minimum distance between heating stretch21and tube11can be less than the minimum distance between heating stretch21and tube12, and similarly for heating stretch22. The third heating stretch23is inserted in the metal body2, and preferably is proximal to tube12and distal from tube11. In this manner, the heating stretch23is adapted to heat the second tube12by transferring heat by conduction through the metal body2. In particular, the heating stretch23is adapted to heat prevalently the second tube12, i.e. is adapted to transfer most heat to tube12with respect to tube11. Preferably, the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the third heating stretch23and pipe12is comprised between 1 and 5 mm. Preferably, the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between tube11and tube12is comprised between 1 and 5 mm. Furthermore, preferably, the distance, in particular the minimum distance, between the third heating stretch23and tube11is at least equal to the sum of: outer diameter of the tube12, minimum distance between the third heating stretch23and tube12(preferably comprised between 1 and 5 mm), minimum distance between tube11and tube12(preferably comprised between 1 and 5 mm). Preferably, the heating stretch23is parallel or substantially parallel to tube12and preferably also to tube11and to heating stretches21,22. In particular, longitudinal axis C is parallel or substantially parallel to longitudinal axis Y and preferably also to longitudinal axes A, B and X. Preferably, the third heating stretch23is distanced from the plane K on which the longitudinal axes A, B of the first heating stretch21and the second heating stretch22lie. Optionally, heating stretch21, heating stretch22and heating stretch23are arranged at about 120° from one another with respect to the second pipe12. In particular, longitudinal axes A, B and C are arranged at 120° with respect to longitudinal axis Y. Preferably, tube12is arranged between tube11and the third heating stretch23. Preferably, the longitudinal axis C of the heating stretch23is coplanar to the longitudinal axis X of tube11and to the longitudinal axis Y of tube12. The heating stretch23is distinct from heating stretch21and from heating stretch22. In particular, the heating stretch23can be activated independently with respect to heating stretches21,22. More in detail, a further electric resistor which comprises heating stretch23is provided when an electric resistor comprising heating stretch21and the second heating stretch22is provided. Such further electric resistor is different from the electric resistor which comprises heating stretch21and heating stretch22. When a first electric resistor comprising heating stretch21and a second electric resistor is provided, distinct from the first electric resistor, comprising the heating stretch22, a further electric resistor is provided which comprises heating stretch23and which is different from the first electric resistor and from the second electric resistor. As anticipated, the two tubes11,12and the heating stretches21,22,23are inserted in the metal body2. The metal body2is preferably made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The metal body2comprises five housings, preferably only five housings, in each of which one among tube11, tube12, heating stretch21, heating stretch22and heating stretch23is inserted. In particular, the metal body2comprises inner walls which delimit each housing and which adhere to tubes11,12and to heating stretches21,22,23, respectively. Preferably, such housings are substantially holes in the metal body2. Preferably, the inner walls of the metal body2which delimit such holes completely surround the respective part of the tube11,12and the respective part of heating stretch21,22,23inserted in the metal body2. Alternatively, instead of a longitudinal hole, a housing provided with a longitudinal opening52for the tube11can be provided (FIG.4). In particular, such housing is provided with a wing51, which can be partially folded about the tube11. In this case, a longitudinal portion of the tube11arranged in the metal body2is uncovered, i.e. not surrounded by the metal body2. The folding of the wing51occurs in the step of assembling of the tube11in the metal body2. The tubes11,12are fixed to the metal body2. Preferably, the tubes11,12are brazed to the metal body2. Preferably, tube11comprises two ends31′,31″, or end portions, which protrude from the metal body2. The portion of tube11which is inserted, in particular arranged, in the metal body2extends between the ends31′,31″. Similarly, pipe12preferably comprises two ends32′,32″, or end portions, which protrude from the metal body2. The portion of tube12which is inserted, in particular arranged, in the metal body2extends between the ends32′,32″. Preferably, the heating stretch21comprises two ends41′,41″ which protrude from the metal body2. The portion of heating stretch21which is inserted, in particular arranged, in the metal body2extends between the ends41′,41″. Similarly, the heating stretch22preferably comprises two ends (not shown in the figures), which protrude from the metal body2. The portion of heating stretch22which is inserted, in particular arranged, in the metal body2extends between such ends. Similarly, the heating stretch23preferably comprises two ends43′,43″, which protrude from the metal body2. The portion of heating stretch23which is inserted, in particular arranged, in the metal body2extends between the ends43′,43″. One or more than one of said ends of the tubes11,12and heating stretches21,22,23can comprise a curved segment, even when the respective portion of tube11,12or heating stretch21,22,23, inserted, in particular arranged, in the metal body2is rectilinear. The heating stretches21,22,23may be assembled in the metal body2according to procedures known to a person skilled in the art dealing with flow through heaters. For example, the heating stretches21,22,23may be made by inserting at least one resistive wire into the respective hole of the metal body2. The holes are then filled with insulating material, e.g. in form of powder. The holes are then closed by means of insulating elements crossed by a respective conductor pin, in electric contact with the resistive wire. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, to insert a respective electric resistor pre-assembled into a respective hole of the metal body2. The metal body2and the resistors are then fixed to one another, e.g. by brazing. Preferably, the metal body2has an outer profile or contour which partially follows the outer profile or contour of the tubes11,12and/or of the heating stretches21,22,23. For example, when the tubes11,12and the heating stretches21,22,23have a circular outer profile, the outer profile of the metal body2comprises curved, preferably partially circular, portions5. Such curved portions5are convex towards the outside, and therefore are also named convex portions5for description purposes. Each convex portion5is preferably parallel to a respective portion of tube11,12or heating stretch21,22,23. Preferably, the wall thickness of each convex portion5is comprised from 0.5 to 3 mm. Preferably, the convex portions5are interconnected by a respective curved portion, which is preferably a concave portion7towards the outside. Preferably, in all embodiments, the metal body2has at least one empty space, e.g. an empty space8(shown inFIG.5) between tube11and tube12. In this case, preferably, the third heating stretch23, the tube12, the empty space8and the tube11are arranged in sequence, in particular directly in sequence, being separated only by the metal body2. The empty space8can be a through hole or a cavity having, for example, a side wall, an bottom wall adjacent, e.g. orthogonal, to the side wall and an opening opposite to the bottom wall. Another opening can be provided alternatively to the bottom wall. The cross section of the empty space8, in particular of the wall of the metal body2which delimits it, is preferably shaped as an ellipse. Preferably, the major axis of such ellipse is parallel to the plane K. The empty space may also have a different shape from elliptical. Preferably, the empty space8extends longitudinally, and preferably along all or most of the longitudinal extension of the tube11and the tube12. In all the embodiments described above, the presence of the third heating stretch23is optional. The description of the variants which do not comprise the heating stretch23is substantially provided by the present description, not considering the references to the third heating stretch. A non-limiting example of electric resistor which is not provided with the third heating stretch23is illustrated inFIG.6. Furthermore, it is worth noting that also only one heating stretch may be provided. In this case, only heating stretch21or only heating stretch22can be provided. In a further variant, heating stretch23and only either heating stretch21or heating stretch22may be provided. In all embodiments described above, alternatively to the pipes inserted in the metal body2, the first pipe11and the second pipe12can be defined by a first through hole and a second through hole both made in the metal body2, respectively. In other words, the same metal body2delimits the two pipes for the two distinct fluid flows. Preferably, the first hole has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the second hole. All other technical characteristics described in the variant comprising the two tubes may be present in the variant with the two through holes which define the pipes. According to an aspect, the invention comprises a machine for preparing hot beverages comprising an electric heater as described above. Optionally, the machine is configured so that the flow rate of fluid fed to the first pipe or tube11is lower than the flow rate of the fluid fed to the second pipe or tube12. By way of non-limiting example only, the machine can comprise two pumps, of which a first pump is connected to the first tube11and a second pump is connected to a second tube12. The first pump is adapted to send a flow rate of fluid lower than the flow rate of the fluid of the second pump. Preferably, the two pumps draw water from the same water tank. By way of non-limiting example only, an advantageous method of operation of a machine for preparing hot beverages as described above, comprises the steps of: a) heating a first flow of fluid, in particular water, which passes through the first pipe or tube11by means of the at least one heating stretch21,22, e.g. by means of the first heating stretch21and the second heating stretch22, to deliver the first flow of fluid, preferably aqueous vapor; b) heating a second flow of fluid, in particular water, distinct from the first flow of fluid, which passes through the second pipe or tube12by means of the at least one heating stretch21,22, e.g. by the first heating stretch21and the second heating stretch22, for supplying the second fluid flow, preferably heated water in liquid state. Step a) and step b) can be performed either simultaneously or in sequence. For example, it is possible to perform step a) first and then step (b), or vice versa. It is also possible to start step a), and to start b) before the end of step a), or vice versa. It is apparent that, according to requirements, only step a) or step b) can be performed. In a particular example of such method, when the heating stretch23is provided, the latter can be activated or deactivated independently from the at least one heating stretch21,22. | 18,485 |
11859867 | List of the reference characters:1reversed flow-swirl mixer;1aouter side divergent air-swirl vane;1binner side convergent air-swirl vane;1cgas swirl vane;2flow deflector;2aflow deflector support frame;3upper flow equalizing plate;4lower flow equalizing plate;5comb-shaped water-cooled burner;5aburner cooling water tube;5bcomb-shaped water-cooling module;5cY-shaped airflow channel;5dspiral ring rib;5eflow equalizing partition plate;6combustion chamber;6acombustion chamber water-cooled tube bundle;7hearth tube bundle;8ladder-shaped convergent hearth;9hearth water tank;9aouter loop heat exchanger;10exhaust port;11water collecting tank;12outlet water tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring toFIG.1toFIG.8, a premixed low-nitrogen gas boiler is provided. A reversed flow-swirl mixer can achieve the opposite mixing of the natural gas and the air and guarantee the uniformity of the gas mixture. The combustion temperature and the NOxgeneration are significantly reduced after the gas mixture is subjected to combustion by the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5. The premixed low-nitrogen gas boiler includes the reversed flow-swirl mixer1, outer side divergent air-swirl vanes1a, inner side convergent air-swirl vanes1band gas swirl vanes1c, and is configured to achieve the opposite mixing of swirls of the natural gas and the air. The gas mixture is uniformly mixed after passing through a flow deflector2, and then enters the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5behind a lower flow equalizing plate4, and spiral ring ribs5dcan increase the turbulence degree of the gas mixture, enhance the heat exchange effect and ensure low-temperature combustion. Meanwhile, it is guaranteed that the entrained high-temperature flue gas can be stably ignited and combusted under low load. Meanwhile, a second solution is provided. The divergent channels of Y-shaped airflow channels5care totally changed into rectangular channels. The structure is simplified, the manufacturing is convenient, and the cost is saved. Flow equalizing partition plates5eare additionally installed at the front end of the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5, the gas mixture is fed into the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5to play a secondary anti-backfire role after being uniformly mixed for the second time. The water-cooling heat exchange effect of the comb-shaped water-cooling burner5and the combustion chamber6is adjusted by controlling the amount and flow velocity of the cooling water in burner cooling water tubes5aand combustion chamber water-cooling tube bundle6a. The cooling water from the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5and the combustion chamber6is mixed in the water collecting tank11and then discharged from an outlet water tank12by means of an outer loop heat exchanger9a. Hearth tube bundles7form an internal loop with a working medium water-steam mixture in a hearth water tank9. The working principle of the present disclosure is as follows. The natural gas and the air are subjected to opposite swirl mixing in the reversed flow-swirl mixer1and are mixed and distributed equally and uniformly by the flow defector2. Circular holes of an upper flow equalizing plate3and the lower flow equalizing plate4are arranged in a staggered manner, such that the mixing of the gas mixture is further enhanced in a channel formed between the upper flow equalizing plate3and the lower flow equalizing plate4. The gas mixture is uniformly mixed before entering the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5and is stably combusted in the combustion chamber6. In the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5located behind the lower flow equalizing plate4, the gas mixture flows in from the rectangular channel of the Y-shaped airflow channel5c, such that the flow velocity of the gas mixture at the inlet of the rectangular channel is not too low to prevent backfire. Meanwhile, a thermal boundary layer is cut by the spiral ring rib5dto increase the heat exchange area, and an ignition point of the gas is moved, by the divergent channel, forwards to increase the radiation heat exchange area, thereby reducing the root combustion temperature of the gas and improving the water-cooling heat exchange effect. After the gas mixture is combusted, the flue gas is subjected to heat exchange under double cooling of the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5and the combustion chamber water-cooling tube bundles6a. Meanwhile, the temperature of the flue gas is obviously reduced due to the existence of the comb-shaped water-cooling burner5, the combustion chamber6and the combustion chamber water-cooling tube bundles6a. After the flue gas enters the ladder-shaped convergent hearth8, the number of each row of hearth tube bundles7and the spacing therebetween are controlled to achieve constant-speed flowing, and thus the convection heat release coefficient is increased to enhance the heat exchange, the steel consumption of the tube bundles is reduced, and the cost is saved. The inner side and the outer side of the reversed flow-swirl mixer are used for swirling air, the outer side divergent air-swirl vanes1acan fix the inner side convergent air-swirl vanes1bto prevent the inner side convergent air-swirl vanes1bfrom falling off, the swirl angles of the air and the natural gas are adjusted to make the air and the natural gas be mixed uniformly, thereby guaranteeing the uniformity of gas mixture. The present disclosure provides two solutions. The first solution is to employ a comb-shaped water-cooled burner5, as shown inFIG.5andFIG.6. In the burner, the spiral ring ribs5dare arranged in the Y-shaped airflow channel5c, thus the turbulence degree of the mixed airflow may be obviously improved, and combustion and cooling are enhanced, the low-load high-temperature flue gas entrainment is guaranteed, and the gas combustion is stabilized better. The Y-shaped airflow channel formed by a plurality of comb-shaped water-cooling modules5bcan greatly reduce the temperature of the flue gas and improve the heat exchange effect. The second solution is to change a swirl structure at the upper part in the Y-shaped airflow channel5cinto the same rectangular structure as the lower part and to additionally install the flow equalizing partition plate5eat a mixed airflow inlet of the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5, as shown inFIG.7andFIG.8. Only one side of the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5is subjected to cut in a rectangular structure, with the advantages of convenient manufacturing and low cost. The connection of a plurality of structures is facilitated, and the purpose of flue gas cooling and backfire prevention may be achieved. The specific operation mode of the present disclosure is as follows: Before the gas mixture is introduced into the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5, cooling water is introduced into the burner water-cooling tube5aand the combustion chamber water-cooling tube bundles6ato guarantee the cooling effect thereof. Ignition and combustion may be carried out at the outlet of the burner after the opposite mixing is achieved by the reversed flow-swirl mixer1. During actual operation, the flame combustion temperature may be controlled to a certain extent by adjusting the amount and flow velocity of the cooling water in the comb-shaped water-cooled burner5and the combustion chamber water-cooling tube bundles6a, and the adjustment can be carried out according to actual working conditions. The above description is merely for illustration of the technical ideas of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Any modifications made on the basis of the technical solutions according to the technical ideas of the present disclosure, such as the change of the mixer opposing structure, the comb-shaped fin swirl structure, the double-combustion chamber structure and the ladder-shaped convergent hearth structure, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. | 8,062 |
11859868 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in such examples without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein, terms referring to a direction As used herein, terms referring to a direction or a position relative to the orientation of the water heater, such as but not limited to “vertical,” “horizontal,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” or “below,” refer to directions and relative positions with respect to the water heater's orientation in its normal intended operation, as indicated inFIG.2. Thus, for instance, the terms “vertical” and “upper” refer to the vertical orientation and relative upper position in the perspective ofFIG.2, and should be understood in that context, even with respect to a water heater that may be disposed in a different orientation. Further, the term “or” as used in this application and the appended claims is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “and” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms takes at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of “a,” “and,” and “the” may include plural references, and the meaning of “in” may include “in” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Referring now toFIGS.2and3, a water heater50includes a vertically oriented, generally cylindrical water tank body52enclosed by an outer housing54. Body52is defined by a domed top wall, or head, portion55, a cylindrical side wall portion56, and a bottom wall portion58. Side body wall56, top wall55, and bottom wall58generally define an interior volume60for storing water therein. Side wall56, top wall55, and bottom wall or floor58may be formed from materials common to the construction of water heaters, for example a carbon steel outer wall layer with a glass or porcelain enamel inner surface, or uncoated stainless steel. Outer housing54is also made of a suitable metal, such as carbon steel. The outer housing completely surrounds tank body52and is comprised of a main cylindrical portion62, an upper cylindrical skirt portion66, and a closed disc-shaped top portion68. Outer housing54also includes a disc-shaped interior shelf72that sits atop center body section62of the outer housing and provides a platform for certain components of the heat pump system of water heater50, as described below. Shelf72thereby separates the lower interior volume of outer housing54, which encloses water heater body52, from a first housing enclosing an upper volume74of outer housing54, which encloses such heat pump components and further defines an air flow passage. A cold water inlet pipe51extends through the side of the water heater outer housing at cylindrical portion62, through side wall56, and into interior tank volume60at a location near the bottom of volume60. Pipe51attaches to a fitting (not shown) that connects pipe51to a cold water source, e.g. a building cold water pipe connected to a municipal water service line. A hot water outlet pipe53extends from interior tank volume60, through side wall56and main cylindrical portion62, at a location near the top of tank volume60. The exterior end of hot water pipe53attaches to a building hot water line (not shown), that in turn leads to valves of appliances, faucets, or other devices within the building that conduct or use hot water. Cold water inlet pipe51enters volume60lower into tank interior than does hot water outlet pipe53. As should be understood, warmer water is less dense than colder water and therefore tends to rise to the upper part of the tank's inner volume. Thus, outlet53, being relatively high on the tank, draws warmer water for a longer period of time then it would if placed lower, while the lower placement of inlet51prevents the cold water inlet from undesirably cooling the warm water at the top of the tank. It should be understood, however, that other inlet and outlet configurations may be implemented, for instance a top inlet with a dip tube. Referring to the embodiment ofFIG.2, as hot water is drawn from tank52, cold water replaces the hot water, but the upper position of the water outlet maximizes the volume of water above a threshold temperature, e.g. 120° F., that can be continuously drawn from the tank in a given amount of time, e.g. one hour. A pair of top and bottom vertically spaced electric resistance heating assemblies150and152extend inwardly into interior volume60through tank wall52. The two resistive heating elements have respective electrical fittings (not shown) at their ends that are disposed between tank52and outer housing54in respective housings (not shown) that extend between the tank and the outer housing and that protect the electrical fittings, for example from foam insulation that may be installed in the gap between tank52and outer housing54. The heating element housings include or cooperate with respective covers (not shown) that cover holes in outer housing54to allow access to the electrical fittings. A power source provides electric current to the heating elements via the electrical fittings and respective relays that are controlled by a controller at a water heater control board (not shown) that communicates with respective temperature sensors housed in the electrical fittings or otherwise disposed through or on the wall of tank52. During typical operations of water heater50, cold water from the pressurized municipal source flows into water heater interior volume60, wherein the water is heated by electric resistance heating elements150and152and stored for later use. When plumbing fixtures (not shown) within the building or other facility within which water heater50is installed and to which water heater50is connected via hot water outlet53are actuated to allow flow of hot water from the tank via hot water outlet pipe53, the stored, heated water within interior volume60of water heater50flows outwardly through hot water outlet pipe53to the fixtures by way of hot water supply piping (not shown) as should be understood in this art. The discharge of heated water outwardly through hot water outlet pipe53creates capacity within volume60that is correspondingly filled by pressurized cold water through inlet51. This lowers the temperature of water in the tank, which is in turn heated by electric resistance heating assemblies150and152. The control board controller monitors temperature of water in the tank based on a signal received from one or more of the temperature sensors at or on the tank wall proximate respective heating elements, so that the signals from the temperature sensors correspond to temperature of water in the tank proximate the heating elements, and actuates heating elements150and/or152(by actuating the respective relays to thereby connect the power source to the heating elements) when the controller detects a water temperature below a predetermined low threshold value (or, low set point) and maintaining the heating elements in an actuated state until the processor detects water temperature above a predetermined high threshold value (or, high threshold), where the high set point is greater than the low set point as should be understood. Once the controller detects that the water temperature about a given heating element has heated to a point at or above the high set point, the controller deactivates current flow to that heating element (by deactivating the corresponding relay) and maintains the heating element in its inactive state until that heating element's temperature sensor again reports a temperature at or below the low set point, and the cycle repeats. Components of a heat pump disposed within volume74comprise a compressor122, an expansion valve118, an evaporator120, and a fan124/fan motor134. A condenser coil comprised of a refrigerant line108extends from volume108down into the water tank compartment. Refrigerant line108is made, in this example, of an aluminum conduit line that extends downward from compressor122, through intermediate shelf72, to wrap tightly around at least a portion of side body56of water tank52, forming a coil/condenser116. A surface of the refrigerant line in one or more embodiments may be formed with a flat surface, so that the line has a generally “D” shaped cross section, so that the generally flat line surface generally conforms to the surface of side body56with a greater surface area than it would if the line has a generally circular cross section, although it should be understood that the line cross section may be generally circular or may define still other configurations. From coil116, refrigerant line108continues to expansion valve118upstream from an evaporator coil120, the construction of which should be understood and may vary. In one example, the evaporator is a length of coiled tubing with fins attached to the tubing to radiate heat acquired from warm air flowing over the fins to the coil. In any construction, however, the refrigerant path through the evaporator may be considered to be a part of refrigerant line108. In one embodiment, the return line portion of the refrigerant line from coil116runs between the coil and the exterior side of tank52, but it may also run outside the coil. From evaporator120, refrigerant line108continues to compressor122of the heat pump system. Fan124is disposed in volume74between evaporator coil120and an opening in the housing well, e.g. an outlet hole126, so that fan124induces air flow over evaporator coil120. Fan124is a variable speed fan, the operation of which is controlled by a controller to vary the fan's speed between two alternatively (higher or lower) speeds in response to a need to induce a higher or lower pressure and corresponding higher or lower air flow rate, as disclosed in more detail below. Fan124is further disposed within a second housing125that completely encloses fan124and opening126, except for open input and output ends indicated to the left of fan124and to the right of opening126, respectively, inFIG.2. As indicated in the FIG., an inward portion of second housing125is disposed within upper volume74, while the remaining portion extends outward of out housing54from opening126. Because fan124is disposed within second housing125, inward of the left opening (in the perspective ofFIG.2) second housing125directs all or substantially all of the air flow induced by fan124towards outlet126. Without second housing125, fan124would push a portion of the air flow generated by the moving fan blades through outlet126, but a remaining portion of the air flow would diverge within upper volume74, radially from a flow direction from the fan through outlet126, thereby recirculating back within upper volume74. In other words, without second housing125, a portion of air flow induced by fan124circulates back within upper volume74instead of exiting outlet126. Thus, in embodiments excluding second housing125, a fan having a capacity identical to a fan within a second housing125must run at a speed higher than the speed of such a housing-enclosed fan in order to force an equivalent mass flow rate of air through volume74, thereby causing greater fan noise than if the fan were operating at a lower speed. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan's output air flow is entirely received within the second housing. A portion of second housing125has a frustoconical taper that decreases in cross-sectional area in the direction of air flow in order to accommodate a fan having a fan blade diameter larger than the diameter or other width of outlet hole126. As should be understood, the frustoconical taper further minimizes a pressure drop between the fan and the outlet by reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow more gradually than would occur with an immediate 90° change in diameter. While in the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator coil is disposed upstream (with respect to the air flow generated by fan125) of fan124and outside of the enclosure defined by second housing125, in another embodiment, the evaporator coil, remaining upstream of the fan in the air flow direction, is also disposed within the second housing enclosure, so that both the evaporator coil and fan are disposed within the second housing. In yet another embodiment, the fan and the evaporator coil are within the second housing enclosure, but their positions in the second housing are reversed, so that the fan is upstream (with respect to the air flow direction) of the evaporator coil. Accordingly, the fan and the evaporator coil may be simultaneously disposed within the second housing, in configurations in which the fan is either downstream or upstream of the evaporator coil. Second housing125protrudes through upper skirt portion66so that a cylindrical protruding portion130extends from outer housing54. Portion130extends a distance away from upper skirt portion66sufficient to attach a duct135of the building's HVAC system. The duct's attachment to the hybrid water heater may be advantageous for various reasons. If, for example, a water heater is placed in a small room, the water heater's heat pump may generate enough cool output air to lower room temperature to a point at which the hybrid water heater's efficiency is impaired. Thus, ducting the cool output air away from the room may increase system efficiency, despite the increase in air flow resistance created by the duct. Additionally, the duct may lead the cooled air exiting the water heater to a particular location remote from the water heater room in which excess heat may exist or in which lower temperatures may otherwise be desired, such as, for example, a kitchen or a computer system server room. Protruding end130facilitates duct attachment in that it provides a surface that conforms generally to the duct's inner diameter. The outer diameter of protruding portion is sized, for example, so that an eight-inch duct fits over the exterior of protruding portion130. In some embodiments, the protruding portion's outer diameter is 7¾ inches where eight-inch ducts are used, thereby providing a quarter inch of clearance. Although ducts of circular cross section are referenced herein, it should be understood that this is for purposes of example only. Protrusion portion130may be polygonally shaped, for example square or rectangular, in cross section to conform to a correspondingly shaped inner surface of a duct135. Duct135may extend straight away from the unit (in the direction of the arrows shown inFIG.2) or may bend, e.g. via a direction-adjustable nozzle, to direct the air in a desired direction. The duct may be attached to the protruding portion and sealed with duct tape, screws, sheet metal screws, duct sealant, a hose clamp137, or other known ductwork attachment methods. In providing an outlet to mate with a duct from inner volume74with a protruding surface having an inner diameter that is the same as the outlet diameter, the outlet can be formed so that its diameter or cross-sectional area can approximately equal the inner diameter or cross-sectional area of the duct, where the diameter of outlet126differs from the duct inner diameter by approximately the wall thicknesses of second housing125or not at all (the gap between the outer diameter of second housing125and the duct inner diameter shown inFIG.2being provided for purposes of illustration only and not being present in the actual embodiment). Thus, a duct135of a size commensurate with the cross-sectional area of housing opening126and the outer diameter of second housing125attaches to the protruding outlet. Therefore, the air flow volume does not experience a sudden discontinuity in the flow path at the connection between the duct and the water heater/second housing, and thus does not expand (so that the streamlines do not diverge) significantly outward upon passing through the outlet. Because the air flow is not associated with a significant orifice pressure drop, the fan is run at a speed lower than a speed at which the fan would need to operate to achieve the same mass flow rate if the duct were attached about a diameter greater than the outlet diameter and therefore forced to overcome the resultantly greater orifice pressure drop. Referring also toFIGS.3and5, a wire grill127that attaches to an opening at or inward of the end of second housing125outside the water heater housing prevents undesired objects from entering outlet hole126, while minimizing air resistance (as compared to, for example, a screen or plurality of small holes in upper skirt portion66in place of one outlet hole) and thus minimizing pressure drop across the outlet. Wire grill comprises a wire “X” frame that provides a generally planar surface against which concentric circular wire loops are welded. Distal ends of the wire “X” frame are bent to have loops extending perpendicular to the wire “X” frame's planar surface and inwards towards the interior of volume74. The loops have generally oval shapes with minor inner dimensions that are sized to receive and hold a 3/16 inch blind rivet. The loops of wire grill127extend inside second housing125and are located with respect to each other so that opposing loops' outside edges (in the radial direction of the concentric wire circles) are spaced the distance of the inner diameter of protruding end130. In this way, wire frame100rests against an interior surface of protruding end130. Wire grill127attaches to second housing via rivets through protruding portion130and through the wire loops in the wire frame so that the heads of the rivets are approximately flush with the outer surface of protruding portion130. In this way, the rivets, having a low profile, enable a duct to slide over the exterior of protruding portion130and the rivets' flush heads so that a duct may easily attach. As illustrated inFIG.2, fan124draws air into volume74via an inlet opening128in top portion68of water tank outer housing54. By disposing opening128through top portion68(as opposed to a side surface of the tank), compressor noise is directed upward, thereby minimizing noise levels directed to individuals near water heater50. Like outlet opening126, a wire grill129, identical to that of wire grill127, covers inlet opening128, attached to an outward-facing (away from volume74) flange attached to top portion68about inlet opening128. Loops of wire grill129extend into the outward facing flange, and wire grill129is riveted in place in a manner similar to that of wire grill127discussed above. Foam guide134, embodied as stepped sections of foam but in other embodiments comprising a continuous transition surface, baffles both fan/compressor noise and the air flow from inlet128toward evaporator coil120. Foam guide134, by directing air flow, reduces the pressure drop from opening128to evaporator coil120compared to a configuration in which foam guide134is not present. In an embodiment, foam guide134is comprised of a stack of open cell foam sheets having generally half-cylindrical cutouts of decreasing diameters in the downward direction, away from opening128. (InFIG.2, baffle134is represented as a cross-section and therefore shown as descending steps from left to right; inFIG.3, baffle134is represented as concentric semicircles.) The stack creates a stepped (or terraced) frustoconical profile that directs air from the inlet to the evaporator coil. In the absence of foam guide134, the air flow is subject to abrupt changes in the relatively deep and rigid boundaries of volume74(e.g., the right angle intersection of upper skirt portion66and shelf72). These abrupt direction changes create eddies (swirling flows that create reverse currents) that impede air flow through volume74. With the inclusion of foam guide/baffle134within volume74, the flow does not impact abrupt boundary changes and does not create large, numerous eddies. Instead, the small incremental steps of baffle134create fewer, smaller eddies that restrict flow to a lesser extent, thus requiring fan124to generate a lower static pressure than would be required of the fan to maintain the same air flow rate in the absence of baffle134. In a further embodiment, stepped foam guide134may instead be embodied as a continuous piece and may be embodied as other shapes, including a continuous (not stepped) frustoconical profile or a scoop generally approximating a surface of a section of a paraboloid. In yet a further embodiment, stepped foam guide134may be substituted or supplemented with one or more additional baffles of various profiles designed to serve the same flow-directing purpose, e.g. one or more metal turning vanes. A pair of side baffles132direct air towards second housing125and fan124from evaporator120. In an embodiment without baffles132, undirected flow would circulate into the further extents of volume74, causing eddies that would generate a back pressure, requiring a higher fan speed and higher static pressure than does an embodiment with baffles132to generate the same air flow rate. Baffles132reduce abrupt air flow changes and minimize pressure drops in air flow through volume74, thereby minimizing fan speed and optimizing fan efficiency and noise level. Further to minimize noise, fan124is disposed at the open end of second housing125within upper volume74, away from outlet126, so that the fan is not adjacent the outlet. In a given embodiment, the spacing between fan124(and second housing125's inlet) and outlet126balances the reduction in noise arising from that spacing against an efficiency arising from the fan's disposition with respect to evaporator coil120. Because the evaporator's cross-sectional area is greater than that of the fan (considered perpendicular to the direction of air flow), as fan124is moved closer to evaporator120, a lesser volume of air is drawn through the outer (e.g. radially outer, transverse to the air flow direction) edges of evaporator coil120. As should be understood, air stream lines converge at the inlet of housing125, and so disposing the evaporator closer to the second housing inlet, and thus closer to the evaporator coil, causes a higher concentration of streamlines passing through the center of the evaporator than if the evaporator were disposed further from the second housing inlet. Therefore, disposing the fan closer to the evaporator may cause portions of the evaporator to be less utilized, thereby reducing coil120's efficiency and possibly requiring a higher fan speed to compensate for the lower efficiency. Further, the closer fan124is disposed in relation to evaporator120, the sharper baffles132must be angled (e.g., the planes of baffles132further approach parallel to the plane of housing125's opening) in order to direct air into housing125, thereby causing a larger pressure drop than would more gradual angles. Thus, an optimal spacing may exist between fan124and evaporator coil120in a given embodiment to thereby minimize the noise contributed to the environment ambient to water heater50via outlet126due to a spacing between fan124and outlet126, on one hand, and, on the other hand, to minimize fan noise by running the fan at a lower or minimum speed as allowed by the spacing between evaporator coil120and the fan. Further, the extent to which the efficiency of coil120is increased, and the fan speed decreased, power consumed by the compressor and fan is reduced. Further, a motor134that drives fan124is mounted inside housing125between fan124's blades and outlet126or the outlet of second housing125in order to allow a maximum distance between fan124's blades and outlet126or the outlet of second housing125(within second housing125), as the fan blades cause a majority of the fan noise. In certain example embodiments, fan124is spaced from evaporator120(in the direction of air flow) six inches, or approximately six inches, or more. As should be understood in view of the present disclosure, the operation of the system described herein may be modeled by available and known heat transfer modeling systems and methods, utilizing the fan/evaporator spacing (and, in these or other embodiments as described below, fan and evaporator size) as variables to obtain initial ranges of spacings (and, in some embodiments, ranges of fan sizes and evaporator sizes) that result in acceptable efficiency ranges. Within those parameters, the system designer may test particular system configurations for efficiency, noise level, and ability to be housed within upper volume74, selecting the configuration that balances these constraints as desired. As indicated above, second housing125introduces static pressure losses in the air flow between fan124and the second housing's air flow outlet. To at least in part offset such losses, evaporator coil120is increased in size from an initial size needed to achieve a desired air conditioning capacity in conjunction with fan124. As should be understood, static pressure losses associated with air flow through the evaporator coil are, for a given air flow rate, inversely proportional to a ratio of the evaporator coil's cross-sectional area (the area of the evaporator coil in a plane perpendicular to the air flow's direction of travel through the evaporator coil) to the evaporator coil's depth (the evaporator coil's length in the air flow's travel direction). That is, static pressure losses decrease when the evaporator coil is wider and shallower, whereas losses increase when the evaporator coil is smaller and deeper. As should also be understood, capacity of an air conditioning unit may be described in terms of an amount of heat that can be removed from a conditioned space within a given period of time, for example in terms of Btus or tons. Given a desired air conditioning capacity, coil120and fan124may be selected with respect to each other to achieve the desired capacity. Given that selection, then in order to offset the static pressure losses arising from the second housing, the size selection for coil120is increased. Since the desired air conditioning capacity remains the same, the increased coil size allows the fan size to be reduced, while maintaining that capacity, resulting in lower static pressure losses associated with the second housing and lower fan noise. Accordingly, the selection of a larger coil to offset pressure losses from air flow generated by the fan results in the ability to utilize a smaller fan and, therefore, a lower air flow rate and lower associated losses. Thus, the particular relationship for a given embodiment may be determined by trials and testing until an acceptable set of components is achieved. For example, the system designer may initially determine a minimum desired capacity for the heat pump system, for example expressed in terms of BTU/hr, or the amount of heat removed from the flow of air passing through volume74by the evaporator and (less losses) contributed to the refrigerant flowing through line108. The designer also determines a minimum desired air flow rate through volume74, e.g. in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM), when fan124is in operation. The flow rate may be determined based on the desired length of ducting135, in that air flow static losses vary directly with duct length. As should be understood, static pressure of an air flow system may be estimated based on the system's geometry utilizing known models and tables. In an embodiment, for example, it is desired that the system be capable for use with up to about 125 feet of duct135, e.g. where the duct is eight inches in cross sectional diameter. It has been found that, under such conditions, a rate of air flow through volume74of between about 135 CFM to about 165 CFM, and in certain embodiments about 150 CFM, provides sufficiently low static losses to maintain a desired overall system efficiency. Having determined a desired air flow rate, and static losses associated with that rate, under presumed operating conditions (e.g. air temperature), the designer selects a fan configuration, size (e.g. described in terms of outer blade diameter for a circular fan), and operating speed range combination that is at least sufficient to provide the desired air flow rate, given the estimated static pressure. As should be understood, the structural configuration of a fan, e.g. the configuration of fan blades, the dimensional size of the portion of the fan that generates air flow, and the speed at which that part of the fan operates determines the air flow rate the fan produces for a given static pressure. Since the design process above provides a desired air flow rate and an estimated static pressure, the designer may select among those three variables to define an overall fan configuration and speed that produces at least the desired air flow rate at the estimated static pressure. In some embodiments, a maximum desired fan noise level may be defined and utilized as a design criteria in selecting fan configuration and speed. For example, a fan configuration may be chosen that results in a noise level, e.g. measured at a position outside the water heater housing at a location at which a user may be likely to stand, that is at or below the maximum noise level when the fan operates at its maximum rate permitted by the system controller during system operation, or at a level to produce an air flow rate at or above the minimum desired air flow rate. As should be understood, fan noise varies directly with each of fan size and speed. Because, as described above, the desired air flow rate is relatively low, it is possible to define a fan configuration that balances size and speed to result in a correspondingly relatively low noise level. Thus, while in certain embodiments the fan configuration can result in an air flow rate that is at or approximately at the minimum desired air flow rate as described above, in certain embodiments the fan configuration is chosen to result in an air flow rate that is greater than that originally desired air flow rate. In certain such embodiments, fan configuration is chosen so that the air flow rate is within about 10% or within about 15% of the originally desired air flow rate, balancing fan size and fan speed to achieve a minimum noise level (based on the above-described constraints) or a noise level below a desired threshold. Having defined a fan configuration and desired air flow rate, at an estimated static pressure, the designer defines an evaporator configuration to meet these criteria. As should be understood, evaporator capacity, in terms of air flow rate, may be a function of the evaporator's configuration and dimensions. For instance, in certain embodiments the evaporator may comprise a plurality of coils, e.g. two, each coil being a refrigerant tube that extends (considered with respect to its center axis) generally horizontally across the evaporator's width, doubling back repeatedly as the coil extends vertically across the evaporator's height so that the coil substantially covers the evaporator's cross section in a generally planar volume that extends perpendicularly to the direction of air flow through the evaporator. The second coil is disposed adjacent and immediately behind the first coil. An input manifold connects the incoming refrigerant line to the inputs of the two coils, thereby dividing the refrigerant flow between them, and an output manifold connects the coil outputs with the outgoing refrigerant line, thereby recombining the two refrigerant flows. A plurality of fins extend vertically across the evaporator's height, interrupted by the tubes, to which the fins connect and about which the fins pass, as the fins extend from the evaporator's bottom to its top. The fins define gaps between them, so that the air flow passes between the fins (and between the coil sections) as the air flows front-to-back through the evaporator. The coils and the fins provide the evaporator surface area to which the flowing air transfers heat, with the fins contributing heat to the coils through their interconnection, whereby the coil walls, in turn, contribute heat to the refrigerant flowing through the coils. In general, the heat capacity varies directly with surface area of the coils and fins, and it is thus possible to increase or decrease that capacity through appropriate control of evaporator surface area. An increase in evaporator surface area without increasing the evaporator's overall cross sectional area, e.g. by increasing the density of the fins (expressed, e.g., as fins per inch across the evaporator) and/or the coils, may increase static pressure to the point that the fan configuration (discussed above) no longer meets the air flow requirement. Even where fin density is maintained, increasing evaporator surface area by increasing fin and/or coil depth (in the direction of air flow) may have the same effect because such a design change increases air flow resistance through the evaporator. In certain embodiments, therefore, the evaporator's cross sectional area is increased, while maintaining fin density across the evaporator surface and maintaining fin depth in the air flow direction. While the increase in surface area does increase air flow resistance (conversely, decrease air flow capacity), the increase is less than that which would occur upon increases in fin density and/or fin depth sufficient to provide an equivalent9999increase. Accordingly, the evaporator design controls fin depth and density at levels sufficient to maintain system static pressure at a level such that the selected fan configuration and speed maintains the desired air flow rate, and controls evaporator cross sectional area so that the air conditioning system achieves at least the desired heat capacity. Since, as described above, fan configuration is biased to a small fan size due to low fan noise as a design criteria, as permitted by the relatively low air flow rate to facilitate a relatively long duct, the utilization of evaporator surface area to achieve a desired heat capacity tends to result in evaporator surface areas that are larger than would be expected in combination with the fan size. If, however, volume74can accommodate the so-sized evaporator, the evaporator/fan combination allows air conditioning system to achieve the desired heat capacity while maintaining the fan within desired noise levels. If volume74cannot accommodate the evaporator resulting from the initial design pass, fan size may be incrementally increased, or evaporator depth and/or fin density increased, and the evaporator design repeated to result in a correspondingly smaller evaporator area. This process is repeated until an evaporator design is achieved that can be accommodated in volume74. When fan124is activated, the fan draws a stream of ambient air from an area exterior to the water heater through inlet opening128into volume74. The air flows over compressor122, thereby acquiring additional heat therefrom, to and about the coil of evaporator120, through fan124, and out outlet126, as indicated at132. The heat pump system's compressor122(i.e. a pump) pumps a gaseous refrigerant, for example a hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerant such as R-410A, R-407C, R-134A or other suitable refrigerant, forward from the compressor, increasing the refrigerant's pressure and temperature and causing the now-hotter refrigerant gas to flow through condenser coil116. As noted above, the refrigerant conduit of coil116directly abuts the outer surface of tank body52, so that the water within tank volume60and refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant conduit are separated only by the walls of tank52and conduit108. The walls of tank52and conduit108, being made of steel and aluminum, respectively, are good conductors of heat. Thus, the refrigerant flowing through coil116contributes heat to water within tank52, via the tank and refrigerant conduit walls. As the refrigerant moves through condenser coil116, it condenses to liquid phase. Still under pressure provided by compressor122, the now-liquid refrigerant flows from the output of condenser116to expansion valve118. The expansion valve drops the pressure of the liquid refrigerant as it enters evaporator coil120. Within the evaporator, the refrigerant transitions to gaseous phase, drawing heat energy from air flowing over the evaporator coil, the heat being contributed by the environment ambient to water heater50and by compressor122. The removal of heat from the air flowing through the evaporator cools the air output from the system, as indicated at132, and in some embodiments the cool air may be captured and directed to an air-conditioning system used within the building in which water heater50is located by a duct attached to second housing125, as described above. The now-warmer gaseous refrigerant discharged from evaporator120then returns to compressor122via a suction line of refrigerant conduit line108that extends between evaporator120and compressor122, and the cycle repeats. An electronic control system (shown in part inFIG.6and present in the systems ofFIGS.2and3) controls the various functions of the heat pump water heater and operates the various controlled components thereof. The control system comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC), processor, or other computer260that operates as a general system controller for heat pump water heater50. Housed, for example, within a compartment disposed within outer housing54(FIG.2), the controller communicates with and controls (through suitable electrical wired or wireless connections, relays, power sources, and/or other electromechanical connections, as should be understood in this art) the actuation and operation of the controllable components and sensors described herein, including but not limited to the compressor, fan, water pump (if present), water temperature sensor, electric heating elements, and all other electrically controlled valves, relays, and components. As such, the control system communicates with and controls the operative components of water heater50, including the compressor, to thereby control refrigerant flow. The reference to connections between the control system and each of the components of water heater50encompasses such communications and control. Such communication may also encompass communication between the control system and a temperature sensor276that measure the temperature of air within volume74(FIG.2). Because air is drawn into volume74from an area ambient to water heater50, the signal from sensor276provides information to the control system corresponding to temperature of the environment ambient to water heater50. It will be understood from the present disclosure that the functions ascribed to the control system may be embodied by computer-executable instructions of a program that executes on one or more PLCs or other computers that operate(s) as the general system controller for water heater50. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems/methods described herein may be practiced with various controller configurations, including programmable logic controllers, simple logic circuits, single-processor or multi-processor systems, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Aspects of these functions may also be practiced in distributed computing environments, for example in so-called “smart” arrangements and systems, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a local or wide area communications network to the components otherwise illustrated in the Figures. In a distributed computing environment, programming modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. Thus, the control system may comprise a computing device that communicates with the system components described herein via hard wire or wireless local or remote networks. A controller that could effect the functions described herein could include a processing unit, a system memory and a system bus. The system bus couples the system components including, but not limited to, system memory to the processing unit. The processing unit can be any of various available programmable devices, including microprocessors, and it is to be appreciated that dual microprocessors, multi-core and other multi-processor architectures can be employed as the processing unit. Software applications may act as an intermediary between users and/or other computers and the basic computer resources of the electronic control system, as described, in suitable operating environments. Such software applications include one or both of system and application software. System software can include an operating system that acts to control and allocate resources of the control system. Application software takes advantage of the management of resources by system software through the program models and data stored on system memory. The control system may also, but does not necessarily, include one or more interface components that are communicatively coupled through the bus and facilitate an operator's interaction with the control system. By way of example, the interface component can be a port (e.g., serial, parallel, PCMCIA, USC, or FireWire) or an interface card, or the like. The interface component can receive input and provide output (wired or wirelessly). For instance input can be received from devices including but not limited to a pointing device such as a mouse, track ball, stylus, touch pad, key pad, touch screen display, keyboard, microphone, joy stick, gamepad, satellite dish, scanner, camera, electromechanical switches and/or variable resistors or other adjustable components, or other components. Output can also be supplied by the control system to output devices via the interface component. Output devices can include displays (for example cathode ray tubes, liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, or plasma) whether touch screen or otherwise, speakers, printers, and other components. In particular, by such means, the control system receives inputs from, and directs outputs to, the various components with which the control system communicates, as described herein. In general, controller260operates electric heating elements150,152in response to signals from respective temperature sensors264and266within water volume60(FIG.2) or attached to the exterior of tank body52(FIG.2) opposite the water in volume60. In addition to providing power to controller260, a power supply270selectively provides power to electric resistance heating elements150and152by way of a switching unit268, which comprises respective electromechanical or solid state relays that connect the power source to the heating elements and that are controlled by signals from controller260. The control system memory (not shown but in communication with controller260) stores a lower and an upper set point, as described above. When the controller detects, via the signal from a temperature sensor, that the water in volume60proximate one of the heating elements is below the high set point, it does not actuate the heating element's relay within switching unit268until the water temperature reaches the low set point. When the water reaches the low set point, the controller actuates the relay to send current to the electric heating elements from power source270, thereby heating the water via direct thermal conduction. The controller respectively maintains actuation of the electric heating elements until the water temperature surrounding the respective element reaches the high set point, at the occurrence of which the controller deactivates the respective relay and thus the heating element, keeping the element inactive until the water surrounding it again reaches the low set point. It will be understood that the programming of controller260may execute various other algorithms for controlling the heating elements. One such algorithm, for instance, executes as above, except that controller260, additionally, actuates lower heating element152only if controller260is not applying power to upper heating element150, or in other words when conditions are such that the controller does not actuate the upper heating element. It will thus be understood that various such algorithms fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, controller260is configured (e.g. through the use of program instructions stored in memory and executable by the controller) to control the speed of fan124in response to a temperature of the refrigerant. In such embodiments, fan motor134may be a multi-speed motor that can be controlled to a desired speed by application of a potential across various predetermined taps provided on the motor. A multi-state switch272and associated circuitry controls application of electrical power from power source270to a given tap or taps in response to a control signal from controller260. In other embodiments, multi-state switch272, its corresponding relays, and other relays to control other devices as discussed herein, are incorporated within controller260. Moreover, it should be understood from the present disclosure that fan124may be controlled to variable speeds through other control methods and equipment and that the presently described embodiment is provided only by way of example. In one or more such embodiments, a temperature sensor274is in electrical communication with the controller and is disposed with respect to the refrigerant to measure the refrigerant's temperature, for example, at the outlet of the evaporator coil or at the refrigerant line in the lower part of the water heater. For example, the temperature sensor may be exposed to the refrigerant by mounting the sensor on or adjacent to a refrigerant line to thereby measure heat conducted through the refrigerant line. In such examples, the temperature sensor or the controller may use a correction factor to convert between the measured temperature as recorded by the sensor and an actual temperature of the refrigerant at the evaporator coil, based on prior testing and calibration. In an embodiment, the controller increases the speed of the fan if the refrigerant temperature at the evaporator coil is below a predetermined threshold associated (determined, e.g., through testing) with proper system operation. A refrigerant temperature drop may be caused, for example, by a drop in ambient air temperature or a back pressure that decreases air flow rate across the evaporator. Conversely, controller260may drive fan124at a lower speed if a lower static pressure, and correspondingly lower flow rate, are required, thereby allowing the fan to operate at a quieter, more efficient setting. As should be understood, low static pressure conditions can arise, for example, at the occurrence of filter maintenance or in the presence of relatively dry air that, in turn, results in the deposition of less condensate at the evaporator that would otherwise increase static pressure drop. In a further embodiment, where the fan is capable of operating at a plurality of discrete, predetermined speeds, the controller memory may store a table that associates ranges of refrigerant temperatures with respective discrete fan speeds, where each fan speed causes the system to operate at a desired efficiency range when refrigerant temperature is within the corresponding range, as determined by system testing. Depending on the sensed refrigerant temperature, the controller determines the speed of the fan. For example, when the refrigerant temperature changes from a first temperature to a second temperature, e.g. passing a threshold from one of the refrigerant temperature ranges to the next, and the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, the controller increases the speed of the fan from one of the discrete speeds to the next. In this way, the controller may decrease the noise of the fan. Moreover, fan speed variation enables the water heater to reach a higher operating efficiency. When air temperatures are high, the air being pulled across the evaporator contributes more energy to the refrigerant than when air temperatures are lower. In such circumstances, the fan speed may be lowered, thereby lowering the air flow and the corresponding heat transfer from air to refrigerant while still providing an air flow sufficient to contribute the same or substantially the same heat to the refrigerant as when air temperatures are lower. In certain embodiments, the controller may execute computer instructions (which may be stored in the memory) that, if the fan is operating at a steady state speed, cause the controller to control the fan to switch to a higher speed if the air temperature signal output from sensor276(described below) indicates an air temperature within volume74(FIG.3), and consequently ambient to the heat pump (in that fan124draws air into volume74from the ambient area), below 45° F. or if a signal from refrigerant temperature sensor274indicates a refrigerant temperature that drops below 32° F. and remains below that threshold for at least a predetermined threshold period of time, e.g. fifteen minutes. From the high speed, the controller moves fan speed back to steady state when air temperature is above 45° F. and the refrigerant temperature is above 32° F. Conversely, if the fan speed is operating at the steady state speed, the computer instructions cause the controller to switch the fan to the lower speed if the air temperature rises above 100° F. Increasing the fan speed increases the static pressure. An excessive static pressure may result in wasted energy. When air temperature is lower, however, less heat is contributed to the refrigerant, and the fan speed may nonetheless need to be increased. As the air temperature directly affects the efficiency, in a further embodiment, a temperature sensor276is disposed within the air flow path, e.g. within volume74(FIG.2) upstream of the evaporator. The temperature sensor is in communication with the controller so that the controller varies the fan speed in response to the air temperature. For example, if the air temperature decreases past a certain threshold, the fan speed is incrementally increased; if the air temperature increases past the threshold, the fan speed is incrementally decreased. In one embodiment, the control system actuates the heat pump, i.e. by actuating compressor122(FIG.2) to move refrigerant through the closed refrigerant path and actuating fan124, simultaneously with actuation of one or more of the relays in series between the power source and the electric heating elements. That is, when the electric heating elements are being actuated to provide heat to the water in volume60(FIG.2), the heat pump is simultaneously actuated to provide heat to the water from the refrigerant. It should be understood, however, that many variations can be made in the heat pump's operation and thereby in the control system's control of the heat pump. For example, it will be appreciated in view of the present disclosure that the heat pump's efficiency may drop with cooler ambient temperature in that the air flow over the evaporator contributes less heat to the refrigerant. Given a particular heat pump water heater configuration, if it is determined that heat pump efficiency drops to an undesirable level below a certain ambient temperature, the control system may be configured to deactivate the heat pump upon detecting an ambient temperature below that threshold. Referring toFIG.4, in an embodiment, hybrid water heater50is configured to be shipped in a rectangular box200(e.g. a cuboid box), having a top, a bottom, and four sides, so that hybrid water heater50may be shipped while any of the bottom side or any of lateral side A, side B, side C, or side D is the lowermost surface of the box, so that such side of the box rests on the surface that supports the box without causing damage to the water heater. The water heater is designed so that if the water heater is upright, which is the condition when box200rests on its bottom side, oil in the compressor remains in its intended location, as should be understood. Alternatively, however, when box200receives water heater50in a predetermined orientation so that, although the water heater is substantially cylindrical in its external surface shape, when a side of the box is lying flat upon a horizontal support surface, the water heater can be in only one of four predetermined orientations. In an embodiment, water heater50is bolted to box200and a shipping pallet (not shown but located beneath the bottom of the box when the box is upright, between the bottom of the water heater and bottom of the box). The pallet has an outer perimeter that fits within the inner perimeter of the box but that conforms sufficiently to the box inner perimeter that, once inserted into the box, the pallet cannot rotate within the box about the water heater's (and the box's) axis of elongation. Being attached to the pallet, the water heater is thereby in a fixed rotational orientation with respect to the box about the elongation axis. Water heater50is further supported within box200via polystyrene foam between the water heater's exterior surface and the box's interior surface. In an embodiment, the polystyrene foam includes cutouts that correspond to and mate with protruding components of water heater50(e.g. protruding portion130) in order to further orient the water heater in the box. As should be understood, a compressor such as compressor122is often constructed so that oil within the compressor (which lubricates the compressor's internal components during the compressor's operation) can be in fluid communication with the refrigerant path through the compressor. During normal operation, when the water heater is in its upright position, the differing weights between the refrigerant and the oil maintain these materials generally separate from each other, though some mixing occurs. During the water heater's shipment, the heat pump refrigerant path does not typically contain refrigerant, but the compressor typically contains oil. When the water heater is in its upright position, a discharge tube220, which is part of the refrigerant line108(FIG.2), fluidly connects with the compressor at a position in the compressor housing above the oil level, so that there is little risk that oil will flow out of the compressor and into the discharge tube. If the water heater is disposed on its side, however, oil may flow into the discharge tube. If, when the water heater is later returned to its upright position, the oil does not flow back into the compressor, the compressor may not have sufficient oil to operate effectively. While tube220is referred to as the discharge tube, in that it is the tube from which the compressor pumps refrigerant out to the refrigerant line's coil/condenser section116, it should be understood that there is also a refrigerant input line to the compressor. In the presently-discussed embodiments, the compressor is configured so that its oil paths communicate with the refrigerant line discharge tube, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, the oil paths may be in fluid communication with the input tube segment instead or as well. Thus, it should be understood that discussion of the present arrangements with regard to the discharge tube segment is for purposes of example only and that the tubing arrangements herein may also be applied with regard to the input tube segment. The discharge tube includes a first linear segment220aextending from a top of compressor122at which segment220afluidly couples to the compressor. When the water heater is in its upright position, the entry point of segment220ainto the oil-containing volume of the compressor is above the level of the oil in that volume, so that, under normal circumstances, no oil flows through the discharge tube. Segment220aextends towards sides C and D, and away from sides A and B; a second linear segment220bextends from a distal side of segment220agenerally towards side B and slightly towards side A; and a third linear segment that extends from the end of segment220toward side C. Both first segment220aand second segment220bhave a continuous downward slope (with respect to the horizontal when the water heater is in its upright operating orientation) towards compressor122so that any oil that has leaked out during shipment is gravity biased back into compressor122when the water heater is returned to its upright orientation. That is, the intersection of segments220aand220bis above the point at which segment220acommunicates with the top of the compressor, and the intersection of segments220band220cis above the intersection between segments220band220c. Segment220cmay extend downward from the intersection between segments220band220c. Both segments220aand220bare linear, and therefore define no internal flow traps. Thus, provided that oil, in the event such oil flows into discharge tube220for some reason, does not flow past the intersection between segments220band220c, discharge tube220drains such oil back into the compressor when the water heater, and therefore the compressor, are once again in an upright position. When resting on side A, the box is in a first orientation. In its first orientation, an oil level221awithin the compressor is above the entry point of tube segment220awithin the oil volume of the compressor interior, but segment220aextends vertically upward from compressor122, thereby preventing oil from draining out of the compressor and further down the discharge tube (away from the compressor). Put another way, the point of intersection between linear segment220aand220bis, when the box rests on side A, higher than oil level221a, so that oil does not flow from segment220ato220b. Further, any oil that may have previously drained into segment220ais biased back into the compressor when the heater is returned to its upright orientation via segment220a's downward slope. Similarly, when the box rests on side B, the box is in a second orientation, and an oil level221bwithin the compressor is above the entry point of tube segment220awithin the compressor interior's oil volume, as indicated by the level line223b, but segment220aextends upward to prevent oil from running out of the compressor via the tube. The point of intersection between linear segment220aand220bis, when the box rests on side B, higher than oil level221b, so that oil does not flow from segment220ato220b. When the box rests in a third orientation on the box's side C, an oil level221cwithin the compressor is above the entry point of tube segment220awithin the compressor interior's oil volume. While tube segment220aextends downward, below oil level221c, segment220bextends from the intersection with segment221abeyond the level of oil level221c, as indicated by level line223c. Thus, when the box is in position on its side C, oil can drain down from the compressor and towards the distal end of segment220a, but because segment220bextends above oil level221c, oil remains trapped at the intersection of the two segments and does not flow past segment220band into subsequent segment220c. The point of intersection between linear segment220band220cis, when the box rests on side C, higher than oil level221c, so that oil does not flow from segment220bto220c. When water heater50is returned to its upright orientation, gravity biases the oil in segment220btowards segment220a, and from segment220ato compressor122. Similarly, in a fourth orientation, when box200rests on side D, an oil level221dwithin the compressor is above the entry point of tube segment220awithin the compressor interior's oil volume. While tube segment220aextends downward, below oil level221d, segment220bextends from the intersection with segment221abeyond the level of oil level221d. Thus, when the box is in position on its side D, oil may drain into segment220a, but because segment220bextends upward from segment220aabove the oil level221d, that oil remains trapped between the segments until the water heater is oriented upright, and the oil returns to the compressor. Accordingly, when the water heater rests on any of sides A, B, C, or D, the entry point of the discharge tube to the oil volume within the compressor is below the oil level within the compressor. However, at least one point in the discharge tube between that entry point and the discharge tube's drain point is higher than the oil level at each respective resting position A, B, C, and D, and that point is higher than the entry point when the water heater is in its upright position, without intervening traps in the discharge tube. Thus, oil may flow out of the compressor when the water heater is at one of the side resting positions but will not flow beyond a predetermined point in the discharge that is higher than the discharge tube entry point when the water heater and compressor are upright, and when the water heater is thereafter disposed in the upright position, any oil that flowed into the discharge tube when the water heater was on its side flows back into the compressor. Further, when shipped on sides C or D, the weight of compressor122biases compressor122away from the heat exchanger. However, when shipped on sides A or B, compressor122depends toward heat exchanger120. Further, when resting on sides A or B, as a result of inertia, any bumps or jolts to the downward-facing side of box200(e.g. a jolt from a truck driving over an obstacle) results in compressor122moving towards evaporator coil120. However, because the plane of the heat exchanger is at an acute angle with respect to horizontal, travel of the compressor due to weight or jolts does not cause the compressor to travel directly towards coil120. Rather, the direction of travel is indirect, allowing for a greater range of movement before the compressor impacts the evaporator coil. For example, when on side A, the compressor must travel approximately a distance230in order to impact the evaporator coil, and when shipped on side B, the compressor must travel approximately a distance232in order to impact the evaporator coil. Therefore, in this configuration, a greater jolt is required to cause the compressor to travel the distance to the coil in the vertical direction (wherein vertical is upward with respect to the side on which the box is shipped). In all orientations, the compressor extends into a cutout in foam guide134. Compressor122is wrapped in a sheet of closed cell foam210, which attaches to compressor122via adhesive, such as double-sided tape. An outer surface of closed cell foam210attaches via adhesive, such as double-sided tape, to foam guide134. In this way, in addition to isolation mounts upon which a bottom portion of compressor122attaches, the compressor is further supported on its sides via the foam, either resting on and compressing the foam, as is the case when the water heater is in the second orientation, or supported by tension on the foam, when the water heater is in the first, third, or fourth orientation. The support provided by foam134and foam210restricts movement both to limit stresses to refrigerant conduit and minimize risk of compressor impacting coil120. While the above disclosure is directed to operation of a hybrid water tank with an electric heating element, further embodiments may be directed to a hybrid water tank with gas heating. An embodiment of a hybrid/gas water heater that may be adapted to incorporate the elements of the present disclosure is illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/084,402 to Jozef Boros, filed Mar. 29, 2016, (“the Boros application”) the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Boros application further discloses a method by which a heat pump water heater may operate in terms of an ideal pressure-enthalpy graph. Moreover, the Boros application illustrates with respect to a hybrid/gas water heater how a hybrid water heater may be operated under various circumstances to optimize parameters such as efficiency. One skilled in the art will understand how to substitute an electric heater for a gas heater and apply the same principles to operation of the water heater as disclosed herein. It should be understood that various other embodiments may be practiced within the scope of the present invention. For instance, each of the embodiments described above defines the condenser as a coil wrapped around the exterior of the water tank. In still further embodiments, however, the refrigerant conduit does not wrap around the tank but is, instead, part of a heat exchanger that is spatially removed from the tank surface. A second conduit line extends from the tank interior volume to this heat exchanger, and from the heat exchanger back to the tank. That is, the conduit forms a closed fluid path for water from the tank to flow through the heat exchanger, and a pump may be provided to move the water through that path. The water line and the refrigerant line are in sufficient proximity within the heat exchanger so that the hot refrigerant conveys heat to water circulating through the closed water flow path. In further embodiments, the refrigerant path extends into the tank interior, and for example the refrigerant tubing within the tank volume is of a double-walled construction. In these manners, the refrigerant path is in thermal communication with the water tank, including the water tank volume, so that heat transfers from the refrigerant to the water tank volume when refrigerant flows through the refrigerant path. Modifications and variations to the particular embodiments of the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged as in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in the appended claims. | 67,793 |
11859869 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Throughout this disclosure, systems and methods are described with respect to integration of a photovoltaic system into a water heater system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed technology can be applicable to multiple scenarios and applications. Some implementations of the disclosed technology will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosed technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, it is to be understood that other examples are contemplated. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed electronic devices and methods. Such other components not described herein may include, but are not limited to, for example, components developed after development of the disclosed technology. Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such. It is to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Although the disclosed technology may be described herein with respect to various systems, non-transitory computer-readable mediums having instructions stored thereon, and methods, it is contemplated that embodiments or implementations of the disclosed technology with identical or substantially similar features may alternatively be implemented as methods, systems, and/or non-transitory computer-readable media. For example, any aspects, elements, features, or the like described herein with respect to a method can be equally attributable to a system and/or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As another example, any aspects, elements, features, or the like described herein with respect to a system can be equally attributable to a method and/or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As yet another example, any aspects, elements, features, or the like described herein with respect to a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be equally attributable to a system and/or a method. And while the disclosed technology is described herein with respect to water heaters and water heating applications, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited to water and can be applicable to the heating of any liquid. Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments of the disclosed technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosed herein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. FIG.1shows an example system100for integrating photovoltaic power into water heating applications. The system100can include a water heater110, a photovoltaic (PV) control system120, and a PV system130that includes PV panels132. The PV system130can optionally include a battery system134. The water heater110can be a heat pump water heater, a storage-tank water heater, a water heater having one or more resistive heating elements, or any other type of water heater configured to operate using electricity. The PV panels132can be configured to receive solar radiation and covert the solar radiation into electricity, and the PV panels132can be configured to supply electricity to one or more devices directly as the PV panels132harvest the electricity. Alternatively, or additionally, the PV panels132can be configured to store harvested electricity in a battery system134for subsequent use. The PV control system120can be in electrical communication with the PV panels132and/or battery system134such that the PV control system120can control the transfer of electricity from the PV panels132and/or battery system134to the water heater110. The PV control system120can include a controller122for controlling operation of the PV control system120and communicating with (and/or controlling) the water heater110, an inverter124for converting direct current (DC) energy from the PV panels132and/or battery system134to alternating current (AC) for the water heater110, and an energy meter128for monitoring the amount of energy currently available from the PV panels132and/or battery system134. The controller122can include one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), cause the controller122to perform certain actions, such as those described herein. For example, the controller122can be configured to determine when and whether to provide energy to the water heater110from the PV system130or the electrical grid140or another utility (e.g., natural gas, provided the water heater's110heating device220is configured to operate using natural gas). The controller122can further include a transceiver and/or a display, among other things. The controller122can be also be configured to communicate with a remote computing device150. The controller122can communicate with the computing device150directly or via a network152. Additionally or alternatively, the controller122can communicate with other computing devices, such as a computing device associated with a utility service provider or another entity. As an example, the controller122can be configured to provide use data to the user (e.g., via computing device150) and/or a utility service provider. As another example, the controller122can receive commands and/or user inputs (e.g., set point values, threshold values) from the computing device150or another device (e.g., via a website, via a dedicated app installed on the computing device150). Alternatively or additionally, the controller122can communicate with one or more remote servers (e.g., the cloud), which can store information associated with the system100(or component(s) thereof) and/or can enable access to the information for one or more computing devices, for example. The network152can be of any suitable type, including individual connections via the internet such as cellular or WiFi networks. The network152can connect computers, services, and mobile devices using direct connections such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth™, low-energy Bluetooth™ (BLE), Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, ambient backscatter communications (ABC) protocols, USB, WAN, or LAN. Referring toFIG.2, the water heater110can include a local controller212, which can include one or more processors214and memory216storing instructions that, when executed by the processor(s)214, cause the controller212to perform certain actions such as those described herein. The water heater110can include a communication device218, which can be or include a communication port (e.g., a serial port, a parallel port, a general-purpose input and output (GPIO) port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB), a micro-USB port, a high definition multimedia (HDMI) port, a video port, an audio port, a Bluetooth™ port, an NFC port, or the like) and/or a transceiver (e.g., capable of communicating via as RFID, NFC, Bluetooth™, BLE, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, ABC protocols, USB, WAN, LAN, or the like). The water heater110can include one or more heating device(s)220(e.g., resistive heating, various heat pump components) configured to provide heat to water or another fluid; one or more pumps222; one or more temperature sensors224configured to detect and transmit a temperature of the water; one or more flow sensors configured to detect and transmit a flow rate of the water; a user interface (U/I) device228for receiving user input data, such as data representative of a click, a scroll, a tap, a press, or typing on an input device that can detect tactile inputs; and/or a display230for display for displaying images or text. Referring back toFIG.1, the controller122of the PV control system120can act as a master controller (e.g., provide instructions to the local controller212of the water heater110) or the controller122can interface (e.g., communicate information) with the water heater's110local controller212. Stated otherwise, the various aspects and functionalities described herein can be performed by the controller122of the PV control system120, the controller212of the water heater110, or any combination thereof. The controller122can be removably attachable to the water heater110(e.g., physically attached to the water heater110) and/or connectable to the water heater110(e.g., communicably connected via the communication device218. The controller122can optionally be communicably connected to the computing device150, which can be a user device (e.g., a computing device, a mobile device, a smart phone) or a remote server. To integrate photovoltaic capabilities into the water heater110, the controller122can establish communication with the heater110via a communication port (not shown). As mentioned above, the controller122can be physically attached to the heater110, or the controller122can communicate remotely with the heater110using, for example, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, RS-485, radio, hardwired topologies, or any other suitable manner. Once communication between the heater110and the controller122is established, the controller122can receive data from the heater110, which can include a current temperature of the available heated water and an amount of the available heated water. The controller122can compare the current water temperature to stored temperature values and/or stored temperature ranges such as, for example, a set point temperature or normal upper threshold value (e.g., 120° F.), a first PV heat point or load-up heat point (e.g., 118° F.), a normal heat point or normal lower threshold value (e.g., 110° F.), and a second PV heat point or load-shed heat point (e.g., 105° F.). The set point temperature can represent the target temperature for heated water produced by the water heater110. As will be appreciated, traditional water heaters typically engage a heating device to transfer heat to the water when the current water temperature decreases to below the normal heat point (e.g., normal lower threshold value). Such water heaters continue to heat the water until the current water temperature is equal to the set point temperature (e.g., normal upper threshold value). Traditional water heaters then typically deactivate the heating device until the current water temperature again decreases to below the normal heat point, at which time the water heaters will again activate the heating device. The disclosed technology, however, can take advantage of power from the PV system130. The controller122receives water temperature data from a temperature sensor of the water heater110and compares the current water temperature to several temperature thresholds. As with existing systems, water can be heated until the water temperature reaches the set point temperature, at which time the controller122can output instructions for the heating device220of the water heater110to deactivate and stop providing heat to the water. After the heating device220is deactivated, the water temperature will eventually decrease. The controller122can receive continuous or periodic temperature data indicative of the current water temperature. When the current water temperature is approximately less than or approximately equal to the first PV heat point, the controller can determine (e.g., based on the energy meter128) whether the PV system130has sufficient energy or power to heat the water within the water heater from the current water temperature to the set point temperature. Sufficient energy or power can refer to the PV system130being able to provide an amount of energy or power that is greater than or equal to the amount of energy or power required to heat the water within the water heater from the current water temperature to the set point temperature. The controller122can determine the amount of energy required to heat the water within the water heater from the current water temperature to the set point temperature. For example, the controller122can determine the amount of energy required based on the current water temperature, the set point temperature, the amount of heat outputted by the heating device220(e.g., average heated output), and the amount of water to be heated. Determining whether the PV system has sufficient energy can include determining whether sufficient energy is stored in the battery system134, whether the PV panels132are presently harvesting sufficient energy, or a combination thereof. If the PV system130does have sufficient energy to heat the water within the water heater from the current water temperature to the set point temperature, the controller122can output a load up command, which can include outputting instructions for transfer switch126to route energy from the PV system130to the heating device220. If the heating device220is DC powered, energy can be routed directly to the heating device220. If the heating device220is AC powered, energy can be routed to the heating device220via the inverter124such that DC power from the PV system130can be converted to AC power. The controller122can output instructions for the transfer switch126to permit a flow of energy to the heating device220until the current water temperature is approximately equal to the set point temperature, at which time the controller can output instructions for the transfer switch126to stop the flow of energy from the PV system130and/or outputs instructions for the heating device220to deactivate. If the PV system130does not have sufficient energy, the controller122can continue to monitor incoming temperature data and the available energy of the PV system130without outputting instructions to other components of the system100, unless and until another temperature threshold is met. The current water temperature can continue to decrease until it reaches the normal heat point. The normal heat point, as described above, is typically the lower endpoint of a traditional water heater's operational range; this is the temperature at which traditional water heaters typically activate the heating device220to begin heating the water toward the set point temperature. The disclosed technology, however, tends to favor the use of renewable power from the PV system130. Thus, if the PV system130does not have sufficient energy when the current water temperature is approximately equal to the normal heat point, the controller122can output a load-shed command (or perform a load-shed operation), which corresponds to delaying activation of the heating device220, in case the PV system130harvests or otherwise gains sufficient energy to heat the water to the set point temperature. The current water temperature can continue to decrease until it reaches the second PV heat point. If at any time during the load-shed operation (or at any time at which the current water temperature is approximately less than the first PV heat point), the PV system130has sufficient energy to heat the water within the water heater from the current water temperature to the set point temperature, the controller122can output instructions for providing energy from the PV system130to the heating device220to heat the water to the set point temperature. If, however, the current water temperature becomes approximately equal to the second PV heat point, the controller122can output instructions for the transfer switch126to permit a flow of energy from the electrical grid140to the heating device220. Thus, if there is insufficient energy from the PV system130to heat the water, the electrical grid140can function as a backup energy source. This can help ensure that the water stays sufficiently heated for the comfort of users. FIGS.3A-3Cprovide flowcharts depicting example methods300a,300b, and300c, respectively, which can combine to form method300. The method300can include receiving305(e.g., by a controller, such as controller122) an amount of available PV energy from a PV system (e.g., PV system130), and the method300can include receiving310a current water temperature from a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor224) of a water heater (e.g., water heater110) (or a current average water temperature if the water heater includes multiple temperature sensors). The method300can include determining315whether the current water temperature is approximately less than or approximately equal to a first PV heat point. If no, the method300can restart. If the current water temperature is approximately less than or approximately equal to the first PV heat point, the method300can include determining320whether the amount of available PV energy of the PV system (e.g., as indicated by an energy meter such as energy meter128) is greater than or equal to the amount of energy required for the heating device (e.g., heating device220) to heat the water in the water heater from the current water temperature to the set point temperature. The method can optionally include determinizing the amount of energy required to heat the water or receiving an indication (e.g., from the water heater) of the amount of energy required to heat the water. If the amount of available PV energy is greater than or equal to the amount of energy required to heat the water, the method300can include outputting325a load-up command. Outputting the load-up command can include outputting instructions for a transfer switch (e.g., transfer switch126) to route energy from the PV system to the heating device. If the heating device is DC powered, the method300can include routing energy directly to the heating device, whereas if the heating device is AC powered, the method300can include routing energy to the heating device via an inverter (e.g., inverter124) such that DC power from the PV system can be converted to AC power for the heating device. Outputting the load-up command can include outputting instructions for the transfer switch to permit a flow of energy to the heating device until the current water temperature is approximately equal to the set point temperature, at which time instructions are outputted for the transfer switch to stop the flow of energy from the PV system and/or instructions are outputted for the heating device to deactivate. After the load-up command has been completed, the method can restart. Turning fromFIG.3AtoFIG.3B, if the amount of available PV energy is less than the amount of energy required to heat the water, the method300can include determining330whether the current water temperature is approximately less than or approximately equal to a normal heat point. If no, the method300can repeat the determination330until the current water temperature is approximately less than or approximately equal to the normal heat point. Once the current water temperature is less than or approximately equal to the normal heat point, the method300can include determining335whether the amount of available PV energy is greater than or equal to the amount of energy required to heat the water. If yes, the method300can include outputting340instructions for the heating device to active, such as by the same or similar methods as described above with respect to the load-up command. Turning now fromFIG.3BtoFIG.3C, if the amount of available PV energy is less than the amount of energy required to heat the water, the method300can include performing a load-shed process or method300c. That is, the method can include determining345whether the current water temperature is less than or approximately equal to a second PV heat point. If no, the method300can repeat the determination345until the current water temperature is approximately less than or approximately equal to the second PV heat point. If the current water temperature is less than or approximately equal to the second PV heat point, the method can include determining350whether the amount of available PV energy is greater than or equal to the amount of energy required to heat the water. If yes, the method300can include outputting355instructions for the heating device to active, such as by the same or similar methods as described above with respect to the load-up command, and the method300can then restart. If no, the method300can include outputting360instructions for the transfer switch to provide power from an electrical grid (e.g., electrical grid140) or other utility to the heating device until the current water temperature is greater than or approximately equal to the set point temperature, and the method300can then restart. Regarding the various points at which the method300can restart, the method300can include waiting a predetermined time before restarting and/or re-evaluating whether there is a sufficient amount of PV energy for heating the water to the set point temperature. In this description, numerous specific details have been set forth. It is to be understood, however, that implementations of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “some examples,” “example embodiment,” “various examples,” “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “example implementation,” “various implementations,” “some implementations,” etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one implementation” does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it may. Further, certain methods and processes are described herein. It is contemplated that the disclosed methods and processes can include, but do not necessarily include, all steps discussed herein. That is, methods and processes in accordance with the disclosed technology can include some of the disclosed while omitting others. Moreover, methods and processes in accordance with the disclosed technology can include other steps not expressly described herein. Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless otherwise indicated. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. By “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” it is meant that at least the named element, or method step is present in article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other elements or method steps, even if the other such elements or method steps have the same function as what is named. As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. While certain examples of this disclosure have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various examples, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed examples, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. This written description uses examples to disclose certain examples of the technology and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain examples of this technology, including making and using any apparatuses or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain examples of the technology is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. | 25,965 |
11859870 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS It should be understood that the present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. The specific embodiment or embodiments shown are examples only. The specification should be understood and is intended as supporting broad claims as well as each embodiment, and even claims where other embodiments may be excluded. Importantly, disclosure of merely exemplary embodiments is not meant to limit the breadth of other more encompassing claims that may be made where such may be only one of several methods or embodiments which could be employed in a broader claim or the like. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application. Embodiments of the present invention may provide methods for attachment of materials comprising the steps of providing a roof mount; covering part of said roof mount with a cover; and perhaps even compressing a resilience constituent against said cover and said roof mount. Other embodiments may provide providing a roof mount having a top roof mount and a bottom roof mount; placing a cover over part of said bottom roof mount; attaching said top roof mount to said bottom roof mount; and perhaps even compressing an elastic substance against said cover during said step of attaching said top roof mount to said bottom roof mount. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may provide a rigid emplacement configuration comprising a roof mount having a top roof mount and a bottom roof mount; a cover configured to cover part of said bottom roof mount; and perhaps even a resilience constituent configured to compress when said top roof mount is attached to said bottom roof mount. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a rigid emplacement configuration comprising a roof mount; a cover configured to cover part of roof mount; and perhaps even a resilience constituent configured to compress against said cover and said roof mount. A mount may be an emplacement configuration which may attach a component to a material such as but not limited to a flat surface, a surface, a roof, a deck, or the like. In one non-limiting example, a roof mount (13) may be placed and even attached to a roof (3). A cover (16) may be placed on part of a roof mount and a resilience constituent (23) may be compressed against a cover and a roof mount. A mount, such as a roof mount, may be any design that can be attached to a surface. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a rigid mount perhaps with a resilience constituent attachment of a cover. A resilience constituent (23) may have an ability to be compressed, may have an ability to return to its original shape after compression, and may even be a rigid material. In some embodiments, a resilience constituent may not be non-rigid. A resilience constituent (23) may be a spring seal, a cover spring, or the like. In some embodiments, a resilience constituent may be a ring, a flexible ring, or the like as discussed herein. A resilience constituent with a cover may allow for reliable water intrusion barrier. Cover dimensional changes may be compensated perhaps by compression of a resilience constituent perhaps so that a reliable long-term water intrusion barrier may result. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide sealing of a cover against part of a roof mount perhaps with a resilience constituent. Compression of a resilience constituent may allow for varying cover thicknesses. Pressure may be applied to a resilience constituent perhaps to form a rigid mount. A rigid connection between an attachment structure and a mount base may allow for reduced additional attachment structures. It also may allow for less mounts. A rigid connection may not have non-rigid materials between an attachment structure and a mount base. In embodiments, the present invention may allow more independence between a cover water intrusion and even an attachment of an attachment structure. Embodiments of the present invention may provide that a resilience constituent may be made of a material including, but not limited to, metal, stainless steel, hard plastic, hard reinforced plastic, hard polymer, hard reinforced polymer, any combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, a resilience constituent may not be an elastomer such as rubber or the like. A resilience constituent may have a flexural modulus greater than about 0.5 GPa (gigapascals) for polymers and perhaps even a modulus of elasticity greater than about 20 GPa (gigapascals) for metals. Of course, any amount may be used. A resilience constituent may be coated with a coating such as but not limited to an elastomer or the like. In the past, low-profile mounts may have one or more non-rigid covers or other non-rigid materials between an attachment structure and a mount base which may reduce mount reliability and rigidity. Embodiments of the present invention may provide that a mount base can be attached to a substrate which may be, but is not limited to a roof, wall, slab, or any other attachment structure that needs a mount. A substrate may be, but is not limited to, a roof membrane, built up roof, a liquid applied coating, acrylic, or any other roof water proofing material. A water proofing layer may include all methods of water proofing a substrate. If the substrate may already be water proof or if water proofing may not be required, a mount base can be directly attached to a substrate. Waterproof may include water resistant. If liquid penetration may need to be restricted under a cover, the cover may be attached using an adhesive. An adhesive may be, but is not limited to, an epoxy, adhesive tape, sealant, butyl, petroleum or coal product, polymer or any other type of adhesive. Adhesive may refer to heat welding a cover perhaps to a water proof layer. An adhesive may be any method of attaching a cover to a substrate or even a water proofing layer. A cover may be, but is not limited to a membrane, a liquid applied coating, asphalt, modified asphalt, or any other water proof material, or the like. A cover may be a ring, flexible ring, or the like. A membrane may be, but is not limited to TPO, PVC, EPDM, or any other type of roof membrane, or the like. A membrane may be reinforced or may even be non-reinforced. A liquid applied coating may be but is not limited to silicone, acrylic, urethane, or any other liquid coating, or the like. Asphalt may be but is not limited to BUR, Bitumen, Modified Bitumen, Tar, felt, or any other asphalt type material, or the like. Reinforced fabric or even fiber may be used on liquid applied coatings. For asphalt type roofs and even applied coatings, fabric or even fiber reinforcement may be used. A sealant may be added perhaps to help liquid penetration. A sealant may be, but is not limited to silicone, urethane, latex, acrylic, polymer, butyl, solid or foam elastomer or any other type of sealant, or the like. The term sealant or seal may cover all sealants. An elastomer may be, but is not limited to a washer, O-ring, or any other shape, or the like. An elastomer may have PSA or even an adhesive layer perhaps on at least one surface. Various fasteners may be used to attach materials to a mount. Fasteners may include, but is not limited to bolts, studs, threaded rods, nuts, or the like. Any fastener or combination of fasteners may be used in the various embodiments of the present invention. A threaded hole could be a threaded stud or any other type of attachment, or the like. An attachment structure may be a bracket, L-bracket, stanchion, an attachment part of a component, any structure which may be attached to a mount, any combination thereof, or the like. FIGS.15-100show non-limiting examples of various types of rigid cover mounts perhaps some with deformed cover mounts. FIGS.15-30andFIG.138shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13) attached to a substrate (14) and an attachment structure (11) attached to a mount (13).FIGS.15and16show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) attached to a substrate (14) perhaps with screws (10) through a mount base (18). A mount (13) may have a top roof mount (19) which may be a mount top and a bottom roof mount (18) which may be a mount base.FIG.16is the same asFIG.15perhaps except there is a section removed from the mount top (19) and a cover (16) so the components underneath may be viewed.FIG.17is the same asFIG.15except an attachment structure (11) may be attached with a bolt (8) to a mount top (19). In some embodiments, the present invention may provide a top roof mount, a bottom roof mount, and even an elastic substance. An elastic substance may be an elastomer, such as rubber or the like, and may be compressed against a cover perhaps during attachment of a top roof mount to a bottom roof mount which may secure the mount. FIG.18shows a top view ofFIG.17andFIG.19is a cross-sectional view ofFIG.18.FIGS.20and21show enlarged views of those shown inFIG.19.FIG.22shows an enlarged view ofFIG.20. Embodiments of the present invention may provide placing a cover over part (22) of a bottom roof mount perhaps as understood inFIGS.18,19, attaching a top roof mount (19) to a bottom roof mount (18); and perhaps even compressing a resilience constituent against a cover during the step of attaching a top roof mount to a bottom roof mount. A resilience constituent may contact on a top or even a bottom of a cover. A compressed and non-compressed resilience constituent may be understood in the non-limiting example inFIGS.29and30. A bottom roof mount may be secured to a roof or other substrate perhaps with screws (10) and screw holes (33) or the like as discussed herein. FIG.23show a non-limiting example of an assembly of a mount base (18) perhaps with a lock washer (24). A mount base may have screws (10) and even mount base screw holes (43). Screws (10) may attach a mount base (18) on a substrate (14) perhaps as shown inFIGS.16,19, and20. FIG.24shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps prior to attaching it to a mount base (18).FIGS.25-26show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19) andFIGS.27-30show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23).FIGS.42and43may be a cross section view shown inFIG.41.FIG.29shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.30shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). A mount base extension (25) may be added under a mount base (18) perhaps to increase a load bearing surface on a substrate (14). A non-limiting example of mount base extension (25) is shown inFIGS.19-22andFIG.138. Non-limiting examples of mount base extension holes (48) are shown inFIG.138and may align with mount base screw holes (33) perhaps as shown inFIG.23. A cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) as shown inFIG.24, may be placed on top of a mount base (18) as shown inFIG.23. A mount top (19) perhaps as shown inFIGS.25and26, may be started into a mount base (18) perhaps by engaging mount top threads (30) in mount base threads (31). Referring toFIGS.19-20and22-23, when a mount top base (19) may be screwed into a mount base (18), a mount top cover surface (34) may push a cover (16) into a resilience constituent (23) perhaps against a mount base spring surface (39) and may even compress a resilience constituent (23). Embodiments of the present invention may provide compressing a resilience constituent perhaps until a top roof mount may rigidly contact or even attach to a bottom roof mount. A mount top (19) may be securely tightened perhaps when using mount top spanner holes (21) or any other feature which may allow a firm grip on a mount top (19). When securely tightened, a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a top flat area of a lock washer (24). A bottom flat area of a lock washer (24) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may make a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). Teeth of a lock washer (24) may be embedded into a mount top stop surface (26) and a mount base stop surface (27) may prevent a mount top (19) from unscrewing from a mount base (18). In embodiments, a top roof mount may be a rigid top roof mount and a bottom roof mount may be a rigid bottom roof mount. Without a lock washer (24), a mount top stop surface (26) may contact a mount base stop surface (27) and may have a rigid connection between these surfaces. This may make a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). Locking features on a mount top stop surface (26) or perhaps even on a mount base stop surface (27), or both surfaces, may prevent a mount top (19) from unscrewing from a mount base (18). When a resilience constituent (23) may be compressed, it may exert a force on a bottom of a cover (16) and may push a top cover against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier between a top of a cover (16) and even a mount top cover surface (34). A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) perhaps to a water proof layer (15) such as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, water intrusion into a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13) may not occur. When a bolt (8) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may make a rigid contact with a mount top surface (29). There may now be rigid contacts between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). FIGS.31-43,24and138shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), adhesive (17), water proof layer (15), and perhaps even a mount extension (25) which are not shown but could apply.FIGS.15-30and138show non-limiting examples of a substrate (14), adhesive (17), a water proof layer (15), and even a mount extension (25). FIG.31shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13).FIG.32may be the same asFIG.31except an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13).FIG.33is a top view ofFIG.32andFIG.34is a cross-section view ofFIG.33.FIG.35is an enlarged view of what is shown inFIG.34.FIG.36is an enlarged view of what is shown inFIG.35. FIG.37shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10).FIG.24shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) such as before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIGS.38and39show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19).FIGS.40-43show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23).FIG.41show a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.43show a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). Referring toFIGS.34-43and24, a cover (16) may have a cover hole (47) and may be placed on a mount base (18) perhaps as shown inFIG.37. A mount top (19) may be screwed onto a stud (6) perhaps in a mount top threaded hole (20). A hex shape of a mount top (19) may be used to tighten a mount top (19) which may continue to compress a resilience constituent (23) perhaps until a mount top stop surface (26) may contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may create a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). A resilience constituent compression force may force a resilience constituent (23) against a spring seal (36) and perhaps even a top of a cover (16). A resilience constituent (23) may force a spring seal (36) against a mount top spring seal surface (49) and may even force a bottom of a cover perhaps against a mount base cover surface (40). This may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a mount top spring seal surface (49) and a spring seal (36); between a spring seal (36) and a resilience constituent (23); between a resilience constituent (23) and a cover (16); and perhaps even between a cover (16) and a mount base cover surface (40). This may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a mount top spring seal surface (49) and even a mount base cover surface, (40). A mount base lip (37) may allow a cover (16) to be closer to a bottom of a mount base (18). This may allow a cover (16) perhaps to conform better when it may be attached to a water proof layer (15). A seal (35) may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a top mount (19) and even a base mount (18) such as around a stud (6). A head of a stud (6) perhaps when pressed into a mount base (18) may create a water intrusion barrier between a stud (6) and a mount base (18). A spring seal (36) may be a non-rigid material such as but not limited to an elastomer or the like. A spring seal (36) could be attached to a resilience constituent (23). A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) to a water proof layer (15) as may be understood inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, there may be little to no water intrusion path to a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13). An attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount top (19). When a nut (7) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may contact a mount top surface (29) which may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount top (19). This may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). FIGS.44-56,24and138show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), adhesive (17), water proof layer (15), and perhaps even a mount extension (25) may not be shown but may be used.FIGS.15-30and138may provide non-limiting examples of a substrate (14), adhesive (17), water proof layer (15), and even a mount extension (25). FIG.44shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13).FIG.45may be the same asFIG.44perhaps except an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13).FIG.46is a top view ofFIG.45andFIG.47is a cross-section view ofFIG.46.FIG.48is an enlarged view as shown inFIG.47.FIG.49is an enlarged view as shown inFIG.48. Embodiments of the present invention may provide that cover may be placed close (54) to a roof or the like. A cover may be placed over or even around part of a roof mount, such as a bottom roof mount; however, if a cover may be rigid, it may not flex. A cover may be between about 0.5 to about 0.25 inches above a roof or the like. Of course, any placement may be used and all measurements are included in this disclosure. FIG.50shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10).FIG.24shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIGS.51and52show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19).FIGS.53-56show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23).FIG.55shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.56shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). Referring toFIGS.47-56and24, a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) may be placed on a mount base (18) perhaps as shown inFIG.50. A mount top (19) may be screwed onto a stud (6) perhaps in a mount top bottom threaded hole (46). Mount top spanner holes (21) may be used to tighten a mount top (19) which may continue to compress a resilience constituent (23) until a mount top stop surface (26) may contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may create a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). A resilience constituent (23) may be compressed between a bottom of a cover (16) and a mount base spring surface (39). A resilience constituent compression force may force a resilience constituent (23) against a cover (16) and may even force a cover (16) against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a top of a cover (16) and a mount top cover surface (34). Localized pressure from an edge of a resilience constituent (23) may create further pressure between a top of a cover (16) and against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier. A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) perhaps to a water proof layer (15) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, there may be little to no water intrusion path to a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13). An attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount top (19). When a bolt (8) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may contact a mount top surface (29) which may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount top (19). This may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). A mount top (19) may be attached to a mount base (18) perhaps with multiple screws from a bottom of a mount base (18) into a mount top (19). This may be an alternative to using a stud (6). Multiple screws may offset to a mount top threaded hole (20) which may allow a mount top (19) to be a smaller height. FIGS.57-69,24and138show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and even an attachment structure (11) attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), adhesive (17), a water proof layer (15), and perhaps even a mount extension (25) may not be shown but may apply.FIGS.15-30, and138may provide a non-limiting example of a substrate (14), adhesive (17), water proof layer (15), and even a mount extension (25). FIG.57shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13).FIG.58may be the same asFIG.57perhaps except an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13).FIG.59is a top view ofFIG.58andFIG.60is a cross-section view ofFIG.59.FIG.61is an enlarged view of that as shown inFIG.60.FIG.62is an enlarged view of that as shown inFIG.61. FIG.63shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10) and even a resilience constituent (23).FIG.24shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIGS.64and65show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19).FIGS.66-69show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23).FIG.69shows a non-limiting example of a compressed or even bent resilience constituent (23) andFIG.68shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). Referring toFIGS.60-69and24, a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) may be placed on a mount base (18) perhaps as shown inFIG.63. A mount top (19) may be started into a mount base (18) perhaps by engaging mount top threads (30) in mount base threads (31). Mount top spanner holes (21) may be used to tighten a mount top (19) which may continue to compress a resilience constituent (23) perhaps until a mount top stop surface (26) may contact a top of a resilience constituent (23). A bottom of a resilience constituent (23) may contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may create a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a resilience constituent (23) and a resilience constituent (23) and a mount base (18). This may create a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). A resilience constituent (23) may have locking teeth (38) that may embed into a mount top stop surface (26) and even a base stop surface (27) which may keep a mount top (19) and a mount base (18) from loosening. A resilience constituent (23) may be compressed or even bent which may allow a resilience constituent to push up on a bottom of a cover (16), push a top of a cover (16) against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier between a top of a cover (16) and even a mount top cover surface (34). Localized pressure from an edge of a resilience constituent (23) may create further pressure between a top of a cover (16) and a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier. A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) perhaps to a water proof layer (15) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, there may be no water intrusion path to a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13). An attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount top (19). When a bolt (8) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may contact a mount top surface (29) which may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount top (19). This may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). FIGS.70-83,24, and138, shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13), and an attachment structure (11) which may be attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), adhesive (17), water proof layer (15), and even a mount extension (25) may not be shown may be apply. FIG.70shows a non-liming example of a mount (13).FIG.71may be the same asFIG.70perhaps except an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13).FIG.72shows a top view ofFIG.71andFIG.73is a cross-sectional view ofFIG.72.FIG.74shows an enlarged of the views shown inFIG.73.FIG.75shows an enlarged view ofFIG.74. FIG.76shows an assembly of a mount base (18) which may have a resilience constituent (23), screws (10), and even mount base screw holes (43). Screws (10) may attach a mount base (18) perhaps on a substrate (14) perhaps as shown inFIGS.16,19, and20. FIG.76shows a non-liming example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10) and even a resilience constituent (23).FIG.24shows a non-liming example of a cover (16) which may have a cover hole (47) such as before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIGS.77and78show a non-liming example of a mount top (19).FIGS.79-82show non-liming example of a resilience constituent (23).FIG.81shows a non-liming example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.82shows a non-liming example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). FIG.83shows a non-liming example of a cover (16) which may be lifted up perhaps to expose screws (10). ThisFIG.83shows a non-liming example that a mount (13) may be assembled prior to attaching a mount base (18) with screws (10) to a substrate (14) perhaps by lifting up a cover (16). Referring toFIGS.73-82and24, a cover (16) with cover hole (47), as shown inFIG.24, may be placed on a top of a mount base (18). A mount top (19) may then be started into a mount base (18) perhaps by engaging mount top threads (30) in mount base threads (31). A resilience constituent (23) may push a cover (16) against a mount top cover surface (34). A resilience constituent (23) may compress perhaps until a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27). A mount base spring surface (39) may vertically retain a resilience constituent from moving downward. A mount top (19) may be securely tightened perhaps using mount top spanner holes (21) or any other feature which may allow a firm grip on a mount top (19). When securely tightened, a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may make a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). When a resilience constituent (23) may be compressed, it may exert a force on a bottom of a cover (16) and may even push a top cover against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier between a top of a cover (16) and a mount top cover surface (34). Localized pressure from an edge of a resilience constituent (23) may create further pressure between a top of a cover (16) and against a mount top cover surface (34) which may increase a water intrusion barrier. A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) to a water proof layer (15) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, water intrusion into a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13) may not occur. When a bolt (8) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may make a rigid contact with a mount top surface (29). There may now be rigid contacts between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). A mount base (18) may be attached to a substrate (14) perhaps with screws (10) through mount base screw holes (33) perhaps after attaching a mount top (19). A mount (13) may be assembled and then attached to a substrate (14). As shown in the non-limiting example ofFIG.83, a cover (16) may be lifted and screws (10) may be screwed through mount base screw holes, into a substrate (14). An attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13) perhaps prior to a mount (13) being attached to a substrate (14). Additional attachment structures may be attached to an attachment structure (11) perhaps prior to a mount (13) attachment to a substrate (14). This may allow for moving attachment structures around perhaps prior to a mount (13) attachment. Once everything may be in place, screws (10) may be screwed in a substrate (14) and a cover (16) which may then be attached to a water proof layer (15) with an adhesive (17) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. FIGS.84-96,24and138, show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), an adhesive (17), a water proof layer (15), and perhaps a mount extension (25) may not be shown but may apply in some embodiments. FIG.84shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13).FIG.85may be same asFIG.84perhaps except with an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13).FIG.86shows a non-limiting example of a top view ofFIG.85andFIG.87is a cross-sectional view ofFIG.86.FIG.88shows an enlarged of the views shown inFIG.87.FIG.89shows an enlarged view ofFIG.88. FIG.90shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10) and even a resilience constituent (23).FIG.24shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) with a cover hole (47) perhaps before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIGS.91and92show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19).FIGS.93-96show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23).FIG.96shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.95shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). Referring toFIGS.87-96and24, a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) perhaps as shown inFIG.24may be placed on a top of a mount base (18). A mount top (19) may be screwed into a mount base (18) perhaps by engaging mount top threads (30) in a mount base threads (31). A resilience constituent (23) may push a cover (16) against a mount top cover surface (34). A resilience constituent (23) may compress perhaps until a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27). In embodiments, a resilience constituent may be a disk (57) perhaps with a middle ridge (52) such as shown in the non-limiting example inFIGS.89and93. A ridge may be near a middle of a disk or may be at any location on a disk or the like. In some embodiments, there may be more than one ridge in a resilience constituent. A middle ridge may apply pressure to a roof mount perhaps when compressed. A middle ridge may be an upper edge, an angle, a wave or the like and may have a height of a ridge of between about 0.01 and about 0.1 inches. Of course, any height may be used and all are included in this disclosure. A mount base spring surface (39) may prevent a resilience constituent (23) from vertically moving downward. A mount top (19) may be securely tightened perhaps using mount top spanner holes (21) or any other feature that could allow a firm grip on a mount top (19). When securely tightened, a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may make a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). When a resilience constituent (23) may be compressed, it may exert a force on a bottom of a cover (16) and even push a top cover against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier between a top of a cover (16) and a mount top cover surface (34). Localized pressure from a protrusion of a resilience constituent (23) may create further pressure between a top of a cover (16) and a mount top cover surface (34) which may cause a water intrusion barrier. A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) perhaps to a water proof layer (15) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, water intrusion into a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13) may not occur. When a bolt (8) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may make a rigid contact with a mount top upper surface (41). There may now be rigid contacts between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). FIGS.97-120, and24, show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) perhaps attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), an adhesive (17), a water proof layer (15), and a mount extension (25) may not be shown but may apply in some embodiments. FIG.97shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13).FIG.98may be the same asFIG.97perhaps except showing an attachment structure (11) which may be attached to a mount (13).FIG.99shows a non-limiting example of a top view ofFIG.98andFIG.100is a cross-sectional view ofFIG.99.FIG.101shows an enlarged representation of the view shown inFIG.100.FIG.102-104shows a non-limiting example of a variations of an enlarged view ofFIG.101. FIG.105shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10) and even a resilience constituent (23). A resilience constituent (23) shown may be shown inFIGS.100-102.FIG.24shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIG.106shows a non-limiting example of a top perspective view of a mount top (19). FIG.107shows a non-limiting example of a bottom perspective view of a mount top (19) perhaps as shown inFIGS.100-102.FIG.111shows a non-limiting example of a bottom perspective view of a mount top (19) inFIG.103.FIG.115shows a non-limiting example of a bottom perspective view of a mount top (19) inFIG.104. FIGS.108-110show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23) perhaps was shown inFIGS.100-102. A resilience constituent (23) may be an arched disk (53) perhaps as may be understood from the non-limiting examples as shown inFIGS.104,112and113. An arched disk may have an arch height of about 0.25 inches, between about 0.1 and about 0.5 inches, or the like. Of course, any height can by used and all are included in this disclosure. An arched disk or any other resilience constituent may be snapped into a top mount perhaps when a resilience constituent may be compressed and a cover may be deformed when the arched disk may be snapped into place. An arched disk or any other resilience constituent may be pre-made into a mount perhaps as a pre-made top mount that has an arched disk.FIG.110shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.109shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23).FIGS.112-114show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23) inFIGS.103,119and120.FIG.114shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.113shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23).FIGS.116-118show a resilience constituent (23) inFIG.104.FIG.117shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.118shows a non-limiting example of a non-compressed resilience constituent (23). FIG.119shows a non-limiting example of a mount top (19), a cover (16), and a resilience constituent (23) assembly.FIG.120shows a cross-section ofFIG.119.FIG.121shows a non-liming example of a mount top with a threaded hole (20) and spanner holes (21). Referring toFIGS.100-102,105-110and24, a cover (16) perhaps with cover hole (47) as shown inFIG.24, may be placed on a top of a mount base (18). A mount top (19) may then be screwed into a mount base (18) perhaps by engaging mount top threads (30) in mount base threads (31). A mount base spring surface (39) may hold a resilience constituent (23) in place and a resilience constituent (23) may push a cover (16) into a mount top (19) and even against a mount top cover surface (34). A resilience constituent (23) may compress perhaps until a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27). A mount top (19) may be securely tightened perhaps using mount top spanner holes (21) or any other feature which may allow a firm grip on a mount top (19). When securely tightened, a mount top stop surface (26) may rigidly contact a mount base stop surface (27) which may make a rigid connection between a mount top (19) and a mount base (18). When a resilience constituent (23) may be compressed, it may exert a force on a bottom of a cover (16) and may push a top cover against a mount top cover surface (34) which may create a water intrusion barrier between a top of a cover (16) and even a mount top cover surface (34). Localized pressure edge of a resilience constituent (23) may create further pressure between a top of a cover (16) and a mount top cover surface (34) which may make a water intrusion barrier better. A top roof mount may include at least one mount top protrusion (41). A mount top protrusion (41) may deform a cover (16) and may increase a water intrusion barrier effectiveness. This may also increase a pull out strength of a cover (16) from a mount top (19). FIG.103shows a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23) and a mount top (19) that may be similar to the ones inFIG.102but a resilience constituent (23) may be able to be retained in place by a spring pocket (32) perhaps in a mount top (19). This may allow a resilience constituent (23) to be pushed up into a mount top (19) and may hold a cover (16) in place perhaps prior to attaching a mount top (19) to a mount base (18). When a resilience constituent (23) may be pushed up into a mount top (19) it may compress a resilience constituent (23) and may push a cover (16) against a mount top cover surface (34) and a resilience constituent (23) may snap into a spring pocket (32) in a mount top (19). A water intrusion barrier and cover (16) pull out strength may be the same as described forFIG.102.FIGS.119-121show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19), cover (16), and a resilience constituent (23), assembly. FIG.104shows a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23) and a mount top (19) that may have a spring pocket (32) and may retain a resilience constituent (23). As previous described, this may allow for a mount top (19), a cover (16), and even a resilience constituent (23), to be assembled perhaps prior to attaching a mount top (19) to a mount base (18). When a resilience constituent (23) may be compressed, it may push a cover (16) into a mount top protrusion (41) which may create a water intrusion barrier. There may be any shape or quantity of mount top protrusions (41) perhaps on a mount top cover surface (34). These mount top protrusions (41) may prevent full contact of a cover (16) to a mount top cover surface (34) and may create a cover space (42) but the deformation and high pressure perhaps caused by mount top protrusions (41) into a cover (16) may create an effective water intrusion barrier. If mount top protrusions (41) protrusion may be small enough or does not exist, a cover (16) may contact a top cover surface (34) and may still create a water intrusion barrier. InFIGS.103and104, a resilience constituent (23) portion may be against a cover (16) and may extend down to a mount base spring surface (39) which may add additional force against a mount top cover surface (34) and even mount top protrusions (41). This may apply to other resilience constituents. A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) to a water proof layer (15) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and even a water proof layer (15). With water intrusion barriers discussed, water intrusion into a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13) may not occur. When a bolt (8) may be tightened, an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may make a rigid contact with a mount top upper surface (41). There may now be rigid contacts between an attachment structure (11) and even a mount base (18). FIGS.122-137and24show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) perhaps attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), an adhesive (17), a water proof layer (15), and even a mount extension (25) may not be shown but may apply in some embodiments. FIG.122shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13) perhaps without an attachment structure (11).FIG.123may be the same asFIG.122except that it may have an attachment structure (11) which may be attached to a mount base (18).FIG.124may be a top view ofFIG.123andFIG.125may be a cross section view ofFIG.124.FIG.126is an enlarged view of that shown inFIG.125.FIG.127is an enlarged view of that shown inFIG.126. FIG.128shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10) and resilience constituent (23).FIGS.129-130and134-137show a non-limiting example of an attachment structure (11) perhaps with different attachment methods.FIGS.131-133show a non-limiting example of a resilience constituent (23).FIG.132shows a non-limiting example of a compressed resilience constituent (23) andFIG.133shows a non-limiting example of an non-compressed resilience constituent (23). Referring toFIGS.125-137and24, a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) may be placed on a mount base (18) perhaps as shown inFIG.128. Screws (10) could be screwed into a substrate (14) or they may be even screwed into a substrate (14) perhaps after a mount (13) assembly may be complete as described previously. InFIGS.129-130, a stud (6) may be pressed into a hole in attachment structure (11). Pressed in stud (6) may be formed perhaps as to make a stud pressed swage, such as sufficient to create a water intrusion barrier between a stud (6) and an attachment structure (11). InFIGS.134-137, a threaded rod (45) may be screwed into an attachment structure threaded hole (50) perhaps as shown inFIG.137. A stud (6) or even a threaded rod (45) on an attachment structure (11) may be screwed into a mount base threaded hole (44) perhaps until an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may contact a mount base stop surface (27) and may create a rigid connection between an attachment structure bottom surface (28) and a mount base stop surface (27). There may now be rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). A resilience constituent (23) may be compressed perhaps between a cover (16) and a mount base spring surface (39). A resilience constituent (23) may push up on a cover (16) and a cover (16) may be forced against an attachment structure bottom surface (28) which may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and an attachment structure bottom surface (28). Localized pressure from an edge of a resilience constituent (23) may increase this pressure and may aid in a water intrusion barrier. Protrusions on an attachment structure bottom surface (28) may also increase the water intrusion barrier. A cover (16) may be attached with an adhesive (17) perhaps to a water proof layer (15) perhaps as shown inFIG.21. This may create a water intrusion barrier between a cover (16) and a water proof layer (15). With water protrusion barriers discussed, water intrusion into a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13) may not occur. FIGS.139-150and138show a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) perhaps attached to a mount (13). A substrate (14), an adhesive (17), a water proof layer (15), and even a mount extension (25) may not be shown but may not apply in embodiments of the present invention. FIG.139shows a non-limiting example of a mount (13) and an attachment structure (11) perhaps attached to a mount (13).FIG.140may be a top view ofFIG.139andFIG.141is a cross section view ofFIG.140.FIG.142is an enlarged view as shown inFIG.141. FIG.149shows a non-limiting example of a mount base (18) perhaps with screws (10).FIG.150shows a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) before it may be attached to a mount base (18).FIGS.143-146show a non-limiting example of a cover (16) perhaps placed on a mount base (18) and a mount top (19) perhaps placed on top of a cover (16).FIGS.147and148show a non-limiting example of a mount top (19). Referring toFIGS.143-150, a cover (16) perhaps with a cover hole (47) may be placed on a mount base (18). A seal (35) may be placed around a mount top hole (51) and may be placed on a mount base stop surface (27) perhaps around a top of a mount base threaded hole (44). A mount top (19) may be placed on top of a cover (16). Embodiments of the present invention may provide locking a roof mount. This may be with locking teeth (38) perhaps as may be understood from the non-limiting example inFIG.63. In some embodiments, a top roof mount may be locked to a bottom roof mount perhaps with a locking feature (55). A mount base, a mount top, or even both may have a locking feature (55). A locking feature may include, but is not limited to serrations, teeth, a roughed surface, an adhesive, a retaining liquid, or any feature that may prevent the surfaces to be loosened perhaps as may be understood in the non-limiting example shown inFIGS.151and152. Embodiments of the present invention may provide attachment of a component (56) to a roof mount (13). A component may be a rack, solar panel racking, a part, a construction element, or any type of item that may need to be attached perhaps with a mount to another item. A component (56) may be directly attached to a mount or may be indirectly attached to a mount perhaps via an attachment structure (11) which may assist in attaching a component to a roof mount as may be understood in the non-limiting example inFIG.153. In some embodiments, an attachment structure (11) may be included in a top roof mount perhaps so that it may be part of the mount structure. In other embodiments, an attachment structure may be separate. A bolt (8) and even an attachment structure (11) may be shown inFIGS.139-141. Referring toFIGS.145-146, when a bolt (8) may be tightened, a mount top (19) may move down and a mount top protrusion (41) may be driven into a cover (16). This may continue perhaps until a mount top stop surface (26) may contact a mount base stop surface (27) perhaps as shown inFIGS.141-142. A force pushing up on a mount top (19) perhaps by a cover (16) may flex a mount top (19) which may act as a spring as discussed herein. A spring-flex of a mount top (19) may be understood in the examples as shown inFIGS.141-142. An uncompressed state of a mount top (19) may be shown in the non-limiting example ofFIGS.145-146. High pressure caused by this compression and even flex of a top mount (19) may push a mount top protrusion (41) into a cover (16) and may even cause a high pressure area between a mount top (19) and a top of a cover (16). This may cause a water intrusion barrier between a top of a cover (16) and even a mount, top (19). With a mount top surface, perhaps flat or even near flat against a top of a cover (16), a pressure between a mount top cover surface (34) may create a water intrusion barrier. Multiple top protrusions (41) may be on a mount top cover surface (34). Pressure of a bottom of a cover (16) perhaps against a mount base cover surface (40) perhaps without a mount top protrusion (41) may create a water intrusion barrier. Protrusion or protrusions, perhaps on a mount base cover surface (40) may create additional water intrusion barriers. A seal (35) may create a water intrusion barrier between a mount top (19) and even a mount base (18) perhaps through a mount top hole (51). With water intrusion barriers discussed, there may be no water intrusion path to a substrate (14) perhaps due to a mount (13). With a bolt (8) tightened, there may be a rigid connection between an attachment structure bottom surface (28) and even a mount top surface (29) and there may be a rigid connection between a mount top stop surface (26) and a mount base stop surface (27) which may cause a rigid connection between an attachment structure (11) and even a mount base (18). A bottom of a mount top (19) may be shown on the outside of screws (10). A bottom of a mount top (19) may also be inside screws (10). In the various embodiments of the present invention, a stud (6) could be a bolt (8) and if sealed under a bolt head with a sealant. This may create a water intrusion barrier perhaps between a top of an attachment structure (11) and a bolt (8). A mount base (18) may be screwed into a substrate (14) perhaps before a cover (16) may be placed on a mount base (18) or even any time before a cover (16) may be attached to a water proof layer (15) perhaps by lifting a cover and accessing screws (10). This may allow a mount (13) to be fully or even partially assembled, an attachment structure (11) may be attached to a mount (13) or even an additional attachment structure may be attached to an attachment structure (11) perhaps before attaching a mount (13) to a substrate (14) and even attaching a cover (16) to a water proof layer (15). Mounts (13) and even screws (10) perhaps in mount base screw holes (43) may be any fastener to attach mount bases (18) and may be, but is not limited to, all types of screws, roof screws, rivets, concrete fasteners, bolts, any type of fastener, or the like. All these mount bases (18) may be attached to a water proof layer (15) perhaps using an adhesive (17). An adhesive (17) may be under a mount base (18) and may or may not extend out beyond a mount base (18). Screws (10) may be used with an adhesive (17) or even a mount base (18) could be attached perhaps with only an adhesive (17). Mount base screw holes (43) may not be required perhaps if only an adhesive (17) may be used to adhere a mount base (18) to a water proof layer (15). A water intrusion barrier may block water from water leaking, penetrating, or any migrating into an area that may be undesirable. A small leakage into an area that may be acceptable may be considered as a water intrusion barrier. The term water may include any liquid, gas, vapor, or the like. A resilience constituent (23) may be of varying shapes and may contact a cover (16) perhaps by any of its surfaces. Resilience constituents (23) may have any number of protrusions. A resilience constituent may be shown inside or even outside screws (10) but may span either, both or even partially span inside and even outside of screws (10). Since a resilience constituent (23) may compress a cover (16) of various thickness, a cover (16) may be used and may allow for a water intrusion barrier. The thickness or even dimensional changes of a cover (16) may be due to, but is not limited to, aging, deterioration, other effects that cause dimensional changes of a cover, or the like and may have a good water intrusion barrier perhaps due to a compression range of a resilience constituent (23). A cover (16), a mount top (19), and even a mount base (18), may be shown as one piece but may be made of multiple parts with the same or even different materials. Multiple pieces may also be combined into one piece. A resilience constituent (23) may be shown as separate component of a mount (13) but it could be attached to a mount top (19), a mount base (18), an attachment structure (11), or any other component such as between a mount top (19), and mount base (18), or even between an attachment structure (11) and a mount base (18). A resilience constituent (23) could be part of an attachment structure (11), a mount top (19), or even a mount base (18). Sections of an attachment structure (11), mount top (19), or even a mount base (18), could flex and even act as a spring. Different features may be discussed in the various embodiments of the mounts (13). Any of these features are not to be considered unique to such individual mount (13) but should be considered applicable to all mounts, As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both mounting techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate mount. In this application, the mounting techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure. The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. As one example, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and/or relative terms may be used. These may include terms such as the words: substantially, about, only, and the like. These words and types of words are to be understood in a dictionary sense as terms that encompass an ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc. as well as terms that encompass largely but not wholly that which is specified. Further, for this application if or when used, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and/or relative terms should be understood as also encompassing more precise and even quantitative values that include various levels of precision and the possibility of claims that address a number of quantitative options and alternatives. For example, to the extent ultimately used, the existence or non-existence of a substance or condition in a particular input, output, or at a particular stage can be specified as substantially only x or substantially free of x, as a value of about x, or such other similar language. Using percentage values as one example, these types of terms should be understood as encompassing the options of percentage values that include 99.5%, 99%, 97%, 95%, 92% or even 90% of the specified value or relative condition; correspondingly for values at the other end of the spectrum (e.g., substantially free of x, these should be understood as encompassing the options of percentage values that include not more than 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% or even 10% of the specified value or relative condition, all whether by volume or by weight as either may be specified. In context, these should be understood by a person of ordinary skill as being disclosed and included whether in an absolute value sense or in valuing one set of or substance as compared to the value of a second set of or substance. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure and should (and, it is believed, would) be understood to a person of ordinary skill in this field. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application. It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system. Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural attachment structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “cover” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “covering”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “covering”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “cover” and even a “means for covering.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a non-limiting example of means for performing that function. As other non-limiting examples, it should be understood that claim elements can also be expressed as either or both: components that are configured to achieve a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation, or as components that are capable of achieving a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation. All should be understood as within the scope of this disclosure and written description. Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the information disclosure statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s). Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the mount devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such processes, methods, systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein. With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose inHakimv.Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments. Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim20or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim1, claim15, or even claim25(if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims. Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. | 69,013 |
11859871 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding configurations are designated by the same reference numerals in all drawings, and common description will be omitted. First Embodiment A first embodiment of a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIGS.1to3. InFIGS.1to3, the arrows indicate the flow of a heat medium (including underground water) in each portion. White arrows indicate cold water, and black arrows indicate hot water. (Configuration of Geothermal Heat Utilization System) A geothermal heat utilization system10stores heat in two different aquifers, an upper aquifer LY1and a lower aquifer LY2. The upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2are formed, for example, with a diluvial clay layer LYm interposed therebetween. As shown inFIG.1, the geothermal heat utilization system10includes a first well20and a second well30. The geothermal heat utilization system10further includes a first pipe40, a second pipe50, a first heat exchanger60, and a second heat exchanger70. The geothermal heat utilization system10further includes a heater80and a cooler90. The heater80is used as a heating facility in a building BLD. The cooler90is used as a cooling facility in the building BLD. The geothermal heat utilization system10is configured to pump hot water as underground water to be supplied from one of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2, and at the same time, to pump cold water as underground water to be supplied from the other of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2. (Configuration of First Well) The first well20is a well that penetrates the upper aquifer LY1and extends to the lower aquifer LY2from above ground to underground. As shown inFIG.2, the first well20includes a first storage unit21, a first switching unit22, a first upper opening23, and a first lower opening24. The first well20includes a casing20aembedded in an excavation hole HOL1obtained by excavating underground from a ground surface SG to the lower aquifer LY2. In the casing20a, packings PK are provided between the first storage unit21, the first switching unit22, the first upper opening23, and the first lower opening24and prevent the flow of the underground water between them. The first storage unit21is provided above the first upper opening23. The first storage unit21has a first pump21acapable of pumping the underground water in the first storage unit21. The first switching unit22is provided between the first storage unit21and the first upper opening23. The first switching unit22includes a first port22athat opens to the first storage unit21and a second port22bthat is connected to the second pipe50. The first switching unit22further includes a third port22cthat opens to the first upper opening23, and a fourth port22dthat passes through the first upper opening23, extends toward the first lower opening24, and opens to the first lower opening24. The first switching unit22is capable of switching between a mode for connecting the first storage unit21and the first upper opening23and a mode for connecting the first storage unit21and the first lower opening24by switching internal pipes thereof. For example, in the case shown inFIG.2, the first switching unit22connects the first storage unit21and the first upper opening23to each other by connecting the first port22aand the third port22cto each other. Further, in the case shown inFIG.2, the first switching unit22connects the second pipe50and the first lower opening24to each other by connecting the second port22band the fourth port22dto each other. The first upper opening23opens in the upper aquifer LY1. The first upper opening23is a portion of the first well20located at a depth corresponding to the upper aquifer LY1. The underground water is stored in the first upper opening23. For example, the casing20ais provided with a strainer23aconstituted by a plurality of slits in the upper aquifer LY1. The first upper opening23is configured such that the underground water in the upper aquifer LY1can be taken into the inside of the casing20aand the underground water can be returned to the upper aquifer LY1from the inside of the casing20avia the strainer23a. The first lower opening24opens in the lower aquifer LY2. The first lower opening24is a portion of the first well20located at a depth corresponding to the lower aquifer LY2. The underground water is stored in the first lower opening24. The first upper opening23and the first lower opening24are arranged vertically. For example, the casing20ais provided with a strainer24aconstituted by a plurality of slits in the lower aquifer LY2. The first lower opening24is configured such that the underground water in the lower aquifer LY2can be taken into the inside of the casing20aand the underground water can be returned to the lower aquifer LY2from the inside of the casing20avia the strainer24a. (Configuration of Second Well) The second well30is a well that penetrates the upper aquifer LY1and extends to the lower aquifer LY2from above ground to underground. The second well30is provided at a predetermined distance from the first well20. As shown inFIG.2, the second well30includes a second storage unit31, a second switching unit32, a second upper opening33, and a second lower opening34. The second well30includes a casing30aembedded in an excavation hole HOL2obtained by excavating the underground from a ground surface SG to the lower aquifer LY2. In the casing30a, packings PK are provided between the second storage unit31, the second switching unit32, the second upper opening33, and the second lower opening34and prevent the flow of the underground water between them. The second storage unit31is provided above the second upper opening33. The second storage unit31has a second pump31acapable of pumping the underground water in the second storage unit31. The second switching unit32is provided between the second storage unit31and the second upper opening33. The second switching unit32includes a first port32athat opens to the second storage unit31and a second port32bthat is connected to the first pipe40. The second switching unit32further includes a third port32cthat opens to the second upper opening33, and a fourth port32dthat passes through the second upper opening33, extends toward the second lower opening34, and opens to the second lower opening34. The second switching unit32is capable of switching between a mode for connecting the second storage unit31and the second upper opening33and a mode for connecting the second storage unit31and the second lower opening34by switching internal pipes thereof. For example, in the case shown inFIG.2, the second switching unit32connects the second storage unit31and the second lower opening34to each other by connecting the first port32aand the fourth port32dto each other. Further, in the case shown inFIG.2, the second switching unit32connects the first pipe40and the second upper opening33to each other by connecting the second port32band the third port32cto each other. The second upper opening33opens in the upper aquifer LY1. The second upper opening33is a portion of the second well30located at a depth corresponding to the upper aquifer LY1. The underground water is stored in the second upper opening33. For example, the casing30ais provided with a strainer33aconstituted by a plurality of slits in the upper aquifer LY1. The second upper opening33is configured such that the underground water in the upper aquifer LY1can be taken into the inside of the casing30aand the underground water can be returned to the upper aquifer LY1from the inside of the casing30avia the strainer33a. The second lower opening34opens in the lower aquifer LY2. The second lower opening34is a portion of the second well30located at a depth corresponding to the lower aquifer LY2. The underground water is stored in the second lower opening34. The second upper opening33and the second lower opening34are arranged vertically. For example, the casing30ais provided with a strainer34aconstituted by a plurality of slits in the lower aquifer LY2. The second lower opening34is configured such that the underground water in the lower aquifer LY2can be taken into the inside of the casing30aand the underground water can be returned to the lower aquifer LY2from the inside of the casing30avia the strainer34a. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10operates the first pump21aand the second pump31aat the same time. Therefore, the geothermal heat utilization system10pumps the underground water from one of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2, and at the same time, pumps the underground water from the other of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2. (Configuration of First Pipe) The first pipe40extends from a first end40ato a second end40bvia a primary side (a primary side pipe60a) of the first heat exchanger60. The first end40aof the first pipe40is connected to the first pump21asuch that water can be pumped from the first pump21ato the first pipe40. The first end40aof the first pipe40extends into the first well20toward the first pump21a. The second end40bof the first pipe40is connected to the second port32bof the second switching unit32via an opening and closing valve, a check valve, or the like such that the water can be supplied toward the second port32bof the second switching unit32. The second end40bof the first pipe40extends into the second well30toward the second port32bof the second switching unit32. (Configuration of Second Pipe) The second pipe50extends from a first end50ato a second end50bvia a primary side (a primary side pipe70a) of the second heat exchanger70. The first end50aof the second pipe50is connected to the second pump31asuch that water can be pumped from the second pump31ato the second pipe50. The first end50aof the second pipe50extends into the second well30toward the second pump31a. The second end50bof the second pipe50is connected to the second port22bof the first switching unit22via an opening and closing valve, a check valve, or the like such that the water can be supplied toward the second port22bof the first switching unit22. The second end50bof the second pipe50extends into the first well20toward the second port22bof the first switching unit22. (Configuration of First Heat Exchanger) The primary side (the primary side pipe60a) of the first heat exchanger60is connected in the middle of the first pipe40. A secondary side (a secondary side pipe60b) of the first heat exchanger60is connected to the heater80. The first heat exchanger60can exchange heat between the primary side and the secondary side. The geothermal heat utilization system10circulates a heat medium between the secondary side of the first heat exchanger60and the heater80. (Configuration of Second Heat Exchanger) The primary side (the primary side pipe70a) of the second heat exchanger70is connected in the middle of the second pipe50. A secondary side (a secondary side pipe70b) of the second heat exchanger70is connected to the cooler90. The second heat exchanger70can exchange heat between the primary side and the secondary side. The geothermal heat utilization system10circulates a heat medium between the secondary side of the second heat exchanger70and the cooler90. (Operation) An operation of the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment will be described. First, the case shown inFIG.2(a first mode) will be described. In the case shown inFIG.2, as described above, the first switching unit22connects the first storage unit21and the first upper opening23to each other. Accordingly, the underground water taken in at the first upper opening23is pumped to the first pipe40. For example, as an initial state, hot water is stored in the upper aquifer LY1around the first upper opening23. In this case, at least at the start of the first mode, the hot water taken in at the first upper opening23is pumped to the first pipe40. In the case shown inFIG.2, as described above, the second switching unit32connects the second storage unit31and the second lower opening34to each other. Accordingly, the underground water taken in at the second lower opening34is pumped to the second pipe50. For example, as an initial state, cold water is stored in the upper aquifer LY1around the second lower opening34. In this case, at least at the start of the first mode, the cold water taken in at the second lower opening34is pumped to the second pipe50. By the above operation, the geothermal heat utilization system10can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1from the first upper opening23to the second upper opening33via the first pipe40. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10can supply the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from the second lower opening34to the first lower opening24via the second pipe50. Therefore, the geothermal heat utilization system10can supply storage hot heat of the upper aquifer LY1to the first heat exchanger60and can supply storage cold heat of the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2to the second heat exchanger70. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10can store cold heat obtained from the first heat exchanger60in the upper aquifer LY1and can store hot heat obtained from the second heat exchanger70in the lower aquifer LY2. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system10consumes the hot water acquired from the upper aquifer LY1by supplying the hot water to the first heat exchanger60via the first upper opening23. On the other hand, the geothermal heat utilization system10stores cold water acquired in the first heat exchanger60by supplying the cold water to the upper aquifer LY1via the second upper opening33. Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system10consumes the hot water acquired from the lower aquifer LY2by supplying the hot water to the second heat exchanger70via the second lower opening34. On the other hand, the geothermal heat utilization system10stores cold water acquired in the second heat exchanger70by supplying the cold water to the lower aquifer LY2via the first lower opening24. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10pumps the hot water from one of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2, and at the same time, pumps the cold water from the other of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2by operating the first pump21aand the second pump31aat the same time. In the case of the first mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system10pumps the hot water from the upper aquifer LY1, and at the same time, pumps the cold water from the lower aquifer LY2by operating the first pump21aand the second pump31aat the same time. Here, “hot water” refers to water having a temperature higher than the initial underground temperature of the underground water in each aquifer, and “cold water” refers to water having a temperature lower than the initial underground temperature of the underground water in each aquifer. For example, the initial underground temperature of the underground water in each aquifer is 18° C. Next, the case shown inFIG.3(a second mode) will be described. FIG.3shows a state in which the internal pipes of the first switching unit22and the second switching unit32are switched from the connection shown by a solid line inFIG.2to the connection shown by a dotted line inFIG.2. In this case, the first switching unit22connects the second pipe50and the first upper opening23to each other by connecting the second port22band the third port22cto each other. Further, the first switching unit22connects the first storage unit21and the first lower opening24to each other by connecting the first port22aand the fourth port22dto each other. Further, the second switching unit32connects the second storage unit31and the second upper opening33to each other by connecting the first port32aand the third port32cto each other. Further, the second switching unit32connects the first pipe40and the second lower opening34to each other by connecting the second port32band the fourth port32dto each other. Accordingly, the underground water taken in at the first lower opening24is pumped to the first pipe40, and the underground water taken in at the second upper opening33is pumped to the second pipe50. For example, the second mode may be started after the first mode is performed. In this case, at least at the start of the second mode, cold water is stored in the upper aquifer LY1around the second upper opening33. Therefore, the cold water taken in at the second upper opening33is pumped to the second pipe50. Further, in this case, at least at the start of the second mode, hot water is stored in the lower aquifer LY2around the first lower opening24. Therefore, the hot water taken in at the first lower opening24is pumped to the first pipe40. By the above operation, the geothermal heat utilization system10can supply the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from the first lower opening24to the second lower opening34via the first pipe40. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1from the second upper opening33to the first upper opening23via the second pipe50. Therefore, the geothermal heat utilization system10can supply storage hot heat of the lower aquifer LY2to the first heat exchanger60and can supply storage cold heat of the upper aquifer LY1to the second heat exchanger70. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10can store cold heat obtained from the first heat exchanger60in the lower aquifer LY2and can store hot heat obtained from the second heat exchanger70in the upper aquifer LY1. For example, in the case of the second mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system10consumes the cold water acquired from the upper aquifer LY1by supplying the cold water to the second heat exchanger70via the second upper opening33. On the other hand, the geothermal heat utilization system10stores hot water acquired in the second heat exchanger70by supplying the hot water to the upper aquifer LY1via the first upper opening23. Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system10consumes the hot water acquired from the lower aquifer LY2by supplying the hot water to the first heat exchanger60via the first lower opening24. On the other hand, the geothermal heat utilization system10stores cold water acquired in the first heat exchanger60by supplying the cold water to the lower aquifer LY2via the second lower opening34. (Operational Effects) The geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1and the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2separately, and thus can prevent the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1and the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from being mixed with each other. Thus, in the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, blockage of the well is prevented when the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2are used. For example, in a case in which the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1is rich in oxygen and the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2is rich in iron, when the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1and the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2are mixed with each other, iron oxide is produced and the strainer of the opening of each well is blocked. On the other hand, the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment has a structure in which the underground water of the upper aquifer and the underground water of the lower aquifer are unlikely to be mixed with each other, and thus can suppress the blockage of the well when the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2are used. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment pumps hot water as underground water to be supplied from one of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer, and at the same time, pumps cold water as underground water to be supplied from the other of the upper aquifer and the lower aquifer. Therefore, the hot water and the cold water can be used at the same time. For example, in a building BLD, one room can be heated, and at the same time, another room can be cooled. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment can reversely supply the heat stored by water supplying in each aquifer of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2. Therefore, the heat stored by water supplying can be used. Further, in the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, the first pump21acan pump the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1in the first mode and can pump the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2in the second mode. Similarly, in the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, the second pump31acan pump the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1in the second mode and can pump the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2in the first mode. Therefore, each pump can be used depending on the mode, and the utilization efficiency of each pump can be improved. Further, in the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, it is possible to pump and circulate the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1and it is possible to pump and circulate the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2. Therefore, a heat storage capacity can be doubled as compared with the geothermal heat utilization system in which the underground water of one aquifer is pumped and returned. Further, in the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, the first upper opening23and the first lower opening24are arranged vertically, and the second upper opening33and the second lower opening34are arranged vertically, and thus a site area can be effectively used. Particularly, in urban areas where high-rise buildings with high heat demand are concentrated, it is necessary to equip a large-capacity heat source system, but the site area is limited, and thus the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment is effective. For example, according to the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, it is possible to utilize the storage heat of the aquifer by using the heat utilization potential of the underground water widely existing in the alluvial plain common to metropolitan areas. Further, in the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment, the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1is supplied from the first upper opening23toward the second upper opening33while the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2is supplied from the second lower opening34toward the first lower opening24. That is, in each well, the water is pumped from one aquifer while the water is circulated to the other aquifer. Therefore, the geothermal heat utilization system10of the present embodiment can prevent ground subsidence and ground rise. <Example of Switching Unit> Examples of the first switching unit22in the embodiment of the heat utilization system described above are shown inFIGS.4to19. Hereinafter, each example of the first switching unit22will be described, but the second switching unit32can also have the same configuration. For example, the first switching unit22may include a revolver22R as shown inFIGS.4to7. When the revolver22R is rotated from the state shown inFIG.4to the state shown inFIG.7by 90°, the first switching unit22can change a flow path. For example, the first switching unit22may include a plurality of three-way valves22T as shown inFIGS.8to11. When the three-way valves22T are switched, the first switching unit22can change a flow path. FIG.8is a perspective view of the first switching unit22when seen from the front, andFIG.11is a perspective view of the first switching unit22when seen from the side. The three-way valve22T may be, for example, a ball valve. For example, the first switching unit22may include a plurality of three-way valves22T and a plurality of water injection valves22P as shown inFIG.12. When the three-way valves22T and the water injection valves22P are switched, the first switching unit22can change a flow path. As another example, the first switching unit22may be a combination of a plurality of water injection valves22P as shown inFIG.13or a combination of a plurality of three-way valves22T and a plurality of water injection valves22P as shown inFIG.14. For example, the first switching unit22may include a plurality of four-way valves22F and a plurality of water injection valves22P as shown inFIG.15. When the four-way valves22F and the water injection valves22P are switched, the first switching unit22can change a flow path. For example, the first switching unit22may include two slide mechanisms22S as shown inFIGS.16and17. When the slide mechanisms22S are switched from the state shown inFIG.16to the state shown inFIG.17, the first switching unit22can change a flow path. The first switching unit22may further include a water injection valve22P. As another example, as shown inFIGS.18and19, the first switching unit22may have a configuration in which two slide mechanisms22S are integrated. In this case, when the integrated slide mechanism22S is switched from the state shown inFIG.18to the state shown inFIG.19, the first switching unit22can change a flow path. <Embodiment of Operation Method for Geothermal Heat Utilization System> An embodiment of an operation method for a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIG.20. The present operation method is executed using the geothermal heat utilization system10of the above-described embodiment. First, as shown inFIG.20, the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1is supplied from the first upper opening23to the second upper opening33via the first pipe40(ST1: a step of supplying the underground water of the upper aquifer). At the same time as the execution of ST1, the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2is supplied from the second lower opening34to the first lower opening24via the second pipe50(ST2: a step of supplying the underground water of the lower aquifer). Further, in the operation method of the geothennal heat utilization system10, hot water as underground water to be supplied from one of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2is pumped, and at the same time, cold water as underground water to be supplied from the other of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2is pumped. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIGS.21to23. InFIGS.21and22, the arrows indicate the flow of a heat medium (including underground water) in each portion. White arrows indicate cold water, and black arrows indicate hot water. A geothermal heat utilization system100of the second embodiment is configured in the same manner and has the same function as the geothermal heat utilization system10of the first embodiment except that the configurations of the first well, the second well, the first pipe, and the second pipe are different, and thus duplicate explanation will be omitted. (Configuration of Geothermal Heat Utilization System) As shown inFIGS.21and22, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes a first well120and a second well130. The geothermal heat utilization system100further includes a first pipe140, a second pipe150, a first heat exchanger60, and a second heat exchanger70. The geothermal heat utilization system100further includes a heater80and a cooler90. For example, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include a first pump180and a second pump190. The first pump180is provided in the middle of the first pipe140to supply water from the first well120to the first heat exchanger60. For example, the first pump180may be provided directly above the first well120. The second pump190is provided in the middle of the first pipe140to supply water from the second well130to the second heat exchanger70. For example, the second pump190may be provided directly above the second well130. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system100operates the first pump180and the second pump190at the same time. Therefore, the geothermal heat utilization system100pumps the underground water from one of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2, and at the same time, pumps the underground water from the other of the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2. (Configuration of First Well) The first well120is a well that penetrates the upper aquifer LY1and extends to the lower aquifer LY2from above ground to underground. The first well120includes a first upper opening23and a first lower opening24. The first well120includes a casing20aembedded in an excavation hole HOL1obtained by excavating underground from a ground surface SG to the lower aquifer LY2. In the casing20a, a packing PK is provided between the first upper opening23and the first lower opening24and prevents the flow of the underground water between them. (Configuration of Second Well) The second well130is a well that penetrates the upper aquifer LY1and extends to the lower aquifer LY2from above ground to underground. The second well130is provided at a predetermined distance from the first well120. The second well130includes a second upper opening33and a second lower opening34. The second well130includes a casing30aembedded in an excavation hole HOL2obtained by excavating the underground from a ground surface SG to the lower aquifer LY2. In the casing30a, a packing PK is provided between the second upper opening33and the second lower opening34and prevents the flow of the underground water between them. (Configuration of First Pipe) The first pipe140extends from a first end140ato a second end140bvia a primary side (a primary side pipe60a) of the first heat exchanger60. The first pipe140includes a first pumping pipe141extending into the first well120at the first end140a. For example, the first pumping pipe141may penetrate the first upper opening23and extend into the first lower opening24. The first pipe140further includes a second water injection pipe142extending into the second well130at the second end140b. For example, the second water injection pipe142may penetrate the second upper opening33and extend into the second lower opening34. (Configuration of Second Pipe) The second pipe150extends from a first end150ato a second end150bvia a primary side (a primary side pipe70a) of the second heat exchanger70. The second pipe150includes a second pumping pipe152extending into the second well130at the first end150a. For example, the second pumping pipe152may penetrate the second upper opening33and extend into the second lower opening34. The second pipe150further includes a first water injection pipe151extending into the first well120at the second end150b. For example, the first water injection pipe151may penetrate the first upper opening23and extend into the first lower opening24. (Configuration of Pumping Pipe) As shown inFIG.23, each pumping pipe of the first pumping pipe141and the second pumping pipe152has an upper pumping port101and a lower pumping port103. Each pumping pipe of the first pumping pipe141and the second pumping pipe152includes a first opening and closing cylinder102and a second opening and closing cylinder104. For example, each pumping pipe of the first pumping pipe141and the second pumping pipe152may be closed below the lower pumping port103. Hereinafter, the first pumping pipe141will be described, but the second pumping pipe152has the same configuration as the first pumping pipe141. The upper pumping port101opens such that water can be pumped from the upper aquifer LY1. That is, the upper pumping port101opens such that the underground water taken into the first upper opening23can be pumped from the upper aquifer LY1. For example, the first pumping pipe141may have a plurality of openings OP arranged along a circumference of the pipe as the upper pumping port101. The upper pumping port101may be provided at any depth position as long as it is above the packing PK. For example, the upper pumping port101may be provided at a depth position corresponding to the upper aquifer LY1. Further, the upper pumping port101may be provided within a range in which the first upper opening23is provided in the depth position. The first opening and closing cylinder102can open and close the upper pumping port101. For example, the first opening and closing cylinder102may be provided on an outer circumference of the first pumping pipe141coaxially with the first pumping pipe141. Further, the first opening and closing cylinder102is configured to hermetically close the upper pumping port101via a pair of O-rings ORG provided on the circumference of the first pumping pipe141above and below the upper pumping port101by sliding to a position aligned with the upper pumping port101at which the first opening and closing cylinder102covers the openings OP of the upper pumping port101. The first opening and closing cylinder102is vertically slidable. For example, the first opening and closing cylinder102may be vertically slidable between a position aligned with the upper pumping port101and a position below the upper pumping port101. Accordingly, the first opening and closing cylinder102closes the upper pumping port101when it is located at the position aligned with the upper pumping port101and opens the upper pumping port101when it is located at the position below the upper pumping port101. The lower pumping port103opens such that water can be pumped from the lower aquifer LY2. That is, the lower pumping port103opens such that the underground water taken into the first lower opening24can be pumped from the lower aquifer LY2. For example, the first pumping pipe141may have a plurality of openings OP arranged along the circumference of the pipe as the lower pumping port103. The lower pumping port103may be provided at any depth position as long as it is below the packing PK. For example, the lower pumping port103may be provided at a depth position corresponding to the lower aquifer LY2. Further, the lower pumping port103may be provided within a range in which the first lower opening24is provided in the depth position. The second opening and closing cylinder104can open and close the lower pumping port103. For example, the second opening and closing cylinder104may be provided on the outer circumference of the first pumping pipe141coaxially with the first pumping pipe141. Further, the second opening and closing cylinder104is configured to hermetically close the lower pumping port103via a pair of O-rings ORG provided on the circumference of the first pumping pipe141above and below the lower pumping port103by sliding to a position aligned with the lower pumping port103at which the second opening and closing cylinder104covers the openings OP of the lower pumping port103. The second opening and closing cylinder104is vertically slidable. For example, the second opening and closing cylinder104may be vertically slidable between a position aligned with the lower pumping port103and a position above the lower pumping port103. Accordingly, the second opening and closing cylinder104closes the lower pumping port103when it is located at the position aligned with the lower pumping port103and opens the lower pumping port103when it is located at the position above the lower pumping port103. The first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are connected to each other via a link LNK1that extends vertically on the outer circumference of the first pumping pipe141. For example, the link LNK1may be a metal rod extending vertically. For example, the link LNK1may extend vertically through the packing PK while the prevention of the flow of the underground water by the packing PK is maintained. Therefore, the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104slide in an interlocking manner in a vertical direction. For example, the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104may be connected to each other such that, when the first opening and closing cylinder102is located at the position below the upper pumping port101, the second opening and closing cylinder104is located at the position aligned with the lower pumping port103. Accordingly, when the first opening and closing cylinder102opens the upper pumping port101, the second opening and closing cylinder104can close the lower pumping port103. For example, the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104may be connected to each other such that, when the first opening and closing cylinder102is located at the position aligned with the upper pumping port101, the second opening and closing cylinder104is located at the position above the lower pumping port103. Accordingly, when the first opening and closing cylinder102closes the upper pumping port101, the second opening and closing cylinder104can open the lower pumping port103. (Configuration of Water Injection Pipe) As shown inFIG.23, each water injection pipe of the first water injection pipe151and the second water injection pipe142has an upper water injection port105and a lower water injection port107. Each water injection pipe of the first water injection pipe151and the second water injection pipe142includes a third opening and closing cylinder106and a fourth opening and closing cylinder108. For example, each water injection pipe of the first water injection pipe151and the second water injection pipe142may be closed below the lower water injection port107. Hereinafter, the first water injection pipe151will be described, but the second water injection pipe142has the same configuration as the first water injection pipe151. The upper water injection port105opens such that water can be injected into the upper aquifer LY1. That is, the upper water injection port105opens such that the underground water in the first water injection pipe151can be injected into the first upper opening23. For example, the first water injection pipe151may have a plurality of openings OP arranged along a circumference of the pipe as the upper water injection port105. The upper water injection port105may be provided at any depth position as long as it is above the packing PK. For example, the upper water injection port105may be provided at a depth position corresponding to the upper aquifer LY1. Further, the upper water injection port105may be provided within a range in which the first upper opening23is provided in the depth position. The third opening and closing cylinder106can open and close the upper water injection port105. For example, the third opening and closing cylinder106may be provided on an outer circumference of the first water injection pipe151coaxially with the first water injection pipe151. Further, the third opening and closing cylinder106is configured to hermetically close the upper water injection port105via a pair of O-rings ORG provided on the circumference of the first water injection pipe151above and below the upper water injection port105by sliding to a position aligned with the upper water injection port105at which the third opening and closing cylinder106covers the openings OP of the upper water injection port105. The third opening and closing cylinder106is vertically slidable. For example, the third opening and closing cylinder106may be vertically slidable between a position aligned with the upper water injection port105and a position below the upper water injection port105. Accordingly, the third opening and closing cylinder106closes the upper water injection port105when it is located at the position aligned with the upper water injection port105and opens the upper water injection port105when it is located at the position below the upper water injection port105. The lower water injection port107opens such that water can be injected into the lower aquifer LY2. That is, the lower water injection port107opens such that the underground water in the first water injection pipe151can be injected into the first lower opening24. For example, the first water injection pipe151may have a plurality of openings OP arranged along the circumference of the pipe as the lower water injection port107. The lower water injection port107may be provided at any depth position as long as it is below the packing PK. For example, the lower water injection port107may be provided at a depth position corresponding to the lower aquifer LY2. Further, the lower water injection port107may be provided within a range in which the first lower opening24is provided in the depth position. The fourth opening and closing cylinder108can open and close the lower water injection port107. For example, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be provided on the outer circumference of the first water injection pipe151coaxially with the first water injection pipe151. Further, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108is configured to hermetically close the lower water injection port107via a pair of O-rings ORG provided on the circumference of the first water injection pipe151above and below the lower water injection port107by sliding to a position aligned with the lower water injection port107at which the fourth opening and closing cylinder108covers the openings OP of the lower water injection port107. The fourth opening and closing cylinder108is vertically slidable. For example, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be vertically slidable between a position aligned with the lower water injection port107and a position above the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108closes the lower water injection port107when it is located at the position aligned with the lower water injection port107and opens the lower water injection port107when it is located at the position above the lower water injection port107. The third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are connected to each other via a link LNK2that extends vertically on the outer circumference of the first water injection pipe151. For example, the link LNK2may be a metal rod extending vertically. For example, the link LNK2may extend vertically through the packing PK while the prevention of the flow of the underground water by the packing PK is maintained. Therefore, the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108slide in an interlocking manner in the vertical direction. For example, the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be connected to each other such that, when the third opening and closing cylinder106is located at the position below the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108is located at the position aligned with the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, when the third opening and closing cylinder106opens the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108can close the lower water injection port107. For example, the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be connected to each other such that, when the third opening and closing cylinder106is located at the position aligned with the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108is located at the position above the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, when the third opening and closing cylinder106closes the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108can open the lower water injection port107. (Structure of Interlocking Mechanism) For example, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include an interlocking mechanism160. The interlocking mechanism160is provided in each well of the first well120and the second well130. Hereinafter, the interlocking mechanism160provided in the first well120will be described, but the interlocking mechanism160provided in the second well130is also configured in the same manner. The interlocking mechanism160interlocks a pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104with a pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. The interlocking mechanism160may interlock a pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104with a pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108in opposite directions with respect to the vertical direction. For example, as shown inFIG.23, the interlocking mechanism160may include a rack gear161fixed to the link LNK1, a rack gear162fixed to the link LNK2, and a pinion gear163. The rack gear161and the rack gear162are arranged in the direction in which the first pumping pipe141and the first water injection pipe151are arranged. The rack gear161and the rack gear162are coupled with each other via the pinion gear163. The rack gear161and the rack gear162face each other with the pinion gear163interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the rack gear161and the rack gear162are interlocked in opposite directions with respect to the vertical direction. For example, each rack gear of the rack gear161and the rack gear162may include a hanging ring HGR. An operator or a device can move each rack gear upward by pulling up a rod, a wire, or the like fixed to the hanging ring HGR from above the ground. (Operation) An operation of the geothermal heat utilization system100will be described. First, the case shown inFIG.21(a first mode) will be described. In the first well120, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved upward, and the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved downward. For example, as shown inFIG.23, when a rod, a wire, or the like is pulled up from above the ground, the rack gear162may be moved upward, and the rack gear161may be moved downward due to the interlocking by the interlocking mechanism160. When the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104move downward, the first opening and closing cylinder102moves to the position below the upper pumping port101, and the second opening and closing cylinder104moves to the position aligned with the lower pumping port103. Accordingly, in the first well120, the first opening and closing cylinder102opens the upper pumping port101, and the second opening and closing cylinder104closes the lower pumping port103. On the other hand, when the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108move upward, the third opening and closing cylinder106moves to the position aligned with the upper water injection port105, and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108moves to the position above the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, in the first well120, the third opening and closing cylinder106closes the upper water injection port105, and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108opens the lower water injection port107. In the first well120, when the upper pumping port101is opened and the lower pumping port103is closed, as shown inFIG.21, in the first pumping pipe141, the underground water is pumped from the upper aquifer LY1via the first upper opening23. On the other hand, when the upper water injection port105is closed and the lower water injection port107is opened, in the first water injection pipe151, the underground water is injected into the lower aquifer LY2via the first lower opening24. At this time, in the second well130, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved upward, and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved downward. Accordingly, in the second well130, the lower pumping port103and the upper water injection port105are opened, and the upper pumping port101and the lower water injection port107are closed. In the second well130, when the lower pumping port103is opened and the upper pumping port101is closed, in the second pumping pipe152, the underground water is pumped from the lower aquifer LY2via the second lower opening34. On the other hand, when the lower water injection port107is closed and the upper water injection port105is opened, in the second water injection pipe142, the underground water is injected into the upper aquifer LY1via the second upper opening33. By the above operation, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the first mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1from the first upper opening23to the second upper opening33via the first pipe140. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from the second lower opening34to the first lower opening24via the second pipe150. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the first mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100pumps the hot water from the upper aquifer LY1, and at the same time, pumps the cold water from the lower aquifer LY2by operating the first pump180and the second pump190at the same time. Next, the case shown inFIG.22(a second mode) will be described. In the first well120, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved upward, and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved downward. For example, when a rod, a wire, or the like is pulled up from above the ground, the rack gear161may be moved upward, and the rack gear162may be moved downward due to the interlocking by the interlocking mechanism160. When the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104move upward, the first opening and closing cylinder102moves to the position aligned with the upper pumping port101, and the second opening and closing cylinder104moves to the position above the lower pumping port103. Accordingly, in the first well120, the first opening and closing cylinder102closes the upper pumping port101, and the second opening and closing cylinder104opens the lower pumping port103. On the other hand, when the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108move downward, the third opening and closing cylinder106moves to the position below the upper water injection port105, and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108moves to the position aligned with the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, in the first well120, the third opening and closing cylinder106opens the upper water injection port105, and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108closes the lower water injection port107. In the first well120, when the upper pumping port101is closed and the lower pumping port103is opened, in the first pumping pipe141, the underground water is pumped from the lower aquifer LY2via the first lower opening24. On the other hand, when the upper water injection port105is opened and the lower water injection port107is closed, in the first water injection pipe151, the underground water is injected into the upper aquifer LY1via the first upper opening23. At this time, in the second well130, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved upward, and the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved downward. Accordingly, in the second well130, the lower pumping port103and the upper water injection port105are closed, and the upper pumping port101and the lower water injection port107are opened. In the second well130, when the lower pumping port103is closed and the upper pumping port101is opened, in the second pumping pipe152, the underground water is pumped from the upper aquifer LY1via the second upper opening33. On the other hand, when the lower water injection port107is opened and the upper water injection port105is closed, in the second water injection pipe142, the underground water is injected into the lower aquifer LY2via the second lower opening34. By the above operation, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the second mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from the first lower opening24to the second lower opening34via the first pipe140. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1from the second upper opening33to the first upper opening23via the second pipe150. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the second mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100pumps the hot water from the lower aquifer LY2, and at the same time, pumps the cold water from the upper aquifer LY1by operating the first pump180and the second pump190at the same time. (Operational Effects) Similar to the first embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100of the present embodiment can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1and the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2separately, and thus can prevent the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1and the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from being mixed with each other. Thus, according to the geothermal heat utilization system100of the present embodiment, blockage of the well is prevented when the upper aquifer LY1and the lower aquifer LY2are used. Further, according to the geothermal heat utilization system100of the present embodiment, in each well of the first well120and the second well130, each of the upper pumping port101, the lower pumping port103, the upper water injection port105, and the lower water injection port107is opened and closed by each opening and closing cylinder. Therefore, the mechanism in each well can be made compact. Further, according to an example of the present embodiment, since the geothermal heat utilization system100has the interlocking mechanism160, it is possible to interlock the opening and closing operation of the upper pumping port101and the lower pumping port103with the opening and closing operation of the upper water injection port105and the lower water injection port107. Further, according to the example of the present embodiment, since the geothermal heat utilization system100has the interlocking mechanism160, any one pair of the opening and closing cylinders of the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and fourth opening and closing cylinder108can be moved upward, and thus the other pair of the opening and closing cylinders can be moved downward. As a comparative example, it is assumed that the geothermal heat utilization system is not provided with the interlocking mechanism160and is configured to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders downward with a biasing force of a spring. In this case, since the biasing force of the spring changes in relation to a displacement length, it is difficult to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders downward with a constant force. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since the interlocking mechanism160is configured to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders downward, it is easy to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders downward with a constant force. (Modification Example of Second Embodiment) In the example of the present embodiment, the interlocking mechanism160including the rack gear161, the rack gear162, and the pinion gear163is used as an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism may have any configuration as long as it interlocks a pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104with a pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108in opposite directions with respect to the vertical direction. As a modification example, an interlocking mechanism160′ as shown inFIG.24may be used as an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism160′ includes a chain164a, a chain164b, a sprocket165a, and a sprocket165b. The geothermal heat utilization system100further includes a support ring109and a hanging ring HGR. One end of the chain164ais fixed to an upper end of the first opening and closing cylinder102, and the other end of the chain164ais fixed to an upper end of the third opening and closing cylinder106. One end of the chain164bis fixed to a lower end of the second opening and closing cylinder104, and the other end of the chain164bis fixed to a lower end of the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. The sprocket165ais coupled with the chain164a. The sprocket165ais rotatable in an interlocking manner with a movement of the chain164ain an extending direction of the chain164a. The sprocket165bis coupled with the chain164b. The sprocket165bis rotatable in an interlocking manner with a movement of the chain164bin an extending direction of the chain164b. The support ring109is provided on each link of the link LNK1and the link LNK2. The hanging ring HGR is fixed to each support ring109. The support ring109is slidably provided on the outer circumference of each pipe of the first pumping pipe141, the first water injection pipe151, the second pumping pipe152, and the second water injection pipe142. The support ring109can slide up and down while maintaining a constant posture toward the top and bottom. For example, as shown inFIG.25, the support ring109may include a pair of rings109athat are vertically separated from each other and a plurality of connecting rods109bthat connect the pair of rings109ato each other. Each ring109ais provided coaxially with each pipe of the first pumping pipe141, the first water injection pipe151, the second pumping pipe152, and the second water injection pipe142. Each connecting rod109bextends vertically. The plurality of connecting rods109bare arranged in a circumferential direction of each ring109a. The hanging ring HGR is fixed to at least one of the plurality of connecting rods109b. For example, the hanging ring HGR may be fixed to each connecting rod109bof the pair of connecting rods109bfacing each other in a radial direction of the ring109a. According to the present modification example, the interlocking mechanism160′ can interlock the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104with the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108in opposite directions with respect to the vertical direction. According to the present modification example, the support ring109can maintain a constant posture toward the top and bottom. For example, even if a rod, a wire, or the like fixed to one hanging ring HGR is pulled up, each link of the link LNK1and the link LNK2is unlikely to tilt with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, in the geothermal heat utilization system100, it is easy to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders of the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108up and down. In the present modification example, when a rod, a wire, or the like fixed to the hanging ring HGR is pulled up, each pair of the opening and closing cylinders are moved up and down, but any movement may be used as long as each pair of the opening and closing cylinders can be moved up and down. For example, when another sprocket coupled with at least one sprocket of the sprocket165aand the sprocket165bis rotated, each pair of the opening and closing cylinders may be moved up and down. For example, when a rotation shaft of a motor or the like coupled with at least one sprocket of the sprocket165aand the sprocket165bis rotated, each pair of the opening and closing cylinders may be moved up and down. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIG.26. In the example of the second embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes the interlocking mechanism, whereas in an example of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes a first weight and a second weight, this is a difference between them. The geothermal heat utilization system of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner and has the same function as the geothermal heat utilization system100of the second embodiment except for the differences, and thus duplicate explanation will be omitted. For example, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include a first weight166aand a second weight166b. Further, similar to the modification example of the second embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include a support ring109and a hanging ring HGR fixed to the support ring109. As shown inFIG.26, the first weight166ahangs from the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104. For example, the first weight166amay hang from a lower end of the second opening and closing cylinder104. The second weight166bhangs from the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. For example, the second weight166bmay hang from a lower end of the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. According to the example of the present embodiment, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are pulled downward with the gravity on the first weight166a. Further, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are pulled downward with the gravity on the second weight166b. Therefore, for example, an operator or a device can move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders up and down by pulling up or loosening a rod, a wire, or the like fixed to the hanging ring HGR from above the ground. Therefore, according to the example of the present embodiment, in the geothermal heat utilization system100, it is easy to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders of the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108downward. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIG.27. In the example of the second embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes the interlocking mechanism, whereas in an example of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder, this is a difference between them. The geothermal heat utilization system of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner and has the same function as the geothermal heat utilization system100of the second embodiment except for the differences, and thus duplicate explanation will be omitted. For example, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include a first cylinder167aand a second cylinder167b. As shown inFIG.27, the first cylinder167ais connected to the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104via a link LNK3. The first cylinder167ais an oil hydraulic cylinder, a water whydraulic cylinder, or the like, and can drive the link LNK3up and down. For example, an upper end of the link LNK3may be fixed to a lower end of the second opening and closing cylinder104. For example, the link LNK3may be a metal rod extending vertically. The second cylinder167bis connected to the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108via a link LNK4. The second cylinder167bis an oil hydraulic cylinder, a water hydraulic cylinder, or the like, and can drive the link LNK4up and down. For example, an upper end of the link LNK4may be fixed to a lower end of the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. For example, the link LNK4may be a metal rod extending vertically. According to the example of the present embodiment, the first cylinder167acan move the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104up and down with a driving force of the first cylinder167a. Further, the second cylinder167bcan move the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108up and down with a driving force of the second cylinder167b. Therefore, according to the example of the present embodiment, in the geothermal heat utilization system100, it is easy to move each pair of the opening and closing cylinders of the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108up and down. Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIG.28. In the example of the second embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes the interlocking mechanism, whereas in an example of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100includes a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, a third drive mechanism, and a fourth drive mechanism, this is a difference between them. The geothermal heat utilization system of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner and has the same function as the geothermal heat utilization system100of the second embodiment except for the differences, and thus duplicate explanation will be omitted. For example, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include a first drive mechanism168a, a second drive mechanism168b, a third drive mechanism168c, and a fourth drive mechanism168d. Further, the first drive mechanism168a, the second drive mechanism168b, the third drive mechanism168c, and the fourth drive mechanism168dmay be able to be driven independently of each other. As shown inFIG.28, the first drive mechanism168ais coupled with the first opening and closing cylinder102. The first drive mechanism168ais an oil hydraulic actuator, a water hydraulic actuator, or the like, and can drive the first opening and closing cylinder102in the vertical direction. The second drive mechanism168bis coupled with the second opening and closing cylinder104. The second drive mechanism168bis an oil hydraulic actuator, a water hydraulic actuator, or the like, and can drive the second opening and closing cylinder104in the vertical direction. The third drive mechanism168cis coupled with the third opening and closing cylinder106. The third drive mechanism168cis an oil hydraulic actuator, a water hydraulic actuator, or the like, and can drive the third opening and closing cylinder106in the vertical direction. The fourth drive mechanism168dis coupled with the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. The fourth drive mechanism168dis an oil hydraulic actuator, a water hydraulic actuator, or the like, and can drive the fourth opening and closing cylinder108in the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the example of the present embodiment, it is possible to move each opening and closing cylinder of the first opening and closing cylinder102, the second opening and closing cylinder104, the third opening and closing cylinder106, and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108up and down with a driving force of each drive mechanism. Therefore, according to the example of the present embodiment, in the geothermal heat utilization system100, it is easy to move each opening and closing cylinder of the first opening and closing cylinder102, the second opening and closing cylinder104, the third opening and closing cylinder106, and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108up and down. Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of a geothermal heat utilization system will be described with reference toFIGS.29to32. In the example of the third embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100moves each pair of the opening and closing cylinders up and down, whereas in an example of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100lifts pairs of the opening and closing cylinders together, this is a difference between them. Further, in the example of the present embodiment, a moving range of the third opening and closing cylinder106with respect to the upper water injection port105is different from that of the example of the third embodiment. Further, in the example of the present embodiment, a moving range of the fourth opening and closing cylinder108with respect to the lower water injection port107is different from that of the example of the third embodiment. The geothermal heat utilization system of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner and has the same function as the geothermal heat utilization system100of the third embodiment except for the differences, and thus duplicate explanation will be omitted. For example, the geothermal heat utilization system100may further include a lift mechanism170. Further, the third opening and closing cylinder106may be vertically slidable between a position above the upper water injection port105and a position aligned with the upper water injection port105. Accordingly, the third opening and closing cylinder106closes the upper water injection port105when it is located at the position aligned with the upper water injection port105and opens the upper water injection port105when it is located at the position above the upper water injection port105. Further, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be vertically slidable between a position aligned with the lower water injection port107and a position below the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108opens the lower water injection port107when it is located at the position below the lower water injection port107and closes the lower water injection port107when it is located at the position aligned with the lower water injection port107. Further, as shown inFIG.29, the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be connected to each other such that, when the third opening and closing cylinder106is located at the position aligned with the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108is located at the position below the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, when the third opening and closing cylinder106closes the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108can open the lower water injection port107. Further, the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be connected to each other such that, when the third opening and closing cylinder106is located at the position above the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108is located at the position aligned with the lower water injection port107. Accordingly, when the third opening and closing cylinder106opens the upper water injection port105, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108can close the lower water injection port107. (Structure of Lift Mechanism) The lift mechanism170is provided directly above each well of the first well120and the second well130on the ground. As shown inFIGS.30and31, the lift mechanism170includes a guide plate171, a top plate172, four upper columns173, and four lower columns174. The lift mechanism170includes a pair of jacks175, a pair of ball screws176, a pair of jack guides177, a lifting plate178, and a rod group179. The guide plate171has an upper plate surface171afacing upward and a lower plate surface171bfacing downward. Each of the upper columns173extends downward from each corner of four corners of the upper plate surface171a. Each of the lower columns174extends downward from each corner of four corners of the lower plate surface171b. Lower ends of the lower columns174are fixed to the ground surface SG. The top plate172is provided in parallel with the guide plate171at a distance. Each of the upper columns173is fixed to each corner of four corners of a lower plate surface172bof the top plate172facing downward. The pair of ball screws176are fixed to the lower plate surface172bof the top plate172closer to the center than the upper columns173to be axially rotatable. The pair of ball screws176extend downward from the lower plate surface172b, penetrate the lifting plate178and the guide plate171, and extend to the pair of jacks175. The pair of jack guides177are fixed to the lower plate surface172bof the top plate172closer to the center than the upper columns173. The pair of jack guides177are arranged to be orthogonal to a row of the pair of ball screws176. Each jack guide of the pair of jack guides177has a rod shape. The pair of jack guides177extend downward from the lower plate surface172b, penetrate the lifting plate178, and extend to the guide plate171. Lower ends of the pair of jack guides177are fixed to the guide plate171. The pair of jacks175are fixed to the lower plate surface171bof the guide plate171. Each jack of the pair of jacks175drives the associated ball screw176to rotate axially. The pair of jacks175are coupled with each other by a connecting shaft JNT. The pair of jacks175are interlocked with each other by the connecting shaft JNT. The lifting plate178is provided in parallel with the guide plate171. The lifting plate178is provided between the top plate172and the guide plate171. The lifting plate178is surrounded by the four upper columns173. The lifting plate178can be moved up and down along the pair of jack guides177. The lifting plate178is screwed with each ball screw of the pair of ball screws176. When each ball screw of the pair of ball screws176is rotationally driven by the pair of jacks175, the lifting plate178is driven up and down. The rod group179is fixed to the lifting plate178. The rod group179extends downward from the lifting plate178and penetrates the guide plate171. The rod group179has a rod179a, a rod179b, a rod179c, and a rod179d. The rod179a, the rod179b, the rod179c, and the rod179dare fixed to four corners of the lifting plate178side by side. A lower end of the rod179aand a lower end of the rod179bare fixed to the hanging rings HGR provided on the LNK1. A lower end of the rod179cand a lower end of the rod179dare fixed to the hanging rings HGR provided on the LNK2. Therefore, as shown inFIG.31, when the lifting plate178is moved upward by the driving of the pair of jacks175, the LNK1is lifted together with the LNK2. (Operation) First, a first mode will be described. In the first well120, the lift mechanism170operates not to lift the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. For example, the lift mechanism170operates not to lift LNK1and LNK2. In this case, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved downward with the gravity of the first weight166a. Similarly, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved downward with the gravity of the second weight166b. Therefore, in the first well120, as shown inFIG.29, the upper pumping port101and the lower water injection port107are opened, and the lower pumping port103and the upper water injection port105are closed. In the first well120, when the upper pumping port101is opened and the lower pumping port103is closed, similar to that shown inFIG.21, in the first pumping pipe141, the underground water is pumped from the upper aquifer LY1via the first upper opening23. On the other hand, when the upper water injection port105is closed and the lower water injection port107is opened, in the first water injection pipe151, the underground water is injected into the lower aquifer LY2via the first lower opening24. At this time, in the second well130, the lift mechanism170operates to lift the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104together with the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. For example, the lift mechanism170operates to lift LNK1together with LNK2. In this case, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved upward with a driving force of the lift mechanism170. Similarly, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved upward with the driving force of the lift mechanism170. Therefore, in the second well130, the upper pumping port101and the lower water injection port107are closed, and the lower pumping port103and the upper water injection port105are opened. In the second well130, when the upper pumping port101is closed and the lower pumping port103is opened, similar to that shown inFIG.21, in the second pumping pipe152, the underground water is pumped from the lower aquifer LY2via the second lower opening34. On the other hand, when the upper water injection port105is opened and the lower water injection port107is closed, in the second water injection pipe142, the underground water is injected into the upper aquifer LY1via the second upper opening33. By the above operation, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the first mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1from the first upper opening23to the second upper opening33via the first pipe140. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from the second lower opening34to the first lower opening24via the second pipe150. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the first mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100pumps the hot water from the upper aquifer LY1, and at the same time, pumps the cold water from the lower aquifer LY2by operating the first pump180and the second pump190at the same time. Next, a second mode will be described. In the first well120, the lift mechanism170operates to lift the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. In this case, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved upward with a driving force of the lift mechanism170. Similarly, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved upward with the driving force of the lift mechanism170. Therefore, in the first well120, the upper pumping port101and the lower water injection port107are closed, and the lower pumping port103and the upper water injection port105are opened. In the first well120, when the upper pumping port101is closed and the lower pumping port103is opened, similar to that shown inFIG.22, in the first pumping pipe141, the underground water is pumped from the lower aquifer LY2via the first lower opening24. On the other hand, when the upper water injection port105is opened and the lower water injection port107is closed, in the first water injection pipe151, the underground water is injected into the upper aquifer LY1via the first upper opening23. At this time, in the second well130, the lift mechanism170operates not to lift the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104and the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. In this case, the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104are moved downward with the gravity of the first weight166a. Similarly, the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108are moved downward with the gravity of the second weight166b. Therefore, in the second well130, the upper pumping port101and the lower water injection port107are opened, and the lower pumping port103and the upper water injection port105are closed. In the second well130, when the upper pumping port101is opened and the lower pumping port103is closed, similar to that shown inFIG.22, in the second pumping pipe152, the underground water is pumped from the upper aquifer LY1via the second upper opening33. On the other hand, when the upper water injection port105is closed and the lower water injection port107is opened, in the second water injection pipe142, the underground water is injected into the lower aquifer LY2via the second lower opening34. By the above operation, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the second mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the lower aquifer LY2from the first lower opening24to the second lower opening34via the first pipe140. Further, the geothermal heat utilization system100can supply the underground water of the upper aquifer LY1from the second upper opening33to the first upper opening23via the second pipe150. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, also in the case of the second mode of the present embodiment, the geothermal heat utilization system100pumps the hot water from the lower aquifer LY2, and at the same time, pumps the cold water from the upper aquifer LY1by operating the first pump180and the second pump190at the same time. According to the example of the present embodiment, in the geothermal heat utilization system100, it is possible to interlock the opening and closing operation of the upper pumping port101and the lower pumping port103with the opening and closing operation of the upper water injection port105and the lower water injection port107by lifting the pair of the first opening and closing cylinder102and the second opening and closing cylinder104together with the pair of the third opening and closing cylinder106and the fourth opening and closing cylinder108. Therefore, in the geothermal heat utilization system100, the mechanism for performing each opening and closing operation can be simplified. Another Modification Example In the second to sixth embodiments described above, the first opening and closing cylinder102is provided on the outer circumference of each pumping pipe, but any configuration may be used as long as it can open and close the upper pumping port101. As a modification example, the first opening and closing cylinder102may be provided on an inner circumference of each pumping pipe. Similarly, as the modification example, the second opening and closing cylinder104may be provided on the inner circumference of each pumping pipe. Similarly, as the modification example, the third opening and closing cylinder106may be provided on an inner circumference of each water injection pipe. Similarly, as the modification example, the fourth opening and closing cylinder108may be provided on the inner circumference of each water injection pipe. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are shown as an example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modification thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof in that they are included in the scope and gist of the invention. For example, the operation method for a geothermal heat utilization system shown inFIG.20can also be executed using the geothermal heat utilization system100of the second to sixth embodiments described above. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY In the geothermal heat utilization system and the operation method for a geothermal heat utilization system of the present invention, blockage of the well is prevented when the upper aquifer and the lower aquifer are used. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10Geothermal heat utilization system20First well20aCasing21First storage unit21aFirst pump22First switching unit22aFirst port22bSecond port22cThird port22dFourth port22F Four-way valve22P Water injection valve22R Revolver22S Slide mechanism22T Three-way valve23First upper opening23aStrainer24First lower opening24aStrainer30Second well30aCasing31Second storage unit31aSecond pump32Second switching unit32aFirst port32bSecond port32cThird port32dFourth port33Second upper opening33aStrainer34Second lower opening34aStrainer40First pipe40aFirst end40bSecond end50Second pipe50aFirst end50bSecond end60First heat exchanger60aPrimary side pipe60bSecondary side pipe70Second heat exchanger70aPrimary side pipe70bSecondary side pipe80Heater90Cooler100Geothermal heat utilization system101Upper pumping port102First opening and closing cylinder103Lower pumping port104Second opening and closing cylinder105Upper water injection port106Third opening and closing cylinder107Lower water injection port108Fourth opening and closing cylinder109Support ring109aRing109bConnecting rod120First well130Second well140First pipe140aFirst end140bSecond end141First pumping pipe142Second water injection pipe150Second pipe150aFirst end150bSecond end151First water injection pipe152Second pumping pipe160Interlocking mechanism160′ Interlocking mechanism161Rack gear162Rack gear163Pinion gear164aChain164bChain165aSprocket165bSprocket166aFirst weight166bSecond weight167aFirst cylinder167bSecond cylinder168aFirst drive mechanism168bSecond drive mechanism168cThird drive mechanism168dFourth drive mechanism170Lift mechanism171Guide plate171aUpper plate surface171bLower plate surface172Top plate172bLower plate surface173Upper column174Lower column175Jack177Jack Guide178Lifting plate179Rod group179aRod179bRod179cRod179dRod180First pump190Second pumpBLD BuildingHGR Hanging ringHOL1Excavation holeHOL2Excavation holeJNT Connecting shaftLNK1LinkLNK2LinkLNK3LinkLNK4LinkLY1Upper aquiferLY2Lower aquiferLYm Diluvial clay layerOP OpeningORG O-ringPK PackingSG Ground surface | 87,938 |
11859872 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is one object of the present invention to provide a variable geometry ejector (VGE) which can efficiently operate, without failure, in a wider range of operating conditions than conventional fixed geometry devices. It is another object of the present invention to provide a cooling system operating under an ejector cycle, the system using a single variable geometry ejector of the invention without the need for additional mechanical vapour compression means. With the system of the present invention, the refrigerant flow inside the ejector is kept in single vapour phase. Ejector performance in a cooling cycle can be measured by the coefficient of performance (COP) and the critical back pressure. The COP is a measure of the useful cooling capacity in relation to the rate of energy input. The critical back pressure is the maximum pressure at the ejector outlet for which the secondary stream flow rate is constant provided that the motive fluid state at the ejector primary nozzle is unchanged. Optimal ejector operation is the one that provides the highest possible COP and is near its critical back pressure. According to the present invention and making reference toFIGS.4and5, the variable geometry ejector (300) of the invention comprises a primary fluid chamber (302); a suction chamber (320) downstream the primary fluid chamber (302); a primary nozzle (310) arranged so as to stream a working fluid from the primary fluid chamber (302) to the suction chamber (320); and a tail member (325) arranged downstream the primary nozzle (310); wherein any of the primary nozzle (310) and the tail member (325) is movable in relation to the other. Surprisingly, it has been found that by varying a geometric factor relying on the primary nozzle exit position (also reading NXP hereinafter), the above-mentioned effects and advantages are met, since it has been found that NXP affects both COP and the critical back pressure. In practice, making any of the primary nozzle (310) and the tail member (325) movable in relation to the other allows to adjust said NXP, thus achieving the desired technical effects. In a preferred embodiment, the primary fluid chamber (302) is provided with a primary fluid inlet port (309), while the suction chamber (320) is provided with a secondary fluid inlet port (319); the primary nozzle (310) comprises a primary tapered converging section (311), a throat (312) and a tapered divergent exit section (313) ending at a nozzle exit (314); and the tail member (325) comprises a secondary tapered converging section (330), a constant area section (340) and a diffuser section (350). The primary nozzle (310) is arranged so as to allow communication of a working fluid from the primary fluid chamber (302) to the suction chamber (320). In operation, the primary nozzle (310) defines the flow path of a primary (or motive) stream, and the tail member (325) is the member of the variable geometry ejector (300) where the expanded primary stream (from the primary nozzle) entrains a secondary (or suction) stream of a working fluid, which is therein compressed and then discharged to a condenser. The operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail herein below. An NXP-adjustment means is arranged for moving any of the primary nozzle (310) and the tail member (325) in relation to the other. In the preferred embodiment, the NXP-adjustment means is designed for the active and independent changing of the free cross-section for the secondary stream in the tapered converging section (330) of the tail member (325). In this case, such adjustment is achieved by changing the position of the tail member (325) in relation to the primary nozzle exit (314). Actuators are used for adjusting the NXP by acting along the axial direction of the variable geometry ejector (300). Preferably, the NXP-adjustment means is selected from the group comprising mechanical actuator, electric actuator, electronic actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator and combinations thereof. Making reference toFIG.8, the NXP-adjustment means comprises an actuator plate (370) attached to movable actuation bars (375), and a motor (380) connected to the bars (375). In the preferred embodiment ofFIG.8, the NXP-adjustment means comprises an actuator plate (370) attached to movable actuation bars (375), and a motor (380) connected to the bars (375) by means of a movable motor shaft plate (377) which also is connected to a rotating shaft (376) of the motor (380). Different embodiments of the NXP-adjustment means may be designed by the person skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Preferably, the variable ejector (300) further comprises an rA-shifting means (308) arranged upstream the primary nozzle (310). The rA-shifting means (308) allows to vary an area ratio (reading rAherein) between the constant area section (340) of the tail member (325) and the primary nozzle throat (312). An increase of the area ratio (rA) increases the COP and simultaneously decreases the critical back pressure, and thus an optimal value may be achieved depending on the operating conditions. By providing the variable ejector (300) of the invention with the means for varying both of these two mentioned geometrical factors: rAand NXP, the performance of the ejector (300) under variable operating conditions considerably improves. The expansion process of the motive stream downstream the primary nozzle exit section (313) also depends on the operating conditions. By adjusting the primary nozzle exit position (NXP) in the tapered converging section (330) of the tail member (325), the free cross-section for the secondary stream can be controlled. In a preferred embodiment the area ratio-shifting means (308) is a movable spindle. Said spindle is arranged in the high pressure low velocity side of the primary nozzle (310). In this embodiment, an actuator acting on the spindle changes the spindle axial position relative to the nozzle throat (312). The shape of the spindle is designed such that it provides fine tuning of the optimal area ratio (rA). More specifically, said spindle (308) is axially movable between a first position in which a spindle tip (304) is arranged outside the tapered converging section (311) of the primary nozzle (310), and a second position in which the spindle tip (304) is inside the nozzle throat (312) blocking it. This arrangement provides for a displacement of the spindle between the first position in which the nozzle throat (312) is completely open and the second position in which the nozzle throat (312) is fully closed to the primary stream of the working fluid. Preferably, said spindle tip (304) has two different angled parts, as better explained below in connection with the description of the preferred embodiment. This arrangement provides an improved functioning of the spindle. It is another object of the invention to provide an ejector system for cooling applications. The system comprises a variable geometry ejector (300) of the invention. The system can operate under a simple cooling cycle with a reduced number of components that can be cost-effectively integrated for example into a solar thermal energy driven air conditioner. With reference toFIG.3, a particular embodiment for the ejector system comprises a variable geometry ejector (300) of the invention. It further comprises a vapour generator (210), a condenser (700), a vapour separator (400), an expansion valve (500), an evaporator (600), a liquid pump (110), piping and a control unit (800). The control unit (800) provides for an automated control of one or both of said rA-shifting and NXP-adjustment means. This assures an efficient control of said area ratio (rA) and/or primary nozzle exit position (NXP). The control unit comprises instrumentation, hardware and software. The instrumentation of the control unit comprises pressure/temperature sensors at the inlets and outlet of the variable geometry ejector and flow meters. Hardware components are selected from the group comprising personal computer or motherboard, frequency inverter, data logger, actuators, and the like and combinations thereof. Software components may include supervised learning or unsupervised learning artificial neural network algorithms or others. The present invention is particularly suitable to be installed in air conditioning systems using solar thermal energy as the primary energy source, due to the considerable variability of the energy source and the environmental conditions. It provides efficient operation of the cooling cycle since it actively adapts its geometry to the operating conditions. A number of different working fluids are suitable to be used in connection to the present invention. These working fluids are selected from the group comprising R600a, R290, RC318, R134a, R152a, R600, R245fa, water and the like and combinations thereof. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For a better understanding of the invention, a prior art cooling cycle system is shown inFIG.1and now described herein. A compressor (100) compresses a vapour phase refrigerant coming from a gas/liquid separator (400). After the compressor (100), a heat exchanger (200) is disposed where the refrigerant can be cooled down using a lower temperature fluid (not shown). The high-pressure fluid leaving the heat exchanger (200) enters the ejector (300) at a primary nozzle (310), typically in supercritical state. The liquid refrigerant from the bottom of a gas/liquid separator (400) is led through a pressure deducing device (500), e.g. valve. By the evaporation process in an evaporator (600) the cooling effect is produced when the refrigerant exchanges heat with air or another fluid (not shown). During this heat exchange, the working fluid (refrigerant) is evaporated and the temperature of air (or other fluid) is lowered. The produced low-pressure vapour is then entrained into the ejector (300) through a low-pressure side (320). In order to close the cooling cycle, the two streams (low-pressure and high-pressure streams) mix and get discharged to the gas/liquid separator (400). The cross-section of a prior art ejector (300) is shown inFIG.2. The ejector (300) is composed of a primary nozzle (310), a suction chamber (320), a tapered converging section (330), a constant area section (340) and a divergent diffuser (350). In operation, with further reference toFIG.1, the high pressure or motive refrigerant stream, in supercritical or sub-critical state, coming from the heat exchanger (200) enters the primary nozzle (310) at low velocity. It gets accelerated in the tapered converging section (311) of the primary nozzle (310) towards the nozzle throat (312) where it reaches the speed of sound. After the nozzle throat (312), the refrigerant motive stream gets further expanded, thus it leaves the nozzle exit section (313) as a primary jet with high kinetic energy and low static pressure at subcritical state. This primary jet draws the low pressure (secondary) refrigerant stream coming from the evaporator (600) of the cooling cycle system (where the refrigeration effect takes place) through the suction chamber (320). Due to the large velocity difference between the motive and secondary fluids, a shear layer between the two streams develops that leads to the acceleration of the secondary stream. Under normal operation, the secondary fluid starts mixing with the primary flow after it reaches sonic speed in the tapered converging section (330). The mixing process after the primary nozzle exit section (313) is rather complex due to the interaction between the two fluid streams and the ejector wall. During this process the static pressure of the primary stream tends to gradually increase until it levels with the pressure of the secondary stream. After the mixing process is completed, a final shock occurs somewhere in the constant area section (340). The resulting flow becomes subsonic. The pressure is then further increased in the divergent diffuser (350) towards the outlet port (360). The refrigerant leaves the ejector through the exit as a liquid/vapour mixture. FIG.3shows the preferred embodiment of a cooling cycle system comprising a variable geometry ejector (300). The invention is preferably suited for the implementation of a cooling cycle using environmentally friendly refrigerants (also called working fluids), such as R600a. The system requires considerably less electric power than the prior art ones since it does not require the use of a mechanical vapour compressor. The liquid refrigerant from the bottom part of a vapour separator (400) is divided into two streams: the primary stream (10) and the secondary stream (20). The primary stream (10) in compressed liquid state enters in a liquid pump (110) which increases the pressure of the refrigerant. The pump (110) discharges the refrigerant into a heat exchanger commonly called vapour generator (210). In the vapour generator (210) it receives heat from an external heat source (not shown) which is preferably provided from waste heat or solar thermal energy. The refrigerant in (saturated or superheated) vapour state and high pressure is transported through a connecting passage, for example a tube, to a primary inlet of the variable geometry ejector (300). The refrigerant can be at saturation or superheated state, depending on the nature of the refrigerant used. The secondary stream (20) is directed to an expansion device, such as an expansion valve (500), where it lowers its static pressure to the pressure determined by the evaporation temperature. Most of the evaporation takes place in a heat exchanger commonly called evaporator (600). In the evaporator (600) heat is removed directly from air or another fluid (not shown) by the secondary stream (20) of the refrigerant that is below the ambient temperature. The refrigerant discharges from the evaporator (600) as a saturated or slightly superheated vapour and enters the variable geometry ejector (300) on a secondary inlet side with low pressure and velocity. In the variable geometry ejector (300) the primary (10) and secondary (20) streams mix, and the pressure of the secondary stream (20) is increased to an intermediate level that is lower than the pressure at the primary inlet. The geometry of the variable geometry ejector is adjusted by command of a control unit (800). The spindle and the nozzle exit positions vary depending on the operating conditions. A mixed stream (30) in superheated vapour state enters a heat exchanger known as condenser (700) where it condenses by releasing energy to the outside air or another fluid (not shown). Then the refrigerant leaves the condenser (700) in liquid state, preferably with some degree (5-10° C.) of sub-cooling. After the condenser (700), the refrigerant goes through a vapour separator (400) in order to avoid damage of the pump (110) ahead due to cavitation effects in the presence of possible vapour bubbles (when sub-cooling is not present). A cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of the variable geometry ejector (300) of the present invention is shown inFIG.4. In this embodiment, the variable geometry ejector (300) comprises several parts forming the flow channel for the working fluid and actuators for adjusting the geometry of the ejector depending on the operating conditions. For a better understanding of the variable geometry ejector (300) and its operation the flow path of the refrigerant flow is firstly explained hereinafter. The primary stream of the refrigerant enters into a primary fluid chamber (302) of the ejector (300) at high pressure and low velocity through the primary inlet (309). At the inlet (309), the refrigerant is in a single phase at saturated or superheated vapour state. A primary nozzle (310) in the primary chamber (302) comprises a tapered converging section (311), a throat (312) and a tapered divergent exit section (313) as shown inFIG.5. The primary stream of the refrigerant is accelerated in the tapered converging section (311) and reaches choked conditions in the throat (312) (Mach number equal to 1). In the tapered divergent section (313), it further expands by increasing its velocity to supersonic flow and lowering its static pressure. The primary stream reaches its highest kinetic energy and lowest pressure at the exit (314) of the tapered divergent exit section (313). As the primary stream fans out of the primary nozzle (310), it entrains a secondary stream (20), coming from the evaporator (600), which is at saturated or slightly superheated vapour state, as already mentioned in connection withFIG.3. It enters the variable geometry ejector (300) through a secondary inlet port (319) into the secondary (or suction) chamber (320), also at low velocity. The secondary stream (20) starts to accelerate in a tapered converging section (330) of the tail member (325). Under normal conditions, the secondary stream (20) reaches sonic velocity somewhere in the tapered converging section (330) and mixes with the primary stream (10) in the constant area section (340) of the tail member (325). Depending on the exit pressure, the mixed stream becomes subsonic by the end of constant area section (340) or in the beginning of the divergent diffuser (350) of the tail member (325). Then, the mixed refrigerant leaves the variable geometry ejector (300) through an outlet port (360) at an intermediate pressure and at a superheated vapour state. Thus, the refrigerant fluid travels through the ejector (300) in a single vapour phase. An area ratio (rA) between the cross-section of the constant area section (340) in the tail member (325) and the primary nozzle throat (312) can be changed by a movable spindle (308) arranged in the primary fluid chamber (302). The area ratio (rA) varies between a finite value, determined by the cross-section area of the constant area section (340) and the primary nozzle throat (312) diameters, and infinite when the spindle tip (304) blocks the free passage of the working fluid at the throat (312). It has been found that preferably the half angle of the tapered converging section (311) of the primary nozzle (310) should be larger than the half angle of the spindle tip (304). In the exemplary embodiment, the half angle of the primary nozzle (310) is 30° and best results arose in a range between 20° to 40°. Accordingly, the spindle tip (304) can have a single half angle between 5° to 15°. However, as depicted inFIG.6, a spindle tip design having two different angled parts is preferred, with a first smaller angle part and second larger angle part. The exemplary configuration ofFIG.6shows a first smaller angle part with a half-angle of 7° and the second larger angle part with a half-angle of 12°. Axial movement of the spindle (308) is achieved by actuation means (or actuators herein) such as an actuator/transmission mechanism. An exemplary actuation means is providedFIG.7. In operation, the movable spindle (308) moves in the axial direction between two extreme positions. In the first extreme position, the spindle tip (304) positions outside the beginning of the tapered converging section (311) of the primary nozzle (310). In the second extreme position, the spindle tip (304) touches the wall of the nozzle throat (312) thus blocking the free passage for the working fluid in the primary nozzle (310). The proper alinement of the movable spindle (308) can be assured, for example, by a guiding and sealing plate (303) shown inFIG.7. In the exemplary solution ofFIG.7, the mechanical connection between an exemplary stepping motor (306) and the movable spindle (308) is provided by transmission means (307) inside a transmission chamber (305). Other types of actuators can also be used to assure the axial motion of the movable spindle (308), e.g. mechanical actuator using the pressure of an inert gas (not shown). The relative position (NXP) of the nozzle exit (314) in relation to the tail member (325) can be adjusted by the relative axial motion of the tail member (325) in relation to said nozzle exit (314), as shown inFIG.6when taken together withFIG.4. In this embodiment, the axis of the tail member (325) is aligned with the axis of the primary nozzle (310) by a housing of the suction chamber (320) and a support plate (355). In operation, during the axial adjustment of the NXP, the position of the suction chamber (320) and the support plate (355) remains unchanged. The axial movement of the tail member (325) is carried out by an actuator plate (370) attached to movable actuation bars (375), the rotating shaft (376) of an electric stepper motor (380) by the motor shaft plate (377). The adequate distance alignment of the electric motor (380) from the support plate (355) and its alignment it provided by the fixed support bars (378) and motor housing plate (390). Automated control can be used to assist the operation of the variable geometry ejector of the invention. A control unit (800) such as for example an electronic controller provides for an optimized ejector and cooling cycle performance under variable operating conditions. | 21,432 |
11859873 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Advantages and features of the present invention, and implementation methods thereof will be clarified through following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Further, the present invention is only defined by scopes of claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Hereinafter, a fluid cooling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIG.1. FIG.1is a schematic conceptual view of a fluid cooling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A fluid cooling apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present invention cools a fluid having a wide temperature range in a three-stage heat exchange loop to improve liquefaction efficiency of the fluid. More specifically, the fluid cooling apparatus1is configured so that refrigerants discharged at different temperatures and pressures in the respective stages are discharged as a refrigerant having the same pressure through a precompressors31to33. Also, the discharged refrigerants are mixed with each other in a mixing tube40, cooled again in the cooler60, and compressed in a main compression unit50. Furthermore, the compressed refrigerant discharged from the main compression unit50may be circulated in a heat exchanger20to cool the refrigerant in several stages. Particularly, in the fluid cooling apparatus1, the fluid may be heat-exchanged at a temperature of about −155° C. to about 40° C., and a liquefaction process, which is involved in a process between precooling and subcooling of the fluid, may be more improved in efficiency of liquefaction. The fluid cooling apparatus1may include an expansion unit10discharging refrigerants having different temperatures, a heat exchanger20connected to one side of the expansion unit10, a precompression unit30receiving the refrigerants discharged from the heat exchanger20to discharge refrigerants having the same pressure, a mixing tube40mixing the refrigerants discharged from the precompression unit30, and a main compression unit50disposed between the mixing tube40and the heat exchanger20. Furthermore, the fluid cooling apparatus1may further include a cooler60connected to the mixing tube40between the precompression unit30and the main compression unit50. Hereinafter, components constituting the fluid cooling apparatus1will be described in detail. The expansion unit10receives the refrigerants having different amounts through a plurality of paths through the heat exchanger20to expand the refrigerants having different temperatures and thereby to supply the refrigerants again to the heat exchanger20. The expansion unit10may include a plurality of expanders, which receive refrigerants having different amounts to discharge refrigerants having different temperatures, i.e., a first expander11, a second expander12, and a third expander13. Here, the expanders11to13may receive various amounts of refrigerants at different ratios. For example, the first expander11, the second expander12, and the third expander13may receive the refrigerant of about 30% to about 40%, the refrigerant of about 30% to about 45%, and the refrigerant of about 20% to about 30% of the total amount of refrigerant, respectively. Each of the expanders11to13may adjust a temperature interval between the refrigerant and the fluid to correspond to an amount of supplied refrigerant, thereby controlling a process of liquefying the fluid. For example, the third expander13may adjust a temperature interval between the refrigerant and the fluid in a cold region corresponding to a temperature of about −160° C. to about −90° C. by using the amount of supplied refrigerant to control the subcooling, and the second expander12may adjust a temperature interval between the refrigerant and the fluid in an intermediate region corresponding to a temperature of about −120° C. to about −80° C. by using the amount of supplied refrigerant to control the liquefaction. Also, the first expander11may adjust a temperature interval between the refrigerant and the fluid in a warm region corresponding to a temperature of about −90° C. to room temperature by using the amount of supplied refrigerant to control the precooling. That is, the expansion unit10may easily control all of the precooling, the liquefaction, and the subcooling, which are processes of liquefying the fluid. The heat exchanger20may receive the refrigerants having different temperatures from the expansion unit10to cool the fluid in multistages and then discharge the fluid to the outside and discharge the refrigerants to the precompression unit30. In the heat exchanger20, a cooling loop for cooling the refrigerants at different temperatures may be formed. That is, in the heat exchanger20, a warm loop in which the refrigerant having a temperature of about −100° C. to about −80° C., which is supplied from the expansion unit10, is circulated, an intermediate loop in which the refrigerant having a temperature of about −120° C. to about −80° C. is circulated, and a cold loop in which the refrigerant having a temperature of about −160° C. to about −155° C. is circulated may be formed. In the cold loop, the fluids having different temperature ranges may be cooled to improve heat-exchange between the fluid and the refrigerant. The precompression unit30may include a plurality of precompressors which respectively receive the refrigerants passing through the heat exchanger20, i.e., a first precompressor31, a second precompressor32, and a third precompressor33. Here, the first precompressor31may be coaxially connected to the first expander11to compress the refrigerant discharged from the first expander11, the second precompressor32may be coaxially connected to the second expander12to compress the refrigerant discharged from the second expander12, and the third precompressor33may be coaxially connected to the third expander13to compress the refrigerant discharged from the third expander13. Thus, when the expanders expand the refrigerants, each of the precompressors may compress the refrigerant discharged from each of the expanders in proportion to a degree of expansion of the refrigerant in each of the expanders. Each of the precompressors and each of the expanders may be interlocked with each other to serve as one compander. As described above, the precompression unit30may receive and compress the refrigerants passing through the heat exchanger20to discharge the refrigerants having the same pressure. The discharged refrigerants may be mixed with each other in the mixing tube40and then transferred. Here, in the discharged refrigerants having the same pressure, an inflow temperature of each of the expanders, which are respectively connected to the warm loop, the intermediate loop, and the cold loop, a discharge temperature of each of the expanders, which are respectively connected to the warm loop, the intermediate loop, and the cold loop, and a ratio and a maximum pressure of the refrigerant introduced into each of the warm loop, the intermediate loop, and the cold loop may act as variables. Also, energy of the variables may determine a temperature distribution of the cooler60and a pressure state of the refrigerant discharged from the precompression unit30when energy balance in the heat exchanger is reached. Also, the variables may also influence a temperature of the liquefied natural gas discharged from the heat exchanger20and operations of the expansion unit10and the precompression unit30. The precompression unit30may continuously discharge the refrigerant having a pressure of about 10 barg to about 20 barg through the variables. Also, the precompression unit30always discharges the refrigerant with a predetermined pressure so that the first precompressor31, the second precompressor32, and the third precompressor33are always driven in a single operation. Thus, the first precompressor31to the third precompressor33are simplified in control and improved in operation efficiency. Also, the pressures of the discharged refrigerants are the same to improve compression efficiency of the main compression unit50. The mixing tube40mixes the refrigerants discharged from the precompression unit30to supply the refrigerants to the main compressor50and the cooler60. Here, the mixing tube40may be connected to one end of each of the precompressors31to33to receive the refrigerants having the same pressure, which are discharged from the precompressor31to33. Here, the mixing tube40may be configured so that the pressure of the refrigerant is constantly maintained. The main compressor50is disposed between the mixing tube40and the heat exchanger20to compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to the heat exchanger20. In addition, the main compressor50may supply the refrigerant to the expansion unit10. The main compression unit50may have a structure in which a first compressor51and a second compressor52are connected in series to each other, a first cooling unit53is connected between the first compressor51and the second compressor52, and a second cooling unit54is connected between the second compressor52and the heat exchanger20. The refrigerant supplied into the mixing tube40may be compressed and cooled by passing through the components of the main compression unit50having the above-described structure in order of the first compressor51, the second cooling unit52, the second compressor52, and the second cooling unit54. The cooler60may be installed between the precompression unit30and the main compression unit50and be connected to a cooling supply tube70having one end connected to the mixing tube40and the other end connected to the other end of the precompression unit30. The cooler60may regularly cool the refrigerant introduced through the mixing tube40by using the refrigerant introduced through the cooling supply tube70to supply the refrigerant having the constant pressure to the main compression unit50. Thus, the cooler60may reduce the temperature of the refrigerant, reduce a load generated in the main compression unit50, and improve the operating efficiency to efficiently compress the whole refrigerant in the main compression unit50. Hereinafter, an operation of the fluid cooling apparatus1will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS.2and3. FIGS.2and3are operation diagrams for explaining an operation of the fluid cooling apparatus. In the fluid cooling apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of precompressors31to33may be discharged at the same pressure, and the refrigerants discharged from the mixing tube40may be mixed with each other into a single compression process to heat-exchange the refrigerant with the fluid, thereby improving the liquefaction efficiency of the fluid. The refrigerant used in the fluid cooling apparatus1may be a medium, which achieves a temperature less than a cooling temperature of a target fluid to be cooled, a single refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may be nitrogen and hydrocarbon. In this specification, the refrigerant may be, for example, a nitrogen having a pressure of about 10 barg to about 20 barg and a temperature of about 30° C. to about 45° C., which is capable of being maintained in a stable state when compared with other gases. Also, an example in which the fluid cooled by the refrigerant is a natural gas will be described. However, this is merely one example, and the state of nitrogen and the kind of fluid are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, referring toFIG.2, the nitrogen refrigerant having a pressure of about 10 barg to about 20 barg and a temperature of about 30° C. to about 45° C. may be compressed from the outside through the first compressor51of the main compression unit50and then be discharged as a high-temperature refrigerant having a pressure of about 30 barg to about 40 barg. The discharged refrigerant may pass through the first cooling unit53and be cooled to a temperature of about 30° C. while passing through the first cooling unit53. Thereafter, the cooled refrigerant is introduced into the second compressor52. The second compressor52converts the introduced refrigerant into a high-temperature refrigerant having a pressure of about 50 barg to about 60 barg to discharge the converted refrigerant. The discharged refrigerant is cooled to a temperature of about 30° C. again through the second cooling unit54. Then, the discharged refrigerant is supplied to the heat exchanger20. The refrigerant supplied into the heat exchanger20may exchange heat with the natural gas and the refrigerant introduced again through the expansion unit10while passing through the heat exchanger20and be cooled at a temperature of about 5° C. to about 10° C. in the warm loop and cooled at a temperature of about −20° C. to about −40° C. in the intermediate loop. Also, the refrigerant may be cooled at a temperature of about −90° C. to about −120° C. in the cold loop. As described above, the refrigerant cooled at the different temperatures in the loops may be supplied to the first expander11by a ratio of about 30% to about 40%, the second expander12by a ratio of about 30% to about 45%, and the third expander13by a ratio of about 20% to about 30% through valves disposed between the heat exchanger20and the expansion unit10. The refrigerant supplied into each of the expanders may be discharged through the first expander11at a pressure of about 5 barg to about 10 barge and a temperature of about −100° C. to about −80° C., discharged through the second expander12at a pressure of about 8 barg to about 15 barge and a temperature of about −120° C. to about −80° C., and discharged through the third expander13at a pressure of about 10 barg to about 20 barge and a temperature of about −160° C. to about −155° C. The refrigerants discharged at the different pressures and temperatures as described above may be introduced again into the heat exchanger20to exchange heat with nitrogen introduced from the outside. Here, the nitrogen may be changed to a constant temperature so as to be supplied into each of the expanders11to13. Also, the refrigerant that is treated as described above may be supplied to each of the precompressors31to33, which are interlocked with the expanders11to13, and then be discharged at the same pressure. The discharged refrigerants may be mixed with each other in the mixing tube40to form one refrigerant. Referring toFIG.3, the mixed refrigerant is cooled through the cooler60and lowered to a predetermined temperature. Then, the refrigerant is compressed and cooled by sequentially passing through the first compressor51, the first cooling unit53, the second compressor52, and the second cooling unit54and then is introduced into the heat exchanger20. Here, the mixed refrigerant is entirely compressed in two stages through the main compression unit50and introduced into the heat exchanger20. Thereafter, the refrigerant continues to cool the fluid in a single stream. As described above, the flowing refrigerant may be liquefied at a cryogenic temperature of about −160° C. to about −155° C. by the precooling, the liquefaction and the subcooling of the natural gas heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger20. Hereinafter, an operation of the fluid cooling apparatus1will be described in more detail with reference toFIG.4. FIG.4is a graph illustrating a relationship between a temperature and energy while the fluid is liquefied by using the refrigerant in the fluid cooling apparatus. In the graph, an x-axis represents an amount of heat generated in the heat exchanger through a heat flow of each of the expanders and compressors, and a y-axis represents a temperature of the heat. Also, an upper composite curve represents a hot composite of a fluid, and a lower composite curve represents a cold composite of a refrigerant. The fluid cooling apparatus1of the present invention is constituted by a warm loop, an intermediate loop, and a cold loop. Each of the loops operates in various temperature ranges in consideration of the temperature curves. For example, in the cold loop, the refrigerant may be circulated, and the cold loop may operate to be cooled until reaching a temperature of about 25° C. to about 45° C. after cooled up to a temperature of −160° C. to about −155° C. In the intermediate loop, the refrigerant may be circulated, and the intermediate loop may operate to be cooled until reaching a temperature of about 25° C. to about 45° C. after cooled up to a temperature of −120° C. to about −80° C. Also, in the warm loop, the refrigerant may be circulated, and the warm loop may operate to be cooled until reaching a temperature of about 25° C. to about 45° C. after cooled up to a temperature of −100° C. to about −80° C. The change in amount or ratio of refrigerant circulated through each of the loops may have a significant effect on the temperature curve. In more detail, the change in amount of refrigerant circulated through the cold loop may have a significant effect on a subcooling region between about −160° C. and about −90° C., and the variation in amount of refrigerant circulated through the intermediate loop may have a significant effect on a liquefaction region between about −120° C. and about −80° C. Also, the variation in amount of refrigerant circulated through the warm loop may mainly have an effect on a temperature of about −90° C. or more. As described above, the fluid cooling apparatus1may adjust the amount of refrigerant circulated through each of the loops to control the temperature of each of the loops, thereby effectively reducing the temperature curve interval between the fluid and the refrigerant in the temperature range period that is mainly occupied in each of the loops. Also, since the refrigerants discharged from the precompression unit30are mixed with the same pressure and then introduced into the main compression unit30, the refrigerant may be improved in compression efficiency. That is, the fluid cooling apparatus1may improve the efficiency of the liquefaction of the fluid by improving the compression efficiency of the refrigerant through the simple process and effectively cooling the fluid to reduce the energy consumed for liquefying the fluid. Although the embodiment of the inventive concept is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those with ordinary skill in the technical field of the inventive concept pertains will be understood that the present disclosure can be carried out in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the above-disclosed embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive. | 19,117 |
11859874 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION As mentioned above, expansion valves introduce irreversibilities into conventional refrigeration or vapor-compression cycles. These irreversibilities reduce a refrigeration capacity, or cooling load, of the working fluid (e.g., R134-a). However, reducing the refrigeration capacity of the working fluid affects parameters, or set points, at which the refrigeration cycle is designed to operate. When refrigeration units or air conditioners operate below their designed conditions or set points, the evaporator may fail to boil off the working fluid. In turn, this may cause the compressor to become flooded and operate inefficiently. Moreover, because of the reduced cooling load, without an increased flow of the working fluid throughout the system, the working fluid may fail to absorb heat from an environment to maintain the desired temperature. Efficiencies may be achieved by expanding the working fluid as an isentropic process to reduce, or potentially eliminate, irreversibilities. Minimizing irreversibilities reduces the amount of the work consumed by the compressor to compress the working fluid into a high-pressure superheated vapor. The performance of a system may therefore be improved by minimizing irreversibilities. Additionally, efficiency may be further improved by capturing enthalpy of the working fluid and converting it into work through expanding the working fluid. However, in conventional systems, the expansion valve expands the high-pressure saturated liquid without capturing any energy. This application describes, in part, systems and methods for reducing, eliminating, or substantially eliminating irreversibilities experienced by conventional refrigeration or vapor-compression cycles. For example, this application discusses a modified two-phase refrigeration cycle, and an example system that employs the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle to reduce irreversibilities imposed by conventional refrigeration cycles that use throttling or expansion valves. In other words, compared to conventional refrigeration cycles where entropy increases across the expansion valve, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle described herein may be designed to reduce the entropy of the working fluid. Additionally, or alternatively, compared to conventional refrigeration cycles, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may extract energy from the working fluid during the expansion process. As a result, systems or methods employing the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may have increased efficiencies by increasing the cooling capacity of the working fluid and/or capturing energy from the working fluid. In some instances, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may utilize an expander to reduce irreversibilities imposed by conventional refrigeration cycles. The expander may include a two-phase expander designed and configured to expand high-pressure saturated or supercooled liquid into a two-phase fluid (i.e., liquid and vapor) at constant or near constant entropies (i.e., isentropic). The expander may include a low-speed (e.g., 3600 rpm) and/or a positive-displacement expander. The low-speed and/or positive-displacement design may be capable of expanding the high-pressure supercooled liquid or two-phase fluid without suffering erosion, typical issues encountered by turbines (or turbine-generators), which are highly susceptible to damage from impingement of liquid droplets. Consequently, the expander may capture energy contained within a two-phase fluid or low-quality steam without suffering detrimental effects. Expanding the high-pressure supercooled liquid may also be used to create rotary motion that may be converted into energy, for instance, using an integrated or associated generator. For instance, the expander may include reciprocating vanes that receive the high-pressure supercooled liquid from a condenser and expand the liquid into a low-pressure two-phase fluid. That is, the liquid may expand between the reciprocating vanes. This expansion may cause a shaft to rotate, which may be used to generate electricity and/or power other components of the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle (e.g., compressor). In some instances, the expander may also be utilized to control a flow rate of the working fluid within the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle. For instance, the expander may optimize the working fluid metered into the evaporator, which may prevent the evaporator and/or the compressor from flooding and operating inefficiently. Additionally, or alternatively, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle discussed herein may include or utilize a two-phase compressor to compress the two-phase fluid into a high-pressure two-phase fluid and/or high-pressure superheated vapor. For instance, in conventional systems, compressors are configured to receive low-pressure superheated vapor, and not two-phase fluids. However, through including the two-phase compressor, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may be optimized for varying loads and environmental conditions. That is, in some instances, a two-phase compressor may pre-compress the two-phase fluid before the working fluid enters a subsequent compressor configured to compress low-pressure superheated vapor into high-pressure superheated vapor. The two-phase compressor may therefore be utilized to operate at a flow rate according to a required cooling load. As a result, work required by the compressor may be reduced and the overall efficiency may be increased. Accordingly, systems or methods employing the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle described herein may utilize two-phase expander(s) and/or two-phase compressor(s) to increase an efficiency of conventional refrigeration cycles. More particularly, the two-phase expander may reduce irreversibilities experienced by conventional refrigeration cycles and may capture energy typically dissipated, while the two-phase compressor may compress the two-phase fluid and save work required to compress the low-pressure saturated vapor into high-pressure superheated vapor. The present disclosure provides an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of the present disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments, including as between systems and methods. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. FIG.1illustrates a diagram100plotted on a temperature-enthalpy chart to compare a conventional refrigeration cycle, an ideal refrigeration cycle, and a modified two-phase refrigeration cycle, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Temperature is shown on the y-axis while entropy is shown on the x-axis. The conventional refrigeration cycle, the ideal refrigeration cycle, and the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle are shown plotted against a curve102. The curve102includes a critical point104. The portion of the curve102that lies to the left of the critical point104indicates a saturated liquid line106, while the portion of the curve102that lies to the right of the critical point104indicates a saturated vapor line108. The locations on the curve102to the left of the critical point104, on the saturated liquid line106, indicate that the working fluid is in liquid form (i.e., 100 percent liquid), while the locations on the curve102to the right of the critical point104, on the saturated vapor line108, indicate the working fluid is steam, or vapor (i.e., 100 percent vapor). The area underneath the curve102(i.e., the vapor dome) represents a mixture of both liquid and vapor. In conventional refrigeration cycles, a low-temperature/low-pressure working fluid is compressed to a high-temperature working fluid, between110and112. For instance, at110, the working fluid may comprise a low-temperature superheated vapor, while at112, by increasing the temperature and pressure of the working fluid, the working fluid may comprise a high-temperature superheated vapor. Between110and112, the quantity or amount of working fluid remains the same but the volume decreases, thereby causing an increase in pressure and temperature. In some instances, the working fluid may be compressed to a pressure equal to, or substantially equal, to an operating pressure of a condenser. Accordingly, after compression, the high-temperature superheated vapor may be condensed in the condenser (or gas cooler) between112and114. Within the condenser, the high-temperature superheated vapor may become a low-temperature saturated liquid (supercooled liquid), as shown by114. As a result, the entropy of the working fluid may decrease. Within the condenser the working fluid undergoes a phase change from a vapor to a liquid by rejecting heat into an environment (e.g., outside). From114, the working fluid enters an expansion valve to decrease in temperature, as shown by116. Through the expansion valve, an entropy of the working fluid increases. Moreover, beneath the vapor dome, at116, the working fluid may be two-phases and comprise a mixture of liquid and vapor. As a low-temperature two-phase fluid, the working fluid may enter an evaporator or heat exchanger, between116and110, where heat is absorbed by the working fluid. In doing so, from116and110, the working fluid may become a low-pressure saturated or superheated vapor. As a result, heat may be removed from an environment as the working fluid passes through the evaporator, thereby imparting cooling to the environment. As noted above and as shown inFIG.1, in conventional refrigeration cycles, from114to116, the entropy of the working fluid increases and irreversibilities are introduced. These irreversibilities are associated with inefficiencies that reduce the cooling capacity of the working fluid and increase the work required by the compressor (e.g., between110and112). In ideal refrigeration cycles, the entropy of the working fluid does not increase, as shown between114and118. Between these points, the high-temperature saturated liquid (114) becomes a low-temperature two-phase fluid (118) without any increased entropy. Accordingly, in the ideal refrigeration cycle, there are no irreversibilities the cooling capacity of the working fluid does not decrease (i.e., between116and118). As entropy does not increase in an ideal refrigeration cycle, the cooling capacity of the working fluid remains the same. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle utilizes an expander to expand the working fluid from a high-temperature saturated or supercooled fluid to a low-temperature two-phase fluid. That is, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may eliminate the need for expansion valve(s) and instead, may utilize the expander. The expander may impart less irreversibilities into the working fluid commonly experienced by conventional refrigeration cycles and may reduce an entropy of the working fluid, as shown by120. That is, compared to116(i.e., conventional refrigeration cycle), the position of120on the temperature-entropy chart represents a reduction in the entropy imparted to the working fluid, thereby increasing the cooling capacity of the working fluid. In turn, the reduction of entropy may increase a coefficient of performance of the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle as compared to a coefficient of performance of conventional refrigeration cycles. The expander may be configured to output the low-temperature two-phase fluid at the operating pressure of the evaporator. In other words, between114and120, the expander may expand the working fluid to an operating pressure of the evaporator. The expander may comprise a two-phase expander that expands the working fluid into a two-phase fluid. As a low-temperature two-phase fluid, the working fluid may enter the evaporator (or heat exchanger), between120and110, where heat is absorbed. Accordingly, heat may be removed from an environment as the working fluid passes through the evaporator, thereby imparting cooling to the environment. In doing so, from120and110, the working fluid may become a low-pressure superheated vapor prior to being compressed to the high-temperature superheated vapor, from110to112. In some instances, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may utilize a two-phase compressor to pre-compress the working fluid prior to110, so as configure for varying environmental conditions and load requires. Moreover, it should be noted that while the integration of the expander may reduce the entropy imparted into the working fluid, irreversibilities or minimal irreversibilities may still be present. That is, as shown inFIG.1,120is not aligned with114, which represents no entropy change. For instance, the expander may still have, or introduce, minimal frictional pressure drops through converting the high-temperature supercooled liquid into the low-temperature two-phase fluid. However, compared to conventional refrigeration cycles, these irreversibilities may be minimized. FIG.2illustrates a diagram200plotted on a pressure-enthalpy chart to compare a conventional refrigeration cycle, an ideal refrigeration cycle, and a modified two-phase refrigeration cycle, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Pressure is shown on the y-axis while enthalpy is shown on the x-axis. The conventional refrigeration cycle, the ideal refrigeration cycle, and the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle are shown plotted against a curve202. The curve202includes a critical point204. The portion of the curve202that lies to the left of the critical point204indicates a saturated liquid line206, while the portion of the curve202that lies to the right of the critical point204indicates a saturated vapor line208. The locations on the curve202to the left of the critical point204, on the saturated liquid line206, indicate that the fluid is in liquid form (i.e., 100 percent liquid), while the locations on the curve202to the right of the critical point204, on the saturated vapor line208, indicate the fluid is superheated vapor (i.e., 100 percent vapor). The area underneath the curve202(i.e., the vapor dome) represents a mixture of both liquid and vapor. As discussed above with regard toFIG.1, in conventional refrigeration cycles, a low-pressure/low-temperature working fluid is compressed to a high-pressure/high-temperature working fluid, between210and212. For instance, at210, the working fluid may comprise a low-pressure superheated vapor, while at212, through compressing the working fluid, the working fluid may comprise a high-pressure superheated vapor. Compressing the working fluid between210and212therefore increases the pressure of the working fluid while decreasing the volume of the working fluid. In some instances, the working fluid may be compressed to a pressure equal to, or substantially equal to, an operating pressure of a condenser. Therein, the working fluid condenses in the condenser between212and214. Within the condenser, the high-pressure superheated vapor becomes a high-pressure saturated or supercooled liquid, as shown by214. In other words, in the condenser the working fluid undergoes a phase change from a vapor to a liquid as a result of enthalpy (i.e., heat) being lost to an environment. From214, the working fluid expands through an expansion valve to decrease in pressure, as shown by216. By expanding the working fluid through the expansion valve an enthalpy of the working fluid remains constant. As a low-pressure two-phase fluid, the working fluid enters an evaporator, between216and210, where heat is absorbed. As noted above and as shown inFIG.2, in conventional refrigeration cycles, from214to216, the enthalpy of the working fluid remains the same and no work is captured during the decrease in pressure. That is, as the enthalpy remains constant between214and216and no work is captured during expansion within the expansion valve. In ideal refrigeration cycles, expanding the working fluid captures all available enthalpies within the working fluid, as shown by218. Accordingly, in the ideal refrigeration cycle, work is extracted while expanding the high-pressure supercooled liquid to the low-pressure two-phase fluid. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle utilizes an expander to expand the working fluid between a high-pressure saturated liquid and a low-pressure two-phase fluid. Unlike conventional refrigeration cycles where energy is otherwise dissipated, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may extract energy during the expansion of the high-pressure supercooled liquid to the low-pressure two-phase fluid. For instance, as shown inFIG.2, compared to216(i.e., conventional refrigeration cycle), the position of 220 on the pressure-enthalpy chart illustrates that the enthalpy of the working fluid decreases via the expander extracting work during expansion of the working fluid. The expander may be configured to output the low-pressure two-phase fluid at the operating pressure of the evaporator without the need for an expansion valve. Capturing enthalpy within the working fluid may therefore increase a coefficient of performance of the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle compared to a coefficient of performance of conventional refrigeration cycles. In some instances, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may extract energy when the working fluid is two-phases, the working fluid is low-quality liquid (i.e., less than 100 percent liquid), and/or the working fluid is high-quality (i.e., 100 percent liquid). As discussed in detail herein, in some instances, the expander may operably couple to a generator to generate power. The expander may receive the high-pressure superheated liquid and expand the liquid to a low-pressure two-phase fluid while creating energy, and without erosion of components within the two-phase expander. That is, compared to turbines which are highly susceptible to erosion, and are unable to operate with two-phase fluids, the expander implemented in the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may be configured to utilize two-phase fluids to extract energy while expanding the two-phase fluid to an operating pressure of the evaporator. Thereafter, as a low-pressure two-phase fluid, the working fluid may enter an evaporator, between220and210, where heat is absorbed. In doing so, from220to210, the low-pressure two-phase fluid may become a low-pressure saturated or superheated vapor. As a result, prior to being compressed to the high-pressure superheated vapor, from220to210, the working fluid may absorb energy and become a superheated prior to being input to the compressor at210. Additionally, or alternatively, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may impart additional energy savings using a two-phase compressor. As shown inFIG.2, conventional refrigeration cycles, compressors demand that the working fluid be a low-pressure superheated vapor. However, in some instances, a refrigeration cycle may operate at loads or capacities lower and/or higher than their design. As a result, the compressor, condenser, and evaporator may not operate at designed efficiencies. Integrating a two-phase compressor may compress (or pre-compress) the working fluid which may reduce the work required to be input the compressor. For instance, when operating below designed set points, a two-phase compressor may receive a portion or all of the working fluid at222. Here, the two-phase compressor may compress the low-pressure two-phase fluid to a high-pressure two-phase fluid, as shown by224. The high-pressure two-phase fluid may then condense in the condenser, before being input to the expander at214. Additionally, or alternatively, the two-phase compressor at222may be utilized to pre-compress the working fluid prior to the compression by the compressor at210. The two-phase compressor may therefore be utilized to pre-compress the working fluid before being compressed by the compressor. In some instances, the difference in enthalpy between210and222represents the reduced compressor work required by the compressor for a reduced cooling load. That is, the increased and/or decreased flow rates may be outside operating or set parameters the refrigeration cycle (or system) was designed to operate and the two-phase compressor (or the compressor) may avoid being limited to working with low-pressure superheated vapor. Moreover, in some instances, the two-phase compressor may be configured to compressor the low-pressure two-phase fluid from222to212, so as to compress the working fluid to a high-pressure superheated vapor. In some instances, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may improve cycle efficiencies, compared to conventional refrigeration cycles, between about 3% to about 35%. In some instances, the coefficient of performance of the system may be calculated by the following equation: COPSystem=(h210-h220)(1ηCompressor)×(h212-h210)-ηExpander(h214-h218)where COPsystemrepresents the coefficient of performance of the system, ηcompressorrepresents the efficiency of the compressor, h210represents the enthalpy of the working fluid in conventional refrigeration cycles in the low-pressure saturated vapor state (210on the diagram200), h218represents the enthalpy of the working fluid in the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle at the low-pressure two-phase fluid state when implementing the expander (218on the diagram200), h212represents the enthalpy of the working fluid in refrigeration cycles at the high-pressure superheated vapor state (212on the diagram200), (Expander represents the efficiency of the expander, and h214represents the enthalpy of the working fluid at the high-pressure supercooled liquid state (214on the diagram200). In turn, the coefficient of performance of the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may be calculated using the following equation, which represents an efficiency increased compared to a conventional refrigeration cycle: COPImprovement=(COPExpander-COPConventional)(COPExpander)×100where ΔCOPImprovementrepresents the percentage change in the coefficient of performance between a conventional refrigeration cycle and the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle, COPExpanderrepresents the coefficient of performance of the expander, and COPConventionalrepresents the coefficient of performance of conventional refrigeration cycles, as calculated using the enthalpy of the working fluid after exiting the expansion value (216inFIG.2) as shown inFIG.2. Accordingly, in comparison to conventional refrigeration cycles, the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle may capture enthalpy in two-phase fluids, for instance, using the expander. Moreover, the increased coefficient of performance may be caused, in part, by reducing the amount of entropy introduced into the two-phase fluid, increasing the cooling capacity of the working fluid, and/or reducing the amount of energy input by the compressor. Additional energy savings may be captured through dynamically changing a mass flow rate in the system via the expander, the compressor, and/or the two-phase compressor, and changing the state points for compression and expansion based on dynamically changing cooling requirements. FIG.3illustrates an example system300according the instant application which, in some instances, may be used to implement the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle as discussed inFIGS.1and2. By way of non-limiting examples, the example system300may be usable with a plurality of working fluids, such as R-134a, CO2, R-410A, R-22, Ammonia, or R-32. However, other two-phase fluids may be used in conjunction with the example system300. As shown inFIG.3, the system300includes a compressor302to compress the low-pressure superheated vapor into a high-pressure superheated vapor (i.e., 100 percent vapor). The compressor302may also maintain a specific flow rate of the working fluid throughout the system300. In some instances, the compressor302may include a low-speed and/or positive-displacement compressor and/or may include a two-phase compressor designed and configured to receive two-phase fluids. As a two-phase compressor, the system300may be optimized for varying loads and environmental conditions. In other words, compared to conventional compressors that are configured to compress low-pressure superheated vapor and not two-phase fluids, the two-phase compressor may be capable of compressing two-phase fluids within the vapor dome depending on varying loads of the system300as well as different environmental conditions. After being compressed, the high-pressure superheated vapor may enter a condenser304to extract heat from the high-pressure superheated vapor. In some instances, the condenser304may comprise an air-cooled condenser or a liquid (or water cooled) condenser. In passing through the condenser304, the high-pressure superheated vapor may condense into a high-pressure supercooled liquid (i.e., 100 percent or substantially 100 percent liquid). The high-pressure supercooled liquid may then be expanded in an expander306. In some instances, after the high-pressure supercooled liquid passes through the expander306, the high-pressure supercooled liquid may become a two-phase fluid (e.g., vapor and liquid). In this sense, the expander306may be a two-phase expander that expands the high-pressure supercooled liquid into the two-phase fluid. In passing through the expander306, the working fluid may expand into a two-phase fluid. That is, through the expander306, the pressure of the working fluid is reduced, which causes the working fluid to expand and reduce in temperature. In some instances, the expander306may comprise a low-speed and/or positive-displacement expander. By using an expander having a low-speed and/or positive-displacement design (i.e., the pressure of the fluid is decreased by increasing its volume), the expander306may not suffer from erosion conventionally experienced by turbines. Consequently, the expander306may operate with two-phase fluids that includes a mixture of both vapor and liquid without causing appreciable erosion to components of the expander306. Moreover, a low-speed and/or positive-displacement expander306may not impart entropy, or may substantially reduce the entropy imparted, to the two-phase fluid. Decreasing the amount of entropy imparted into the working fluid may increase the cooling capacity of the working fluid. Expanding the working fluid into the two-phase fluid may create rotary motion that is used to create power, for instance, via a generator308operably coupled to the expander306. Alternatively, the expander306may include an integrated generator. For example, the expander306may be configured to generate electricity, as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/669,589. As such, utilizing the expander306, the system300may extract energy under the vapor dome where the fluid represents a two-phase fluid, as compared to conventional refrigeration cycles or systems that are unable to extract such energy. In other words, the expander306may extract energy that is otherwise dissipated by an expansion valve or throttling valve in conventional refrigeration cycles. In some instances, the expander306may be configured to generate energy from a two-phase fluid having a liquid quality at or above 75 percent. That is, the expander may receive the high-pressure supercooled liquid from the condenser304, and expand the high-pressure supercooled liquid to a two-phase fluid, having a liquid quality above or about 75 percent. However, in other examples, the expander306may be configured to generate energy from a two-phase fluid having a liquid quality from 0 to 100. After passing through the expander306, the two-phase fluid may enter an evaporator310, where the two-phase fluid may absorb heat and become a low-pressure saturated or superheated vapor. That is, the working fluid, after passing through the expander306may reduce in temperature, thereby becoming a low-pressure two-phase fluid. In doing so, through the evaporator310, the working fluid may remove heat from an environment to produce a cooling effect. After passing through the evaporator310, the two-phase fluid may become a saturated or superheated vapor suitable for reuse by the compressor302. As such, as the low-pressure superheated vapor enters the compressor302and the modified two-phase refrigeration cycle is repeated. However, in some instances, the compressor302may include a two-phase compressor capable of receiving a two-phase fluid. Returning briefly to the expander306, in some instances, the expander306may control the flow rate of the working fluid through the system300. For instance, the expander306may optimize the working fluid metered into the evaporator310to not flood or pass too much working fluid into the evaporator310, and consequently, the compressor302. By way of example, the expander306may operably couple to the compressor302via a variable speed drive or direct connection. Additionally, or alternatively, a revolution per minute (RPM) of the expander306may be controlled by switching on and off coils in the generator308. That is, the flow rate of the working fluid through the system300may be regulated by adjusting a strength of electric field induced by the generator308, thereby adjusting the resistance to flow caused by the expander306. Furthermore, the speed may also be controlled by applying a frictional load on a rotating portion (e.g., shaft) of the expander306. The expander306and/or the compressor302may therefore be designed to maintain a specific rate of flow of the working fluid into the evaporator310. In some instances, the system300may additionally include a two-phase compressor312. As shown by the dashed line, including the two-phase compressor312represents an optional or additional configuration of the system300. For instance, to accommodate for variable environmental conditions and loads on the system300, the two-phase compressor312may pre-compress the two-phase working fluid from the evaporator310to a low-pressure superheated vapor and before entering the compressor302. In doing so, the pre-compression by the two-phase compressor312may compress the two-phase working fluid to the low-pressure superheated vapor for the compressor302. Additionally, to accommodate for varying loads,FIG.3also illustrates that an output of the two-phase compressor312may be input directly to the condenser304. That is, the two-phase compressor312may bypass the compressor302to accommodate for varying loads of the system300and/or environmental conditions. For instance, the system300may require a lesser cooling load and the two-phase compressor312may accept low-pressure two-phase fluid before the two-phase fluid becomes superheated vapor, thereby compressing the two-phase fluid up to the inlet pressure of the condenser304. In some instances, energy generated by generator308may be used to power the compressor302and/or the two-phase compressor312. Moreover, in instances where the system300includes the two-phase compressor312, the compressor302may or may not comprise a two-phase compressor. Accordingly, in some instances, the system300may include the compressor302, the expander306, and/or the two-phase compressor312. In some instances, the efficiency of the system300may be maximized or optimized by including both the two-phase compressor312and the two-phase expander306, where the two-phase compressor312and the expander306both individually, and collectively, increase the efficiency of the system300. In some instances, the two-phase compressor312and/or the expander306may, collectively or individually, improve the efficiency of conventional refrigeration systems between 3% to 35%. For instance, by extracting energy from two-phase fluids (i.e., under the vapor dome), as compared to conventional cycles or systems that are unable to extract such energy, and introducing the two-phase compressor312may account for the increased efficiency. Additionally, expanding the working fluid into a two-phase fluid using the expander308may reduce irreversibilities and the work consumed by the compressor302and/or the two-phase compressor312to compress the working fluid into a high-pressure superheated vapor. Including the two-phase compressor312also permits compression of two-phase fluids under the vapor dome, thereby adjusting to variable loads and/or changing environmental conditions. In turn, the two-phase compressor312may be optimized to match a mass flow rate according to a required cooling load of the system300. While the system300is described as having certain components, additional components not shown or described may be included to permit performance or operating of the system300. For instance, the system200may include valves, pumps, separators, flash tanks, and so forth. Additionally, while the compressor302and/or the expander306have been described, other positive displacement technology may be used to extract energy from two-phase fluids. For instance, the system300may, additionally or alternatively, use positive-displacement screw technology, positive-displacement piston technology, or other like. Other rotary devices such as radial flow low speed turbines or centrifugal devices capable of handling two-phase fluids may also be used to extract energies from two-phase fluids. Still, the system300may include expanders and/or compressors that may not include rotary devices and/or positive-displacement devices. FIG.4illustrates an example rotary device400that may be implemented in the system300ofFIG.3. In some instances, the rotary device400may be implemented, or usable, as an expander (e.g., the expander306) and/or a compressor (e.g., the compressor302and/or the two-phase compressor312), as discussed hereinabove and as detailed below with regard toFIGS.5A and5B, andFIGS.6A and6B, respectively. In some instances, the rotary device400may embody a rotary device as illustrated and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,630, entitled “Rotary Device with Reciprocating Vans and Seals Thereof.” The rotary device400may include a first stator402and a second stator404. The first stator402includes a first cam406having an undulating cam surface408which may, in some instances, include a substantially sinusoidal profile. The second stator404includes a second cam410having an undulating cam surface412which may, in some instances, include a substantially sinusoidal profile. The rotary device400includes a first rotor member414and a second rotor member416. The first rotor member414may be in rotating engagement with a periphery of the first cam406and has an interior annular surface418and an exterior surface420. The interior annular surface418of the first rotor member414faces the undulating cam surface408of the first stator402, and the exterior surface420of the first rotor member414faces the second stator404of the rotary device400. Likewise, the second rotor member416may be in rotating engagement with a periphery of the second cam410and has an interior annular surface422and an exterior surface424. The interior annular surface422of the second rotor member416faces the undulating cam surface412of the second stator404, and the exterior surface424of the second rotor member416faces the first stator402of the rotary device400. The first rotor member414includes a plurality of angularly spaced slots426extending therethrough. The second rotor member416may also include a plurality of angularly spaced slots428extended therethrough. The rotary device400may include vanes430reciprocating parallel to an axis of rotation of the first rotor member414and the second rotor member416to expand and/or compress fluids. The vanes430also move rotatably with respect to the first cam402and the second cam404. Individual vanes430may extend through individual slots of the plurality of angularly spaced slots426in the first rotor member414and individual slots of the plurality of angularly spaced slots428in the second rotor member416, respectively. Additionally, individual vanes430are in sliding engagement with the undulating cam surface408of the first cam406as the first rotor member414. The individual vanes430are also in sliding engagement with the undulating cam surface412of the first cam410as the second rotor member406rotates. In some instances, the adulating cam surface408of the first stator402and the undulating cam surface412of the second stator404may be 90-degrees out of phase with one another such that the vanes430move parallel to a direction of rotation. In some instances, this phase difference may balance the rotary device400such that the rotary device400exhibits minimal vibration. The first rotor member414and the second rotor member416may operably couple to one another via a shaft432to ensure coordinated rotation. The rotary device400may include a plurality of chambers sized and configured to receive fluid. For instance, a plurality of chambers may form between the first cam406, the first rotor member414, and the vanes430, between the first rotor member414, the second rotor member416, and the vanes430, and/or between the second rotor member416, the second cam410, and the vanes430. To receive the fluid, the first cam406has an inlet port434and an exhaust port436. Similarly, the second cam410may include an inlet port438and an exhaust port440. To seal the chambers, the individual slots of the plurality of angularly spaced slots426in the first rotor member414may have a seal442disposed around a periphery thereof. The seals442may serve to seal (e.g., pressurize) the chambers formed between the first rotor member414, the first cam406, and the vanes430. In some instances, individual seals442may be held in place via a seal keeper444coupled to the exterior face420of the first rotor member414. Additionally, as shown, individual seals424may be oblong-shaped to correspond to an exterior profile of the plurality of angularly spaced slots426. Although not shown, the second rotor member416may similarly include seals to seal and pressurize the chambers formed between the second rotor member416, the second cam410, and the vanes430. Depending upon the application, the chamber volume may change as the vanes430move along the undulating cam surface408of the first cam406and the undulating cam surface412of the second cam410during a revolution of the first rotor member414and the second rotor member416. Such revolutions result in alternately compressing and/or expanding fluids. For instance, the chambers may receive fluid (e.g., high-pressure supercooled liquid) from a condenser via the inlet port434and/or the inlet port438. When embodied as an expander, the fluid expands within the chambers, resulting in a decrease in pressure. This expansion causes the vanes430to move and create rotary motion. To create energy from the rotary motion, the first rotor member414and the second rotor member416may couple to a shaft446and a shaft448, respectively, which may be coupled to one or more generators. An end of the shaft446and the shaft448may respectively, engage with a bearing450and a bearing452. When embodied as a compressor, the vanes430may compress the two-phase fluid within the chambers via one or more motors or components of the system300(e.g., the expander306and/or the generator308) that drive the rotary device400 In some instances, the rotary device400may be configured as a component capable of handling high-quality liquid, low-quality liquid, and/or two-phase fluids. Additionally, compared to turbines, which require high-velocity fluid to be imparted on the turbine blades, in some instances, the rotary device400may receive low-velocity fluids to avoid imparting velocity to the fluid. As noted above, the rotary device400may be configured as a compressor or an expander by changing or reorienting the undulating cam surface408of the first cam406and/or the undulating cam surface412of the second cam410. Additionally, or alternatively, the rotary device400may be configured as a compressor or an expander by changing a location of the intake port434and the exhaust port436, or the location of the intake port438and the exhaust port440. FIGS.5A and5Billustrate inlet and discharge cycles of a rotary device (e.g., the rotary device400) implemented as an expander (e.g., the expander306). More specifically,FIG.5Aillustrates two complete intake and discharge expansion cycles on each rotor of the rotary device, whileFIG.5Bis a simplified diagrammatic view showing an expansion cycle of the rotary device. In some instances, the expansion cycle may be a combination of four distinct sections, which may allow for the configuration of different expansion ratios. Different porting options into and between chambers may also allow for expansion speed control. In operation, vanes (e.g., the vanes430) are axially driven by one or more cams (e.g., the first cam406or the second cam410). The vanes also rotatably move with respect to one or more cams. As shown inFIGS.5A and5B, high-pressure fluid is received during intake or an inlet and is trapped between adjacent vanes. The fluid expands during an expansion stroke due to the increasing volume between the vanes. The fluid continues to drive the vanes until a leading vane reaches an exhaust port, at which time the expanded gases are exhausted and the cycle repeats. That is, the fluid expands from a high-pressure (or first pressure) to a low-pressure (or second pressure) to create rotary motion. For instance, fluid from a condenser may be received through the intake port434and/or the intake port438, as discussed above with regard to the rotary device400. The fluid is trapped between adjacent vanes430the undulating cam surface408of the first stator402and/or the undulating cam surface412of the second stator410. The fluid is then allowed to expand within chambers as the vanes430rotate and move up the undulating cam surface408and/or undulating cam surface412. In some instances, during a rotor revolution, the vanes430follow a path that approximates a sinusoidal wave. With a sinusoidal path, during each revolution of a rotor, the volume of the chambers alternately expand and contract. During the expansion cycle, the fluid expands due to an increasing volume between the adjacent vanes430and the undulating cam surface408of the first stator402and/or the undulating cam surface412of the second stator410. As a result, the volume constantly increases as the vanes430move along the undulating cam surface408and/or undulating cam surface412towards the lowest point on the first cam402and/or the second cam404. Once expanded, the fluid may discharge at the exhaust port436and/or the exhaust port440. FIGS.6A and6Billustrate inlet and discharge cycles of a rotary device (e.g., the rotary device400) implemented as a compressor (e.g., the two-phase compressor312). More specifically,FIG.6Aillustrates two complete intake and discharge compression cycles on each rotor of the rotary device, whileFIG.6Bis a simplified diagrammatic view showing the compression cycle of the rotary device. In some instances, the compression cycle may be a combination of four distinct sections, which may allow for the configuration of different compression ratios. Different porting options into and between chambers may also allow for speed control. In operation, vanes (e.g., the vanes430) are axially driven by one or more cams (e.g., the first cam406or the second cam410). The vanes also rotatably move with respect to the one or more cams (e.g., the first cam406and the second cam410). As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, low-pressure fluid is received during intake or an inlet and is trapped between adjacent vanes. The fluid compresses during a compression stroke due to the decreasing volume between the vanes. The fluid continues to compress until a leading vane reaches an exhaust port, at which time the compressed fluid are exhausted and the cycle repeats. That is, rotary motion causes the fluid to compress from a low-pressure state to a high-pressure state. For instance, fluid from an evaporator may be received through the intake port434and/or the intake port438, as discussed above with regard to the rotary device400. The fluid is trapped between adjacent vanes430, the undulating cam surface408of the first stator402and/or the undulating cam surface412of the second stator410. The fluid is then compressed within chambers as the vanes430rotate and move up the undulating cam surface408and/or and undulating cam surface412. In some instances, during a rotor revolution, the vanes430follow a path that approximates a sinusoidal wave. With a sinusoidal path, during each revolution of a rotor, the volume of the chambers alternately expand and contract. During the compression cycle, the fluid compresses due to a decreasing volume between the adjacent vanes430and the undulating cam surface408of the first stator402and/or the undulating cam surface412of the second stator410. As a result, the volume constantly decreases as the vanes430approach the peak of the undulating cam surface408and/or undulating cam surface412. Once compressed, the fluid is discharged at the exhaust port436and/or the exhaust port440. FIGS.7A and7Billustrate a cam according to compressor and expander configurations. More particularly,FIG.7Aillustrates a cam member700of a rotary device in a compressor configuration, whileFIG.7Billustrates a cam member702of a rotary device in an expander configuration. InFIG.7A, the cam member700includes a low-pressure inlet704, a high-pressure discharge706, a low-pressure inlet708, and a high-pressure discharge710. The low-pressure inlet704and the low-pressure inlet708may receive fluid from an evaporator. After being compressed to a high-pressure state, as discussed hereinabove, the high-pressure fluid may exit through the high-pressure discharge706and the high-pressure discharge710, respectively. InFIG.7B, the cam member702includes a low-pressure discharge712, a high-pressure inlet714, a low-pressure discharge716, and a high-pressure inlet718. The high-pressure inlet714and the high-pressure inlet718may receive fluid from a condenser. After expanding within the expander to a low-pressure state, as discussed hereinabove, the low-pressure fluid may exit through the low-pressure discharge712and the low-pressure discharge716, respectively. FIG.8illustrates an example process800according to a modified two-phase refrigeration cycle. In some instances, the process800may be implemented using the system300described hereinabove. Beginning at802, the process800may compress saturated or superheated vapor into a high-pressure superheated vapor. For instance, the compressor302may compress the saturated or superheated vapor up to an inlet pressure of the condenser304. At804, the process800may condense the superheated vapor into a saturated or supercooled liquid. For instance, the condenser304may condense the superheated vapor by rejecting heat to an environment (e.g., outside). At806, the process800may expand the saturated or supercooled liquid in the expander306. For instance, the expander306may receive, from the condenser304, the saturated or supercooled liquid. In some instances, the fluid may be two-phase or may be high-quality liquid (e.g., 100 percent liquid). For instance, the expander306may receive the fluid from the condenser304after the fluid becomes supercooled liquid and the fluid has rejected substantially, or substantially all of its heat to the environment and undergoing a phase change from vapor to liquid. In passing through the expander306, or while passing through the expander306, the high-pressure supercooled liquid may expand into the two-phase fluid. As noted above, expanding the working fluid into the two-phase fluid may create rotary motion used to create power, for instance, via the generator308operably coupled to the expander306. Accordingly, after passing through the expander306, the fluid will be lower pressure and a two-phase fluid. In some instances, the expander306may be configured to create power using two-phase fluid. For instance, in some examples, the expander306may be configured to create power from fluid having a liquid quality at or below 100 percent. In some examples, the expander306may be configured to create power from liquid at a supercooled state down to a quality of above 75 percent. However, in other examples, the expander306may be configured to create power from liquid having any quality from 0 to 100. At808, the process800may evaporate the two-phase fluid. For instance, the evaporator308may receive the two-phase fluid and heat may be absorbed by the fluid. In some instances, the process800may evaporate the two-phase fluid into saturated or superheated vapor. In doing so, the fluid may become a low-pressure saturated or superheated vapor. From808, the process800may loop to802whereby the compressor302may compress the saturated or superheated vapor into higher-pressure superheated vapor. In some instances, from808, the process800may continue to810to pre-compress the two-phase fluid into superheated vapor fluid. For instance, a two-phase compressor may be utilized to pre-compress the two-phase fluid into the low-pressure saturated or superheated vapor for use by the compressor (at802). Hence, after pre-compressing the two-phase fluid at810, the process may loop to802. In some instances, pre-compressing the two-phase fluid may optimize the process800for varying loads and/or environmental conditions. The pre-compressing at810may be done on all, or a portion, of the two-phase fluid received from the condenser304 Utilizing the process800, the two-phase compressor312and/or the expander306may, collectively or individually, improve the efficiency of conventional refrigeration cycles or systems between about 3% to about 35% by extracting energy from two-phase fluids (i.e., under the vapor dome), as compared to conventional cycles or systems that are unable to extract such energy. FIG.9illustrates an example process900according to a modified two-phase refrigeration cycle. In some instances, the process900may be implemented using the system300described hereinabove. Beginning at902, the process900may compress a low-pressure two-phase fluid into a high-pressure two-phase fluid. For instance, when the system300is operating below designed set points, the two-phase compressor may compress the low-pressure two-phase fluid into the high-pressure two-phase fluid At904, the process904may condense the high-pressure two-phase fluid into a supercooled liquid. For instance, the condenser304may condense the high-pressure two-phase fluid. At906, the process904may expand the supercooled liquid in the expander306to a low-pressure two-phase fluid. For instance, the expander306may receive the fluid from the condenser304and in passing through the expander306, or while passing through the expander306, the high-pressure supercooled liquid may expand into the low-pressure two-phase fluid. As noted above, expanding the working fluid into the two-phase fluid may create rotary motion used to create power, for instance, via the generator308operably coupled to the expander306. At908, the process900may evaporate the low-pressure two-phase fluid. For instance, the evaporator308may receive the low-pressure two-phase fluid and heat may be absorbed. From908the process900may loop to902whereby the two-phase compressor302may compress the low-pressure two-phase fluid into the high-pressure two-phase fluid. CONCLUSION While various examples and embodiments are described individually herein, the examples and embodiments may be combined, rearranged and modified to arrive at other variations within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims. | 52,632 |
11859875 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. FIG.1is a schematic illustration of an exemplary HVAC system100. HVAC system100is a vapor-compression system comprising a refrigerant circuit102that can implement a thermodynamic heat recovery process in the cooling mode and the heating mode. HVAC system100may be implemented for example as a rooftop unit. Refrigerant circuit102includes a compressor104, an expansion valve106, an outdoor heat exchanger108, an indoor heat exchanger110, a recovery heat exchanger112, and a reversing valve114(e.g., 4-way valve), operable between a cooling mode to direct the refrigerant116from the compressor in a direction from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger and a heating mode to direct the refrigerant from the compressor in the direction from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger. Recovery heat exchanger112utilizes the same compressor104as the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers. Indoor heat exchanger110is positioned in a fresh air inlet118(e.g., duct) to the conditioned space120(e.g., enclosure). Recovery heat exchanger112is located in an extracted air outlet122(e.g., duct) from conditioned space120. Dampers118acontrol flow of fresh air124into the fresh air inlet118and conditioned space120. Dampers122aselectively allow all or a portion of the indoor air126, shown as exhausted air126a, to be exhausted from the condition space through extracted air outlet122. Cross-dampers128selectively allow indoor air126to recirculate into fresh air inlet118. An electronic controller130comprising computer-readable storage medium may be in communication for example with compressor104, reversing valve114, dampers118a,122a, and128, and various valves to operate the HVAC system in various modes including without limitation, a cooling mode, a heating mode, thermodynamic heat recovery mode, and deicing mode. In an exemplary embodiment, a first refrigerant line132and a second refrigerant line134extends from outdoor heat exchanger108to recovery heat exchanger112. A first valve132ais positioned in the first refrigerant line132with expansion valve106in communication with first refrigerant line132between first valve132aand recovery heat exchanger112. In an exemplary embodiment, second refrigerant line134includes a valve134a. FIG.2schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the cooling mode with thermodynamic heat recovery.FIG.2Aillustrates an exemplary vapor-compression cycle of refrigeration circuit102ofFIG.2. Refrigerant116is compressed by compressor104and directed through reversing valve114to outdoor heat exchanger108where it releases heat and is cooled. First valve132ais closed directing the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger through second refrigerant line134to recovery heat exchanger112. Indoor air126passes across recovery heat exchanger112subcooling the refrigerant as illustrated inFIG.2Aat portion212. The refrigerant flows from recovery heat exchanger112through expansion valve106to indoor heat exchanger110and then returns to the suction side of compressor104. Fresh air124passes across indoor heat exchanger110, wherein the refrigerant absorbs heat, resulting in cooler conditioned air124athat passes into the conditioned space. FIG.3illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the cooling mode with total air recirculation. In this example, dampers118a.122aare closed and cross-dampers128are open resulting in substantially zero percent fresh air and 100% recirculation of indoor air126. The refrigerant is directed from compressor104to outdoor heat exchanger108. First valve132ais open and the refrigerant is directed through first refrigerant line132and expansion valve106to indoor heat exchanger110. If second refrigerant line134does not include a valve, e.g., valve134ashown inFIG.3, substantially all of the refrigerant will be directed through first line132due to the lower pressure drop and a very low flow rate of refrigerant may pass through second refrigerant line134and recovery heat exchanger112. If second refrigerant line134has a valve134a(FIG.1) it may be closed to eliminate the low flow rate through the recovery heat exchanger and prevent heat pickup through the recover heat exchanger. FIG.4schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the heating mode with thermodynamic heat recovery.FIG.4Aillustrates an exemplary vapor-compression cycle of refrigeration circuit102ofFIG.4. Refrigerant116is compressed by compressor104and directed through reversing valve114to indoor heat exchanger110where the refrigerant releases heat to conditioned air124a. First valve132ais closed directing the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger to recovery heat exchanger112where the refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air126. The refrigerant flows from recovery heat exchanger112to outdoor heat exchanger108. FIG.5illustrates an exemplary an exemplary HVAC system100in the heating mode with total air recirculation. In this example, dampers118a,122aare closed and cross-dampers128are open resulting in substantially zero percent fresh air124and 100% recirculation of indoor air126. The refrigerant is directed from compressor104through reversing valve114to indoor heat exchanger110. First valve132ais open and the refrigerant is directed through expansion valve106to outdoor heat exchanger108. If second refrigerant line134does not include a valve, a very low flow rate of refrigerant may pass through recovery heat exchanger112as the refrigerant will primarily be directed through first line132due to the lower pressure drop. If second refrigeration line134has a valve134a(FIG.1) it may be closed to eliminate the low flow rate through the recovery heat exchanger and prevent a liquid refrigerant trap if inside temperature is colder than outside temperature in the condensing unit. FIGS.6-11illustrate an exemplary HVAC system100with additional piping to facilitate position the heat recovery heat exchanger in the vapor-compression cycle for subcooling and for superheating heat transfer, where the temperature pinch is higher, in particular in heating mode. In some embodiments, the external and indoor heat exchangers may be maintained in counter-current flow. FIG.6schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the cooling mode with the recovery heat exchanger112utilized to subcool the refrigerant.FIG.6Aillustrates an exemplary vapor-compression cycle of refrigeration circuit102ofFIG.6. Refrigerant116is compressed by compressor104and directed through reversing valve114to outdoor heat exchanger108where it releases heat and is cooled. Outdoor heat exchanger108and recovery heat exchanger112may be in counter-current flow. First valve132ais closed, directing the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger through second refrigerant line134to recovery heat exchanger112. Indoor air126passes across recovery heat exchanger112subcooling the refrigerant as illustrated inFIG.6Aat portion612. The refrigerant flows from recovery heat exchanger112through expansion valve106to indoor heat exchanger110and then returns to the suction side of compressor104. Fresh air124passes across indoor heat exchanger110, wherein the refrigerant absorbs heat, resulting in cooler conditioned air124aintroduced into the conditioned space. InFIG.6, the refrigerant enters the bottom of outdoor heat exchanger108and exits the top of heat exchanger108. FIG.7schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the heating mode with thermodynamic heat recovery and recovery heat exchanger112superheating the refrigerant.FIG.7Aillustrates an exemplary vapor-compression cycle of refrigeration circuit102ofFIG.7. Refrigerant116is compressed by compressor104and directed through reversing valve114to indoor heat exchanger110where the refrigerant releases heat to the conditioned air124a. First valve132ais closed directing the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger110to outdoor heat exchanger108where it absorbs heat from the cool outdoor air. The refrigerant is directed from the outdoor heat exchanger108to the recovery heat exchanger112, where indoor air126, which is already heated, is utilized as the hot source to superheat the refrigerant as illustrated inFIG.7Aat portion712. With reference to the system inFIG.4, the system inFIG.7reverses the order of the outdoor heat exchanger and the recovery heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit and the vapor-compression cycle, producing a more efficient system. Using the heated indoor air as the hot source for superheating is more efficient than using the outdoor air as the hot source for superheating. In the heating mode illustrated inFIG.7, the refrigerant flows in the same direction through outdoor heat exchanger108as in the cooling mode illustrated inFIG.6. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger is in counter-current flow in the heating mode (FIG.7) and the cooling mode (FIG.6). FIG.8schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the cooling mode with the recovery heat exchanger112utilized to subcool the refrigerant. Refrigerant116is compressed by compressor104and directed through reversing valve114to outdoor heat exchanger108where it releases heat and is cooled. Outdoor heat exchanger108may be co-current flow or counter-current flow. First valve132ais closed, directing the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger through second refrigerant line134to recovery heat exchanger112. Indoor air126passes across recovery heat exchanger112subcooling the refrigerant, see e.g., portion612inFIG.6A. The refrigerant flows from recovery heat exchanger112through expansion valve106to indoor heat exchanger110and then returns to the suction side of compressor104. Fresh air124passes across indoor heat exchanger110, wherein the refrigerant absorbs heat, resulting in cooler conditioned air124aintroduced into the conditioned space. FIG.9schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the heating mode with thermodynamic heat recovery and recovery heat exchanger112superheating the refrigerant. Refrigerant116is compressed by compressor104and directed through reversing valve114to indoor heat exchanger110where the refrigerant releases heat to the conditioned air124a. First valve132ais opened directing the refrigerant from indoor heat exchanger110to outdoor heat exchanger108where it absorbs heat from the cool outdoor air. First valve132ais opened, as opposed to closed inFIG.7, directing the refrigerant into the top of outdoor heat exchanger108, as opposed to the bottom inFIG.7. The refrigerant is directed from the outdoor heat exchanger108to recovery heat exchanger112where indoor air126, which is already heated, is utilized as the hot source to superheat the refrigerant as illustrated inFIG.7Aat portion712. FIG.10schematically illustrates an exemplary HVAC system100in the heating mode without using outdoor heat exchanger108. This mode may be suited for cold environments, for example about 0 C or lower and inside air126has been heated.FIG.10Aillustrates an exemplary vapor-compression cycle of refrigeration circuit102ofFIG.10. Refrigerant116is directed from compressor104through reversing valve114to indoor heat exchanger110where the fresh air124absorbs heat from the refrigerant and is pushed into the conditioned space as heated conditioned air124a. The refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger through the expansion valve106to recovery heat exchanger112where the indoor air126heats the refrigerant which is directed to the compressor.FIG.10Aillustrates that it is possible to fit the compressor operating map even with fresh air at low ambient temperature. FIG.11schematically illustrates an HVAC system100in a deicing mode at low ambient temperature without any, or limited, impact on thermal comfort. A first portion136of indoor air126, which is warm, is recirculated from the extracted air outlet122through cross-dampers128to fresh air inlet18upstream of indoor heat exchanger110. The second portion138of indoor air126is directed across recovery heat exchanger112melting ice that may have accumulated. The refrigerant is directed from compressor104to indoor heat exchanger110, where the mixture of fresh air124and first indoor air portion136absorbs heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant is directed from indoor heat exchanger through expansion valve106to outdoor heat exchanger108and back to compressor104, bypassing recovery heat exchanger12. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially.” “approximately.” “generally.” and “about” may be substituted with “within 10% of” what is specified. For purposes of this disclosure, the term computer-readable storage medium encompasses one or more tangible computer-readable storage media possessing structures. As an example and not by way of limitation, a computer-readable storage medium may include a semiconductor-based or other integrated circuit (IC) (such as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific IC (ASIC), a hard disk, an HDD, a hybrid hard drive (HHD), an optical disc, an optical disc drive (ODD), a magneto-optical disc, a magneto-optical drive, a floppy disk, a floppy disk drive (FDD), magnetic tape, a holographic storage medium, a solid-state drive (SSD), a RAM-drive, a SECURE DIGITAL card, a SECURE DIGITAL drive, a flash memory card, a flash memory drive, or any other suitable tangible computer-readable storage medium or a combination of two or more of these, where appropriate. Particular embodiments may include one or more computer-readable storage media implementing any suitable storage. In particular embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium implements one or more portions of a controller as appropriate. In particular embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium implements RAM or ROM. In particular embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium implements volatile or persistent memory. In particular embodiments, one or more computer-readable storage media embody encoded software. In this patent application, reference to encoded software may encompass one or more applications, bytecode, one or more computer programs, one or more executables, one or more instructions, logic, machine code, one or more scripts, or source code, and vice versa, where appropriate, that have been stored or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium. In particular embodiments, encoded software includes one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) stored or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium. Particular embodiments may use any suitable encoded software written or otherwise expressed in any suitable programming language or combination of programming languages stored or encoded in any suitable type or number of computer-readable storage media. In particular embodiments, encoded software may be expressed as source code or object code. In particular embodiments, encoded software is expressed in a higher-level programming language, such as, for example, C, Python, Java, or a suitable extension thereof. In particular embodiments, encoded software is expressed in a lower-level programming language, such as assembly language (or machine code). In particular embodiments, encoded software is expressed in JAVA. In particular embodiments, encoded software is expressed in Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), or other suitable markup language. Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. Although certain computer-implemented tasks are described as being performed by a particular entity, other embodiments are possible in which these tasks are performed by a different entity. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized, the processes described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. | 18,116 |
11859876 | The reference numbers used therein are explained as follows:100—indoor unit,101—indoor heat exchanger,102—indoor unit temperature unit,200—outdoor unit,201—compressor,202—outdoor heat exchanger,203—first four-way valve,204—second four-way valve,205—high pressure sensor,206—low pressure sensor,300—hydraulic module,301—heat exchange water tank,302—check valve,303—water temperature unit, EXV1—first outdoor expansion valve, EXV2—second outdoor expansion valve, EXV3—third outdoor expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more comprehensively below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive. Referring toFIG.1, in this embodiment, an air conditioning system includes an indoor unit100, an outdoor unit200, and a hydraulic module300. The outdoor unit200includes a compressor201, an outdoor heat exchanger202, a first four-way valve203, a second four-way valve204, and a plurality of outdoor expansion valves (for ease of understanding, three outdoor expansion valves are shown, namely, the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1, the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2, and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3). The hydraulic module300includes a heat exchange water tank301, wherein the heat exchange water tank301includes a refrigerant flow path and a water flow path. The water flow path is connected to the water side through an outlet pipe and a return pipe respectively. In this embodiment, ports d, e, c, and s of the first four-way valve203are connected to an output end of the compressor201, the indoor unit100, port g of the second four-way valve204, and an air return end of the compressor201, respectively. Ports h, i, and f of the second four-way valve204are connected to the outdoor heat exchanger202, the air return end of the compressor201, and one end of the refrigerant flow path of the heat exchange water tank301, respectively. The other end of the refrigerant flow of the heat exchange water tank301is connected in a bypass manner between a first solenoid valve120and the outdoor heat exchanger202220via a first check valve302250. The outdoor unit200is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger202220. The outdoor heat exchanger202comprises three heat exchange coils arranged in parallel in the wind direction of the wind blades thereof, wherein the three heat exchange coils are connected together at one end to connect to port h of the second four-way valve204240, and the other end of the three heat exchange coils are connected to a first outdoor expansion valve EXV1, a second outdoor expansion valve EXV2, and a third outdoor expansion valve EXV3respectively, and then joint together to connect to the outdoor unit200. The system further comprises an indoor unit temperature unit102arranged in the indoor unit100for detecting and obtaining the outlet temperature value of the indoor unit100, a water temperature unit303arranged at the heat exchange water tank301for detecting and obtaining water temperature, and a high-pressure sensor205and a low-pressure sensor206arranged at the output end and the air return end of the compressor201, respectively. In this embodiment, the indoor unit100includes at least two indoor heat exchangers101arranged in parallel. Each indoor heat exchanger101is provided with an indoor unit temperature unit102for monitoring the outlet temperature of each indoor heat exchanger101. To facilitate understanding, a further description is provided with regard to a control method of the above-mentioned air-conditioning system. In this embodiment, the control method of the air-conditioning system includes a cooling mode, a heating mode, a heat recovery mode, and a hot water production mode. When the air-conditioning system is powered on and runs in any mode, the opening and closing conditions of each outdoor expansion valve are adjusted correspondingly based on the predetermined conditions for each mode. In this embodiment, when the air-conditioning system is powered on and runs in the cooling mode, the opening and closing conditions of the outdoor expansion valves are adjusted correspondingly based on a cooling demand ratio φ1between a cooling capacity demand N1of the indoor unit100in operation and an overall cooling capacity Nt1of the indoor unit100, and the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted correspondingly based on the discharge pressure Tp of the compressor201, wherein the larger the cooling demand ratio φ1, the greater the number of outdoor expansion valves opened, namely, when φ1<30%, open the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and close the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3; when 30%≤φ1≤60%, open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and close the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3; when φ1>60%, open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1, the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2, and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3. The overall cooling capacity Nt1of the indoor unit100is a fixed value of the air-conditioning system, which is determined by the specification of the air-conditioning system. The cooling capacity demand N1of the indoor unit100in operation is determined by the user demand, which is a variable value. The larger the demand N1, the larger the cooling demand ratio φ1. According to the value range of the cooling demand ratio φ1, corresponding outdoor expansion valves are opened or closed to adapt to different capacity demands N1. Secondly, the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted according to the discharge pressure Tp of the compressor201to ensure that each outdoor expansion valve can meet the predetermined operating requirements of the air conditioning system. Further, during the operation in the cooling mode, the blade speed of the outdoor heat exchanger202is adjusted according to the high pressure value Ph. When the high pressure value Ph>2.5 MPa, the blade speed is increased; when 1.9 MPa≤the high pressure value Ph≤2.5 MPa, the blade speed is maintained at the rated speed; when the high pressure value Ph<1.9 MPa, the blade speed is reduced. The high pressure value Ph herein is obtained from real-time monitoring of a high pressure sensor205provided at the output end of the compressor201, so as to dynamically adjust the rotation speed of the blades of the outdoor heat exchanger202. In this embodiment, when the air-conditioning system is powered on and runs in the heating mode, the opening and closing conditions of the outdoor expansion valves are adjusted correspondingly based on a heating demand ratio φ2between an actual heating capacity demand N2of the indoor unit100in operation and an overall heating capacity Nt2of the indoor unit100, and the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted according to the discharge pressure Tp of the compressor201, wherein the greater the heating demand ratio φ2, the greater the number of outdoor expansion valves opened, namely, when φ2<30%, open the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and close the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3; when 30%≤φ2≤60%, open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and close the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3; when φ2>60%, open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1, the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3. The overall cooling capacity Nt2of the indoor unit100is a fixed value of the air-conditioning system, which is determined by the specification of the air-conditioning system. The actual cooling capacity demand N2of the indoor unit100in operation is determined by the user demand, which is a variable value. The larger the capacity demand N2, the larger the cooling demand ratio φ2. According to the value range of the cooling demand ratio φ2, corresponding outdoor expansion valves are opened or closed to adapt to different capacity demands N2. Secondly, the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted according to the discharge pressure Tp of the compressor201to ensure that each outdoor expansion valve can meet the predetermined operating requirements of the air conditioning system. Further, during the operation in the heating mode, the blade speed of the outdoor heat exchanger202is adjusted according to the low pressure value P1. When the low pressure value P1>1.0 MPa, the blade speed is reduced; when 0.6 MPa≤the low pressure value P1≤1.0 MPa, the blade speed is maintained at the rated speed; when the low pressure value P1<0.6 MPa, the blade speed is increased. The low pressure value P1herein is obtained from real-time monitoring of a low pressure sensor206provided at the air return end of the compressor201, so as to dynamically adjust the rotation speed of the blades of the outdoor heat exchanger202. In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system is powered on and runs in the heat recovery mode, the opening and closing conditions of the outdoor expansion valves are adjusted accordingly based on the initial outlet temperature value T2B of the indoor unit100in operation. During the operation in the heat recovery mode, the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′ of the indoor unit100is continuously monitored and the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted at intervals of a rated period based on the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′. The initial outlet temperature value T2B herein is the average value of the outlet temperature values monitored by each indoor unit temperature unit102in operation, and the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′ is the average value of the outlet temperatures monitored by each indoor unit temperature unit102during operation. In this embodiment, upon power-on to operate in the heat recovery mode, if T2B<6° C., the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2is opened and the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3are closed; if 6° C.≤T2B≤12° C., the number of outdoor expansion valves that are currently open is maintained unchanged; if T2B>12° C., the first outdoor expansion valve, the second outdoor expansion valve, and the third outdoor expansion valve are all opened. Thus, corresponding outdoor expansion valves are opened or closed according to the value range of the initial outlet temperature value T2B. In this embodiment, during the operation in the heat recovery mode, if the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′>12° C., the opening degree of one of the outdoor expansion valves is reduced, wherein if the opening degree of said outdoor expansion valve is adjusted to the minimum but the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′ is still greater than 12° C., the opening degree of another outdoor expansion valve is reduced and the adjustment action is repeated; if the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′<6° C., the opening degree of one of the outdoor expansion valves is increased, wherein if the opening degree of said outdoor expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum but the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′ is still less than 6° C., the opening degree of another outdoor expansion valve is increased and the adjustment action is repeated; if 6° C.≤the real-time outlet temperature value T2B′≤12° C., the opening degree of each outdoor expansion valve is maintained unchanged. Through the above adjustment action of each outdoor expansion valve, the real-time outlet temperature value T2B is adjusted to between 6-12° C., so that the air-conditioning system can run smoothly and in an energy-saving manner. Further, during the operation in the heat recovery mode, the blade speed of the outdoor heat exchanger202is adjusted according to the low pressure value P1. When the low pressure value P1>1.0 MPa, the blade speed is reduced; when 0.6 MPa≤the low pressure value P1≤1.0 MPa, the blade speed is maintained at the rated speed; when the low pressure value P1<0.6 MPa, the blade speed is increased. The low pressure value P1herein is obtained from real-time monitoring of the low pressure sensor206provided at the air return end of the compressor201, so as to dynamically adjust the rotation speed of the blades of the outdoor heat exchanger202. In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system is powered on and runs in the hot water production mode, based on the water temperature difference ΔT between the actual water temperature T5and the preset water temperature Ts of the hydraulic module300, the opening and closing conditions of the outdoor expansion valves are adjusted accordingly, and the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted correspondingly based on the discharge pressure Tp of the compressor. The preset water temperature Ts herein is a temperature set by a user as required, and the actual water temperature T5is monitored and obtained by the water temperature unit303disposed at the heat exchange water tank301. The water temperature difference ΔT equals to the preset water temperature Ts minus the actual water temperature T5, namely: when the water temperature difference ΔT>20° C., open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1, the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3; when the water temperature difference ΔT<5° C., open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and close the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2and the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3; when 5° C.≤the water temperature difference ΔT≤20° C., open the first outdoor expansion valve EXV1and the second outdoor expansion valve EXV2, and close the third outdoor expansion valve EXV3. Therefore, the opening degree of each outdoor expansion valve is adjusted according to the real-time water temperature difference ΔT, and the opening degree of each open outdoor expansion valve is adjusted according to the discharge pressure Tp of the compressor201to ensure that each outdoor expansion valve can adapt to the predetermined operating requirements of the air-conditioning system. In this embodiment, during the operation in the hot water production mode, the blade speed of the outdoor heat exchanger202is adjusted according to the low pressure value P1. When the low pressure value P1>1.0 MPa, the blade speed is reduced; when 0.6 MPa≤the low pressure value P1≤1.0 MPa, the blade speed is maintained at the rated speed; when the low pressure value P1<0.6 MPa, the blade speed is increased. Through the above embodiments, various operating states and adjustment actions of the air-conditioning system in different operating modes are described respectively, so as to adapt to different situations, so that the air-conditioning system can match the heat exchange conditions of the outdoor heat exchanger202according to different loads, thereby ensuring that the air-conditioning system operates optimally and achieves the effect of energy saving and stable operation. The above-mentioned embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any form. Any variations or modifications to the technical solution of the present invention made by those familiar with the art using the technical contents disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, are regarded as equivalent embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made according to the technical concept of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall be covered by the protection scope of the present invention. | 16,087 |
11859877 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A recognised need in the art has been the requirement to enhance the performance of the adsorbent bed that is used in heat exchangers in order to improve the cycle overall performance. Amongst other factors the key parameters that determine the efficiency of the performance of an adsorbent bed are heat and mass transfer aspects. Mass transfer influences both adsorption capacity and adsorption uptake rate. Heat transfer is critical for delivery and extraction of both desorption and adsorption heat, respectively. Other parameters that also affect adsorbent bed performance include adsorbent porosity and pore size, granular size and adsorbent to metal mass ratio. Heat transfer is subject to multiple levels of resistance within the adsorbent bed. These include the resistance induced by metal to secondary fluid convective heat transfer, conductive heat transfer resistance through the wall of the exchanger, metal to adsorbent contact heat transfer, and conductive heat transfer resistance through adsorbent material. Of these, the heat transfer resistance engendered by metal to adsorbent contact interface plays a predominant role in affecting the efficiency of a heat exchanger, and is dependent on the nature and level of physical contact between the adsorbent and the heat exchanger metal. For example, in simple granular packed adsorbent bed systems, even though the mass transfer performance is very high, the level of heat transfer performance is generally low due to high contact thermal resistance between the adsorbent granules and the heat exchanger metal surface. It is possible to enhance heat transfer performance of adsorbent material that is used in an adsorbent bed, by mixing adsorbent granules with metal additives to increase thermal conductivity, coating of bed heat exchanger metal with the adsorbent and avoiding the use of granules totally in order to eliminate all contact thermal resistance, covering the adsorbent granules with a polyaniline net, adsorbent deposition over metallic foam, and use of consolidated bed methods. One of the techniques to enhance heat transfer performance by increasing overall thermal conductivity is by adding metal particles such as aluminium, copper, or graphite/expanded graphite to adsorbent granules of zeolitic materials. While it is reported that the thermal conductivity increases significantly, and the method is also easy to follow, the limitations appear to be a reduction in mass transfer performance and also material limitations. The latter is a serious limitation since it limits the scope of applications where such adsorbent beds are used. Another technique that is discussed in the art as a replacement to the granular bed approach is to avoid their use altogether and instead coat the metal of the heat exchanger with the adsorbent. This generally involves use of an organic agent to clean the metal surface, formation of a slurry of the adsorbent with an organic binder, and then application on the cleaned metal surface, followed by heating to remove the residual binder. Several different coating techniques are discussed and disclosed in the art. One advantage of this method is that it avoids the heat contact resistance of adsorbent and metal significantly. This method has been considered an alternative to the granular bed approach. Another method that is discussed in the art is the formation of a polymeric net such as a polyaniline net over the granular bed. This can be done in situ using oxidative in situ polymerisation of aniline on the surface of the adsorbent granules. The disadvantage noted with this method is that while heat transfer resistance is reduced, the mass transfer performance is affected adversely. Other attempts include deposition of adsorbent over a metallic foam. One example of this method includes deposition of zeolite and copper metal foam. The method essentially comprises coating of the metallic part of the heat exchanger with an epoxy resin, a foaming agent and a metal powder. The adsorbent material is deposited using a colloidal seed solution. For example, in the case of zeolite, this involves seeding, followed by hydrothermal synthesis, washing and drying. It is reported that this method improves the heat transfer characteristics significantly, but results in an increase in metallic mass. The consolidated bed approach relies on several different steps. For example, compressed adsorbent granules and clay, expandable graphite, moulding granules and addition of binder and metallic foam impregnated with adsorbent granules. It is reported that this method results in a significant increase in heat transfer performance. However, the method may not be efficient in the case of all adsorbent materials, and also has the limitation of bed permeability and cracking. As can be seen, the approaches that have been proposed in the art look at various solutions as alternatives to the granular bed approach. Conventional wisdom in the art is that granular bed approach adversely affects heat transfer performance, and the only solution is to seek a replacement for this method. The applicants herein have determined that a hybrid approach provides not only the mass transfer performance which is a significant advantage of the granular bed approach, but also enhanced heat transfer performance. The method of the invention involves an integrated approach to heat exchanger performance enhancement which involves not only adopting a coating for the metal portions of a heat exchanger (or parts thereof), but also ensuring the presence of additional adsorbent material provided between such metallic parts. It has been observed in test studies that such a hybrid adsorbent based heat exchanger provides significant performance enhancement both in terms of heat and mass transfer characteristics. The object of this invention is to provide a hybrid adsorption heat exchanger that is compact, efficient in converting input cooling power and affordable. The essence of the invention involves heat transfer enhancement by a hybridisation technique which includes both coating of the heat exchanger fins as well as use of loose porous adsorbent materials between the fins. A refrigerant such as water/ammonia/ethanol/methanol/other assorted refrigerants are exothermically adsorbed and endothermically desorbed, from the porous adsorbent, which is usually packed in an adsorbent bed having good heat transfer characteristics of a single adsorbent. In an adsorbent bed, the major thermal resistances come from the fin of the adsorber and adsorbent material which can be fully eliminated through coating of the adsorbent material. The specific power is intensified through packing of loose adsorbent grains between the coated fins. The invention combines the coated adsorbent as well as packing of the loose adsorbent grains or alternate means such as glass fibres wherein desiccant is either generated in situ or are pre-impregnated, or a combination of different means such as granules and glass fibres. FIGS.1,1(a) and1(b) are a representation of a typical finned type block adsorber that is used in the adsorber and desorber heat exchangers. FIGS.2,2(a) and2(b) are a representation of a typical finned type tube adsorber that is used in heat exchangers. FIG.3(a)is a representation of prior art finned block adsorbers wherein the adsorber bed is filled/packed with granular adsorbents. As is evident fromFIG.3(a), the secondary fluid flows through the adsorber heat exchange tube, and the fins are provided on the external surface of the heat exchange tube. The interstitial spaces between the fins are packed with adsorber granules. The tube itself may be made of a metal such as copper which promotes heat transfer. The granular packing is finally covered with a metallic mesh. The fins are typically made of aluminium. FIG.3(b)is a representation of prior art finned block adsorbers. The secondary fluid flows through the adsorber heat exchange tube, and the fins are provided on the external surface of the heat exchange tube. The interstitial spaces between the fins are vacant. The tube itself may be made of a metal such as copper which promotes heat transfer. The granular packing inFIG.4(a)is finally covered with a metallic mesh. The fins are typically made of aluminium and are coated with the adsorbent material using techniques disclosed in the art. The coating procedures are discussed in some detail in this document, and involve the use of resins and binders to ensure uniform deposition of adsorbent on the fins. FIG.4(b)is a representation of an adsorbent bed wherein the fins of the adsorber heat exchange tube are coated with a first adsorbent material and the interstitial spaces between the fins filled with a second adsorbent material comprising desiccant coated paper. The desiccant coated substrate may be one wherein the desiccant is coated or impregnated into the glass fiber or may be one wherein the desiccant is generated in situ. The first and second adsorbents may be same or different. The coating can be uniform across the external surface of the heat exchange tube. In the alternative, only the fins are coated, and the surface of the heat exchanger tube between two fins remains uncoated. FIG.4(c)is a representation of an adsorbent bed wherein the fins of the adsorber heat exchange tube are coated with a first adsorbent material and the interstitial spaces between the fins filled with a second adsorbent material comprising corrugated desiccant coated substrate block. The desiccant coated substrate may be one wherein the desiccant is coated or impregnated into the glass fiber or may be one wherein the desiccant is generated in situ. The first and second adsorbents may be same or different. The coating can be uniform across the external surface of the heat exchange tube. In the alternative, only the fins are coated, and the surface of the heat exchanger tube between two fins remains uncoated. FIG.4(d)andFIG.4(e)are representations of an adsorbent bed wherein the fins of the adsorber heat exchange tube are coated with a first adsorbent material and the interstitial spaces between the fins filled with a second adsorbent material comprising either a corrugated or a plain desiccant coated substrate block and adsorbent granules interspersed in between the desiccant coated substrate block. InFIGS.4(b),4(c) and4(d)the substrate blocks are provided perpendicular to the axis of the tube, whereas inFIG.4(e)the substrate blocks are provided parallel to the tube axis. The desiccant coated substrate may be one wherein the desiccant is pre-coated/impregnated into the glass fiber or may be one wherein the desiccant is generated in situ. The first and second adsorbents may be same or different. The coating can be uniform across the external surface of the heat exchange tube. In the alternative, only the fins are coated, and the surface of the heat exchanger tube between two fins remains uncoated. The substrate blocks in cases ofFIG.4(b)toFIG.4(e)may also be perforated to enhance both mass and heat transfer.FIG.4(e)may also be perforated to enhance both mass and heat transfer. FIG.4(f)is a representation of an adsorbent bed wherein the fins of the adsorber heat exchange tube are coated with a first adsorbent material and the interstitial spaces between the fins filled with a second adsorbent material comprising adsorbent granules. The fins are corrugated in this embodiment and may also if desired, be perforated in any desired pattern in order to enhance heat and mass transfer. The first and second adsorbents may be same or different. The coating can be uniform across the external surface of the heat exchange tube. In the alternative, only the fins are coated, and the surface of the heat exchanger tube between two fins remains uncoated. FIG.5is a representation of heat transfer regions in a coated fin, and is described in detail below. FIG.6is a representation of a substrate material that is coated with adsorbent, and perforations are provided thereon in predetermined or desired patterns. This substrate material can be converted into the external extensions (fins), for the heat exchanger, and adsorbent material filled in the beds formed thereby. The invention essentially resides in hybridising the adsorbent bed such that not only is the fin coated with an adsorbent material, the interstitial spaces between the fins are provided with an additional adsorbent material. The second filler adsorbent material may be the same as the adsorbent material provided in the coating or may be different. For example, the filler adsorbent material may be in the form of granules that are available such as zeolite material, activated carbon, activated alumina, or silica gel. Alternatively, the filler material can comprise fibers or sheets of glass, ceramic, activated carbon, graphite, organic or inorganic substances having adsorbent material provided thereon either by coating, dipping, impregnation or by formation in situ or any other method. The hybrid heat exchanger of the invention provides flexibility in combining different adsorbent forms. Tests establish that this hybrid heat exchanger provides significant enhancement both in terms of mass transfer and heat transfer performance. The approach to the invention comprised assessing current state of the art in respect of granular adsorbent provided within an uncoated finned space. It is known in the art that the efficiency (specific capacity) of such systems is around 100 watts per liter of adsorbent heat exchanger. In view of this, the approach was to: a. increase the watts output per liter of adsorbent heat exchanger volume, thus decreasing the overall volume, footprint and cost. b. to improve the adsorption and desorption kinetics in order to additionally enhance the watts per absorber heat exchanger output thus further reducing the footprint, volume and cost of the adsorption chiller. The present invention achieves both simultaneously. In order to increase and optimize the performance of adsorbent heat exchanging devices, multiple variables were utilized. These comprise: 1. Substrate: the hybrid absorber heat exchanger of the invention relies on one part of the heat exchanger having an adsorbent adhered thereto. The invention provides flexibility in terms of substrate choice depending on the method of adhesion that is employed to ensure adhering of the adsorbent to the substrate. The substrates can be aluminum foil, copper foil, organic metal fiber sheet, inorganic fiber sheet carbon reinforced plastic, etc. The fin types include flat/plain, corrugated, louvered, sine wave, rippled, pyramid, or pin type. 2. Substrate thickness: The substrate thickness, depending on the type of support the substrate provides to the adsorbent, and thermal conductivity as part of the overall heat exchanger design, will typically range from 0.5 mm-2.0 mm, more typically from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. 3. Substrate shape: Depending on the choice of the substrate, the substrate may be flat, corrugated, square sign wave, or differently shaped e.g. triangular etc. 4. Adsorbent: The adsorbent material to be adhered to the substrate will typically be silica gel, molecular sieve, composites, or activated carbon, and can also comprise under development adsorbents which have a high surface area and are heat transfer fluid tolerant. For example, if water is used as the refrigerant, then the adsorbent should be water tolerant. If other refrigerants are used in the adsorption chillers such as ethanol, methanol and ammonia and HFC based refrigerants, the adsorbents should be chemically inert to such refrigerants. Some of these adsorbents already exist while others are under development. Typically these would be from the family of MOFs, aluminum phosphate, COFs, FAMs and FMMs, composites, etc. As the enhanced surface area and bulk density are complementary factors, the adsorbents of choice can depend on both the useful capacity under operating capacity of boundaries of the adsorbent but will be of higher bulk density so that the overall adsorption, and hence the specific performance in kW per adsorbent heat exchanger, is maximized. Further the kinetics of the adsorbent, in terms of adsorption and desorption, and the means to enhance the ‘kinetics’ of a given adsorbent, will also play a significant role to maximize the overall capacity in terms of Watt per liter of adsorbent heat exchanger. These adsorbents, to enhance the useful capacity, can further be doped with doping agents such as inorganic metal salts such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium bromide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, calcium nitrate, manganese chloride etc., To improve the thermal conductivity of the heat flow from within the adsorbent to the substrate, as well as overall kinetics, use can be made of adding highly conductive materials like graphite, expanded graphite, copper powder etc. in small quantities. In some cases, there can be a combination of both doping and addition of thermally conductive materials. 5. General methods of adhering the adsorbent to the substrate: There are several known methods, as enumerated below, of adhering the adsorbent to the substrate but this invention is not limited to the existing art or methods: a. One method of adhering the desiccant to the substrate, particularly impervious substrates, is to use non-masking binders or glues. The binder of glues can be inorganic, organic and also the combination of both. b. Substrates, particularly porous substrates, the adsorbent can be impregnated again with the help of suitable non masking binders/loops. The binder of glues can be inorganic, organic and also the combination of both. The impregnation may also include a dip coating method. c. In yet another method, the substrate, particularly porous substrate, the adsorbent can be synthesized in situ without the use of binders of glues. d. In yet another method, starting with the substrate, typically an aluminum foil, the adsorbent can be synthesized in situ on the surface of the substrate, utilizing the substrate material as one of the elements to grow the adsorbent crystals. Heat transfer in the adsorbent bed is managed by regeneration and adsorption using a secondary fluid such as water. For the heat transfer to and from the secondary fluid there are four heat transfer resistances as is shown inFIG.5. The resistances are: R.1 The convective heat transfer resistance between the secondary fluid and the metal wall. R.2 The heat transfer resistance through the wall of the heat exchanger. R.3 The contact heat transfer resistance between the metal and adsorbent. R.4 The conductive heat transfer resistance through the desiccant mass As can be seen the heat exchanging device design can affect the heat transfer resistances. In the above, R3 is predominant and most significant. Thus far, the effort and attempt has been to coat adsorbents on the heat exchanger metal surface, typically the extended fin, typically aluminium. In doing so the conductive heat transfer resistance through the desiccant mass (R4) has been ignored and eliminated as no further adsorbent is placed between the extended heat exchanger surfaces. While the benefit is gained through reduction of R3, there is a significant trade off and loss of adsorption capacity and therefore mass transfer as the amount/mass of desiccant gets limited in the applied coating, thus reducing the adsorbent to metal mass ratio. The present invention aims to maintain a near optimal adsorbent to metal mass ratio by combining the desiccant coated extended surface of metal/fin by not only reducing R3 but also considerably improve the kinetics, along with the use of granular material within the coated fins spaces even though limited R4 will be encountered, thus providing an overall performance enhancement of >35/40% in terms of Watts per liter of adsorbent heat exchanger using the traditional adsorbent heat exchanger with adsorbent granular material packed within the heat exchanger fin surface. There are also other methods of filling the voids as described hereinafter. The adsorbent is adhered to the substrate by applying silica gel granular/powder to aluminum foil using a non-masking binder from a class of organic and as well as separately inorganic binders, and also using pore cleaning agent[s] for the adsorbent. Zeolites can also be used instead of silica gel. The coating on the extensions can be achieved by any method that is already known, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,053,032 (direct crystallization of a zeolite layer on a substrate), US Patent Publication 2010/0136326 (coating the substrate surface with a silicate layer obtained through solvothermal synthesis), US Patent Publication 2011/0183836 (coating an aluminium containing substrate with a microporous layer of aluminium phosphate zeolite), or any other method known in the art for coating the substrate and fins. Irrespective of the method of adhering the adsorbent to the substrate or the substrate type, the amount of adsorbent has to be optimal so that too much adsorbent does not inhibit heat transfer from the outside layer to the heat exchanger. Typically the adsorbent quantity can vary from 10 GSM to 500 GSM but will more specifically lie within 150 to 300 GSM depending upon the adsorbent, the method of adhering the absorbent to the substrate, the bulk density of adsorbent and the use, if any, of the binder/glue. In the hybrid adsorbent heat exchanger, while the heat exchanger surface has adsorbent adhered to by means and methods explained above but not limited thereto, in the present invention, the adsorbent is filled within the voids of the extended fin heat exchanger surface. The choice of the type and methods of placement of such adsorbents can be as follows: 1. Plane naturally granular adsorbent, of suitable mesh size e.g. silica gel 2. Adsorbent in powder form but made into granules of suitable mesh. 3. Adsorbent adhere to a substrate, as a sheet, or as sheet glass or in any other shape e.g. corrugated, square/rectangular, triangular etc. with or without doping, with or without thermally conductive additives like expanded graphite, graphene etc. In the present invention of the hybrid heat exchanger, extensive testing has been done using granular silica gel. In the application of adsorption chillers, while there is a choice of many working pairs of adsorbent and refrigerants, the most typically and commonly used or employed is the silica gel-water pair. In most adsorption chillers under manufacturer and also the research being done in this field around the world, the outstanding silica gel of choice is and has been the high density granular or beaded silica gel as available from Fuji Sylsia Co. Ltd., Japan. This material typically has a surface area in the range of 600-800 m2/g and bulk density of 700-900 g/liter, depending upon the whether the material is beaded or granular, and if granular on the mesh side. The present invention also benchmarks a new hybrid adsorbent heat exchanger with the traditional adsorbent heat exchanger using Fuji RD type silica gel. Fuji RD type silica gel, because of its characteristics and kinetics, has become the adsorbent of choice for silica gel-water pair based adsorption chillers, globally, both in commercial production and research. Applicants herein have also developed a proprietary silica gel labeled S2, which through extensive testing, has shown outstanding performance potential as an adsorbent for silica gel-water based adsorption chillers. Examples of its performance and kinetics are shown inFIGS.7-11. Adsorption capacity of adsorbent/refrigerant pair depends on the porous properties (pore size, pore volume and pore diameter) of adsorbent and isothermal characteristics of the pair. The porous properties of various zeolites, silica gels, activated carbons, activated alumina, MOFs (metal-organic frameworks), COFs (covalent organic frameworks), and FAMs (functional adsorbent materials) are presented which are determined from the nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The standard nitrogen gas adsorption/desorption measurements on various adsorbents at liquid nitrogen of temperature 77.4 K are performed. Surface area of each adsorbent is determined by the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) plot of nitrogen adsorption data. Table 1 shows the surface area, pore volume and apparent density of silica gels (A and RD type), activated carbon fibers of type FX-400 and A 20, granular activated carbon, activated carbon powder of type Maxsorb III and two different MOFs. As can be seen from Table 1, the BET surface area of Maxsorb III and MIL-101Cr are as high as 3140 and 4100 m2/g, respectively. However, utilization of Maxsorb III and MIL-101Cr as adsorbents in commercial adsorption chillers has been hindered due mainly to its cost, which is above USD 300 per kg. On the other hand silica gels have been used in commercial adsorption chillers and the cost of silica gel samples is around 10-15 USD per kg. TABLE 1Porous properties of various potential adsorbent materials.PoreApparentSurface areavolumedensityAdsorbent(m2· g−1)(cm3· g−1)(g · cm−3)Silica gel (type A)6500.280.73Silica gel (type RD)7200.370.7Silica gel (type S2)7000.34-0.73Activated carbon fiber (FX 400)700-25000.5-1.40.3Activated carbon Fiber (A-20)19001.0280.25Granular activated carbon700-15000.5-1.00.4Highly porous activated31401.70.31carbon (Maxsorb III)Zr6O4(OH)4(Linker)620640.97—MIL-101Cr41002.0 Turning now toFIG.7onwards, the graphical representations display the enhanced adsorbent capacity of the invention. FIG.7shows the adsorption isotherms of parent silica gel S2/water and coated S2/water adsorbent/refrigerant pairs for adsorption temperature of 30° C. and pressure ranges from 0.7 to 3.8 kPa. For the said adsorption isotherm, the adsorbent sample temperature is kept constant whilst the evaporator temperature increases stepwise until the relative pressure reaches above 0.9. It can be seen fromFIG.7that, the adsorption capacity of silica gel S2/water pair is as high as 0.34 kg kg−1at adsorption temperature of 30° C. and pressure at around 3.6 kPa. The adsorption capacity of coated silica gel S2/water pair is similar to that of the parent S2/water pair. It can be observed that, for both parent S2/water pair and coated S2/water pairs, the adsorption capacity increases linearly with the increase of pressure in the whole studied range. FIGS.8and9show the adsorption uptake data of silica gel S2/water pair for temperatures 30-70° C. and pressure up to 5 kPa and 15 kPa, respectively. The former pressure rage is suitable for adsorption cooling applications and the relatively higher pressures are required for adsorption desalination applications. As can be observed fromFIGS.8and9, the adsorption uptake values increase linearly with the increase in pressure for all measured adsorption temperatures, which implies that the parent silica gel S2/water paper is suitable for both adsorption cooling and desalination applications. FIG.10shows the adsorption isotherms of silica gel S2/water pair and silica gel RD/water pair for temperatures between 30 and 70° C. and pressure up to 5 kPa, which is the operation range of silica gel/water based adsorption chillers. It is evident fromFIG.10that the adsorption isotherms data of silica gel S2/water and silica gel RD/water pairs are comparable and one can choose either adsorbent depending on the cost and availability of the adsorbent. FIGS.11(a),11(b) and11(c)show the temporal profiles of adsorption uptake and pressure of the silica gel S2/water pair at adsorption temperatures of 30, 50 and 70° C., respectively. It is visible fromFIGS.11(a)-11(c)that the adsorption kinetics of the studied pair is relatively faster at the early stages of adsorption processes. Moreover, more than 80% of total uptake occurs within the first 5 minutes and thus the silica gel S2/water pair seems to suitable for adsorption cooling applications. The starting point for the production of an adsorption heat exchanger in accordance with the invention is at first a heat exchanger structure which is produced separately. It is produced according to the known method from materials of high thermal conductivity. Suitable for this purpose have proven to be metallic systems such as ones made of copper, aluminum, carbon, reinforced plastic or special steel. Ceramic materials or combined material systems are also possible. Suitable heat exchanger structures realize a circulation system for a heat carrier medium which is in connection with the outside area of the adsorption heat exchanger. In addition, heating wires or other heat sources can be embedded for heating the heat exchanger structures. In order to produce the largest possible surface towards the sorbent material system, a lamella-like or honeycomb-like structure is preferred. It can also be in the form of a sponge or foam. Based on this heat exchanger structure which is produced separately at first, an inside coating with sorbent material is now carried out as follows. In a first method step, an adhesive layer is applied to the wall of the heat exchanger facing towards the sorbent material, which hereinafter shall be referred to as inside wall. An adhesive is used for this purpose which forms a solid layer at first. For realizing said adhesive layers it is possible to use different methods such as immersion, flooding or spraying. The method steps of adhesive coating can further be repeated for setting an optimal layer thickness. It is especially advantageous in this respect to set the viscosity of the applied adhesive by tempering or by enriching or evaporation with solvents for example. It is alternatively also possible to apply the adhesive in a solid powdery state to the walls of the heat exchanger. Such powder coating is especially useful in planar heat exchanger structures. The heat exchanger can further be filled at first with powdery adhesive which is then activated by heating of the heat exchanger structure in regions of the heat exchanger close to the wall, so that there is bonding in the area close to the walls and the subsequent removal of the non-adhering powdery adhesive material from the areas remote of the walls is possible by shaking, blowing or rinsing. Irrespective of the choice of adhesive or the chosen application method, the adhesive layer in the region close to the wall must adhere at least in such a stable manner that during the subsequent method step in which the sorbent material is introduced into the heat exchanger there is no functionally impairing mixture of the adhesive of the sorbent material. After the coating steps are completed and the coating on the metallic portions are dry, the interstitial spaces can be filled in with conventional granular adsorbent material, or with glass fiber sheets that are impregnated with adsorbent material (or where the adsorbent is formed in situ using technology proprietary to applicants). Contrary to disclosures in the art, the heat transfer performance of this hybrid heat exchanger is significantly high over what has hitherto been known in the art. Studies show that the heat transfer performance of the hybrid heat exchanger device of the invention are significantly higher than those of either of the two currently available prior art systems—which use either a granular bed or a coated fin system in isolation. The primary difficulty of adsorption heat pumps is the poor heat transfer between the adsorbent materials and the heat transferring media namely cooling medium for adsorption process and heating medium for desorption process. Conventional adsorber heat exchangers or the conventional manner of packing the adsorber materials is packing the adsorbent around the finned-tube of the heat exchanger. This method is widely used due to the simplicity in the manufacturing and the limitation in the attachment or coating technology of the adsorbent to the fins of the heat exchanger. The effective coating of the adsorbent materials on the extended surfaces of the heat exchanger can greatly improve in the heat and mass transfer mechanism of the adsorber of adsorption cycles. Two significantly outstanding features or advantages of the coated adsorber heat exchangers are (1) the improvement in adsorption kinetics via effective heat transfer and (2) the reduction in thermal mass. The major contribution of the former feature is the reduction in cycle time whilst the less thermal mass directly translates to better performance or coefficient of performance (COP). These two features synergistically improve the adsorption cycle both energetically, footprint-wise and more importantly the lowering in capital cost. FIG.13shows the cooling capacity and the COP of the adsorption chiller using conventional packing method, the advanced adsorbent-coated method and the adsorbent-coated hybrid heat exchangers. It should be noted that the evaporator and the condenser remain the same for both cases. It is observed that the adsorbent-coated and adsorbent-coated hybrid types provide significant performance improvement. The overall heat transfer coefficient of the advanced adsorbent-coated and adsorbent-coated hybrid heat exchanger is around350to350W/m2K depending on the adsorber/desorber configuration.FIG.14shows the temperature profiles of the major components of the adsorption chiller for the overall heat transfer coefficient of350W/m2K. As can be seen fromFIG.14, all four heat exchangers work efficiently and the chiller produces effective cooling due to faster adsorption kinetics resulted from improved heat transfer and smaller thermal mass. FIG.15shows the performance comparisons of adsorption chiller for pellet, adsorbent-coated and hybrid heat exchangers. The performance comparisons have been made in terms of specific cooling power (SCP), coefficient of performance (COP) and volumetric efficiency. As can be seen fromFIG.15, the SCP and COP values for coated and hybrid type heat exchangers are comparable. However, SCP increases about 8% and COP increases more than 100% in case of pellet and hybrid type heat exchangers due to faster kinetics and less thermal mass. On the other hand, the volumetric efficiency of hybrid heat exchanger is about 35% higher than the pellet type heat exchanger and about 18% higher than that of the adsorbent-coated heat exchanger due to higher mass of adsorbent in the same volume which results in more cooling power and thus significantly contribute in the reduction of adsorption system footprint and capital cost. Another advantage of the invention that has been observed from studies conducted is that the specific capacity of the hybrid heat exchanger device of the invention is significantly better than those of prior art adsorbers.FIG.12is a comparative representation of the specific capacity, in terms of cooling Watts per liter of adsorbent heat exchanger, both for prior art adsorbers and the potential specific capacity with different hybrid heat exchangers of the present invention. | 35,249 |
11859878 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. An example embodiment of a heat transfer system and its operation are described with respect toFIG.1. As shown inFIG.1, a heat transfer system310comprises an electrocaloric material312with first and second electrical buses314and316in electrical communication with electrodes on the electrocaloric material. The electrocaloric material312is in thermal communication with a heat sink317through a first thermal flow path318, and in thermal communication with a heat source320through a second thermal flow path322. The thermal flow paths can be described with respect thermal transfer through flow of working fluid through control devices326and328(e.g., flow dampers or valves) between the stack and the heat sink and heat source. A controller324is configured to control electrical current to through a power source (not shown) to selectively activate the buses314,316. In some embodiments, the electrocaloric material can be activated by energizing one bus bar/electrode while maintaining the other bus bar/electrode at a neutral voltage. The controller324is also configured to open and close control devices326and328to selectively direct the working fluid along the first and second flow paths318and322. In operation, the system310can be operated by the controller324applying an electric field as a voltage differential across the electrocaloric material312in the stack to cause a decrease in entropy and a release of heat energy by the electrocaloric material312. The controller324opens the control device326to transfer at least a portion of the released heat energy along flow path318to heat sink317. This transfer of heat can occur after the temperature of the electrocaloric material312has risen to a threshold temperature. In some embodiments, heat transfer to the heat sink317is begun as soon as the temperature of the electrocaloric material312increases to be about equal to the temperature of the heat sink317. After application of the electric field for a time to induce a desired release and transfer of heat energy from the electrocaloric material312to the heat sink317, the electric field can be removed. Removal of the electric field causes an increase in entropy and a decrease in heat energy of the electrocaloric material312. This decrease in heat energy manifests as a reduction in temperature of the electrocaloric material312to a temperature below that of the heat source320. The controller324closes control device326to terminate flow along flow path318, and opens control device328to transfer heat energy from the heat source320to the colder electrocaloric material312in order to regenerate the electrocaloric material312for another cycle. In some embodiments, for example where a heat transfer system is utilized to maintain a temperature in a conditioned space or thermal target, the electric field can be applied to the electrocaloric material312to increase temperature until the temperature reaches a first threshold. After the first temperature threshold, the controller324opens control device326to transfer heat from the stack to the heat sink317until a second temperature threshold is reached. The electric field can continue to be applied during all or a portion of the time period between the first and second temperature thresholds, and is then removed to reduce the temperature until a third temperature threshold is reached. The controller324then closes control device326to terminate heat flow transfer along heat flow path318, and opens control device328to transfer heat from the heat source320to the stack. The above steps can be optionally repeated until a target temperature of the conditioned space or thermal target (which can be either the heat source or the heat sink) is reached. In some embodiments, the electrocaloric material312referenced above can comprise an electrocaloric film connected to a frame. The frame can include various configurations, including but not limited to full peripheral frames (e.g., ‘picture’ frames) and components thereof, partial peripheral frames and components thereof, or internal frames and components thereof. In some embodiments, the frame can be part of a repeating modular structure that can be assembled along with a set of electrocaloric films in a stack-like fashion. In some embodiments, the frame can be a unitary structure equipped with one or more attachment points to receive one or more of electrocaloric films. In some embodiments, a heat transfer device can include a plurality of electrocaloric film segments in a stack configuration arranged to provide flow paths for a working fluid between adjacent electrocaloric film segments. A stack of repeating modular framed electrocaloric films46is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view inFIG.2. The order of assembly can be varied and adapted to achieve target specifications, and the order shown inFIG.2is a typical example including peripheral frames10, spacers42, electrocaloric elements having electrocaloric films46with first electrodes48and second electrodes50, and first and second electrically conductive elements24,25electrically connected to the first and second electrodes48,50and to first and second electrical buses52,54, respectively. As shown inFIG.2, the electrocaloric films are disposed in the stack with a configuration such that the relative (top/bottom) orientation of the first and second electrodes48,50is alternated with adjacent films so that each fluid flow path44has electrodes of matching voltage on each side of the fluid flow path44, which can inhibit arcing across the flow path gap. It should be noted that althoughFIG.2discloses individual segments of electrocaloric film attached to a peripheral frame in a picture-frame configuration, other configurations of electrocaloric articles can be utilized such as electrocaloric articles formed from a continuous sheet of electrocaloric film, or different frame configurations such as internal frame components (e.g., stack spacers) or peripheral frames covering less than the full perimeter of the electrocaloric film, or combinations of the above features with each other or other features. Continuous sheets of electrocaloric film can be dispensed directly from a roll and manipulated by bending back and forth into a stack-like configuration, or can be cut into a pre-cut length and bent back and forth into the stack-like configuration. Additional disclosure regarding continuous sheet electrocaloric articles can be found in PCT published application no. WO2017/111916 A1, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/722,736, the disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Also, the stack ofFIG.2or other electrocaloric heat transfer devices can be arranged in a cascade with other electrocaloric heat transfer devices such as disclosed in US Patent Pub. No. 2017/0356679 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As mentioned above, the electrocaloric module includes an electrocaloric material, such as an electrocaloric film that can be formed into a stack-like structure. Examples of electrocaloric materials for the electrocaloric film can include but are not limited to inorganic (e.g., ceramics) or organic materials such as electrocaloric polymers, and polymer/ceramic composites. Composite materials such as organic polymers with inorganic fillers and/or fillers of a different organic polymer. Examples of inorganic electrocaloric materials include but are not limited to PbTiO3(“PT”), Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3(“PMN”), PMN-PT, LiTaO3, barium strontium titanate (BST) or PZT (lead, zirconium, titanium, oxygen). Examples of electrocaloric polymers include, but are not limited to ferroelectric polymers, liquid crystal polymers, and liquid crystal elastomers. Ferroelectric polymers are crystalline polymers, or polymers with a high degree of crystallinity, where the crystalline alignment of polymer chains into lamellae and/or spherulite structures can be modified by application of an electric field. Such characteristics can be provided by polar structures integrated into the polymer backbone or appended to the polymer backbone with a fixed orientation to the backbone. Examples of ferroelectric polymers include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytriethylene fluoride, odd-numbered nylon, copolymers containing repeat units derived from vinylidene fluoride, and copolymers containing repeat units derived from triethylene fluoride. Polyvinylidene fluoride and copolymers containing repeat units derived from vinylidene fluoride have been widely studied for their ferroelectric and electrocaloric properties. Examples of vinylidene fluoride-containing copolymers include copolymers with methyl methacrylate, and copolymers with one or more halogenated co-monomers including but not limited to trifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, trichloroethylene, vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, and other halogenated unsaturated monomers. In some embodiments, the electrocaloric film can include a polymer composition according to WO 2018/004518 A1 or WO 2018/004520 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Liquid crystal polymers, or polymer liquid crystals comprise polymer molecules that include mesogenic groups. Mesogenic molecular structures are well-known, and are often described as rod-like or disk-like molecular structures having electron density orientations that produce a dipole moment in response to an external field such as an external electric field. Liquid crystal polymers typically comprise numerous mesogenic groups connected by non-mesogenic molecular structures. The non-mesogenic connecting structures and their connection, placement and spacing in the polymer molecule along with mesogenic structures are important in providing the fluid deformable response to the external field. Typically, the connecting structures provide stiffness low enough so that molecular realignment is induced by application of the external field, and high enough to provide the characteristics of a polymer when the external field is not applied. In some exemplary embodiments, a liquid crystal polymer can have rod-like mesogenic structures in the polymer backbone separated by non-mesogenic spacer groups having flexibility to allow for re-ordering of the mesogenic groups in response to an external field. Such polymers are also known as main-chain liquid crystal polymers. In some exemplary embodiments, a liquid crystal polymer can have rod-like mesogenic structures attached as side groups attached to the polymer backbone. Such polymers are also known as side-chain liquid crystal polymers. Electrodes on the electrocaloric film can take different forms with various electrically conductive components. The electrodes can be any type of conductive material, including but not limited to metallized layers of a conductive metal such as aluminum or copper, or other conductive materials such as carbon (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene, or other conductive carbon). Noble metals can also be used, but are not required. Other conductive materials such as a doped semiconductor, ceramic, or polymer, or conductive polymers can also be used. In some embodiments, the electrodes can be in the form of metalized layers or patterns on each side of the film such as disclosed in published PCT application WO 2017/111921 A1 or U.S. patent application 62/521,080, the disclosures of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, electrocaloric film thickness can be in a range having a lower limit of 0.1 μm, more specifically 0.5 μm, and even more specifically 1 μm. In some embodiments, the film thickness range can have an upper limit of 1000 μm, more specifically 100 μm, and even more specifically 10 μm. It is understood that these upper and lower range limits can be independently combined to disclose a number of different possible ranges. Within the above general ranges, it has been discovered that thinner films can promote efficiency by reducing parasitic thermal losses, compared to thicker films. As mentioned above, the heat transfer systems disclosed herein include a shunt load to which electrical current can be directed to dissipate electrical charges from electrodes in response to detection of arcing at the electrodes. An example embodiment of a configuration with a shunt load is shown inFIG.3. As shown inFIG.3, an electrical bus62(e.g., of positive voltage) is electrically connected to a positive voltage connection64of a power source, and an electrical bus66of negative voltage is electrically connected to a negative voltage connection68to the power source. If we consider a series of stacked electrodes, it could involve the electrical bus66connected to a neutral voltage connection. Three electrocaloric elements or modules70are shown disposed between and electrically connected to the electrical buses62and66, although other numbers of modules (e.g., “n modules”) can be connected to the electrical buses62/66. The electrocaloric elements or modules70can be individual electrocaloric film segments, or groups of film segments in a stack, or an entire stack of film segments. A set of switches and diodes72/74/76/78is disposed in series with each electrocaloric element or module70, with switches72and diodes74arranged in parallel with switches76and diodes78. The switches72/76can be any type of switch including a simple power switch; however, in some embodiments the switches72/76can be solid state gated devices (e.g., MOSFET or IGBT) made from materials such as silicon, gallium nitride, silicon carbide that receive a control signal to a device gate to connect or disconnect the device source and drain terminals. A resistor80is disposed as a shunt load in parallel with the two switch lines to serve as a shunt load in an arcing event. A controller connector82includes voltage sensing84and current sensing (shown inFIG.3) that receives voltage differential signals IG. These sensors (not shown) disposed at positions to measurement voltage differentials associated with the electrocaloric modules70indicative of arcing, and controls the power flow, the position of switches72and76, and heat flow (e.g., fluid flow) in and out of the electrocaloric modules. During operation, the electrocaloric material in the electrocaloric elements is activated by applying an electric field from energized electrodes. The electrodes are energized during a charging phase by closing switches76and keeping switches72open, with the diodes78allowing for current flow in a direction for charging. The electrodes are de-energized during a discharge phase by closing switches72and keeping switches76open, with the diodes74allowing for current flow in a direction for discharging. In the event of an arc at the electrodes in a module, the power supply received the arcing fault flag from the arc detection controller86, the power system is turned off that waits the clearing arc fault flag, and the switches72and74for that module both open, leaving a shunt path for current discharge through the resistor80. In some embodiments, shunt loads can be disposed in both series and parallel with the electrocaloric elements70, with respect to the power supply connections64/68. An example embodiment of such a configuration is schematically shown inFIG.4, with the same reference numbers used to describe like items without repetitive explanation below, with an additional parallel shunt load (resistor90) in a shunt line88in parallel with the electrocaloric elements/modules70, with respect to the power supply connections64/68. The circuit ofFIG.4operates similar to that ofFIG.3during normal operation, with the switches72and76opening and closing out of sync to provide bi-directional current flow for charging and discharging the electrocaloric elements/modules70. In the event of arcing, the power supply is turned off and a switch92in shunt line88is closed, leaving a parallel shunt path88for current discharge through the resistor90. Switch92can be any type of switch configuration, as described above for switches72and76. The circuit ofFIG.4operates similar to that ofFIG.3during normal operation, with the switches72and76opening and closing out of sync to provide bi-directional current flow for charging and discharging the electrocaloric elements/modules70. It should be noted that althoughFIGS.3and4show systems with three electrocaloric elements/modules70, the arc suppression circuit can be adapted for any number of electrocaloric elements/modules (e.g., “n” modules) as shown inFIG.5.FIG.5also shows an operational state during an arc event for a circuit with both series and parallel shunt loads is schematically shown inFIG.5. As shown inFIG.5, switches72and76are opened and the switch92is closed, and the power supply turned off (or isolated), in response to an instruction from arc detection and control86. The pathways for discharge and dissipation of current in response to the arcing event are shown by red or bold-faced arrows94and96through both shunt loads (resistors80and90). Of course, the above-described embodiments are only representative examples, and variations and modifications can be made by the skilled person. For example, simple resistors have been disclosed for the shunt loads, but any type of resistive load can be utilized, including but not limited to dummy load circuits, PTC device, inductive loads. The operation of a system such as shown inFIGS.4and5is further shown inFIG.6, which shows a plot of voltage and current parameters, and switch settings, for a heat transfer system with two electrocaloric elements/modules70. Charging/discharging voltage from the power source (Vch), charging/discharging current from the power source (Ich), current through each or the electrocaloric elements (iec1and iec2), and position of the switches72,76, and96are plotted over time for each of the electrical operating cycles of the system: charging, dwell time, discharging, rest time, charging again, and an arc event. As shown inFIG.6, the system provides voltage and current parameters as needed for normal operation, and effectively dissipates current in response to an arcing event. Although any directions described herein (e.g., “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “over”, “under”, etc.) are considered to be arbitrary and to not have any absolute meaning but only a meaning relative to other directions. For convenience, unless otherwise indicated, the terms shall be relative to the view of the Figure shown on the page, i.e., “up” or “top” refers to the top of the page, “bottom” or “under” refers to the bottom of the page, “right” to the right-hand side of the page, and “left” to the left-hand side of the page. The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. | 20,724 |
11859879 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a,” “an” and the like generally carry a meaning of “one or more,” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “approximately,” “approximate,” “about,” and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any values therebetween. Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a solar augmented chilled-water cooling system that aims to provide a solution to address peak load during summer hot and humid days. The solar augmented chilled-water cooling system utilizes solar energy to reduce the inlet temperature of condenser water resulting in improved efficiency even during hot and humid conditions. In particular, the present system incorporates a solar energy harvesting unit to capture energy to be utilized by a vapor absorption cycle or a vapor compression cycle to further cool chilled water as received from a cooling tower before being passed to the condenser. This results in improved efficiency of the condenser and thus reduces peak electricity demand even during hot and humid conditions. The present system is designed to be simple enough to be incorporated with existing chilling units. While the implementation of chillers (such as, a cooling tower) improve the cooling efficiency of chiller plants, they may still be prone to underperformance in high-temperature, humid environments, such as that of Saudi Arabia. For instance, it may be noted that during the summer months, some parts of Saudi Arabia experience high temperatures upwards of 45° C. in addition to high humidity, especially in the coastal cities of Dammam, Dhahran and Jeddah which are large population hubs. Such high temperature increases the cooling load (cooling demand) of building units and affects the performance of the chillers. Furthermore, during such times of high cooling load, the chiller also experiences a decrease in its cooling capacity due to the high humid conditions prevailing around the cooling tower reducing the cooling performance of the cooling tower, resulting in high-temperature water going into the condenser of the vapor compression cycle/refrigerant loop. FIG.1illustrates a schematic diagram of a water-chilled cooling system100, sharing certain features of the present disclosure. The water-chilled cooling system100includes a cooling tower110integrated to interact with a water cooled chiller120. In some embodiments, the cooling tower110has a height of from 10 meters (m) to 150 m, preferably 20 m to 140 m, preferably 30 m to 130 m, preferably 40 m to 120 m, preferably 50 m to 110 m, preferably 60 m to 100 m, preferably 70 m to 90 m, or 90 m. In some embodiments, the cooling tower110has a diameter of from 10 m to 100 m, preferably 20 m to 90 m, preferably 30 m to 80 m, preferably 40 m to 70 m, preferably 50 m to 60 m, or 55 m. In some embodiments, the water level in the cooling tower110is maintained by a water level sensor (not shown). In some embodiments, the cooling tower110includes a variable speed-fan for forcing air to the chiller120. In some embodiments, the system100includes multiple cooling towers110in series, preferably 2 to 10 towers, preferably 3 to 9 towers, preferably 4 to 8 towers, preferably 5 to 7 towers, or 6 towers. In the present example, the water cooled chiller120is based on the vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The function of the water cooled chiller120is to generate “chilled water” for air conditioning by removing the unwanted heat from a building. In some embodiments, the refrigerant used by the chiller120is water. In some embodiments, the water refrigerant contains a percentage of glycol, propylene, or corrosion inhibitors. The water cooled chiller120includes an evaporator122, a condenser124, a compressor126and a throttling valve128. The evaporator122generates the chilled water, which is pumped out by a pump130therefrom. In some embodiments, the evaporator122contains chilled water tubes made out of steel, PVC, metal, plastic, iron, or alloys. In some embodiments, the tubes of the evaporator have a diameter of from 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 20 mm to 90 mm, preferably 30 mm to 80 mm preferably 40 mm to 70 mm preferably 50 mm to 60 mm, or 55 mm. In some embodiments, the condenser124can accommodate a flow rate of from 1 gallon/minute to 20 gal/min, preferably 2 gal/min to 18 gal/min, preferably 4 gal/min to 16 gal/min, preferably 6 gal/min to 14 gal/min, preferably 8 gal/min to 12 gal/min, or 10 gal/min. In some embodiments, the condenser124can accommodate temperatures ranging from 10° C. to 50° C., preferably 12.5° C. to 47.5° C., preferably 15° C. to 45° C., preferably 17.5° C. to 42.5° C., preferably 20° C. to 40° C., preferably 22.5° C. to 37.5° C., preferably 25° C. to 35° C., preferably 27.5° C. to 32.5° C., or 30° C. In some embodiments, the compressor126requires a power ranging from 1000 Watts (W) to 10,000 W, preferably 2,000 W to 9,000 W, preferably 3,000 W to 8,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 7,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 6,000 W, or 5,500 W. In some embodiments, the compressor126operates with a condensing temperature range from 20° C. to 40° C., preferably 22.5° C. to 37.5° C., preferably 25° C. to 35° C., preferably 27.5° C. to 32.5° C., or 30° C. In some embodiments, the throttling valve128can accommodate pressures ranging from between 50 pounds per square inch (psi) to 500 psi, preferably 100 psi to 450 psi, preferably 150 psi to 400 psi, preferably 200 psi to 350 psi, preferably 250 psi to 300 psi, or 275 psi. In some embodiments, the pump130can accommodate a flow rate of from 5 gallon/minute to 40 gal/min, preferably 10 gal/min to 35 gal/min, preferably 15 gal/min to 30 gal/min, preferably 20 gal/min to 25 gal/min, or 22.5 gal/min. In some embodiments, the pump130requires a power of 3000 Watts (W) to 15,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 14,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 13,000 W, preferably 6,000 W to 12,000 W, preferably 7,000 W to 11,000 W, preferably 8,000 W to 10,000 W, or 9,000 W. The pumped chilled water is passed to an Air Handling Unit (AHU)140which sucks “indoor air” from the building and the outdoor “fresh air”. In some embodiments, the AHU140includes air particulate filters to filter out contaminants in the indoor and outdoor air. In some embodiments, the AHU140has a plurality of fans ranging from 4 to 16 fans, preferably 5 to 15 fans, preferably 6 to 14 fans, preferably 7 to 13 fans, preferably 8 to 12 fans, preferably 9 to 11 fans, or 10 fans. The AHU140includes a heat exchanger142which has the received chilled water flowing through, and which absorbs the heat of the indoor and outdoor air blowing across in the AHU140and cools it down to be supplied back to the building as “supply air”, while the chilled water heats up therein. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger142is a fin and tube heat exchanger, double tube heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a tube in tube heat exchanger, or a plate heat exchanger. The warm chilled water then heads back to the evaporator122, where a refrigerant absorbs the unwanted heat to be passed to the condenser124, via the compressor126. Another loop of water, known as “condenser water”, passes in a loop between the condenser124and the cooling tower110. The refrigerant collects the heat from the “chilled water” loop in the evaporator122and moves this to the “condenser water” loop in the condenser124. Further, the condenser water is pumped up to the cooling tower110and it is sprayed via a plurality of nozzles112therein. In some embodiments, the nozzles112can operate under pressures ranging from 10 psi to 250 psi, preferably 25 psi to 225 psi, preferably 50 psi to 200 psi, preferably 75 psi to 175 psi, preferably 100 psi to 150 psi, or 125 psi. In some embodiments, the nozzles take on the conical shape, or ring shape, or flat-tipped shape, or convergent shape. The ambient air enters the cooling tower110and come in contact with the sprayed condenser water to allow the heat of the condenser water to transfer into the air, and this air is then blown out into the atmosphere. This cooled condenser water is collected in the cooling tower110and is pumped back via a second pump150to the condenser124of the water cooled chiller120to collect more heat. In some embodiments, the second pump150can accommodate a flow rate of from 5 gallon/minute to 40 gal/min, preferably 10 gal/min to 35 gal/min, preferably 15 gal/min to 30 gal/min, preferably 20 gal/min to 25 gal/min, or 22.5 gal/min. In some embodiments, the second pump150requires a power of 3000 Watts (W) to 15,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 14,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 13,000 W, preferably 6,000 W to 12,000 W, preferably 7,000 W to 11,000 W, preferably 8,000 W to 10,000 W, or 9,000 W. FIG.2illustrates a schematic diagram of the cooling tower110depicting operation thereof, sharing features of the present disclosure. The cooling tower110cools the water coming from the condenser of the vapor compression cycle (as described in the preceding paragraphs). The cooling tower110is a kind of heat and mass exchanger where air and hot water are brought into direct contact with each other to induce evaporative cooling. The heat of evaporation at the surface of water droplets is extracted from the main body of the water droplet and the surrounding air. This results in cooling the condenser water, the temperature of which, significantly drops to the dew point temperature of the ambient air in the vicinity of the cooling tower110. In some embodiments, the cooling tower110has a fill material inside the cooling tower configured to increase to surface area for air-water heat exchange. During the evaporative cooling process, the air has to be unsaturated so that it can store the evaporated water vapors. The cooling tower110may only reduce the water temperature to the wet-bulb temperature of the surrounding air. In some embodiments, the cool air enters the cooling tower110through a first set of slits and second set of slits. It may be understood that if the humidity in the air is high, the wet-bulb temperature is higher, resulting in a decrease in the cooling capacity of the cooling tower110. In some embodiments, the slits are substantially to allow air flow upward towards the nozzles. In some embodiments, both the first and second set of slits ranges from 3 to 20 slits, preferably 4 to 18 slits, preferably 6 to 16 slits, preferably 8 to 14 slits, preferably 10 to 12 slits, or 11 slits. In some embodiments, the first and second set of slits are angled in a range from 15° to 165° with respect to the interior wall of the cooling tower, preferably 30° to 150°, preferably ° to 135°, preferably 60° to 120°, preferably 75° to 105°, or 90°. As discussed, one objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the inlet temperature of condenser water (sometimes, referred to as “condenser water inlet temperature” of the refrigerant cycle.FIG.3illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of a typical vapor compression based water chiller (as represented by reference numeral300) to highlight and to perform an analysis of the impact of reduced temperature of condenser water on the refrigerant cycle. The water chiller300includes three closed loops that exchange heat with each other, namely a chilled water loop (as represented by reference numeral310), a refrigerant loop (as represented by reference numeral320), and a condenser water loop (as represented by reference numeral330). The chilled water loop310cools the air handling units of the buildings, wherein Tworepresents the outlet temperature of water to the evaporator of the chiller, Verepresents the volumetric flow rate of the water through the loop310, Terepresents the operating temperature of the evaporator, {dot over (Q)}crepresents the thermal load on the condenser, Tcrepresents the operating temperature of the condenser, Tcorepresents the outlet temperature of water to the condenser of the chiller, T, represents the operating temperature of the condenser, Vcrepresents the volumetric flow rate of the water through the loop330through the condenser, Wcrepresents the power of the compressor, and M is a sensor for the compressor. The refrigerant loop320which is typically a vapor compression cycle, having an evaporator322, a throttling valve324, a condenser326and a compressor328, cools the chilled water. In some embodiments, the evaporator322contains chilled water tubes made out of steel, PVC, metal, plastic, iron, or alloys. In some embodiments, the tubes of the evaporator322have a diameter of from 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 20 mm to mm, preferably 30 mm to 80 mm preferably 40 mm to 70 mm preferably 50 mm to 60 mm, or mm. In some embodiments, the throttling valve324can accommodate pressures ranging from between 50 pounds per square inch (psi) to 500 psi, preferably 100 psi to 450 psi, preferably 150 psi to 400 psi, preferably 200 psi to 350 psi, preferably 250 psi to 300 psi, or 275 psi. In some embodiments, the condenser326can accommodate a flow rate of from 1 gallon/minute to 20 gal/min, preferably 2 gal/min to 18 gal/min, preferably 4 gal/min to 16 gal/min, preferably 6 gal/min to 14 gal/min, preferably 8 gal/min to 12 gal/min, or 10 gal/min. In some embodiments, the condenser326can accommodate temperatures ranging from 10° C. to 50° C., preferably 12.5° C. to 47.5° C., preferably 15° C. to 45° C., preferably 17.5° C. to 42.5° C., preferably 20° C. to 40° C., preferably 22.5° C. to 37.5° C., preferably 25° C. to 35° C., preferably 27.5° C. to 32.5° C., or ° C. In some embodiments, the compressor328requires a power ranging from 1000 Watts (W) to 10,000 W, preferably 2,000 W to 9,000 W, preferably 3,000 W to 8,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 7,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 6,000 W, or 5,500 W. In some embodiments, the compressor328operates with a condensing temperature range from 20° C. to 40° C., preferably 22.5° C. to 37.5° C., preferably 25° C. to 35° C., preferably 27.5° C. to 32.5° C., or 30° C. The condenser water loop330is used to cool the condenser326of the refrigerant loop320. The condenser water loop330includes a cooling tower (not shown) to dump the heat extracted from the condenser326of the refrigeration loop320to the atmosphere. For such a system, Coefficient of Performance (COP) may be predicted by using regression equations. Several regression equations have been proposed [See: Lee T S, Lu W C—An evaluation of empirically-based models for predicting energy performance of vapor-compression water chillers, Appl Energy 2010, 87:3486-93]. The most commonly used model is the Gordon-Ng universal model (GNU model) [See: Ng K C, Chua H T, Ong W, Lee S S, Gordon J M—Diagnostics and optimization of reciprocating chillers: theory and experiment, Appl Therm Eng 1997, 17:263-76; and Gordon J M, Ng K C—Cool thermodynamics, Cornwall: Cambridge International Science Publishing, 2008; incorporated herein by reference] as given below, TwiTci(1+1COP)-1=β1TwiQ˙e+β2Tci-TwiTciQ˙e+β3Q˙eTci(1+1COP)#(1) wherein, Twiis the inlet temperature of water to the evaporator of the chiller, Tciis the inlet temperature of water to the condenser of the chiller from the water-cooling tower, {dot over (Q)}eis the thermal load on the chiller, β1, β2and β3are constants determined from experimental data using regression analysis [See: Reddy T A, Andersen K K—An evaluation of classical steady-state off-line linear parameter estimation methods applied to chiller performance data, HVAC R Res 2002, 8:101-24, incorporated herein by reference]. Herein, the values of the constants used in Equation (1) are determined using experimental data. For a set of experimental data, the values of the constants are determined using regression analysis [See: Ng et al., as discussed]. The values for the constants reported are: β1=0.0366, β2=26.1 and β3=0.127. FIG.4illustrates a graph400depicting the effect of the inlet temperature of the condenser water on the COP of the chiller (such as, the water chiller300ofFIG.3), as derived from Equation (1) above. It can be seen that with an increase in the inlet temperature of the condenser water, the COP of the chiller is reduced, which in turn may reduce the cooling performance of the overall system. Such a scenario of higher condenser water inlet temperature is highly likely during the hot summer months when the temperature can reach as high as 50 C in some regions (such as in some parts of Saudi Arabia), decreasing the performance of cooling towers. Having lower COP means higher consumption of electrical power which can lead to significant cost in the long run. In other words, the objective may be to reduce the inlet temperature of the condenser water to have higher COP, which means lower consumption of electrical power, and which can lead to significant savings in the long run, as provided in the present disclosure. In order to demonstrate the potential energy and money-saving that can arise due to a reduction of 10° C. in the condenser water inlet temperature, calculations are further carried out as discussed hereinafter. According to Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA), Saudi Arabia produced about 289 TWh of electrical energy in the year 2019. About 75% of the produced electrical energy is consumed in the residential, government and commercial sectors. Of this, about 70% of the energy is consumed for meeting the cooling demands of these buildings. Furthermore, the weakly peak load of the electrical grid in Saudi Arabia can double to 61.743 GW from June to September in comparison to a low of 33.44 GW during the winter months of December to March. Further, a total number of houses in Saudi Arabia in the year 2004 was about 4 million and it was 4.6 million in 2010, of this about 25% are reported to be villas. This shows that the residential sector of Saudi Arabia is growing by about 108,561 households annually. Using this data, it may be estimated that the number of households in Saudi Arabia in the year 2022 to be 5.9 million. This approximates to about 1.48 million villas that are estimated to exist around the country in the year 2022. It is further assumed that the average installed cooling capacity of these villas is 30 tons (105.5 kW). As per estimates, the net saving in compressor work when the condenser water inlet temperature is reduced from 40° C. to 30° C. for a 30-ton water-chiller is 5.23 kW. Further, it is assumed that the high condenser water inlet temperature occurs for 10 hours only for the six peak summer months. For a single villa, the annual energy saving would be about 9414 kWh annually (see Equation (2) below). The cost of electricity per unit for residential buildings in Saudi Arabia depends upon the monthly consumption. As per available information, a rate of 0.18 SAR/kWh is levied if the energy consumption is less than 6000 kWh, above which a rate of 0.3 SAR SAR/kWh is levied. A villa with a 30-ton chiller would consume more than 6000 kWh, especially during the summer months. With a 0.3 SAR/kWh electricity tariff, for the villas, the total annual monetary saving would be around 2824 SAR. Electricitysaved/villa=5.23kW×10hday×30daymonth×6months=9414kWh/year#(2) Further, if this number is scaled to 1.48 million villas, the estimated energy saving from a reduction in temperature of 10° C. would be about 14 TWh annually, which amounts to a 4.8% reduction in the total electricity demand of Saudi Arabia. The total monetary saving would be around 4.18 billion SAR. Thus, reducing the condenser water inlet temperature of water-cooled chillers can significantly reduce energy consumption, especially during the summer months. It is worth noting that this estimate is only for residential villas. The present disclosure achieves this by the utilization of small solar assisted vapor absorption/compression cycle powered by solar energy to reduce the temperature of the water supplied to the condenser of the refrigerant cycle, especially at the peak hours in hot and humid areas, where the cooling load is the highest as well as the humidity and the temperature are at its highest levels, which reduce the cooling capacity of the chillers cooling towers. It may be appreciated that commercial and government buildings also utilize chillers for air conditioning in which the cooling capacity requirements could be in the order of 10-20 thousand tons. Thus, incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure for cooling systems in residential, as well as commercial and governmental buildings, would result in scaling of the energy savings and the monetary benefits. Referring toFIG.5, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a solar augmented chilled-water cooling system (represented by reference numeral500, and hereinafter simply referred to as “system500”), in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure and is generally similar to the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1. As illustrated, the system500includes a refrigeration cycle502which acts as a chiller therein. In some embodiments, the refrigerant used by the chiller120is water. In some embodiments, the water refrigerant contains a percentage of glycol, propylene, or corrosion inhibitors. In the present embodiments, the refrigeration cycle502is a vapor compression system, with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. The refrigeration cycle502may alternatively implement a vapor absorption cycle for the present purposes without departing from spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The system500also includes a cooling tower504and an air handling unit (AHU)506. In some embodiments, the cooling tower504has a height of from 10 meters (m) to 150 m, preferably 20 m to 140 m, preferably 30 m to 130 m, preferably 40 m to 120 m, preferably 50 m to 110 m, preferably 60 m to 100 m, preferably 70 m to 90 m, or 90 m. In some embodiments, the cooling tower504has a diameter of from 10 m to 100 m, preferably 20 m to 90 m, preferably 30 m to 80 m, preferably 40 m to 70 m, preferably 50 m to 60 m, or 55 m. In some embodiments, the water level in the cooling tower504is maintained by a water level sensor (not shown). In some embodiments, the cooling tower504includes a variable speed-fan for forcing air to the chiller120. In some embodiments, the system100includes multiple cooling towers504in series, preferably 2 to 10 towers, preferably 3 to 9 towers, preferably 4 to 8 towers, preferably 5 to 7 towers, or 6 towers. In some embodiments, the cooling tower504has both a first and second set of slits ranging from 3 to 20 slits, preferably 4 to 18 slits, preferably 6 to 16 slits, preferably 8 to 14 slits, preferably 10 to 12 slits, or 11 slits. In some embodiments, the first and second set of slits are angled in a range from 15° to 165° with respect to the interior wall of the cooling tower, preferably 30° to 150°, preferably 45° to 135°, preferably 60° to 120°, preferably 75° to 105°, or °. In some embodiments, the AHU506includes air particulate filters to filter out contaminants in the outdoor air. In some embodiments, the AHU506has a plurality of fans ranging from 4 to 16 fans, preferably 5 to 15 fans, preferably 6 to 14 fans, preferably 7 to 13 fans, preferably 8 to 12 fans, preferably 9 to 11 fans, or 10 fans. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the system500further includes a supplemental cycle508to support operations of the vapor compression system502, as discussed later in more detail. In the present system500, as shown inFIG.5, the supplemental cycle508is a vapor absorption system, with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. Further, as illustrated, the vapor absorption system508includes a first evaporator514, a first condenser516, a generator518, an absorber520, a first pump522and a first throttling valve524. The working of the vapor absorption system508, involving the first evaporator514, the first condenser516, the generator518, the absorber520, the first pump522and the first throttling valve524, may be contemplated by a person having ordinary skill in the art of cooling systems and thus has not been described herein for the brevity of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first evaporator514contains chilled water tubes made out of steel, PVC, metal, plastic, iron, or alloys. In some embodiments, the tubes of the first evaporator514have a diameter of from 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 20 mm to 90 mm, preferably 30 mm to 80 mm preferably 40 mm to 70 mm preferably 50 mm to 60 mm, or 55 mm. In some embodiments, a temperature difference between the inlet stream of the first evaporator514and the outlet stream of the first evaporator514is between 20° C. and 60° C., preferably 30° C. and 50° C., or 40° C. In some embodiments, the cool water stream sent to the first three-way valve540is in fluid communication with an inlet stream of the first evaporator514. In some embodiments, an outlet stream of the first evaporator514is in fluid communication with a second three-way valve542, wherein an outlet stream from the second three-way valve542is sent to the fourth pump544. In some embodiments, the first condenser516can be cooled with air or water. In some embodiments, the first condenser516can accommodate a flow rate exiting generator518of from 1 gallon/minute to 20 gal/min, preferably 2 gal/min to 18 gal/min, preferably 4 gal/min to 16 gal/min, preferably 6 gal/min to 14 gal/min, preferably 8 gal/min to 12 gal/min, or 10 gal/min. In some embodiments, the first condenser516can accommodate temperatures ranging from 10° C. to 50° C., preferably 12.5° C. to 47.5° C., preferably 15° C. to 45° C., preferably 17.5° C. to 42.5° C., preferably 20° C. to 40° C., preferably 22.5° C. to 37.5° C., preferably 25° C. to 35° C., preferably 27.5° C. to 32.5° C., or 30° C. In some embodiments, the generator518requires a power ranging from 1000 Watts (W) to 10,000 W, preferably 2,000 W to 9,000 W, preferably 3,000 W to 8,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 7,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 6,000 W, or 5,500 W. In some embodiments, the compressor518operates with a condensing temperature range from 20° C. to 40° C., preferably 22.5° C. to 37.5° C., preferably 25° C. to 35° C., preferably 27.5° C. to 32.5° C., or 30° C. In some embodiments, the generator has a separate coil for each trough of the PTC so that each trough is looped to an individual coil of the generator. In some embodiments, there are between 3 and 9 coils for each trough, preferably between 4 and 8 coils, preferably between 5 and 7 coils, or 6 coils. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention an array of parabolic trough collectors includes 3-5 rows of collectors each row having 3-5 parabolic trough collectors (not shown) arranged in a column. Preferably the PTC system510has an equal number of rows and columns. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention a hot stream outlet of the PTCs enters a manifold or header that is oriented parallel to the rows of PTCs. The last PTC in a column of PTCs has an outlet pipe which is directly connected to the manifold. The generator518is disposed on an opposing side of the manifold such that the manifold is integral with the generator518. This configuration permits the fluid exiting the PTCs to maximize heat transfer to the generator518. One or more inlet points may be present on the surface of the generator518in fluid communication with the manifold which is disposed lengthwise on the surface of the generator518to maximize contact therewith. The hot stream from the PTC outlets enters the generator518and passes through a coil inside the generator518. In some embodiments, the absorber520also consists of a series of tube bundles over which a strong concentration of absorbent, preferably lithium-bromide or water, is sprayed or dripped. In some embodiments, the absorber520has between 4 and 20 bundles, preferably 6 to 18, preferably 8 to 16, preferably 10 to 14, or 12 bundles. In some embodiments, the first pump522can accommodate a flow rate of from 5 gallon/minute to 40 gal/min, preferably 10 gal/min to 35 gal/min, preferably 15 gal/min to 30 gal/min, preferably 20 gal/min to 25 gal/min, or 22.5 gal/min. In some embodiments, the first pump522requires a power of 3000 Watts (W) to 15,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 14,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 13,000 W, preferably 6,000 W to 12,000 W, preferably 7,000 W to 11,000 W, preferably 8,000 W to 10,000 W, or 9,000 W. In some embodiments, the throttling valve524can accommodate pressures ranging from between pounds per square inch (psi) to 500 psi, preferably 100 psi to 450 psi, preferably 150 psi to 400 psi, preferably 200 psi to 350 psi, preferably 250 psi to 300 psi, or 275 psi. In some examples, the vapor absorption system508may further include a solution heat exchanger (SHX)526(as shown) which preheats the weak solution from the absorber520by utilizing heat from hot strong solution leaving the generator518, again as would be contemplated by a person having ordinary skill in the art of cooling systems and thus has not been described herein. In some embodiments, the weak solution and strong solution are refrigerants, such as fluorocarbons, ammonia, water, carbon dioxide, or the like. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the supplemental cycle508is powered by a solar energy harvesting unit510. The solar energy harvesting unit510may be considered part of the supplemental cycle508for the purposes of the present disclosure. Further, in the present system500, the solar energy harvesting unit510is in the form of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) system, with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. Also, as shown, the PTC system510includes a plurality of parabolic troughs512which are configured to capture solar energy for use in operations of the system500(as discussed later in the description). In a configuration, the plurality of parabolic troughs512are connected in series to each other. In another configuration, the plurality of parabolic troughs512are connected in parallel to each other. In other configurations, as shown inFIG.5, the plurality of parabolic troughs512are connected in both series and in parallel to each other. In some embodiments, there are between 3 and 15 parabolic troughs, preferably between 4 and 14, preferably between 5 and 13, preferably between 6 and 12, preferably between 7 and 11, preferably between 8 and 10, or 9 troughs. In some embodiments, there are between 3 and 11 individual collectors in a single trough512, preferably between 4 and 10, preferably between 5 and 9, preferably between 6 and 8, or 7 individual collectors. Each individual collector in the trough512has a length of from 0.2 m to 1 m, preferably 0.3 m to 0.9 m, preferably 0.4 m to 0.8 m, preferably 0.5 m to 0.7 m, or 0.6 m. Herein, in particular, the generator518of the vapor absorption system508needs heat energy for its operation. In the present system500, such heat energy is provided by the PTC system510. The PTC system510may use the captured solar energy to heat a working fluid. In an exemplary configuration, the PTC system510may include at least three parabolic troughs512, in which the working fluid is first heated in a first trough of the PTC system510, then sent to a second trough of the PTC system510for gaining more heat energy, and then sent to a third trough of the PTC system510for gaining even more heat energy. This heated working fluid is circulated to the generator518via a second pump528for operation of the vapor absorption system508to generate cooling effect at the first evaporator514thereof. In some embodiments, the second pump528requires a power of 3000 Watts (W) to 15,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 14,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 13,000 W, preferably 6,000 W to 12,000 W, preferably 7,000 W to 11,000 W, preferably 8,000 W to 10,000 W, or 9,000 W. In the PTC system510, the implemented working fluid may include, but is not limited to, Therminol VP-1, water, fluorocarbons, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and the like. Further, as shown inFIG.5, the vapor compression system502includes a compressor530, a second condenser532, a second evaporator534and a second throttling valve536. The vapor compression system502may be used with any one of different refrigerants, including, but not limited to, R-134A, R-152A, R-717, R-410A, etc. The working of the vapor compression system502, involving the compressor530, the second condenser532, the second evaporator534and the second throttling valve536, to generate cooling effect at the second evaporator534thereof, may be contemplated by a person having ordinary skill in the art of cooling systems and thus has not been described herein for the brevity of the present disclosure. In the present system500, the vapor compression system502is in fluid communication with the AHU506. As shown, the system500includes a third pump538to pump chilled water, cooled by the cooling effect generated at the second evaporator534, to the AHU506. That is, a water stream exiting the second evaporator534is sent to the AHU506through the third pump538. In some embodiments, the third pump538requires a power of 3000 Watts (W) to 15,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 14,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 13,000 W, preferably 6,000 W to 12,000 W, preferably 7,000 W to 11,000 W, preferably 8,000 W to 10,000 W, or 9,000 W. In the system500, the AHU506provides cooling effect to a closed space (such as, interior of a building) by using the chilled water to absorb heat therein, and in return generate heated water. This heated water is passed back to the second evaporator534of the vapor compression system502. That is, the water stream is returned to the second evaporator534after being exposed to a supplied air stream in the AHU506. In a configuration, as shown inFIG.5, the second evaporator534includes a second heat exchanger535to re-cool the received heated water thereat to be passed back to the AHU506for continuous cooling of the said closed space. In certain embodiments, the second heat exchanger is a shell and tube heat exchanger or a tube in tube heat exchanger. In such configuration, the second heat exchanger535of the second evaporator534is in fluid communication with the AHU506. The second heat exchanger535is fluidically connected to the AHU506to exchange heat with an air stream returning from the AHU506. The above described working of the AHU506has been explained in detail in reference to the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1and thus not repeated herein for the brevity of the present disclosure. In the vapor compression system502, the refrigerant in the second evaporator534extracts heat from the heated water for its said re-cooling. Thereby, the second condenser532needs to dissipate heat from the refrigerant to keep its condenser water inlet temperature in check (as discussed) for efficient operation of the present system500. Now, in general, the second condenser532of the vapor compression system502is cooled using the cooling tower504that provides water at temperatures close to the wet-bulb temperature of the ambient air at the vicinity of the cooling. In some embodiments, a hot outlet stream from the second condenser532connects to an inlet of the cooling tower, and a cool water stream from the cooling tower504goes to a first three-way valve540. The water in the cooling tower504is cooled by evaporative cooling while passing therethrough (as discussed in reference toFIG.1, as thus not repeated herein). In a configuration, the cooling tower504includes a set of slits (as shown, not labelled). The cool air from an atmosphere enters the cooling tower504through the set of slits. In some examples, the cooling tower504may include a plurality of chillers (not shown), and a plurality of tubes (not shown) to transfer a coolant fluid to the plurality of chillers. In some embodiments, there are between 5 and 20 chillers, preferably between 6 and 19, preferably between 7 and 18, preferably between 8 and 17, preferably between 9 and 16, preferably between 10 and 15, preferably between 11 and 14, or 12 chillers. In some embodiments, there are between 2 and 12 tubes, preferably between 3 and 11, preferably between 4 and 10, preferably between 5 and 9, preferably between 6 and 8, or 7 tubes. In a configuration, optionally, a water stream exiting the cooling tower504may be used to cool the PTC system510without any limitations. As shown inFIG.5, the cooling tower504is in fluid communication with the vapor absorption system508. Herein, a water stream from the cooling tower504is returned to the first evaporator514of the vapor absorption system508. Further, as shown, the vapor absorption system508is in fluid communication with the vapor compression system502via a fourth pump544. In some embodiments, the fourth pump544requires a power of 3000 Watts (W) to 15,000 W, preferably 4,000 W to 14,000 W, preferably 5,000 W to 13,000 W, preferably 6,000 W to 12,000 W, preferably 7,000 W to 11,000 W, preferably 8,000 W to 10,000 W, or 9,000 W. In the present system500, the chilled water from the cooling tower504may first be further cooled by the first evaporator514of the vapor absorption system508before being supplied to the second condenser532. In particular, the chilled water from the cooling tower504is passed to the first evaporator514of the vapor absorption system508to be further cooled using the generated cooling effect thereat. Thereafter, a water stream exiting the first evaporator514is sent to the second condenser532. Further, as shown, the vapor compression system502is in fluid communication with the cooling tower504. Herein, the water stream exiting the second condenser532is returned to the cooling tower504to be re-chilled therein via evaporation process (as discussed). Thus, it may be appreciated that the working of the present system500is different than the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1, in which the chilled water from the cooling tower110is directly supplied to the condenser124of the water cooled chiller120(i.e., the vapor compression cycle thereof). Further, as shown inFIG.5, in the present system500, the cooling tower504is in fluid communication with the vapor absorption system508through a first three-way valve540. Specifically, the cooling tower504is in fluid communication with the vapor absorption system508though two three-way valves, namely a first three-way valve540and a second three-way valve542. Herein, the water stream exiting the cooling tower504leaves through the first three-way valve540. Further, the water sent through the first three-way valve540is returned to the first evaporator514. It may be understood that the water from the cooling tower504may reach the second condenser532of the vapor compression system502via two routes:(i) In moderate temperature and humidity conditions, the chilled water from the cooling tower504may be passed through the valves540,542directly to reach the second condenser532of the vapor compression system502.(ii) During high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), the water from the cooling tower504passes through the first three-way valve540and then it goes through the first evaporator514of the vapor absorption system508in which it gets further cooled. The further cooled chilled water from the first evaporator514then passes through the second three-way valve542to reach the second condenser532of the vapor compression system502at required low temperature for its efficient operation. That is, the water stream exiting the first evaporator514is sent through the second three-way valve542, and the water stream exiting the second three-way valve542is sent through the fourth pump544to the second condenser532. In other examples, the valves540,542also enables to only transfer a small amount of the chilled water from the cooling tower504to pass to the first evaporator514of the vapor absorption system508, while the rest may be passed from the valves540,542directly, thus providing control on the degree of the condenser water inlet temperature at the second condenser532of the vapor compression system502. Thus, the system500as per the first embodiment of the present disclosure provides that the cooling system100(FIG.1) is modified by adding the solar energy harvesting unit510to assist the vapor absorption system508to further cool the chilled water coming out from the cooling tower504during hot and humid summer days. This helps to keep the condenser water inlet temperature at the condenser532of the refrigeration cycle502in check to allow for efficient operation of the system500. It may be appreciated that although the above examples have been described in terms of working fluid being water; in other examples, the working fluid may be brine solution, ammonia solution (ammonia-water), LiBr solution, and the like without any limitations. In some embodiments, the system500includes a second vapor compression system which comprises six three-way valves to exchange heat with the AHU506. Referring toFIG.6, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a solar augmented chilled-water cooling system (represented by reference numeral600, and hereinafter simply referred to as “system600”), in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure and is generally similar to the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1. As illustrated, similar to the system500as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the system600also includes a refrigeration cycle602, a cooling tower604, an air handling unit (AHU)606, a supplemental cycle608and a solar energy harvesting unit610. In the present system600, the supplemental cycle608is a vapor compression system (instead of vapor absorption system508of the system500ofFIG.5), with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. As shown, the vapor compression system608includes a compressor612, a condenser614, a throttling valve616and an evaporator618. As may be understood by a person skilled in the art, the vapor compression system608, or specifically the compressor612therein, is powered by electric energy (instead of heat energy, as in the vapor absorption system508of the system500ofFIG.5). Therefore, in the present system600, the solar energy harvesting unit610is configured to generate the electric energy to power the vapor compression system608. In certain embodiments, the solar energy harvesting unit610generates 1000 kWh to 10,000 kWh of electricity, preferably 2,000 kWh to 9,000 kWh, preferably 3,000 kWh to 8,000 kWh, preferably 4,000 kWh to 7,000 kWh, preferably 5,000 kWh to 6,000 kWh, or 5,500 kWh. For this purpose, the solar energy harvesting unit610includes a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells620. Herein, the PV cells620are in the form of PV panels, with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. In a configuration, the solar energy harvesting unit610includes a plurality of PV panels and each PV panel contains a plurality of photovoltaic cells620. In a configuration, each PV panel contains at least three photovoltaic cells620. In some embodiments, the panel contains between 4 and 20 cells620, preferably 6 to 18 cells, preferably 8 to 16 cells, preferably 10 to 14 cells, or 12 cells. In a configuration, the plurality of PV panels620are connected in parallel to each other. In another configuration, the plurality of PV panels620are connected in series to each other. In other configurations, as shown inFIG.6, the plurality of PV panels620are connected in both series and in parallel to each other. The solar energy harvesting unit610further includes a power conditioning unit624with a charge regulator626, an inverter628, and a battery storage634. Herein, the battery storage634is employed so that the system600can operate even during hours of low solar radiation. Further, as shown inFIG.6, the power conditioning unit624is connected a DC connect622and an AC connect630to supply power to the vapor compression system608. Such electrical arrangement may be contemplated by a person having ordinary skill in the art and thus has not been explained in detail herein, for the brevity of the present disclosure. Thus, the system600as per the second embodiment of the present disclosure provides that the cooling system100(such as, the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1) is modified by adding the solar energy harvesting unit610to assist the vapor compression system608to further cool the chilled water coming out from the cooling tower604during hot and humid summer days. This helps to keep condenser water inlet temperature at a condenser (not labelled) of the refrigeration cycle602in check to allow for efficient operation of the system600. Referring toFIG.7, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a cooling system (represented by reference numeral700), in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the cooling system700is generally similar to the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1, and includes a cooling tower710, a vapor compression cycle720(which is a water cooled chiller), a pump730, an AHU740and another pump750. In contrast to the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1, the system700additionally includes a heat exchanger760and two three-way valves, namely a first three-way valve762and a second three-way valve764. During hot and humid summer days, the heat exchanger760enables the water coming out from the cooling tower710to reject heat to the return water from the AHU740which is generally at a lower temperature than the ambient. The AHU740has the chilled water flowing through the cooling system700, which is cooled by the vapor compression cycle720. The vapor compression cycle720can be used with different refrigerants such as R-134A, R-152A, R-717, R-410A, etc. The condenser of the vapor compression cycle720is cooled using the cooling tower710that provides water at temperatures close to the wet-bulb temperature of the ambient air at the vicinity thereof. The water in the cooling tower710is cooled by evaporative cooling while passing therethrough. The two three-way valves762and764are added to route the water through the heat exchanger760or allow it to pass directly to the condenser of the vapor compression cycle720. Thereby, the water from the cooling tower710may reach the condenser of the vapor compression cycle720via two routes:(i) In moderate temperature and humidity conditions, the water from the cooling tower710passes through the valves762,764directly to reach the condenser of the vapor compression cycle720.(ii) During high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), the water from the cooling tower710passes through first three-way valve762and then it goes through the heat exchanger760in which the water from the cooling tower710exchanges heat with the chilled water returning from the AHU740. Herein, the cooled water gets more cooled while it is passing through the heat exchanger760, then it passes through the second three-way valve764to reach the condenser of the vapor compression cycle720at proper temperature. In other examples, the valves762,764also make it possible for only a small amount of water to pass to the heat exchanger760while the rest passes from the first three-way valve762to the second three-way valve764directly. In some embodiments, the valves762and764can accommodate a flow rate of from 1 gallon/minute to 10 gal/min, preferably 2 gal/min to 9 gal/min, preferably 3 gal/min to 8 gal/min, preferably 4 gal/min to 7 gal/min, preferably 5 gal/min to 6 gal/min, or 5.5 gal/min. Referring toFIG.8, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a solar augmented chilled-water cooling system (represented by reference numeral800, and hereinafter simply referred to as “system800”), in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, similar to the system800is generally similar to the water-chilled cooling system100ofFIG.1as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the system800also includes a refrigeration cycle802, a cooling tower804, an air handling unit (AHU)806, a supplemental cycle808and a solar energy harvesting unit810. In the present system800, the refrigeration cycle802is a vapor compression system (similar to the system500), with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. Further, the supplemental cycle808is a vapor absorption system (similar to the system500), with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. Furthermore, the solar energy harvesting unit810is in the form of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) system (similar to the system500), with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. In contrast to the system500ofFIG.5, the system800additionally includes a heat exchanger850and six three-way valves, namely a first three-way valve852, a second three-way valve854, a third three-way valve856, a fourth three-way valve858, a fifth three-way valve860and a seventh three-way valve862. In some embodiments, the valves852,854,856,858,860, and862can accommodate a flow rate of from 1 gallon/minute to 10 gal/min, preferably 2 gal/min to 9 gal/min, preferably 3 gal/min to 8 gal/min, preferably 4 gal/min to 7 gal/min, preferably 5 gal/min to 6 gal/min, or 5.5 gal/min. In the system800, the vapor absorption system808is powered by the solar energy harvesting unit810. During hot and humid summer conditions, the water from the cooling tower804may be further cooled by the vapor absorption system808or the heat exchanger850, which enables the water coming out from the cooling tower804to reject heat to the return water from the AHU806which is generally at a lower temperature than the ambient. The six three-way valves852,854,856,858,860,862are added to route the water through the heat exchanger850and/or through the vapor absorption system808, or allow it to pass directly to the condenser of the vapor compression system802. The AHU806has chilled water flowing through the system800, which is cooled by the vapor compression system802. The vapor compression system802may be used with different refrigerants, such as R-134A, R-152A, R-717, R-410A, etc. without any limitations. The vapor compression system802is cooled using water from the cooling tower804. The six three-way valves852,854,856,858,860,862are used to control the flow of water from the cooling tower804to the condenser of the vapor compression system802. The water from the cooling tower804may reach the condenser of the vapor compression cycle802by:(i) In moderate temperature and humidity conditions, passing through the valves852and854as a direct passage to be used.(ii) During high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), passing through the valves852and856into heat exchanger850, where it rejects heat to the returning chilled water from the AHU806. The water from the heat exchanger850then proceeds to pass through the valves858,860,862and852to reach the condenser of the vapor compression system802at proper design temperature.(iii) Alternatively, during high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), passing through the valves852and856into the heat exchanger850, where it rejects heat to the returning refrigerant from the AHU806. The water from the heat exchanger850then proceeds to pass through the valves858and860to reach the evaporator of the vapor absorption system808where it further rejects heat. It then passes through the valves862and852to reach the condenser of the vapor compression system802at proper design temperature.(iv) Still alternatively, during high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), passing through the valves852,856,858and860into the evaporator of the vapor absorption system808where it rejects heat to the working fluid. It then passes through the valves862and852to reach the condenser of the vapor compression system802at proper design temperature. Referring toFIG.9, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a solar augmented chilled-water cooling system (represented by reference numeral900, and hereinafter simply referred to as “system900”), in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, similar to the system600as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the system900also includes a refrigeration cycle902, a cooling tower904, an air handling unit (AHU)906, a supplemental cycle908and a solar energy harvesting unit910. In the present system900, the refrigeration cycle902is a vapor compression system (similar to the system600), with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. Further, the supplemental cycle908is a vapor compression system (similar to the system600), with the two terms being interchangeably used hereinafter. Furthermore, the solar energy harvesting unit910includes a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells (similar to the system600). In contrast to the system600ofFIG.6, the system900additionally includes a heat exchanger950and six three-way valves, namely a first three-way valve952, a second three-way valve954, a third three-way valve956, a fourth three-way valve958, a fifth three-way valve960and a seventh three-way valve962. In some embodiments, the valves952,954,956,958,960, and962can accommodate a flow rate of from 1 gallon/minute to 10 gal/min, preferably 2 gal/min to 9 gal/min, preferably 3 gal/min to 8 gal/min, preferably 4 gal/min to 7 gal/min, preferably 5 gal/min to 6 gal/min, or 5.5 gal/min. In the system900, the vapor compression system908is powered by the solar energy harvesting unit910. During hot and humid summer conditions, the water from the cooling tower904may be further cooled by the vapor compression system908or the heat exchanger950, which enables the water coming out from the cooling tower904to reject heat to the return water from the AHU906which is generally at a lower temperature than the ambient. The six three-way valves952,954,956,958,960,962are added to route the water through the heat exchanger950and/or through the vapor compression system908, or allow it to pass directly to the condenser of the vapor compression system902. The AHU906has chilled water flowing through the system900, which is cooled by the vapor compression system902. The vapor compression system902may be used with different refrigerants, such as R-134A, R-152A, R-717, R-410A, etc. without any limitations. The vapor compression system902is cooled using water from the cooling tower904. The six three-way valves952,954,956,958,960,962are used to control the flow of water from the cooling tower904to the condenser of the vapor compression system902. The water from the cooling tower904may reach the condenser of the vapor compression cycle902by:(i) In moderate temperature and humidity conditions, passing through the valves952and954as a direct passage to be used.(ii) During high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), passing through the valves952and956into heat exchanger950, where it rejects heat to the returning chilled water from the AHU906. The water from the heat exchanger950then proceeds to pass through the valves958,960,962and952to reach the condenser of the vapor compression system902at proper design temperature.(iii) Alternatively, during high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), passing through the valves952and956into the heat exchanger950, where it rejects heat to the returning refrigerant from the AHU906. The water from the heat exchanger950then proceeds to pass through the valves958and960to reach the evaporator of the vapor compression system908where it further rejects heat. It then passes through the valves962and952to reach the condenser of the vapor compression system902at proper design temperature.(iv) Still alternatively, during high temperature and humidity conditions (and usually at peak cooling loads), passing through the valves952,956,958and960into the evaporator of the vapor compression system908where it rejects heat to the working fluid. It then passes through the valves962and952to reach the condenser of the vapor compression system902at proper design temperature. The solar augmented chilled-water cooling systems500,600,800,900of the present disclosure are designed to be implemented in large building or district HVAC systems. The solar augmented chilled-water cooling systems500,600,800,900provide a solution to address the issue at the peak load during summer hot and humid days by use of vapor absorption cycle or vapor compression cycle that utilizes solar energy to reduce the inlet temperature of the condenser water, resulting in improved efficiency even during hot and humid conditions. This will lower the peak demand on the national grid. Furthermore, the proposed solar augmented chilled-water cooling systems500,600,800,900are simple enough to be incorporated with existing chilling units requiring little modifications. The present solar augmented chilled-water cooling systems500,600,800,900may utilize a controller operable to open or close three-way valves to communicate a portion of fluid from the cooling tower for cooling purposes (as described). In particular, the controller may receive a plurality of measurements from sensors (not shown) to determine an optimal division of flow rates in the three-way valves to be conveyed directly to the chiller or to the heat exchanger in communication with the extracted return water to the AHU. Further details of hardware description for a controller1000according to exemplary embodiments is described with reference toFIG.10. InFIG.10, the controller1000is described to include a CPU1001which performs the processes described above/below. As illustrated inFIG.10, the process data and instructions may be stored in a memory1002. These processes and instructions may also be stored on a storage medium disk1004such as a hard drive (HDD) or portable storage medium or may be stored remotely. Such storage medium disk1004may be any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium which stores a program executable by at least one processor to perform the described functions in the preceding paragraphs. It may be appreciated that the claims are not limited by the form of the computer-readable media on which the instructions of the inventive process are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on CDs, DVDs, in FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or any other information processing device with which the controller1000communicates, such as a server or computer. Further, the claims may be provided as a utility application, background daemon, or component of an operating system, or combination thereof, executing in conjunction with the CPU1001and an operating system such as Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 10, UNIX, Solaris, LINUX, Apple MAC-OS and other systems known to those skilled in the art. The hardware elements in order to achieve the controller1000may be realized by various circuitry elements, known to those skilled in the art. For example, the CPU1001may be a Xenon or Core processor from Intel of America or an Opteron processor from AMD of America, or may be other processor types that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the CPU1001may be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD or using discrete logic circuits, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Further, the CPU1001may be implemented as multiple processors cooperatively working in parallel to perform the instructions of the inventive processes described above. The controller1000inFIG.10also includes a network controller1006, such as an Intel Ethernet PRO network interface card from Intel Corporation of America, for interfacing with network1060. As can be appreciated, the network1060can be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network such as an LAN or WAN network, or any combination thereof and can also include PSTN or ISDN sub-networks. The network1060can also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, or can be wireless such as a cellular network including EDGE, 3G and 4G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network can also be WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless form of communication that is known. The controller1000further includes a display controller1008, such as a NVIDIA GeForce GTX or Quadro graphics adaptor from NVIDIA Corporation of America for interfacing with display1010, such as a Hewlett Packard HPL2445w LCD monitor. A general purpose I/O interface1012may also be provided. A sound controller1020is also provided in the controller1000such as Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium from Creative, to interface with speakers/microphone1022thereby providing sounds and/or music. The general purpose storage controller1024connects the storage medium disk1004with communication bus1026, which may be an ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, or similar, for interconnecting all of the components of the controller1000. A description of the general features and functionality of the display1010, as well as the display controller1008, storage controller1024, network controller1006, sound controller1020, and general purpose I/O interface1012is omitted herein for brevity as these features are known. The exemplary circuit elements described in the context of the present disclosure may be replaced with other elements and structured differently than the examples provided herein. Moreover, circuitry configured to perform features described herein may be implemented in multiple circuit units (e.g., chips), or the features may be combined in circuitry on a single chipset. Moreover, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific circuit elements described herein, nor is the present disclosure limited to the specific sizing and classification of these elements. For example, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the circuitry described herein may be adapted standard on changes on battery sizing and chemistry, or standard on the requirements of the intended back-up load to be powered. The functions and features described herein may also be executed by various distributed components of a system. For example, one or more processors may execute these system functions, wherein the processors are distributed across multiple components communicating in a network. The distributed components may include one or more client and server machines, which may share processing, in addition to various human interface and communication devices (e.g., display monitors, smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs)). The network may be a private network, such as a LAN or WAN, or may be a public network, such as the Internet. Input to the system may be received via direct user input and received remotely either in real-time or as a batch process. Additionally, some implementations may be performed on modules or hardware not identical to those described. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope that may be claimed. The above-described hardware description is a non-limiting example of corresponding structure for performing the functionality described herein. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. | 63,564 |
11859880 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be noted that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be noted that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The present disclosure is directed to a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system may include a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant is directed. The refrigerant circuit may place the refrigerant in a heat exchange relationship with a supply air flow to condition the supply air flow. The conditioned supply air flow may then be delivered to a space to condition the space. The HVAC system may include a heat pump system configured to operate in a cooling mode or a heating mode. In the cooling mode, the HVAC system may circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit in a first direction (e.g., along a first flow path), and the refrigerant may absorb heat from the supply air flow to cool the supply air flow provided to the space. In the heating mode, the HVAC system may circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit in a second direction (e.g., along a second flow path), and the refrigerant may transfer heat to the supply air flow to heat the supply air flow provided to the space. For example, the refrigerant circuit may include a reversing valve configured to adjust a direction of refrigerant flow through the refrigerant circuit and thereby adjust the operating mode of the heat pump system. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to reheat the supply air flow after the supply air flow has been cooled by the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may initially absorb a certain amount of heat from the supply air flow to remove a target amount of liquid from the supply air flow (e.g., to dehumidify the supply air flow), thereby reducing a temperature of the supply air flow below a comfortable, desirable, or target temperature. Thus, reheating the air flow may be desirable to increase the temperature of the supply air flow to the comfortable, desirable, or target temperature. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to provide reheat functionality in the heat pump system. As an example, the refrigerant circuit of conventional or existing heat pump systems may not have a reheat heat exchanger to reheat the supply air flow via the refrigerant. As mentioned above, the heat pump system includes a refrigerant circuit configured to direct refrigerant therethrough in multiple directions (e.g., depending on an operating mode of the heat pump system), which may complicate incorporation of a reheat system with the heat pump system. As another example, a cost associated with incorporating and/or operating a reheat system that is separate from the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump system may be undesirable. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a heat pump system having a refrigerant circuit configured to provide reheat functionality (e.g., discrete reheat functionality, on/off reheat functionality) in addition to operating in cooling and heating modes. For example, the refrigerant circuit may include a first heat exchanger (e.g., an indoor heat exchanger), a second heat exchanger (e.g., an outdoor heat exchanger), and a reheat heat exchanger. In a heating mode, a reversing valve may be adjusted to a first configuration to direct pressurized refrigerant from a compressor of the refrigerant circuit to the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger may enable the pressurized, heated refrigerant to transfer heat to a supply air flow directed across the first heat exchanger, thereby heating the supply air flow to be provided to a conditioned space. In a cooling mode, the reversing valve may be adjusted to a second configuration to direct the refrigerant from the compressor to a first valve of the refrigerant circuit. The first valve may be adjusted to a first position to direct the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant. Thereafter, the refrigerant circuit may direct the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger to cool the supply air flow to be provided to the conditioned space. In the cooling mode, the first valve may block the refrigerant from flowing to the reheat heat exchanger, and reheat functionality of the refrigerant circuit may be suspended. In a reheat mode, the reversing valve may be adjusted to the second configuration to direct the refrigerant from the compressor to the first valve, and the first valve may be adjusted to a second position to direct the refrigerant to the reheat heat exchanger. At the reheat heat exchanger, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the supply air flow, thereby cooling the refrigerant and heating the supply air flow. From the reheat heat exchanger, the refrigerant circuit may direct the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger, where the cooled refrigerant may absorb heat from the supply air flow. In this way, the reheat heat exchanger may enable heat exchange between the supply air flow and heated refrigerant, and the first heat exchanger may enable heat exchange between the supply air flow and cooled refrigerant. For example, the reheat mode may enable the heat pump system to deliver a dehumidified supply air flow at a comfortable temperature to the conditioned space. Accordingly, the heat pump system may be configured to operate in various operating modes to condition the space in a desirable manner. Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management that may employ one or more HVAC units. As used herein, an HVAC system includes any number of components configured to enable regulation of parameters related to climate characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, air quality, and so forth. For example, an “HVAC system” as used herein is defined as conventionally understood and as further described herein. Components or parts of an “HVAC system” may include, but are not limited to, all, some of, or individual parts such as a heat exchanger, a heater, an air flow control device, such as a fan, a sensor configured to detect a climate characteristic or operating parameter, a filter, a control device configured to regulate operation of an HVAC system component, a component configured to enable regulation of climate characteristics, or a combination thereof. An “HVAC system” is a system configured to provide such functions as heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, pressurization, refrigeration, filtration, or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications to control climate characteristics, such as residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, or other applications where climate control is desired. In the illustrated embodiment, a building10is air conditioned by a system that includes an HVAC unit12. The building10may be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unit12is disposed on the roof of the building10; however, the HVAC unit12may be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building10. The HVAC unit12may be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may be part of a split HVAC system, such as the system shown inFIG.3, which includes an outdoor HVAC unit58and an indoor HVAC unit56. The HVAC unit12is an air cooled device that implements a refrigeration cycle to provide conditioned air to the building10. Specifically, the HVAC unit12may include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow before the air flow is supplied to the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit12is a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building10. After the HVAC unit12conditions the air, the air is supplied to the building10via ductwork14extending throughout the building10from the HVAC unit12. For example, the ductwork14may extend to various individual floors or other sections of the building10. In certain embodiments, the HVAC unit12may be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream. A control device16, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air. The control device16also may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork14. For example, the control device16may be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unit12or other components, such as dampers and fans, within the building10that may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork14. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device16may include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building10. FIG.2is a perspective view of an embodiment of the HVAC unit12. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit12is a single package unit that may include one or more independent refrigeration circuits and components that are tested, charged, wired, piped, and ready for installation. The HVAC unit12may provide a variety of heating and/or cooling functions, such as cooling only, heating only, cooling with electric heat, cooling with dehumidification, cooling with gas heat, or cooling with a heat pump. As described above, the HVAC unit12may directly cool and/or heat an air stream provided to the building10to condition a space in the building10. As shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2, a cabinet24encloses the HVAC unit12and provides structural support and protection to the internal components from environmental and other contaminants. In some embodiments, the cabinet24may be constructed of galvanized steel and insulated with aluminum foil faced insulation. Rails26may be joined to the bottom perimeter of the cabinet24and provide a foundation for the HVAC unit12. In certain embodiments, the rails26may provide access for a forklift and/or overhead rigging to facilitate installation and/or removal of the HVAC unit12. In some embodiments, the rails26may fit onto “curbs” on the roof to enable the HVAC unit12to provide air to the ductwork14from the bottom of the HVAC unit12while blocking elements such as rain from leaking into the building10. The HVAC unit12includes heat exchangers28and30in fluid communication with one or more refrigeration circuits. Tubes within the heat exchangers28and30may circulate refrigerant, such as R-410A, through the heat exchangers28and30. The tubes may be of various types, such as multichannel tubes, conventional copper or aluminum tubing, and so forth. Together, the heat exchangers28and30may implement a thermal cycle in which the refrigerant undergoes phase changes and/or temperature changes as it flows through the heat exchangers28and30to produce heated and/or cooled air. For example, the heat exchanger28may function as a condenser where heat is released from the refrigerant to ambient air, and the heat exchanger30may function as an evaporator where the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool an air stream. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may operate in a heat pump mode where the roles of the heat exchangers28and30may be reversed. That is, the heat exchanger28may function as an evaporator and the heat exchanger30may function as a condenser. In further embodiments, the HVAC unit12may include a furnace for heating the air stream that is supplied to the building10. While the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2shows the HVAC unit12having two of the heat exchangers28and30, in other embodiments, the HVAC unit12may include one heat exchanger or more than two heat exchangers. The heat exchanger30is located within a compartment31that separates the heat exchanger30from the heat exchanger28. Fans32draw air from the environment through the heat exchanger28. Air may be heated and/or cooled as the air flows through the heat exchanger28before being released back to the environment surrounding the HVAC unit12. A blower assembly34, powered by a motor36, draws air through the heat exchanger30to heat or cool the air. The heated or cooled air may be directed to the building10by the ductwork14, which may be connected to the HVAC unit12. Before flowing through the heat exchanger30, the conditioned air flows through one or more filters38that may remove particulates and contaminants from the air. In certain embodiments, the filters38may be disposed on the air intake side of the heat exchanger30to prevent contaminants from contacting the heat exchanger30. The HVAC unit12also may include other equipment for implementing the thermal cycle. Compressors42increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger28. The compressors42may be any suitable type of compressors, such as scroll compressors, rotary compressors, screw compressors, or reciprocating compressors. In some embodiments, the compressors42may include a pair of hermetic direct drive compressors arranged in a dual stage configuration44. However, in other embodiments, any number of the compressors42may be provided to achieve various stages of heating and/or cooling. Additional equipment and devices may be included in the HVAC unit12, such as a solid-core filter drier, a drain pan, a disconnect switch, an economizer, pressure switches, phase monitors, and humidity sensors, among other things. The HVAC unit12may receive power through a terminal block46. For example, a high voltage power source may be connected to the terminal block46to power the equipment. The operation of the HVAC unit12may be governed or regulated by a control board48. The control board48may include control circuitry connected to a thermostat, sensors, and alarms. One or more of these components may be referred to herein separately or collectively as the control device16. The control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the equipment, provide alarms, and monitor safety switches. Wiring49may connect the control board48and the terminal block46to the equipment of the HVAC unit12. FIG.3illustrates a residential heating and cooling system50, also in accordance with present techniques. The residential heating and cooling system50may provide heated and cooled air to a residential structure, as well as provide outside air for ventilation and provide improved indoor air quality (IAQ) through devices such as ultraviolet lights and air filters. In the illustrated embodiment, the residential heating and cooling system50is a split HVAC system. In general, a residence52conditioned by a split HVAC system may include refrigerant conduits54that operatively couple the indoor unit56to the outdoor unit58. The indoor unit56may be positioned in a utility room, an attic, a basement, and so forth. The outdoor unit58is typically situated adjacent to a side of residence52and is covered by a shroud to protect the system components and to prevent leaves and other debris or contaminants from entering the unit. The refrigerant conduits54transfer refrigerant between the indoor unit56and the outdoor unit58, typically transferring primarily liquid refrigerant in one direction and primarily vaporized refrigerant in an opposite direction. When the system shown inFIG.3is operating as an air conditioner, a heat exchanger60in the outdoor unit58serves as a condenser for re-condensing vaporized refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit56to the outdoor unit58via one of the refrigerant conduits54. In these applications, a heat exchanger62of the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. Specifically, the heat exchanger62receives liquid refrigerant, which may be expanded by an expansion device, and evaporates the refrigerant before returning it to the outdoor unit58. The outdoor unit58draws environmental air through the heat exchanger60using a fan64and expels the air above the outdoor unit58. When operating as an air conditioner, the air is heated by the heat exchanger60within the outdoor unit58and exits the unit at a temperature higher than it entered. The indoor unit56includes a blower or fan66that directs air through or across the indoor heat exchanger62, where the air is cooled when the system is operating in air conditioning mode. Thereafter, the air is passed through ductwork68that directs the air to the residence52. The overall system operates to maintain a desired temperature as set by a system controller. When the temperature sensed inside the residence52is higher than the set point on the thermostat, or the set point plus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling system50may become operative to refrigerate additional air for circulation through the residence52. When the temperature reaches the set point, or the set point minus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling system50may stop the refrigeration cycle temporarily. The residential heating and cooling system50may also operate as a heat pump. When operating as a heat pump, the roles of heat exchangers60and62are reversed. That is, the heat exchanger60of the outdoor unit58will serve as an evaporator to evaporate refrigerant and thereby cool air entering the outdoor unit58as the air passes over the outdoor heat exchanger60. The indoor heat exchanger62will receive a stream of air blown over it and will heat the air by condensing the refrigerant. In some embodiments, the indoor unit56may include a furnace system70. For example, the indoor unit56may include the furnace system70when the residential heating and cooling system50is not configured to operate as a heat pump. The furnace system70may include a burner assembly and heat exchanger, among other components, inside the indoor unit56. Fuel is provided to the burner assembly of the furnace70where it is mixed with air and combusted to form combustion products. The combustion products may pass through tubes or piping in a heat exchanger, separate from heat exchanger62, such that air directed by the blower66passes over the tubes or pipes and extracts heat from the combustion products. The heated air may then be routed from the furnace system70to the ductwork68for heating the residence52. FIG.4is an embodiment of a vapor compression system72that can be used in any of the systems described above. The vapor compression system72may circulate a refrigerant through a circuit starting with a compressor74. The circuit may also include a condenser76, an expansion valve(s) or device(s)78, and an evaporator80. The vapor compression system72may further include a control panel82that has an analog to digital (A/D) converter84, a microprocessor86, a non-volatile memory88, and/or an interface board90. The control panel82and its components may function to regulate operation of the vapor compression system72based on feedback from an operator, from sensors of the vapor compression system72that detect operating conditions, and so forth. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system72may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSDs)92, a motor94, the compressor74, the condenser76, the expansion valve or device78, and/or the evaporator80. The motor94may drive the compressor74and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD)92. The VSD92receives alternating current (AC) power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an AC power source, and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor94. In other embodiments, the motor94may be powered directly from an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor94may include any type of electric motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor. The compressor74compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser76through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor74may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor74to the condenser76may transfer heat to a fluid passing across the condenser76, such as ambient or environmental air96. The refrigerant vapor may condense to a refrigerant liquid in the condenser76as a result of thermal heat transfer with the environmental air96. The liquid refrigerant from the condenser76may flow through the expansion device78to the evaporator80. The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator80may absorb heat from another air stream, such as a supply air stream98provided to the building10or the residence52. For example, the supply air stream98may include ambient or environmental air, return air from a building, or a combination of the two. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator80may undergo a phase change from the liquid refrigerant to a refrigerant vapor. In this manner, the evaporator80may reduce the temperature of the supply air stream98via thermal heat transfer with the refrigerant. Thereafter, the vapor refrigerant exits the evaporator80and returns to the compressor74by a suction line to complete the cycle. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system72may further include a reheat coil in addition to the evaporator80. For example, the reheat coil may be positioned downstream of the evaporator relative to the supply air stream98and may reheat the supply air stream98when the supply air stream98is overcooled to remove humidity from the supply air stream98before the supply air stream98is directed to the building10or the residence52. Any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the HVAC unit12, the residential heating and cooling system50, or other HVAC systems. Additionally, while the features disclosed herein are described in the context of embodiments that directly heat and cool a supply air stream provided to a building or other load, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other HVAC systems as well. For example, the features described herein may be applied to mechanical cooling systems, free cooling systems, chiller systems, or other heat pump or refrigeration applications. The present disclosure is directed to a heat pump system having a refrigerant circuit configured to operate in a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a reheat mode. In the heating mode, refrigerant is directed through the refrigerant circuit from a compressor to a first heat exchanger (e.g., an indoor heat exchanger) to enable the refrigerant to heat a supply air flow. In the cooling mode, the refrigerant is directed through the refrigerant circuit from the compressor to a second heat exchanger (e.g., an outdoor heat exchanger) to cool the refrigerant, and the cooled refrigerant is directed to the first heat exchanger to cool the supply air flow. In the reheat mode, the refrigerant is directed through the refrigerant circuit from the compressor to a reheat heat exchanger to heat (e.g., reheat) the supply air flow and cool the refrigerant, and the cooled refrigerant is directed to the first heat exchanger to cool the supply air flow. For example, the first heat exchanger may be positioned upstream of the reheat heat exchanger relative to a flow direction of the supply air flow. Thus, in the reheat mode, the heat pump system may cool the supply air flow, via the first heat exchanger, to remove an amount of moisture in the supply air flow and then reheat the supply air flow, via the reheat heat exchanger, to a target or desirable temperature. The heat pump system may be operated to enable or block refrigerant flow to the reheat heat exchanger to enable or suspend reheat operations, respectively. With this in mind,FIG.5is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heat pump system150having a refrigerant circuit152through which a refrigerant is directed. The refrigerant circuit152includes a compressor154configured to pressurize the refrigerant, thereby increasing a temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit152includes a reversing valve156configured to receive the pressurized refrigerant from the compressor154. The reversing valve156may be transitioned between different configurations (e.g., by adjusting the position of a slider within the reversing valve156) to direct the refrigerant in different manners (e.g., in different directions, along different flow paths) through the refrigerant circuit152. For example, the refrigerant circuit152may include a first heat exchanger or coil158(e.g., an outdoor heat exchanger or coil) disposed along a first line (e.g., a first conduit, a first flow path)159of the refrigerant circuit152and a second heat exchanger or coil160(e.g., an indoor heat exchanger or coil) disposed along a second line (e.g., a second conduit, a second flow path)161of the refrigerant circuit152. The reversing valve156may be controlled (e.g., adjusted) to direct the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit152in different directions. For example, the reversing valve156may be controlled to direct the refrigerant through components of the refrigerant circuit152(e.g., the first heat exchanger158, the second heat exchanger160, and the compressor154) in a particular order or sequence. Further, the refrigerant circuit152may include a reheat heat exchanger or coil162disposed along a reheat line (e.g., a reheat conduit, a reheat flow path)163of the refrigerant circuit152, as well as a first valve164(e.g., a three-way valve) and a second valve166(e.g., a three-way valve) configured to adjustably enable or block refrigerant flow to the reheat heat exchanger162. For example, each of the first valve164and the second valve166may be configured to transition between a first position (e.g., an off position or a closed position), which may block refrigerant flow into and/or out of the reheat line163, and a second position (e.g., an on position or an open position), which may enable refrigerant flow into and/or out of the reheat line163. In this manner, the reversing valve156, the first valve164, and the second valve166may be controlled to operate the heat pump system150in different operating modes. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat pump system150is shown in a cooling mode configuration in which reheat operation may be suspended. During the cooling mode, the reversing valve156is positioned in a first configuration to direct pressurized refrigerant from the compressor154toward the second valve166. The second valve166is adjusted to the first position to direct the pressurized refrigerant to the first heat exchanger158via the first line159fluidly coupled to the second valve166and to block refrigerant flow to the reheat heat exchanger162via the reheat line163fluidly coupled to the second valve166. Thus, operation of the reheat heat exchanger162may be suspended during the cooling mode. A first fan or blower167(e.g., an outdoor fan or blower) may be operated to direct (e.g., draw, force) an air flow, such as outdoor air or ambient air, across the first heat exchanger158to cool the pressurized refrigerant flowing within the first heat exchanger158. The cooled refrigerant may then be directed to the first valve164. The first valve164may be adjusted to the first position to block the cooled refrigerant from flowing into the reheat line163and to direct the cooled refrigerant to an expansion valve168configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant, thereby further cooling the refrigerant. In certain embodiments, the reheat line163may also include a check valve169configured to block the refrigerant from flowing from the first valve164to the reheat heat exchanger162. The expansion valve168may direct the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger160via the second line161, and a second fan or blower170(e.g., an indoor fan or blower) may direct (e.g., draw, force) a supply air flow, such as outdoor air and/or return air, across the second heat exchanger160. The cooled refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger160may absorb heat from the supply air flow, thereby cooling the supply air flow. The supply air flow may then be directed to a space (e.g., within a building or structure) to condition the space. After exchanging heat with the supply air flow, the refrigerant may be directed from the second heat exchanger160to the reversing valve156, and the reversing valve156may direct the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger160to an accumulator172via a junction174of the refrigerant circuit152. The accumulator172may collect refrigerant and/or direct the refrigerant to the compressor154for pressurization (e.g., during operation of the compressor154) to re-circulate the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit152. The illustrated heat pump system150also includes a first drain line176and a second drain line178. Each of the drain lines176,178may enable the refrigerant to flow from an unused section of the refrigerant circuit152toward the accumulator172and/or the compressor154in order to increase an amount of refrigerant available for pressurization by the compressor154. For example, the first drain line176may enable the refrigerant to flow from the reheat line163to the junction174, and the second drain line178may enable the refrigerant to flow from the first line159to the junction174. For this reason, in the cooling mode, in which the refrigerant may be blocked from flowing into the reheat line163, a third valve180(e.g., an on/off valve) disposed along the first drain line176may be adjusted to an open position to enable the refrigerant to flow out of the reheat line163to the accumulator172. Further, in the cooling mode, a fourth valve182(e.g., an on/off valve) disposed along the second drain line178may be adjusted to a closed position to block the refrigerant from flowing between the second drain line178and the junction174, thereby enabling the refrigerant to flow from the first line159(e.g., the first heat exchanger158) toward the second heat exchanger160. The heat pump system150may also include a control system184configured to control various components of the heat pump system150. The control system184may include a memory186and processing circuitry188. The memory186may include a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium that may store instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry188, may cause the processing circuitry188to perform various functions or operations described herein. To this end, the processing circuitry188may be any suitable type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code, including but not limited to one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), programmable logic arrays (PLA), and the like. As an example, the control system184may be configured to control the reversing valve156, the first valve164, and/or the second valve166based on an operating mode selected from the different operating modes described herein. The control system184may also be configured to control the third valve180and/or the fourth valve182to control drainage of the refrigerant from the reheat line163and/or the first line159, respectively. For instance, the valves164,166,180,182may be solenoid valves configured to open or close based on signals (e.g., control signals) received from the control system184. In some embodiments, the signals may cause the valves164,166,180,182to close, and the valves164,166,180,182may remain open while the signals are not received. In other words, the valves164,166,180,182may be normally-open valves. Additionally or alternatively, the signals may cause the valves164,166,180,182to open, and the valves164,166,180,182may remain closed while the signals are not received. In other words, the valves164,166,180,182may be normally-closed valves. In certain embodiments, the first fan167may be a variable speed fan. The control system184or a separate control system (e.g., a control system specifically configured to operate the first fan167) may be configured to operate the variable speed fan at a target operating speed. For instance, the control system184may operate the first fan167to direct a target amount (e.g., a target flow rate) of air flow across the first heat exchanger158to cool the refrigerant while maintaining a pressure of the refrigerant above a threshold pressure to enable the refrigerant to flow toward the first valve164at a threshold or sufficient flow rate. In other words, the control system184may operate the first fan167to avoid overcooling the refrigerant, thereby avoiding reduction of the flow rate of the refrigerant below the threshold flow rate. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first fan167may be one of a plurality of fans (e.g., a fan array) that are independently controllable, and the control system184may be configured to operate the plurality of fans (e.g., to suspend operation of a subset of the plurality of fans) to maintain the pressure of the refrigerant above the threshold pressure. To this end, the control system184may also operate the first fan167based on a determined or measured operating parameter indicative of the pressure of the refrigerant exiting the first heat exchanger158, such as the pressure of the refrigerant, a temperature of the refrigerant, a detected flow rate of the refrigerant (e.g., to the expansion valve168), a temperature of outdoor air, and the like. The refrigerant circuit152may include one or more sensors190communicatively coupled to the control system184. The sensor(s)190may be configured to determine an operating parameter of the heat pump system150, and the sensor(s)190may transmit data indicative of the operating parameter to the control system184. The control system184may operate the heat pump system150based on the operating parameter. By way of example, the operating parameter may include a temperature and/or pressure of the refrigerant (e.g., within the second heat exchanger160, within the first heat exchanger158), a temperature of the supply air flow, a temperature and/or humidity within a space conditioned by the heat pump system150, a temperature of outdoor air, another suitable operating parameter, or any combination thereof. The control system184may operate the valves156,164,166,180,182based on the data received from the sensor(s)190in order to operate the heat pump system150in a particular operating mode. The control system184may additionally or alternatively operate another suitable component, such as the compressor154, the first fan167, the second fan170, and so forth (e.g., based on a selected operating mode of the heat pump system150). FIG.6is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the heat pump system150in a reheat mode configuration. During the reheat mode, the reversing valve156may be positioned in the first configuration to direct the pressurized refrigerant from the compressor154to the second valve166. The second valve166may be adjusted to the second position to direct the pressurized refrigerant to the reheat heat exchanger162via the reheat line163and to block the pressurized refrigerant from flowing to the first heat exchanger158via the first line159. Further, the first valve164may be adjusted to the second position to direct the refrigerant from the reheat heat exchanger162toward the expansion valve168and to block the refrigerant from flowing from the reheat heat exchanger162to the first heat exchanger158. The expansion valve168may then direct the refrigerant to the second heat exchanger160and then to the reversing valve156, and the reversing valve156may direct the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger160to the accumulator172via the junction174. The second fan170may be operated to direct the supply air flow across both the second heat exchanger160and the reheat heat exchanger162. Accordingly, the reheat heat exchanger162may place pressurized, heated refrigerant in a heat exchange relationship with the supply air flow to heat (e.g., reheat) the supply air flow and cool the refrigerant, and the second heat exchanger160may place the cooled refrigerant in a heat exchange relationship with the supply air flow to cool the supply air flow. As shown, the second heat exchanger160is positioned upstream of the reheat heat exchanger162relative to the supply air flow directed thereacross. Thus, the second heat exchanger160may first cool the supply air flow to condense moisture contained within the supply air flow, thereby reducing the temperature and humidity of the supply air flow, and the reheat heat exchanger162may heat (e.g., reheat) the dehumidified supply air flow to a comfortable temperature. For instance, the heat pump system150may operate in the reheat mode to dehumidify the space serviced by the heat pump system150without substantially changing a temperature of the space. In the reheat mode, the refrigerant may be blocked from flowing into the first line159(e.g., via the valves164,166), and operation of the first heat exchanger158and/or the first fan167may be suspended. For this reason, the fourth valve182may be opened to enable refrigerant to flow out of the first line159toward the accumulator172via the second drain line178. Furthermore, the third valve180may be closed to block the refrigerant from flowing between the reheat line163and the junction174via the first drain line176. FIG.7is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the heat pump system150in a heating mode configuration. During the heating mode, the reversing valve156may be positioned in the second configuration to direct the pressurized refrigerant from the compressor154to the second heat exchanger160. The second fan170may direct the supply air flow across the second heat exchanger160to place the supply air flow in a heat exchange relationship with the pressurized, heated refrigerant in order to heat the supply air flow and cool the refrigerant. The supply air flow may then be directed into the space to heat the space. The cooled refrigerant may be directed from the second heat exchanger160to the first valve164, which may be adjusted to the first position to direct the refrigerant to the first heat exchanger158via the first line159and to block the refrigerant from flowing into the reheat line163. The first heat exchanger158may place the refrigerant in a heat exchange relationship with the outdoor air in order to heat the refrigerant. The refrigerant may then be directed from the first heat exchanger158to the second valve166, which may be adjusted to the first position in order to direct the refrigerant to the reversing valve156and to block the refrigerant from flowing into the reheat line163. The reversing valve156may direct the refrigerant from the second valve166to the junction174and toward the accumulator172in the second configuration. In the heating mode, the refrigerant may be blocked from flowing into the reheat line163, and operation of the reheat heat exchanger162may be suspended. As such, the third valve180may be opened to enable refrigerant to flow out of the reheat line163toward the accumulator172via the first drain line176. Additionally, the fourth valve182may be closed to block the refrigerant from flowing between the first line159and the junction174via the second drain line178. FIG.8is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method210for operating the heat pump system150in different operating modes. As an example, the control system184(e.g., the processing circuitry188) may perform one or more steps in the illustrated method210. It should be noted that the method210may be performed in a different manner in additional or alternative embodiments. For instance, additional steps may be performed with respect to the described method210. Additionally or alternatively, certain steps of the depicted method210may be removed, modified, and/or performed in a different order. At block212, a determination is made regarding whether there is a demand for heating. In certain embodiments, the determination may be made based on data received from the sensor(s)190. As an example, the determination may be made based on a comparison between a current (e.g., measured) temperature within a space serviced by the heat pump system150and a target or desired temperature within the space, such as whether the current temperature is below the target temperature. In additional or alternative embodiments, the determination may be made based on a user input. By way of example, the user input may be indicative of a request to heat the space regardless of the current temperature within the space. At block214, in response to a determination that there is a demand for heating (e.g., the current temperature of the space is below the target temperature), the heat pump system150may be operated in the heating mode. For example, the reversing valve156may be adjusted to the second configuration to direct pressurized refrigerant to the second heat exchanger160, as shown inFIG.7. Moreover, each of the first valve164and the second valve166may be adjusted to respective first positions to block the refrigerant from flowing into and/or from the reheat line163, and operation of the reheat heat exchanger162may be suspended. Further, the second fan170may be operated to direct the supply air flow across the second heat exchanger160to heat the supply air flow to a target temperature and/or to deliver the supply air flow at a desirable flow rate into the space. Further still, the third valve180may be opened to enable refrigerant to flow out of the reheat line163and toward the accumulator172via the junction174, and the fourth valve182may be closed to block refrigerant from flowing between the first line159and the junction174. At block216, in response to a determination that there is not a demand for heating, a determination may be made regarding whether there is a demand for cooling. By way of example, the determination may be made based on a comparison between the current (e.g., measured) temperature within the space and the target temperature, such as whether the current temperature is above the target temperature. In additional or alternative embodiments, the determination may be made based on a user input, such as a user input indicative of a request to cool the space regardless of the current temperature within the space. At block218, in response to a determination that there is a demand for cooling (e.g., the current temperature of the space is above the target temperature), the heat pump system150may be operated in the cooling mode. In the cooling mode, the reversing valve156may be positioned in the first configuration to direct pressurized refrigerant to the second valve166, as shown inFIG.5. Additionally, each of the first valve164and the second valve166may be adjusted to respective first positions to block the refrigerant from flowing through the reheat heat exchanger162, and operation of the reheat heat exchanger162may be suspended. In some embodiments, the second fan170may be operated to direct the supply air flow across the second heat exchanger160to cool the supply air flow to a target temperature and/or to deliver the supply air flow at a desirable flow rate into the space. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first fan167may be operated to cool the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger158while enabling the refrigerant to flow toward the second heat exchanger160at a target flow rate. In further embodiments, the third valve180may be opened to enable the refrigerant to be directed out of the reheat line163and toward the accumulator172via the junction174, and the fourth valve182may be closed to block the refrigerant from flowing between the first line159and the junction174. At block220, in response to a determination that there is not a demand for cooling, a determination may be made regarding whether there is a demand for dehumidification. As an example, the determination may be made based on a comparison between a current (e.g., measured) humidity of the space and a target humidity of the space, such as whether the current humidity is above the target humidity. In additional or alternative embodiments, the determination may be made based on a user input, such as a user input indicative of a request for dehumidifying the space regardless of the current humidity within the space. At block222, in response to a determination that there is a demand for dehumidification (e.g., the current humidity of the space is above the target humidity), the heat pump system150may be operated in the reheat mode. In the reheat mode, the reversing valve156may be positioned in the first configuration to direct pressurized refrigerant to the second valve166, as shown inFIG.6. Furthermore, each of the first valve164and the second valve166may be adjusted to respective second positions to enable the refrigerant to flow through the reheat heat exchanger162and to block the refrigerant from flowing through the first heat exchanger158. Thus, operation of the first heat exchanger158and/or of the first fan167may be suspended. In certain embodiments, the second fan170may be operated to direct the supply air flow across the second heat exchanger160and the reheat heat exchanger162to dehumidify and/or cool the supply air flow to a target humidity and/or temperature, respectively, to reheat dehumidified supply air flow to a target temperature, and/or to deliver the supply air flow at a desirable flow rate into the space. In addition, the fourth valve182may be opened to enable refrigerant to flow out of the first line159and toward the accumulator172via the junction174, and the third valve180may be closed to block refrigerant from flowing between the first line159and the junction174. At block224, in response to a determination that there is no demand for heating, cooling, or dehumidification, operation of the heat pump system150may be suspended. For example, operation of the compressor154may be suspended such that the refrigerant is not directed through the refrigerant circuit152. Further, operation of other components (e.g., the first fan167, the second fan170) may be suspended to reduce energy consumption associated with operation of the heat pump system150. It should be noted that blocks212,216,220may be continually performed to determine a suitable or desired operating mode of the heat pump system150. As an example, a demand for heating, cooling, or dehumidification may be continually monitored while the heat pump system150is operating in the heating mode, the cooling mode, or the reheat mode, such as to determine whether a current operating mode is to be maintained and/or is to be changed to a different operating mode. As another example, the demand for heating, cooling, or dehumidification may be continually monitored while operation of the heat pump system150is suspended, such as to determine whether operation of the heat pump system150is to remain suspended or whether a particular operating mode of the heat pump system150is to be initiated. FIG.9is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the heat pump system150. The illustrated heat pump system150may be configured to operate in the cooling mode, heating mode, and/or reheat mode. The illustrated heat pump system150includes the check valve169and the second valve166configured to block refrigerant flow into the reheat line163during the cooling mode and/or the heating mode. However, instead of the first valve164, the refrigerant circuit152may include a flow path system250that includes a first flow path252and a second flow path254arranged in parallel with one another and extending between the first heat exchanger158and the second heat exchanger160to control refrigerant flow through the first line159. The first flow path252may include a check valve256configured to enable refrigerant flow from the first heat exchanger158toward the expansion valve168and the second heat exchanger160via the first flow path252(e.g., in the cooling mode) and to block refrigerant flow from the expansion valve168to the first heat exchanger158via the first flow path252(e.g., in the reheat mode). In addition, the second flow path254may include a valve (e.g., on/off valve)258that may transition between an open (e.g., on) position and a closed (e.g., off) position. In the open position, the on/off valve258may enable refrigerant flow between the first heat exchanger158and the expansion valve168via the second flow path254. In the closed position, the on/off valve258may block refrigerant flow between the first heat exchanger158and the expansion valve168via the second flow path254. As an example, the on/off valve258may be adjusted to the open position during the heating mode of the heat pump system150to enable refrigerant flow from the expansion valve168to the first heat exchanger158via the second flow path254(e.g., instead of via the first flow path252). Further, the on/off valve258may be adjusted to the closed position during the cooling mode and/or the reheat mode of the heat pump system150to block the refrigerant from flowing between the first heat exchanger158and the expansion valve168via the second flow path254(e.g., to force the refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger158to the expansion valve168via the first flow path252in the cooling mode). For instance, the on/off valve258may be a solenoid valve that may transition between the open position and the closed position based on a signal received from the control system184. In some embodiments, the signal may actuate the on/off valve258to adjust the on/off valve258to the closed position, and the on/off valve258may be configured to be in the open position when the signal is not received. In alternative embodiments, the signal may actuate the on/off valve258to adjust the on/off valve258to the open position, and the on/off valve258may be configured to be in the closed position when the signal is not received. Additional or alternative embodiments of the heat pump system150may include other suitable components to control the flow of refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit152in the various operating modes. For example, the valves164,166may be configured to enable refrigerant flow through both the first line159and the reheat line163, the flow paths252,254may include different valves, the drain lines176,178may not be incorporated, additional or alternative drain lines may be incorporated, alternative valves may be used (e.g., an on/off valve instead of the check valve169to block refrigerant flow into the reheat line163), and so forth. The present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful in the operation of an HVAC system. For example, the HVAC system may include a heat pump system configured to operate a refrigerant circuit in a cooling mode, a heating mode, and/or a reheat mode. In the heating mode, a reversing valve may direct pressurized refrigerant to a first heat exchanger, such as an indoor heat exchanger, to heat a supply air flow. In the cooling mode, the reversing valve of the heat pump system may direct pressurized refrigerant to a valve, which is positioned to direct the pressurized refrigerant to a second heat exchanger, such as an outdoor heat exchanger, for cooling the pressurized refrigerant before directing the cooled refrigerant to the first heat exchanger to cool the supply air flow. In the reheat mode, the reversing valve may direct pressurized refrigerant to the valve, which directs the pressurized refrigerant to a reheat heat exchanger, instead of to the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit may then direct the refrigerant from the reheat heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger may cool the supply air flow and remove an amount of moisture contained within the supply air flow, and the reheat heat exchanger may heat (e.g., reheat) the cooled, dehumidified supply air flow to a higher temperature. In this manner, the heat pump system may be configured to operate in different manners to enable improved conditioning of a space serviced by the heat pump system. The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems. While only certain features and embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, including temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the disclosure, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed disclosure. It should be noted that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation. The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). | 56,411 |
11859881 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The purpose of providing these embodiments here is to make the disclosure of the present application completer and more comprehensive, and to completely convey the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art. Referring toFIG.1, it shows an embodiment of a refrigeration system according to the present application. From the perspective of pipeline connection, the refrigeration system100includes a main circuit110, an air supply branch120, and a liquid injection branch130. The main circuit110includes a multi-stage compressor111, a condenser112, an economizer113, a main throttling element, and an evaporator115connected in series through a pipeline. The air supply branch120is connected to the air outlet of the economizer113and the intermediate stage air inlet of the multi-stage compressor111through a pipeline. Under such a configuration, when the refrigeration system is operating normally, the gas-phase refrigerant compressed by the compressor enters the condenser112to be condensed into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, and then enters the economizer113, where a part of the liquid-phase refrigerant evaporates to allow another part of the liquid-phase refrigerant to be further cooled. The cooled liquid-phase refrigerant undergoes throttling expansion through an economizer float valve113aused as the main throttling element to form a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, enters the evaporator115to absorb heat and evaporate, and then returns to the multi-stage compressor111via the air inlet of the multi-stage compressor111to start a new cycle. Another part of the gas-phase refrigerant formed by absorbing heat and evaporating in the economizer113directly enters the intermediate stage air inlet of the multi-stage compressor111via the air supply branch120for vapor supply and enthalpy rise, so as to improve system efficiency. On this basis, the refrigeration system further includes a liquid injection branch130that is connected to the intermediate stage air inlet of the multi-stage compressor111from a section having a high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant in the main circuit110. Under such a configuration, when the vibration or noise of the compressor exceeds the limit or the guide vane opening is less than the preset value, the liquid-phase refrigerant can be introduced via the liquid injection branch. The liquid-phase refrigerant in the form of droplets can effectively absorb the sound wave energy in the compressor pipeline, thereby reducing the overall discharge pulsation of the compressor and eventually reducing the noise and vibration at the unit. The structure of each part of the refrigeration system will be introduced as follows. In addition, in order to further improve the system's energy efficiency, reliability or other aspects, some additional components can also be added, as shown in the following example. For example, considering that the liquid injection branch130is mainly used for absorbing sound wave energy through refrigerant droplets to achieve the purpose of reducing noise, it is not a flow path that needs to participate in the work at all times during system operation. Therefore, it can be controllably turned on and off. For example, a liquid injection valve131for controllably turning on or off the liquid injection branch130is provided thereon, and the liquid injection valve131may be specifically in the form of an actively controlled electric valve and/or a passively controlled throttle orifice. More specifically, it can also be provided with additional sensors to obtain its relatively clear judgement timing for turn-on and turn-off. For example, a vibration sensor or a noise sensor is additionally provided on the condenser112, where the liquid injection valve131can turn on the liquid injection branch130when the detection result of the vibration sensor exceeds the preset vibration value, or turn on the liquid injection branch130when the detection result of the noise sensor exceeds the preset noise value; or, a compressor guide vane opening sensor is provided in the multi-stage compressor, where the liquid injection valve131can turn on the liquid injection branch130when the compressor guide vane opening is less than the preset value. As a result, it only works when the system noise exceeds the limit, which can effectively and pertinently improve the user experience. When there is no such problem of noise overrun, however, the system can still focus on improving the energy efficiency of the system. In addition, the turn-on and turn-off of the liquid injection valve131can also be controlled according to the superheat of the evaporator of the main circuit110, so as to avoid the bypass of excessive liquid-phase refrigerant which will lead to the problem that the amount of liquid-phase refrigerant participating in the evaporation and heat exchange in the main circuit is too low, thereby ensuring the superheat of the evaporator outlet. For another example, also considering that the liquid injection branch130is mainly used to absorb sound wave energy through refrigerant droplets to achieve the purpose of reducing noise, the location where the liquid injection branch130is connected to the main circuit110may be further designed. For example, the liquid inlet of the liquid injection branch130can be provided in the section from the outlet of the condenser112to the economizer113, thereby ensuring the purity of the liquid introduced into the liquid injection branch130. Specifically, referring toFIG.1, the condenser112used in the figure is a shell and tube heat exchanger, and a condenser float valve112awith throttling function is provided at the bottom of the heat exchanger. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas enters the condenser112from the compressor111, exchanges heat with the coolant (such as cooling water) that enters the condenser through the tube bundle, and then condenses into liquid-phase refrigerant, which is accumulated at the bottom of the shell and tube heat exchanger After reaching a certain pressure, the liquid-phase refrigerant drives the condenser float valve112ato open the flow path, and then flows into the economizer113for flash evaporation. Therefore, the bottom outlet of this type of condenser112is almost filled with low-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, and it remains in a liquid-phase state in the pipeline section before it enters the economizer and is further flash evaporated and separated into liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant. Therefore, all the refrigerant in this section meets the requirement of being introduced to the intermediate stage suction port of the compressor to absorb vibration, so the liquid inlet of the liquid injection branch130can be arranged here. Still for another example, the liquid outlet of the liquid injection branch130can be provided in the section between the air supply valve121on the air supply branch120and the intermediate stage air inlet, thereby ensuring that this part of the liquid-phase refrigerant is reliably and stably sucked into the intermediate stage of the compressor to perform its noise reduction function. Specifically, referring toFIG.1, since the centrifugal compressor used here is a back to back two stage compressor, it has an inter-stage flow path111cdisposed outside the compressor housing to introduce the refrigerant gas between the first stage111aand the second stage111bof the compressor. This type of compressor with an external inter-stage flow path111ccan introduce the liquid-phase refrigerant into the compressor to absorb sound wave energy and reduce vibration in a more convenient manner. For example, at this time, the air supply branch120can be connected from any point on the inter-stage flow path111cfor vapor supply and enthalpy rise. Whereas, the liquid injection branch130can be connected to the pipeline section from the downstream of the air supply valve (not shown inFIG.1) of the air supply branch120, thereby being indirectly connected to the inter-stage flow path111c, or can be directly connected to the inter-stage flow path111c, or can be directly connected to the first-stage compressor volute (for a back to back two stage compressor), and finally enters the two-stage or three-stage compressor through the intermediate stage air inlet of the compressor to achieve its purpose of absorbing vibration. In addition, still referring toFIG.1, considering that the inlet guide vane of the centrifugal compressor is likely to cause high-lift flow separation at small opening, when the multi-stage compressor111used in the foregoing system is a two-stage centrifugal compressor, it has a better noise improvement effect. Furthermore, considering that the droplets have a better effect of absorbing sound wave energy than the liquid flow, the pipeline of the liquid injection branch130can be adjusted and arranged, for example, the diameter of the pipe can be changed, such that the liquid-phase refrigerant enters between the air outlet of the economizer113and the intermediate stage air inlet of the multi-stage compressor111in the form of droplets. Now turning toFIG.2, another embodiment of the refrigeration system100is shown here, which has a system flow path configuration similar to that of the embodiment shown inFIG.1. Accordingly, unless it is obviously to the contrary, in general, the various improvements mentioned in the embodiment inFIG.1can also be applied to this embodiment, so it will not be further discussed here. The following will focus on the special features of the embodiment shown inFIG.2. In comparison, the refrigeration system100shown inFIG.2uses another type of compressor111, that is, a two-stage compressor with a built-in inter-stage flow path, with the flow path introducing the refrigerant gas between the first stage and the second stage of the compressor arranged within the housing of the compressor111. For this type of compressor, on the one hand, the liquid injection branch130can be connected to the intermediate stage air inlet of the compressor from the downstream of the air supply valve121of the air supply branch120, so as to share part of the flow path with the air supply branch120to achieve its purpose of absorbing vibration, with no need to make other modifications to the compressor; on the other hand, an additional port can be open on the compressor to connect the liquid injection branch130to the intermediate stage air inlet of the compressor independent of the air supply branch120to achieve its purpose of absorbing vibration and avoid the mutual influence between the two branches. Similarly, although not shown in the drawings, a control method for the refrigeration system100is additionally provided, which can be applied to the refrigeration system100according to the foregoing embodiments or any combination thereof, thereby providing a better noise reduction effect for the system. Specifically, the method comprises: when the vibration of the condenser112exceeds the preset vibration value and/or the noise exceeds the preset noise value and/or the guide vane opening is less than the preset value, the liquid injection branch130is turned on and liquid-phase refrigerant is introduced to absorb the vibration. As a result, it only works when the system noise exceeds the limit, which can effectively and pertinently improve the user experience. When there is no such problem of noise overrun, however, the system can still focus on improving the energy efficiency of the system. When the superheat of the system is less than the preset superheat value, the liquid injection branch130is turned off, so as to avoid the bypass of excessive liquid-phase refrigerant which will lead to the problem that the amount of liquid-phase refrigerant participating in the evaporation and heat exchange in the main circuit is too low, thereby ensuring the superheat of the evaporator outlet. The flow path of the refrigerant in the normal operating mode and the vibration-reduction operating mode will be described respectively in conjunction with the embodiment of the refrigeration system shown inFIG.1as follows.FIG.2is only different fromFIG.1in the selection of compressor, so the operating process described below is also applicable to the embodiment shown inFIG.2. In the normal operating mode, the gas-phase refrigerant compressed by the compressor111enters the condenser112to be condensed into a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, and then enters the economizer113. At this time, since the air supply branch120is turned off by the air supply valve, the refrigerant flows directly through the economizer113, undergoes throttling expansion at the economizer float valve113a, and enters the evaporator115to absorb heat and evaporate into a gas-phase refrigerant. The gas-phase refrigerant then flows into the first stage111aof the compressor111and flows out of the compressor after two stages of compression to start a new cycle. When the air supply mode is turned on, the air supply branch120is turned on by the air supply valve. At this time, a part of the liquid-phase refrigerant evaporates in the economizer to allow another part of the liquid-phase refrigerant to be further cooled. The cooled liquid-phase refrigerant undergoes throttling expansion through an economizer float valve113ato form a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant, enters the evaporator115to absorb heat and evaporate, returns to the multi-stage compressor111via the air inlet of the multi-stage compressor111, and flows out of the compressor111after two stages of compression to start a new cycle. Another part of the gas-phase refrigerant formed by absorbing heat and evaporating in the economizer113directly enters the intermediate stage air inlet of the compressor111via the air supply branch120for vapor supply and enthalpy rise, so as to improve system efficiency. In addition, when the refrigeration system causes excessive vibration of the condenser due to reasons such as high lift and low load, the liquid injection branch can be turned on. At this time, the high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant is introduced into the inter-stage flow path of the compressor via the bottom of the condenser112and forms tiny droplets to absorb sound wave energy on the inter-stage flow path, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing vibration. The above examples mainly illustrate the refrigeration system and the control method therefor of the present invention. Although only some of the embodiments of the present invention are described, those skilled in the art understand that the present invention can, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, be implemented in many other forms. Therefore, the illustrated examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative but not restrictive, and the present invention may cover various modifications or replacements if not departed from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. | 15,445 |
11859882 | DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS (1) Overall Configuration As illustrated inFIG.1, a refrigeration cycle apparatus100mainly includes a heat-source-side unit10, a use-side unit20, and a connection pipe30. The refrigeration cycle apparatus100is used as a heat pump apparatus. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus100is used as an air conditioning apparatus that performs a cooling operation and a heating operation. The refrigeration cycle apparatus100includes a refrigerant circuit102through which refrigerant circulates. In the refrigerant circuit102, a compressor11, a heat-source-side heat exchanger13, an expansion mechanism15, and a use-side heat exchanger22are connected in sequence. (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Heat-Source-Side Unit10 The heat-source-side unit10is a heat pump unit that functions as a heat source. The heat-source-side unit10mainly includes the compressor11, a four-way switching valve12, the heat-source-side heat exchanger13, a propeller fan14, the expansion mechanism15, an accumulator16, and a heat-source-side control unit19. (2-1-1) Compressor11 The compressor11sucks in and compresses low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharges high-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor11include a compressor motor11a. The compressor motor11asupplies the power required for compressing the refrigerant to the compressor11. (2-1-2) Four-Way Switching Valve12 The four-way switching valve12switches the connection state of an internal pipe of the heat-source-side unit10. In the cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the four-way switching valve12achieves a connection state indicated by solid lines inFIG.1. In the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the four-way switching valve12achieves a connection state indicated by broken lines inFIG.1. (2-1-3) Heat-Source-Side Heat Exchanger13 The heat-source-side heat exchanger13has a heat-exchanger body13athat performs heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit102. In the cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the heat-exchanger body13aof the heat-source-side heat exchanger13functions as a radiator (a condenser). In the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the heat-exchanger body13aof the heat-source-side heat exchanger13functions as a heat absorber (an evaporator). The details of the heat-source-side heat exchanger13will be described below. (2-1-4) Propeller Fan14 The propeller fan14forms an air flow that promotes heat exchange by the heat-source-side heat exchanger13. The heat-source-side heat exchanger13performs heat exchange between the air in the air flow formed by the propeller fan14and the refrigerant. The propeller fan14is connected to a propeller fan motor14a. The propeller fan motor14asupplies the power required to operate the propeller fan14to the propeller fan14. (2-1-5) Expansion Mechanism15 The expansion mechanism15is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable. The expansion mechanism15decompresses the refrigerant flowing through the internal pipe of the heat-source-side unit10. The expansion mechanism15controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the internal pipe of the heat-source-side unit10. (2-1-6) Accumulator16 The accumulator16is installed in a pipe on the suction side of the compressor11. The accumulator16separates a gas-liquid refrigerant mixture flowing through the refrigerant circuit102into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant and stores the liquid refrigerant. The gas refrigerant separated by the accumulator16is delivered to a suction port of the compressor11. (2-1-7) Heat-Source-Side Control Unit19 The heat-source-side control unit19is a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, and so on. The heat-source-side control unit19controls the compressor motor11a, the four-way switching valve12, the propeller fan motor14a, the expansion mechanism15, and so on. (2-2) Use-Side Unit20 The use-side unit20provides cold heat or hot heat to a user of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100. The use-side unit20mainly includes the use-side heat exchanger22, a use-side fan23, a liquid shutoff valve24, a gas shutoff valve25, and a use-side control unit29. (2-2-1) Use-Side Heat Exchanger22 The use-side heat exchanger22has a heat-exchanger body (not illustrated) that performs heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit102. In the cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the heat-exchanger body of the use-side heat exchanger22functions as a heat absorber (an evaporator). In the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the heat-exchanger body of the use-side heat exchanger22functions as a radiator (a condenser). (2-2-2) Use-Side Fan23 The use-side fan23forms an air flow that promotes heat exchange by the use-side heat exchanger22. The use-side heat exchanger22performs heat exchange between the air in the air flow formed by the use-side fan23and the refrigerant. The use-side fan23is connected to a use-side fan motor23a. The use-side fan motor23asupplies the power required to operate the use-side fan23to the use-side fan23. (2-2-3) Liquid Shutoff Valve24 The liquid shutoff valve24is a valve capable of shutting off the refrigerant flow path. The liquid shutoff valve24is installed between the use-side heat exchanger22and the expansion mechanism15. The liquid shutoff valve24is opened and closed by an operator, for example, at the time of installation or the like of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100. (2-2-4) Gas Shutoff Valve25 The gas shutoff valve25is a valve capable of shutting off the refrigerant flow path. The gas shutoff valve25is installed between the use-side heat exchanger22and the four-way switching valve12. The gas shutoff valve25is opened and closed by an operator, for example, at the time of installation or the like of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100. (2-2-5) Use-Side Control Unit29 The use-side control unit29is a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, and so on. The use-side control unit29controls the use-side fan motor23aand so on. The use-side control unit29transmits and receives data and commands to and from the heat-source-side control unit19via a communication line CL. (2-3) Connection Pipe30 The connection pipe30guides the refrigerant moving between the heat-source-side unit10and the use-side unit20. The connection pipe30includes a liquid connection pipe31and a gas connection pipe32. (2-3-1) Liquid Connection Pipe31 The liquid connection pipe31mainly guides liquid refrigerant or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The liquid connection pipe31connects the liquid shutoff valve24and the heat-source-side unit10to each other. (2-3-2) Gas Connection Pipe32 The gas connection pipe32mainly guides gas refrigerant. The gas connection pipe32connects the gas shutoff valve25and the heat-source-side unit10to each other. (3) Overall Operation The refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus100undergoes a change accompanied by a phase transition, such as condensation or evaporation, in the heat-source-side heat exchanger13and the use-side heat exchanger22. However, the refrigerant may not necessarily undergo a change accompanied by phase transition in the heat-source-side heat exchanger13and the use-side heat exchanger22. (3-1) Cooling Operation In the cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the refrigerant circulates in a first direction indicated by an arrow C inFIG.1. In this case, the heat-exchanger body13aof the heat-source-side heat exchanger13and the heat-exchanger body of the use-side heat exchanger22function as a radiator and a heat absorber, respectively. The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor11passes through the four-way switching valve12and reaches the heat-source-side heat exchanger13. In the heat-source-side heat exchanger13, the high-pressure gas refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, condenses, and changes to high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Thereafter, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant reaches the expansion mechanism15. In the expansion mechanism15, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is decompressed into low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Thereafter, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant passes through the liquid connection pipe31and the liquid shutoff valve24and reaches the use-side heat exchanger22. In the use-side heat exchanger22, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, evaporates, and changes to low-pressure gas refrigerant. In this process, the temperature of the air in the space where the user is located is decreased. Thereafter, the low-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the gas shutoff valve25, the gas connection pipe32, the four-way switching valve12, and the accumulator16and reaches the compressor11. Thereafter, the compressor11sucks in the low-pressure gas refrigerant. (3-2) Heating Operation In the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the refrigerant circulates in a second direction indicated by an arrow W inFIG.1. In this case, the heat-exchanger body13aof the heat-source-side heat exchanger13and the heat-exchanger body of the use-side heat exchanger22function as a heat absorber and a radiator, respectively. The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor11passes through the four-way switching valve12, the gas connection pipe32, and the gas shutoff valve25and reaches the use-side heat exchanger22. In the use-side heat exchanger22, the high-pressure gas refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, condenses, and changes to high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In this process, the temperature of the air in the space where the user is located is increased. Thereafter, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the liquid shutoff valve24and the liquid connection pipe31and reaches the expansion mechanism15. In the expansion mechanism15, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is decompressed into low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Thereafter, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant reaches the heat-source-side heat exchanger13. In the heat-source-side heat exchanger13, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, evaporates, and changes to low-pressure gas refrigerant. Thereafter, the low-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the four-way switching valve12and the accumulator16and reaches the compressor11. Thereafter, the compressor11sucks in the low-pressure gas refrigerant. (4) Detailed Configuration of Heat-Source-Side Heat Exchanger13 As illustrated inFIG.2, the heat-source-side heat exchanger13includes a plurality of heat-exchanger bodies13a, a plurality of refrigerant pipes13b, one branch unit13d, and one temperature detection unit17. The refrigerant pipes13bpass through the heat-exchanger bodies13a. Each of the refrigerant pipes13bpasses through a corresponding one of the heat-exchanger bodies13a. The refrigerant pipes13bare each a pipe through which the refrigerant to be heat-exchanged in the corresponding one of the heat-exchanger bodies13aflows. The branch unit13dbranches the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit102, which is directed toward the heat-exchanger bodies13a, into the plurality of refrigerant pipes13b. In the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the refrigerant flows in a second direction indicated by an arrow W inFIG.2. The branch unit13ddistributes the refrigerant directed toward the heat-exchanger bodies13a(the refrigerant flowing in the second direction) to the plurality of refrigerant pipes13b. To this end, the branch unit13dis disposed between the expansion mechanism15and the heat-exchanger bodies13a. As illustrated inFIG.2, in the heating operation, the flows of refrigerant distributed to the refrigerant pipes13band heat-exchanged in the heat-exchanger bodies13aare joined together in a header13p, and the joint flow of the refrigerant is delivered to the refrigerant circuit102. At least one of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bincludes a flow rate adjustment unit13c. As illustrated inFIG.2, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bincludes one flow rate adjustment unit13c. In other words, the number of flow rate adjustment units13cis the same as the number of refrigerant pipes13b. The flow rate adjustment units13care attached to the refrigerant pipes13b, for example. The flow rate adjustment units13care disposed between the expansion mechanism15and the heat-exchanger bodies13a. Specifically, the flow rate adjustment units13care disposed between the branch unit13dand the heat-exchanger bodies13a. The flow rate adjustment units13care each a mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the corresponding one of the refrigerant pipes13b. Specifically, each of the flow rate adjustment units13cincludes an electromagnetic valve whose opening degree is adjustable. The flow rate adjustment units13care capable of increasing or decreasing the flow rates of the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the corresponding refrigerant pipes13bin accordance with the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves. The temperature detection unit17detects temperatures at a plurality of points in a contactless manner. Specifically, the temperature detection unit17detects the respective surface temperatures of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bin a contactless manner. As illustrated inFIG.3, the temperature detection unit17is an array sensor that detects in a contactless manner a temperature distribution in a predetermined detection region R, which is a two-dimensional plane. The array sensor is, for example, a radiation thermometer that measures the intensity of infrared or visible light emitted from an object to measure the temperature of the object. As illustrated inFIG.3, the temperature detection unit17performs a surface measurement of the surface temperature near the outlet of each of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13b. The outlets of the refrigerant pipes13bare ends of the refrigerant pipes13bcloser to the header13p. As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the heat-source-side control unit19is connected to the temperature detection unit17and the flow rate adjustment units13c. The heat-source-side control unit19automatically adjusts the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves of the flow rate adjustment units13con the basis of data related to the temperatures detected by the temperature detection unit17. The data related to the temperatures detected by the temperature detection unit17is, as illustrated inFIG.4, temperatures at respective points in the detection region R. InFIG.4, temperature detection points are arranged in a matrix, and the temperature of each point is represented by a numerical value. The heat-source-side control unit19controls the flow rate adjustment units13con the basis of the temperatures detected by the temperature detection unit17. Specifically, the heat-source-side control unit19adjusts the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves of the respective flow rate adjustment units13con the basis of the data illustrated inFIG.4to control the flow rates of the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the corresponding refrigerant pipes13b. The heat-source-side control unit19controls the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves of the flow rate adjustment units13cso that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant pipe13bhaving a relatively high temperature among the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bincreases or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant pipe13bhaving a relatively low temperature among the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bdecreases. Accordingly, the heat-source-side control unit19can reduce the differences in surface temperature between the plurality of refrigerant pipes13b. (5) Features The refrigeration cycle apparatus100includes the temperature detection unit17that performs a surface measurement of the temperature of the heat-source-side heat exchanger13in a contactless manner. The temperature detection unit17detects the surface temperatures near the outlets of the refrigerant pipes13bof the heat-source-side heat exchanger13. The heat-source-side control unit19predicts the flow rates of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes13bon the basis of the detected temperatures and controls the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves of the flow rate adjustment units13cattached to the corresponding refrigerant pipes13b. The heat-source-side control unit19controls the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves so that, for example, the surface temperatures near the outlets of the refrigerant pipes13bbecome uniform. Specifically, the heat-source-side control unit19controls the opening degrees of the electromagnetic valves so that the temperatures detected by the temperature detection unit17in the detection region R are as uniform as possible. Accordingly, during the heating operation, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion mechanism15is likely to be equally divided into flows to the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bby the branch unit13d. In other words, the flow rates of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes13bare equal. Accordingly, the heat-source-side control unit19can suppress the uneven flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation, and a reduction in the performance of the refrigeration cycle apparatus100is suppressed. The measurement of the surface temperatures of the refrigerant pipes13busing contact-type temperature sensors requires a temperature sensor that is attached to the surface of each of the refrigerant pipes13b. When contact-type temperature sensors are used, an increase in the number of refrigerant pipes13bincreases the number of required temperature sensors, resulting in an increase in cost. However, the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, which is configured to perform a surface measurement of the surface temperatures of the refrigerant pipes13bin a contactless manner using the temperature detection unit17, can reduce the number of temperature sensors and the number of input/output ports of an electric component, and can reduce cost. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, furthermore, the temperature detection unit17can be used to monitor the surface temperature of the heat-source-side heat exchanger13(the surface temperatures of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13b) in a wide range. Accordingly, the heat-source-side control unit19can detect, based on detection data obtained by the temperature detection unit17, a decrease in the surface temperature of any of the refrigerant pipes13bdue to the leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe13b. As described above, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus100, the temperature detection unit17and the heat-source-side control unit19can be used to identify a failure caused in any of the refrigerant pipes13b. (6) Modifications (6-1) Modification A Like the heat-source-side heat exchanger13according to the embodiment, the use-side heat exchanger22may include a plurality of heat-exchanger bodies. In this case, like the heat-source-side heat exchanger13according to the embodiment, the use-side heat exchanger22may further include a plurality of refrigerant pipes that pass through the heat-exchanger bodies, a branch unit that divides the refrigerant into flows to the plurality of refrigerant pipes, flow rate adjustment units attached to the respective refrigerant pipes, and a temperature detection unit. In other words, the use-side heat exchanger22may have a configuration and functions similar to those of the heat-source-side heat exchanger13illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3. In this case, the use-side control unit29controls the flow rate adjustment units of the refrigerant pipes on the basis of the temperatures of the refrigerant pipes, which are detected by the temperature detection unit of the use-side heat exchanger22in a contactless manner. In this modification, only the use-side heat exchanger22may include a plurality of heat-exchanger bodies, or both the heat-source-side heat exchanger13and the use-side heat exchanger22may include a plurality of heat-exchanger bodies. In this case, a heat exchanger including a plurality of heat-exchanger bodies may have a configuration and functions similar to those of the heat-source-side heat exchanger13illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3. This modification is also applicable to other modifications. (6-2) Modification B The embodiment relates to control of the heat-source-side control unit19in a case where the heat-source-side heat exchanger13functions as a heat absorber. However, when the heat-source-side heat exchanger13functions as a radiator, the heat-source-side control unit19may perform control different from that in the embodiment. Specifically, the heat-source-side control unit19may control the flow rate adjustment units13cso that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant pipe13bhaving a relatively high temperature among the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bdecreases or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant pipe13bhaving a relatively low temperature among the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bincreases. (6-3) Modification C The temperature detection unit17may detect the respective temperatures of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13bby performing a line measurement while scanning with a single sensor. In this case, the temperature detection unit17scans a predetermined detection region of the heat-source-side heat exchanger13along a predetermined path using a contactless temperature sensor to detect the surface temperatures of the plurality of refrigerant pipes13b.FIG.5illustrates an example of a scanning path S of the single sensor.FIG.6illustrates an example of measurement data obtained by scanning with the single sensor. InFIG.6, the horizontal axis represents the scanning time, and the vertical axis represents the detected temperature. The data illustrated inFIG.6corresponds to a linear expansion of the matrix data illustrated inFIG.4from the right side (the side of the header13p) to the left side (the side of the flow rate adjustment units13c) as illustrated inFIG.5. (6-4) Modification D In the heat-source-side heat exchanger13, the number of flow rate adjustment units13cmay be smaller than the number of refrigerant pipes13bby1. In this case, the heat-source-side heat exchanger13includes one refrigerant pipe13bthat does not include a flow rate adjustment unit13c. The flow resistance of the refrigerant pipe13bthat does not include a flow rate adjustment unit13ccan be adjusted by the design of the flow rate adjustment units13cof the other refrigerant pipes13b, for example. (6-5) Modification E The heat-source-side heat exchanger13may include a plurality of branch units13d. In this case, the flow resistances, the flow rates, and the like of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipes13bcan be adjusted to some extent in accordance with the state of connection between the branch units13dand the pipes. —Note— While an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, it will be understood that forms and details can be changed in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as recited in the claims. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11compressor13heat-source-side heat exchanger13brefrigerant pipe13cflow rate adjustment unit15expansion mechanism17temperature detection unit19heat-source-side control unit (control unit)22use-side heat exchanger100refrigeration cycle apparatus102refrigerant circuit CITATION LIST Patent Literature <PTL 1> Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-89980 | 24,037 |
11859883 | MODE FOR INVENTION Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will be made clear from embodiments described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is merely defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Spatially relative terms such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” or “upper” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the elements during use or operation of the elements in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the elements in one of the drawings are turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below. Since the elements may be oriented in another direction, the spatially relative terms may be interpreted in accordance with the orientation of the elements. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used in this specification, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well unless context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated elements, steps, and/or operations, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements, steps, and/or operations. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In the drawings, the thickness or size of each element may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience of description and clarity. Also, the size or area of each element may not entirely reflect the actual size thereof. In addition, angles or directions used to describe the structures of embodiments of the present invention are based on those shown in the drawings. Unless there is, in this specification, no definition of a reference point to describe angular positional relations in the structures of embodiments of the present invention, the associated drawings may be referred to. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in concrete details with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.1is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Needless to say, althoughFIG.1is illustrated with respect to an air conditioner, the present invention is also applicable to a cycling device using refrigerant. Referring toFIG.1, the air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that is installed outdoors and exchanges heat between outdoor air and the refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger that is installed indoors and exchanges heat between indoor air and the refrigerant, and a flow disturbance apparatus10for disturbing the refrigerant flowing inside the air conditioner. The compressor110compresses an incoming low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The compressor110may come in various structures, and may be a reciprocating compressor which uses a cylinder and a piston or a scroll compressor which uses a fixe scroll and an orbiting scroll. In this exemplary embodiment, the compressor110is a scroll compressor110. A plurality of compressors110may be provided depending on the embodiment. The compressor110comprises a first inlet port111through which the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger120enters in a heating operation or the refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger130enters in a defrosting operation, a second inlet port112through which the relatively low-pressure refrigerant expanded and evaporated in a second injection module180enters, a third inlet port113through which the relatively high-pressure refrigerant expanded and evaporated in a first injection module170enters, and a discharge port114through which compressed refrigerant is discharged. In this exemplary embodiment, the heating operation is an operation mode in which the indoor heat exchanger130condenses refrigerant to heat indoor air, and the cooling operation is an operation mode in which the indoor heat exchanger130evaporates refrigerant to cool indoor air. Preferably, the second inlet port112is formed at a low pressure side of a compression chamber of the compressor110where refrigerant is compressed, and the third inlet port113is formed at a high pressure side of the compression chamber of the compressor110. The high pressure side of the compression chamber refers to a portion where the temperature and pressure are relatively high compared with the low pressure side of the compression chamber. The refrigerant entering through the first inlet port111has a lower pressure and temperature than the refrigerant entering through the second inlet port112, and the refrigerant entering through the second inlet port112has a lower pressure and temperature than the refrigerant entering through the third inlet port113. The refrigerant entering through the third inlet port113has a lower pressure and temperature than the refrigerant discharged through the discharged port114. The compressor110compresses the refrigerant entering through the first inlet port111in the compression chamber and mixes it with the refrigerant entering through the second inlet port112formed at the low pressure side of the compression chamber and compresses the mixture. The compressor110compresses the refrigerant mixture and mixes it with the refrigerant entering through the third inlet port113formed at the high pressure side of the compression chamber and compresses the mixture. The compressor110compresses the refrigerant mixture and discharges it through the discharge port114. A gas-liquid separator160separates gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger130in the defrosting operation or from the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger120in the heating operation. The gas-liquid separator160is provided between a switching part190and the first inlet port111of the compressor110. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator160enters through the first inlet port111of the compressor110. The switching part190is a flow path switching valve for switching between cooling and heating, which directs the refrigerant compressed by the compressor110to the indoor heat exchanger130in the heating operation and directs it to the outdoor heat exchanger120in the defrosting operation. The switching part190is connected to the discharge port114of the compressor110and the gas-liquid separator160, and is connected to the indoor heat exchanger130and the outdoor heat exchanger120. In the heating operation, the switching part190connects the discharge port114of the compressor110and the indoor heat exchanger130and connects the outdoor heat exchanger120and the gas-liquid separator160. In the defrosting operation, the switching part190connects the discharge port114of the compressor110and the outdoor heat exchanger120and connects the indoor heat exchanger130and the gas-liquid separator160. The switching part190may be implemented in a variety of modules for connecting different flow path, and, in this exemplary embodiment, may be a four-way valve for switching flow paths. In some exemplary embodiments, the switching part190may be implemented as various types of valves or a combination thereof, such as a combination of two three-way valves that can switch four flow paths. The outdoor heat exchanger120is placed in an outdoor space, and the refrigerant passed through the outdoor heat exchanger120exchanges heat with the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger120acts as an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant in the heating operation and acts as a condenser for condensing refrigerant in the defrosting operation. The outdoor heat exchanger120may be installed in an outdoor unit6which will be described later. The outdoor heat exchanger120is connected to the switching part190and an outdoor expansion valve140. In the heating operation, the refrigerant expanded in the outdoor heat expansion valve140enters the outdoor heat exchanger120and is evaporated and then discharged to the switching part190. In the defrosting operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor110and passed through the discharge port114of the compressor110and the switching part190enters the outdoor heat exchanger120and is condensed and then flows to the outdoor expansion valve140. The outdoor heat exchanger120may receive heat by a defrost unit240installed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger120. Here, the defrost unit240may be a defrost heater241installed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger120. The defrost heater241transforms electrical energy into thermal energy and supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger120. The defrost heater241performs defrosting by applying heat directly to the outdoor heat exchanger120without stopping the heating operation of the air conditioner. The outdoor expansion valve140is adjusted to expand refrigerant in the heating operation, and is fully opened to pass the refrigerant through in the defrosting operation. The outdoor expansion valve140is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger120and the second injection module180. The outdoor expansion valve140is provided between the outdoor heat exchanger120and the second injection module180. In the heating operation, the outdoor expansion valve140expands the refrigerant flowing from the second injection module180to the outdoor heat exchanger120. In the defrosting operation, the outdoor expansion valve140allows the refrigerant entering from the outdoor heat exchanger120to pass through and directs it to the second injection module180. The indoor heat exchanger130is placed in an indoor space, and the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger130exchanges heat with indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger130acts as a condenser for condensing refrigerant in the heating operation and acts as an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant in the defrosting operation. The indoor heat exchanger130is connected to the switching part190and an indoor expansion valve150. In the heating operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor110and passed through the discharge port114and the switching part190enters the indoor heat exchanger130and is condensed and then flows to the indoor expansion valve150. In the defrosting operation, the refrigerant expanded in the outdoor heat expansion valve140enters the outdoor heat exchanger120and is evaporated and then discharged to the switching part190. The indoor expansion valve150is fully opened to pass the refrigerant through in the heating operation, and is adjusted to expand refrigerant in the defrosting operation. The indoor expansion valve150is connected to the indoor heat exchanger130and the first injection module170. The indoor expansion valve150is provided between the indoor heat exchanger130and the first injection module170. In the heating operation, the indoor expansion valve150allows the refrigerant entering from the indoor heat exchanger140to pass through and directs it to the first injection module170. In the defrosting operation, the indoor expansion valve150expands the refrigerant flowing from the first injection module170to the indoor heat exchanger130. The first injection module170expands part of the refrigerant flowing between the indoor heat exchanger130and the outdoor heat exchanger120depending on the operating condition and injects it into the compressor110or not. In the heating operation, the first injection module170expands part of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger130to the second injection module180and injects it into the high pressure side of the compressor110. The first injection module170is connected to the indoor expansion valve150, the third inlet port113, and the second injection module180. In the heating operation, the first injection module170directs a part of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger130to the third inlet port113of the compressor110and injects it into the high pressure side of the compressor110, and directs another part of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger130to the second injection module180. In the defrosting operation, the first injection module170does not operate but bypasses the refrigerant flowing from the second injection module180and directs it to the indoor expansion valve150. The first injection module170comprises a first injection expansion valve171for expanding a part of a flowing refrigerant and a first injection heat exchanger172for performing overcooling by exchanging heat between another part of the flowing refrigerant and the refrigerant expanded by the first injection expansion valve171. The first injection expansion valve171is connected to the indoor expansion valve150and the first injection heat exchanger172. The first injection expansion valve171is adjusted in the heating operation to expand the refrigerant injected from the indoor heat exchanger130into the compressor110, and is closed in the defrosting operation. In the heating operation, the first injection expansion valve171expands part of the refrigerant passed through the indoor expansion valve150after exchanging heat in the indoor heat exchanger130, and directs it to the first injection heat exchanger172. In the heating operation, the degree of opening of the first injection expansion valve171is adjusted in such a way that the pressure of the refrigerant passing through it is equal to the pressure of the high pressure side of the compressor110to which the third inlet port113is connected. In the defrosting operation, the first injection expansion valve171is closed, and the first injection module170therefore does not operate. The first injection heat exchanger172is connected to the indoor expansion valve150, the first injection expansion valve171, a second injection expansion valve181, a second injection heat exchanger182, and the third inlet port113. The first injection heat exchanger172exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger130and the refrigerant expanded by the first injection expansion valve171in the heating operation, and allows the refrigerant flowing from the second injection module180to pass through without exchanging heat in the defrosting operation. In the heating operation, the first injection heat exchanger172exchanges heat between part of the refrigerant passed through the indoor expansion valve150after exchanging heat in the indoor heat exchanger130and the refrigerant expanded by the first injection expansion valve171. In the heating operation, the refrigerant overcooled in the first injection heat exchanger172flows to the second injection module180, and the overheated refrigerant is injected into the third inlet port113of the compressor110. In the defrosting operation, if the first injection expansion valve171is closed, the first injection heat exchanger172bypasses the refrigerant flowing from the second injection module180and directs it to the indoor expansion valve150. The above-described first injection module170may not be comprised of the first injection expansion valve171and the first injection heat exchanger172, but instead may be a gas-liquid separator that separates gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant so that the gaseous refrigerant is injected. The second injection module180may inject part of the refrigerant flowing between the indoor heat exchanger130and the outdoor heat exchanger120into the compressor110depending on the operating condition. In the heating operation, the second injection module180expands part of the refrigerant flowing from the first injection module170to the outdoor heat exchanger120and injects it to the low pressure side of the compressor110. The second injection module180is connected to the first injection module170, the second inlet port112of the compressor110, and the outdoor expansion valve140. In the heating operation, the second injection module180directs a part of the refrigerant flowing from the first injection module170to the second inlet port112of the compressor110and injects it to the low pressure side of the compressor110, and directs another part of the refrigerant flowing from the first injection module170to the outdoor expansion valve140. In the defrosting operation, depending on the frosting injection condition to be described later, the second injection module180may direct a part of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger120to the second inlet port112of the compressor110and inject it into the low pressure side of the compressor110, and may direct another part of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger120to the first injection module170. In the defrosting operation, the second injection module180does not operate under the frosting injection condition, but may bypass the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger120and direct it to the first injection module170. The second injection module180comprises a second injection expansion valve181for expanding a part of a flowing refrigerant and a second injection heat exchanger182for performing overcooling by exchanging heat between another part of the flowing refrigerant and the refrigerant expanded by the second injection expansion valve181. The second injection expansion valve181is connected to the first injection heat exchanger172and the second injection heat exchanger182. The second injection expansion valve181expands the refrigerant injected from the indoor heat exchanger130into the compressor110. In the heating operation, the second injection expansion valve181expands part of the refrigerant discharged and branched off from the first injection heat exchanger172and directs it to the second injection heat exchanger182. In the heating operation, the degree of opening of the second injection expansion valve181is adjusted such that the pressure of the refrigerant passing through it is equal to the pressure at the low pressure side of the compressor110to which the second inlet port112is connected. In the defrosting operation, the second injection expansion valve181may expand part of the refrigerant passed through the outdoor expansion valve140and direct it to the second injection heat exchanger182after exchanging heat in the outdoor heat exchanger130. In the defrosting operation, the second injection expansion valve181may be closed, and the second injection module180therefore may not operate. The second injection heat exchanger182is connected to the first injection heat exchanger172, the second injection expansion valve181, the second inlet port112of the compressor110, and the outdoor expansion valve140. In the heating operation, the second injection heat exchanger182may exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing from the first injection module170and the refrigerant expanded by the second injection expansion valve181, and, in the defrosting operation, it may allow the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger120and the refrigerant expanded by the second injection expansion valve181to pass through after or without exchanging heat in the defrosting operation. In the heating operation, the second injection heat exchanger182exchanges heat between part of the refrigerant discharged and branched off from the first injection heat exchanger172and the refrigerant expanded by the second injection expansion valve181. In the heating operation, the refrigerant overcooled in the second injection heat exchanger182flows to the outdoor expansion valve140, and the overheated refrigerant is injected into the second inlet port112of the compressor110. In the defrosting operation, the second injection heat exchanger182may exchange heat between the refrigerant passed through the outdoor expansion valve140after exchanging heat in the outdoor heat exchanger120and the refrigerant expanded by the second injection valve181. In the defrosting operation, the refrigerant overcooled in the second injection heat exchanger182may flow to the first injection module170, and the overheated refrigerant may be injected into the second inlet port112of the compressor110. In the defrosting operation, if the second injection expansion valve181is closed, the second injection heat exchanger182may bypass the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor expansion valve140after exchanging heat in the outdoor heat exchanger120and direct it to the first injection module170. The above-described second injection module180may not be comprised of the second injection expansion valve181and the second injection heat exchanger182, but instead may be a gas-liquid separator that separates gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant so that the gaseous refrigerant is injected. Hereinafter, a description will be given of how an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention works in the heating operation, with reference toFIG.1. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor110is discharged through the discharge port114and flows to the switching part190. In the heating operation, since the switching part190connects the discharge port114of the compressor110and the indoor heat exchanger130, the refrigerant flowing to the switching part190flows to the indoor heat exchanger130. The refrigerant flowing from the switching part190to the indoor heat exchanger130is condensed as it exchanges heat with indoor air. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger130flows to the indoor expansion valve150. In the heating operation, since the indoor expansion valve150is fully opened, it allows the refrigerant to pass through and directs it to the first injection module170. Part of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor expansion valve150may be injected from the first injection module170and/or second injection module180and supplied to the compressor110, and the entire or part of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor expansion valve150is not injected from the first injection module170and/or second injection module180but is directed to the outdoor expansion valve140. The refrigerant flowing to the outdoor expansion valve140is expanded and directed to the outdoor heat exchanger120. The refrigerant flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger120is evaporated by exchanging heat with the outdoor air. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger120flows to the switching part190. The refrigerant expanded by the outdoor expansion valve140is directed to the indoor heat exchanger through a connecting pipe144, in the form of a refrigerant mixture of liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. In this instance, the refrigerant is concentrated at the bends due to the difference in specific gravity between the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant. If the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant are distributed to the refrigerant tube of the heat exchanger without considering this, the refrigerant is non-uniformly distributed, and this leads to a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. Needless to say, the refrigerant flowing to the heat exchanger may be non-uniformly distributed within the refrigerant tube due to various causes, and this leads to a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. To solve the aforementioned problem, in this exemplary embodiment, a flow disturbance apparatus may be installed on a refrigerant pipe where refrigerant flows. It is obvious that the flow disturbance apparatus of the present invention may be manufactured integrally with or separately from the refrigerant pipe. Preferably, the flow disturbance apparatus may be disposed on the connecting pipe144to distribute the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant uniformly throughout the refrigerant tube of the heat exchanger, or may be disposed on a pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger130and the compressor110. Specifically, in the cooling operation, the refrigerant entering the refrigerant tube of the indoor heat exchanger130is disturbed through the flow disturbance apparatus of this exemplary embodiment, and in the heating operation, the refrigerant entering the refrigerant tube of the outdoor heat exchanger120is disturbed through the flow disturbance apparatus of this exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, the flow disturbance apparatus10of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of a flow disturbance apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the flow disturbance apparatus, taken in a different direction from that inFIG.2.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the flow disturbance apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken in a direction parallel to the front-back direction which is parallel to the direction of refrigerant flow.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the flow disturbance apparatus, taken in the up-down direction which intersects the front-back direction. Referring toFIGS.2and3, the flow disturbance apparatus10according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a refrigerant pipe20having a flow space21in which refrigerant flows and at least one disturbance member30disposed inside the refrigerant pipe20, that is vibrated by the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe20to disturb the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20. The refrigerant pipe20internally has a flow space20through which refrigerant passes. Specifically, the refrigerant pipe20is in the shape of a metal pipe with high heat exchange rate. The refrigerant pipe20has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape. The refrigerant mixture of liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant flows into one end of the refrigerant pipe20and flows out to the other end. One end of the refrigerant pipe20is connected to the outdoor expansion valve140, and the other end is connected to the indoor expansion valve150. The disturbance member30disturbs the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20. The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20is non-uniformly distributed due to various causes such as gravity and bending. Thus, the disturbance member30forms a vortex in the refrigerant pipe20to disturb the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe20, thus causing an increase in disorder according to the entropy law. As a consequence, the refrigerant is uniformly distributed in the refrigerant flow space21. The disturbance member30is disposed inside the refrigerant pipe20and vibrated by the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe20to disturb the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20. The disturbance member30is naturally vibrated by the pressure or flow force of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20without external energy supply, and forms a vortex of refrigerant at the rear of the disturbance member30due to this vibration. For example, one end of the disturbance member30is a fixed end38connected to an inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20, and the other end of the disturbance member30is a free end37positioned in the flow space21of the refrigerant pipe20. Specifically, one end of the disturbance member30is connected to the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20, and the other end of the disturbance member30extends into the flow space21of the refrigerant pipe20. The disturbance member30works in such a way that the fixed end38of the disturbance member30acts as the center of vibration, causing the other end of the disturbance member30to vibrate. As shown inFIG.3, the disturbance member30has a predetermined surface area when viewed from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the front and back, when the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe20flows from the front to the back. If the disturbance member30has a given surface area when viewed from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the front and back, it creates resistance against the flow of refrigerant and the disturbance member30vibrates. The surface area the disturbance member30occupies on the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the front and back is preferably 2% to 15% of the cross-sectional area of the flow space21in the refrigerant pipe20. If the surface area the disturbance member30occupies on the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the front and back is greater than 15% of the cross-sectional area of the flow space21in the refrigerant pipe20, there are problems like a large decrease in the flow velocity of the refrigerant and an increase in pressure loss. On the other hand, if the surface area the disturbance member30occupies on the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the front and back is less than 2% of the cross-sectional area of the flow space21in the refrigerant pipe20, the disturbance member30has lower resistance and vibrates less, thus leading to non-uniform mixing of refrigerants. The length L (seeFIG.4a) of the disturbance member is usually 0.3 to 0.75 times the radius R of the refrigerant pipe20. Preferably, the highest efficiency can be achieved when the length L (seeFIG.4a) of the disturbance member is 0.57 times the radius R of the refrigerant pipe20. The positions of the fixed end38and free end37of the disturbance member30are determined in consideration of the elasticity and stiffness of the disturbance member30. Specifically, the fixed end38of the disturbance member30is disposed ahead of the free end37of the disturbance member30. If the fixed end38of the disturbance member30is disposed ahead of the free end37of the disturbance member30, this creates high resistance against the resistance flowing from the front to the back, causing deformation of the disturbance member30beyond its elasticity, which, in turn, may lead to a loss of the function of the disturbance member30or cause the disturbance member30to fall out from the refrigerant pipe20. The disturbance member30may have a slope in one direction. Specifically, the disturbance member30have a slope8between a reference line X1 perpendicular to the refrigerant pipe20and the back. Also, the angle of slope of the fixed end38of the disturbance member30may be larger than or equal to the angle of slope of the free end37of the disturbance member30. Accordingly, the concentration of stress on the fixed end38of the disturbance member30may be alleviated. The disturbance member30may have a shape including linear or curved. The disturbance member30is made of a material with a predetermined level of stiffness and elasticity. The disturbance member30may be made using a flexible material. The disturbance member30comprises a metal or resin material. Preferably, the disturbance member30may be made of the same material as the refrigerant pipe20for the ease of manufacture. If the disturbance member30is metal, the bending coefficient of the disturbance member30is preferably from 0.04 to 0.08. The number of disturbance members30is not limited. At least one disturbance member30may be provided. The disturbance member30may be disposed only in a given region of the refrigerant pipe20, or may be disposed with a given pitch throughout the entire refrigerant pipe20. The disturbance member30may comprise an upper disturbance member32on one side of the refrigerant pipe20and a lower disturbance member31on the other side facing the one side of the refrigerant pipe20. The upper disturbance member32and the lower disturbance member31are disposed to face each other with respect to the center axis of the refrigerant pipe20A plurality of upper disturbance members32and lower disturbance members31may be disposed in the direction of travel of refrigerant. In this case, the upper disturbance member32and the lower disturbance member31may overlap in an up-down direction. Specifically, the fixed end38of the upper disturbance member32and the fixed end38of the lower disturbance member31may overlap vertically. It is needless to say that, as described later, the upper disturbance member32and the lower disturbance member31may not overlap in an up-down direction. A disturbance groove24may be formed on the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20to disturb the refrigerant. The disturbance groove24, along with the disturbance member30, disturbs the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20. The disturbance groove24is formed by recessing a part of the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20. The disturbance groove24is formed by recessing the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20outward. A vortex is formed as the refrigerant flowing in the flow space21of the refrigerant pipe20passes through around the disturbance groove24, and, in turn, refrigerants are mixed at the back of the disturbance groove24. The vortex created at the back of the disturbance groove24and the vortex created at the back of the disturbance member30have different patterns, which achieves a flow of refrigerant with higher disorder and higher uniformity. At least one disturbance groove24may be disposed. A plurality of disturbance grooves24may be disposed with a given pitch in the direction of travel of refrigerant. Preferably, disturbance grooves24and disturbance members30may be disposed in such a way as not to overlap within a certain length of the refrigerant pipe20in the front-back direction, when viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction. The disturbance grooves24may be disposed in such a way as not to overlap the disturbance members30in the front-back direction. This way, the disturbance grooves24and the disturbance members30are disposed in such a way as not to overlap within a certain area, thereby allowing for efficient mixing of refrigerants. Hereinafter, a structure the disturbance member30requires for efficient vibration will be described in detail with reference toFIG.4. FIG.4ais a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of the disturbance member30shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.4a, the disturbance member30is divided into a blade portion30band a connecting portion30a. The blade portion30bis a region that is vibrated by the flow of refrigerant. One end of the blade portion30bis connected to the connecting portion30a, and the other end is the free end37. The blade portion30bhas a predetermined level of stiffness. Preferably, in order for the disturbance member30to vibrate with respect to the connecting portion30a, the blade portion30bmay have higher stiffness, lower elasticity, and lower ductility than the connecting portion30a. The connecting portion30afixes the blade portion30bto the refrigerant pipe20and keeps the blade portion30bfrom falling out when the blade portion30bvibrates. One end of the connecting portion30ais connected to the blade portion30b, and the other end is connected to the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20. Preferably, in order for the disturbance member30to vibrate with respect to the connecting portion30a, the connecting portion30amay have higher elasticity or higher ductility than the blade portion30b. Overall, the blade portion30bis disposed closer to the center of the refrigerant pipe20than the connecting portion30a. There is no limit to the overall length of the disturbance member30. Considering the disturbance in the flow of refrigerant, the overall length of the disturbance member30is preferably smaller than the radius of the refrigerant pipe20. Although there are no limits to the lengths of the connecting portion30aand blade portion30b, the length L1of the blade portion30bis preferably larger than the length L2of the connecting portion30a, in order to create an efficient vortex by the movement of the blade portion30b. The length L1of the blade portion30bis two to ten times the length L2of the connecting portion30a. FIG.4bis a conceptual diagram illustrating another embodiment of the disturbance member30shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.4b, in the disturbance member30according to another embodiment, the width D2of the blade portion30bis larger than the width D1of the connecting portion30a. Here, the structure of the refrigerant pipe20and the structure of the disturbance member30may be the same as those exemplified above, and descriptions thereof will be replaced with the foregoing description. In the embodiment inFIG.4b, the blade portion30band the connecting portion30adiffer in width D1as compared to the embodiment inFIG.4a. The width D2of the blade portion30bis larger than the width D1of the connecting portion30a, and the blade portion30bis disposed closer to the center of the refrigerant pipe20than the connecting portion30a. Thus, even if the connecting portion30aand the blade portion30bare made of the same material, the blade portion30bvibrates with respect to the connecting portion30adue to the difference in width. Needless to say, in a case where the connecting portion30ais narrower in width than the blade portion30b, the connecting portion30amay be made of the same material as the blade portion30bor may have higher elasticity and ductility than the blade portion30b. The width D2of the blade portion30bmay discontinuously extend at a region where the connecting portion30aand the blade portion30bare connected, which may create a step difference between the connecting portion30aand the blade portion30b. FIG.4cis a conceptual diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the disturbance member30shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.4c, in the disturbance member30according to a further embodiment, the width D2of the blade portion30bis larger than the width D1of the connecting portion30a. The blade portion30according to the embodiment inFIG.4chas a different shape from that according to the embodiment inFIG.4b. The width D2of the blade portion30bis larger than the width D1of the connecting portion30a. The width D2of the blade portion30bincreases gradually as it gets distant from the connecting portion30a. Thus, the region where the blade portion30band the connecting portion30aare connected is stepped, thereby alleviating the concentration of stress. FIG.4dis a conceptual diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the disturbance member30shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.4d, the disturbance member30according to a further embodiment further comprises a fixing portion30c, as compared to the embodiment inFIG.4b. The fixing portion30cconnects the refrigerant pipe20and the connecting portion30a. One end of the connecting portion30ais connected to the fixing portion30c, and the other end of the connecting portion30ais connected to the blade portion30b. In this case, the connecting portion30ahas at least one between a smaller width and higher elasticity than the blade portion30bor both. The fixing portion30c, because of its high stiffness, fixes the connecting portion30ato the refrigerant pipe20when the blade portion30bvibrates with respect to the connecting portion30a. Accordingly, the stiffness of the fixing portion30cis preferably higher than the stiffness of the connecting portion30a. FIG.4eis a conceptual diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the disturbance member30shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.4e, in the disturbance member30according to a further embodiment, the width D2of the blade portion30bis smaller than the width D1of the connecting portion30a. The width D2of the blade portion30bis smaller than the width D1of the connecting portion30a. The width D2of the blade portion30bdecreases gradually as it gets distant from the connecting portion30a. FIG.4fis a conceptual diagram illustrating a further embodiment of the disturbance member30shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.4f, the connecting portion30aand blade portion30bof the disturbance member30differ in thickness H2. Although the structure of the disturbance member30which is not explained inFIG.4fmay be any one of the structures exemplified above with reference toFIGS.4ato4e, this embodiment will be described with respect to the embodiment inFIG.4a. Accordingly, a description thereof will be replaced with the foregoing description. FIG.4fshows a cross-section of the disturbance member30, taken with respect to a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. The thickness H1of the connecting portion30ais smaller than the thickness H2of the blade portion30b. Thus, even if the connecting portion30aand the blade portion30bare made of the same material, the blade portion30bvibrates with respect to the connecting portion30adue to the difference in thickness. Needless to say, in a case where the thickness H1of the connecting portion30ais smaller than the thickness H2of the blade portion30b, the connecting portion30amay be made of the same material as the blade portion30bor may have higher elasticity and ductility than the blade portion30b. The thickness H2of the blade portion30bmay continuously or discontinuously change at a region where the connecting portion30aand the blade portion30bare connected. FIG.5is a reference view illustrating the flow of refrigerant created in the flow disturbance apparatus10shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.5, it can be seen that a vortex V is formed by the vibration of the disturbance member30at the back of the disturbance member30, and that refrigerant is evenly disturbed. FIG.6is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow disturbance apparatus10according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG.6, in the flow disturbance apparatus10according to the second exemplary embodiment, the position of the disturbance member30is different as compared to the first exemplary embodiment inFIG.2. The disturbance member30according to the second exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of upper disturbance members32disposed in the direction of travel of refrigerant on one side of the refrigerant pipe20and a plurality of lower disturbance members31disposed in the direction of travel of refrigerant on the other side facing the one side of the refrigerant pipe20. The upper disturbance members32and the lower disturbance members31are disposed in such a way as not to overlap vertically. Specifically, the fixed ends38of the upper disturbance members32and the fixed ends38of the lower disturbance members31are disposed in such a way as not to overlap vertically. Preferably, the pitch P1between the upper disturbance members32and the pitch P2between the lower disturbance members31are equal, though they may be different. The highest efficiency is achieved when the pitch P1between the upper disturbance members32and the pitch P2between the lower disturbance members31are two to three times the length L of the disturbance member30. Preferably, the disturbance member30is 2.6 times the length L of the disturbance member30. FIG.7is a reference view illustrating the flow of refrigerant created in the flow disturbance apparatus10shown inFIG.6. Referring toFIG.7, once the upper disturbance members32and the lower disturbance members31are disposed in such a way as not to overlap in the up-down direction, the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe20may be disturbed more efficiently. FIG.8is a conceptual diagram illustrating a flow disturbance apparatus10according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view of the flow disturbance apparatus10taken along the line A-A ofFIG.8.FIG.10is a development view of the flow disturbance apparatus10shown inFIG.8. Referring toFIGS.8to10, in the flow disturbance apparatus10according to the third exemplary embodiment, the position of the disturbance member30is different as compared to the first exemplary embodiment inFIG.2. A plurality of disturbance members30according to the third exemplary embodiment are disposed at intervals on a virtual spiral line S formed on the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20. Specifically, the fixed ends38of the plurality of disturbance members30may be positioned on a virtual spiral line S formed on the inner surface22of the refrigerant pipe20. In this case, the length of one cycle of the virtual spiral line S is determined in consideration of the efficiency of refrigerant flow and disturbance. The disturbance members30are disposed in such a way as not to overlap within one cycle of the spiral line, when viewed in the direction of refrigerant flow. Once the disturbance members30are disposed in such a way as not to overlap within one cycle of the spiral line when viewed in the direction of refrigerant flow, refrigerant can be disturbed most efficiently within one cycle, while reducing the manufacturing cost. The number of disturbance members30may vary within one cycle of the spiral line. In the third exemplary embodiment, eight disturbance members30(30-1to30-8) are disposed within one cycle of the spiral line, but the number of disturbance members30is not limited thereto. FIG.11is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow disturbance apparatus10according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG.11, in the flow disturbance apparatus10according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the structure of the refrigerant pipe20and the position of the disturbance member30are different as compared to the first exemplary embodiment inFIG.2. The refrigerant pipe20according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a bent region20bin which the direction of refrigerant flow is switched and a flat region20ain which the direction of refrigerant flow is constant. The bent region20bis bent in one direction of the refrigerant pipe20. In the drawing, a U-shaped pipe is illustrated. As described above, refrigerant concentration occurs as the refrigerant passes through the bent region20b. The refrigerant concentration occurs if the refrigerant is in an abnormal state. In this case, the disturbance member30is disposed in the bent region20b. Accordingly, the disturbance member30helps to alleviate the uneven distribution of refrigerant caused by the concentration of refrigerant in the bent region20b. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it can be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, but may be embodied in various different forms, and the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention pertains without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the aforementioned exemplary embodiments are described for illustration in all aspects and are not limited. | 48,059 |
11859884 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the methods, systems, and computer readable mediums discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The methods and systems are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Examples of specific implementations are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to two or more items or components. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing,” whether in the written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended terms, i.e., to mean “including but not limited to.” Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to the claims. References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. Aspects and embodiments described herein are generally directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums for improving the efficiency of a filter-type oil separator in a cooling system including a compressor that pumps or transports a mixture of lubricating oil and refrigerant. Oil in the compressor prevents abrasion between parts and reduces the power needed to drive the compressor. If the compressor is charged with too much oil, the power required to drive the compressor increases, thereby decreasing the compressor's efficiency. If there is an insufficient amount of oil in the compressor, durability may be reduced from increased friction. The amount of oil charge also affects the functionality of the oil separator, which thereby affects the amount of oil returning to the compressor. The efficiency of a filter-type oil separator is highly related to refrigerant gas flow velocity. At low gas flow rates, which correspond to low compressor speeds, the efficiency of the filter-type oil separator is high and the oil level in the compressor is typically satisfactory. In some embodiments, a satisfactory oil level amount is no lower than one third of the level in a sight glass. However, at medium compressor speeds, especially over time, oil separator efficiency decreases, causing the oil level in the compressor to be unsatisfactorily low because the oil separator cannot reclaim enough oil to return to the compressor and the refrigerant suction piping cannot bring enough oil back to the compressor. At high compressor speeds, the oil level in the compressor increases because the suction piping of the compressor can bring more oil back to the compressor. However, even at high speeds, the oil level in the compressor is still significantly lower than the level at the medium speeds and the lower speeds, depending on the initial charge amount in the system. Medium and high compressor speeds exhibit decreased efficiencies of both the compressor and the filter-type oil separator. Thus, the amount of oil returned to the compressor is primarily dependent on compressor speed. What is needed is a solution to improve the efficiency of the compressor and the efficiency of the filter-type oil separator by maintaining a sufficient amount of oil in the compressor and reclaiming a sufficient amount of oil with the filter-type oil separator. FIG.1is a block diagram of a cooling system100, according to aspects described herein. The cooling system100includes a condensing unit126, which includes an oil separator subsystem102, a compressor104, a compressor discharge line110, a condenser input line112, a condenser output line116, a suction line122, a condenser128, an oil return tube130, and one or more condenser fans132. The cooling system100also includes an InRow unit124, which includes an evaporator106, InRow input line114, an evaporator input line118, an evaporator output line120in fluid communication with the suction line122, one or more evaporator fans134, an expansion valve136, and an inner wall138of oil separator subsystem102. The cooling system100also includes a controller108, one or more controller input lines140, and one or more control lines150. InFIG.1, each solid arrow or dashed line connected within or connected between InRow unit124, condensing unit126, and components thereof represents piping or tubing configured to transport and contain a mixture of liquid, gas, vapor, and/or oil. The solid arrows connecting components together indicate flow direction of a mixture. The separated arrows between condenser fan132and condenser128, as well as those between evaporator fan134and evaporator106represent the direction of air flow. Separated and numbered arrows, such as the arrow pointing to system100, indicate a component, system, subsystem, or configuration. Each solid arrow directly connected to controller108represents a conductive wire or set of wires that facilitates signal transfer between the controller108and any component within system100that is controllable. These conventions apply toFIG.1,FIG.2,FIG.3,FIG.4,FIG.5, andFIG.6. The suction line122is coupled to the compressor104to provide fluid communication between the InRow unit124and the condensing unit126. Compressor104is coupled to the compressor discharge line110at a discharge side of compressor104. Discharge line110is coupled to oil separator subsystem102to provide a mixture of lubricating oil and high-pressure refrigerant from compressor104to oil separator subsystem102. Oil separator subsystem102is coupled to oil return tube130, which is coupled to compressor104to provide a return path for oil that accumulates in oil separator subsystem102. Oil separator subsystem102is also coupled to condenser input line112, which is coupled to condenser128to thereby provide a filtered mixture to condenser128having less oil than the mixture received by oil separator subsystem102from compressor discharge line110. Condenser128is coupled to condenser output line116. Condenser output line116is coupled to InRow input line114to thereby provide fluid communication between condensing unit126and InRow unit124. InRow input line114is coupled to expansion valve136to regulate the flow between the condenser128and the evaporator106. Expansion valve136is coupled to evaporator input line118. Evaporator input line118is coupled to evaporator106, which is coupled to evaporator output line120. Evaporator output line120is coupled to suction line122to thereby provide fluid communication between the InRow unit124and the condensing unit126. Controller108is coupled to one or more control lines150. At least one of the one or more control lines150is coupled to compressor104. In some embodiments, one of the one or more control lines150is coupled to compressor104and another control line150is coupled to oil separator subsystem102. In some embodiments, controller108is coupled to one or more controller input lines140and one or more control lines150. In some embodiments, controller108is located externally from one or both of the InRow unit124and the condensing unit126. In some embodiments, controller108is coupled to no controller input lines140. In some embodiments, controller108is included in one of the InRow unit124and the condensing unit126. In some embodiments, controller108is distributed in one or more of the InRow unit124, the condensing unit126, and an area external to both of the InRow unit124and the condensing unit126. Each aspect of controller108discussed herein applies to any controller of any embodiment disclosed herein. In some embodiments of system100, the functionality of controller108is performed by special-purpose hardware. In some embodiments, controller108is coupled to electronic expansion valve136and one or more of each controllable component in system100. In some embodiments, controllable components include compressor104and oil separator subsystem102. In some embodiments, controllable components include compressor104. Compressor104includes lubricating oil configured to seal, cool and/or lubricate internal components within compressor104. The compressor is configured to act as a pump to circulate refrigerant throughout system100. Refrigerant leaving compressor104exits as a high temperature, high-pressure vapor. During operation of system100, the lubricating oil within compressor104is discharged with the refrigerant into compressor discharge line110. In some embodiments, oil separator subsystem102includes a plurality of oil separators connected in parallel. In some embodiments, oil separator subsystem102includes a plurality of oil separators connected in series. In some embodiments, compressor104is a scroll compressor. In some embodiments, compressor104is a variable speed compressor. In some embodiments, a floating ball valve within an oil separator with oil separator subsystem102is used to automatically return the accumulated lubricating oil through oil return tube130to the crankcase of compressor104. Oil separator subsystem102is configured to receive a mixture of lubricating oil and refrigerant from the compressor discharge line110. In some embodiments, oil subsystem102includes a filter-type oil separator. After the mixture of lubricating oil and high-pressure refrigerant enters the oil separator, the lubricating oil is separated from the mixture by gravity and/or filtering effect. In some embodiments, the filtering effect is achieved with mesh. The lubricating oil flows down along an inner wall138of the oil separator. The separated lubricating oil accumulates in the bottom of the oil separator and is discharged into oil return tube130. Lubricating oil that is not removed by the oil separator enters condenser input line112and then the condenser128. The more lubricating oil that is present in condenser128, the more heat resistance increases within condenser128, thereby reduces heat transfer efficiency. Lubricating oil that is not removed by the oil separator flows through system100and returns at a suction side of compressor104. As the high-pressure mixture flowing through condenser input line112passes through condenser128, one or more condenser fans132move air over the condenser128to expel heat from condensing unit126. As heat is expelled, high-pressure vapor in the mixture begins to change to a medium temperature, high-pressure liquid. The mixture leaving condenser128flows through condenser output line116and exits the condensing unit126. InFIG.1, the two dashed lines connecting condensing unit126and InRow unit124represent a continuous path for the mixture to flow. The high-pressure liquid mixture flows through InRow input line114to electronic expansion valve136. The electronic expansion valve136is controlled by controller108to regulate how much refrigerant mixture to let enter the evaporator106. The mixture exits the expansion valve136into evaporator input line118. As the mixture flows through evaporator106, one or more evaporator fans134move air over the evaporator106to supply cool air. As the mixture flows through evaporator106, heat is absorbed, causing the mixture to change phase to a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. When no liquid refrigerant remains in the evaporator, the refrigerant increases in temperature. As the mixture exits the condenser it enters evaporator output line120, then exits the InRow unit124, and then enters the condensing unit126through suction line122, which thereby supplies compressor104with a low-pressure mixture to compress into a high-pressure mixture once more. Embodiments of system100are not limited to only those elements illustrated inFIG.1. Embodiments of system100may include more or fewer components than as illustrated inFIG.1. In some embodiments, system100includes one or more additional components such as one or more ball valves, service ports, filter driers, sight glasses, distributors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pressure transducers, unions, humidity sensors, air filters, and pressure cutouts. FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of oil separator subsystem102shown inFIG.1including a filter-type oil separator configuration200, which includes the discharge line110, the condenser input line112, the oil return tube130, a filter-type oil separator202, a bypass input line204, a bypass output line206, a filter input line208, a filter output line210, a bypass line212, and an inner wall238of filter-type oil separator202. Redundant discussion of elements in common with embodiments above will be omitted for purposes of brevity. Discharge line110is coupled to bypass input line204and coupled to filter input line208to provide fluid communication between discharge line110, bypass input line204, and filter input line208. Bypass input line204is coupled to filter input line208. Filter input line208is coupled to filter-type oil separator202. Bypass input line204is coupled to bypass line212, which is coupled to bypass output line206. Bypass output line206is coupled to condenser input line112to thereby provide fluid communication between discharge line110, bypass input line204, bypass line212, bypass output line206, and condenser input line112. Filter-type oil separator202is coupled to filter output line210, which is coupled to bypass output line206and coupled to condenser input line112to thereby provide fluid communication between discharge line110, filter input line208, filter-type oil separator202, filter output line210, and condenser input line112. Filter-type oil separator202is coupled to oil return tube130. In some embodiments, bypass input line204, bypass output line206, and bypass line212are a single, continuous section of piping. In some embodiments, each of bypass input line204, bypass output line206, and bypass line212is a separate section of piping. The section(s) of piping or tubing that includes input line204, bypass output line206, and bypass line212acts as a bypass configured to receive at least a portion of the mixture flowing through discharge line110and bypass the portion around filter-type oil separator202. The remaining portion of the mixture that is not bypassed flows through filter input line208into filter-type oil separator202. The addition of a bypass between discharge line110and condenser input line112allows the vapor mixture flowing through discharge line110to pass through oil separator202and the bypass line212simultaneously, thereby reducing the flow of vapor entering oil separator202. Compared to a compressor speed value without utilizing a bypass between discharge line110and condenser input line112, using the bypass between discharge line110and condenser input line112allows for more lubricating oil reclamation at the same compressor speed value. In some embodiments, compressor speed is proportional to mixture flow rate leaving a compressor104. In some embodiments, the flow of vapor, gas, and/or liquid refrigerant facilitates transportation of the lubricating oil circulating through piping of system100. A higher refrigerant flow rate corresponds to a higher lubricating oil rate. By reducing the refrigerant flow rate within the filter-type oil separator202, more lubricating oil is accumulated in the bottom of filter-type oil separator202and returned to compressor104through oil return tube130. In some embodiments, oil separator configuration200is implemented in a different system than system100. FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of oil separator subsystem102shown inFIG.1including a filter-type oil separator configuration300, which includes the discharge line110, the condenser input line112, the oil return tube130, the filter-type oil separator202, the filter input line208, the filter output line210, an inner wall238of filter-type oil separator202, a bypass input line304, a bypass output line306, and a bypass valve312. Redundant discussion of elements in common with embodiments above will be omitted for purposes of brevity. Filter-type oil separator configuration300differs from filter-type oil separator configuration200by including the bypass valve312, which is coupled to bypass input line304and bypass output line306to thereby provide fluid communication between discharge line110, bypass input line304, bypass valve312, bypass output line306, and condenser input line112. The bypass input line304is coupled to discharge line110to receive at least a portion of the mixture output by the compressor104, and coupled to filter input line208to thereby provide at least a portion of the mixture output by the compressor104to filter-type oil separator202. Filter output line210is coupled to bypass output line306and condenser input line112to thereby provide a filtered mixture to condenser128having less oil than the mixture received by filter-type oil separator202. The bypass valve312is configured to receive at least a portion of the mixture flowing through discharge line110and bypass the portion around filter-type oil separator202. The bypass valve312is configured to adjust the cross-sectional area within the bypass. The bypass valve312is configured to adjust the cross-sectional area within a range of 0% to 100% (i.e., fully closed to fully open). In some embodiments, the bypass valve312is a ball valve. Depending on the design requirements of the system within which filter-type oil separator configuration300is installed, the bypass valve312is configured to be set to a fixed position such that the cross-sectional area of internal piping controlled by the ball valve is set to a fixed cross-sectional area, thereby adjusting the amount of cross-sectional area for the mixture to pass through. In some embodiments, the bypass valve312is a hot gas bypass valve. A hot gas bypass valve opens in response to decreased downstream pressure and modulates from a fully closed position to a fully open position. In some embodiments, the bypass valve312is a non-electronic hot gas bypass valve. In some embodiments, the non-electric hot gas bypass valve is set to start opening to a specified evaporating temperature. This setting can be changed by turning a setting spindle, screw, or spring. In some embodiments, the bypass valve312is an electronic bypass valve coupled to and controlled by a controller. In some embodiments, the electronic bypass valve is an electronically controlled hot gas bypass valve. In some embodiments, the electronic hot gas bypass valve is coupled to a controller, e.g., controller108shown inFIG.1. The electronic hot gas bypass valve modulates the amount of mixture allowed to pass through based on signals received from a controller. In some embodiments, the signals control an internal electric motor that is configured to be driven to properly achieve a desired valve position in a range from a fully closed position to a fully open position. In some embodiments, oil separator configuration300is implemented in a different system than system100. FIG.4is a block diagram of a configuration400of an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, configuration400is included within system100shown inFIG.1, and additionally includes a controller408and a control line452coupled to filter-type oil separator configuration200. Controller408is equivalent to controller108, and additionally includes the control line452. Redundant discussion of elements in common with embodiments above will be omitted for purposes of brevity. Control line452is coupled to the compressor104. In some embodiments, the controller408is configured to set a target compressor speed of the compressor104by sending a signal from the controller408to the compressor104along control line452. The target speed is a desired speed. Certain embodiments include a variable speed compressor including the compressor104and a driver configured to control the speed of the compressor104. In such embodiments, the controller408is configured to set the target speed of the compressor104by sending a command to the driver to set a driving frequency of the compressor (i.e., compressor target speed). In some embodiments, the driving frequency has a one-to-one correspondence with the compressor's target speed. In an example of the one-to-one correspondence, driving frequency is 60 Hz and the target speed of the compressor104is 60 Revolutions Per Second (RPS). To control the driver based on temperature feedback, certain embodiments include a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller418that is configured to implement a control loop to regulate the target speed of the compressor104based on feedback of one or more temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include one or more of a return air supply sensor and a supply air temperature sensor. The PID controller418receives a desired air temperature setpoint and then calculates the error between the temperature setpoint and the measured air temperature from the air supply sensor and/or the return air temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the air supply sensor is configured to receive air supplied by the condenser evaporator106and the return air supply temperature is configured to receive air supplied by the condenser128. Based on the calculated error, the target speed of the compressor104is either decreased, maintained, or increased by the PID controller418. In some embodiments, the controller408implements the functionality of the PID controller418. In other embodiments, the PID controller418is implemented in separate hardware, software, and/or firmware from the controller408and sends a signal along one or more controller input lines140to provide the controller408with a target speed of the compressor104. In some embodiments, the controller408is configured to receive one or more input signals. Some embodiments include the one or more input signals corresponding to the target compressor speed of the compressor104. In some embodiments, configuration400is implemented in a different system than system100. FIG.5is a block diagram of a configuration500of an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, configuration500is included in system100shown inFIG.1, and additionally includes a controller508, a control line452, a control line554, and filter-type oil separator configuration300. Controller508is equivalent to controller408, and additionally includes control line554. Redundant discussion of elements in common with embodiments above will be omitted for purposes of brevity. Control line452is coupled to compressor104. Control line554is coupled to the bypass valve312. In some embodiments, controller508is configured to control the bypass valve312by adjusting or setting the bypass valve312to a predetermined amount of valve openness (i.e., an amount between 0% to 100%, inclusive). The adjustment is made by sending a signal from controller508to the bypass valve312along control line554. Controller508determines the predetermined amount of valve openness based on a relationship between an RPS value of the compressor104and a percentage of valve openness of the bypass valve312. The compressor RPS value is determined by controller508from one or more input signals. Certain embodiments of configuration500include embodiments of the PID controller418. In such embodiments of configuration500, the PID controller418receives a desired temperature setpoint and calculates the error between measured temperature and the temperature setpoint, thereby instructing the controller508to set the target speed of the compressor104by sending a signal to the compressor104via the control line452. In some embodiments, in addition to commanding the compressor104to achieve the desired target speed, the controller508is also configured to receive the calculated target speed of the compressor104from the PID controller418and determine a percentage of valve openness for the bypass valve312corresponding to the target speed. The controller508is configured to set the bypass valve312to the percentage of valve openness via control line554. As such, the efficiency of the oil separator202is optimized while the target speed of the compressor104is either decreased, maintained, or increased in response to the error calculation(s) of the PID controller418, the target speed set by the controller508, and the amount of openness for the bypass valve312determined by the controller508. In some embodiments, configuration500is implemented in a different system than system100. FIG.6is a block diagram of a configuration600of an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, configuration600is included in system100shown inFIG.1, and additionally includes a controller608, a control line452, a control line554, a first pressure transducer618, a second pressure transducer620, a controller input line640, a controller input line642, and filter-type oil separator configuration300. Controller608equivalent to controller508, and additionally includes controller input line640and controller input line642. Redundant discussion of elements in common with embodiments above will be omitted for purposes of brevity. In some embodiments, first pressure transducer618is located within InRow unit124and second pressure transducer620is located within condensing unit126. In some embodiments, first pressure transducer618and second pressure transducer620are both located within condensing unit126. In some embodiments, first pressure transducer618and second pressure transducer620are both located within InRow unit124. In some embodiments, first pressure transducer618and second pressure transducer620are located externally to one or both of InRow unit124and condensing unit126. Control line452is coupled to the compressor104. Control line554is coupled to the bypass valve312. The first pressure transducer610is coupled to evaporator output line120, controller input line640, and suction line122. The second pressure transducer620is coupled to controller input line642and coupled to compressor discharge line110. Controller input line640and controller input line642are each coupled to controller608. In some embodiments, controller608is configured to receive one or more input signals from each of controller input line640and controller input line642. Input signals from controller input line640correspond to one or more values indicating pressure of the mixture flowing from evaporator output line120to suction line122. Input signals from controller input line642correspond to one or more values indicating pressure of the mixture flowing from compressor104to compressor discharge line110. In some embodiments, controller608is configured to control the bypass valve312by adjusting or setting the bypass valve312to a predetermined amount of valve openness (i.e., any amount from 0% to 100%). The adjustment is made by sending a signal from controller608to the bypass valve312along control line554. In some embodiments, as an alternative to determining valve openness according to the target speed of the compressor104, the controller608adjusts the bypass valve312based on a gas flow rate of the compressor104. The controller608determines the gas flow rate, and thereby the amount of bypass valve312openness, by receiving a first pressure value from the first pressure transducer618at a suction side of compressor104, receiving a second pressure value from the second pressure transducer620at the discharge side of the compressor, receiving compressor flow coefficients from a storage, and then determining the gas flow rate as a function of the first pressure value, the second pressure value, and the compressor flow coefficients. Controller608then determines the predetermined amount of valve openness of the bypass valve312based on a relationship between gas flow rate and valve openness. In some embodiments, the gas flow rate has a one-to-one correspondence with compressor RPS values. Certain embodiments of configuration600include the embodiments of the PID controller418in configuration400and/or configuration500. In such embodiments of configuration600, the PID controller418receives a desired temperature setpoint and calculates the error between measured temperature and the temperature setpoint, thereby instructing the controller608to set the target speed of the compressor104by sending a signal to the compressor104via the control line452. In some embodiments, in addition to commanding the compressor104to achieve the desired target speed, the controller508is also configured to determine the predetermined amount of valve openness of the bypass valve312based on the relationship between gas flow rate and valve openness. As such, the efficiency of the oil separator202is optimized while the target speed of the compressor104is either decreased, maintained, or increased in response to the error calculation(s) of the PID controller418, the target speed set by the controller608, the gas flow rate, and the amount of openness for the bypass valve312determined by the controller608. In some embodiments, configuration600is implemented in a different system than system100. FIG.7is a flowchart of a method700for determining bypass valve adjustment in a control loop. Method700includes steps702,704,706,708, and710. In step702, compressor104is instructed to pump and circulate a mixture of lubricating oil and refrigerant. If compressor104is instructed to cease pumping, then method700ends. In step704, a target compressor speed of the compressor104is set. In some embodiments, the target speed is set directly by receiving a value used to control compressor104at a predetermined speed. In some embodiments, the speed is determined indirectly by receiving one or more values corresponding to a pressure at a suction side of compressor104, one or more values corresponding to a pressure at a discharge side of compressor104, and one or more values of compressor flow coefficients. One or more embodiments include setting the target speed based on a calculation from the PID controller418and/or one of the controller108, the controller408, the controller508, and the controller608. In step706, a determination is made whether the target compressor speed has changed since the previous instance of step706based on one or more criteria. In one example of a criterion in step706, if the target compressor speed changes from 45 RPS to 55 RPS and the criterion is the speed must be different by more than 5 RPS, the criterion is satisfied (“YES” in step706) and method700proceeds to step708. In another example of a criterion in step706, if the target compressor speed was 45 RPS at the previous instance of step706and is 45 RPS in the current instance of step706, and the criterion is the current speed and the previous speed must be a different value, then the criterion is not satisfied (“NO” in step706) and method700returns to step704. In some embodiments, the criterion in step706is any change in target compressor speed. In one example, if the criterion was any determined change, then a change from 49 RPS to 50 RPS would indicate a change and method700proceeds to step708. In step708, a determination is made whether the bypass valve312needs adjustment according to one or more criteria. In one example of a criterion in step708, the criterion is based on a predetermined relationship or function between a range of valve openness percentages (e.g., 0% to 100%) and a range of possible target compressor speed values (e.g., 0 RPS to 90 RPS). In one example of the criterion in step708, the relationship is defined by the graph illustrated inFIG.8. If the previous target compressor speed was 40 RPS and the current target compressor speed is 45 RPS, then the bypass valve remains closed (i.e., 0% valve openness percentage) and method700returns to step704(“NO” in step708). If in the next instance of step708, the target compressor speed has changed from 45 RPS to 52 RPS, then the bypass valve312is instructed to fully open in step710(i.e., 100% valve openness percentage. In another example of the criterion in step708, the relationship is defined by the graph illustrated inFIG.9. If a previous target compressor speed value was 45 RPS and the current target compressor speed value is 60 RPS, then method700proceeds to step710and the bypass valve312is instructed to open to a value of 25% total openness. In the next instance of step708, assuming step706is “YES,” if the next compressor speed value is 70 RPS, then method700proceeds to step710and the bypass valve312is instructed to open further to 50% total openness. If, however, the next target compressor speed value was 49 RPS instead of 70 RPS, then the bypass valve312is instructed in step710to close completely (i.e., 0% valve openness percentage). Method700is performed with any system, controller, or configuration disclosed herein including but not limited to system100, configuration400, configuration500, configuration600, and embodiments including the PID controller418, the controller108, the controller408, the controller508, and the controller608. In some embodiments, method700is performed by special-purpose hardware. FIGS.8-14each illustrate a different relationship to be utilized in step708. The dashed line extending beyond 90 RPS in each figure exceptFIG.10indicates the relationship holds for higher RPS values. AlthoughFIGS.8-14illustrate functions beginning and ending at specific compressor speed values and valve openness percentages, these values are meant to be illustrative of examples of embodiments. Other values are within the scope of embodiments disclosed herein.FIGS.8-14are intended to be non-limiting examples of possible relationships utilized in step708of method700. Other modifications or combinations of portions of the disclosed relationships are within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art. FIG.8illustrates a non-linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 0 RPS to 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed, while values of 50 RPS or higher correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully open. FIG.9illustrates a linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 50 RPS to 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed, while values of 50 RPS or higher, up to 90 RPS, correspond to a linearly increasing amount of valve openness. At values higher than 90 RPS, the bypass valve312remains fully open. FIG.10illustrates a non-linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 0 RPS to 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed. RPS values from 50 RPS to 80 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to 75% open. Values higher than 80 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed. FIG.11illustrates a non-linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 50 RPS to 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed, while values of 50 RPS or higher correspond to a non-linearly increasing amount of valve openness. At values higher than 90 RPS, the bypass valve312remains fully open. FIG.12illustrates a non-linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 50 RPS to 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed, while values of 50 RPS or higher correspond to a non-linearly increasing amount of valve openness. At values higher than 90 RPS, the bypass valve312remains fully open. FIG.13illustrates a non-linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 0 RPS to 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully closed. RPS values from 50 RPS to 70 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to 50% open. RPS values higher than 70 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully open. FIG.14illustrates a non-linear relationship over a compressor speed range of 0 RPS to 50 RPS, a linear relationship between 50 RPS and 70 RPS, and a linear relationship between 70 RPS and 90 RPS. RPS values below 50 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to 25% open. RPS values from 50 RPS to 70 RPS correspond to linearly increasing values of valve openness. RPS values higher than 70 RPS up to 90 RPS linearly increase by the same amount or a different amount than the linear relationship in the range of 50 RPS to 70 RPS. RPS values higher than 90 RPS correspond to the bypass valve312set to fully open. FIG.15illustrates an example block diagram of computing components forming a system800which may be configured to implement one or more aspects disclosed herein. For example, the system800may be communicatively coupled to controller108, controller408, controller508, or controller608. The system800may include for example a computing platform such as those based on Intel PENTIUM-type processor, Motorola PowerPC, Sun UltraSPARC, Texas Instruments-DSP, Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC processors, or any other type of processor. System800may include specially-programmed, special-purpose hardware, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Various aspects herein may be implemented as specialized software executing a method on the system800such as that shown inFIG.15. The system800may include a processor806connected to one or more memory devices810, such as a disk drive, memory, flash memory or other device for storing data. Processor806may be an ASIC. Memory810may be used for storing programs and data during operation of the system800. Components of the computer system800may be coupled by an interconnection mechanism808, which may include one or more buses (e.g., between components that are integrated within a same machine) and/or a network (e.g., between components that reside on separate machines). The interconnection mechanism808enables communications (e.g., data, instructions) to be exchanged between components of the system800. The system800also includes one or more input devices804, which may include for example, a keyboard or a touch screen. The system800includes one or more output devices802, which may include, for example, a display. In addition, the computer system800may contain one or more interfaces (not shown) that may connect the computer system800to a communication network, in addition or as an alternative to the interconnection mechanism808. The system800may include a storage system812, which may include a computer readable and/or writeable nonvolatile medium in which signals may be stored to provide a program to be executed by the processor or to provide information stored on or in the medium to be processed by the program. The medium may, for example, be a disk or flash memory and in some examples may include RAM or other non-volatile memory such as EEPROM. The medium may, for example, be a non-transitory computer readable medium storing thereon sequences of computer-executable instructions for controlling a power converter system including a controller, the sequences of computer-executable instructions that instruct the controller to perform any of the methods disclosed herein with any of the systems disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the processor may cause data to be read from the nonvolatile medium into another memory810that allows for faster access to the information by the processor/ASIC than does the medium. This memory810may be a volatile, random access memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static memory (SRAM). It may be located in storage system812or in memory system810. The processor806may manipulate the data within the integrated circuit memory810and then copy the data to the storage812after processing is completed. A variety of mechanisms are known for managing data movement between storage812and the integrated circuit memory element810, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The disclosure is not limited to a particular memory system810or a storage system812. The system800may include a computer platform that is programmable using a high-level computer programming language. The system800may be also implemented using specially programmed, special purpose hardware, e.g., an ASIC. The system800may include a processor806, which may be a commercially available processor such as the well-known Pentium class processor available from the Intel Corporation. Many other processors are available. The processor806may execute an operating system which may be, for example, a Windows operating system available from the Microsoft Corporation, MAC OS System X available from Apple Computer, the Solaris Operating System available from Sun Microsystems, or UNIX and/or LINUX available from various sources. Many other operating systems may be used. The processor and operating system together may form a computer platform for which application programs in high-level programming languages may be written. It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to a particular computer system platform, processor, operating system, or network. Also, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein are not limited to a specific programming language or computer system. Further, it should be appreciated that other appropriate programming languages and other appropriate computer systems could also be used. Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only. | 42,046 |
11859885 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present disclosure now may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It should be understood that “communicably coupled,” as used herein, encompasses components that are formed integrally with each other, or are formed separately and coupled together, for example, to allow the flow of refrigerant. Furthermore, “communicably coupled” encompasses components that are formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more components located between the components that are communicably coupled together. Furthermore, “communicably coupled” encompasses components that are detachable from each other, or that are permanently coupled together. Furthermore, communicably coupled components encompasses components that retain at least some freedom of movement in one or more directions or may be rotated about an axis (e.g., rotationally coupled, pivotally coupled). Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure described and/or contemplated herein are combinable and/or included in any of the other embodiments of the present disclosure described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to self-contained refrigeration systems which use A3 classified (according to the ISO817 Standard) refrigerants in a walk-in refrigeration unit. In one example, the refrigerant is R290 (i.e. propane), which is an ultra-low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant that, when used in refrigeration systems, both lowers the energy consumed and reduces global warming. Being that R290 is classified as a flammable refrigerant it is restricted in the amount that can be safely used in a refrigeration circuit. For example, the current charge limit R290 is 150 gm (5.3 oz) in the United States. This charge restriction typically limits the refrigeration capacity of systems employing R290 as a refrigerant. However, it is permitted to use multiple refrigeration circuits in a single refrigeration system to increase the refrigeration capacity of that system. As such, there exists a need for a single refrigeration system which is able to meet the refrigeration capacity of multiple refrigeration circuits. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a single refrigeration system which integrates multiple refrigerant circuits using shared components, such as a single power source, condenser coil, and the like. Thus, the present disclosure provides a single refrigeration system which is able reach a high refrigeration capacity while utilizing the environmentally-friendly A3 refrigerant, thereby achieving a reduced environmental impact compared to a conventional refrigeration system. The FIGURE provides a block diagram illustrating the refrigeration system100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration system100is configured for use in a refrigeration unit, such as a walk-in refrigeration unit. As used herein, a “refrigeration unit” may refer to any refrigerated device or appliance configured to maintain a temperature-regulated environment within an interior storage space or compartment. For example, a “refrigerator” may further include a freezer. The FIGURE depicts a power source102connected in series with a controller104. The FIGURE further depicts two compressors114communicably coupled to two different inputs of a condenser110. The two inputs of the condenser110lead to two different outputs, which are each communicably coupled to an expansion device116. Each expansion device116is communicably coupled to a different input of an evaporator112. The two inputs of the evaporator112lead to two different outputs, which are each communicably coupled to the two compressors114. A condenser fan106is positioned near the condenser110and an evaporator fan108is positioned near the evaporator112. The controller104and the power source102are communicably coupled to both compressors114. Generally, the refrigeration system100includes a single, shared power source102, a shared controller104, at least one condenser fan106, at least one evaporator fan108, a single or shared condenser110, a single or shared evaporator112, at least one compressor114, and at least one expansion device116. The power source102may comprise any direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) voltage source and may provide power to the system components104,106,108,110,112,114, and116. The controller104may be any ignition-proof electronic controller configured to provide logic and decisioning for the system100. In one example, the controller is configured to activate the at least compressor114. In one example, the presently disclosed system comprising multiple compressors114, includes a controller configured to activate each compressor114sequentially, for example, for avoiding an excessive surge in amperage which would result from each compressor144activating simultaneously. In one example, the controller is configured to activate each compressor114sequentially based on a sensed temperature, a change in temperature or an event exceeding or falling below a temperature threshold. The refrigeration system100may be configured to receive a refrigerant (not shown). The at least one expansion device116, which may comprise a valve, may configured to relieve pressure from the liquid refrigerant, causing a temperature drop. In some embodiments, the at least one expansion device116may be controllable in order to adjust the flow of liquid refrigerant passing through it. The liquid refrigerant may then pass from an output of the expansion device116to an input of the evaporator112. The at least one evaporator fan108may be positioned near the evaporator112and may configured to direct atmospheric air over the evaporator112, causing evaporation of the liquid refrigerant. In one example, the at least one compressor114is configured to pull cold, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator112into a compressor input. The at least one compressor114raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant and output the heated refrigerant into an input of the condenser110. In one example, the at least one condenser fan106is positioned near the condenser110and is configured to direct atmospheric air over the condenser110, causing the refrigerant to cool from a gaseous state to a liquid state. The refrigerant then flows from an output of the condenser110into an input of the at least one expansion device116for cooling. In some embodiments, the system100comprises a plurality of compressors114connected in parallel between the outputs of the evaporator112and the inputs of the condenser110. In some embodiments, the system100comprises a plurality of expansion devices116connected in parallel between the outputs of the condenser110and the inputs of the evaporator112. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system100may be configured for use in a walk-in refrigeration unit. In one example, a single refrigeration system100is sufficient to provide the total refrigeration capacity of the walk-in refrigeration unit, or alternatively, multiple systems100are installed in order to provide sufficient refrigeration capacity. In one example, refrigeration system100is configured within the refrigeration unit such that the condenser110and at least one condenser fan106are positioned outside of the temperature-regulated space or environment. In another example, evaporator112and at least one evaporator fan108are positioned inside of the temperature-regulated space or environment. In some embodiments, the system100is configured to receive a refrigerant having a GWP (Global Warming Potential) value less than 10. Specifically, the system100is configured to receive R290 refrigerant (i.e. propane), which has a GWP value of 3. The current charge limit for R290 is 150 gm (5.3 oz) in the United States, and therefore the system100is configured to receive a charge less than 5.3 oz of R290 refrigerant. To determine the overall AWEF (Annual Walk-In Efficiency Factor) of the walk-in refrigeration unit when multiple systems100are integrated, the pressures and temperatures into the expansion devices116and out of the evaporator112for each system100are averaged, and the mass flow for each system100, as well as the power consumption for each system100, is totaled. These values may then be used to calculate a total refrigeration capacity and AWEF value. It should be understood that while only one system configuration is depicted with respect to the FIGURES, these embodiments are non-limiting. It is envisioned that additional or alternative configurations may be included in the design of the refrigerant circuit, specifically depending on the specifications of the walk-in refrigeration unit. While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad disclosure, and that this disclosure not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. | 10,314 |
11859886 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V). The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Turning now to the figures,FIG.1provides a side plan view of an ice making appliance100, including an ice making assembly102.FIG.2provides an elevation view of ice making assembly102.FIG.3provides a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of ice making assembly102.FIGS.5through8provide various views of ice making assembly102(or portions thereof) before, during, and after an ice making process. Generally, ice making appliance100includes a cabinet104(e.g., insulated housing) and defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction, and transverse direction. The lateral direction and transverse direction may be generally understood to be horizontal directions H. As shown, cabinet104defines one or more chilled chambers, such as a freezer chamber106. In certain embodiments, such as those illustrated byFIG.1, ice making appliance100is understood to be formed as, or as part of, a stand-alone freezer appliance. It is recognized, however, that additional or alternative embodiments may be provided within the context of other refrigeration appliances. For instance, the benefits of the present disclosure may apply to any type or style of a refrigerator appliance (e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, etc.) that includes a freezer chamber. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular chamber or appliance configuration. Ice making appliance100generally includes an ice making assembly102on or within freezer chamber106. In some embodiments, ice making appliance100includes a door105that is rotatably attached to cabinet104(e.g., at a top portion of the cabinet104). As would be understood, door105may selectively cover an opening defined by cabinet104. For instance, door105may rotate on cabinet104between an open position (not pictured) permitting access to freezer chamber106and a closed position (FIG.1) restricting access to freezer chamber106. A user interface panel108may be provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel108may include a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a touchscreen or button interface, for selecting a desired mode of operation. Operation of ice making appliance100can be regulated by a controller110that is operatively coupled to or in wireless communication with user interface panel108or various other components, as will be described below. User interface panel108provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of ice making appliance100such as (e.g., selections regarding chamber temperature, ice making speed, or other various options). In response to user manipulation of user interface panel108, or one or more sensor signals, controller110may operate various components of the ice making appliance100or ice making assembly102. Controller110may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive media) and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of ice making appliance100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller110may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Controller110may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout ice making appliance100. In optional embodiments, controller110is located within the user interface panel108. In other embodiments, the controller110may be positioned at any suitable location within ice making appliance100, such as for example within cabinet104. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller110and various operational components of ice making appliance100. For example, user interface panel108may be in operable communication with controller110via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. As illustrated, controller110may be in communication with the various components of appliance100and may control operation of the various components. For example, various valves, switches, sealed cooling systems etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller110(e.g., based on one or temperature signals received from a temperature sensor within appliance100, as would be understood). As discussed, user interface panel108may additionally be in communication with the controller110. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller110instruction. In some embodiments, ice making appliance100includes a sealed cooling system112for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling ice making assembly102or air within ice making appliance100(e.g., within freezer chamber106). Sealed cooling system112includes a compressor114, a condenser116, an expansion device118, and an evaporator120connected in fluid series and charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed cooling system112may include additional components (e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, or condenser). Moreover, at least one component (e.g., evaporator120) is provided in thermal communication with freezer chamber106to cool the air or environment within freezer chamber106. Optionally, evaporator120is mounted within freezer chamber106, as generally illustrated inFIG.1. It is noted that although evaporator120is shown as spaced apart from ice making assembly102, alternative embodiments may include ice making assembly102on or in contact with evaporator120. For instance, ice making assembly102may be placed on top of evaporator120, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure. Within sealed cooling system112, gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor114, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises the refrigerant temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser116. Within condenser116, heat exchange (e.g., with ambient air takes place) to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense to a liquid state. Expansion device118(e.g., a mechanical valve, capillary tube, electronic expansion valve, or other restriction device) receives liquid refrigerant from condenser116. From expansion device118, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator120. Upon exiting expansion device118and entering evaporator120, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator120is cool relative to freezer chamber106. As such, cooled air is produced and refrigerates freezer chamber106. Thus, evaporator120is a heat exchanger which transfers heat (e.g., from air passing over evaporator120to refrigerant flowing through evaporator120). Optionally, ice making appliance100may include a valve122for regulating a flow of liquid water to ice making assembly102from a suitable water source (e.g., on-board water tank or municipal water source). In such embodiments, valve122is selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, valve122may permit a flow of liquid water to ice making assembly102. Conversely, in the closed configuration, valve122may hinder the flow of ice making assembly102. In certain embodiments, ice making appliance100also includes an air handler124mounted within (or otherwise in fluid communication with) freezer chamber106. Air handler124may be operable to urge a flow of chilled air (i.e., active airflow) within freezer chamber106. Moreover, air handler124can be any suitable device for moving air. For example, air handler124can be an axial fan or a centrifugal fan. In some embodiments, air handler124is in operable (e.g., electrical or wireless) communication with controller110(e.g., to be controlled by the same). Generally, ice making assembly102includes a separable mold body130that defines one or more mold cavities134in which water may be received and ice cubes or billets (e.g., solid masses or blocks of ice) may be formed. It is noted that although a single exemplary mold cavity134is described below, a plurality of discrete (e.g., horizontally spaced) mold cavities134may be provided, as shown. During use, ice making assembly102may be selectively placed or received within freezer chamber106. For example, ice making assembly102(e.g., the entirety of ice making assembly102or, alternatively, a sub portion thereof) may be removably positioned within freezer chamber106such that a user can selectively place ice making assembly102within freezer chamber106(e.g., during ice making operations) and remove ice making assembly102from freezer chamber106(e.g., to remove frozen ice cubes or billets from ice making assembly102) as desired. As shown, separable mold body130includes a conductive ice mold136and an insulator ice mold138that is selectively or removably disposed on conductive ice mold136. Conductive ice mold136extends along the vertical direction V between a top conductive mold end140and a bottom conductive mold end142. Between these ends, conductive ice mold136defines at least a portion of mold cavity134(e.g., lower mold cavity134A) and has a vertical opening144to the same. For instance, a conductive sidewall146may extend (e.g., vertically) between the top conductive mold end140and the bottom conductive mold end142. Vertical opening144may be defined radially inward from conductive sidewall146. In turn, conductive sidewall146may radially enclose vertical opening144or lower mold cavity134A. In some embodiments, vertical opening144is defined at top conductive mold end140. Lower mold cavity134A may extend downward from top conductive mold end140and terminate above bottom conductive mold end142. Optionally, conductive ice mold136may define lower mold cavity134A as a concave (e.g., hemispherical) recess that is upwardly open along the vertical direction V to hold or receive water (e.g., flowing vertically from above vertical opening144). A conductive bottom wall148may extend (e.g., horizontally) below or beneath mold cavity134(e.g., lower mold cavity134A). For instance, conductive bottom wall148may extend along the bottom conductive mold end142. In some embodiments, conductive bottom wall148(or bottom conductive mold end142, generally) defines an exposed surface150directed away from mold cavity134. Exposed surface150may thus extend (e.g., horizontally) along the bottom conductive mold end142. Additionally or alternatively, exposed surface150may be defined opposite of the vertical opening144. In certain embodiments, the vertical opening144defines the sole opening (e.g., for water) to lower mold cavity134A. Additionally or alternatively, bottom conductive mold end142may be sealed such that water is prevented from entering or escaping conductive mold body130through conductive bottom wall148or bottom conductive mold end142, generally. On or around conductive ice mold136, insulator ice mold138may be selectively received (e.g., to cover or enclose mold cavity134at the vertical opening144). As shown, insulator ice mold138extends (e.g., vertically) between a top insulator mold end152and a bottom insulator mold end154. For instance, insulator ice mold138may include an insulator sidewall156extending (e.g., vertically) between the top insulator mold end152and the bottom insulator mold end154. An insulator top wall158may extend (e.g., horizontally) across insulator sidewall156. Between top insulator mold end152and bottom insulator mold end154, insulator ice mold138may define an internal water passage160. Specifically, internal water passage160extends above the mold cavity134(e.g., through insulator top wall158) in fluid communication therewith. Internal water passage160may extend from mold cavity134and to or through an upper surface162of insulator ice mold138, which is directed away from the mold cavity134. Generally, mold cavity134expands from and is wider than internal water passage160. In such embodiments, the mold cavity134(e.g., at the vertical opening144) defines a maximum horizontal width D1that is greater than a maximum horizontal width D2defined by the internal water passage160. During use, water may thus be permitted to flow through internal water passage160to/from mold cavity134(e.g., when insulator ice mold138is received on conductive ice mold136). In some embodiments, insulator ice mold138further defines at least a portion of mold cavity134. For instance, insulator ice mold138may define an upper mold cavity134B. Optionally, upper mold cavity134B may be defined within insulator top wall158or otherwise be disposed radially inward from insulator sidewall156. Upper mold cavity134B may be disposed directly beneath internal water passage160. Moreover, upper mold cavity134B may terminate at a cavity opening164. In turn, upper mold cavity134B may extend downward from internal water passage160and terminate above lower bottom insulator mold end154. As shown, upper mold cavity134B may be selectively mated with the lower mold cavity134A to form a unitary ice billet therein. Optionally, insulator ice mold138may define upper mold cavity134B as a concave (e.g., hemispherical) recess that is downward open along the vertical direction V to hold or receive water with lower mold cavity134A (e.g., flowing vertically through internal water passage160). In some such embodiments, ice billets formed within mold cavity may emerge as solid (e.g., clear) spheres. Generally, insulator ice mold138is able to selectively cover at least a portion of conductive ice mold136(e.g., at vertical opening144). In some embodiments, insulator ice mold138is further able to receive or enclose at least a portion of conductive ice mold136. Insulator sidewall156may be disposed radially outward from conductive ice mold136. Specifically, insulator sidewall156may be positioned radially outward from conductive sidewall146or the exposed surface150. In some such embodiments, insulator sidewall156defines a mated opening165to an insulating cavity166. Insulating cavity166may be defined beneath insulator top wall158or upper mold cavity134B. At least a portion of conductive ice mold136may be received within insulating cavity166. Optionally, conductive ice mold136nests within insulating cavity166such that insulator sidewall156covers conductive sidewall146. Insulating cavity166may extend from the top conductive mold end140to the bottom conductive mold end142(e.g., below the upper mold cavity134B). When assembled, insulator sidewall156may extend (e.g., fully or uninterrupted) from top conductive mold end140to bottom conductive mold end142and, thus, selectively cover conductive sidewall146. Additionally or alternatively, the exposed surface150may be held uncovered within or across the mated opening165. Along with separable mold body130, ice making assembly102includes an external insulator jacket168. In particular, external insulator jacket168is selectively received on the insulator ice mold138. When assembled, external insulator jacket168may cover the internal water passage160(e.g., to generally block internal water passage160from a user's view or the ambient environment). As shown, external insulator jacket168extends (e.g., vertically) between a top jacket end170and a bottom jacket end172. For instance, external insulator jacket168may include a jacket sidewall174extending (e.g., vertically) between the top jacket end170and the bottom jacket end172. An upper jacket wall176may extend (e.g., horizontally) across insulator sidewall156. An internal surface178of upper jacket wall176may be directed (e.g., downward) toward insulator ice mold138. Generally, external insulator jacket168is able to selectively cover at least a portion of insulator ice mold138(e.g., at internal water passage160). In some embodiments, external insulator jacket168is further able to receive or enclose at least a portion of insulator ice mold138. At least a portion of jacket sidewall174may be disposed radially outward from insulator ice mold138. Specifically, jacket sidewall174may be positioned radially outward from insulator sidewall156. Additionally or alternatively, jacket sidewall174may be positioned radially outward from the exposed surface150of conductive ice mold136. In some such embodiments, jacket sidewall174defines a jacket opening180for an enclosing cavity182, which external insulator jacket168also defines. Specifically, enclosing cavity182may be defined beneath upper jacket wall176. At least a portion of insulator ice mold138may be received within enclosing cavity182. Optionally, insulator ice mold138nests within enclosing cavity182such that jacket sidewall174covers insulator sidewall156. Enclosing cavity182may extend from the top insulator mold end152to the bottom insulator mold end154. When assembled, jacket sidewall174may extend (e.g., fully or uninterrupted) from top jacket end170to bottom jacket end172and, thus, selectively cover insulator sidewall156. Additionally or alternatively, the exposed surface150may be held uncovered within the jacket opening180. In certain embodiment, external insulator jacket168defines an excess water chamber184with insulator ice mold138. For instance, a vertical gap or distance may be maintained between the upper surface162of the insulator ice mold138and the internal surface178of the external insulator jacket168. In particular, the excess water chamber184may be defined within this vertical gap between the upper surface162of the insulator ice mold138and the internal surface178of the external insulator jacket168. As shown, the internal water passage160may extend to the excess water chamber184and, thus, be in fluid communication between the excess water chamber184and the mold cavity134. Generally, the various components of ice making assembly102may each be formed from any suitable material. Nonetheless, the materials used to form discrete components may be distinct. In particular, conductive ice mold136is formed of a different material than insulator ice mold138. Moreover, conductive ice mold136may have a (e.g., first) thermal coefficient that is greater than a (e.g., second) thermal coefficient of the insulator ice mold138. For instance, conductive ice mold136may be a metal conductive ice mold while insulator ice mold138may be a non-metallic insulator ice mold. Thus, conductive ice mold136may be formed of a suitable heat-conductive metal for facilitating the removal of heat from mold cavity134, such as aluminum or stainless steel (e.g., including combinations or alloys thereof). Additionally or alternatively, insulator ice mold138may be formed of a suitable heat-insulating polymer for restricting heat transfer to one or more portions of mold cavity134, such as silicone, polycarbonate or polyethylene (e.g., including combinations or variations thereof). In certain embodiments, the conductive ice mold136is also formed from a different material than the external insulator jacket168. Specifically, the first thermal coefficient of the conductive ice mold136may be greater than a (e.g., third) thermal coefficient of the external insulator jacket168. For instance, external insulator jacket168may formed of a suitable heat-insulating polymer for restricting heat transfer to one or more portions of mold cavity134, such as silicone, polycarbonate or polyethylene (e.g., including combinations or variations thereof). The material of the external insulator jacket168may be the same as the insulator ice mold138. Alternatively, the material of the external insulator jacket168may be the same as the insulator ice mold138. The third and second thermal coefficients may be substantially equal or, alternatively, different (e.g., such that the third thermal coefficient is less than the second thermal coefficient). Optionally, conductive ice mold136, insulator ice mold138, or external insulator jacket168may each be formed as a discrete, unitary or integral component. As an example, conductive ice mold136may be a solid, unitary member of a first material. As an additional or alternative example, insulator ice mold138may be a solid, unitary member of a second material. As another additional or alternative example, external insulator jacket168may be a solid, unitary member of a third material. Turning especially toFIGS.5through8, exemplary steps for using ice making assembly102are illustrated (e.g., by showing ice making assembly in various stages). As shown inFIG.5, prior to providing water to mold cavity134, insulator ice mold138may be selectively mated onto conductive ice mold136such that conductive ice mold136is received within insulator ice mold138, thereby assembling separable mold body130. As shown inFIG.6, once separable mold body130is assembled, water may be provided to mold cavity134(e.g., through internal water passage160). After water fills mold cavity134, external insulator jacket168is mated onto insulator ice mold138such that insulator ice mold138and conductive ice mold136are received within external insulator jacket168. Moreover, heat may be conducted from mold cavity134(e.g., within freezer chamber106—FIG.1) through conductive ice mold136and the exposed surface150, as illustrated inFIG.7. The conduction of heat from mold cavity134may cause an ice billet to form within mold cavity134as water freezes from the bottom of mold cavity134and notably forces impurities upward away from mold (e.g., with unfrozen water to excess water chamber184through internal water passage160). Notably impurities and excess water may be carried away from mold cavity134to avoid the formation of a cloudy ice billet within mold134. As shown inFIG.8, after an ice billet is formed, external insulator jacket168and insulator ice mold138may be removed from conductive ice mold136, allowing a user to access and remove one or more frozen ice billets. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. | 26,947 |
11859887 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both,” except as otherwise indicated). Turning now to the figures,FIG.1provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance100according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Refrigerator appliance100includes a cabinet or housing120that extends between a top portion101and a bottom portion102along a vertical direction V. Housing120defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing120defines fresh food chamber122positioned at or adjacent top portion101of housing120and a freezer chamber124arranged at or adjacent bottom portion102of housing120. As such, refrigerator appliance100is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, for example, a top mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular chilled chamber configuration. In some embodiments, refrigerator doors128are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing120for selectively accessing fresh food chamber122. A freezer door130is arranged below refrigerator doors128for selectively accessing freezer chamber124. Freezer door130may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber124. Refrigerator doors128and freezer door130are shown in a closed configuration inFIG.1. Refrigerator appliance100also includes a dispensing assembly140for dispensing liquid water or ice. Dispensing assembly140includes a dispenser142positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance100(e.g., on one of doors128). Dispenser142includes a discharging outlet144for accessing ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet144for operating dispenser142. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser142. For example, dispenser142can include a sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. In some embodiments, a user interface panel148is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel148may include a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In the illustrated embodiments, discharging outlet144and actuating mechanism146are an external part of dispenser142and are mounted in a dispenser recess150. Dispenser recess150is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to open doors128. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess150is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. Operation of the refrigerator appliance100can be regulated by a controller190that is operatively coupled to user interface panel148or various other components. User interface panel148provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance100such as, for example, selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, or other various options. In response to user manipulation of user interface panel148or one or more sensor signals, controller190may operate various components of the refrigerator appliance100. Controller190may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller190may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Controller190may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance100. In the illustrated embodiments, controller190is located within the user interface panel148. In other embodiments, the controller190may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance100, such as, for example, within a fresh food chamber122, a freezer door130, etc. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller190and various operational components of refrigerator appliance100. For example, user interface panel148may be in communication with controller190via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. As illustrated, controller190may be in communication with the various components of dispensing assembly140and may control operation of the various components. For example, the various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller190. As discussed, interface panel148may additionally be in communication with the controller190. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller190instruction. FIG.2provides a perspective view of a door of refrigerator doors128.FIG.3provides an exploded view of a portion of refrigerator door128with an access door166removed. Refrigerator appliance100includes a sub-compartment162defined on refrigerator door128. Sub-compartment162is often referred to as an “icebox.” Moreover, sub-compartment162extends into fresh food chamber122when refrigerator door128is in the closed position. Generally, an ice supply assembly may be provided to supply ice to dispenser recess150(FIG.1) from ice maker160or a separate ice bin164in sub-compartment162on a back side of refrigerator door128. In optional embodiments, chilled air from a sealed refrigeration system of refrigerator appliance100may be directed into ice maker160in order to cool components of ice maker160. For instance, an evaporator178(FIG.1) may be positioned at or within fresh food chamber122or freezer chamber124and be configured for generating cooled or chilled air. A supply conduit180(FIG.1) may be defined by or positioned within housing120and may extend between evaporator178and components of ice maker160in order to cool components of ice maker160and assist ice formation by ice maker160. In optional embodiments, liquid water generated during melting of ice cubes in ice storage bin164, is directed out of the ice storage bin164. For example, turning back toFIG.1, liquid water from melted ice cubes may be directed to an evaporation pan172. Evaporation pan172is positioned within a mechanical compartment170defined by housing120(e.g., at bottom portion102of housing120). A condenser174of the sealed system can be positioned, for example, directly-above and adjacent evaporation pan172. Heat from condenser174can assist with evaporation of liquid water in evaporation pan172. A fan176configured for cooling condenser174can also direct a flow air across or into evaporation pan172. Thus, fan176can be positioned above and adjacent evaporation pan172. Evaporation pan172is sized and shaped for facilitating evaporation of liquid water therein. For example, evaporation pan172may be open topped and extend across about a width or a depth of housing120. In optional embodiments, an access door166is hinged to refrigerator door128. Access door166may generally permit selective access to sub-compartment162. Any manner of suitable latch168is configured with sub-compartment162to maintain access door166in a closed position. As an example, latch168may be actuated by a consumer in order to open access door166for providing access into sub-compartment162. Access door166can also assist with insulating sub-compartment162. Turning now generally toFIGS.4through10, various views are provided an exemplary ice maker200, including portions thereof. As is understood, ice maker200may be used within any suitable refrigerator appliance, such as refrigerator appliance100(FIG.1). Generally, ice maker200includes an ice mold or mold body210that extends between a first end portion212and a second end portion21(e.g., along a rotation axis AR). Mold body210defines multiple compartments (e.g., one or more first compartments216and one or more second compartments218) separated by one or more partitions walls220for receipt of liquid water for freezing. The compartments216,218may be spaced apart from one another or distributed (e.g., along the rotation axis ARbetween first end portion212and second end portion214). Thus, a partition wall220may be axially positioned between a first compartment216and a second compartment218. As shown, each partition wall220generally extends vertically (e.g., to an upper fill line222). In optional embodiments, a notch gap224is defined by a partition wall220and extend as a void to a predetermined height (e.g., lowermost extreme) below the fill line. In turn, liquid water above the predetermined height may be exchanged between axially-adjacent compartments216or218. Generally, ice maker200can receive liquid water (e.g., from a water connection to plumbing within a residence or business housing refrigerator appliance100) and direct such liquid water into mold body210(e.g., into compartments216,218of mold body210). For instance, a water guide226may be mounted above mold body210to direct water to mold compartments216,218. Within compartments216,218of mold body210, liquid can freeze to form ice cubes. It is understood that the term “ice cube,” as used herein, does not require a cubic geometry (i.e., six bounded square faces), but indicates a discrete unit of solid frozen ice generally having a predetermined three-dimensional shape. In some embodiments, a sheathed electrical resistance heating element or heater228is mounted to a lower portion230of mold body210(e.g., beneath the first and second compartments216,218). The heater228can be press-fit, stacked, or clamped into the lower portion230of the mold body210. The heater228is configured to heat the mold body210when a harvest cycle is executed (e.g., as initiated or directed by controller190) to slightly melt the ice cubes and release the ice from the compartments216,218. In some embodiments, ice maker200includes a motor232. As shown, motor232may be positioned within a motor housing234. Additionally or alternatively, motor232may be in mechanical communication with an ejector236(e.g., via one or more gears). When assembled, motor232may be mounted to one end portion. For instance, motor232and motor housing234may be disposed proximal to second compartments218at second end portion214. As shown, ejector236is generally mounted to or above at least a portion of mold body210. In some embodiments, ejector236includes multiple harvesters238,240. For instance, a first harvester238may correspond to a first compartment216while a second harvester240corresponds to a second compartment218. Thus, first harvester238may selectively extend within the first compartment216from the main shaft242and second harvester240may selectively extend within the second compartment218from the main shaft242. Optionally, a discrete harvester238or240may correspond to each compartment216or218. In turn, multiple harvesters238or240may be spaced apart from each other or distributed along the rotation axis AR. During use, each harvester238or240may be selectively received within a respective compartment216or218. As an example, motor232may rotate ejector236about the rotation axis AR. Specifically, a main shaft242of ejector236can be rotated in either a first rotational direction or a second, opposite rotational direction. The harvesters238or240may rotate in tandem with main shaft242or each other. In some embodiments, main shaft242extends along rotation axis AR. In other embodiments, main shaft242extends along a separate axis that is parallel to rotation axis ARand is offset (e.g., along a radial direction from the rotation axis AR) by any suitable distance. As ejector236is rotated by motor232, harvesters238or240can move or slide into compartments216,218and push or urge ice cubes out of compartments216,218. Turning especially toFIGS.6through10, various views are provided of ice maker200according to exemplary embodiments. As illustrated, in some embodiments, a plurality of discrete compartments216,218may be axially-spaced apart from each other. Additionally or alternatively, two or more of the compartments216,218may be uniquely formed such that the compartments216,218form ice cubes of a different shape. In other words, at least two compartments216,218may define different cube profiles244,246, which act as the negative molds of ice cubes formed therein. Specifically, a first compartment216may define a first cube profile244while a second compartment218may define a second cube profile246that is different from the first cube profile244. Thus, the second compartment218may form ice cubes that are differently-shaped (e.g., smaller in volume or mass) than the ice cubes that are formed by the first compartment216. In certain embodiments, a first compartment set (i.e., a plurality of first compartments216) and a second compartment set (i.e., a plurality of second compartments218) are provided. Optionally, the first and second compartment sets may be grouped separately such that all of the first compartments216are grouped together in the first compartment set while all of the second compartments218are grouped together in the second compartment set. Thus, the first and second compartment sets may be axially-spaced apart from each other. For instance, the first compartment set may be proximal to the first end portion212(i.e., distal to the second end portion214) while the second compartment set is proximal to the second end portion214(i.e., distal to the first end portion212). In exemplary embodiments, the first cube profile244and the second cube profile246are defined as open cups about separate radii (e.g., as arcs such that the crescent-shaped ice cubes are formed therein). Thus, the first cube profile244may be defined about a first radius248while the second cube profile246is defined about a second radius250. The second radius250may be smaller than the first radius248. In turn, the ice cubes formed by the second compartment218may be smaller than those formed by the first compartment216. Optionally, the second radius250may be less than or equal to half of the first radius248. Advantageously, mold body210may form ice cubes are noticeably-different sizes and permit users to select between such sizes (e.g., depending on an intended use, desired mouth feel, etc.). Although the centerpoint of each radii (i.e., point about which a corresponding radius248or250is defined) may be disposed along the rotation axis AR, as shown, it is understood that alternative embodiments may establish or define a centerpoint that is radially-offset from the rotation axis AR. As shown, ejector236is rotatably disposed above both first cube profile244and second cube profile246. First harvester238selectively extends within first compartment216(e.g., based on the rotation position of ejector236) and second harvester240selectively extends within second compartment218(e.g., based on the rotation position of ejector236) to motivate ice cubes from the first and second compartments216,218, respectively. In some embodiments, first harvester238and second harvester240may each define a tine length252or254(e.g., as measured in millimeters radially outward from the rotation axis AR). Optionally, the second tine length254of the second harvester240may be less than the first tine length252of the first harvester238. If multiple first compartments216or second compartments218are provided, a corresponding number of first harvesters238or second harvesters240may similarly be provided. Turning now specifically toFIGS.7,9, and10, rotation of ejector236is illustrated from a fill position (FIG.7) to an ejection position (FIG.10). At least one intermediate position (FIG.9) between the fill position and the ejection position is also illustrated. In the fill position, harvesters238or240are generally positioned above (e.g., along the vertical direction V) mold body210. Moreover, compartments216,218of mold body210are ready for receiving liquid water for freezing. Thus, liquid water can be directed into compartments216,218of mold body210in the fill position. With ice maker200positioned in a suitably cool location, water within compartment216or218will freeze and form ice cubes. A controller, such as controller190(FIG.1) can monitor or measure a temperature of mold body210via a temperature sensor (not pictured) mounted to mold body210. When the temperature of mold body210drops below the freezing point of water within mold body210, it can be inferred that one or more ice cubes are fully frozen within mold body210. After an ice cube has frozen, harvesters238or240may eject ice from mold body210. Rotation of ejector236brings harvesters238or240into engagement with a top portion of ice cubes. As ejector236continues to rotate about rotation axis AR, ice cubes are motivated upward (e.g., along a corresponding ice cube profile244or246). Eventually, a harvester238or240may be rotated beneath an ice cube. The harvester238or240may subsequently motivate or force an ice cube out of a corresponding compartment216or218and onto stripper tines256(FIG.6) as harvesters238or240are rotated to the ejection position (FIG.10). In the ejected position, harvesters238or240are moved to a discrete angular position (e.g., at least 180° from the fill position). In some embodiments, the ejected position may force harvesters238or240to be substantially upright or parallel to vertical direction V. From the ejected position, ice cubes may be motivated (e.g., by gravity) from stripper tine256or to another portion of refrigerator appliance100(e.g., ice bucket260—FIG.11). Turning now toFIGS.11through16, various portions of an exemplary ice bucket260are provided. As would be understood, ice bucket260may be provided as or as part of ice bin164(FIG.2) disposed, at least partially below ice maker200(including mold body210—FIG.5). When assembled, ice bucket may be removable from appliance100(e.g., within door128—FIG.2), such as to place ice bucket on a kitchen counter or sink. Nonetheless, during use (e.g., when mounted on appliance100), multiple chambers (e.g., a first chamber262and a second chamber264) defined by ice bucket260are disposed below mold body210. For instance, first chamber262may be disposed below (e.g., in vertical alignment with) first compartment216or first compartment set to receive ice therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, second chamber264may be disposed below (e.g., in vertical alignment with) second compartment218or second compartment set to receive ice therefrom. In some embodiments, the relatively large ice cubes of first compartment216are advantageously received and stored within first chamber262while the relatively small ice cubes of second compartment218are separately received and stored within second chamber264. Optionally, a divider wall266may be disposed within ice bucket260(e.g., within an internal volume defined by bucket sidewalls268and a bucket bottom wall270) to separate (e.g., axially separate) first chamber262from second chamber264. As shown, ice bucket260defines an outlet opening272through which ice may be selectively permitted from ice bucket260(e.g., from first chamber262or second chamber264). In some embodiments, outlet opening272is defined at a bottom end of ice bucket260(e.g., through bucket sidewall268). Generally, outlet opening272can have a first portion274and a second portion276. Specifically, first portion274may be in fluid communication with first chamber262while second portion276is in fluid communication with second chamber264. For instance, first portion274may be disposed on one side of divider wall266(e.g., one internal or axial side), and second portion276may be disposed on another side of divider wall266(e.g., the opposite internal or axial side from the internal or axial side as first portion274). In some such embodiments, first portion274and second portion276may generally be considered separate, fluid parallel, halves of outlet opening272. Ice within first chamber262may thus pass through the first portion274of outlet opening272without passing through second portion276. Similarly, ice within second chamber264may pass through the second portion276of outlet opening272without passing through first portion274. In some embodiments, a shutter278is disposed at the outlet opening272. Specifically, shutter278is movably mounted to selectively restrict ice from first chamber262and second chamber264(e.g., to prevent ice from exiting the internal volume of ice bucket260). The restriction of chambers262,264may alternate such that when shutter278prevents ice from exiting first chamber262, ice is permitted from second chamber264, and vice versa. For instance, shutter278may be movable across outlet opening272between a first position (e.g.,FIG.15) and a second position (e.g.,FIG.16). In the first position, the shutter278covers second portion276and is spaced apart, at least partially, from second portion276(e.g., such that an aperture280of shutter278is aligned with first portion274). In the second position, the shutter278covers first portion274and is spaced apart, at least partially, from first portion274(e.g., such that the aperture280of shutter278is aligned with second portion276). Optionally, the aperture280may have a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., perpendicular to a central axis AC) than either (e.g., both of) first portion274or second portion276, as shown. In certain embodiments, shutter278defines a central axis ACabout which shutter278may rotate (e.g., in a first circumferential direction C1or a second circumferential direction C2). For instance, shutter278may be rotatably mounted on ice bucket260to rotate about central axis ACbetween the first position and the second position. In such some embodiments, a chamber-selection motor282is provided to motivate rotation of shutter278(e.g., as directed by a user selection at user interface148—FIG.1). For instance, chamber-selection motor282may be in mechanical communication with shutter278such that movement at chamber-selection motor282is transferred to shutter278(e.g., via one or more gears). In the illustrated embodiments, chamber-selection motor282may rotate shutter278in the first circumferential direction C1to move from the first position to the second position. Chamber-selection motor282may further rotate shutter278in the second circumferential direction C2to move from the second position to the first position. Thus, chamber-selection motor282may be a reversible motor to alternately rotate in the first and second circumferential directions C1, C2. Alternatively, though, chamber-selection motor282may be a non-reversible motor capable of rotating in only the first circumferential direction C1or the second circumferential direction C2. In some embodiments, chamber-selection motor282include a drive gear283(e.g., radially offset from central axis AC) and shutter278includes a plurality of gear teeth302. As shown, the plurality of gear teeth302may be disposed along a circumferential edge of shutter278. When assembled, the drive gear283of chamber-selection motor282is in communication (e.g., directly or indirectly enmeshed) with the plurality of gear teeth302. Movement of the drive gear283may thus be transmitted to shutter278to move shutter278between the first and second positions. It is noted that although a single drive gear is illustrated, additional or alternative embodiments may include any suitable gearing or motion-transfer mechanism (e.g., rack-and-pinion gear, bevel gearing, etc.) for transmitting movement at the chamber-selection motor282to the shutter278. Optionally, a drum wall284may extend about outlet opening272(e.g., outside of the internal volume of ice bucket260or downstream from outlet opening272). As shown, drum wall284may define a drop channel286(e.g., directed downward) through which ice may pass (e.g., to discharging outlet144—FIG.1). In some embodiments, shutter278is housed within drum wall284to rotate therein (e.g., outside of the internal volume of ice bucket260). Ice passed from outlet opening272may thus be transmitted past shutter278and into a region defined by drum wall284. Additionally or alternatively, drum wall284may extend about the central axis ACsuch that ice cubes are transmitted therealong before exiting through drop channel286. In certain embodiments, one or more rotatable blades288are provided adjacent to outlet opening272. In particular, a rotatable blade288may be disposed downstream from shutter278or outlet opening272to engage (e.g., crush or move) ice cubes therefrom. In exemplary embodiments, rotatable blade288is fixed to a rotation pin290(e.g., extending along the central axis AC) to rotate therewith. Optionally, rotatable blade288may be housed within the drum wall284to crush or motivate ice cubes therethrough. For instance, a dispenser/crusher motor (not pictured) may selectively connect to (e.g., in mechanical communication with) rotation pin290, such as via key292, to direct rotation of rotation pin290and, thus, rotatable blade288. As shown, the rotatable blade288may include a cutting edge294having, for example, a plurality of teeth. Specifically, the plurality of teeth of the cutting edge294may be formed on one circumferential edge (e.g., facing the first circumferential direction C1) of rotatable blade288. In some such embodiments, a flat edge296(e.g., planar edge extending radially from the central axis AC) is provided on the opposite circumferential edge (e.g., facing the first circumferential direction C2) of rotatable blade288. In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more non-rotatable or stationary blades310are disposed downstream from shutter278or outlet opening272. For instance, a stationary blade310may be housed within the drum wall284. When assembled, the stationary blade310may be rotationally fixed such that the stationary blade310is non-rotatable about the central axis AC. As shown, stationary blade310may be rotatably attached to the rotation pin290(e.g., at one end) such that the rotation pin290can rotate relative to stationary blade310. Additionally or alternatively, stationary blade310may be fixed (e.g., at another end) to drum wall284). In some such embodiments, stationary blade310may thus remain in a fixed position as rotatable blades288move about central axis AC. Optionally, stationary blade310may include a cutting edge312(e.g., facing the second circumferential direction C2) or a flat edge314(e.g., facing the first circumferential direction C1). Additionally or alternatively, stationary blade310may extend generally in front of the second portion276of outlet opening272(e.g., radially outward from rotation pin290in a common direction with second portion276). Advantageously, in some embodiments, the blades288,310may act to crush the relatively small ice cubes from the second chamber264(e.g., against the plurality of teeth of the blades288,310), while the relatively large ice cubes from the first chamber262are primarily guided by the flat edge314of rotatable blade288. Separate from or in addition to the blades, one or more agitator paddles may be provided within the internal volume of ice bucket260to selectively agitate ice therein. In some embodiments, a first agitator paddle316is rotatably disposed within the first chamber262. For instance, first agitator paddle316may be mounted to a bucket sidewall268(e.g., to rotate about an axis parallel to the central axis AC). Optionally, first agitator paddle316may be in communication with rotation pin290(e.g., via one or more intermediate gears) to selectively rotate as directed by the dispenser/crusher motor. During use, first agitator paddle316may thus be selectively rotated to aid movement or agitate (e.g., to prevent sublimation of) ice within first chamber262. In additional or alternative embodiments, a second agitator paddle318is rotatably disposed within the second chamber264. For instance, second agitator paddle318may be mounted to a bucket sidewall268(e.g., to rotate about an axis parallel to the central axis ACor parallel to the first agitator paddle316). Optionally, second agitator paddle318may be in communication with rotation pin290(e.g., via one or more intermediate gears) to selectively rotate as directed by the dispenser/crusher motor. During use, second agitator paddle318may thus be selectively rotated to aid movement or agitate (e.g., to prevent sublimation of) sublimation of ice within second chamber264. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. | 31,214 |
11859888 | MODE FOR INVENTION Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the same or similar components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals as far as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” to another component, the former may be directly connected or jointed to the latter or may be “connected”, coupled” or “joined” to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween. FIG.1is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.1, a refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a cabinet14including a storage chamber and a door that opens and closes the storage chamber. The storage chamber may include a refrigerating compartment18and a freezing compartment32. The refrigerating compartment18is disposed at an upper side, and the freezing compartment32is disposed at a lower side. Each of the storage chamber may be opened and closed individually by each door. For another example, the freezing compartment may be disposed at the upper side and the refrigerating compartment may be disposed at the lower side. Alternatively, the freezing compartment may be disposed at one side of left and right sides, and the refrigerating compartment may be disposed at the other side. The freezing compartment32may be divided into an upper space and a lower space, and a drawer40capable of being withdrawn from and inserted into the lower space may be provided in the lower space. The door may include a plurality of doors10,20,30for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment18and the freezing compartment32. The plurality of doors10,20, and30may include some or all of the doors10and20for opening and closing the storage chamber in a rotatable manner and the door30for opening and closing the storage chamber in a sliding manner. The freezing compartment32may be provided to be separated into two spaces even though the freezing compartment32is opened and closed by one door30. In this embodiment, the freezing compartment32may be referred to as a first storage chamber, and the refrigerating compartment18may be referred to as a second storage chamber. The freezing compartment32may be provided with an ice maker200capable of making ice. The ice maker200may be disposed, for example, in an upper space of the freezing compartment32. An ice bin600in which the ice made by the ice maker200drops to be stored may be disposed below the ice maker200. A user may take out the ice bin600from the freezing compartment32to use the ice stored in the ice bin600. The ice bin600may be mounted on an upper side of a horizontal wall that partitions an upper space and a lower space of the freezing compartment32from each other. Although not shown, the cabinet14is provided with a duct supplying cold air to the ice maker200. The duct guides the cold air heat-exchanged with a refrigerant flowing through the evaporator to the ice maker200. For example, the duct may be disposed behind the cabinet14to discharge the cold air toward a front side of the cabinet14. The ice maker200may be disposed at a front side of the duct. Although not limited, a discharge hole of the duct may be provided in one or more of a rear wall and an upper wall of the freezing compartment32. Although the above-described ice maker200is provided in the freezing compartment32, a space in which the ice maker200is disposed is not limited to the freezing compartment32. For example, the ice maker200may be disposed in various spaces as long as the ice maker200receives the cold air. FIG.2is a perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment,FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the bracket is removed from the ice maker ofFIG.2, andFIG.4is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker according to an embodiment.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.3so as to show a second temperature sensor installed in the ice maker according to an embodiment. FIG.6is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ice maker when a second tray is disposed at a water supply position according to an embodiment. Referring toFIGS.2to6, each component of the ice maker200may be provided inside or outside the bracket220, and thus, the ice maker200may constitute one assembly. The bracket220may be installed at, for example, the upper wall of the freezing compartment32. The water supply part or liquid supply240may be installed on an upper side of an inner surface of the bracket220. The water supply part240may be provided with an opening in each of an upper side and a lower side to guide water, which is supplied to an upper side of the water supply part240, to a lower side of the water supply part240. The upper opening of the water supply part240may be greater than the lower opening to limit a discharge range of water guided downward through the water supply part240. A water supply pipe through which water is supplied may be installed to the upper side of the water supply part240. The water supplied to the water supply part240may move downward. The water supply part240may prevent the water discharged from the water supply pipe from dropping from a high position, thereby preventing the water from splashing. Since the water supply part240is disposed below the water supply pipe, the water may be guided downward without splashing up to the water supply part240, and an amount of splashing water may be reduced even if the water moves downward due to the lowered height. The ice maker200may include an ice making cell320ain which water is phase-changed into ice by the cold air. For example, the ice maker200may include a first tray320defining at least a portion of a wall providing the ice making cell320aand a second tray380defining at least the other portion of a wall providing the ice making cell320a. Although not limited, the ice making cell320amay include a first cell320band a second cell320c. The first tray320may define the first cell320b, and the second tray380may define the second cell320c. The second tray380may be disposed to be relatively movable with respect to the first tray320. The second tray380may linearly rotate or rotate. Hereinafter, the rotation of the second tray380will be described as an example. For example, in an ice making process, the second tray380may move with respect to the first tray320so that the first tray320and the second tray380contact each other. When the first tray320and the second tray380are in contact with each other, the complete ice making cell see320amay be defined. On the other hand, the second tray380may move with respect to the first tray320during the ice making process after the ice making is completed, and the second tray380may be spaced apart from the first tray320. In this embodiment, the first tray320and the second tray380may be arranged in a vertical direction in a state in which the ice making cell320ais defined. Accordingly, the first tray320may be referred to as an upper tray, and the second tray380may be referred to as a lower tray. A plurality of ice making cells320amay be defined by the first tray320and the second tray380. In the drawing, for example, three ice making cells320aare provided. When water is cooled by cold air while water is supplied to the ice making cell320a, ice having the same or similar shape as that of the ice making cell320amay be made. In this embodiment, for example, the ice making cell320amay be provided in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape. In this case, the first cell320bmay be provided in a hemisphere shape or a shape similar to the hemisphere. Also, the second cell320cmay be provided in a hemisphere shape or a shape similar to the hemisphere. The ice making cell320amay have a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape. The ice maker200may further include a first tray case300coupled to the first tray320. For example, the first tray case300may be coupled to an upper side of the first tray320. The first tray case300may be manufactured as a separate part from the bracket220and then may be coupled to the bracket220or integrally formed with the bracket220. The ice maker200may further include a first heater case280. An ice separation heater290may be installed in the second heater case280. The heater case280may be integrally formed with the first tray case300or may be separately formed. The ice separation heater290may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first tray320. For example, the ice separation heater290may be a wire-type heater. For example, the ice separation heater290may be installed to contact the second tray320or may be disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the second tray320. In some cases, the ice separation heater290may supply heat to the first tray320, and the heat supplied to the first tray320may be transferred to the ice making cell320a. The ice maker200may further include a first tray cover340disposed below the first tray320. The first tray cover340also serves as a tray case. Thus, the first tray case340and the first tray cover340may be collectively referred to as a first tray case. The first tray320and the first tray case may be collectively referred to as a first tray assembly. The first tray cover340may be provided with an opening corresponding to a shape of the ice making cell320aof the first tray320and may be coupled to a bottom surface of the first tray320. The first tray case300may be provided with a guide slot302which is inclined at an upper side and vertically extended at a lower side thereof. The guide slot302may be provided in a member extending upward from the first tray case300. A guide protrusion262of the first pusher260to be described later may be inserted into the guide slot302. Thus, the guide protrusion262may be guided along the guide slot302. The first pusher260may include at least one extension part264. For example, the first pusher260may include an extension part264provided with the same number as the number of ice making cells320a, but is not limited thereto. The extension part264may push out the ice disposed in the ice making cell320aduring the ice separation process. Accordingly, the extension part264may be inserted into the ice making cell320athrough the first tray case300. Therefore, the first tray case300may be provided with a hole304through which a portion of the first pusher260passes. The guide protrusion262of the first pusher260may be coupled to the pusher link500. In this case, the guide protrusion262may be coupled to the pusher link500so as to be rotatable. Therefore, when the pusher link500moves, the first pusher260may also move along the guide slot302. The ice maker200may further include a second tray case400coupled to the second tray380. The second tray case400may be disposed at a lower side of the second tray to support the second tray380. For example, at least a portion of the wall defining a second cell320cof the second tray380may be supported by the second tray case400. A spring402may be connected to one side of the second tray case400. The spring402may provide elastic force to the second tray case400to maintain a state in which the second tray380contacts the first tray320. The ice maker200may further include a second tray case360. The second tray cover360also serves as a tray case. Thus, the second tray case400and the second tray cover360may be collectively referred to as a second tray case. The second tray380and the second tray case may be collectively referred to as a second tray assembly. The second tray380may include a circumferential wall382surrounding a portion of the first tray320in a state of contacting the first tray320. The second tray cover360may cover the circumferential wall382. The ice maker200may further include a second heater case420. A transparent ice heater430may be installed in the second heater case420. The transparent ice heater430will be described in detail. The controller800according to this embodiment may control the transparent ice heater430so that heat is supplied to the ice making cell320ain at least partial section while cold air is supplied to the ice making cell320ato make the transparent ice. An ice making rate may be delayed so that bubbles dissolved in water within the ice making cell320amay move from a portion at which ice is made toward liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater430, thereby making transparent ice in the ice maker200. That is, the bubbles dissolved in water may be induced to escape to the outside of the ice making cell320aor to be collected into a predetermined position in the ice making cell320a. When a cold air supply part900to be described later supplies cold air to the ice making cell320a, if the ice making rate is high, the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice making cell320amay be frozen without moving from the portion at which the ice is made to the liquid water, and thus, transparency of the ice may be reduced. On the contrary, when the cold air supply part900supplies the cold air to the ice making cell320a, if the ice making rate is low, the above limitation may be solved to increase in transparency of the ice. However, there is a limitation in which a making time increases. Accordingly, the transparent ice heater430may be disposed at one side of the ice making cell320aso that the heater locally supplies heat to the ice making cell320a, thereby increasing in transparency of the made ice while reducing the ice making time. When the transparent ice heater430is disposed on one side of the ice making cell320a, the transparent ice heater430may be made of a material having thermal conductivity less than that of the metal to prevent heat of the transparent ice heater430from being easily transferred to the other side of the ice making cell320a. Alternatively, at least one of the first tray320and the second tray380may be made of a resin including plastic so that the ice attached to the trays320and380is separated in the ice making process. At least one of the first tray320or the second tray380may be made of a flexible or soft material so that the tray deformed by the pushers260and540is easily restored to its original shape in the ice separation process. The transparent ice heater430may be disposed at a position adjacent to the second tray380. For example, the transparent ice heater430may be a wire-type heater. For example, the transparent ice heater430may be installed to contact the second tray380or may be disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the second tray380. For another example, the second heater case420may not be separately provided, but the transparent heater430may be installed on the second tray case400. In some cases, the transparent ice heater430may supply heat to the second tray380, and the heat supplied to the second tray380may be transferred to the ice making cell320a. The ice maker200may further include a driver480that provides driving force. The second tray380may relatively move with respect to the first tray320by receiving the driving force of the driver480. A through-hole282may be defined in an extension part281extending downward in one side of the first tray case300. A through-hole404may be defined in the extension part403extending in one side of the second tray case400. The ice maker200may further include a shaft440that passes through the through-holes282and404together. A rotation arm460may be provided at each of both ends of the shaft440. The shaft440may rotate by receiving rotational force from the driver480. One end of the rotation arm460may be connected to one end of the spring402, and thus, a position of the rotation arm460may move to an initial value by restoring force when the spring402is tensioned. A full ice detection lever520may be connected to the driver480. The full ice detection lever520may also rotate by the rotational force provided by the driver480. The full ice detection lever520may be a swing type lever. The full ice detection lever520crosses the inside of the ice bin600in a rotation process. The full ice detection lever520may have a ‘⊏’ shape as a whole. For example, the full ice detection lever520may include a first portion521and a pair of second portions522extending in a direction crossing the first portion521at both ends of the first portion521. An extension direction of the first portion521may be parallel to an extension direction of a rotation center of the second tray380. Alternatively, an extension direction of the rotation center of the full ice detection lever520may be parallel to the extension direction of the rotation center of the second tray380. One of the pair of second portions522may be coupled to the driver480, and the other may be coupled to the bracket220or the first tray case300. The full ice detection lever520may rotate to detect ice stored in the ice bin600. The ice maker200may further include a second pusher540. The second pusher540may be installed on the bracket220. The second pusher540may include at least one extension part544. For example, the second pusher540may include an extension part544provided with the same number as the number of ice making cells320a, but is not limited thereto. The extension part544may push the ice disposed in the ice making cell320a. For example, the extension part544may pass through the second tray case400to contact the second tray380defining the ice making cell and then press the contacting second tray380. Therefore, the second tray case400may be provided with a hole422through which a portion of the second pusher540passes. The first tray case300may be rotatably coupled to the second tray case400with respect to the second tray supporter400and then be disposed to change in angle about the shaft440. In this embodiment, the second tray380may be made of a non-metal material. For example, when the second tray380is pressed by the second pusher540, the second tray380may be made of a soft material which is deformable. Although not limited, the second tray380may be made of a silicon material. Therefore, while the second tray380is deformed while the second tray380is pressed by the second pusher540, pressing force of the second pusher540may be transmitted to ice. The ice and the second tray380may be separated from each other by the pressing force of the second pusher540. When the second tray380is made of the non-metal material and the flexible or soft material, the coupling force or attaching force between the ice and the second tray380may be reduced, and thus, the ice may be easily separated from the second tray380. Also, if the second tray380is made of the non-metallic material and the flexible or soft material, after the shape of the second tray380is deformed by the second pusher540, when the pressing force of the second pusher540is removed, the second tray380may be easily restored to its original shape. The first tray320may be made of a metal material. In this case, since the coupling force or the attaching force between the first tray320and the ice is strong, the ice maker200according to this embodiment may include at least one of the ice separation heater290or the first pusher260. For another example, the first tray320may be made of a non-metallic material. When the first tray320is made of the non-metallic material, the ice maker200may include only one of the ice separation heater290and the first pusher260. Alternatively, the ice maker200may not include the ice separation heater290and the first pusher260. Although not limited, the first tray320may be made of a silicon material. That is, the first tray320and the second tray380may be made of the same material. When the first tray320and the second tray380are made of the same material, the first tray320and the second tray380may have different hardness to maintain sealing performance at the contact portion between the first tray320and the second tray380. In this embodiment, since the second tray380is pressed by the second pusher540to be deformed, the second tray380may have hardness less than that of the first tray320to facilitate the deformation of the second tray380. Referring toFIG.5, the ice maker200may further include a second temperature sensor700(or tray temperature sensor) for detecting a temperature of the ice making cell320a. The second temperature sensor700may sense a temperature of water or ice of the ice making cell320a. The second temperature sensor700may be disposed adjacent to the first tray320to sense the temperature of the first tray320, thereby indirectly determining the water temperature or the ice temperature of the ice making cell320a. In this embodiment, the water temperature or the ice temperature of the ice making cell320amay be referred to as an internal temperature of the ice making cell320a. The second temperature sensor700may be installed in the first tray case300. In this case, the second temperature sensor700may contact the first tray320or may be spaced a predetermined distance from the first tray320. Alternatively, the second temperature sensor700may be installed in the first tray320to contact the first tray320. Alternatively, when the second temperature sensor700may be disposed to pass through the first tray320, the temperature of the water or the temperature of the ice of the ice making cell320amay be directly detected. A portion of the ice separation heater290may be disposed higher than the second temperature sensor700and may be spaced apart from the second temperature sensor700. The wire701connected to the second temperature sensor700may be guided to an upper side of the first tray case300. Referring toFIG.6, the ice maker200according to this embodiment may be designed so that a position of the second tray380is different from the water supply position and the ice making position. For example, the second tray380may include a second cell wall381defining a second cell320cof the ice making cell320aand a circumferential wall382extending along an outer edge of the second cell wall381. The second cell wall381may include a top surface381a. The top surface381aof the second cell wall381may be referred to as a top surface381aof the second tray380. The top surface381aof the second cell wall381may be disposed lower than an upper end of the circumferential wall381. The first tray320may include a first cell wall321adefining a first cell320bof the ice making cell320a. The first cell wall321amay include a straight portion321band a curved portion321c. The curved portion321cmay have an arc shape having a radius of curvature at the center of the shaft440. Accordingly, the circumferential wall381may also include a straight portion and a curved portion corresponding to the straight portion321band the curved portion321c. The first cell wall321amay include a bottom surface321d. The bottom surface321bof the first cell wall321amay be referred to herein as a bottom surface321bof the first tray320. The bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321amay contact the top surface381aof the second cell wall381a. For example, at the water supply position as illustrated inFIG.6, at least portions of the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321aand the top surface381aof the second cell wall381may be spaced apart from each other.FIG.6illustrates that the entirety of the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321aand the top surface381aof the second cell wall381are spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the top surface381aof the second cell wall381may be inclined to form a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321a. Although not limited, the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321amay be substantially horizontal at the water supply position, and the top surface381aof the second cell wall381may be disposed below the first cell wall321ato be inclined with respect to the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321a. In the state ofFIG.6, the circumferential wall382may surround the first cell wall321a. Also, an upper end of the circumferential wall382may be positioned higher than the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321a. At the ice making position (seeFIG.12), the top surface381aof the second cell wall381may contact at least a portion of the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321a. The angle formed between the top surface381aof the second tray380and the bottom surface321dof the first tray320at the ice making position is less than that between the top surface382aof the second tray and the bottom surface321dof the first tray at the water supply position. At the ice making position, the top surface381aof the second cell wall381may contact all of the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321a. At the ice making position, the top surface381aof the second cell wall381and the bottom surface321dof the first cell wall321amay be disposed to be substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the water supply position of the second tray380and the ice making position are different from each other. This is done for uniformly distributing the water to the plurality of ice making cells320awithout providing a water passage for the first tray320and/or the second tray380when the ice maker200includes the plurality of ice making cells320a. If the ice maker200includes the plurality of ice making cells320a, when the water passage is provided in the first tray320and/or the second tray380, the water supplied into the ice maker200may be distributed to the plurality of ice making cells320aalong the water passage. However, when the water is distributed to the plurality of ice making cells320a, the water also exists in the water passage, and when ice is made in this state, the ice made in the ice making cells320amay be connected by the ice made in the water passage portion. In this case, there is a possibility that the ice sticks to each other even after the completion of the ice, and even if the ice is separated from each other, some of the plurality of ice includes ice made in a portion of the water passage. Thus, the ice may have a shape different from that of the ice making cell. However, like this embodiment, when the second tray380is spaced apart from the first tray320at the water supply position, water dropping to the second tray380may be uniformly distributed to the plurality of second cells320cof the second tray380. For example, the first tray320may include a communication hole321e. When the first tray320includes one first cell320b, the first tray320may include one communication hole321e. When the first tray320includes a plurality of first cells320b, the first tray320may include a plurality of communication holes321e. The water supply part240may supply water to one communication hole321eof the plurality of communication holes321e. In this case, the water supplied through the one communication hole321edrops to the second tray380after passing through the first tray320. In the water supply process, water may drop into any one of the second cells320cof the plurality of second cells320cof the second tray380. The water supplied to one of the second cells320cmay overflow from the one of the second cells320c. In this embodiment, since the top surface381aof the second tray380is spaced apart from the bottom surface321dof the first tray320, the water overflowed from any one of the second cells320cmay move to the adjacent other second ell320calong the top surface381aof the second tray380. Therefore, the plurality of second cells320cof the second tray380may be filled with water. Also, in the state in which water supply is completed, a portion of the water supplied may be filled in the second cell320c, and the other portion of the water supplied may be filled in the space between the first tray320and the second tray380. At the water supply position, according to a volume of the ice making cell320a, the water when the water supply is completed may be disposed only in the space between the first tray320and the second tray380or may also be disposed in the space between the second tray380and the first tray320(seeFIG.12). When the second tray380move from the water supply position to the ice making position, the water in the space between the first tray320and the second tray380may be uniformly distributed to the plurality of first cells320b. When water passages are provided in the first tray320and/or the second tray380, ice made in the ice making cell320amay also be made in a portion of the water passage. In this case, when the controller of the refrigerator controls one or more of the cooling power of the cold air supply part900and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater to vary according to the mass per unit height of the water in the ice making cell320a, one or more of the cooling power of the cold air supply part900and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater may be abruptly changed several times or more in the portion at which the water passage is provided. This is because the mass per unit height of the water increases more than several times in the portion at which the water passage is provided. In this case, reliability problems of components may occur, and expensive components having large maximum output and minimum output ranges may be used, which may be disadvantageous in terms of power consumption and component costs. As a result, the present invention may require the technique related to the aforementioned ice making position to make the transparent ice. FIG.7is a control block diagram of the refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.7, the refrigerator according to this embodiment may include an air supply part900supplying cold air to the freezing compartment32(or the ice making cell). The cold air supply part900may supply cold air to the freezing compartment32using a refrigerant cycle. For example, the cold air supply part900may include a compressor compressing the refrigerant. A temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezing compartment32may vary according to the output (or frequency) of the compressor. Alternatively, the cold air supply part900may include a fan blowing air to an evaporator. An amount of cold air supplied to the freezing compartment32may vary according to the output (or rotation rate) of the fan. Alternatively, the cold air supply part900may include a refrigerant valve controlling an amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cycle. An amount of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cycle may vary by adjusting an opening degree by the refrigerant valve, and thus, the temperature of the cold air supplied to the freezing compartment32may vary. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cold air supply part900may include one or more of the compressor, the fan, and the refrigerant valve. The refrigerator according to this embodiment may further include a controller800that controls the cold air supply part900. Also, the refrigerator may further include a water supply valve242controlling an amount of water supplied through the water supply part240. The controller800may control a portion or all of the ice separation heater290, the transparent ice heater430, the driver480, the cold air supply part900, and the water supply valve242. In this embodiment, when the ice maker200includes both the ice separation heater290and the transparent ice heater430, an output of the ice separation heater290and an output of the transparent ice heater430may be different from each other. When the outputs of the ice separation heater290and the transparent ice heater430are different from each other, an output terminal of the ice separation heater290and an output terminal of the transparent ice heater430may be provided in different shapes, incorrect connection of the two output terminals may be prevented. Although not limited, the output of the ice separation heater290may be set larger than that of the transparent ice heater430. Accordingly, ice may be quickly separated from the first tray320by the ice separation heater290. In this embodiment, when the ice separation heater290is not provided, the transparent ice heater430may be disposed at a position adjacent to the second tray380described above or be disposed at a position adjacent to the first tray320. The refrigerator may further include a first temperature sensor33(or a temperature sensor in the refrigerator) that detects a temperature of the freezing compartment32. The controller800may control the cold air supply part900based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor33. The controller800may determine whether the ice making is completed based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700. The refrigerator may further include a full ice detection part950for detecting full ice of the ice bin600. The full ice detection part950may include, for example, the full ice detection lever520, the magnet4861provided in the driver480, and a sensor4823(seeFIG.18) for detecting the magnet4861. The sensor4823may be, for example, a hall sensor. The structure of the driver480will be described later. The sensor may output first and second signals that are different outputs according to whether the sensor senses a magnet. One of the first signal and the second signal may be a high signal, and the other may be a low signal. In the process in which the second tray380(or the full ice detection lever520) moves from the ice making position to the water supply position, the sensor may be designed so that a first signal is output from the sensor4823, and when the second tray380moves to the water supply position, a second signal is output from the sensor4823. In the process in which the second tray380moves from the water supply position to the ice making position, the sensor may be designed so that a second signal is output from the sensor4823, and when the second tray380moves to the full ice detection position, a first signal is output from the sensor4823. In the process in which the second tray380moves from the full ice detection position to the ice separation position, the sensor may be designed so that a second signal is output from the sensor4823, and when the second tray380moves to the ice separation position, a first signal is output from the sensor4823. Therefore, the controller800may determine that the ice bin is not full when the first signal is output for a predetermined time from the sensor4823after the second tray380passes through the water supply position in the ice separation process. On the other hand, the controller800may determine that the ice bin is full when the first signal is not output from the sensor4823for a reference time, or the second signal is continuously output from the sensor4823for the reference time in the ice separation process. As another example, the full ice detection part950may include a light emitting part and a light receiving part, which are provided in the ice bin600. In this case, the full ice detection lever520may be omitted. When light irradiated from the light emitting part reaches the light receiving part, it may be determined as no full ice. If the light irradiated from the light emitting part does not reach the light receiving part, it may be determined as full ice. In this case, the light emitting part and the light receiving part may be provided in the ice maker. In this case, the light emitting part and the light receiving part may be disposed in the ice bin. As described above, since the type of signals and time, which are output from the sensor4824for each position of the second tray380are different from each other, the controller800may accurately determine the current position of the second tray380. When the full ice detection lever520is disposed at the full ice detection position, the second tray380may also be described as being disposed at the full ice detection position. FIGS.8and9are flowcharts for explaining a process of making ice in the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.10is a view for explaining a height reference depending on a relative position of the transparent heater with respect to the ice making cell, andFIG.11is a view for explaining an output of the transparent heater per unit height of water within the ice making cell. FIG.12is a view illustrating movement of a second tray when full ice is not detected in an ice separation process,FIG.13is a view illustrating movement of the second tray when the full ice is detected in the ice separation process, andFIG.14is a view illustrating movement of the second tray when full ice is detected again after the full ice is detected. (a) ofFIG.12illustrates a state in which the second tray moves to the ice making position, (b) ofFIG.12illustrates a state in which the second tray and the full ice detection lever move to the full ice detection position, and (c) ofFIG.12illustrates a state in which the second tray moves to the ice separation position. (d)FIG.13illustrates a state in which the second tray moves to the water supply position. Referring toFIGS.6to14, to make ice in the ice maker200, the controller800moves the second tray380to a water supply position (S1). In this specification, a direction in which the second tray380moves from the ice making position in (a) ofFIG.12to the ice separation position in (c)FIG.12may be referred to as forward movement (or forward rotation). On the other hand, the direction from the ice separation position in (c) ofFIG.12to the water supply position in (d) ofFIG.13may be referred to as reverse movement (or reverse rotation). When it is detected that the second tray380move to the water supply position, the controller800stops an operation of the driver480. In the state in which the second tray380moves to the water supply position, the water supply starts (S2). For the water supply, the controller800turns on the water supply valve242, and when it is determined that a first water supply amount is supplied, the controller800may turn off the water supply valve242. For example, in the process of supplying water, when a pulse is outputted from a flow sensor (not shown), and the outputted pulse reaches a reference pulse, it may be determined that water as much as the water supply amount is supplied. After the water supply is completed, the controller800controls the driver480to allow the second tray380to move to the ice making position (S3). For example, the controller800may control the driver480to allow the second tray380to move from the water supply position in the reverse direction. When the second tray380move in the reverse direction, the top surface381aof the second tray380comes close to the bottom surface321eof the first tray320. Then, water between the top surface381aof the second tray380and the bottom surface321eof the first tray320is divided into each of the plurality of second cells320cand then is distributed. When the top surface381aof the second tray380and the bottom surface321eof the first tray320contact each other, water is filled in the first cell320b. The movement to the ice making position of the second tray380is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray380moves to the ice making position, the controller800stops the driver480. In the state in which the second tray380moves to the ice making position, ice making is started (S4). For example, the ice making may be started when the second tray380reaches the ice making position. Alternatively, when the second tray380reaches the ice making position, and the water supply time elapses, the ice making may be started. When ice making is started, the controller800may control the cold air supply part900to supply cold air to the ice making cell320a. After the ice making is started, the controller800may control the transparent ice heater430to be turned on in at least partial sections of the cold air supply part900supplying the cold air to the ice making cell320a. When the transparent ice heater430is turned on, since the heat of the transparent ice heater430is transferred to the ice making cell320a, the ice making rate of the ice making cell320amay be delayed. According to this embodiment, the ice making rate may be delayed so that the bubbles dissolved in the water inside the ice making cell320amove from the portion at which ice is made toward the liquid water by the heat of the transparent ice heater430to make the transparent ice in the ice maker200. In the ice making process, the controller800may determine whether the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater430is satisfied (S5). In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater430is not turned on immediately after the ice making is started, and the transparent ice heater430may be turned on only when the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater430is satisfied (S6). Generally, the water supplied to the ice making cell320amay be water having normal temperature or water having a temperature lower than the normal temperature. The temperature of the water supplied is higher than a freezing point of water. Thus, after the water supply, the temperature of the water is lowered by the cold air, and when the temperature of the water reaches the freezing point of the water, the water is changed into ice. In this embodiment, the transparent ice heater430may not be turned on until the water is phase-changed into ice. If the transparent ice heater430is turned on before the temperature of the water supplied to the ice making cell320areaches the freezing point, the speed at which the temperature of the water reaches the freezing point by the heat of the transparent ice heater430is slow. As a result, the starting of the ice making may be delayed. The transparency of the ice may vary depending on the presence of the air bubbles in the portion at which ice is made after the ice making is started. If heat is supplied to the ice making cell320abefore the ice is made, the transparent ice heater430may operate regardless of the transparency of the ice. Thus, according to this embodiment, after the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater430is satisfied, when the transparent ice heater430is turned on, power consumption due to the unnecessary operation of the transparent ice heater430may be prevented. Alternatively, even if the transparent ice heater430is turned on immediately after the start of ice making, since the transparency is not affected, it is also possible to turn on the transparent ice heater430after the start of the ice making. In this embodiment, the controller800may determine that the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater430is satisfied when a predetermined time elapses from the set specific time point. The specific time point may be set to at least one of the time points before the transparent ice heater430is turned on. For example, the specific time point may be set to a time point at which the cold air supply part900starts to supply cooling power for the ice making, a time point at which the second tray380reaches the ice making position, a time point at which the water supply is completed, and the like. Alternatively, the controller800determines that the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater430is satisfied when a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700reaches a turn-on reference temperature. For example, the turn-on reference temperature may be a temperature for determining that water starts to freeze at the uppermost side (communication hole-side) of the ice making cell320a. When a portion of the water is frozen in the ice making cell320a, the temperature of the ice in the ice making cell320ais below zero. The temperature of the first tray320may be higher than the temperature of the ice in the ice making cell320a. Alternatively, although water exists in the ice making cell320a, after the ice starts to be made in the ice making cell320a, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700may be below zero. Thus, to determine that making of ice is started in the ice making cell320aon the basis of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700, the turn-on reference temperature may be set to the below-zero temperature. That is, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700reaches the turn-on reference temperature, since the turn-on reference temperature is below zero, the ice temperature of the ice making cell320ais below zero, i.e., lower than the below reference temperature. Therefore, it may be indirectly determined that ice is made in the ice making cell320a. As described above, when the transparent ice heater430is not used, the heat of the transparent ice heater430is transferred into the ice making cell320a. In this embodiment, when the second tray380is disposed below the first tray320, the transparent ice heater430is disposed to supply the heat to the second tray380, the ice may be made from an upper side of the ice making cell320a. In this embodiment, since ice is made from the upper side in the ice making cell320a, the bubbles move downward from the portion at which the ice is made in the ice making cell320atoward the liquid water. Since density of water is greater than that of ice, water or bubbles may be convex in the ice making cell320a, and the bubbles may move to the transparent ice heater430. In this embodiment, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice making cell320amay be the same or different according to the shape of the ice making cell320a. For example, when the ice making cell320ais a rectangular parallelepiped, the mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice making cell320ais the same. On the other hand, when the ice making cell320ahas a shape such as a sphere, an inverted triangle, a crescent moon, etc., the mass (or volume) per unit height of water is different. If the cooling power of the cold air supply part900is constant, if the heating amount of the transparent ice heater430is the same, since the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell320ais different, an ice making rate per unit height may be different. For example, if the mass per unit height of water is small, the ice making rate is high, whereas if the mass per unit height of water is high, the ice making rate is slow. As a result, the ice making rate per unit height of water is not constant, and thus, the transparency of the ice may vary according to the unit height. In particular, when ice is made at a high rate, the bubbles may not move from the ice to the water, and the ice may contain the bubbles to lower the transparency. That is, the more the variation in ice making rate per unit height of water decreases, the more the variation in transparency per unit height of made ice may decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, the controller800may control the cooling power and/or the heating amount so that the cooling power of the cold air supply part900and/or the heating amount of the transparent ice heater430is variable according to the mass per unit height of the water of the ice making cell320a. In this specification, the variable of the cooling power of the cold air supply part900may include one or more of a variable output of the compressor, a variable output of the fan, and a variable opening degree of the refrigerant valve. Also, in this specification, the variation in the heating amount of the transparent ice heater430may represent varying the output of the transparent ice heater430or varying the duty of the transparent ice heater430. In this case, the duty of the transparent ice heater430represents a ratio of the turn-on time and the turn-off time of the transparent ice heater430in one cycle, or a ratio of the turn-on time and the turn-off time of the transparent ice heater430in one cycle. In this specification, a reference of the unit height of water in the ice making cell320amay vary according to a relative position of the ice making cell320aand the transparent ice heater430. For example, as shown inFIG.10(a), the transparent ice heater430at the bottom surface of the ice making cell320amay be disposed to have the same height. In this case, a line connecting the transparent ice heater430is a horizontal line, and a line extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal line serves as a reference for the unit height of the water of the ice making cell320a. In the case ofFIG.10(a), ice is made from the uppermost side of the ice making cell320aand then is grown. On the other hand, as shown inFIG.10(b), the transparent ice heater430at the bottom surface of the ice making cell320amay be disposed to have different heights. In this case, since heat is supplied to the ice making cell320aat different heights of the ice making cell320a, ice is made with a pattern different from that ofFIG.10(a). For example, inFIG.10(b), ice may be made at a position spaced apart from the uppermost side to the left side of the ice making cell320a, and the ice may be grown to a right lower side at which the transparent ice heater430is disposed. Accordingly, inFIG.10(b), a line (reference line) perpendicular to the line connecting two points of the transparent ice heater430serves as a reference for the unit height of water of the ice making cell320a. The reference line ofFIG.10(b)is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical line. FIG.11illustrates a unit height division of water and an output amount of transparent ice heater per unit height when the transparent ice heater is disposed as shown inFIG.10(a). Hereinafter, an example of controlling an output of the transparent ice heater so that the ice making rate is constant for each unit height of water will be described. Referring toFIG.11, when the ice making cell320ais formed, for example, in a spherical shape, the mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell320aincreases from the upper side to the lower side to reach the maximum and then decreases again. For example, the water (or the ice making cell itself) in the spherical ice making cell320ahaving a diameter of about 50 mm is divided into nine sections (section A to section I) by 6 mm height (unit height). Here, it is noted that there is no limitation on the size of the unit height and the number of divided sections. When the water in the ice making cell320ais divided into unit heights, the height of each section to be divided is equal to the section A to the section H, and the section I is lower than the remaining sections. Alternatively, the unit heights of all divided sections may be the same depending on the diameter of the ice making cell320aand the number of divided sections, Among the many sections, the section E is a section in which the mass of unit height of water is maximum. For example, in the section in which the mass per unit height of water is maximum, when the ice making cell320ahas spherical shape, a diameter of the ice making cell320a, a horizontal cross-sectional area of the ice making cell320a, or a circumference of the ice are maximized. As described above, when assuming that the cooling power of the cold air supply part900is constant, and the output of the transparent ice heater430is constant, the ice making rate in section E is the lowest, the ice making rate in the sections A and I is the fastest. In this case, since the ice making rate varies for the height, the transparency of the ice may vary for the height. In a specific section, the ice making rate may be too fast to contain bubbles, thereby lowering the transparency. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the transparent ice heater430may be controlled so that the ice making rate for each unit height is the same or similar while the bubbles move from the portion at which ice is made to the water in the ice making process. Specifically, since the mass of the section E is the largest, the output W5of the transparent ice heater430in the section E may be set to a minimum value. Since the volume of the section D is less than that of the section E, the volume of the ice may be reduced as the volume decreases, and thus it is necessary to delay the ice making rate. Thus, an output W6of the transparent ice heater430in the section D may be set to a value greater than an output W5of the transparent ice heater430in the section E. Since the volume in the section C is less than that in the section D by the same reason, an output W3of the transparent ice heater430in the section C may be set to a value greater than the output W4of the transparent ice heater430in the section D. Also, since the volume in the section B is less than that in the section C, an output W2of the transparent ice heater430in the section B may be set to a value greater than the output W3of the transparent ice heater430in the section C. Also, since the volume in the section A is less than that in the section B, an output W1of the transparent ice heater430in the section A may be set to a value greater than the output W2of the transparent ice heater430in the section B. For the same reason, since the mass per unit height decreases toward the lower side in the section E, the output of the transparent ice heater430may increase as the lower side in the section E (see W6, W7, W8, and W9). Thus, according to an output variation pattern of the transparent ice heater430, the output of the transparent ice heater430is gradually reduced from the first section to the intermediate section after the transparent ice heater430is initially turned on. The output of the transparent ice heater430may be minimum in the intermediate section in which the mass of unit height of water is minimum. The output of the transparent ice heater430may again increase step by step from the next section of the intermediate section. The transparency of the ice may be uniform for each unit height, and the bubbles may be collected in the lowermost section by the output control of the transparent ice heater430. Thus, when viewed on the ice as a whole, the bubbles may be collected in the localized portion, and the remaining portion may become totally transparent. As described above, even if the ice making cell320adoes not have the spherical shape, the transparent ice may be made when the output of the transparent ice heater430varies according to the mass for each unit height of water in the ice making cell320a. The heating amount of the transparent ice heater430when the mass for each unit height of water is large may be less than that of the transparent ice heater430when the mass for each unit height of water is small. For example, while maintaining the same cooling power of the cold air supply part900, the heating amount of the transparent ice heater430may vary so as to be inversely proportional to the mass per unit height of water. Also, it is possible to make the transparent ice by varying the cooling power of the cold air supply part900according to the mass per unit height of water. For example, when the mass per unit height of water is large, the cold force of the cold air supply part900may increase, and when the mass per unit height is small, the cold force of the cold air supply part900may decrease. For example, while maintaining a constant heating amount of the transparent ice heater430, the cooling power of the cold air supply part900may vary to be proportional to the mass per unit height of water. Referring to the variable cooling power pattern of the cold air supply part900in the case of making the spherical ice, the cooling power of the cold air supply part900from the initial section to the intermediate section during the ice making process may increase step by step. The cooling power of the cold air supply part900may be maximized in the intermediate section in which the mass per unit height of water is maximized. The cooling power of the cold air supply part900may be reduced again step by step from the next section of the intermediate section. Alternatively, the transparent ice may be made by varying the cooling power of the cold air supply part900and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater430according to the mass for each unit height of water. For example, the heating power of the transparent ice heater430may vary so that the cooling power of the cold air supply part900is proportional to the mass per unit height of water. The heating power of the transparent ice heater430may be inversely proportional to the mass per unit height of water. According to this embodiment, when one or more of the cooling power of the cold air supply part900and the heating amount of the transparent ice heater430are controlled according to the mass per unit height of water, the ice making rate per unit height of water may be substantially the same or may be maintained within a predetermined range. The controller800may determine whether the ice making is completed based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700(S8). When it is determined that the ice making is completed, the controller800may turn off the transparent ice heater430(S9). For example, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700reaches a first reference temperature, the controller800may determine that the ice making is completed to turn off the transparent ice heater430. In this case, since a distance between the second temperature sensor700and each ice making cell320ais different, in order to determine that the ice making is completed in all the ice making cells320a, the controller800may perform the ice separation after a certain amount of time, at which it is determined that ice making is completed, has passed or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature. Of course, when the transparent ice heater430is turned off, it is also possible to start the ice separation immediately. When the ice making is completed, the controller800operates one or more of the ice maker heater290and the transparent ice heater430(S10). When one or more of the ice separation heater290and the transparent ice heater430are turned on, heat of the heaters290and430is transferred to one or more of the first tray320and the second tray380so that the ice is separated from the surfaces (inner surfaces) of one or more of the first tray320and the second tray380. Also, the heat of the heaters290and430is transferred to the contact surface of the first tray320and the second tray380, and thus, the bottom surface321dof the first tray and the top surface381aof the second tray380may be in a state capable of being separated from each other. When one or more of the ice separation heater290and the transparent ice heater430operate for a predetermined time, or when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700is equal to or higher than a turn-off reference temperature, the controller800is turned off the heaters290and430, which are turned on. Although not limited, the turn-off reference temperature may be set to above zero temperature. For the ice separation, the controller800operates the driver480to allow the second tray380to move in the forward direction (S12). As illustrated inFIG.13, when the second tray380move in the forward direction, the second tray380is spaced apart from the first tray320. The moving force of the second tray380is transmitted to the first pusher260by the pusher link500. Then, the first pusher260descends along the guide slot302, and the extension part264passes through the communication hole321eto press the ice in the ice making cell320a. In this embodiment, ice may be separated from the first tray320before the extension part264presses the ice in the ice making process. That is, ice may be separated from the surface of the first tray320by the heater that is turned on. In this case, the ice may move together with the second tray380while the ice is supported by the second tray380. For another example, even when the heat of the heater is applied to the first tray320, the ice may not be separated from the surface of the first tray320. Therefore, when the second tray380moves in the forward direction, there is possibility that the ice is separated from the second tray380in a state in which the ice contacts the first tray320. In this state, in the process of moving the second tray380, the extension part264passing through the communication hole320emay press the ice contacting the first tray320, and thus, the ice may be separated from the tray320. The ice separated from the first tray320may be supported again by the second tray380. When the ice moves together with the second tray380while the ice is supported by the second tray380, the ice may be separated from the tray250by its own weight even if no external force is applied to the second tray380. While the second tray380moves, even if the ice does not drop from the second tray380by its own weight, when the second tray380is pressed by the second pusher540as illustrated inFIG.14, the ice may be separated from the second tray380to drop downward. Particularly, while the second tray380moves, the second tray380may contact the extension part544of the second pusher540. When the second tray380continuously moves in the forward direction, the extension part544may press the second tray380to deform the second tray380and the extension part544. Thus, the pressing force of the extension part544may be transferred to the ice so that the ice is separated from the surface of the second tray380. The ice separated from the surface of the second tray380may drop downward and be stored in the ice bin600. In this embodiment, in the state in which the second tray380move to the ice separation position, the second tray380may be pressed by the second pusher540and thus be changed in shape. Whether the ice bin600is full may be detected while the second tray380moves from the ice making position to the ice separation position (S12). As an example, while the full ice detection lever520rotates together with the second tray380, when the full ice detection lever520moves to the full ice detection position, the first signal is output from the sensor as described above, and thus, it may be determined that the ice bin600is not full. In the state in which the full ice detection lever520moves to the full ice detection position, the first body521of the full ice detection lever520is disposed in the ice bin600. In this case, a maximum distance from an upper end of the ice bin600to the first body521may be set to be less than a radius of ice generated in the ice making cell320a. This means that the first body521lifts the ice stored in the ice bin600while the full ice detection lever520moves to the full ice detection position so that the ice is discharged from the ice bin600. Also, the first body521may be disposed lower than the second tray380and be spaced apart from the second tray380in the process of rotating the full ice detection lever520so that an interference between the full ice detection lever520and the second tray380is prevented. On the other hand, in the process of rotating the full ice detection lever520, before the full ice detection lever520moves to the full ice detection position, if the full ice detection lever520interferes with ice, the first signal is not output from the sensor. Thus, the controller800may determine that the ice bin is full when the first signal is not output from the sensor for a reference time, or the second signal is continuously output from the sensor for the reference time in the ice separation process. If it is determined that the ice bin600is not full with ice, the controller800controls the driver480to allow the second tray380to move to the ice separation position as illustrated in (c) ofFIG.12. As described above, when the second tray380moves to the ice separation position, ice may be separated from the second tray380. After the ice is separated from the second tray380, the controller800controls the driver480to allow the second tray380to move in the reverse direction (S14). Then, the second tray380moves from the ice separation position to the water supply position (S1). When the second tray380moves to the water supply position, the controller800stops the driver480. When the second tray380is spaced apart from the extension part544while the second tray380moves in the reverse direction, the deformed second tray380may be restored to its original shape. In the reverse movement of the second tray380, the moving force of the second tray380is transmitted to the first pusher260by the pusher link500, and thus, the first pusher260ascends, and the extension part264is removed from the ice making cell320a. As a result of the determination in operation S12, if it is determined that the ice bin600is full with ice, the controller800controls the driver480so that the second tray380moves to the ice separation position for separating ice (S15). That is, in this embodiment, even if the full ice is initially detected by the full ice detection part, the ice is separated from the second tray380. Then, the controller800controls the driver480so that the second tray380moves in the reverse direction to move to the water supply position (S16). The controller800may determine whether a set time elapses while the second tray380moves to the water supply position (S17). When the set time elapses in the state in which the second tray380moves to the water supply position, whether the ice bin is full may be detected again (S19). For example, the controller800controls the driver480so that the second tray380moves from the water supply position to the full ice detection position. That is, in this embodiment, after the second tray380moves to the ice separation position for separating ice, the detection of the full ice may be repetitively performed at a predetermined period. As a result of determination in operation S19, when the full ice is detected, the second tray380moves to the water supply position to stand by. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in operation S19, if the full ice is not detected, the second tray380may move from the full ice detection position to the ice separation position and then to the water supply position. Alternatively, the second tray380may moves in the reverse direction from the full ice position and then move to the water supply position. In this embodiment, even when the full ice is detected, the reason for the ice separation is as follows. If, after completion of the ice making, the full ice is detected to stand by in a state in which ice exists in the ice making cell320a, the ice in the ice making cell320amay be melted due to an abnormal situation such as power outage. In this state, when the abnormal situation is released, the water melted in the ice making cell320amay be changed to ice again. However, since the full ice has already been detected, the transparent ice heater does not operate and stands by at the water supply position. Thus, the ice generated in the ice making cell320ais not transparent. When opaque ice is separated because the full ice is not detected later, the user uses the opaque ice, which may cause emotional dissatisfaction of the user. If, after completion of the ice making, the full ice is detected to stand by in a state in which ice exists in the ice making cell320a, the ice in the ice making cell320amay be melted due to an abnormal situation such as opening of the door for a long time. As described above, in the state in which the second tray stands by at the water supply position, the full ice is detected again after a set time. Here, if melted water exists in the ice making cell320a, the water may drop into the ice bin600in the movement process of the second tray380. In this case, a problem occurs in that ice stored in the ice bin600sticks to each other by the dropping water. However, as in this embodiment, when ice does not exist in the ice making cell in the standby process after the full ice detection, the above problem may be fundamentally controlled. On the other hand, in the case of this embodiment, when the second tray380stands by at the water supply position when detecting the full ice, the second tray380may be prevented from sticking to the first tray320, and thus, when the full ice is detected later, the second tray380may move smoothly. FIG.15is an exploded perspective view of the driver according to an embodiment of the present invention,FIG.16is a plan view illustrating an internal configuration of the driver,FIG.17is a view illustrating the cam and the operation lever of the driver, andFIG.18is a view illustrating a position relationship between the sensor and the magnet depending on rotation of the cam. (a) ofFIG.18illustrates a state in which the sensor and the magnet are aligned at the first position of a magnet lever, and (b) ofFIG.18illustrates a state in which the sensor and the magnet are not aligned at the first position of the magnet lever. Referring toFIGS.15to18, the driver480may include an operation lever4840that in organically interlocked by a motor4822, a cam4830rotating by the motor4822, and a cam surface for the detection lever of the cam4830. The driver480may further include a lever coupling part4850that rotates (swings) the full ice detection lever520in the left and right direction while rotating by the operation lever4840. The driver480may include a magnet lever4860, which is organically interlocked along the cam surface for the magnet of the cam4830, the motor4822, the cam4830, the operation lever4840, and the lever coupling part4850, and a case4810in which the magnet lever4860is embedded. The case4810may include a first case4811in which the motor4822, the cam4830, the operation lever4840, the lever coupling part4850, and the magnet lever4860are embedded, and a second case4815that covers the first case4811. The motor4822generates power for rotating the cam4830. The driver480may further include a control panel4821coupled to an inner side of the first case4811. The motor4822may be connected to the control panel4821. A sensor4823may be provided on the control panel4821. The sensor4824may output a first signal and a second signal according to a position relative to the magnet lever4860. As illustrated inFIG.17, the cam4830may include a coupling part4831to which the rotation arm460is coupled. The coupling part4831serves as a rotation shaft of the cam4830. The cam4830may include a gear4832to transmit power to the motor4822. The gear4832may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the cam4830. The cam4830may include a cam surface4833for the detection lever and a cam surface4834for the magnet. That is, the cam4830forms a path through which the levers4840and4860move. A cam groove4833afor the detection lever, which rotates the full ice detection lever520by lowering the operation lever4840is formed in the cam surface4833for the detection lever. A cam groove4834afor the magnet, which lowers the magnet lever4860so that the magnet lever4860and the sensor4823are separated from each other is formed in the cam surface4834for the magnet. A reduction gear4870that reduces rotational force of the motor4822to transmit the rotational force to the cam4830may be provided between the cam4830and the motor4822. The reduction gear4870may include a first reduction gear4871connected to the motor4822to transmit power, a second reduction gear4872engaged with the first reduction gear4871, and a third reduction gear4873connecting the second reduction gear4872to the cam4830to transmit the power. One end of the operation lever4840is fitted and coupled to the rotation shaft of the third reduction gear4873so as to be freely rotatable, and a gear4882formed at the other end of the operation lever4840is connected to the lever coupling part4850so as to transmit the power. That is, when the operation lever4840move, the lever coupling part4850rotates. The lever coupling part4850has one end rotatably connected to the operation lever4840inside the case4810and the other end protruding to the outside of the case4810so as to be coupled to the full ice detection lever520. The magnet lever4860may include a central portion rotatably provided on the case4810, an end that is organically interlocked along the cam surface4834for the magnet of the cam4830, and a magnet4861that is aligned with the sensor4824or spaced apart from the sensor4823. As illustrated in (a) ofFIG.18, when the magnet4881is aligned with the sensor4824, any one of the first signal and the second signal may be output from the sensor4824. As illustrated in (b) ofFIG.18, when the magnet4881is out of the position facing the sensor4824, the other signal of the first signal and the second signal is output from the sensor4824. A blocking member4880that selectively blocks the cam groove4833afor the detection lever so that the operation lever4840moving along the cam surface4833for the detection lever is not inserted into the cam groove4833afor the detection lever when the full ice detection lever500returns to its original position may be provided on the rotation shaft of the cam4830. That is, the blocking member4880may include a coupling part4881rotatably coupled to the rotation shaft of the cam4830and a hook groove4882formed in one side of the coupling part4881and coupled to the protrusion4813formed on the bottom surface of the case4810to restrict a rotation angle of the coupling part4881. Also, the blocking member4880may further include a support protrusion4883that is provided outside the coupling part4881to restrict an operation of the operation lever4840so that the operation lever4840is not inserted into the cam groove4833afor the detection lever while being supported on or separated from the operation lever4840when the cam gear rotates in the forward or reverse direction. Also, the driver480may further include an elastic member4890that provides elastic force so that the lever coupling part4850rotates in one direction. One end of the elastic member4890may be connected to the lever coupling part4850, and the other end may be fixed to the case4810. A protrusion4833bmay be provided between the cam surface4833for the detection lever of the cam4830and the cam groove4833a. Since the rotation arm460is connected to the cam4830, the rotation angle of the cam4830in the process of moving from the ice making position to the ice separation position or the process of moving from the ice separation position to the ice making position may be the same as that of the second tray380. However, as described above, due to the relatively rotatable structure of the rotation arm460and the second tray supporter400, in the state in which the second tray380moves to the ice making position, the cam4830may additionally rotate in a state in which the second tray380is stopped. The ice making position may be a position at which at least a portion of the ice making cell formed by the second tray380reaches a reference line passing through the rotation center (rotation center of the driver) of the shaft440. The water supply position may be a position before at least a portion of the ice making cell formed by the second tray380reaches the reference line passing through the rotation center of the shaft440. It is assumed that the rotation angle of the cam4830is 0 at the ice making position. The cam4830may further rotate in the reverse direction due to a difference in length between the second protrusion463of the rotation arm460and the extension hole404bof the extension part403. That is, at the ice making position of the second tray380, the cam4830may additionally rotate in the reverse direction. At the ice making position, the rotation angle of the cam4830when the cam4830rotates in the reverse direction may be referred to as a negative (−) rotation angle. At the ice making position, the rotation angle of the cam4830when the cam4830rotates in the forward direction toward the water supply position or the ice separation position may be referred to as a positive (+) rotation angle. Hereinafter, in the case of the positive (+) rotation angle, the positive (+) value will be omitted. At the ice making position, the cam4830may rotate to the water supply position at a first rotation angle. The first rotation angle may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 20 degrees. Preferably, the first rotation angle may be greater than 5 degrees and less than 15 degrees. Since the water dropping into the second tray380is evenly spread into the plurality of ice making cell320aby the setting of the water supply position according to the present invention, the overflowing of the water dropping into the second tray380may be prevented. At the ice making position, the cam4830may rotate to the ice making position at a second rotation angle. A rotation angle of the second may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Preferably, the second rotation angle may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 150 degrees. More preferably, the second rotation angle may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 150 degrees. At the ice separation position, the cam4830may additionally rotate at a third angle. The cam4830may additionally rotate in the forward direction at the third rotation angle in the state in which the second tray assembly moves to the ice separation position by an assembly tolerance of the cam4830and the rotation arm460, a difference in rotation angle of the pair of rotation arms due to the cam4830being coupled to one of the pair of rotation arms460, and the like. When the cam4830further rotates in the forward direction, pressing force applied by the second pusher540to press the second tray380may increase. At the ice separation position, the cam4830may rotate in the reverse direction, and after the second tray380moves to the water supply position, the cam4830may further rotate in the reverse direction. The reverse direction may be a direction opposite to the direction of gravity. In consideration of the inertia of the tray assembly and the motor, if the cam further rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, it is advantageous in controlling the water supply position. At the ice making position, the cam4830may rotate at a fourth rotation angle in the reverse direction. The fourth rotation angle may be set in a range of 0 degrees and negative (−) 30 degrees. Preferably, the fourth rotation angle may be set in a range of negative (−) 5 degrees and negative (−) 25 degrees. More preferably, the fourth rotation angle may be set in a range of negative (−) 10 degrees and negative (−) 20 degrees. FIG.19is a flowchart illustrating a process of moving the second tray to a water supply position that is an initial position when the refrigerator is turned on, andFIG.20is a view illustrating a process of moving the second tray to the water supply position at a time point at which the refrigerator is turned on. First, a signal output from the sensor4824for each position of the second tray380will be described. In this specification, the ice making position may be referred to as a first position section P1, and a second signal may be output from the sensor4824in the first position section P1. When the second tray380rotates in the forward direction in the first position section P1, a first signal may be output from the sensor4824for a first time. After the first signal is output for the first time, a second signal may be output from the sensor4824. In this embodiment, the position of the second tray380when the signal of the sensor4824is changed from the first signal to the second signal may be set as the water supply position. Of course, the position of the second tray380when the signal of the sensor4824is changed from the second signal to the first signal while the second tray380rotates in the reverse direction is also the water supply position. As a result, the position of the second tray380at the time point at which the signal output from the sensor4824is changed may be set as the water supply position. A section between the ice making position and the water supply position may be referred to as a second position section P2. A section between the water supply position and the full ice detection position may be referred to as a third position section P3. In the third position section P3, the second signal may be output from the sensor4824. In the third position section P3, the second signal may be output for a second time from the sensor4824. The first signal may be output from the sensor4823while the second signal is output from the sensor4824in the third position section P3. The position of the second tray380(or the full ice detection lever520) when the signal output from the sensor4824is changed from the second signal to the first signal is the full ice detection position. At the full ice detection position, the first signal may be output from the sensor4824, and the first signal may be output for a third time while the second tray380moves to the ice separation position. After the first signal is output for the third time, the second signal may be output again from the sensor4824. A section in which the first signal is output for the third time may be referred to as a fourth position section P4. After passing through the fourth position section P4, the first signal may be output while the second signal is output from the sensor4824in the process in which the second tray380rotates in the forward direction. After passing through the fourth position section P4, a time until the first signal is output from the sensor4824may be a fourth time. In this case, the position of the second tray380when the first signal is output again from the sensor4824after the second signal is output for the fourth time is the ice separation position. A section in which the second signal is output for the fourth time may be referred to as a fifth position section P5. The ice separation position may be referred to as a sixth position section P6. When the second tray380moves from the ice-making position in the forward direction, the second tray380moves to the ice making position after passing through the water supply position and the full ice detection position. On the other hand, when the second tray380moves from the ice separation position in the reverse direction, the second tray380moves to the ice making position after passing through the full ice detection position and the water supply position. In this specification, lengths of the position sections P1to P6may be set differently, and the controller800may determine the position of the second tray380according to patterns of the signals output from the sensor4823and the lengths of the sections and then the determined position in a memory. However, when the refrigerator is turned off such as a power outage, the position information of the second tray380stored in the memory is reset. When the refrigerator is turned on again in this state, since the controller800does not recognize the current position of the second tray380, an algorithm for moving the position of the second tray380to the initial position may be performed. In this embodiment, the initial position of the second tray380is the water supply position. First, when the refrigerator is turned on (S21), the controller800may turn on the ice separation heater290and/or the transparent ice heater430(S22). When the refrigerator is turned off in the state in which ice exists in the ice making cell320a, the ice in the ice making cell320amay be melted. Unless the second tray380is in the ice making position when the refrigerator is turned off, water flows between the first tray320and the second tray380during the melting of the ice. When the ice is not completely melted, the ice exists in a state of sticking to the first tray320and the second tray380. In this state, when the refrigerator is turned on, and the second tray380immediately moves, the second tray380may not move smoothly. Thus, in this embodiment, when the refrigerator is turned on, the ice separator heater290and/or the transparent ice heater430are turned on so that the second tray380moves smoothly. The controller800determines whether the ice separation heater290and/or the transparent ice heater430is turned on, and whether a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700reaches a set temperature (S23). The set temperature may be set as, for example, a temperature of an image. The set temperature may be the same as or different from the turn-off reference temperature described above. As a result of the determination in operation S23, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor700reaches the set temperature, the controller800may be turned off the turned-on heater (S24). Of course, in this embodiment, the operations S22to S24may be omitted, and in this case, when the refrigerator is turned on, operation S25may be performed immediately. The controller800may determine whether the second signal is output from the sensor4824(S25). A case in which the second signal is output from the sensor4823is a case in which the second tray380is selected from one of the first position section P1, the third position section P3, and the fifth position section P5. On the other hand, a case in which the first signal is output from the sensor4823is a case in which the second tray380is selected from one of the second position section P2, the fourth position section P4, and the sixth position section P6. When the second signal is not output from the sensor4824, the controller800moves the second tray380in the reverse direction (S26). In this embodiment, the reason for moving the second tray380in the reverse direction is to prevent water from dropping downward when the water exists in the ice making cell320a. While the second tray380moves in the reverse direction, the controller800determines whether the second signal is output from the sensor4823(S25). When the first signal is output from the sensor4823in the total six position sections, if the second tray380rotates in the reverse direction until the second signal is output from the sensor4824, the expected position sections of the second tray380may be reduced to three or less. Thus, a time taken to move the second tray380to the initial position may be reduced, and the algorithm may be simplified. As a result of determination in operation S25, when the second signal is output from the sensor4824, the controller800may control the driver480so that the second tray380moves in a set or predetermined pattern (S27). When the second tray380moves in the set pattern, it means that the second tray380moves in the reverse direction for A seconds or a first predetermined amount of seconds and then moves in the forward direction for B seconds or a second predetermined amount of seconds. In this case, the B seconds may be set to be less than the A seconds. After the second tray380moves in the reverse direction for the A seconds, before moving in the forward direction, the second tray380may stop for D seconds or a fourth predetermined amount of seconds. The D seconds may be less than each of the A seconds and the B seconds. The A seconds, B seconds, C seconds, and D seconds may alternatively be referred to as a first, second, third, and fourth predetermined times, respectively. If the A seconds is set less than the B seconds, the time taken to move the second tray380in the reverse direction is less than the time taken to move the second tray380in the forward direction. As described above, when the A seconds is set less than the B seconds, even if water exists in the ice making cell320ain the process of moving the second tray380in the set pattern, it is possible to prevent the water from dropping below the water. In this embodiment, the A second may be set to be greater than the length of the second position section P2. After the second tray380move in the set pattern, the controller800determines whether the first signal is output from the sensor4823(S28). In operation S28, when the first signal is output from the sensor4824, the second tray380is disposed in the first position section P1at a time point at which the second tray moves in the set pattern. On the other hand, when the first signal is not output from the sensor4822, the second tray380is disposed in the third position section P3or the fifth position section P5at a time point at which the second tray380moves in the set pattern. That is, even when the second tray380is disposed in the third position section P3or the fifth position section P5, even if the second tray380moves in the set pattern, the second tray380is disposed in the third position section P3or the fifth position section P5. As a result of the determination in operation S28, if it is determined that the first signal is output from the sensor4823, the controller800moves the second tray380in the forward direction until the second signal is output from the sensor4824(S31). When the second signal is output from the sensor4823during the forward movement of the second tray380, the controller800additionally moves the second tray380in the forward direction for the C seconds (S32) or a third predetermined amount of seconds (seeFIG.20). The C seconds may be set less than each of the A seconds and the B seconds. When the second tray380moves in the forward direction for the C seconds, the controller800rotates the second tray380in the reverse direction (S33), and when the first signal is detected in the sensor4823, the second tray380is stopped (S35). Of course, when the second signal is output from the sensor4823during the forward movement of the second tray380, the controller800may control the second tray380to stop immediately. The position stopped in this way is the water supply position. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in operation S28, if the first signal is not output from the sensor4824, the controller800moves the second tray380in the reverse direction until the first signal is output from the sensor4823(S29). Then, the second tray380disposed in the third position section P3may move to the second position section P2. The second tray380disposed in the fifth position section P3may move to the fourth position section P4. After the first signal is output from the sensor4823in the process of moving the second tray380in the reverse direction, the controller800additionally moves the second tray380until the second signal is output from the sensor4823(S30). Then, the second tray380disposed in the second position section P2may move to the first position section P1. The second tray380disposed in the fourth position section P3may move to the third position section P3. When the second signal is output from the sensor4823by additionally moving the second tray380in the reverse direction, the controller800moves the second tray380in the set pattern (S27). After performing the operations S29and S30and then performing the operation S28again, if the first signal is output from the sensor4824, the second tray380is disposed in the first position section P1at a time point at which the second tray380moves in the set pattern. On the other hand, if the first signal is not output from the sensor4824, the second tray380is disposed in the third position section P1at a time point at which the second tray380moves in the set pattern. Thus, as a result of determination in operation S28, when the first signal is output from the sensor4823, operations S31to S35are performed so that the second tray380moves to the initial position. In this embodiment, the operations S31to S35may be collectively referred to as an operation in which the second tray380moves to the initial position (or the water supply position). On the other hand, as a result of determination in operation28, if the first signal is not output from the sensor4824, after the operations S29and28are performed, the operation S28may be performed, and then, the operations S31or S35may be performed. As described above, when the second tray380is disposed in the first position section P1at a time point at which the refrigerator is turned on, the second tray380moves in the set pattern. When the second tray380moves in the forward direction in the state in which the second tray380is disposed in the first position section P1, moving force is transmitted to the second tray380in the state in which the second tray380and the first tray320are in contact with each other. However, in a state in which the second tray380and the first tray320are in contact with each other, the second tray380may no longer move. Of course, when each of the first tray320and the second tray380is formed of an elastically deformable material, the second tray380may move as much as the elastically deformable material. When the moving force is transmitted to the second tray380for a long time in the state in which the second tray380and the first tray320are in contact with each other, a motor for operating to move the second tray380may be overloaded, or gears for transmitting power may be damaged. Thus, in this embodiment, the A seconds may be determined based on specifications of the motor and/or the gears to prevent the driver480from being damaged while the second tray380moves in the set pattern. Although not limited, the A seconds may be set to 2 seconds. When the second tray380moves to the water supply position through a series of operations, whether the ice making is completed in a state in which the additional water supply is not performed, and after the ice making is completed, the ice separation process is performed. Thereafter, the water supply may be performed after returning to the water supply position. When the refrigerator is turned on after being turned off while ice exists in the ice making cell320a, the second tray320may move to the water supply position. However, when the water supply starts in this state, water overflows from the ice making cell320a, and the overflowed water drops into the ice bin600. When water drops into the ice bin600, there is a problem that the ices in the ice bin600are agglomerated with each other. Thus, when the refrigerator is turned on, the second tray380moves to the ice making position without the water supply, and the ice making process is performed. Then, the water supply may start after the ice making is completed. As another example, while the second tray380is disposed to supply water through a series of operations, the position of the second tray380at the time at which the refrigerator is turned on may be determined. When the second tray380is disposed in the sixth position section P6at a time point at which the refrigerator is turned on, the water supply may start immediately after the second tray380returns to the water supply position. When the second tray380is disposed in the sixth position section P6at a time point at which the refrigerator is turned on, since the second tray380moves to the ice separation position, it is determined that ice is separated from the ice making cell320a. Thus, the water supply may start immediately after the second tray380moves to the water supply position. On the other hand, when the second tray380is disposed in any one of the first position section to the fifth position section P1to P5at a time point at which the refrigerator is turned on, the second tray380may return to the water supply position to perform the ice making and ice separation processes, thereby supplying water. The refrigerator of the present invention is characterized in that the second tray380move to at least two or more of the ice making position, the water supply position, the full ice detection position, and the ice separation position so that ice is generated in and separated from the tray. In this case, an abnormal mode in which power applied to the refrigerator is cut off due to the power outage or the breakdown occurs, or it is necessary to move the position of the second tray380to a predetermined position to perform a service mode such as a failure repair. This operation may be defined as an initialization operation of the second tray380. A starting time point of the initialization operation may be understood as a time point at which the abnormal mode is ended or a time at which the cut-off power is applied again. Also, the starting time point of the initialization operation may be understood as a time point at which the service mode starts, and a time point at which the mode of the refrigerator is switched to the service mode for the repair or the like. The initialization operation is mainly designed to move the second tray380to the water supply position. The reason is because, when the second tray380moves to the water supply position by the initialization operation, the water supply process is immediately performed, and then, the ice making process is performed. This means that, when the signal output from the sensor4824is the second signal at a time point at which the initialization operation of the second tray380starts, the second tray380is disposed in any one of the first position section P1, the third position section P3, and the fifth position section P5. (Hereinafter, first case) This means that, when the signal output from the sensor4824is the first signal at a time point at which the initialization operation of the second tray380starts, the second tray380is disposed in any one of the second position section P2, the fourth position section P4, and the sixth position section P6. (Hereinafter, second case) In case of the first case, the controller may control the second tray380to move in the set pattern. When the second tray380moves in the set pattern, it means that the second tray380moves for the A seconds from the time point at which the initialization operation starts in the reverse direction and then move for B seconds in the forward direction. In the case of the second case, the controller controls the second tray380to move in the reverse direction until the signal output from the sensor4824is changed to the second signal. Then, the second tray380moves from the second position section P2to the first position section P1, or moves from the fourth position section P4to the third position section P3, moves from the sixth position section P6to the fifth position section P5. Then, the controller controls the second tray380in the same manner as when the second tray380is disposed in the first position section P1, the third position section P3, and the fifth position section P5. In case of the first case, while the controller moves the second tray380in the set pattern, the second tray380may be controlled in a different manner according to the signal output from the sensor4823. First, it means that, when the second tray380starts to move in the set pattern, and the output of the second signal from the sensor4824is maintained for the A seconds for which the second tray380moves in the reverse direction, and then the second tray380moves in the forward direction, and the B seconds elapse, if the first signal is output from the sensor4823, the second tray380is disposed in the first position section P1. In this case, the controller controls the second tray380to move in the forward direction until the output from the sensor4823is changed to the second signal from the time point that elapses for the B seconds. The controller recognizes a position at which the second tray380is disposed as the water supply position at a time point at which the output of the sensor4824is changed to the second signal. Second, it means that, when the second tray380starts to move in the set pattern, and the output of the second signal from the sensor4824is maintained for the A seconds for which the second tray380moves in the reverse direction, and then the second tray380moves in the forward direction, and the B seconds elapses, if the second signal is output still from the sensor4823, the second tray380is disposed in the third position section P3or the fifth position section P5. It is mainly disposed in the latter half of the third position section P3or the latter half of the fifth position section P5. In this case, the controller controls the second tray380to continuously move in the reverse direction until the first signal is output from the sensor4824. Then, the second tray380will be disposed in the second position section P2or the fourth position section P4. In this case, as described above, the controller controls the second tray380to move in the reverse direction until the signal output from the sensor4824is changed to the second signal. Then, the second tray380will be disposed in the first position section P1or the third position section P3. In this case, as described above, in case of the first case, the controller controls the second tray380to move in the set pattern. While the second tray380moves in the set pattern, the controller controls the second tray380through one method of the first method and the second method according to the signal output from the sensor4823. Third, it means that the second tray380starts to move in the set pattern, and the signal output from the sensor4823is changed from the second signal to the first signal for the A seconds for which the second tray380moves in the reverse direction, the second tray380is disposed in the third position section P3or the fifth position section P5. It is mainly disposed in the former half of the third position section P3or the former half of the fifth position section P5. In this case, the controller controls the second tray380to continuously move in the reverse direction until the second signal is output from the sensor4824. Then, the second tray380will be disposed in the first position section P1or the third position section P3. In this case, as described above, in case of the first case, the controller controls the second tray380to move in the set pattern. While the second tray380moves in the set pattern, the controller controls the second tray380through one method of the first method and the second method according to the signal output from the sensor4823. | 103,168 |
11859889 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, and systems, for producing frozen confections and conditioning ice for use in frozen confections such as shaved ice or snow cones. The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. An embodiment of the disclosure is an ice shaving machine for conditioning ice for use in a frozen confection. The ice shaving machine is configured to condition cubed ice, chunks of ice, and/or blocks of ice to produce a powdery snow-like texture that may be consumed as a frozen confection. The frozen confection (may be referred to as a snow cone or shaved ice) may be served with flavored syrups or other toppings. The frozen confection has a unique snow-like texture that is desirable as a frozen dessert. The ice shaving machine is configured to receive cubes, chunks, and/or blocks of ice. For purposes of this disclosure, an ice cube, chunk, or block is defined as a generally homogenous solid body or mass of ice that may be placed inside a user's cup to cool a drink. These ice cubes, chunks, or blocks as discussed herein may be smaller than the large bricks of ice that are typically used by frozen confection machines. In some implementations, and particularly when the device is used by consumers who do not have access to large commercial bricks of ice, it is desirable that the frozen confection machine can accept smaller cubes of ice that may be purchased at a store or prepared in a residential freezer. In an embodiment, the ice cubes, chunks, or blocks are placed in a feeder of the ice shaving machine. The feeder causes the ice to come in contact with a blade. The blade shaves off very thin slices of ice. A collector collects the very thin slices of ice and moves those thin slices of ice to a spout, under which a container may be placed to receive the thin slices of ice. Once the container is sufficiently full, syrups or flavorings may be added to the ice through an integrated flavor dispensing system or from an individual flavor container from a standalone flavor station having a plurality of containers. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the 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 the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. Before the structure, systems and methods for producing frozen confections are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such structures, configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element or step not specified in the claim. As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed disclosure. The disclosure discloses an ice shaving machine for receiving cubes, chunks, or blocks of ice and producing a powdery snow-like textured cup or container of shaved ice to which a confection, such as a syrup or flavoring, may be added. It should be noted that for the purposes of this disclosure an ice cube, chunk or block is defined as a generally homogenous solid body or mass of ice that may be placed inside of a user's cup to cool a drink. The ice cubes, chunks or block may be placed in a feeder, which permits the ice to come into contact with a blade. The blade shaves off paper-thin slices of ice. A collector collects the paper-thin slices of ice and moves it to a spout, under which a container is placed to receive the slices of ice. Once the container is sufficiently full, syrups or flavorings may be added, either through an integrated flavor dispensing system or from an individual flavor container or from a stand-alone flavor stations having a plurality of containers. This disclosure has various embodiments and alternative blade designs, which are shown in full detail in the figures. Referring now to the figures,FIG.1is a side view of an implementation of a device100for producing a frozen confection such as shaved ice or a snow cone. The device100is configured for conditioning a plurality of pieces of ice such as ice cubes or chunks of ice. The device100includes a base portion102having a base housing103. The device100further include an ice conditioning portion104having an ice conditioning housing105. The base portion102includes a plurality of feet118for supporting the device100. The base portion102includes a venting channel114for releasing heat produced by a motor disposed within the base portion. The venting channel114may further serve as a grip or handle for lifting the device100. The venting channel114may be integrated into the base housing103. The ice conditioning portion104includes a spout110and an ice shaper108. The ice conditioning portion104includes a lid106for covering a receptacle where unconditioned ice is received by the ice conditioning portion104. The base portion102includes fasteners112a,112bfor securing an upper portion of the base housing103to a lower portion of the base housing103. The ice conditioning portion104includes locking mechanism120for securing the ice conditioning portion104to the base portion102and locking the ice conditioning portion104thereon. The base portion102includes a motor and a blade assembly base. The blade assembly base supports and may lock on to a blade assembly that is disposed within the ice conditioning portion104. The blade assembly base includes a hole disposed therein that serves as a drive shaft receiver. The drive shaft receiver of the blade assembly base receives a drive shaft from the motor the locks into the blade assembly. The base portion102includes a control mechanism switch116that may be turned to activate or deactivate the motor disposed in the base portion102. The motor may be turned to a continuous on position or a continuous off position. The motor may also be turned to a foot pedal-activated position such that the motor can be activated or deactivated by a foot pedal. In an embodiment, the base housing103is constructed of an injection molded polycarbonate material. The base housing103may be constructed of injection molded plastic that is sufficiently rigid to support the motor disposed within the base portion102and the blade assembly disposed within the ice conditioning portion104. The base housing103may include multiple vertical side portions, a horizontal top portion, and/or a horizontal base portion. In an embodiment, the base housing103is constructed of injection molded plastic and include four vertical side portions and a horizontal top portion. The base housing103further includes notches or grips for connecting into a base that includes the feet118. The venting channel114may include ribbing or channels disposed within the base housing103that permit heat to be released from within the base portion102and/or the ice conditioning portion104. Heat may be generated by the motor disposed within the base portion102and it can be important to ensure most heat is released to prolong the lifespan of the motor and to further prevent conditioned ice from melting. The venting channel114may constitute an opening or divot within the base housing103. In an embodiment, the base housing103is constructed of injection molded plastic and the venting channel114is a divot disposed within the side of the base housing103. The venting channel114may be a hole disposed within the side of the base housing103such that air can escape the base portion102. In the embodiment where the venting channel114is a hold disposed within the base housing103, the venting channel114may be sized sufficiently for a user to dispose a hand through the hole to lift the device100. The ice conditioning portion104includes an ice conditioning housing105. The ice conditioning housing105may be formed of an injection molded polycarbonate material such that it is sufficiently rigid for holding continuously agitated ice cubes. The ice conditioning housing105may form a receptacle for receiving a plurality of ice cubes or ice chunks to be conditioned into a frozen confection. A blade assembly may be disposed within the ice conditioning portion104. In an embodiment, the blade assembly is not attached to the ice conditioning housing105but is attached to a drive shaft extending from the motor within the base portion102such that the blade assembly can spin freely within an interior space of the ice conditioning portion104. The ice conditioning portion104includes a lid106that may be a separate piece and may be hinged to a wall of the ice conditioning housing105. The lid may include a magnet (seen best inFIG.20A, item122andFIG.20B, item324) configured to mate with a corresponding magnet (seen best inFIG.20A, item124andFIG.20B, item326) attached to the ice conditioning housing105. The paired magnets may provide some force to keep the lid shut when ice is being agitated within the ice conditioning portion104. The lid106may further include a spring and/or rod assembly that is in mechanical communication with an actuator for activating and deactivating the motor. The spring and/or road assembly may cause the motor to be deactivated when the lid is opened. This assembly may serve as a “failsafe” to ensure that the motor does not turn (and therefore, that ice is not agitated within the ice conditioning portion104) when the lid106is in an open position. For example, during use the device100may be positioned on a work surface. A user may then lift the lid106to expose the hopper within the ice conditioning portion104, and ice may then be introduced into the hopper. The lid106may then be closed and held down by the locking mechanism120, a user's hand, or other mechanism thereby actuating the switch to turn on the motor. The switch may include a rocker switch that provides an upward bias using a spring or other biasing mechanism, such that the lid106moves away from a closed or fully closed position when downward pressure is not applied and/or the locking mechanism120is not secured. The motor then turns the paddle of a blade assembly to drive ice into the blade or drive the blade. The ice is conditioned as it moves through the blade and into the spout110and ice shaper108. The conditioned ice may then be delivered to a cup, or other container as may be desired by a user, and shaped by the ice shaper108, and a flexible hand shaping flat, resulting in cup or container full of conditioned ice or product, which may have a pleasingly shaped top. For example, ice within the hopper may be too large to pass through an opening or blade covering an opening near the spout110. Only after the ice is conditioned (chopped, shaved, turned into “snow,” or otherwise conditioned) is it able to pass from an interior of the hopper and out through the spout110into a cup. The ice conditioning portion104includes a spout110and an ice shaper108. The spout110may be connected to the ice shaper108such that the spout110and the ice shaper108are a single piece of material. The ice shaper may have a dome shape for shaping conditioned ice to have a dome-shaped top. It should be appreciated the ice shaper108may have any suitable shape and may particularly have a dome shape if it is desirable that the conditioned ice has a dome shape. The ice shaper108may impart a shape to a final shaved ice product so that little or no additional shaping needs to be performed by a user. In an implementation, and additional flexible hand shaping flap may be included, which allows users more options for shaping during use without having to come into contact with the edible conditioned ice product. The flexible shaping flap may be attached below or near the spout as illustrated. FIG.2is an exploded side view of a device100for producing a frozen confection.FIG.2illustrates that the ice conditioning portion104may be removably attached to the base portion102. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism120is configured to secure and lock the ice conditioning portion104to the base portion102. FIG.3Ais a side view of a device300for producing a frozen confection. The device300is configured for conditioning a block of ice. In an embodiment, the device300is configured to condition a single large block of ice or a small number of blocks of ice. The device300includes a base portion302having a base housing303. The device300further include an ice conditioning portion304having an ice conditioning housing305. The base portion302includes a plurality of feet318for supporting the device300. The base portion302includes a venting channel314for releasing heat produced by a motor disposed within the base portion. The venting channel314may further serve as a grip or handle for lifting the device300. The venting channel314may be integrated into the base housing303. The ice conditioning portion304includes a spout310and an ice shaper308. The ice conditioning portion304includes a lid306for covering a receptacle where unconditioned ice is received by the ice conditioning portion304. The base portion302includes fasteners312a,312bfor securing an upper portion of the base housing303to a lower portion of the base housing303. The ice conditioning portion304includes locking mechanism320for securing the ice conditioning portion304to the base portion302and locking the ice conditioning portion304thereon. In the embodiment of the device300shown inFIG.3A, the ice conditioning portion304further includes an arm322for pressing a block of ice into a blade assembly disposed in the ice conditioning portion304. One or more large blocks of ice may be disposed within the ice conditioning ice housing305such that the lid306may be lifted and closed around the one or more large blocks of ice. The one or more large blocks of ice may be depressed by the arm322to be conditioning by the blade assembly. The arm322may be spring loaded or may include some other mechanical mechanism such it automatically depresses the one or more large blocks of ice without user intervention.FIG.3Billustrates how the block of ice may be disposed within the interior space of the ice conditioning portion304by lifting the lid306. FIG.4is an exploded side view of the device300for producing a frozen confection.FIG.4illustrates that the ice conditioning portion304may be removably attached from the base portion302. In an embodiment, the same base portion302may be used with either of the ice conditioning portion104that is first illustrated inFIG.1or the ice conditioning portion304that is first illustrated inFIG.3. This provides significant manufacturing benefits because a single base portion302may be manufactured for multiple end uses, i.e. for conditioning large blocks of ice and for conditioning a plurality of ice cubes or chunks of ice. Additionally, a user may purchase a single base portion302to be used with multiple different ice conditioning portions104,304so the user has the flexibility to condition blocks of ice and/or smaller ice cubes or chunks of ice. Additionally, in an embodiment where the base portion102,302is constructed of injection molded plastic, there are significant manufacturing cost savings because a single mold may be used to produce the base portion102,302for multiple embodiments of a device for producing a shaved ice confection. FIG.5illustrates a side view of the device100for producing a frozen confection. As shown inFIG.5, the lid106of the ice conditioning portion104is lifted such that a plurality of ice cubes or chunks of ice may be disposed into the interior space of the base housing105. FIG.6illustrates a side view of the device100for producing a frozen confection. In the embodiment shown inFIG.6, the device100includes a failsafe mechanism624for ensuring that the motor is deactivated when the lid106of the ice conditioning portion104is opened. In an embodiment, the failsafe mechanism624permits the motor to run when the lid106comes in contact with the rod or spring of the failsafe mechanism624. In an embodiment, the rod or spring of the failsafe mechanism624comes in contact with a switch. When the switch is pressed by the failsafe mechanism624, this indicates that the lid106is in a closed position and the motor is activated. When the switch is released, this indicates that the lid106is in an open position and the motor is deactivated. FIG.7illustrates a base portion702of a device for producing a frozen confection. The base portion702includes a base housing703that may be constructed of a single piece of injection molded polycarbonate material. The base portion702includes a cup receptacle726where a cup may be placed or may rest when being filled with conditioned ice. The base portion702includes a venting channel714disposed in at least one upstanding sidewall of the base housing703. The venting channel714may permit hot air generated by the motor to be released from the device100,300. This can greatly extend the lifespan of the motor and may further ensure that conditioned ice does not melt prematurely. The base portion702includes fasteners712a,712bfor attached the base portion702to a platform or base that includes feet118. The base portion702includes an upper surface that may include a blade assembly platform732for supporting a blade assembly. In an embodiment, the platform732includes raised sides such that the blade assembly can rest on the blade assembly platform732without moving or sliding around the base portion. The blade assembly may be a separate unit that is removable from the base portion702and/or the ice conditioning portion104. The blade assembly may include a blade and/or a paddle. Each of the blade and/or the paddle may rest on the blade assembly platform732. The blade assembly platform732includes a sidewall disposed within the upper surface of the base housing703that defines an opening730for receiving a drive shaft therethrough. The drive shaft may be connected to the motor and may form a mechanical connection from the motor to a paddle of the blade assembly or to a paddle wheel opening (seeFIG.19, item1414). The base portion702further includes a channel728for pushing conditioned ice out of the device100,300and into a container or cup that is placed in the cup receptacle726area. The base portion702includes attachment structures736a,736b,738a,738bfor attaching the base portion702to an ice conditioning portion104,304. The base portion702may include side attachment structures738a,738blocated on parallel sides of the base portion relative to the cup receptacle726area. The base portion702may further include rear attachment structures736a,736blocated at a rear side of the base portion702relative to the cup receptacle726area. The base housing703includes an attachment sidewall734disposed upward and vertical relative to the blade assembly platform732. The attachment sidewall734may be configured to receive or line up with a corresponding attachment sidewall located on a lower portion of an ice conditioning housing. In an embodiment where the base housing703is constructed of a single piece of injection molded polycarbonate material, the base housing703may provide superior strength and durability compared with other implementations. The base housing703may be constructed that it is sufficiently rigid to house a motor that runs continuously for long period of times. The base housing703may further be constructed such that heat generated by the motor may be efficiently released from the base housing703through one or more venting channels. FIG.8illustrates an aerial top view of the base portion702as shown inFIG.7. FIG.9illustrates an aerial bottom view of the base portion702as shown inFIGS.7-8. The base portion includes a handle groove740disposed within the base housing703. The handle groove740may be a cutout or channel formed within the base housing703that is sized and shaped such that a user may place a hand within the handle groove740to lift the device100,300. The base portion702may include one or more feet718that are formed within a single piece of material forming the base housing703or may be removable attached to the base housing703or may be attached to an additional base portion that may be attached to the upper portion of the base housing703. The base portion702may include a plurality of grooves742to provide structural rigidity and improved heat flow. The base portion702may include one or more venting channels disposed on the underside of the base housing703such that heat generated by the motor may be vented out of the base housing703. FIG.10is an aerial bottom view of a base portion702of a device for producing a frozen confection. A bottom of the base portion702is removed or cutaway such that the interior space of the base portion702may be seen. The interior space of the base portion702includes a motor1002. In an embodiment, the motor1002includes a drive shaft that extends through a top side of the base portion702. The motor1002is configured to spin a paddle wheel and/or a blade for conditioning ice. The motor1002may be electric and may be driven by DC or AC current. An embodiment having a DC motor may be driven by a battery that may also be disposed within the housing. In an embodiment, the motor1002may be directly connected to a drive shaft that drives a paddle of the blade assembly thereby moving ice into a blade. The blade may be secured to a hopper that is configured to receive ice and push the ice to the blade assembly, such that the blade is stationary. It should be noted that in an embodiment the motor1002may drive a blade that spins in order to condition the ice. The motor1002may be disposed within the base housing703, such that the motor's axis of rotation is generally aligned with the body of the base portion702. Additionally, the axis of rotation of the paddle may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine. In an embodiment the housing703may further comprise a door for easily accessing the blade for maintenance. An embodiment may comprise a motor that is indirectly connected to paddle wheel through a device with a transmission or gearing. In an embodiment the motor1002may be directly connected to a drive shaft that drives the paddle wheel thereby moving ice into a blade. It should be noted that in an embodiment the drive shaft may be connected to the paddle wheel with a shaft connector. The motor1002may be disposed within the housing such that the motor's axis of rotation is generally aligned with the body of the machine. Additionally, the axis of rotation of the paddle wheel may also be generally aligned with the body of the machine. In an embodiment, the housing may further comprise a door for easily accessing the blade for maintenance. For example, a door in the hopper or a sidewall near the blade may be selectively opened to access remove, and/or replace the blade. In one embodiment, no door is needed to access the blade as it may be accessed by releasing one or more fasteners, such as screws, to allow a hopper portion to be moved upward and access the blade from above. FIG.11illustrates a perspective view of an ice conditioning housing1105of a device for producing a frozen confection. The ice conditioning housing1105includes an upper lip1135disposed around the top surface. The upper lip1135may be configured to receive the lid106of the device100such that the lid106forms a tight seal around the upper lid1135to hold ice within the ice conditioning housing1105. In an embodiment, the ice conditioning housing1105serves as a receptacle for holding a plurality of ice cubes or chunks of ice that are waiting to be conditioning by a blade assembly into shaved ice. The ice conditioning housing1105may be sufficiently large that the blade assembly may freely spin within the interior space of the ice conditioning housing1105. FIG.12is a perspective view of a device1200for conditioning ice into a frozen confection.FIG.13is a front view of the device1200for conditioning ice into a frozen confection. Similar to the device300first illustrated inFIG.3, the device1200may be configured particularly for conditioning blocks of ice. The device1200includes a base portion1202having a base housing1203. The base portion1202includes a plurality of feet1218for supporting the device1200. The device includes a lid1206and an ice shaper1208. FIG.14illustrates an aerial view of a paddle wheel1400. The paddle wheel1400includes a paddle wheelbase1410that may be disposed substantially normal with respect to a drive shaft extending from the motor1002(seen inFIG.10) and interface with the motor1002via a paddle wheel opening1414(seeFIG.19). The paddle wheel1400includes a plurality of paddles1402extending substantially normal with respect to the paddle wheelbase such that the paddles1402are substantially normal with respect to the drive shaft extending from the motor1002. The paddles1402are configured for pushing ice cubes and/or chunks of ice against the blade to be conditioned by the blade. The paddle wheel1400includes a plurality of ice collectors1404extending substantially normal with respect to the paddle wheelbase1410such that the ice collectors1404are substantially parallel with the paddles1402. The ice collectors1404are configured for pushing conditioned ice around the paddle wheel1400until the conditioned ice is dispensed from the device through a spout. The paddle wheel1400includes an ice breaking mechanism1406for breaking ice cubes and/or chunks of ice into desirable sized pieces of ice to be conditioned by the blade. The ice breaking mechanism1406is further configured to prevent ice cubes and/or chunks of ice from melting and attaching to one another to form larger chunks of ice that are difficult to condition with the blade. The plurality of paddles1402and plurality of ice collectors1404may be spaced such that a groove1412may be formed between them. The ice breaking mechanism1406includes a plurality of tapered portions1408extending from a middle portion of the ice breaking mechanism1406and tapering down to meet the paddle wheelbase1410. The entirety of the paddle wheel, including the paddle wheelbase1410, the ice breaking mechanism1406including the tapered portions1408, the paddles1402, and the ice collectors1404may be constructed of a single piece of injection molded polycarbonate material. In some implementation is may be highly desirable to construct the paddle wheel assembly of a polycarbonate material so that ice does not freeze to the surface of the paddle wheel assembly. In alternative embodiments, the paddle wheel assembly may be constructed of metal such as aluminum, and there may be issues with pre-conditioned ice and/or conditioned ice sticking to the paddle wheel assembly. Additionally, the single piece of injection molded polycarbonate material may be desirable because the paddle wheel assembly may be inexpensive and efficient to manufacture. FIG.15illustrates a perspective view of a blade assembly1500. The blade assembly includes a blade1502including a plurality of holes1503and grooves disposed therein configured for conditioning ice into a frozen confection. Fasteners may be disposed through the holes1503to attach the blade1502to the paddle wheel1504via raised ends of a plurality of paddles1506of the blade assembly1500. The paddle wheel1504further includes a base1510and the plurality of paddles1506. A channel1508may be formed by a space between an underside of the blade1502and a top surface of each of the plurality of paddles1506for receiving the blade1502when the blade1502is attached to the paddle wheel1504. FIG.16illustrates a perspective view of a blade assembly1600. The blade assembly includes a blade1602including a plurality of holes1603and grooves disposed therein configured for conditioning ice into a frozen confection. Fasteners may be disposed through the holes1603to attach the blade1602to the paddle wheel1604via raised ends of a plurality of paddles1606of the blade assembly1600. The paddle wheel1604further includes a plurality of paddles1606and a channel1608formed by a space between an underside of the blade1602and a top surface of each of the plurality of paddles1606for receiving the blade1602when the blade1602is attached to the paddle wheel1604. InFIG.16, the paddle wheel1604may or may not include a base, whereasFIG.15illustrates a paddle wheel1504with a base. FIG.17illustrates an aerial perspective view of a paddle wheel1400. The paddle wheel1400includes a paddle wheelbase1410that may be disposed substantially normal with respect to a drive shaft extending from the motor1002. The paddle wheel1400includes a plurality of paddles1402extending substantially normal with respect to the paddle wheelbase1410such that the paddles1402are substantially normal with respect to the drive shaft extending from the motor1002. The paddles1402are configured for pushing ice cubes and/or chunks of ice against the blade to be conditioned by the blade. The paddle wheel1400includes a plurality of ice collectors1404extending substantially normal with respect to the paddle wheelbase1410such that the ice collectors1404are substantially parallel with the paddles1402. The ice collectors1404are configured for pushing conditioned ice around the paddle wheel1400until the conditioned ice is dispensed from the device through a spout. The paddle wheel1400includes an ice breaking mechanism1406for breaking ice cubes and/or chunks of ice into desirable sized pieces of ice to be conditioned by the blade. The ice breaking mechanism1406is further configured to prevent ice cubes and/or chunks of ice from melting and attaching to one another to form larger chunks of ice that are difficult to condition with the blade. The plurality of paddles1402and plurality of ice collectors1404may be spaced such that a groove1412may be formed in the paddle wheel1400between the plurality of paddles1402and the plurality of ice collectors1404. FIG.18illustrates a perspective view of a removable portion1800of a device for producing a frozen confection comprising a spout110, an ice shaper, a blade assembly1802, and a paddle wheel1400. The blade assembly1802may comprise a plurality of notches1804. The removable portion1800of the device includes an ice conditioning housing105wherein the blade assembly1802is disposed within a groove (seeFIG.14) of the paddle wheel1400. In an implementation, an external switch may be provided for actuating the machine. For example, the external switch may be a foot pedal or other switch for actuating the machine. After filling the cup with conditioned ice, a flavoring, drink, or other edible content may be added to the conditioned ice for consumption. EXAMPLES The following examples pertain to further embodiments. Example 1 is a device for conditioning ice. The device includes a base housing comprising at least one upstanding sidewall defining an interior space and an upper surface with respect to the at least one upstanding sidewall. The device includes a motor disposed within the interior space of the base housing. The device includes a sidewall disposed within the upper surface of the base housing defining an opening for receiving a drive shaft therethrough, wherein the drive shaft is mechanically connected to the motor and a blade assembly. The device includes a venting channel disposed in the at least one upstanding sidewall of the base housing for releasing heat emitted by the motor. The device includes a control mechanism for activating and deactivating the motor. Example 2 is a device as in Example 1, further comprising the ice conditioning portion, wherein the ice conditioning portion is configured to receive a block of ice and comprises: an ice conditioning housing for receiving the block of ice; and the blade assembly, comprising: a paddle wheel mechanically connected to the motor, the paddle wheel comprising a plurality of paddles each comprising a channel for receiving a blade such that the blade spins when the motor is activated; the blade disposed in the channel for each of the plurality of paddles; and a spout assembly. Example 3 is a device as in any of Examples 1-2, further comprising an arm for depressing the block of ice on to the blade, wherein the blade is substantially normal with respect to the arm. Example 4 is a device as in any of Examples 1-3, further comprising the ice conditioning portion, wherein the ice conditioning portion is configured to receive a plurality of ice cubes and comprises: an ice conditioning housing for receiving the plurality of ice cubes and feeding the plurality of ice cubes into the blade assembly; and the blade assembly, comprising: a paddle wheel mechanically connected to the motor for spinning the plurality of ice cubes and feeding the plurality of ice cubes through a blade, the paddle wheel comprising a groove for receiving the blade; the blade disposed in the groove of the paddle wheel; and a spout assembly. Example 5 is a device as in any of Examples 1-4, wherein the paddle wheel is constructed of a single piece of polycarbonate that is sufficiently rigid to feed the plurality of ice cubes through the blade when the motor is activated. Example 6 is a device as in any of Examples 1-5, wherein the blade is formed in a circular shape and comprises a plurality of notches for cutting the plurality of ice cubes, and wherein the diameter of the blade is larger than the diameter of the paddle wheel. Example 7 is a device as in any of Examples 1-6, wherein the paddle wheel comprises a plurality of paddles pointing upward relative to the base assembly, wherein the paddles spin within an interior space of the blade when the motor is activated, and wherein the paddles are constructed of polycarbonate and are sufficiently rigid to push the plurality of ice cubes through the notches of the blade. Example 8 is a device as in any of Examples 1-7, wherein the base housing is injection molded such that the base housing is formed of a single piece of material. Example 9 is a device as in any of Examples 1-8, further comprising a channel disposed in a bottom wall of the base housing forming a handle for carrying the device. Example 10 is a device as in any of Examples 1-9, further comprising a plurality of feet attached to a bottom wall of the base housing, the plurality of feet forming a portion of the single piece of material of the base housing. Example 11 is a device as in any of Examples 1-10, further comprising: a lid for closing the ice conditioning portion, wherein the lid is hinged to the ice conditioning portion; a lid magnet attached to the lid; and an ice receptacle magnet attached to the ice conditioning portion; wherein the lid magnet and the ice receptacle magnet are configured to mate to close the lid on the ice conditioning portion. Example 12 is a device as in any of Examples 1-11, further comprising a magnet attached to an interior space of the base housing, the magnet configured to mate with a corresponding magnet on the ice conditioning portion to secure the ice conditioning portion of the base housing. Example 13 is a device as in any of Examples 1-12, further comprising the ice conditioning portion, the ice conditioning portion comprising: an ice conditioning housing configured to mate with the base housing; and a venting channel disposed in a wall of the base housing for releasing heat emitted by the motor. Example 14 is a device as in any of Examples 1-13, further comprising an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the base housing to an ice conditioning portion for conditioning a block of ice or an ice conditioning portion for conditioning a plurality of ice cubes such that the base housing may mate with multiple different ice conditioning mechanisms for processing different forms of ice. Example 15 is a device as in any of Examples 1-14, further comprising an ice conditioning portion comprising a failsafe such that the motor is activated only when a lid of the ice conditioning portion is closed. Example 16 is a device as in any of Examples 1-15, further comprising a blade assembly, the blade assembly comprising: a paddle wheel comprising an opening for receiving the drive shaft of the motor; a plurality of paddles secured to the paddle wheel; a groove disposed within an upper surface of the paddle wheel, the groove configured to receive a circular blade; and a blade bent into a mostly circular orientation and disposed within the groove of the paddle wheel; wherein the motor causes the paddle wheel to spin while the blade remains stationary. Example 17 is a device as in any of Examples 1-16, wherein the blade assembly further comprises: a plurality of ice collectors attached to the paddle wheel for pushing conditioned ice out through a spout assembly, wherein the plurality of ice collectors are substantially parallel relative to the plurality of paddles; and a spout assembly channel, wherein the conditioned ice exits the paddle wheel through the spout assembly channel to be emitted from the device. Example 18 is a device as in any of Examples 1-17, further comprising an ice shaper for shaping conditioned ice emitted from the device. Example 19 is a device as in any of Examples 1-18, further comprising a paddle wheel of a blade assembly, wherein the paddle wheel comprises an ice breaking mechanism for breaking ice into intended cube sizes to be conditioned by the blade assembly. Example 20 is a device as in any of Examples 1-19, wherein the ice breaking mechanism is attached to a substantially flat surface of the paddle wheel and forms an opening configured for receiving the drive shaft of the motor. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the 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 the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. It should be noted that embodiments shown in the figures and described herein are intended to be exemplary and that any variations in the size and the relative proportions of the individual components fall within the scope of this disclosure. Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appended hereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications, and their equivalents. | 40,802 |
11859890 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, detailed implementations will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to proposed implementations of the present disclosure, and other regressive disclosures or other implementations included in the scope of the spirits of the present disclosure may be easily proposed through addition, change, deletion, and the like of other elements. In addition, in implementations of the present disclosure, a side-by-side type (or a double-door type) refrigerator in which a pair of doors are disposed on left and right sides will be described as an example for convenience of explanation and understanding, and it is noted that the present disclosure is applicable to any refrigerators provided with a dispenser. Prior to the description, the directions are defined below for improved clarity. InFIGS.1and2, a direction toward a door with respect to a cabinet may be defined as “front” or “forward,” a direction toward the cabinet with respect to the door may be defined as “rear” or “rearward,” a direction toward the floor where the refrigerator is installed may be defined as “downward,” and a direction away from the floor where the refrigerator is installed may be defined as “upward.” FIG.1is a front view of a refrigerator according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Also,FIG.2is a front view illustrating a state in which the door of the refrigerator is opened. Also,FIG.3is an enlarged view of a portion A. Also,FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a freezing compartment of the refrigerator. As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a refrigerator1according to the implementation of the present disclosure may be defined by a cabinet10defining a storage space and a door20coupled to the cabinet10to open or close the storage space. The cabinet10may include an outer case101defining an outer appearance and an inner case102disposed inside the outer case101to define the storage space. A heat insulating material103may be filled between the outer case101and the inner case102. A barrier11may be formed in the inner case102. The barrier11may partition the storage space inside the cabinet10left and right, so that a freezing compartment12and a refrigerating compartment13are defined side by side. The inner case102may define inner surfaces of the freezing compartment12and the refrigerating compartment13. If necessary, the inner case102defining the refrigerating compartment13and the inner case102defining the freezing compartment may be formed independently. Storage members such as drawers and shelves may be disposed inside the freezing compartment12and the refrigerating compartment13. An evaporator14may be provided at the rear of the freezing compartment12, and the evaporator14may be shielded by a grille pan15. The grille pan15may define rear wall surfaces of the refrigerating compartment13and the freezing compartment12. The grille pan15may be provided with a shroud152defining a passage through which cold air generated by the evaporator14may flow. A fan motor154and a blowing fan155are provided in the shroud152to allow cool air generated by the evaporator14to flow along the passage of the grille pan15. A discharge port151through which cold air is discharged may be defined in the grille pan15. An ice maker assembly30may be provided in an uppermost space of the freezing compartment12. The ice maker assembly30may include an ice maker40capable of making automatically supplied water into ice and separating the ice. The ice maker assembly30may include a distribution duct60that allows cold air discharged through the grille pan15to be branched and guided to the inside of the ice maker40and above the ice maker40. The ice maker assembly30may further include an ice maker cover50that allows cold air branched by the distribution duct60to pass the upper side of the ice maker40and direct toward the front of the ice maker assembly30. In addition, the ice maker assembly30may further include a front cover31capable of shielding a part of the space defined at the upper end of the freezing compartment12. An ice bin70may be provided below the ice maker40. Ice made by the ice maker40may be dropped and stored in the ice bin70. The doors20may be disposed on both left and right sides of the refrigerator in a side by side manner. The doors20may be configured to rotate to open or close the freezing compartment12and the refrigerating compartment13disposed on the left and right sides. The door20may define the front appearance of the refrigerator1in a closed state. The door20may include a freezing compartment door21for opening or closing the freezing compartment12and a refrigerating compartment door22for opening or closing the refrigerating compartment13. The refrigerating compartment door22may have an opening communicating with the accommodation space at the rear of the door, and may be further provided with a sub-door23opening or closing the opening. At least a part of the sub-door23may be provided with a see-through portion231through which the inside can be seen. A door ice maker assembly25may be provided at the freezing compartment door21. The door ice maker assembly25may include a door ice maker253provided on the upper rear surface of the freezing compartment door21. The door ice maker253may be configured to make ice using automatically supplied water and to separate the made ice to an ice bank254. The door ice maker253may have a slim structure so as to be provided on the freezing compartment door21, and may have a structure different from that of the ice maker40. Therefore, ice made by the door ice maker253may have a different shape from spherical ice made by the ice maker40. The door ice maker253may be referred to as a twist type ice maker. The ice maker40and the door ice maker253may be disposed in the same freezing compartment. When the freezing compartment door21is closed, the ice maker40and the door ice maker253may be disposed at positions facing each other. An illumination device19for illuminating the inside of the freezing compartment12may be disposed in a region between the ice maker assembly30and the door ice maker assembly25. Both the ice maker40and the door ice maker253may be located at the uppermost position inside the freezing compartment12. Therefore, the ice maker40and the door ice maker253may fill the space at the upper end of the freezing compartment12of the side-by-side type refrigerator, which is narrower in the left-and-right direction, compared to other types of refrigerators. In addition, the remaining space of the freezing compartment12may be completely used as a space for food storage. To this end, the ice maker assembly30may be formed to have a size corresponding to the width of the left and right side ends of the freezing compartment12by arranging the ice maker40in the horizontal direction. Due to the horizontal arrangement of the ice maker40, the distance at which the ice maker assembly30protrudes forward may be minimized. Therefore, the arrangement space of the door ice maker assembly25protruding from the rear surface of the freezing compartment door21may be secured as much as possible. In this case, the horizontal arrangement of the ice maker40may mean that cells C of the ice maker40are continuously arranged in the horizontal direction, that is, in the left-and-right direction. In addition, the horizontal arrangement of the ice maker40may mean that a rotation shaft431of the ice maker40are continuously arranged in the horizontal direction, that is, in the left-and-right direction. By arranging the ice maker40and the door ice maker253side by side in front and rear at the upper end of the inside of the freezing compartment12, cold air discharged from the rear of the ice maker40may be effectively transmitted to the ice maker40and the door ice maker253, and the ice making performance may be secured. That is, the ice maker40may make ice by cold air supplied by the distribution duct60. The door ice maker253may make ice using cold air supplied by the door duct16provided on the upper surface of the inner case102. In detail, the front cover31shielding the ice maker40may be disposed in front of the ice maker40. The front cover31may define the front surface of the ice maker assembly30, may be exposed forward when the freezing compartment door21is opened, and may shield the ice maker40so as not to be exposed forward. In this case, the front cover31may be in contact with the upper surface of the freezing compartment12and the upper ends of both left and right sides of the freezing compartment12, and may be configured to shield the space at the upper end of the freezing compartment12. A cover discharge port313and a front discharge port315may be defined in the front cover31. Therefore, cold air may be discharged through the cold air discharge port153at the rear of the freezing compartment12and discharged to the front of the front cover31through the ice maker40. Cold air may be discharged into the inner space of the freezing compartment12and the door ice maker assembly25in front of the ice maker assembly30. The door ice maker cover251may be provided above the door ice maker253. The door ice maker cover251has a cover inlet252defined at a position corresponding to a duct outlet161of the door duct16, and cold air supplied through the door duct16is supplied to the door ice maker253. The ice bank254in which ice made by the door ice maker253is stored may be provided below the door ice maker253. The ice bank254may be provided with a crushing device255for crushing the discharged ice. An ice chute26communicating with a dispenser24may be formed at the lower end of the ice bank254. The dispenser24may be provided on the front surface of the freezing compartment door21. The dispenser24may be configured to take out purified water or ice from the outside while the freezing compartment door21is closed. The dispenser24may be connected to the ice bank254by the ice chute26. Therefore, when the dispenser24is operated, the ice stored in the ice bank254may be taken out. Hereinafter, the structure of the grille pan15will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG.5is a perspective view of a grille pan according to an implementation of the present disclosure, when viewed from the front. Also.FIG.6is a perspective view of the grille pan when viewed from the rear. As shown in the drawing, the grille pan15may be mounted inside the inner case102defining the freezing compartment12, and may be formed to partition the space of the freezing compartment12back and forth. The grille pan15may include a grille plate150defining a front surface and a shroud152coupled to the rear surface of the grille plate150. The grille plate150may form at least a part of the rear wall surface of the freezing compartment12, and a discharge port151through which cold air is discharged may be defined in the grille plate150. A cold air discharge port153through which cold air is discharged for supplying cold air to the ice maker40may be defined at an upper end of the grille plate150. The cold air discharge port153may be formed to have a corresponding size so that the inlet of the distribution duct60may be inserted thereinto. The cold air discharge port153may be located at the upper end of the rear surface of the freezing compartment12in a state in which the grille pan15is mounted. When the distribution duct60is mounted, the cold air discharge port153may be located at a position corresponding to the distribution duct60. A front guide portion156extending upward and forward so as to be opened downward and guide cold air forward may be formed at the upper end of the grille plate150. The cold air discharge port153may be defined on the front surface of the front guide portion156. At least a part of the front guide portion156may be formed in a round shape. The shroud152may be mounted on the rear surface of the grille plate150, and may define a passage through which cold air generated by the evaporator14flows. A shroud opening152amay be defined in the shroud152, and the blowing fan155may be disposed inside the shroud opening152a. A fan motor154may be provided at the rear of the shroud152, and a rotation shaft of the fan motor154may be connected to the blowing fan155. The blowing fan155is rotated inside the shroud152so that cold air generated by the evaporator14is introduced into the shroud152and then discharged. The opened upper end of the shroud152may communicate with the front guide portion156disposed at the upper end of the grille plate150. Therefore, cold air forcedly flowed by the blowing fan155may pass through the upper end of the shroud152, may be guided forward by the front guide portion156, and may be discharged to the cold air discharge port153. An upper guide portion157extending upward may be formed in the shroud152. The upper guide portion157may be formed at a position shifted to one of the left and right sides, and may be connected to the door duct16. An opened upper discharge port158may be defied at the upper end of the upper guide portion157, and the upper discharge port158may be connected to an inlet at the rear end of the door duct16. Therefore, a part of cold air forcedly flowed by the blowing fan155may flow into the door duct16along the upper guide portion157. A damper mounting portion159may be defined at one end of the shroud152. The damper mounting portion159may be provided with a damper, so that a part of cold air may flow into the refrigerating compartment13upon air flow of the blowing fan155. Hereinafter, the internal structure of the freezing compartment12and the arrangement structure of the ice maker assembly30will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG.7is a partial perspective view illustrating the arrangement structure of the ice maker assembly and the arrangement of the door duct and the guide tube disposed in the inner case of the freezing compartment, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Also.FIG.8is a partial perspective view of the inside of the freezing compartment in which the ice maker assembly is mounted, as viewed from below. Also,FIG.9is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupling structure of the ice maker assembly, the door duct, and the guide tube. As shown in the drawings, an upper surface inlet102aand an upper surface outlet102bmay be defined on the upper surface of the inner case102defining the upper surface of the freezing compartment12. The upper surface inlet102amay be opened to communicate with the space in which the evaporator14is disposed, and the upper surface outlet102bmay be opened at the front end of the upper surface of the freezing compartment12to face the door ice maker cover251. The door duct16may be provided on the upper surface of the inner case102. The door duct16may be elongated in the front-and-rear direction, the front end and the rear end of the door duct16may be opened, and a passage through which cold air flows may be defined therein. The door duct16may be buried in the heat insulating material103in a state of being mounted to the inner case102. The duct outlet161and the duct inlet162may be defined at the front end and the rear end of the door duct16, respectively. The duct inlet162may communicate with the upper discharge port158exposed through the upper surface inlet102a, and the duct outlet161may communicate with the upper surface outlet102b. Therefore, a part of the cold air generated by the evaporator14may be supplied to the door ice maker253through the door duct16. An illumination mounting portion102dto which the illumination device19is mounted may be further defined on the upper surface of the inner case102. The illumination mounting portion102dmay be located in front of the ice maker assembly30to illuminate the inside of the freezing compartment12. A water supply pipe opening102cmay be defined on the upper surface of the inner case102. The water supply pipe opening102cmay be opened above a water supply member49to be described below, and a water supply pipe174may pass toward the ice maker40. A guide tube17may define a passage through which the water supply pipe174for supplying water to the ice maker40is guided. Both ends of the guide tube17may be provided with a front bracket172and a rear bracket171. The front bracket172may be in close contact with the upper surface of the inner case102, and may shield the water supply pipe opening102c. The end of the guide tube17may pass through the front bracket172and may be opened toward the ice maker40. A tube support173protruding upward to support the guide tube17from below may be disposed on the front bracket172. The rear bracket171may be coupled to the rear surface of the cabinet10. The end of the guide tube17may be exposed to the rear surface of the cabinet10through the rear bracket171. Therefore, the water supply pipe174disposed along the rear surface of the cabinet10may be introduced into the guide tube17through the rear bracket171and directed to the ice maker40through the front bracket172. The ice maker assembly30may be provided on the inner upper surface of the inner case102. The ice maker assembly30may be located at the upper end of the freezing compartment12, and may be spaced apart at a position higher than an accommodation member disposed at the uppermost portion of the freezing compartment12. The ice bin70in which ice made by the ice maker40is stored may be located below the ice maker assembly30. The ice bin70may define an ice accommodation space71having an opened upper surface, and may be seated on the accommodation member such as a shelf. An empty handle72may be formed on the front surface of the ice bin70so that the ice bin70can be pulled out or lifted and moved. A horizontal width of the ice maker assembly30may be formed to correspond to a horizontal width of the freezing compartment12. Therefore, in a state in which the ice maker assembly30is mounted, the cold air discharge port153and the distribution duct60provided at the rear of the ice maker assembly30may be covered by the ice maker assembly30. In particular, when viewed from the front of the freezing compartment, only the front cover31may be exposed, and all rear components may be shielded by the front cover31. The ice maker assembly30may include an ice maker40and the front cover31shielding the ice maker40from the front. The ice maker assembly30may further include an ice maker cover50shielding the upper surface of the ice maker40. The ice maker assembly30may further include a distribution duct60distributing and supplying cold air to the ice maker40and the ice maker cover50. Hereinafter, the structure of the ice maker assembly30will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG.10is a perspective view of the ice maker assembly. Also,FIG.11is an exploded view of the ice maker assembly when viewed from the front. Also,FIG.12is an exploded view of the ice maker assembly when viewed from the rear. Also,FIG.13is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XIII-XIII′ ofFIG.10. As shown in the drawings, the ice maker assembly30may include the ice maker40. The ice maker40receives automatically supplied water and makes spherical ice. The ice maker40may include an ice maker case41defining an outer appearance, an ice tray45in which water is accommodated for making ice, a driving device42for rotating the ice tray45, an ejector46for separating the separated ice from the ice tray45, and an ice full detection lever47for detecting whether the ice bin70is full. The ice maker40may be referred to as a main body ice maker, a cabinet ice maker, or a spherical ice maker so as to be distinguished from the door ice maker253. The ice maker case41may include a case upper surface411defining the upper surface of the ice maker case41, and a case circumferential surface412extending downward along the circumference of the case upper surface411. The ice tray45, the driving device42, and the ice full detection lever47may be provided inside the space defined by the circumferential surface412of the case. The made ice may be separated from the ice tray45by the ejector46, dropped downward, and stored in the ice bin70. A tray opening442acommunicating with the cell C in which ice is made inside the ice tray45may be exposed on the upper surface411of the case. The tray opening442amay be provided in each of the plurality of cells C, and water supplied through the water supply pipe174may be introduced into the cell C through the tray opening442a. As an ejecting pin461of the ejector46enters and exits above the tray opening442a, the ice made in the cell C may be discharged. A case inlet415through which cold air flows into the ice maker40and a case outlet414through which cold air flows out of the ice maker40through the case upper surface411may be defined at the front end and the rear end of the case upper surface411. An outlet guide413guiding cold air passing through the ice maker40to flow toward the case outlet414may be disposed at one end of the case outlet414. The case outlet414may be opened forward and downward, and defines a downwardly opened passage when the front cover31is coupled, so that cold air passing through the upper surface of the ice maker40is discharged downward through the space between the front cover31and the front surface of the ice maker40. Therefore, cold air supplied to the ice maker40is not stagnant, and an appropriate amount of cold air for making ice may be supplied while passing through the ice maker40. In particular, it is possible to prevent excessive supply of cold air so as to make spherical transparent ice in the ice maker40, or to prevent deterioration of ice making quality due to stagnant cold air inside the ice maker40. A front cover31may be provided in front of the ice maker case41. The front cover31defines the front surface of the ice maker assembly30, and may shield all components disposed at the rear. The front cover31may include a front portion311and an edge portion312extending rearward along the circumference of the front portion311. The front portion311may be formed in a planar shape, and may be formed to be larger than the size of the front surface of the ice maker40. The upper end and both left and right ends of the front portion311come into contact with the upper surface and both right and left surfaces of the freezing compartment12. When the freezing compartment door21is opened, the front surface of the front cover31is exposed to define the front appearance of the ice maker assembly30, and the remaining components of the ice maker assembly30including the ice maker40and the ice maker cover50are not exposed to the outside. The edge portion312may extend rearward from the outer end of the front portion311, and may extend to be connected to the ice maker case41and/or the ice maker cover50. The edge portion312may be formed along the remaining portion except for a part of the upper and lower ends of the front portion311so as to define an outlet through which cold air is discharged. The front cover31may define a space with an opened rear surface by the edge portion312, and a cover heat insulating material32may be provided in the rear space of the front cover31. The cover heat insulating material32may be in close contact with the rear surface of the front portion311, and may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the front portion311, that is, the rear space of the front cover31. Therefore, it is possible to block cold air toward the front of the front portion311by the cover heat insulating material32. The cover heat insulating material32may be made of a vacuum heat insulating material or a foamed material (e.g., expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, Styrofoam, etc.) material, and may be made of various heat insulating materials that may be molded into a sheet or plate shape. The cover heat insulating material32may be attached to the rear surface of the front cover31in a state of being pre-molded into a shape corresponding to the shape of the front portion311. Therefore, cold air flowing along the rear of the front cover31may be blocked from being transmitted to the front by the cover heat insulating material32, and may prevent condensation on the front portion311or the formation of frost due to condensation. In detail, moisture introduced while opening or closing the freezing compartment door21may be in contact with the front cover31and the front surface, and when cold air supplied for ice making in the ice maker40is delivered to the front surface of the front cover31, condensation or icing may occur on the front surface of the front cover31. When the refrigerator1performs a defrosting operation, the internal temperature of the refrigerator rises, and condensation or icing may occur on the front cover31adjacent to the ice maker assembly30and the door ice maker assembly25. However, when the cover heat insulating material32is provided on the front cover31, cold air delivered to the front cover31is blocked to prevent condensation and icing on the front surface of the front cover31. A heat insulating material cutout portion321may be defined at an upper end of the cover heat insulating material32. The heat insulating material cutout portion321may be formed by cutting the cover heat insulating material32at a position corresponding to the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. Therefore, the heat insulating material cutout portion321does not interfere with the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315to ensure smooth discharge of cold air through the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. The front end of the ice maker case41may be inserted into the opened rear surface of the front cover31. Case coupling portions312amay be disposed on both left and right sides of the edge portion312, and may be coupled to both side surfaces of the ice maker case41. A mounting portion accommodation groove312bin which the cover mounting portion54of the ice maker cover50is accommodated may be further defined on the upper surface of the edge portion312. The mounting portion accommodation groove312bmay be formed at a position corresponding to the cover mounting portion54in a corresponding size. The mounting portion accommodation groove312bmay be defined on both sides of the cover discharge port313so that the cover mounting portion54is exposed. Therefore, a screw fastened to the ice maker case41passes through the cover mounting portion54and is fastened to the upper surface of the inner case102or a bracket disposed on the inner case102so that the ice maker assembly30is fixedly mounted. A cover discharge port313and a front discharge port315may be defined at the upper portion of the front cover31. The cover discharge port313may be opened so that cold air passing through the cover passage530of the ice maker cover50above the ice maker40is discharged forward, and the front discharge port315may be opened to allow cold air to flow downward along the front surface of the front cover31below the cover discharge port313. The cover discharge port313may be defined on the upper surface of the front cover31. The cover discharge port313may be formed by recessing a part of the upper end of the front cover31downward. In a state in which the ice maker assembly30is mounted to the freezing compartment12, the upper end of the front cover31is in contact with the upper surface of the freezing compartment12, and the opened upper end of the cover discharge port313is in contact with the upper surface of the freezing compartment12to define an opening through which cold air is discharged. The cover discharge port313may communicate with the cover passage530of the ice maker cover50. That is, the cover discharge port313may be located in front of the opened front surface of the cover passage530, so that cold air flowing along the cover passage530is discharged to the front of the front cover31. A discharge port guide314may be defined between the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. The discharge port guide314may guide the flow of cold air to the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. A space between the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315may be partitioned by the discharge port guide314. In detail, the discharge port guide314may include a first guide314aand a second guide314b. The first guide314amay define the lower surface of the cover discharge port313and may extend in the front-and-rear direction. The front end of the first guide314amay extend to be located more forward than the front portion311, and the rear end of the first guide314amay extend to be located more rearward than the front portion311. For example, the rear end of the first guide314amay be located further rearward than the rear surface of the cover heat insulating material32. The first guide314amay be inclined upward so as to extend rearward. The rear end of the first guide314amay be formed to be higher than the height of the front end of the cover passage530. Therefore, cold air discharged through the cover passage530is branched. A part of the cold air may be discharged to the cover discharge port313above the first guide314a, and the remaining part of the cold air may be discharged through the front discharge port315under the first guide314a. The second guide314bmay extend downward from the front end of the first guide314a. In this case, the second guide314bmay extend in parallel with the front portion, and the second guide314bmay be disposed in front of the front portion311and spaced apart from the front portion311. Therefore, the front discharge port315may be defined in a space between the lower end of the second guide314band the upper end of the front portion311. The discharge port guide314may further include a third guide314cspaced apart from the first guide314a. The third guide314cmay extend rearward from the lower end of the second guide314b. The first guide314aand the third guide314cmay be disposed in parallel with each other. Cold air guided forward by the third guide314cmay be discharged through the front discharge port315. The discharge port guide314may form a connection rib314dconnecting the first guide314ato the third guide314c. A plurality of connection ribs314dmay be formed between the first guide314aand the third guide314c, and may be formed perpendicular to the first guide314aand the third guide314c. Therefore, the connection rib314dmay reinforce the strength of the first guide314aand the second guide314band may prevent noise caused by the flow when cold air is discharged. A lower support portion316may be disposed at the lower end of the front cover31. The lower support portion316may extend rearward along the lower end of the front portion311, and may support the cover heat insulating material32from below. The rear end of the lower support portion316may be spaced apart from the front surface of the ice maker. Therefore, a lower discharge port317may be defined between the lower support portion316and the front surface of the ice maker40. In detail, when the front cover31to which the cover heat insulating material32is mounted is disposed in front of the ice maker40, at least a part thereof may be spaced apart between the cover heat insulating material32and the front surface of the ice maker40to define a lower discharge passage318. Therefore, cold air passing through the upper surface of the ice maker40may flow into the lower discharge passage318through the case outlet414, and may be discharged through the lower discharge port317via the lower discharge passage318. That is, cold air passing through the upper surface of the ice maker40may be discharged downward between the front cover31and the ice maker40. In this case, cold air is insulated by the cover heat insulating material32to prevent the cold air from being delivered to the front cover31. The ice maker cover50may be provided on the upper surface of the ice maker40to shield the upper surface of the ice maker40, and may define a passage of cold air that passes above the ice maker40and is bypassed to the front of the freezing compartment12. In detail, the ice maker cover50may shield the ice maker40from above, and may further define a cover passage530, which is separated from the inside of the ice maker40, above the ice maker40. Therefore, cold air supplied by the distribution duct60may be guided by the ice maker cover50without passing through the ice maker40, and may be supplied toward the front of the ice maker assembly30, that is, toward the front space of the freezing compartment12and the freezing compartment door21. The ice maker cover50may include a cover body52having an opened lower surface and a cover edge51formed along the circumference of the cover body52. The cover edge51may protrude outward from the lower end of the cover body52, and may be in contact with the circumference of the upper surface of the ice maker case41. When the cover edge51is coupled to the ice maker case41, a space500accommodating cold air introduced through the ice making guide portion62may be defined above the case upper surface411. A recessed space is provided so that components above the ice maker40, including the ejector46, do not interfere. A cover mounting portion54may be defined at the front end of the cover edge51. The cover mounting portion54may pass through the mounting portion accommodation groove312bto be in contact with the upper surface of the freezing compartment12, and may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the freezing compartment12by a screw. Therefore, the cover mounting portion54may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the freezing compartment12in a state in which the front cover31and the ice maker cover50are coupled to the ice maker case41. A guide surface53for guiding the flow of cold air may be defined on the upper surface of the cover body52. Sidewalls533may protrude upward on both left and right sides of the guide surface53. In a state in which the ice maker cover50is mounted, a cover passage530through which cold air flows may be defined by the inner case102, the sidewall533, and the guide surface53. The guide surface53may include a front guide surface532that rises from the front end of the upper surface of the cover body52toward the rear, and a rear guide surface531that rises from the rear end of the upper surface of the cover body52toward the front. Cold air supplied through the cooling guide portion61may sequentially pass through the rear guide surface531and the front guide surface532and may be discharged forward through the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. Discharge guides535and536guiding the flow direction of cold air passing through the cover passage530may be disposed on the guide surface53, and cold air passing through the cover passage530may flow with directionality. Due to the rear discharge guide535and the front discharge guide536, the flow amount of cold air passing through the cover passage530may increase in one direction among the left and right sides. For example, a position with a larger flow amount of cold air may be a position close to the left and right sidewalls of the refrigerator1, and it is possible to prevent the growth of condensation or frost by preventing stagnant air at positions adjacent to the left and right sidewalls of the refrigerator1. A front guide portion521may be disposed at the front end of the front guide portion521. The front guide portion521may be recessed downward from the front end of the cover body52. The front guide portion521may be recessed further downward than the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. Therefore, cold air discharged forward through the guide surface53may be partially introduced forward and may be discharged through the cover discharge port313along the first guide314a. A part of cold air passing through the guide surface53may be branched by the first guide314a, may be introduced into the front guide portion521, and may be discharged through the front discharge port315communicating with the front guide portion521. The front discharge port315may be opened downward, and thus cold air discharged through the front discharge port315may be discharged in front of the front cover31, that is, in front of the front portion311. A water supply port534may be defined on the upper surface of the ice maker cover50. The water supply port534is a portion through which a water supply pipe174extending through the inner case102passes, and may be opened at a position corresponding to a water supply member49provided in the ice maker40. The water supply port534may be defined on a portion outside the cover passage530, that is, on the outside of the sidewall533. A distribution duct60may be provided at the rear of the ice maker40so that cold air discharged into the freezing compartment12is branched and supplied to the ice maker40and the ice maker cover50. The distribution duct60may include a cooling guide portion61and an ice making guide portion62. The cooling guide portion61may define a cooling passage615connected to the ice maker cover50. The ice making guide portion62may be located below the cooling guide portion61, and may define an ice making passage624connected to the inside of the ice maker case41. In detail, the cooling guide portion61may include a guide portion base611and a guide portion side612. The guide portion base611may define the bottom surface of the cooling guide portion61, and may be formed in a plate shape. The rear end of the guide portion base611may correspond to the width of the cold air discharge port153, and the front end of the guide portion base611may be formed to have a width corresponding to the inlet of the cover passage530. The guide portion side612may extend upward from both left and right ends of the guide portion base611. The guide portion side612may extend to contact the upper surface of the inner case102, and the cooling passage615may be defined between the inner case102and the guide portion base611. A base opening614may be defined at the center of the guide portion base611. The base opening614may communicate with the ice making guide portion62, and may serve as the inlet of the ice making passage624. A vertical extension portion622extending upwardly may be defined along the circumference of the base opening614. The vertical extension portion622guides cold air flowing into the cooling guide portion61toward the ice making guide portion62, and may be defined along the front surface and one side surface of the base opening614. The ice making guide portion62may define an ice making passage624communicating with the base opening614therein. The ice making guide portion62may communicate with the base opening614and extend downward from the base opening614, and may extend up to the case inlet415. Hereinafter, the structure of the ice maker40and the flow of cold air in the ice maker40will be described in more detail. FIG.14is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure for supplying water to the ice maker. Also,FIG.15is a perspective view of the ice maker when viewed from above. As shown in the drawings, the ice maker40may include an ice maker case41and an ice tray45provided inside the ice maker case41. The ice tray45may include a plurality of cells C in which water is accommodated and ice can be made. For example, the cell C may be formed in a spherical shape, and thus the ice maker40may be configured to make spherical ice. The ice tray45may include an upper tray44and a lower tray43. A plurality of cells C inside the ice tray45may be continuously disposed. In this case, the cells C may be disposed horizontally or vertically according to the arrangement direction of the ice tray45. For example, as shown inFIG.14, the plurality of the cells C may be continuously disposed in the horizontal direction, and the ice tray45may be disposed in the horizontal direction (left-and-right direction). Of course, the ice tray45may be disposed in the front-and-rear direction according to the size and arrangement of the space in which the ice maker assembly30is disposed. The upper tray44may be fixedly mounted on the upper surface411of the case, and at least a part of the case upper surface411may be exposed. The upper tray44may be provided with an upper mold442defining the upper portion of the cell C therein, and the upper mold442may be made of a silicone material. A tray opening442aopened to communicate with the cell C may be defined at the upper end of the upper mold442. The ejecting pin461may enter and exit through the tray opening442ato separate the made ice, and water may be supplied by the water supply member49. The water supply member49may be provided at a position corresponding to the cell C formed at one end of the plurality of cells C continuously disposed in the horizontal direction. Therefore, water supplied through the water supply member49may be introduced through one cell C, and may sequentially fills the plurality of cells C continuously disposed in the horizontal direction. In particular, the water supply member49may extend to protrude further laterally than the ice tray45, and the water supply member49may be positioned at a position corresponding to the end of the water supply pipe174located on one side of the upper surface of the inner case102. The bottom surface of the water supply member49is inclined so that water is smoothly supplied to the tray opening of the upper end of the cell C. The lower tray43may be provided below the upper tray44, and may be rotatably mounted by a driving device42including a combination of a motor and a gear. A lower mold432defining the lower portion of the cell C may be disposed inside the lower tray43. When the lower tray43and the upper tray44are coupled to each other and closed, the upper mold442and the lower mold432contact each other to form the spherical cell C and ice can be made. A driving device42may be provided on one side of the ice maker case41, and the driving device42may be connected to the rotation shaft431of the lower tray43to rotate the lower tray43. An ice full detection lever47capable of detecting whether the inside of the ice bin70is full may be connected to the driving device42. The ice full detection lever47may be operated when the driving device42is driven, and may be linked with the operation of the lower tray43. A lower ejector48may be provided on the rear surface of the ice maker case41. The lower ejector48may be located on the trajectory of the lower tray43and may protrude forward. Therefore, when the lower tray43rotates after ice is made in the ice tray45, the lower tray43may press the lower mold432to separate the ice from the lower tray43. The ice tray45may be accommodated inside the ice maker case41, and ice may be made inside the cell C by cold air supplied into the ice maker40. To this end, the ice making guide portion of the distribution duct60may communicate with a space500defined by the coupling of the ice maker case41and the ice maker cover50, and cold air introduced through the ice making guide portion62may cause ice making while passing through the ice maker40. In detail, a downwardly recessed case outlet414may be defined at the front end of the case upper surface411. An outlet guide413that is lowered as it extends forward may be disposed at the rear end of the case outlet414. Therefore, cold air passing through the case upper surface may be guided toward the case outlet141by the outlet guide413. A downwardly recessed case inlet415may be defined at the rear end of the case upper surface411. A rear guide416that rises toward the front may be disposed on the lower surface of the case inlet415. The case inlet415may be connected to the distribution duct60to serve as an inlet through which cold air is introduced toward the ice maker40. Therefore, cold air flowing into the case inlet415may flow forward while being directed upward through the rear guide416, may flow forward while being directed downward through the outlet guide413, and may be discharged to the case outlet414. That is, cold air supplied to pass through the case upper surface411passes through the upper position separated from the case upper surface411. Therefore, it is possible to ensure smooth flow of cold air and minimize interference with components protruding upward from the case upper surface411. In addition, cold air is not intensively supplied to the ice tray45on which the cell C is formed. Therefore, transparent ice can be made by slowing down the freezing speed of the ice made inside the cell C. Of course, a part of cold air flowing to the case upper surface411may flow into the ice maker case41through a plurality of openings defined on the case upper surface411, such as the tray opening442aand the opening through which the ejector46passes, and may cool the ice tray45located inside the ice maker case41as a whole. Cold air guided above the ice maker cover50through the cooling guide portion61of the distribution duct60may be discharged into the space in front of the ice maker assembly30through the ice maker cover50, without flowing into the ice maker40. Hereinafter, the flow of cold air in the freezing compartment12of the refrigerator1having the above structure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.16is a view illustrating the flow of cold air in the freezing compartment. Also,FIG.17is an enlarged view of a portion B ofFIG.16. Also,FIG.18is an enlarged view of a portion C ofFIG.16. Also,FIG.19is a view illustrating simulation results showing a cold air flow state inside the ice maker. As shown in the drawings, cold air generated in the evaporator14by the rotation of the blowing fan155may flow upward through the shroud152. Cold air flowing along the shroud152may be discharged into the freezing compartment12through the cold air discharge port153of the grille pan15and cool the freezing compartment12. A part of cold air forcibly flowed by the blowing fan155may be introduced into the door duct16and the distribution duct60from the upper end of the grille pan15. In detail, cold air discharged from the upper discharge port158along the upper end of the grille pan15, that is, the upper guide portion157, may flow into the door duct16through the duct inlet162of the door duct16, may flow along the door duct passage160inside the door duct16, and may be discharged toward the door ice maker cover251through the duct outlet161. Cold air discharged from the door duct16may flow into the door ice maker253through the cover inlet252of the door ice maker cover251, and may allow the door ice maker253to perform ice making. Cold air discharged through the cold air discharge port153along the upper end of the grille pan15, that is, the front guide portion156, may flow into the distribution duct60, and may be branched in the distribution duct60and supplied to the inside of the ice maker40and the outside of the ice maker40. Cold air discharged from the cold air discharge port153may flow into the distribution duct60. In this case, a part of cold air flowing into the distribution duct60may be branched and supplied into the cooling guide portion61and the ice making guide portion62. A part of cold air flowing into the distribution duct60may flow into the ice maker40through the ice making passage624of the ice making guide portion62. Cold air flowing into the case upper surface411through the case inlet415may be supplied to the space500shielded by the ice maker cover50, and may be supplied toward the ice tray45through the openings of the case upper surface411. Cold air moving forward through the case upper surface411is directed toward the case outlet414by the outlet guide413at the front end of the ice maker case41. Cold air may pass through the case outlet414and move downward through the lower discharge passage318between the front cover31and the ice maker case41, and may be discharged into the freezing compartment12through the lower discharge port317. In this case, as shown inFIG.19, cold air passing through the lower discharge passage318is not transmitted to the front of the front cover31by the cover heat insulating material32, and the front surface of the front cover31may be in a heat insulating state. Therefore, even when cold air flows through the lower discharge passage318, the front surface of the front cover31is prevented from being cooled and condensation may be prevented from occurring. The remaining cold air except for cold air branched into the ice making guide portion62among cold air flowing into the cooling guide portion61may flow into the cover passage530above the ice maker cover50through the cooling passage615. Cold air flowing into the cover passage530may sequentially pass through the front guide surface532and the rear guide surface531, and may be discharged into the space of the freezing compartment12in front of the ice maker assembly30through the cover discharge port313and the front discharge port315. In detail, cold air discharged through the cover passage530is branched by the discharge port guide314. A part of the cold air is introduced into the cover discharge port313by the guidance of the first guide314aand is discharged forward through the cover discharge port313. Cold air discharged forward may be directed toward the door ice maker assembly25, or may cool the inside of the space in the freezing compartment12in front of the ice maker assembly30. In detail, cold air discharged through the cover passage530is branched by the discharge port guide314. The remaining part of the cold air may flow below the first guide314aand may be discharged through the front discharge port315. The front discharge port315may be opened downward, and a part of cold air discharged through the front discharge port315may supply cold air to the front of the front cover31. Therefore, even when condensation or frost is partially formed on the front surface of the front cover31, the condensation or frost may be removed by cold air passing through the front surface of the front cover31. That is, even when condensation or frost is generated on the surface of the front cover31due to the opening of the freezing compartment door21or the defrosting operation, the condensation or frost generated on the front cover31may be removed by the cold air discharged downward through the front discharge port315. As such, cold air discharged into the freezing compartment12may be supplied to the door ice maker253by the door duct16, and a part of the cold air may be supplied into the ice maker40by the distribution duct60and the ice maker cover50. In this manner, ice making is performed. The remaining part of the cold air may be discharged to the space in front of the ice maker assembly30through the space between the ice maker40and the upper surface of the freezing compartment12without passing through the inside of the ice maker40. Therefore, it is possible to evenly supply cold air to the entire inside of the freezing compartment12and to maintain the entire cooling performance of the freezing compartment12while maintaining the ice making performance. In particular, cold air may also be supplied to the upper space of the freezing compartment12covered by the ice maker assembly30, that is, the space between the ice maker assembly30and the freezing compartment door21. Therefore, it is possible to ensure uniform cold air circulation and uniform temperature distribution throughout the freezing compartment12. As such, in a state in which the ice maker40and the door ice maker253are disposed to face each other in the space at the upper end of the freezing compartment12, cold air may be supplied through the three passages. That is, even in a state in which the ice maker assembly30and the door ice maker assembly25are densely disposed in a narrow space above the freezing compartment12, cold air may be supplied to ensure the ice making performance of each of the ice maker40and the door ice maker253, and cold air may be supplied and circulated so that cold air circulation and uniform temperature distribution in the dense upper space of the freezing compartment12are possible. In addition, cold air passing through the upper surface of the ice maker40is discharged into the freezing compartment12through the lower discharge passage318and the lower discharge port317, and the ice tray45is indirectly cooled to delay the ice making time. Ice may be made transparent inside the cell C. Cold air passing through the lower discharge passage318is insulated by the cover heat insulating material32to minimize the transfer of cold air to the front cover31. A part of cold air discharged to the front of the front cover31through the cover passage530may flow downward along the front surface of the front cover31through the front discharge port315. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the formation of condensation or frost on the front surface of the front cover31and to remove the already formed condensation or frost. According to an implementation of the present disclosure, cold air for ice making may be smoothly supplied to the ice maker disposed inside the freezing compartment, the inside of the freezing compartment may be cooled through the cover passage bypassing the ice maker, and cold air may be evenly supplied to the entire inside of the freezing compartment. In addition, even in the structure in which the ice maker is disposed to cover the cold air discharge port, cold air may be bypassed to the space in front of the ice maker through the cover passage by the ice maker cover. Therefore, cold air may be supplied to the entire region of the freezing compartment, and the inside of the freezing compartment has a uniform temperature distribution. In some implementations, cold air supplied to the ice maker can have a passage that passes through the upper surface of the ice maker case and is discharged to the freezing compartment through the case outlet, the lower flow passage, and the lower discharge port. Therefore, most of cold air supplied to the ice maker does not intensively cool the cell portion of the ice tray, and cools the periphery evenly so that ice may be made gradually. Therefore, the ice to be made may be made transparent, thereby improving ice making quality and ice making performance. In addition, when cold air passing through the ice maker is discharged through the lower discharge passage, cold air may block cold air transferred to the front cover may be blocked by the cover heat insulating material. Therefore, there is an effect that may prevent the occurrence of condensation or frost when moisture introduced when the freezing compartment door is opened or closed contacts the front cover. Even if condensation or frost partially occurs on the front surface of the front cover, a part of cold air discharged to the front through the cover passage may be branched and discharged downward through the front discharge port. Therefore, it is possible to remove condensation or frost generated on the front cover by cold air discharged downward from the front discharge port and passing through the front surface of the front cover. That is, even if condensation or frost is generated on the surface of the front cover due to the opening and closing of the freezing compartment door or the defrosting operation, it is possible to remove condensation or frost generated on the front cover by cold air discharged downward through the front discharge port. When the door ice maker is provided in front of the ice maker, that is, on the rear of the door, the space between the ice maker and the door ice maker is close, and thus the supply of cold air may not be smooth. Cold air that bypasses the ice maker and is discharged forward due to the cover passage may be supplied to the space between the ice maker and the door ice maker to enable cold air circulation in a narrow space. Since cold air discharged from the rear side of the freezing compartment is branched into three passages in the upper portion of the freezing compartment and supplied to the door ice maker, the ice maker, and the freezing compartment space between the door ice maker and the ice maker, cold air may be effectively distributed and supplied in the densely arranged upper space of the freezing compartment to secure ice making performance and enable uniform temperature distribution in the narrow upper space of the freezing compartment. The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and various modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the implementations of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure but to describe the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these implementations. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the appending claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure. | 57,449 |
11859891 | DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The inventors have found that existing air freshening systems for appliances continue to need improvement. The following embodiments are examples of air freshener systems that are intended for use in appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers. However, it will be appreciated that such air freshener systems can be readily adapted for use in other enclosed spaces, such as automobile cabins, rooms, and so on. FIGS.1-3illustrate a first embodiment of an air freshener100. The air freshener includes a frame102that defines an enclosure having a first face104, a second face106opposite and spaced from the first face104, and sidewall108extending between the first face104and the second face106. The sidewall108forms an outer perimeter of the enclosure. A passage110is located within the outer perimeter and extends along a passage axis112from the first face104to the second face106. An air freshener medium114is located within the enclosure. The frame102may, be formed of plastic, metal, paper, or other suitable materials. In this example, the frame102comprises a plastic material, such as polyethylene, propylene, polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The frame may be formed by injection molding or other known processes. The air freshener medium114may comprise any chemical or chemicals that help reduce some odors or generate other odors. For example, the air freshener medium114may comprise a mix of one or more of: sodium bicarbonate, activated charcoal, and fragrance-emitting compounds. More details of exemplary air freshener media114are discussed below. In the shown example, the frame102forms a flat enclosure, in which the first face104extends in a first plane, and the second face106extends in a second plane, with the second plane being parallel to and spaced from the first plane. Thus, the first face104and second face106are flat and parallel to one another, giving the frame102a fiat appearance. In other embodiments, the first face104and second face106may have different shapes or different curvatures. For example, the first face104and second face106may comprise flat faces that are not parallel to one another. As another example, one or both of the first face104and the second face106may have a curved shape, such as a cylindrical or spherical shape. The sidewall108extends from the first face104to the second face106, and connects the first face104to the second face106at one or re locations around the perimeter of the enclosure. The sidewall108may be integrally formed with one or both of the first face104and the second face106. In this case, the sidewall108is integrally formed with the second face106to form a housing portion200of the frame102, and the first face104is formed as a lid portion202of the frame102. The housing portion200and lid portion202may be configurable between a closed position (FIG.1) in which the housing portion200and lid portion202form an enclosure that retains the air freshener medium114, and an open position (FIG.2) in which the air freshener medium114may be removed from the frame102for cleaning or replacement. In this case, a latch mechanism may be provided to secure the housing portion200and the lid portion202in the closed position. Any suitable latch may be used, such as a protrusion204on the housing portion200that snaps into a ledge206on the lid portion. Alternatively, the housing portion200and lid portion202may be permanently connected, such as by molding them as a single integral part, or by sealing them together using ultrasonic bonding, adhesives, or the like. The frame102may, comprise multiple separate parts that are connected together, or a unitary structure. In the shown embodiment, the housing portion200and lid portion202are formed as a single plastic molding, in which the housing portion200and lid portion202are connected to one another by one or more unitary hinges208. The hinges208are molded in place and flexible enough to allow the housing portion200and lid portion202to move between the open position and the dosed position. If the frame is made of multiple parts, the hinge208can be eliminated or replaced with a mechanical hinge, such as a pivot pin connection. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. The outer perimeter of the enclosure may have any suitable shape (e.g., oval, circular, square, triangular, rectangular, etc.). In the shown example, the outer perimeter is elongated along a longitudinal direction L to form a rectangular shape as viewed along the passage axis112. The sidewall108, which is located at the outer perimeter, includes a first end wall120at a first longitudinal end of the outer perimeter, and a second end wall122at a second longitudinal end of the outer perimeter. The first and, second end walls120,122may be straight and parallel to one another. In the shown example, each end wall120,122comprises a respective curved outer surface120′,122′, and each curved outer surface120′,122′ is concave (i.e., bowed inwards towards the center of the frame102) as viewed along the passage axis112, The frame102may be dimensioned such that the concave curved outer surface120′,122′ are sized to be grasped by the finger and thumb of a user's hand (e.g., about 3″ to 5″ apart at their nearest points). The outer surfaces120′,122′ also may include ridges or textured surfaces to assist the user with grasping the frame102. Other embodiments may have significantly different dimensions. For example, the enclosure may be extended along the longitudinal direction L, and in width and thickness directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. If the length in the longitudinal direction L exceeds a distance that allows a user to grasp the end walls120,122, then the longitudinal sidewalls may be shaped with recesses or the like to accommodate a user's fingers, or they may simply be flat. In other cases, specific grasping features such as the curved outer surfaces120′,122′ may be omitted entirely. Also, in embodiments in which the size of the frame102is potentially too great to be retained by a single mounting passage110, multiple passages may be provided. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. The frame102includes one or more openings through which ambient air can pass to reach the air freshener medium114. For example, the first face104and second face106each may include one or more openings124. The sidewall108also may include one or more openings126. Furthermore, the frame102may be removed from one or more of the first face104, the second face106or the sidewall108to provide a larger air passage. For example, the first face104and second face106may be connected to one another by the passage110or the air freshener medium itself, thus eliminating the need for any sidewall108structure surrounding the enclosure. In the example ofFIGS.1-3the first face104and second face106each comprise four openings124. The openings124are arranged in respective quadrants of the rectangular frame102, and separated from one another by ribs128. The ribs128extend from the outer perimeter of the frame102and enclosure to the passage110, and provide support to hold the passage110in a fixed position relative to the rest of the frame102. Each rib128may extend from a midpoint of each of the four sides of the rectangular perimeter to connect to the passage110. In this case, the passage110is located at the geometric center of the outer perimeter of the enclosure. In other cases, different arrangements and numbers of ribs128may be used, and the passage110may be located offset from the geometric center of the outer perimeter of the enclosure. The passage110may be formed in various ways. In one example, the passage110may comprise only a first opening through the frame102at the first face104, and a second opening through the frame102at the second face106. In this case, the passage110extends along the passage axis from the first face104to the second face106, but the two openings are not directly connected to one another by a passage structure. More preferably, and as best shown inFIG.3, the passage110may comprise a first passage portion300extending from the frame102at the first face104, and a second passage portion302extending from the frame102at the second face106. The first passage portion300and the second passage portion302are dimensioned to contact one another to form a continuous closed passage110when the housing portion200and the lid portion202are in the closed position. Alternatively, one of the first passage portion300and the second passage portion302may be omitted, and the other extended to reach all the way to the frame102at the opposite side of the enclosure when the parts are in the closed position. A latching mechanism may be provided to secure the first passage portion300directly to the second passage portion302. For example, the first passage portion300may include a male snap fit connector306, and the second passage portion302may include a female snap fit connector304that resiliently engages the male snap fit connector306when the parts are in the closed position. The snap fit connectors304,306secure the first face104to the second face106via the structure of the passage110. Such snap fit connectors304,306may be releasable to open the enclosure, or permanently engaged (i.e., cannot be separated without damaging the parts). In other embodiments, there may be no latching mechanism, or the first and second passage portions300,302may be retained together loosely be slip-fit portions. In still other embodiments, the first and second passage portions300,302may be permanently connected by adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or the like. The first passage portion300and second passage portion302may be integrally formed with the housing portion200and lid portion202of the frame102, respectively, making them permanently attached to the underlying structure. Alternatively, one or both of the first passage portion300and the second passage portion302may be formed separately and attached, either permanently or removably, to the remainder of the frame102. In still other embodiments, such as those in which the frame102comprises a single unitary structure, the passage110may comprise a unitary passage extending from the opening at the first face104to the opening at the second face106. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Referring now also toFIGS.4A and4B, the air freshener medium114may be provided in any suitable physical form. For example, the air freshener medium114may comprise a pleated sheet400of nonwoven or woven paper or fabric having odor neutralizing or fragrance compounds impregnated into the sheet400. The pleats402comprise folds in the sheet400, with all of the pleats402preferably being folded in the same direction. As used herein, the direction of the fold is direction parallel to the axis about which the fold is made. The folding axis404for one pleat402is illustrated inFIG.4A, and the folding direction is shown by arrow D. Other embodiments may have pleats folded in different directions, such as in a radial pattern. Pleats402increase the surface area of the air freshener medium114relative to a flat sheet of material bounded by the same perimeter, thus enhancing the amount of odor neutralizing capacity of the air freshener medium114. The folding direction D may be selected to obtain certain benefits. For example, in an embodiment in which the frame102forms an elongated enclosure (e.g., rectangular or oval), the folding direction D may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the frame102, such as shown inFIG.1. In this configuration, and the orientation of the pleats402creates relatively short passages along the lengths of the pleats402to minimize the distance the air must travel to reach the inner portions the air freshener medium114. In addition, the frame102may be configured to better facilitate air interaction with the pleats402. For example, the sidewall108may include openings126located along the folding direction D at one or both ends of one or more of the pleats402. Thus, air can flow through the openings126and then through the pleats402with relatively little impediment. The embodiment ofFIG.1includes openings126at both ends of approximately half of the pleats402, which is expected to significantly increase the deodorizing capacity of the air freshener medium as compared to a configuration in which the openings126are omitted. In other embodiments, the body of the air freshener medium114may be provided in different forms. For example, rather than having a body comprising a pleated sheet, the body may comprise a foam material, a cloth material (e.g., a sheet or corrugated cloth), a sachet or bag, or the like. In each case, the odor treating chemicals may be impregnated into the material and/or contained within a receptacle within the material in solid, powder, gel or other form. In still other embodiments, the air freshener medium114may comprise a molded block of deodorizing compound, such as a block of air-dissolvable material containing the deodorizing compound. In still other embodiments, the air freshener medium114may comprise a liquid or gel that is retained in the frame102by vapor pervious sheets covering the openings124,126. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4A, the air freshener medium114comprises an opening406corresponding the passage110. The opening406extends along the passage110, and if the passage110includes a structure that extends into or through the enclosure, the opening406may surround that structure. The opening406may be made in any suitable way. In the case of the shown pleated air freshener medium114, the opening406may be formed by die-cutting the air freshener medium114either before or after it is pleated. Alternatively, the opening406may be provided by perforations that user tears when installing the air freshener medium114into the frame102, or the air freshener medium114may be provided with instructions for the user to cut it using a knife or scissors to fit over the passage110. In other embodiments, the opening406may be molded or formed in place without requiring a separate step to remove it. The opening406may be encircled by the air freshener medium114, such as shown inFIG.4A, but this is not strictly required. In other embodiments the opening406may comprise a notch that extends to the outer perimeter of the air freshener medium114, such that the air freshener medium114has a U-shape or the like. In still other embodiments, the air freshener medium114may be provided as two or more parts that are placed in respective sides of the enclosure to surround or partially surround the passage. For example, as shown inFIG.4B, the pleated sheet400may be split into two pieces400a,400b, one of which is placed on either longitudinal side of the passage110. The two pieces400a,400bmay remain spaced from each other when installed (i.e., they do not wrap around the passage110to touch each other), or they may be sized to wrap at least partially around the passage110. Where the air freshener medium114is potentially subject to sliding or moving within the compartment formed by the frame102, the frame102also may include locating ribs (not shown) or other structures to hold the air freshener medium114in place. For example, ribs may be provided to capture the portions of a split pleated sheet400in particular locations within the compartment, either by being located outside the perimeter of the sheet portions, or by fitting into the pleats. In this embodiment, the ribs128also may be reconfigured (e.g., widened) to fully cover any open space that might be present between the two pieces400a,400bof the pleated sheet400. The use of separate pieces400a,400balso permits the two pieces400a,400b(or however many are used) to be made with different odor-reducing compositions, made with different constructions (e.g., a pleated sheet on one side and a block of deodorizing material on the other side), and so on. As another example, the enclosure can have one or more internal partitions to hold multiple similar or different air freshener media (e.g., one deodorizer medium, and one fragrance medium). Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. FIG.5illustrates another exemplary embodiment, in which the frame102is essentially removed from the second face106to provide a larger air passage through the second face106. Ribs128are provided on the first face104to hold the passage110in place, but are not provided on the second face106. Thus, the second face106is reduced to a generally empty plane having portions of the frame102located only at the outer perimeter of the enclosure and at the passage110. The air freshener medium114may be removable through the open second face106. For example, narrow lips500may extend from the frame102and passage110to hold the outermost edge of the air freshener medium114during normal use, but when it is desired to change the air freshener medium114, the air freshener medium114may be squeezed past the lip500. Alternatively, the air freshener medium114be permanently attached to the frame102by adhesives or the like. FIG.5also shows an embodiment in which the frame102comprises a single unitary structure, such as a single molded plastic part. In this case, the passage110may comprise a unitary passage extending from the opening at the first face104to the opening at the second face106. FIGS.6A and6Bshow another embodiment, in which the frame1032is formed by a sheet600of material, such as paper or cardboard. The sheet600is folded and secured to itself to form the frame102and enclosure.FIG.6Ashows the sheet600in a flat state, andFIG.6Bshows the sheet600folded to form the frame102and enclosure. As shown inFIG.6A, the first face104is formed integrally with the second face106and sidewall108. The sidewall108comprises multiple portions that are folded at 90 degrees to the first face104to form the perimeter of the enclosure. Integral tabs602may be included to form overlapping portions of the sidewall108, to provide locations for gluing or otherwise bonding the sidewall portions together. The second face106is folded to be parallel to the first face104and cover the enclosure. Additional integral tabs604may be provided as locations to glue or attach the second face106to the sidewall108. The first face104and sidewall108include openings124,126to provide airflow to the air freshener medium. The first face104and the second face106also include respective openings to form two ends of the passage110. In this case, the passage110extends along a passage axis from the first face104to the second face106, but the passage is formed only as end segments defined by the openings through the first face104and the second face106, and does not have a structure joining the first face104to the second face106. Embodiments of air fresheners may be used on its own, in which case it is simply placed into a compartment or other space where the active compositions can remove odors or provide scents. More preferably, however, it is used in conjunction with a mounting system for securing the air freshener to the appliance.FIGS.7through9illustrate one example of an air freshener mounting system that is configured for use in refrigerator or other appliance having a closable compartment or chamber. In this case,the air freshener100having a frame and air freshener medium (such as described above), is secured to a cover700, and the cover700is secured to a mounting location within the appliance. It will be appreciated that the cover700may be omitted, and the securement made directly to the mounting location in the appliance, or other covers or mounting arrangements may be used. The cover700has a cover body702and one or more posts704extending from the cover body. The posts704are configured to install in the passage110of the frame102to secure the frame102to the cover700. The cover body702preferably is larger than the outer perimeter of the air freshener's enclosure, so as to wrap around at least part of the air freshener100. Preferably, the cover body702is large enough to entirely surround the air freshener100as viewed along the passage axis112. In the shown example, the air freshener100is elongated in a longitudinal direction, and the cover700is similarly elongated. When the air freshener100is attached to the cover700, the cover body702surrounds the sides and one face of the air freshener100, and the entire air freshener100may be within a volume formed by the cover body702. The cover body702may have one or more openings706passing therethrough to provide air ventilation through the cover700to the air freshener100. However, such ventilation may be provided by air bypassing the outer edge of the cover body702, or otherwise accessing the air freshener100without going through the cover700. The cover700also may include one or more connectors708configured to secure the cover700to a dedicated air freshener mount900located in an appliance902such as a refrigerator or freezer. The mount900may comprise, for example, a recess or surface that is shaped to receive the cover700and air freshener100, and has connectors corresponding to those on the cover700. In the shown example, the connectors708are spring clips, but other devices may be used. When installed, the cover700preferably holds the air freshener100in place, with the frame102between the cover body702and the air freshener mount900. The posts704(or post, if only one is used) are positioned relative to the passage110to ensure proper placement of the air freshener100. In the shown example, the posts704are positioned to hold the air freshener100at a passage110located at the geometric center of the air freshener100as viewed along the passage axis112. Additional supports to hold the air freshener100may also be provided. For example, as shown inFIG.7, the cover body702may include one or more locating protrusions710that are positioned adjacent the frame102when the air freshener100is properly installed in the cover700. In this example, the air freshener100is elongated and has concave curved end walls at its opposite longitudinal ends, such as described above, and the cover700has locating protrusions710in the form of arcuate ribs that fit within the concavity defined by the concave curved end walls of the air freshener100. Each protrusion710is located outside the outer perimeter of the enclosure and may be slightly spaced from or in contact with the frame sidewall108. Thus, the protrusions710provide support to prevent the air freshener100from rotating about the posts702or translating in the longitudinal direction of the air freshener100. Other embodiments may use different locating protrusion710, or the locating protrusions710may be omitted. The posts704are configured to interact with the passage110to hold the air freshener100in place on the cover700. In this example, each post704comprises a stem712that extends from the cover body702, and a hook714that extends laterally (i.e. perpendicularly) from the stem704. The hooks714of the two posts704extend in opposite lateral directions, to thereby extend away from one another. The stems712are dimensioned to fit within the passage110, and the hooks714are dimensioned to wrap around a lip formed in or at the end of the passage110. For example, the hooks714may wrap around the outer face of the passage110where it meets the first face104and the second face106(depending on which face104,106is located away from the cover700). In this example, the posts704extend all the way through the passage110. In another example, the passage110may have an internal lip that the hooks714wrap around to hold the air freshener100in place, and in this case the posts704need not extend all the way through the passage. The stems712are cantilevered from the cover body702, and are flexible to allow the hooks714to move towards each other to install or remove the air freshener100from the cover700. To assist with this movement during installation, one or both hooks714may have a beveled distal surface716that faces away from the cover body702and is sloped away from the stem712in the proximal direction (i.e., distal surface716is relatively close to the stem712at a point on the stem712that is more distant from the cover body702, and relatively far from the stem712at a point on the stem712that is less distant from the cover body702). Thus, applying a force to push the passage110onto the posts704will generate a corresponding force on the beveled distal surface716to move the posts704together to allow the hooks714to retract and enter the passage110. Similarly, one or both hooks714may have a beveled proximal surfaces718that faces towards the cover body702. The beveled proximal surfaces718are sloped to extend away from the stems712at greater distances from the cover body702. Thus, a force to pull the air freshener100off of the posts704will generate a force on the beveled proximal surface718to retract the hooks714. The passage110also may be configured to help facilitate easy installation and removal of the air freshener100from the cover700. For example, referring toFIG.1, the passage110may terminate at the first face104at an opening130having a beveled entryway132. The beveled entryway132extends towards the second face106(i.e., it sloped down towards the passage110in a direction towards the second face106). Similarly, the passage110may terminate at the second face106at an opening having a beveled entryway that extends towards the first face104(the second face106in this respect may be a essentially identical or a mirror image of the first face104, thus the illustration of the beveled entryway132and opening130on the first face104also illustrates and example of a beveled entryway and opening on the second face106). The beveled entryways132act similarly to the beveled distal surfaces716and beveled proximal surfaces718described above. Specifically, the beveled entryways132convert a portion of a force installing or removing the air freshener100into a lateral force to compress the posts704together. It will be appreciated that embodiments may include beveled surfaces716,718on the hooks714, and the beveled entryways132, to make installation and removal easier. However, other embodiments may omit one or more of the beveled surfaces716,718and beveled entryways132. For example, where it is desired to make removal of the air freshener more difficult (e.g., to prevent accidental release), the beveled proximal surfaces718and beveled entryways132may be replaced by surfaces that extend perpendicular to the passage axis112. In such case, the air freshener100may be removable by manually squeezing the posts704together to release the hooks714. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. The foregoing embodiment uses two posts704that have oppositely-directed snap fit connectors that engage the passage110to hold the air freshener100in place on the cover700. This arrangement, along with the symmetrical configuration of the air freshener100, allows the air freshener100to be installed in as many as four different orientations on the cover700(i.e., first face104facing the cover body702; first face104facing the cover body702with the air freshener100rotated 180 degrees about the passage axis112; second face106facing the cover body702; and second face106facing the cover body702with the air freshener100rotated 180 degrees about the passage axis112). Although desirable in this embodiment, this installation flexibility is not strictly required. Other embodiments also may use different arrangements of posts. For example, the two posts704may be replaced by a single post having a movable or removable fastener (e.g., a pivoting catch, a screw, a twist-lock fitting, etc.) that is moved aside or removed to install or remove the air freshener100. The posts704also may comprise more than two posts, such as three posts to engage a triangular passage110. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. In still other embodiments, the posts704or other mounting mechanisms er structures may be provided on something other than a cover700. For example, the posts704may protrude directly from an inner wall of a refrigerator cabinet, as shown by the mounting posts904inFIG.9. In such a configuration, an additional cover (not shown) may be provided to attach over the air freshener, such as by attaching the cover to the wall or to the air freshener. Alternatively, the air freshener may have an integral cover formed as part of or permanently attached to the frame. For example, one face104,106may be formed as a solid or mostly solid wall, which may be shaped to blends into the surrounding portions of the cabinet wall to provide a desirable aesthetic appearance. As another alternative, no cover may be provided over the air freshener. FIGS.10A-10Eshow various exemplary embodiments for connecting the air freshener passage110and the mounting post or posts704(which may be in the cover700, or extend from a cabinet wall or the like). FIG.10Ashows the embodiment ofFIG.1as viewed along the passage axis112. Here, it can be seen that the passage110has a first perimeter portion1000and a second perimeter portion1002facing and parallel to the first perimeter portion1000. The posts704extend in the passage110, with one post704positioned adjacent to the first perimeter portion1000and the other post positioned adjacent to the second perimeter portion1002when the frame is secured to the posts704. In this case, the first perimeter portion1000and second perimeter portion1002face one another and are parallel to one another. Sidewalls1004may be provided to join the first perimeter portion1000to the second perimeter portion1002, and thereby enclose the passage110. The sidewalls1004in this example are also straight and parallel to one another, and extend perpendicular to the first and second perimeter portions1000,1002, making the passage a rectangular or square shape as viewed along the passage axis112. It will be appreciated that the passage and posts can have alternative shapes and configurations. For example, the passage may be triangular, and three posts may be provided in a matching triangular shape. As another example, the passage and post may have matching circular shapes or other matching shapes. It will also be appreciated that embodiments may include passages that are not rectangular, but nevertheless can properly engage the posts704as described above.FIGS.10B-Fshow examples of such passage shapes. InFIG.10B, the passage110ends at a circular opening that surrounds the passage110. InFIG.10C, the passage110ends at a parallelogram-shaped (or trapezoidal) opening that surrounds the passage110. InFIG.10D, the passage110ends at an opening having a “pill” shape having parallel facing surfaces joined by curved surfaces (the pill shape may be oriented as shown, or at 90 degrees or other angles to the shown example). InFIG.10E, the passage110ends at an opening having a rectilinear shape in the form a “picket” having two parallel side walls joined by V-shaped end walls. In Figure F, the passage110ends at an opening having an “H” or “dogbone” shape, having two opposed convex end walls that protrude into the passage100, and straight walls joining the convex walls. In each case, when the air freshener100is installed on the posts704, portions of the passage110perimeter lie under the hooks714at four or more discrete points. Two points1006lie under the hook714of one post704, and two points1008lie under the hook714of the other post704. Each pair of points1006,1008is arranged on or near respective line L1, L2. The lines L1, L2are parallel to one another, and the stems712of the posts704are located between the lines. Thus, all of the foregoing shapes (and others having appropriate point locations) can operate with the posts704to retain the air freshener100in place. It will appreciated that the shape of the passage perimeter can be modified to reduce the spacing between the points1006,1008. For example, in the embodiment of Figure F, one of the dogbone protrusions1010may be made very narrow so as to move points1008close together. It will also be appreciated that one or more of the points1006,1008may not be a contact point between the hooks714and the air freshener100. For example, the perimeter of the passage110may have undulations or recesses that form a gap between the frame102and the hooks714at one or more of the points1006,1008. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. The present disclosure describes a number of inventive features and/or combinations of features that may be used alone or in combination with each other or in combination with other technologies. The embodiments described herein are all exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. It will also be appreciated that the inventions described herein can be modified and adapted in various ways, and all such modifications and adaptations are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. | 33,738 |
11859892 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Described below are various implementations of methods and systems for cooling (e.g., blast freezing) items such as perishable foodstuffs that have previously been packed as groups of items onto shipping and storage pallets. The systems and techniques discussed herein provide simple and easily scalable blast cells that prevent short cycling of air flow through the items in blast cells. Each blast cell can include a plurality of suction channels that provide independent fluid pathways for directing the air drawn from different rows in the blast cell into the fan. Referring toFIG.1, an example blast cell system100is configured to cool items loaded therein. Although the blast cell system100is primarily described herein as a freezer, it is understood that the blast cell system100can be used as a chiller with or without modification. The blast cell system100can include one or more blast cells102, each configured to receive items and operate to cool the items loaded therein. In the illustrated example, the blast cells102are arranged side-by-side. In other examples, at least one of the blast cells102is arranged at a distance from an adjacent blast cell102. Other configurations are also possible. In this example, the blast cell system100can be tens of feet wide and high, such as, for example, 10-100 feet wide and 10-50 feet high. The blast cell system100can be located inside a storage building, such as in a typical warehouse, and can rest on a concrete or similar floor. In some embodiments, the blast cells102are separated from each other and structured as a standalone apparatus. For example, the blast cells102are modularized so that the blast cells102are structurally identical or similar to each other. A desired number of blast cells102can be installed together, such as side-by-side as illustrated inFIG.1, to provide the blast cell system100. In other examples, the blast cell system100has a single space between opposite side walls104,106which is partitioned by one or more middle walls to create multiple blast cells102. In some embodiments, the blast cells102are operated simultaneously under the same operational scheme. In other embodiments, at least one of the blast cells102is operable individually. For example, some blast cells102can be operated under different operational schemes from the other blast cells102. Referring toFIGS.2-4, an example of the blast cell102is further described. The blast cell102can include a housing110, a door120, a fan130, an air suction channel assembly140, and an intake plenum150. The housing110has a front side122, a rear side125opposite to the front side122, a top side126, and an opposite bottom side127. The front side122can provide an opening for entrance through which items90are carried for loading or unloading. As described herein, the entrance can be selectively closed or opened with the door120. The blast cell102can be installed for operation with the bottom side127of the housing110placed on the ground or other structure. The housing110includes opposite side walls118that generally extend between the front and rear sides122and125and between the top and bottom sides126and127. In some embodiments, the blast cell102is configured to have a narrower width between the side walls118of the housing110than a distance (e.g., a depth) between the front and rear sides122and125or a distance (e.g., a height) between the top and bottom sides126and127. Such a narrower width can improve circulation of air that generally flows in parallel with the surfaces of the side walls118by limiting air flow in non-parallel directions, e.g., directions at angles (e.g., perpendicular) to the surfaces of the side walls118. The housing110defines a bay space112in which items90are loaded for cooling. As illustrated inFIG.3, in some embodiments, the items90can be stacked on pallets92, and the pallets92are carried and held in the bay space112so that the items90can be cooled in the blast cell102. The items90, such as boxes or packages, can be stacked in multiple rows on each pallet92, and the items90in adjacent rows can be spaced apart by a separator to provide a room to allow air flow between the adjacent rows of items. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.4, the housing110of the blast cell102is configured to provide a plurality of levels114in the bay space112. In the illustrated example, the plurality of levels114are arranged to form different rows in the bay space112. In other embodiments, the plurality of levels114can be arranged in different orientations to form, for example, different columns or different sections defined by multiple rows and columns. In the illustrated example, the housing110includes three levels (e.g. rows)114A,114B, and114C (collectively114). Each level114is configured to hold the items90thereon. The blast cell102can provide one or more structures116that separate the levels114and hold the items90on the respective levels114. For example, the structures116can include one or more shelves on which the items90and/or pallets92are placed. Other configurations of the structures116are also possible, such as flanges extending from at least one of the opposite side walls118of the blast cell102. In some embodiments, the blast cell102is configured to open for loading of items into the bay space112. For example, the blast cell102includes the door120that is arranged at the front side122of the housing110. The door120is configured to at least partially open the front side122of the housing110to provide an entrance124to the bay space112. The door120can be of various types. For example, the door120can be configured to swing out, swing up, roll up, or slide to side to open up the entrance124. When the door120is placed, the door120encloses the bay space112for cooling the items90loaded herein. The door120is schematically illustrated as covering the front side122of the housing110inFIGS.2and3, and removed to open the front side122inFIG.4. When the door120is at least partially removed to provide the entrance124, the items90can be loaded at one or more of the levels114. In some embodiments, a vehicle94, such as a forklift, can enter the bay space112through the entrance124to place or remove pallets92of items. The blast cell102further includes the fan130configured to circulate air through the bay space112. In some embodiments, the fan130can operate to pull the air from a rearward region162of the bay space112. The fan130can further operate to discharge the air toward a forward region164of the bay space112opposite to the rearward region162. In some embodiments, the fan130is arranged away from the bay space112. The fan130is arranged to be spaced apart from the bay space112and not abutted with the part (e.g., a boundary wall) of the housing that defines the bay space112. For example, the fan130can be arranged adjacent or within the intake plenum150that is positioned at an upper side of the housing110. The blast cell102can include a spacing structure166arranged between the intake plenum150and the bay space112. The spacing structure166provides spacing between the intake plenum150and the bay space112so that the intake plenum150is not abutted with the boundary wall of the bay space112. The spacing structure166can provide an additional room for the suction channel assembly140to increase the length of its extension from the bay space112toward the fan130. Such an extended length of the suction channel assembly140between the bay space112and the fan130allows providing streamlined curvatures in air passages and removing sharp edges or curves throughout the suction channel assembly140that would cause air to turn abruptly. The spacing structure166can be at least partially hollow in some embodiments. Other embodiments of the spacing structure166can be configured as a solid body, or a hollow body filled with elements or materials. In this example, the fan130is located at the rear-top of the housing110of the blast cell102. In other implementations, the fan130can be located in other positions, such as at the bottom of the blast cell102or at one or both sides of the blast cell102. In other embodiments, each blast cell102can include multiple fans, such as one at the top of the blast cell102and one at the bottom thereof. The fan130can take a variety of appropriate forms, including propeller fans, axial fans, and centrifugal fans. The fan130can be sized to provide the required volume of air across expected pressure drops for the overall circulation through the blast cell102when it is loaded partially and fully. In the blast cell system100, a plurality of fans130can be arrayed horizontally adjacent to each other across the top rear corner of an array of the blast cells102, as illustrated inFIG.1. The fans130can be independently operated to meet different needs in different blast cells102. For example, particular ones of the fans130can be turned off when no air circulation is needed in particular blast cells102. Cooling coils (e.g., evaporators) (not shown) can be placed in the blast cell102or adjacent to it. For example, the cooling coils can be placed against the upstream or downstream faces of the fan130, or can be placed in the intake plenum150or another plenum or area where the air circulates so as to receive warmed air and provide cooled air. In other embodiments, the cooling coils can be placed out of the main air circulation for the blast cell102, such as on the roof of a building, and a single bank of cooling coils can serve multiple blast cells. In such an instance, a pair of taps can be made into the intake plenum150or another part of the air circulation of the blast cell102, where one tap can draw air out of the blast cell102, and the other can return the cooled air into the blast cell102, so that it can blend in with the main airflow of the blast cell102. The fan130can be connected to a fan controller170, as illustrated inFIG.4. The fan controller170controls the operation of the fan130. In some embodiments, the fan controller170includes a variable-frequency drive that varies the fan speeds as the need for different volumes of air circulation changes. Other drive systems can be used in the fan controller170in other embodiments. Referring still toFIGS.2-4, the blast cell102includes the suction channel assembly140that has a plurality of channels141. The channels141are arranged between the rearward region162of the bay space112and the fan130. Each of the channels141defines a fluid pathway142from a level114in the bay space112toward the fan130. The channel141is configured to direct air flow from the rearward region162of the bay space112toward the fan130through the fluid pathway142. In some embodiments, a plurality of channels141are provided for respective levels142in the bay space112. In other embodiments, the blast cell102includes more or less channels141than the number of levels142in the bay space112. In yet other embodiments, the blast cell102can include a single channel140where the blast cell102has a single level114in the bay space112. In yet other embodiments, the blast cell102can include a single channel140for a plurality of levels114in the bay space112. The suction channel assembly140extends between a drawing end144and a discharging end146. The drawing end144is open at the rearward region162of the bay space112and in fluid communication with the bay space112. The discharging end146is open at the rearward end154of the intake plenum150and in fluid communication with the intake plenum150(e.g., the air inlet portion156thereof). In some embodiments, the suction channel assembly140is arranged at the rear side125of the housing110. The channels141of the suction channel assembly140can be arranged between the rearward region162of the bay space112and the rearward end154of the intake plenum150, and provide air pathways142between the rearward region162of the bay space112and the rearward end154of the intake plenum150. The plurality of channels141of the suction channel assembly140can be formed by providing one or more channel walls148in the suction channel assembly140. The suction channel assembly140is configured to be curved from the drawing end144and the discharging end146to provide streamlined air flow from the drawing end144to the discharging end146. In some embodiments, inner and outer walls182and184of the suction channel assembly140are curved outwardly (toward the rear side125of the housing110), and the channel walls148are similarly curved outwardly (toward the rear side125of the housing110). Other configurations for the walls are also possible. In some embodiments, the suction channel assembly140is shaped to be narrower at the discharging end146(close to the fan130) than the drawing end144(close to the bay space112) to create a funnel effect (under Bernoulli's principle), thereby increasing suction power at the discharging end146close to the fan130. In other words, the drawing end144is configured to be larger in dimension than the discharging end146. For example, the drawing end144has a neck width D1 larger than a neck width D2 of the discharging end146. The width W of the suction channel assembly140can gradually become smaller from the neck width D1 of the drawing end144to the neck width D2 of the discharging end146. The neck width D1 of the drawing end144can be sized to accommodate at least a part of the height of the bay space112. The neck width D2 of the discharging end146can be sized to be fluidly connected to the air inlet portion156of the intake plenum150before the fan130. The neck width D1 can range between about 100 inches and about 500 inches in some embodiments, or between about 200 inches and about 300 inches in other embodiments. In yet other embodiments, the neck width D1 can be about 240 inches. Other sizes of the neck width D1 are also possible. The neck width D2 can range between about 20 inches and about 200 inches in some embodiments, or between about 30 inches and about 100 inches. In yet other embodiments, the neck width D2 can be about 48 inches. Other sizes of the neck width D2 are also possible. Similarly, a drawing end194of each channel141is configured to be larger in dimension than a discharging end196of that channel141. For example, the drawing end194of each channel141has a neck width D1A, D1B, or D1C larger than a neck width D2A, D2B, or D2C of the discharging end146of that channel141. The neck width D1A, D1B, or D1C of the drawing end144of each channel141can be sized to accommodate at least part of the height of each level114A,114B, or114C of the bay space112. The neck width D2A, D2B, or D2C of the discharging end146of each channel141can be sized to be fluidly connected to the air inlet portion156of the intake plenum150before the fan130. The width W1, W2, or W2 of each channel141can gradually become smaller from the neck width D1A, D1B, or D1C of the drawing end144to the neck width D2A, D2B, or D2C of the discharging end146. In some embodiments, the neck widths D1A, D1B, and D1C of the drawing ends194of the channels141are identical. In other embodiments, at least one of the neck widths D1A, D1B, and D1C of the drawing ends194of the channels141is different from the other neck width(s). In some embodiments, the neck widths D2A, D2B, and D2C of the discharging ends196of the channels141are identical. In other embodiments, at least one of the neck widths D2A, D2B, and D2C of the discharging ends196of the channels141is different from the other neck width(s). The neck width D1A, D1B, or D1C each can range between about 30 inches and about 200 inches in some embodiments, or between about 70 inches and 100 inches in other embodiments. In yet other embodiments, the neck width D1A, D1B, or D1C can be around 80 inches respectively. Other sizes of the neck width D1A, D1B, or D1C are also possible. The neck widths D2A, D2B, and D2C each can range between about 5 inches and about 80 inches in some embodiments, or between about 8 inches and 40 inches in other embodiments. In yet other embodiments, the neck width D2A, D2B, and D2C can be around 16 inches respectively. Other sizes of the neck width D2A, D2B, and D2C are also possible. In embodiments where the neck width D1 of the drawing end144is larger than the neck width D2 of the discharging end146, curvatures of the walls182,148, and184become gradually larger in an outward direction (toward the rear side125of the housing). For example, the outer wall184has a curvature larger than an adjacent channel wall148and the inner wall182, and a channel wall148located closer to the outer wall184has a curvature larger than the adjacent channel wall148. The radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall182can range between about 20 inches and about 200 inches in some embodiments, and can be about 81 inches in other embodiments. The radius of curvature R4 of the first channel wall148A can range between about 25 inches and about 300 inches in some embodiments, and can be about 184 inches in other embodiments. The radius of curvature R5 of the second channel wall148B can range between about 30 inches and about 400 inches in some embodiments, and can be about 318 inches in other embodiments. The radius of curvature R6 of the outer wall184can range between about 35 inches and about 500 inches in some embodiments, and can be about 471 inches in other embodiments. The smaller size of the neck width D2 of the discharging end146(or the neck widths D2A, D2B, and D2C of the discharging ends196) than the neck width D1 of the drawing end144(or the neck widths D1A, D1B, and D1C of the drawing ends194) increases a vacuum cleaner effect at the back of the fan130and effectively draws air from each level114of the bay space112. Referring still toFIGS.2-4, in some embodiments, the blast cell102includes the intake plenum150. The intake plenum150provides a conduit for air flow between the rearward region162and the forward region164of the bay space112. The intake plenum150has a forward end152and a rearward end154. The forward end152can be in fluid communication with the forward region164of the bay space112, and the rearward end154can be in fluid communication with the rearward region162of the bay space112. In some embodiments, the intake plenum150is arranged at the top side126of the housing110and extends across the bay space112. In other embodiments, the intake plenum150can be arranged in different locations, such as at the bottom side127of the housing while extending across the bay space112. The intake plenum150can be arranged to be spaced apart from the bay space112. For example, the intake plenum150is arranged at a distance from the bay space112with the spacing structure166between the intake plenum150and the bay space112. In some embodiments, the spacing structure166is configured to provide spacing between the intake plenum150and the bay space112to allow the channels141to gradually extend from the bay space112and the fan130, thereby creating streamlined air flow passage without abrupt turns into the fan130. The fan130can be arranged relative to the intake plenum150to create air flow from the rearward end154of the intake plenum150toward the forward end152of the intake plenum150. In some embodiments, the fan130is arranged adjacent the rearward end154of the intake plenum150. For example, the fan130is arranged in the passage of the intake plenum150close to the rearward end154that is in fluid communication with the plurality of channels141. In embodiments where the plurality of channels141is arranged between the rearward region162of the bay space112and the rearward end154of the intake plenum150, the fan130operates to draw air from the rearward region162of the bay space112into the rearward end154of the intake plenum150through the fluid pathways142defined by the channels141. In other embodiments, the fan130can be arranged in different locations within the intake plenum150. The intake plenum150can have an air inlet portion156to which air is drawn into the intake plenum150at the rearward end154. In some embodiments, the air inlet portion156is formed at a corner157where the rear side125of the housing110and the top side126of the housing110meet. The air inlet portion156is fluidly connected to a discharging end146of the suction channel assembly140. In some embodiments, the channel walls148of the suction channel assembly140do not extend into the air inlet portion156as illustrated inFIG.4. In these embodiments, the air drawn from the discharging end146of the suction channel assembly140turns at the corner157and flow into the fan130, as depicted as arrow270inFIG.6. In other embodiments, the channel walls148of the suction channel assembly140can extend into the air inlet portion156to guide air flow between the suction channel assembly140and the fan130at the corner. In yet other embodiments, the channel walls148of the suction channel assembly140can extend into the air inlet portion156and up to, or close to, the inlet of the fan130to further guide the air flow at the corner. The intake plenum150can have an air outlet portion158to which air is discharged from the intake plenum150at the forward end152. In some embodiments, the air outlet portion158is formed at a corner where the front side122of the housing110and the top side126of the housing110meet. The air outlet portion158is fluidly connected to the forward region164of the bay space112. The air outlet portion158is configured to direct air passing through the intake plenum150into the forward region164of the bay space112. In some embodiments, the air outlet portion158is configured to provide a curved conduit172with opposite inner and outer curved walls174and176to turn air flow at the corner. As described herein, the air outlet portion158can include an air flow guide250configured to streamline air flow at the corner and reduce turbulence. Referring now toFIGS.5and6, in some embodiments, the blast cell102includes an air flow guide250configured to reduce turbulent air and enhance air circulation in the blast cell102. The air flow guide250can be arranged at one or more corners or sharp portions in the housing110and configured to streamline air flow and reduce turbulence thereat. Examples of the air flow guide250include a turning vane assembly252(FIGS.5and6) and a ramp254(FIG.6). As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the turning vane assembly252is configured to provide one or more curved air passages at a corner in the housing110. In some embodiments, the turning vane assembly252is provided at the air outlet portion158of the intake plenum150and configured to guide air flow discharging from the intake plenum150. The turning vane assembly252can include a plurality of turning vanes253that define curved air passages. The turning vanes253can be defined by one or more curved vane walls256arranged between the inner and outer curved walls276of the air outlet portion158of the intake plenum150. In some embodiments, the vane walls256are spaced apart equally so that the turning vanes253have the same width along the lengths of the turning vanes253. In other embodiments, at least one of the vane walls256is spaced apart at a different distance. In some embodiments, the curved walls276and the inner and outer curved walls174and176are curved at the same curvature. In other embodiments, at least one of the curved walls276and the inner and outer curved walls174and176is curved at a different curvature from the other walls. The radius of curvature R1 of the inner curved wall174can range between about 30 inches and about 200 inches in some embodiments, and can be about 80 inches in other embodiments. The radius of curvature R2 of the outer curved wall176can range between about 80 inches and about 300 inches in some embodiments, and can be about 130 inches in other embodiments. The radius of curvature of the curved walls276can be selected to be suitable between the radii of curvature R1 and R2 of the inner and outer curved walls174and176. As illustrated inFIG.6, the ramp254is configured to provide a surface along which air flows efficiently. In some embodiments, the ramp254is provided at a lower corner260in the forward region164of the bay space112. For example, the ramp252is arranged between the forward region164of the bay space112and the entrance124of the housing110. As the lower corner260is positioned close to the entrance124of the housing110, the lower corner260forms typically a sharp angle (e.g., a right angle) which can create turbulence in air circulation. The ramp252provides a streamlined surface262that promotes efficient air flow at the lower corner260. In some embodiments, the surface262of the ramp252can be curved inwardly (e.g., concave) as illustrated inFIG.6. In other embodiments, the surface262can be straight or curved outwardly (e.g., convex). In some embodiments, the ramp254can be removably placed at the lower corner260. For example, the ramp254is placed at the lower corner260when the entrance124is closed with the door120. The ramp254is removed from the lower corner260to open the entrance124so that the items90can be freely carried through the entrance124by, e.g., the forklift94(FIG.4). Although not depicted, the air flow guide250can be provided to other locations in the blast cell102to reduce turbulence in air circulation. For example, the turning vanes253, the ramp254, and/or other similar features can be provided at a corner in the air inlet portion156of the intake plenum150to guide air flow turning from the outlet of the suction channel assembly140into the fan130. Referring now toFIG.7, an example method300for cooling items using the blast cell system100is described. In general, the method300involves circulating air through the items held in the bay space112of the housing110in efficient and effective ways. For example, the air can be circulated by drawing the air from the bay space112to the fan130through the suction channel assembly140. The suction channel assembly140includes a plurality of channels141configured to create a vacuum cleaner effect at the back of the fan130and prevent short cycling of air circulation through any of the items held on different levels in the blast cell102. The method300can begin at operation302in which a blast cell102is provided with a plurality of levels (e.g., rows)114in a bay space112of the blast cell102. The levels114can be formed by one or more various structures, such as shelves, flanges, and other devices configured to support items from the ground. At operation304, the blast cell102is loaded with items90. In some embodiments, items90are loaded with one or more pallets92. The items90can be of various kinds, such as meats or vegetables, which are to be cooled (e.g., frozen or chilled) for storage or shipping. The pallets of items can be brought into place and dropped by forklifts94or other mechanisms. The loading can occur as a complete batch, whereby the entire cell is turned off and then opened for loading and unloading. Alternatively, it can be on a partial-batch basis, whereby a part of the bay space (e.g., a row of the bay space) is opened for loading and unloading, while the air circulates in the blast cell. At operation306, air circulation starts in the blast cell102by operating the fan130to supply cooling air. In some embodiments, the cooling air is delivered through the intake plenum150toward the bay space112where the items90are held in one or more of the different levels114. At operation308, the air flow guide250, such as the turning vane assembly252and/or the ramp254, is optionally used to direct the air before it reaches the bay space112or after it has passed through the bay space112. For example, the turning vane assembly252is arranged at a corner in the blast cell102and can include a plurality of turning vanes253defining curved air passages at the corner in the blast cell102. The ramp254is arranged at a corner in the blast cell102and provides a streamlined surface along which air flows without turbulence. At operation310, the air is drawn from the bay space112through the suction channel assembly140and delivered back to the fan130. The suction channel assembly140includes a plurality of channels141, each of which has the width that gradually becomes narrower from the drawing end194to the discharging end196, thereby creating a funnel effect to improve air drawing from the bay space112. At operation312, the fan130continues to be operated until desired. The fan130operates to cool the items90to a predetermined temperature and maintain at or around such a temperature until unloaded. FIG.8is a block diagram of an example computing device400which can be used to implement the systems and methods described in this document, as either a client or as a server or plurality of servers. For example, at least some of the elements in the computing device400can be used to implement the fan controller170as described herein. Computing device400includes a processor410, memory420, a storage device430, and an input/output device440. Each of the components410,420,430, and440are interconnected using a system bus450. The processor410can process instructions for execution within the computing device400, including instructions stored in the memory420or on the storage device430. In one implementation, the processor410is a single-threaded processor. In another implementation, the processor410is a multi-threaded processor. The processor410is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory420or on the storage device430to display graphical information for a user interface on the input/output device440. The memory420stores information within the computing device400. In one implementation, the memory420is a computer-readable medium. In one implementation, the memory420is at least one volatile memory unit. In another implementation, the memory420is at least one non-volatile memory unit. The storage device430is capable of providing mass storage for the computing device400. In one implementation, the storage device430is a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device430can be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. In one implementation, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The information carrier is a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory420, the storage device430, or memory on processor410. The input/output device440provides input/output operations for the system400. In one implementation, the input/output device440includes a keyboard and/or pointing device. In another implementation, the input/output device440includes a display unit for displaying graphical user interfaces. The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The apparatus can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. The described features can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computer. The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as an application server or an Internet server, or that includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and networks forming the Internet. The computer system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a network, such as the described one. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. Referring now toFIGS.9-11, an example blast cell system900is described. As illustrated inFIG.9, the blast cell system900can be configured similarly to the blast cell system100. The blast cell system900includes one or more blast cells902, each configured to receive items and operate to cool the items loaded therein. In the illustrated example, the blast cells902are arranged side-by-side and split by walls904. For example, similarly to the blast cells102, the blast cells902can be set up by installing a desired number of blast cells902together, such as side-by-side as illustrated inFIG.9, to provide the blast cell system900. In other examples, at least one of the blast cells102is arranged at a distance from an adjacent blast cell102, or in other suitable configurations. The blast cell902can be configured similarly to the blast cell102. As illustrated inFIGS.10and11, an example of the blast cell902includes a housing910, a door920(to open or close an entrance924inFIG.9), a fan assembly930, an air suction channel assembly940, and an intake plenum950, which are similar to the housing110, the door120, the fan130, the air suction channel assembly940, and the intake plenum150of the blast cell102. The blast cell902defines a bay space912in the housing910. The bay space912includes an item storage area913in which one or more levels914are provided, and a forward region964configured to permit for air to pass through before the air flows into the item storage area913. In the illustrated example, the housing910includes three levels (e.g., rows)914A,914B, and914C (collectively914). The blast cell902can provide one or more structures916that separate the levels914and hold the items90on the respective levels914. For example, the structures916can include one or more frames arranged and configured to provide shelves on which the items90and/or pallets92are placed. In addition or alternatively, other configurations of the structures116can be provided, such as flanges for engaging or supporting the items90and/or pallets92. In this example, unlike the blast cell102, the blast cell902does not include a spacing structure (e.g., the spacing structure166of the blast cell102) between the intake plenum950and a bay space912of the housing910. Instead, the intake plenum950and the bay space912is split at least partially by a channel wall952therebetween. Without a spacing structure, the blast cell902can be made in a smaller height than the blast cell102. The intake plenum950of the blast cell902has a forward end952that is in fluid communication with the forward region964of the bay space912. The intake plenum950can also be configured to have the forward end952being directly open to at least a portion of the item storage area913. For example, the forward end952of the intake plenum950has an opening having a length L1 that extends over the forward region964and a portion of the item storage area913(e.g., a portion of the top level914A of the plurality of levels914) of the bay space912. In other words, the channel wall952that divides the intake plenum950and the bay space912has a shortened length L2 so that the opening of the forward end952of the intake plenum950is effectively large enough to expose the intake plenum950over a portion of the item storage area913(e.g., the top level914A) of the bay space912. The larger opening of the forward end952of the intake plenum950(or the shorter channel wall952of the intake plenum950) can allow air to turn from the intake plenum950into the item storage area913early and smoothly (e.g., with a larger turning radius), thereby increasing effectiveness of air circulation. The fan assembly930can be arranged relative to the intake plenum950to create air flow from a rearward end954of the intake plenum950toward the forward end952of the intake plenum950. In some embodiments, the fan assembly930is arranged adjacent the rearward end954of the intake plenum950. For example, the fan assembly930is arranged in the passage of the intake plenum950close to the rearward end954that is in fluid communication with the plurality of channels941. In embodiments where the plurality of channels941is arranged between a rearward region962of the bay space912and the rearward end954of the intake plenum950, the fan assembly930operates to draw air from the rearward region962of the bay space912into the rearward end954of the intake plenum950through fluid pathways942defined by the channels941. The fan assembly930can be arranged at a distance L3 from an end of the channel wall952near the rearward end954of the intake plenum950. The distance L3 of the fan assembly930can range from 0 (zero) to about half of the length L2 of the channel wall952. The blast cell102,902can be configured to have one bay section or multiple bay sections915, each section915having a single level or multiple levels (e.g., rows) as described herein. For example, as illustrated inFIG.3, the blast cell102has a single bay section115. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG.10, the blast call902has double bay sections915A and915B arranged side-by-side and open to each other, and each of the bay sections915A and915B has three levels914A,914B, and914C. The blast cell902can have multiple fans932A and932B in the fan assembly930, which are aligned with the multiple bay sections915, respectively. In other implementations, the blast cell902can have multiple fans in the fan assembly for a single bay section. With multiple bay sections915, the blast cell can effectively have a wider width for increased storage and efficient loading/unloading. As described herein, the blast cells102,902can be configured in various suitable dimensions. For example, as illustrated inFIG.11, an entire height H1 of the blast cell902, a height H2 of the bay space912, a height H3a, H3b, H3c of each level914A,914B,914C, and a height H4 of the intake plenum950can be determined to meet design requirements and/or constraints, and also provide optimal results. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.10, an entire width W1 of the blast cell902, and a width W2a, W2b of each bay section915A,915B can be determined to meet design requirements and/or constraints, and also provide optimal results. As illustrated inFIG.11, the fan assembly930can be arranged to be raised from the surface of the channel wall952at a distance L4. In addition or alternatively, the fan assembly930can be arranged to abut with the top surface of the intake plenum950. Other arrangements of the fan assembly930are also possible with respect to the channel wall952. For example, the fan assembly930can be arranged to be seated on the surface of the channel wall952(e.g., the distance L4 is zero). Referring now toFIGS.12-14, an example blast cell system1000is described for flowing air in reverse. In general, the air can be supplied through the channels141into the bay space112. Such a reverse air flow may be performed at different stages of a blast cycle, such as for a period of time in the middle of a blast cycle, near the end of a blast cycle, etc. For example, air is circulated in the direction (from the bay space112to the fan through the channels141) described inFIGS.1-7and10-11for a majority of a blast cycle, and the air can be reversed near the end of the blast cycle. Other blast cycles are also possible using circulation of air in two opposite directions. Reverse air flow can be implemented in a blast cell, such as the blast cell250inFIG.6or the blast cell902ofFIG.11. As illustrated inFIG.12, the fan130of the blast cell250can be a reversible fan which can be controlled to blow air in a first direction D1 or in an opposite second direction D2. In addition or alternatively, as illustrated inFIG.13, the blast cell250can include one or more booster fans131configured to create air flow in the second direction D2. For example, where the fan130is not reversible, the booster fans131can be used to create airflow in a reverse direction while the fan130is turned off. Alternatively, where the fan130is reversible, the booster fans131can be used to augment a reverse airflow while the fan130blows the air in the reverse direction. The booster fans131can be arranged in various locations. For example, the booster fans131can be arranged at locations in the intake plenum150. Other locations along an airflow in a blast cell are also possible. The booster fans131can be configured and sized to take up the entire cross section of the airflow path (e.g., the entire cross section of the intake plenum where the booster fans are located). Alternatively, the booster fans131can be configured and sized to be smaller than the cross section of the airflow path. Referring toFIG.14, an example blast cycle1100is described which can selectively generate airflow in either of two opposite directions. The blast cycle1100can include operation (e.g., a forward airflow operation1102) of a fan and/or a booster fan (e.g., the fan130,930and/or the booster fans131) in a first rotational direction to circulate air in a direction (e.g., the first direction D1), operation (e.g., a reverse airflow operation1104) of the fan and/or the booster fan in a second rotational direction (e.g., opposite to the first rotational direction) to circulate air in a reverse direction (e.g., the second direction D2), and stopping (e.g., a fan stop operation1106) the fan and/or the booster fan. A blast cycle1100can include one or more forward airflow operations1102, one or more reverse airflow operations1104, and one or more fan stop operations1106. The number of each of the operations1102,1104, and1106can be determined as appropriate. In some implementations, the blast cycle1100can include no forward airflow operation1102, no reverse airflow operation1104, or no fan stop operation1106(except for ending the blast cycle). Further, one or more forward airflow operations1102, one or more reverse airflow operations1104, and one or more fan stop operations1106can be arranged in various sequences and with various durations. In some implementations, a schedule for a blast cycle can include a reverse airflow operation for a predetermined period of time near the end of a blast cycle while the remaining blast cycle is operated with a forward airflow operation. In other implementations, one or more reverse airflow operations can be included intermittently throughout a blast cycle. In some implementations, a schedule of when to forward airflow (the forward airflow operation1102), when to reverse airflow (the reverse airflow operation1104), and/or when to stop (the fan stop operation1106) can be determined by detecting a heat transfer coefficient at each pallet position in the cell and running an optimization algorithm for minimizing the freeze time of the last freezing pallet. Alternatively or in addition, real-life experiments can be run with temperature probes in all pallet positions to determine an optimal airflow schedule. In addition or alternatively, a schedule can be determined by measuring temperatures (e.g., using temperature sensors) and calculating a temperature differential reading. The airflow can be forwarded and reversed based on when the temperature differential value hits certain threshold values. The forward airflow operation1102can be switched to the reverse airflow operation1104when a first trigger condition1110occurs or is detected, and the reverse airflow operation1104can be switched to the forward airflow operation1102when a second trigger condition1112occurs or is detected. The forward airflow operation1102can be switched to the fan stop operation1106when a third trigger condition1114occurs or is detected, and the fan stop operation1106can be switched to the forward airflow operation1102when a fourth trigger condition1116occurs or is detected. The reverse airflow operation1104can be switched to the fan stop operation1106when a fifth trigger condition1118occurs or is detected, and the fan stop operation1106can be switched to the reverse airflow operation1104when a sixth trigger condition1120occurs or is detected. The trigger conditions1110,1112,1114,1116,1118, and1120can be predetermined based on various factors associated with operations of blast cells, such as time, air temperature, pallet temperature, efficiency, etc. The third and fifth trigger conditions1114and1118can include the end of a blast cycle or the end of operation of a blast cell so that the fans and blast fans in a blast cell are stopped when they don't need to be operated. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosed technology or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosed technologies. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment in part or in whole. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and/or initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Similarly, while operations may be described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. | 48,742 |
11859893 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION The embodiments set forth herein and illustrated in the configuration of the disclosure are only the most preferred embodiments and are not representative of the full the technical spirit of the disclosure, so it should be understood that they may be replaced with various equivalents and modifications at the time of the disclosure. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “include”, “comprise” and/or “have” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms including ordinal numbers like “first” and “second” may be used to explain various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing a component from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.1is a view illustrating a front side of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an auxiliary door of the refrigerator shown inFIG.1is opened.FIG.3is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating main parts of the refrigerator shown inFIG.1.FIG.4is a view illustrating a structure in which a freezing compartment is connected to an ice-making compartment through a cold air duct of the refrigerator shown inFIG.1.FIG.5is an exploded view of the refrigerator shown inFIG.2, which shows a state in which some components of a refrigerating compartment door are disassembled. Referring toFIGS.1to5, a refrigerator1includes a main body10, a refrigerating compartment21and a freezing compartment22formed in the main body10, refrigerating compartment doors25and26rotatably provided on the main body10to open and close the refrigerating compartment21, freezing compartment doors27and28rotatably provided on the main body10to open and close the freezing compartment22, an ice-making compartment42formed on the refrigerating compartment door25, and a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the refrigerating compartment21, the freezing compartment22, and the ice-making compartment42. The refrigerating compartment21and the freezing compartment22are divided by an intermediate wall14, and the refrigerating compartment21may be formed at an upper side of the main body10, and the freezing compartment22may be formed at a lower side of the main body10. The refrigerating compartment21may be maintained at a temperature of about 0° C. to 5° C. so that food is stored refrigerated. The freezing compartment22is maintained at a temperature of about −30° C. to 0 degrees so that food is stored frozen. The ice-making compartment42may be divided from the refrigerating compartment21and communicate with the freezing compartment22through a cold air duct90. The ice-making compartment42may be maintained at the same temperature as that of the freezing compartment22to generate and store ice. The cold air supply device may include a compressor20a, a condenser20b, evaporators17and18, and an expansion device (not shown), and may generate cold air using latent heat of evaporation of a refrigerant. The compressor20aand the condenser20bmay be disposed in a machine room19formed at a rear lower portion of the main body10. The evaporators17and18may include a refrigerating compartment evaporator17disposed in the refrigerating compartment21and a freezing compartment evaporator18disposed in the freezing compartment22. Cold air generated by the refrigerating compartment evaporator17may be supplied to the refrigerating compartment21by an operation of a refrigerating compartment blower fan16. Cold air generated by the freezing compartment evaporator18may be supplied to the freezing compartment22and the ice-making compartment42by an operation of a freezing compartment blower fan83. The refrigerator1may include a cold air duct90configured to guide cold air generated by the evaporator18to the ice-making compartment42. The main body10includes an inner case11forming the refrigerating compartment21and the freezing compartment22, an outer case12coupled to an outer side of the inner case11and forming the external appearance of the refrigerator1, and a heat insulator13provided between the inner case11and the outer case12. The inner case11may be formed of a plastic material, and the outer case12may be formed of a metal material. As the insulator13, a urethane foam insulator or a vacuum insulation panel may be used. The refrigerating compartment21is provided with a front side thereof open so that food may be put in and out, and the open front side may be opened and closed by the refrigerating compartment doors25and26. The refrigerating compartment doors25and26include a refrigerating compartment door25provided on the left side and a refrigerating compartment door26provided on the right side, and each of the refrigerating compartment doors25and26may open and close at least a part of the refrigerating compartment21. The refrigerating compartment doors25and26may be coupled to the main body10so as to be rotatable in a leftward/rightward direction. Door guards29may be provided on rear surfaces of the refrigerator compartment doors25and26to store food. The freezing compartment22may be provided with a front side thereof open so that food may be put in and out, and the opened front side may be opened and closed by the freezing compartment doors27and28. Door guards30may be provided at rear surfaces of the freezing compartment doors27and28to store food. On the refrigerating compartment door25, the ice-making chamber42and a dispenser70may be provided. The ice-making compartment42may be provided at an upper portion of the refrigerating compartment door25, and the dispenser70may be provided at a lower portion of the refrigerating compartment door25. The ice-making chamber42may be formed on the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door25so as to be accessible while the refrigerating compartment door25is closed. Therefore, to access the ice-making compartment42, the user does not need to open the refrigerating compartment door25, and an operation of withdrawing ice or repairing and replacing the ice maker and ice bucket may be facilitated. In addition, since the refrigerating compartment21is allowed to remain closed by the refrigerating compartment door25in access to the ice-making chamber42, leakage of cold air in the refrigerating compartment21may be prevented, and energy may be saved. The freezing compartment22may be divided into a storage space23for storing food and a heat exchange space24in which the freezing compartment evaporator18is disposed to generate cold air. In order to divide the freezing compartment22into the storage space23and the heat exchange space24, an evaporator duct80may be disposed in the freezing compartment22. In order to control whether to supply the cold air generated in the heat exchange space24to the ice-making compartment42, a damper device (not shown) may be provided in the evaporator duct80. According to the operation of the damper device, all of the cold air generated in the heat exchange space24may be supplied to the storage space23. Alternatively, a part of the cold air generated in the heat exchange space24may be supplied to the storage space23and a remaining part may be supplied to the ice-making compartment42. The cold air duct90may connect the heat exchange space24to the ice-making compartment42. The cold air duct90may include a supply duct91for supplying cold air of the heat exchange space24to the ice-making compartment42and a recovery duct95for recovering the cold air of the ice-making compartment42to the heat exchange space24. The supply duct91may include a main body supply duct92provided in the main body10and a door supply duct93provided in the refrigerating compartment door25. When the refrigerating compartment door25is closed, the main body supply duct92and the door supply duct93are connected to each other, and when the refrigerating compartment door25is opened, the main body supply duct92and the door supply duct93may be separated from each other. The recovery duct95may include a door recovery duct96provided in the refrigerating compartment door25and a main body recovery duct97provided in the main body10. When the refrigerating compartment door25is closed, the door recovery duct96and the main body recovery duct97are connected to each other, and when the refrigerating compartment door25is opened, the door recovery duct96and the main body recovery duct97may be separated from each other. The main body supply duct92and the main body recovery duct97may be installed between the inner case11and the outer case12of the main body10. The main body supply duct92and the main body recovery duct97may be attached to an outer surface of the inner case11. The cold air duct90may be connected to the evaporator duct80. Specifically, the evaporator duct80may include a cold air outlet85and a cold air inlet87. The cold air outlet85may be connected to the supply duct91. The cold air of the heat exchange space24may be supplied to the ice-making compartment42through the cold air outlet85and the supply duct91. The cold air inlet87may be connected to the recovery duct95. The cold air of the ice-making compartment42may be recovered to the heat exchange space24through the recovery duct95and the cold air inlet87. The refrigerator1may further include an auxiliary door35provided on the front of the refrigerating compartment door25to open and close the ice-making compartment42. The auxiliary door35may be coupled to the refrigerating compartment door25through an auxiliary hinge32so to be rotatable in the leftward/rightward direction. The auxiliary door35may be provided at a rear surface thereof with a gasket39configured to be in close contact with the front of the refrigerating compartment door25to seal the ice-making compartment42when the auxiliary door35is closed. The auxiliary door35may have a size corresponding to that of the refrigerating compartment door25. The auxiliary door35may have an opening36allowing the dispenser70of the refrigerator compartment door25to be exposed when the auxiliary door35is in a closed state. The opening36may be formed at a position corresponding to the dispenser70and have a size corresponding to the dispenser70. Accordingly, even when the auxiliary door35is in a closed state, the dispenser70may be accessed through the opening36. In the ice-making compartment42, an ice maker100to generate ice and an ice bucket101to store ice may be disposed. A support rib45may be formed on a door front plate40of the refrigerating compartment door25to support a locking rib108of the ice bucket101. The ice bucket101may include an ice bucket cover102formed to cover the open front surface of the ice-making compartment42and a bucket body103forming a space for storing ice. The ice bucket101may be provided with a stirrer105that is rotatably provided to stir and transport ice stored in the bucket body103. A crushing blade106configured to crush ice may be coupled to a central axis104of the stirrer105. The bucket body103may be provided at a lower portion with an ice discharge port107through which ice may be discharged to the outside of the ice bucket101. In the ice-making compartment42, a transport motor49configured to rotate the stirrer105and the crushing blade106may be disposed. A driving coupler50may be coupled to the transport motor49. When the ice bucket101is mounted in the ice-making compartment42, the central axis104of the stirrer105is connected to the driving coupler50, and when the ice bucket101is separated from the ice-making compartment42, the central axis104of the stirrer105may be separated from the driving coupler50. The door front plate40may include an ice-making chamber bottom43that forms a lower surface of the ice-making chamber42. The ice-making chamber bottom43may be formed with an ice pathway hole44configured to communicate the ice-making chamber42with the dispenser70. Ice discharged from the ice bucket101may be guided to a chute73of the dispenser70through the ice pathway hole44. The door front plate40may be formed with a cold air supply hole46to which the door supply duct93is connected to supply cold air to the ice-making compartment42, and a cold air recovery hole47to which the door recovery duct96is connected to recover cold air of the ice-making compartment42. The door front plate40may be formed with a dispenser installation hole48that is open to install the dispenser70. A dispenser housing71of the dispenser70may be installed in the dispenser installation hole48. On the door front plate40, a water filter accommodating portion51in which a water filter53for purifying water is accommodated may be formed. The water filter accommodating portion51may be formed by a portion of the door front plate40being recessed backward. A filter cap53amay be provided in the water filter accommodating portion51, and the water filter53may be coupled to the filter cap53a. The water filter53may purify water supplied from an external water supply source through a water supply line (not shown) and supply the purified water to a water tank (not shown) or the ice maker100. A filter cover52may be coupled to the water filter accommodating portion51to cover the open front surface of the water filter accommodating portion51. Since the water filter53is mounted on the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door25as described above, the water filter53may be easily replaced and repaired without opening the refrigerating compartment door25. The dispenser70may provide water or ice. The dispenser70may be installed on the refrigerating compartment door25. The dispenser70may include a dispenser housing71formed to be recessed to form a dispensation space72, the chute73that is a passage for guiding ice of the ice-making compartment42to the dispensation space72, and a lever78that is manipulated by the user to operate the dispenser70. The dispenser70may further include a chute opening/closing device74provided to open and close the chute73. The chute opening/closing device74may open or close the chute73so that ice is allowed to pass through the chute73or prevented from passing through the chute73. When the chute opening/closing device74opens the chute73, ice of the ice-making compartment42may be provided through the dispenser70. When the chute opening/closing device74closes the chute73, the chute opening/closing device74may seal the chute73so that cold of the ice-making compartment42does not flow through the chute73. The auxiliary door35may include an auxiliary door case37and an auxiliary door insulator38provided inside the auxiliary door case37to insulate the ice-making compartment42. The auxiliary door insulator38may be a urethane foam insulation or a vacuum insulation panel, similar to the insulator13of the main body10and the insulator54of the refrigerating compartment door25. FIG.6is a view illustrating an ice maker shown inFIG.5.FIG.7is an exploded view of the ice maker shown inFIG.6.FIG.8is an exploded view illustrating a temperature sensor device of the ice maker shown inFIG.6. Referring toFIGS.6and7, the ice maker100includes an ice-making tray110, a cold air guide120disposed below the ice-making tray110, and an ice-making case110rotatably supporting the ice-making tray110, and a driving device140configured to rotate the ice-making tray110. The ice-making tray110may include a plurality of ice-making cells111configured to store water, a cell divider112configured to divide the plurality of ice-making cells111from each other, and a passage groove113formed in the cell divider112to allow water to flow through the cell divider112. The ice-making tray110may include a material that may be deformed by the rotational force of the driving motor141so that ice is discharged in a twist mechanism. The ice-making tray110may include a rotation axis portion114. The rotation axis portion114may be located at one side of the ice-making tray110. The rotation axis portion114may be coupled to a rotation axis coupling portion132of the ice-making case130. The ice-making tray110may be rotatably supported by the ice-making case130by the rotation axis portion114. The rotation axis portion114may extend along the rotation axis direction of the ice-making tray110. The ice-making tray110may include a driving shaft coupling portion (115inFIG.9). The driving shaft coupling portion115may be coupled to a driving shaft142of the driving device140. The driving shaft coupling portion115may be located at a side of the ice-making tray110opposite to the one side at which the rotation axis portion114is located. The ice-making tray110may be rotated by receiving power from the driving motor141by the driving shaft coupling portion115. The driving shaft coupling portion115may have a shape corresponding to the driving shaft142. The driving shaft coupling portion115may have a shape capable of receiving rotational force from the driving shaft142. The ice-making tray110may include a tray coupling portion116to which the cold air guide120is fixed. The116may include a tray coupling hole116aand a tray coupling protrusion116b. The tray coupling hole116aand the tray coupling protrusion116bmay be alternately arranged. The tray coupling protrusion116bmay be arranged between the tray coupling holes116a, and the tray coupling hole116amay be arranged between the tray coupling protrusions116b. The tray coupling hole116aallows a guide coupling portion122of the cold air guide120to be insertedly fixed thereto. The tray coupling hole116amay be provided so that the guide coupling portion122is coupled thereto in a snap fit method. Alternatively, the tray coupling hole116amay be provided so that the guide coupling portion122is coupled thereto in a force fitting manner. When the cold air guide120is coupled to the ice-making tray110, the tray coupling protrusion115bmay restrict movement of the cold air guide120along the rotation axis direction of the ice-making tray110. The tray coupling protrusion116bmay be located outward of the ice-making tray110relative to the ice-making cell111. The tray coupling protrusion116bmay be located at a farther distance away from the rotation axis of the ice-making tray110than the ice-making cell111is. The tray coupling protrusion116bmay be arranged at a side away from a path in which ice is discharged when the ice-making tray110rotates to separate ice. Accordingly, when ice is separated from the ice-making cell111and discharged to the ice bucket101, the tray coupling protrusion116bmay not interfere with the ice. The cold air guide120may be fixed to the ice-making tray110. The cold air guide120may be provided to guide cold air along a direction in which the rotation axis of the ice-making tray110extends. Accordingly, the cold air guide120may be provided to form a cold air flow path P between the ice-making tray110and the cold air guide120. The cold air guide120may be disposed below the ice-making tray110. Since cold air is supplied to an area below the ice-making tray110by the cold air guide120, the ice quality of ice generated in the ice-making tray110may be improved. That is, compared to a case when cold air is supplied from an area above the ice-making tray110, the ice maker100according to the embodiment of the disclosure may have improve the ice quality. The cold air guide120may be deformed by the ice-making case130when the ice-making tray110rotates for ice-separation. The cold air guide120may be restored to the original shape when the ice-making tray110rotates to a position for ice-making after completing ice-separation. To this end, the cold air guide120may include a deformable material. The cold air guide120may include a material having a restoring force. The cold air guide120may include a flexible material. With such a configuration, the ice maker100may provide the cold air guide120while occupying a relatively small space, so that the ice-making speed may be improved. That is, since the ice maker100of the refrigerator1according to the embodiment of the disclosure is provided to allow the cold air guide120to be deformable, the ice-making case130does not need to be excessively large to ensure a space for rotation of the cold air guide120. The cold air guide120may include a shape retaining portion121extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the rotation axis portion114of the ice-making tray110extends. The shape retaining portion121may be provided in plural while being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval along the direction in which the rotation axis portion114of the ice-making tray110extends. The shape retaining portion121may protrude toward the ice-making tray110. When the ice-making tray110returns from the position for ice-separation to the position for ice-making, the shape retaining portion121may allow the cold air guide120to return to the original shape and maintain the shape. The cold air guide120may include the guide coupling portion122by which the cold air guide120is coupled to the ice-making tray110. The guide coupling portion122may be coupled to the tray coupling hole116ain a snap fit manner. Alternatively, the guide coupling portion122may be coupled to the tray coupling hole116ain a force fitting manner. When the guide coupling portion122is coupled to the tray coupling hole116a, the guide coupling portion122may be locate outward of the ice-making tray110relative to the ice-making cell111. The guide coupling portion122may be located at a farther distance away from the rotation axis of the ice-making tray110than the ice-making cell111is. The guide coupling portion122may be arranged at a side away from a path in which ice is discharged when the ice-making tray110rotates and ice is separated. Accordingly, when ice is separated from the ice-making cell111and discharged to the ice bucket101, the guide coupling portion122may not interfere with the ice. In addition, in the ice maker100according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the guide coupling portion122is coupled to the tray coupling hole116ain a direction toward the inside of the ice-making tray110, so that the ice maker100is prevented from having an excessive large width, and ensures compact structure. The ice-making case130may be mounted in the ice-making compartment42formed on the door front plate40. The ice-making case130may include an ice maker installation portion131that allows the ice-making case130to be fixed to the ice-making compartment42through a fastening member (not shown). The ice maker installation portion131may be located at one side of the ice-making case130facing the inner surface of the ice-making compartment42when the ice maker100is installed in the ice-making compartment42. The ice-making case130may include the rotation axis coupling portion132that rotatably supports the ice-making tray110. The rotation axis coupling portion132may be coupled to the rotation axis portion114of the ice-making tray110. The rotation axis coupling portion132may be provided to restrain the rotation of the rotation axis portion114of the ice-making tray110when the ice-making tray110rotated for ice-separation is twisted to discharge ice. While the rotation axis coupling portion132is restraining the rotation of the rotation axis portion114, the tray driving motor141rotates the driving shaft coupling portion115of the ice making tray110by a predetermined angle so that the ice-making tray110is twisted to discharged ice. The ice-making case130may include an inlet cover133formed at an end portion that is opposite to one end portion at which the tray driving device140is disposed. The inlet cover133may include a cover entrance133aand a cover exit133b. The cover entrance133aof the inlet cover133may be provided to face the cold air supply hole46. The cover exit133bof the inlet cover133may be disposed to face an inlet of the cold air flow path P. As the inlet cover133guides cold air supplied to the ice-making compartment42through the cold air duct90to be directed to the cold air flow path P, the refrigerator1according to the embodiment of the disclosure may minimize the loss of cold air. The driving device140may be disposed at one end portion of the ice-making case130. The driving device140may include the driving motor141for rotating the ice-making tray110forward and backward. Various electronic components and driving components for controlling the operation of the ice maker100may be disposed in the driving device140. The electronic components and driving parts may include a circuit board for controlling the driving motor141and a gear for reducing the rotational force of the driving motor141. The ice maker100may include a detection lever151configured to detect whether the ice bucket101is full. The detection lever151may be installed at one side of the driving device141. The detection lever151may move up and down to detect whether the ice bucket101is full. When the detection lever151, once having been rotated downward, detects no ice in the ice bucket101, a controller (not shown) may control the refrigerator1to supply water to the ice-making tray110. Referring toFIG.8, the ice maker100may include a temperature sensor device160for measuring the internal temperature of the ice-making tray110. The temperature sensor device160may be disposed at an end of the ice-making tray110opposite to the one end at which the inlet of the cold air flow path P is located. The temperature sensor device160may be coupled to a second ice-making cell111blocated at an end portion of the ice-making tray110distant from the cold air supply hole46. The temperature sensor device160may be mounted on the second ice-making cell111bto which cold air is supplied last among the ice-making cells111of the ice-making tray110. Since the temperature sensor device160determines whether ice generation has been completed by measuring the temperature of the second ice-making cell111bto which cold air is supplied last, rather than a first ice-making cell111ato which cold air is supplied first, the temperature sensor device160may determine when ice generation of all the ice-making cells111of the ice-making tray110is completed. The temperature sensor device160may include a temperature sensor161, a heat insulating cover162, and a sensor mounting portion163. The heat insulation cover162may be provided to cover the temperature sensor161. The heat insulating cover162may cover the temperature sensor161so that the temperature sensor161is not exposed to the cold air flow path P. The heat insulating cover162may minimize the influence on the temperature sensor161by the cold air existing in the cold air flow path P The temperature sensor161may be disposed on an upper surface of the heat insulating cover162facing the ice-making tray110. The heat insulating cover162on which the temperature sensor161is mounted may be mounted on the ice-making tray110through the sensor mounting portion163. The sensor mounting portion163may include a sensor coupling member163aconfigured to be mounted on a sensor coupling portion111baof the second ice-making cell111b. FIG.9is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow of cold air supplied to the ice maker shown inFIG.6. Referring toFIG.9, a flow of cold air supplied to the ice maker100according to the embodiment of the disclosure will be described. Referring toFIG.9, the refrigerator1according to the embodiment of the disclosure may further include a connector170connecting the cold air supply hole46to the inlet cover133. The connector170may connect the cold air duct90to the inlet cover133of the ice maker100. The connector170may be disposed in the ice-making compartment42. A first sealing member171may be provided at a portion at which the connector170is connected to the cold air supply hole46. A second sealing member172may be provided at a portion at which the connector170is connected to the inlet cover133. The refrigerator1according to the embodiment of the disclosure may guide cold air to the cooling air flow path P while minimizing the loss of cold air by the connector170. The connector170may be omitted as needed. The cold air supplied to the ice-making compartment42through the cold air supply hole46may be guided to the cold air flow path P through the inlet cover133. The cold air guided to the cold air flow path P flows between the ice-making cell111and the cold air guide120, and takes heat from the water stored in the ice-making cell111to generate ice. The second ice-making cell111bmay have a height smaller than that of the first ice-making cell111a. The ice maker100is provided such that the bottom surface of the temperature sensor device160and the bottom surface of the first ice-making cell111aare substantially parallel to each other when the temperature sensor device160is mounted on the second ice-making cell111b. The ice maker100may be provided such that the total height of the second ice-making cell111bon which the temperature sensor device160is mounted is substantially the same as the height of the first ice-making cell111a. Accordingly, the cold air flowing through the cold air flow path P may receive a minimum flow resistance by the ice-making tray110. The cold air having passed through the ice maker100may be discharged back to the ice-making compartment42and then recovered through the cold air recovery hole47. FIG.10is a view illustrating a state in which an ice-making tray of the ice maker shown inFIG.6is held in an ice-making position.FIG.11is a view illustrating a state in which an ice-making tray of the ice maker shown inFIG.6is held in an ice separating position. The driving of the cold air guide120will be described with reference toFIGS.10and11. Referring toFIG.10, when the ice-making tray110is in a position for ice-making, the cold air guide120forms the cold air flow path P together with the ice-making tray110. The temperature sensor device160measures the temperature of the ice-making cell111and transmits the measurement result to the controller (not shown), and the controller determines whether ice formation has been completed. Referring toFIG.11, when ice formation is completed, the driving motor141is operated to rotate the ice-making tray110to a position for ice separation. When the ice-making tray110rotates for ice-separation, the cold air guide120rotates together with the ice-making tray110. In the process of rotation, the cold air guide120is caused to contact the ice-making case130. The cold air guide120including a flexible material is deformed by the ice-making case130while continuously rotating together with the ice-making tray110. Referring toFIG.11, when the ice-making tray110is in a position for ice separation, the rotation axis portion114is restricted from being rotated due to the rotation axis coupling portion132, and the driving shaft coupling portion115is continuously rotated by the driving shaft142, thereby causing the ice-making tray110to be twisted. With such an operation, ice in the ice-making tray110may fall into the ice bucket101. When the ice separating operation of the ice-making tray110is completed, the driving motor141rotates the ice-making tray110back to the ice-making position as shown inFIG.10. Accordingly, the cold air guide120fixed to the ice-making tray110is also rotated to the original position. When the cold air guide120, as a result of the rotation, is released from the interference with the ice-making case130, the cold air guide120may be restored to the original shape. Accordingly, the cold air guide120may form the cold air flow path P between the cold air guide120and the ice-making tray110again. With such a configuration, the ice maker100according to the disclosure may improve the ice-making speed while occupying a relatively small space. As is apparent from the above, the refrigerator includes the ice-making chamber that is formed on a front surface of the door so that the ice-making chamber is accessed without a need to open the door, thereby facilitating dispensing of ice and repair and replacement of the ice maker and the ice bucket. The refrigerator includes the door that is maintained in a closed state when the user accesses the ice-making compartment, thereby preventing cold air of the storage compartment from leaking and reducing energy consumption. The refrigerator includes the cold air guide that is formed of a flexible material and provided in the ice-making tray, so that the ice-making speed can be improved. Although few embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, the above embodiment is illustrative purpose only, and it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. | 33,626 |
11859894 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible when filing the present application. Also, like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the present specification represent members or components that perform the substantially same functions. The terms used in the present specification are used to describe the embodiments of the disclosure, not for the purpose of limiting and/or restricting the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof. It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component discussed below could be termed a second component, and similarly, a second component may be termed a first component without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the following description, the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, etc. are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the corresponding components are not limited by the terms. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator with a wide controllable temperature range, while having high power efficiency because of using no thermoelectric device in implementing a temperature controlled room. It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator including a temperature controlled room with improved utilization of space because no component for cooling or heating is positioned inside the temperature controlled room. It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator separately including a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a storage room and a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a temperature controlled room to quickly cool the inside of the temperature controlled room. It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator including a plurality of temperature controlled rooms to keep various foods at optimal temperature. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.1is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.2is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown inFIG.1. Referring toFIGS.1and2, a refrigerator1may include a main body10including a plurality of storage rooms21,22, and23, a plurality of doors30,40, and50for opening and closing the storage rooms21,22, and23, and a cool air generator for supplying cool air to the storage rooms21,22, and23. The main body10may include an inner case11forming the storage rooms21,22, and23, an outer case12coupled with an outer side of the inner case11, and an insulation13provided between the inner case11and the outer case12. The inner case11may be injection-molded with a plastic material, and the outer case12may be made of a metal material. The outer case12may also be referred to as a cabinet12. The insulation13may be urethane foam insulation, and a vacuum insulation panel may be used together with the urethane foam insulation as necessary. The main body10may include a plurality of middle walls17and18partitioning the storage rooms21,22, and23up and down. The storage rooms21,22, and23may include a first storage room21, a second storage room22, and a third storage room23. The inner case11may further include a upper plate11a,a rear plate11b,side plates, and a front plate11c. The storage rooms21,22, and23may be used as a refrigerating room that is maintained at about 0° C. to 5° C. to keep foods refrigerated, and a freezing room that is maintained at about 0° C. to 30° C. below zero to keep foods frozen. Front sides of the storage rooms21,22, and23may open to put food in or take food out, and the open front sides of the storage rooms21,22, and23may be opened or closed by the doors30,40, and50. In the storage rooms21,22, and23, a rack27on which food is placed may be provided. In the first storage room21, a drawer110may be provided. The drawer110may include a first drawer110aand a second drawer110bthat are arranged side by side. The first drawer110aand the second drawer110bmay have the same size, although not limited thereto. Also, the number and arrangement of the drawer110may change. A single drawer110or three drawers110or more may be provided. Also, a plurality of drawers110may be arranged up and down. The drawer110may be in a shape of a parallelepiped of which an upper side opens. The drawer110may have a storage space11to accommodate food. Various foods may be stored in the storage space111. For example, meat, vegetables, wine, etc. may be stored in the storage space111. In the first storage room21, a case130(seeFIG.4) for accommodating the drawer110may be provided. The case130may be in a shape of a parallelepiped of which a front side opens. The drawer110may be put into or withdrawn from the case130through the open front side of the case130. The case130may form a temperature controlled room100therein. The drawer110may be put in the case130to be accommodated in the temperature controlled room100. By accommodating the drawer110in the temperature controlled room100, the storage space111may be located in the temperature controlled room100. The temperature controlled room100may have inside temperature that is different from inside temperature of the first storage room21. More specifically, the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100may be lower or higher than the inside temperature of the first storage room21. Also, the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100may be the same as the inside temperature of the first storage room21. However, generally, the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100may be different from the inside temperature of the first storage room21according to a user's setting. The inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100may be set within a temperature range from −1.5° C. which is optimal temperature for keeping meat to 15° C. which is optimal temperature for keeping wine. However, the temperature controlled room100may have a wider temperature range than the temperature range. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of temperature controlled rooms100may be provided. As shown inFIG.1, the temperature controlled room100may include a first temperature controlled room100aand a second temperature controlled room100bthat are arranged side by side. Inside temperature of the first temperature controlled room100amay be different from that of the second temperature controlled room100b.To make the inside temperature of the first temperature controlled room100adifferent from that of the second temperature controlled room100b,separate heating portions90(seeFIG.3) may be respectively provided below the first temperature controlled room100aand the second temperature controlled room100b,respectively. Accordingly, as described herein, the separate heating portions90are operable to heat air to maintain or increase a temperature inside the temperature controlled room100aand/or a temperature inside the temperature controlled room100b.Also, a first fan80afor supplying cool air to inside of the first temperature controlled room100aand a second fan80bfor supplying cool air to inside of the second temperature controlled room100bmay be provided respectively. As described herein, the first fan80acan be operated to maintain or decrease a temperature inside the temperature controlled room100a,and the second fan80bcan be operated to maintain or decrease a temperature inside the temperature controlled room100b.The first fan80aand the second fan80bwill be described in detail, later. In the first storage room21, a storage container160may be provided. The storage container160may be withdrawn in a front direction. The storage container160may be positioned above the case130. A plurality of storage containers160may be provided. As shown inFIG.1, the storage container160may include a pair of storage containers having the same size. However, the storage container160may include a plurality of storage containers having different sizes. In this case, a user may change an arrangement of the storage containers160in various ways, which will be described in detail, later. The doors30,40, and50may include a first door30for opening and closing the first storage room21, a second door40for opening and closing the second storage room22, and a third door50for opening and closing the third storage room23. The first door30may be coupled with the main body10in such a way to be rotatable in a left-right direction. On a rear side of the first door30, a door guard31in which food is storable may be installed. The second door40may slide to be put into or withdrawn from the inside of the second storage room22, and include a door portion41covering the open front side of the second storage room22and a basket43coupled with a rear side of the door portion41. The basket43may be slidably supported by a rail45. In the door portion41, a handle41amay be provided. The third door50may slide to be put into or withdrawn from the inside of the third storage room23, and include a door portion51covering the open front side of the third storage room23and a basket53coupled with a rear side of the door portion51. The basket53may be slidably supported by a rail55. In the door portion51, a handle51amay be provided. The cool air generator may generate cool air by using evaporative latent heat of a refrigerant through a cooling cycle. The cool air generator may include a compressor2, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator3and4. The refrigerator1may include a ventilation fan6and7for causing cool air generated by the evaporator3and4to flow. The evaporator3and4is also referred to as a heat exchanger3and4. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator1may include the evaporator3and4. The evaporator3and4may include a first evaporator3installed in the first storage room21, and a second evaporator4installed in the third storage room23. Also, the ventilation fan6and7may include a first ventilation fan6installed in the first storage room21, and a second ventilation fan7installed in the third storage room23, although not limited thereto. Although not shown in the drawings, the refrigerator1may include a single evaporator. In this case, a duct connecting a storage room in which the evaporator is installed to a storage room forming a temperature controlled room may be provided. Also, a flow path connected from the duct to the temperature controlled room may be provided, and a fan for causing inside air of the flow path to flow may be provided. Cool air generated by the evaporator may be supplied to the temperature controlled room by the fan via the duct and the flow path. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first storage room21is referred to as a storage room21. Also, the first evaporator3is referred to as an evaporator3. Also, the first ventilation fan6is referred to as a ventilation fan6. The evaporator3may be positioned in a rear area of the storage room21to generate cool air. The evaporator3may be accommodated in a cooling chamber3aformed by a cool air supplier80. In the cooling chamber3a,the ventilation fan6for causing air to flow may be positioned to supply cool air to the storage room21. The cooling chamber3amay communicate with a guide cover60for guiding cool air of the cooling chamber3a. The guide cover60may include a discharge cover61positioned in the rear area of the storage room21, and an upper cover62positioned in an upper area of the storage room21. The guide cover60may be spaced a preset distance from a rear side of the storage room21to form cool air flow paths61aand62a.Cool air may pass through the cool air flow paths61aand62aand be supplied to the storage room21through a discharge port62b.In the discharge port62b,a cool air guide device70for controlling opening and closing of the discharge port62bmay be provided to adjust a heading direction of cool air discharged through the discharge port62b. A part of the cool air may be supplied to the inside of the storage room21through the cool air flow paths61aand62aof the guide cover60, and the remaining part of the cool air may be supplied to the temperature controlled room100. The cool air supplier80may supply cool air to a rear area of the temperature controlled room100to maintain or decrease an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier80may include the fans80aand80bfacing the evaporator3. The fans80aand80bmay supply cool air generated by the evaporator3to the inside of the temperature controlled room100through a cool air supply flow path84a.However, the cool air supplier80may not face the evaporator3. For example, the refrigerator1may include a single evaporator, which is not shown in the drawings. In this case, the evaporator may be positioned in the freezing room, and the refrigerator1may include a duct for guiding cool air generated by the evaporator to the refrigerating room, and a first fan for causing cool air of the duct to flow. The cool air supplier80may cover a part of the duct. The cool air supplier80may include a second fan for supplying cool air of the duct to the temperature controlled room100. In this case, in inside of the duct, covered by the cool air supplier80, no evaporator may be positioned. Accordingly, the cool air supplier80may not face the evaporator. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier80may be any configuration positioned on a cool air flow path to supply cool air to the temperature controlled room100. FIG.3shows the flow of cool air moving to a temperature controlled room, in the refrigerator shown inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.3, the cool air supplier80may directly supply cool air generated by the evaporator3to the temperature controlled room100. The meaning of “directly supplying cool air” may be that cool air is supplied directly to the temperature controlled room100without passing through the storage room21. A part of cool air generated by the evaporator3may move to the cool air flow path61aand62aby the ventilation fan6, and the remaining part of the cool air may move to the first temperature controlled room100aby the first fan80aor to the second temperature controlled room100bby the second fan80b. In the drawing, the first fan80aand the first temperature controlled room100aare shown, however, the same moving path of cool air may also be applied to the second fan80band the second temperature controlled room100b,and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Upon operating of the first fan80a,a part of cool air of the cooling chamber3amay be supplied to the first temperature controlled room100avia the cool air supply flow path84a.A case hole130bmay be formed in a rear side of the case130to supply cool air to the first temperature controlled room100a.The case hole130bmay be connected to the other end of the cool air supply flow path84a.More specifically, a protrusion85dof a cover member85may be inserted in the case hole130b.By this structure, cool air may be supplied directly from the cooling chamber3ato the temperature controlled room100via the cool air supply flow path84aof the cool air supplier80, without passing through the storage room21. As described above, although not shown in the drawing, the evaporator3may be not positioned in a rear area of the cool air supplier80. In this case, the cool air supplier80may be positioned in the middle of the cool air flow path through which cool air generated by the evaporator3is supplied to the temperature controlled room100. The fans80aand80bof the cool air supplier80may operate to supply cool air passing through the cool air flow path directly to the temperature controlled room100. FIG.4shows a coupling relationship between a cool air supplier and a case, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.4, the cool air supplier80may be positioned behind the case130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier80may cover a portion of a rear surface of the storage room21, and more specifically, the cool air supplier80may cover a lower area of the rear surface of the storage room21. In the cool air supplier80, the cover member85may protrude more than a first body81and a second body82which will be described later, to prevent cool air from staying in the cooling chamber3aby reducing a size of the cooling chamber3a. The fans80aand80bmay be installed inside the cover member85, and an insulating member84including the cool air supply flow path84amay be positioned between the fans80aand80band the cover member85. As shown inFIG.4, the cool air supplier80may be coupled with the case130by inserting the protrusion85dof the cover member85into the case hole130b.As a result of inserting the protrusion85dinto the case hole130b,the other end of the cool air supply flow path84amay be positioned in the inside of the case130. In other words, the other end of the cool air supply path84amay be connected to the inside of the temperature controlled room100. The drawer110may be accommodated in the temperature controlled room100to locate the storage space111of the drawer110in the temperature controlled room100. Cool air supplied to the temperature controlled room100may also be supplied to the storage space111. To smoothly supply cool air to the storage space111, the drawer110may include a hollow portion112cformed at the rear side. Cool air entered the temperature controlled room100through the case hole130bvia the hollow portion112cmay be easily supplied to the storage space111. However, the hollow portion112cof the drawer110may be omitted according to a design specification. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the drawer110may be withdrawn and separated from the case130. To prevent the drawer110from being separated from the case130against a user's intention, a pair of coupling holes111bmay be formed in the drawer110, and a pair of elastic protrusions133amay be formed at front ends of a pair of rails133of the case130to be inserted in the coupling holes111b.A user may press the pair of elastic protrusions133ato move the elastic protrusions133ato inner portions of the coupling holes111b,and then separate the drawer110from the rails133. The drawer110may be separated from the rails133to thereby be separated from the case130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a rail connecting portion134connecting the pair of rails133to each other and positioned below the drawer110may be provided. The rail connecting portion134may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the rail connecting portion134may be made of aluminum. The rail connecting portion134may connect the pair of rails133separated from each other such that the pair of rails133are together put in or withdrawn from the case130. Also, the rail connecting portion134may connect the pair of rails133to each other to reinforce strength. Also, the rail connecting portion134may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity to receive hot air from the heating portions90and transfer the hot air to the drawer110. In a bottom of the case130, a heater hole130amay be formed to correspond to a heater cover91protruding upward from a bottom21bof the storage room21. The heater hole130amay correspond to the heater cover91. As a result of an arrangement of each heating portion90corresponding to the heater hole130a,the heating portion90may substantially form a part of the bottom of the case130. Accordingly, a similar effect to direct heating of the bottom of the case130may be obtained. Therefore, inside air of the case130may be directly heated by the heating portion90. Also, the temperature controlled room100may be quickly heated. As a result of quick heating of the temperature controlled room100, the storage space111of the drawer110may also be quickly heated. The rail connecting portion134may be positioned on the heater cover91, and the drawer110may be positioned on the rail connecting portion134. The heater cover91may be spaced a preset distance from the rail connecting portion134to prevent friction and noise. Inside air of the temperature controlled room100, heated by the heating portion90, may be transferred to the storage space111of the drawer110via the rail connecting portion134. A plurality of holes134amay be formed in the rail connecting portion134, and the heated inside air of the temperature controlled room100may directly move to the storage space111of the drawer110through the holes134a.Although not shown in the drawing, a single hole134amay be formed at a center of the rail connecting portion134. Also, the rail connecting portion134may include no hole. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as shown inFIG.4, the rail connecting portion134may be in a shape of a plate having a smaller size than the heater hole130a.However, a size and shape of the rail connecting portion134are not limited. The rail connecting portion134may be in a shape of a plate, and the size of the rail connecting portion134may be equal to or larger than that of the heater hole130a.Also, the rail connecting portion134may be in a shape of a bar and connect the pair of rails133. In the rear side of the case130, the case hole130bin which the cover member85of the cool air supplier80is inserted may be formed. Cool air may be supplied to the inside of the case130through the case hole130b.As a result of insertion of the drawer110into the inside of the case130, the open front side of the case130may be covered by the drawer110, and accordingly, the inside of the case130may be sealed. Accordingly, inside temperature of the drawer110may become the same as that of the temperature controlled room100. Therefore, a temperature sensor83bmay sense inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, instead of sensing inside temperature of the drawer110. FIG.5shows a cool air supplier in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.6is an exploded view of the cool air supplier shown inFIG.5. Hereinafter, the cool air supplier80according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.5and6. The cool air supplier80may be positioned in front of the cool air flow paths61aand62a.The cool air supplier80may be positioned in front of the cool air flow paths61aand62ato supply cool air on the cool air flow paths61aand62ato the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier80may be positioned in front of the evaporator3. The cool air supplier80may be positioned in front of the evaporator3to form the cooling chamber3ain which the evaporator3is accommodated. The cool air supplier80may include the fans80aand80bfacing the evaporator3. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the temperature controlled room100includes the first temperature controlled room100aand the second temperature controlled room100b,the cool air supplier80may include the first fan80afor supplying cool air to the first temperature controlled room100aand the second fan80bfor supplying cool air to the second temperature controlled room100b.The number of the fans80aand80bmay correspond to the number of the temperature controlled room100. The cool air supplier80may form a part of the cool air flow paths61aand61b. The cool air supplier80may include a first body81forming a part of the cool air flow paths61aand61b,wherein cool air ports81aare formed in the first body81, a second body82coupled with a front side of the first body81to install the fans80aand80bat locations corresponding to the cool air ports81a,and a cover member85coupled with the second body82to accommodate the fans80aand80btherein. Also, the cool air supplier80may include an insulation member84installed inside the cover member85. The insulation member84may fill a space between the cover member85and the fans80aand80b,and prevent cool air of the cool air flow paths61aand62afrom leaking out of the cool air supplier80while the cool air is guided to the temperature controlled room100. Also, the insulation member84may form a cool air supply flow path84athrough which cool air of the cool air flow paths61aand62ais guided to the temperature controlled room100. In the present specification, a plate portion may indicate the first body81and the second body82. Also, the cool air supplier80may include a humidity sensor83afor sensing inside humidity of the temperature controlled room100, and a temperature sensor83bfor sensing inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100. The first body81may include the cool air ports81acorresponding to the number and locations of the fans80aand80b.According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a pair of cool air ports81amay be provided. The first body81may further include a connector accommodating portion81bat one side. A plurality of connectors (not shown) may be accommodated in the connector accommodating portion81b, and the plurality of connectors may be respectively connected to wires (not shown). The second body82may include fan accommodating portions82afor accommodating the fans80aand80b.The fan accommodating portions82amay have inside spaces for accommodating the first and second fans80aand80b.The fan accommodating portions82amay protrude in the front direction from the first body82. However, each fan accommodating portion82amay be formed on an inner surface of the cover member85, or provided as a separate configuration and coupled with the second body82or the inner surface of the cover member85. Referring toFIG.5, a bottom of each fan accommodating portion82amay be inclined with respect to the bottom21bof the storage room21. The cool air port81amay have a shape corresponding to the fan accommodating portion82a.Accordingly, the cool air port81amay be substantially in a shape of a square, and inclined with respect to the bottom21bof the storage room21. Inclining the bottom of the fan accommodating portion82awith respect to the bottom21bof the storage room21may be aimed to cause a liquid unexpectedly entered from above of the cool air supplier80to flow down. By inclining the bottom and top of the fan accommodating portion82aaligned in parallel, a liquid entered the top of the fan accommodating portion82amay naturally flow down by the inclination to be prevented from entering the fans80aand80b.Because a liquid entered the fans80aand80bmay cause a wrong operation of the fans80aand80b,the inclined arrangement of the fan accommodating portions82amay prevent a liquid from entering insides of the fans80aand80b. The second body82may include a connector cover82bcovering the front side of the connector accommodating portion81b.Because a user accesses the cool air supplier80in front of the storage room21, the user may access the plurality of connectors (not shown) by opening the connector cover82bor separating the connector cover82bfrom the second body82. The second body82may include a humidity sensor installing portion82con which the humidity sensor83ais installed. The humidity sensor installing portion82cmay protrude in the front direction from the second body82. The humidity sensor83amay be installed on an inner side of the humidity sensor installing portion82c. The inner side of the humidity sensor installing portion82cmay indicate a rear surface of the second body82on which the humidity sensor installing portion82cis positioned. The humidity sensor83amay sense inside humidity of the storage room21. The humidity sensor83amay be positioned outside the drawer110to sense inside humidity of the storage room21. Therefore, the humidity sensor83amay not correspond to the number of the drawer110. That is, a single humidity sensor83amay be provided. The second body82may cover an inlet (not shown) through which air enters the cooling chamber3a,and include an inlet cover82din which a deodorizer or a filter is installed. The deodorizer or the filter may be installed in a space formed between the inlet (not shown) and the inlet cover82d.After the inlet cover82dis separated from the second body82, the deodorizer or the filter may be installed or separated. The second body82may include a support portion82ecoupled with the discharge cover61to support the discharge cover61. The support portion82emay couple the cool air supplier80with the discharge cover61. The second body82may be stably coupled with the discharge cover61by the support portion82e,and the discharge cover61may be supported by the second body82. The insulation member84may cover the fans80aand80b.Also, the insulation member84may form the cool air supply flow path84afor guiding cool air. One end of the cool air supply flow path84amay be connected to the fans80aand80b,and the other end of the cool air supply flow path84amay be connected to the case130. The insulation member84may be made of various materials, for example, a urethane foam or a Styrofoam material. The temperature sensor83bmay be installed at one side of a front surface of the insulation member84. Because the temperature sensor83bis a configuration for sensing inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, the number of the temperature sensor83bmay correspond to the number of the temperature controlled room100. The cover member85may accommodate the insulation member84and the fans80aand80bcovered by the insulation member84. In other words, the insulation member84may fill a space formed between the cover member85and the fans80aand80b.The cover member85may include a grille portion85acovering the other end of the cool air supply flow path84aconnected to the temperature controlled room100. However, the grille portion85amay be in a shape of a hole, without having a grille, despite its name. That is, the grille portion85amay be in a shape of an opening forming the other end of the cool air supply flow path84a, although not shown in the drawing. Also, the cover member85may include an opening85bcorresponding to a location of the temperature sensor83bsuch that air enters or exits the temperature sensor83b.Also, the cover member85may include a guide rib85cto prevent cool air discharged through the grille portion85afrom directly entering the opening85b.Also, the cover member85may include a protrusion85dinserted in the case hole130bto connect the other end of the cool air supply flow path84ato the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier80may be provided to quickly supply cool air to the temperature controlled room100. Because the cool air supplier80according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the first fan80afor supplying cool air to the first temperature controlled room100aand the second fan80bfor supplying cool air to the second temperature controlled room100b,the cool air supplier80may quickly supply cool air to the first temperature controlled room100aand the second temperature controlled room100b.Also, because another ventilation fan6for supplying cool air to the storage room21is provided in addition to the first fan80aand the second fan80b,supplying cool air to the storage room21may be not influenced by supplying cool air to the temperature controlled room100. FIG.7shows a heater installed in a storage room in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.8is an exploded view of the heater in the refrigerator shown inFIG.7. Hereinafter, the heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.7and8. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator1may include the heating portion90for heating inside air of the temperature controlled room100. The heating portion90may be positioned on the bottom21bof the storage room21. The heating portion90may include a first heating portion90apositioned on a bottom of the first temperature controlled room100a,and a second heating portion90bpositioned on a bottom of the second temperature controlled room100b. Referring toFIG.8, the heating portion90may include a heater cover91coupled with the bottom21bof the storage room21, a heater92positioned on an inner, upper surface of the heater cover91, a connector93for supplying current to the heater92, and a bimetal installing portion94in which a bimetal (not shown) for preventing overheating of the heater92is installed. The heater cover91may be coupled with the bottom21bof the storage room21. An area of the bottom21bof the storage room21, with which the heater cover91is coupled, may protrude upward. The heater cover91may be in a shape of a parallelepiped of which a lower side opens. On the bottom21bof the storage room21, a rib21cmay be formed to correspond to side surfaces of the heater cover91. The rib21cmay protrude upward from the bottom21b.The heater cover91may be inserted in inside of the rib21c. Because the rib21cprotrudes upward from the bottom21bto be at a preset height from the bottom21b,a liquid flowing along an outer side of the rib21cmay be prevented from entering the inside of the rib21c.An upper side of the rib21cmay open. However, the open upper side of the rib21cmay be covered by coupling the heater cover91with the rib21c.By the coupling structure of the rib21cand the heater cover91, water flowing on the heater cover91or the bottom21bof the storage room21may be prevented from entering the inside of the heater cover91. In the drawings, an example in which the rib21cprotrudes upward from the bottom21bof the storage room21is shown, although not limited thereto. However, an inside portion of the rib21cmay also protrude upward together, which is not shown in the drawings. In this case, the heater cover91may cover the rib21cwithout being inserted in the inside of the rib21c. The heater92may be connected to ac current and heated, although not limited thereto. However, the heater92may be heated by dc current. The heater92may be coupled with the inner, upper surface of the heater cover91. The reason may be that the heater92contacts the heater cover91to heat the heater cover91. The heater92may contact the heater cover91to quickly heat the heater cover91through conduction. For example, the heater92may be attached to the inner, upper surface of the heater cover91by an aluminum tape (not shown). The heater cover91may be removably coupled with the bottom21bof the storage room21. The heater cover91may be coupled with the bottom21bof the storage room21by various methods. For example, the heater cover91may be coupled with the bottom21bof the storage room21by using a screw S. However, the heater cover91may be inserted in the rib21c. The bimetal may be installed in the bimetal installing portion94, which is not shown. The bimetal (not shown) may be provided to prevent overheating of the heater92. The heating portion90may be positioned outside the temperature controlled room100. Also, the heating portion90may be positioned below the temperature controlled room100. The heating portion90may be positioned on the bottom21bof the storage room21. The heating portion90may not contact the temperature controlled room100. Also, the heating portion90may be spaced a preset distance from the drawer110to be not in contact with the drawer110. Thereby, noise and abrasion that are generated by a friction between the drawer110and the heating portion90while the drawer110is put into or withdrawn from the case130may be prevented. The heating portion90may raise inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100through convection or radiation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because no component for cooling or heating is provided inside the case130, utilization of inside space of the case130may be improved. In other words, because no component for cooling or heating is provided in the temperature controlled room100, utilization of space of the temperature controlled room100may be improved. Also, the case130may be freely separated from the storage room21. Also, the drawer110accommodated in the case130may be freely separated from the case130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the temperature controlled room100includes no configuration having a direct relationship with cooling or heating, the case130forming the temperature controlled room100may be freely separated from the storage room21. For example, because a configuration for supplying cool air to the temperature controlled room100or a configuration for heating the temperature controlled room100is not positioned inside the case130, a configuration such as a wire connected from the outside of the case130to the inside of the case130may be not provided. Accordingly, the case130may be separated from the storage room21and withdrawn to the outside of the storage room21. Also, the drawer110accommodated inside the case130in such a way to be withdrawable from the case130may be easily separated from the case130, like general storage containers. Also, because no electronics are provided inside the drawer110, the case130and the drawer110may be separated from the storage room21and then washed with water. FIG.9shows a state in which a drawer, a case, and a storage container are withdrawn from a storage room, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.10shows a case and a side cover in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the drawer110, the case130, and the storage container160positioned on the case130may be separated from the storage room21. A pair of side covers140may be provided on both side surfaces of the storage room21. The side covers140may be coupled with the side surfaces of the storage room21, which will be described later. For example, the side covers140may be coupled with the storage room21through screw fastening using a screw driver. The drawer110, the case130, and the storage container160may be separated from the storage room21. The drawer110may be withdrawn from the case130, and also separated from the case130. The case130may be separated from the storage room21, and coupled with the storage room21. The case130may include coupling ribs131and132at each side surface. The coupling ribs131and132may protrude outward from each side surface of the case130. Each side cover140may include coupling protrusions142and143that are coupled with the coupling ribs131and132. The side cover140may include the coupling protrusions142and143protruding from the side covers140. The coupling protrusions142and143may include a first coupling protrusion142and a second coupling protrusion143. The first coupling protrusion142may be positioned at a front, lower portion of the side cover140, and the second coupling protrusion143may be positioned at a rear, upper portion of the side cover140. The first coupling protrusion142and the second coupling protrusion143may be substantially in a shape of a cylinder. Also, the first coupling protrusion142and the second coupling protrusion143may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example, a rubber material. The reason may be to soften an impact upon coupling with the case130. The case130may include the coupling ribs131and132. The coupling ribs131and132may include a first coupling rib131which guides the first coupling protrusion142and in which the first coupling protrusion142is installed, and a second coupling rib132which guides the second coupling protrusion143and in which the second coupling protrusion143is installed. The first coupling rib131may include a first protrusion guide131afor guiding the first coupling protrusion142upon installation of the case130in the storage room21. The first protrusion guide131amay extend substantially horizontally from a front portion of the case130to a rear portion of the case130, and a rear end of the first protrusion guide131amay be inclined upward. The first coupling rib131may include a first protrusion coupling portion131bin which the first coupling protrusion142is installed upon installation of the case130in the storage room21. The first protrusion coupling portion131bmay have a shape corresponding to the first coupling protrusion142, and include a groove in which the first coupling protrusion142is inserted. The first protrusion coupling portion131bmay be positioned in a front end of the first protrusion guide131a.The first protrusion coupling portion131bmay be positioned in a front, lower portion of the case130. The second coupling rib132may include a second protrusion guide132afor guiding the second coupling protrusion143upon installation of the case130in the storage room21. The second protrusion guide132amay extend toward the front portion of the case130from the rear portion of the case130in such a way to be inclined downward. The second protrusion guide132amay have a shorter length than the first protrusion guide131a. The second coupling rib132may include a second protrusion coupling portion132bin which the second coupling protrusion143is installed upon installation of the case130in the storage room21. The second protrusion coupling portion132bmay have a shape corresponding to the second coupling protrusion143, and include a groove in which the second coupling protrusion143is inserted. The second protrusion coupling portion132bmay be positioned in a front end of the second protrusion guide132a.The second protrusion coupling portion132bmay be positioned in a rear, upper portion of the case130. Referring toFIG.10, the side cover140may be separated from or coupled with a side surface of the storage room21. The side cover140may include a coupling member141coupled with the side surface of the storage room21, and a cover145covering a portion of the coupling member141. The coupling member141may include the first coupling protrusion142and the second coupling protrusion143. Also, the coupling member141may include a coupling portion144corresponding to a coupling hole21a(seeFIG.8) formed in the side surface of the storage room21. A plurality of coupling holes21aand a plurality of coupling portions144may be provided for stable coupling. The coupling portion144may be coupled with the coupling hole21aby various coupling methods. For example, the coupling portion144may be coupled with the coupling hole21aby a screw S and a screw driver (not shown). The cover145may cover the coupling portion144of the coupling member141to improve aesthetic impression. The cover145may be made of a material that gives a sense of unity with the side surface of the storage room21, and the cover145may be in a shape of a plate. The cover145may prevent the coupling portion144from being exposed to a user, thereby improving aesthetic impression. Although not shown in the drawings, the first coupling protrusion142and the second coupling protrusion143may be coupled with the side surface of the storage room21or formed together with the side surface of the storage room21. According to this structure, the first coupling protrusion142and the second coupling protrusion143may be provided on the side surface of the storage room21without any side cover. FIG.11is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.4. Referring toFIG.11, the heating portion90may be positioned outside the temperature controlled room100. More specifically, the heating portion90may be positioned below the temperature controlled room100, and the heating portion90may be not in contact with the bottom of the case130forming the temperature controlled room100. The heating portion90may correspond to a size of the heater hole130aformed in the bottom of the case130, without being in contact with the bottom of the case130. However, the heating portion90may correspond to the size of the heater hole130aand be inserted in the heater hole130a.In this case, the heating portion90may substantially form the bottom of the case130with respect to a portion of the case130in which the heater hole130ais formed. That is, the heating portion90may fill the heater hole130ato form a portion of the bottom of the case130. Because the heating portion90is inserted in the heater hole130aor positioned adjacent to the heater hole130a,the heating portion90may be positioned close to the inside of the temperature controlled room100. Because the heating portion90is a configuration for heating inside air of the temperature controlled room100, it may be advantageous to position the heating portion90close to inside air of the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the heater hole130ais formed in the bottom of the case130and the heating portion90is inserted in the heater hole130aor positioned adjacent to the heater hole130a,the heating portion90may substantially form a portion of the bottom of the temperature controlled room100. Accordingly, the heating portion90may directly heat air of the temperature controlled room100. FIG.12is an exploded view of a drawer in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.12, the drawer110may include a body portion112having the storage space111, wherein a plurality of holes112aare formed in a bottom of the body portion112, a cover portion118covering an inner surface of the body portion112, and a cover113covering an open front side of the body portion112. The body portion112may include the pair of coupling holes111b.The pair of elastic protrusions133aformed at the rails133may be inserted in the pair of coupling holes111b. The body portion112may include the plurality of holes112ain the bottom to effectively transfer heat through convection or radiation. The body portion112may be an injection mold, although not limited thereto. The cover portion118may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, and cover the inner surface of the body portion112. By manufacturing the body portion112as an injection mold and coupling the cover portion118with the body portion112, instead of manufacturing the entire body portion112with a metal material, manufacturing cost may be reduced. Also, because forming a plurality of holes in an injection mold is easier than forming a plurality of holes in a metal material, productivity may be improved. The cover113may cover the open front side of the body portion112. The cover113may include a gasket114for sealing a gap between the cover113and the case130, an insulation plate115that is transparent to show inside of the body portion112from a front side of the cover113, a plate accommodating portion116accommodating the insulation plate115and including an opening116a,and a glass117attached on a front surface of the plate accommodating portion116. The insulation plate115may be a transparent mold, and prevent inside hot air or cool air of the drawer110from leaking out. The plate accommodating portion116may accommodate the insulation plate115, and including the opening116athat is smaller than the insulation plate115. The glass117may be attached on the front surface of the plate accommodating portion116. Because the glass117and the insulation plate115are transparent, a user may see the inside of the body portion112in front of the cover113through the glass117, the opening116a,and the insulation plate115, although not limited thereto. However, the cover113may include a metal plate, instead of the glass117and the insulation plate115made of a transparent material. Also, the cover113may be a single injection mold. In this case, the inside of the body portion112will be not shown in front of the cover113. FIG.13shows a moving rack withdrawn from a case and a storage container separated from the moving rack, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.13, a moving rack150may be provided in an upper space of the case130. The moving rack150may move and be withdrawn in the front direction from the case130. On the moving rack150, the storage container160may be placed. According to withdrawing of the moving rack150, the storage container160may be withdrawn in the front direction from the case130together with the moving rack150. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the storage container160may be movable in the left-right direction on the moving rack150.FIG.13shows a pair of storage containers160having the same size, and in this case, it may be difficult to change an arrangement of the storage containers160through a left-right movement of the storage containers160. However, in the case in which a plurality of storage containers160having various sizes are provided, the storage containers160may be separable from the moving rack150and movable in the left-right direction, which will be described later. In this case, the storage containers160may be arranged in various ways according to a user's preference. FIG.14shows different storage containers in the refrigerator shown inFIG.13; Referring toFIG.14, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of storage containers160a,160b,and160cmay include a first storage container160a,a second storage container160b,and a third storage container160c. The first storage container160amay be larger than the second storage container160band the third storage container160c.The second storage container160band the third storage container160cmay have the same size, although not limited thereto. However, the second storage container160band the third storage container160cmay have different sizes. As described above, by withdrawing the moving rack150in the front direction from the case130and then lifting the storage containers160a,160b,and160cup, the storage containers160a,160b,and160cmay be separated from the moving rack150. Also, the storage containers160a,160b,and160cmay slide in the left-right direction on the moving rack150. According to the structure, a user may arrange the storage containers160a,160b,and160con the moving rack150according to his/her preference. For example,FIG.14shows a case in which the first storage container160a,the second storage container160b,and the third storage container160care arranged in this order from left, however, the storage containers160a,160b,and160cmay be arranged in the order of the second storage container160b,the first storage container160a,and the third storage container160c.Also, according to a user's desire, the user may separate the entire or a part of the storage containers160from the moving rack150and place foods directly on the moving rack150. Accordingly, a user's degree of freedom in arranging the storage containers160may be raised. Also, user convenience may be improved. FIG.15shows a controller in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG.15, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a panel21don which a controller170is installed may be provided on the bottom21bof the storage room1. The panel21dmay be coupled with a front end of the bottom21b, and the controller170may be positioned at one side of the panel21d.The controller170may include a display171for displaying various information about the refrigerator1and/or the drawer110, and an inputter172for enabling a user to input a command to the refrigerator1and/or the drawer110. FIG.16is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of cooling inside of a temperature controlled room based on inside temperature of the temperature controlled room, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The temperature sensor83bmay measure inside temperature of the drawer110. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fans80aand80bof the cool air supplier80may be set to operate upon operating of the compressor2. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fans80aand80bmay be set to operate in response to a user's selection of a meat and fish storage mode through the controller170. The fans80aand80bmay be set not to operate in response to a user's selection of a white wine storage mode, a grains storage mode, or a red wine storage mode. The above described settings may relate to a temperature range of the temperature controlled room100, which will be described later. Referring toFIG.16, the temperature sensor83bmay determine, after measuring the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, whether the compressor2operates. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fans80aand80bmay be set to operate after the compressor2operates. Accordingly, in the case in which the compressor2does not operate, the fans80aand80bmay not operate until the compressor2operates. In the case in which the compressor2operates, it may be determined whether the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is higher than or equal to fan-on temperature set to operate the fans80aand80b.The fan-on temperature means a upper bound of a temperature range which the temperature controlled room100is set to reach. Also, fan-off temperature which will be described later means a lower bound of the temperature range which the temperature controlled room100is set to reach. The fan-on temperature and the fan-off temperature may have been set in advance. In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100which is higher than or equal to the fan-on temperature, the fans80aand80bof the cool air supplier80may be turned on. The temperature controlled room100may include the first temperature controlled room100aand the second temperature controlled room100b,and two temperature sensors83bmay measure temperature of the first temperature controlled room100aand temperature of the second temperature controlled room100b,respectively. Therefore, the fans80aand80bmay also operate independently according to temperature measured by the respective temperature sensors83b. After the fans80aand80boperate, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is lower than or equal to the fan-off temperature. In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100which is lower than or equal to the fan-off temperature, the fans80aand80bmay be turned off. After the fans80aand80bare turned off, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is higher than or equal to the fan-on temperature. In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100which is higher than or equal to the fan-on temperature, the fans80aand80bmay be turned on. After the fans80aand80boperate, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is lower than or equal to the fan-off temperature. In this way, the above-described process may be repeated. Therefore, as shown inFIG.16, the cool air supplier80is operable to maintain or decrease an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100may be maintained between the fan-on temperature and the fan-off temperature according to the above-described process. FIG.17is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of heating inside of a temperature controlled room based on inside temperature of the temperature controlled room, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.17, the temperature sensor83bmay measure inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the heating portion90may be set to operate in response to a user's selection of a white wine storage mode, a grains storage mode, a red wine storage mode, or a meat and fish storage mode through the controller170. The heating portion90may be set not to operate in response to a user's selection of a fruits and vegetables storage mode through the controller170. The above described settings may relate to a temperature range of the temperature controlled room100, which will be described later. It may be determined whether the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is lower than or equal to heater-on temperature set to operate the heating portion90. The heater-on temperature means a lower bound of a temperature range which the temperature controlled room100is set to reach. Also, heater-off temperature which will be described later means a upper bound of the temperature range which the temperature controlled room100is set to reach. The heater-on temperature and the heater-off temperature may have been set in advance. In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,which is lower than or equal to the heater-on temperature, the heating portion90may be turned on. The temperature controlled room100may include the first temperature controlled room100aand the second temperature controlled room100b,and two temperature sensors83bmay measure temperature of the first temperature controlled room100aand temperature of the second temperature controlled room100b,respectively. Therefore, the first heater90aand the second heater90bmay also operate independently according to temperature measured by the respective temperature sensors83b. After the heating portion90operates, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is higher than or equal to the heater-off temperature. In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,which is lower than or equal to the heater-off temperature, the heating portion90may be turned off. After the heating portion90is turned off, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is lower than or equal to the heater-on temperature. In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,which is lower than or equal to the heater-on temperature, the heating portion90may be turned on. After the heating portion90operates, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100, measured by the temperature sensor83b,is higher than or equal to the heater-off temperature. In this way, the above-described process may be repeated. Therefore, as shown inFIG.17, the heating portion90is operable to maintain or increase an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, inside temperature of the temperature controlled room100may be maintained between the heater-on temperature and the heater-off temperature according to the above-described process. FIG.18is an exploded view of a temperature controlled room in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.19is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled room shown inFIG.18.FIG.20is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled room shown inFIG.18, before a cover rotates.FIG.21is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled room shown inFIG.18, after the cover rotates. Hereinafter, a temperature controlled room according to another embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.18to20. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a front side of a drawer200may be rotatable within a preset range. In other words, the front side of the drawer200may be tiltable. Because the front side of the drawer200is rotatable, a user may accommodate foods in the drawer200through the open front side of the drawer200, without completely withdrawing the drawer200from the case130. Accordingly, user convenience may be improved. The drawer200may include a body portion210for accommodating foods therein, and a cover220being rotatable within a preset range with respect to the body portion210and covering the open front side of the body portion210. The body portion210may include a guide groove211guiding a guide protrusion221which will be described later, at both sides. Also, the body portion210may further include a pair of guide groove covers213coupled with both side surfaces of the body portion210to prevent the guide groove211from being exposed to the both side surfaces of the body portion210. The cover220may include the guide protrusion221inserted in the guide groove211and moving along the guide groove211. A pair of guide protrusions221may be provided to correspond to the guide grooves211. Also, the cover220may include a shaft portion223functioning as a center of rotation upon coupling with the body portion210. The drawer200may include a first elastic member222for preventing the cover220from rotating too rapidly. The first elastic member222may provide an elastic force for returning the cover220to its original position in the case in which no external force is applied to the cover220. The first elastic member222may provide an elastic force to the cover220in a direction of closing the open front side of the body portion210. A hook shaft230may be rotatably coupled with the cover220. Also, a shaft support portion240for rotatably supporting the hook shaft230may be coupled with the cover220. The hook shaft230may include a switch protrusion231, and a locking portion232including a locking groove in which a locking protrusion212of the body portion210is inserted. The switch protrusion231may protrude through a through hole241formed in the shaft support portion240. The drawer200may include a second elastic member233providing an elastic force for returning the switch protrusion231to its original position in the case in which no external force is applied to the switch protrusion231. The second elastic member233may elastically bias the hook shaft230such that the hook shaft230rotates in one direction. The first elastic member222and the second elastic member233may be torsion springs, although not limited thereto. Referring toFIG.19, a user may rotate the switch protrusion231in a counterclockwise direction to release locking between the locking portion212and the locking protrusion212. As described above, because the switch protrusion231penetrates the through hole241to protrude outward, the switch protrusion231may rotate within a range of the through hole241. Referring toFIG.20, the user may rotate the switch protrusion231in the counterclockwise direction to release locking between the locking portion232and the locking protrusion212. More specifically, the locking protrusion212may be withdrawn from the locking groove of the locking portion232. Referring toFIG.21, after locking between the locking portion212and the locking protrusion212is released, the cover220may rotate within a preset angle range. Rotating the cover220may be expressed as tilting the cover220in the front direction. Because the guide protrusion221moves in the guide groove211, the cover220may rotate within the preset angle range with respect to the shaft portion223. As a result of a movement of the guide protrusion221to one end of the guide groove211, the cover220may no longer rotate and the drawer200may be withdrawn in the front direction of the case130. FIG.22is a cross-sectional view of a temperature controlled room in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.22, according to another embodiment of the disclosure, a drawer300may include a cover320coupled with a body portion310by a magnetic force. A magnet322may be provided inside the cover320. Also, a magnetic body312may be provided at a location corresponding to the magnet322inside the body portion310. However, a magnetic body may be provided inside the cover320, and a magnet may be provided inside the body portion310. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the cover320and the body portion310may be maintained in a coupled state by a magnetic force between the magnet322and the magnetic body312. In the case in which a user pulls a handle321formed by a hollow top of the cover322with a force that is stronger than the magnetic force between the magnet322and the magnetic body312, the cover320may rotate within the preset angle range with respect to the body portion310. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator with a wide controllable temperature range, while having high power efficiency because of using no thermoelectric device in implementing a temperature controlled room may be provided. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator including a temperature controlled room with improved utilization of space because no component for cooling or heating is positioned inside a temperature controlled room may be provided. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator including a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a storage room and a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a temperature controlled room are separately provided to quickly cool the inside of the temperature controlled room. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator including a plurality of temperature controlled rooms to keep various foods at optimal temperature may be provided. Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. | 67,029 |
11859895 | The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to a refrigeration unit. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented inFIG.1A. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Referring now toFIGS.1A-5, reference10generally designates a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit10includes a cabinet12that includes a front perimeter14that surrounds an opening16to a storage compartment18within the cabinet12. A door20is coupled to the cabinet12and is operable between an open position, wherein access to the storage compartment18is provided, and a closed position, wherein the door20conceals the opening16to the storage compartment18. At least one gasket22is coupled to the door20and is configured to be compressed between the door20and the front perimeter14of the cabinet12in the closed position of the door20. A heat loop conduit24includes a first conduit portion26that extends around a majority of the opening16along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12and a second conduit portion28that extends around the majority of the opening16along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. Referring now toFIGS.1A-2, the refrigeration unit10includes a top30and a bottom32opposite the top30. A front side34and a rear side36opposite the front side34extend between the top30and the bottom32. A right side40and a left side38opposite the right side40are disposed between the front and rear sides34,36and extend between the top30and the bottom32. The refrigeration unit10includes at least one storage compartment18in which items are configured to be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1A-2, the refrigeration unit10includes two storage compartments18—a refrigerator compartment42and a freezer compartment44. The refrigeration unit10further includes at least one door20. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1A-2, the refrigeration unit includes two doors20—a refrigerator compartment door46and a freezer compartment door48. The refrigerator and freezer compartment doors46,48are coupled to the refrigeration unit proximate to the front side34and are operable between closed and open positions. In the closed position (illustrated inFIGS.1A-1C), the door20conceals the opening16to the corresponding storage compartment18. In the open position of the door20, as illustrated inFIG.2, the access to the storage compartment18that corresponds with the door20is provided. A variety of styles of refrigeration units10with varying numbers of storage compartments and/or doors are contemplated. With reference toFIGS.1A-2, the refrigerator compartment42is positioned nearer than the freezer compartment44to the top30of the refrigeration unit10. As such, the refrigeration unit10is configured as a bottom-freezer refrigeration unit. Referring now toFIGS.2-5, the refrigeration unit10includes the cabinet12. The cabinet12defines the storage compartment18of the refrigeration unit10. As illustrated inFIG.2, the cabinet12includes the front perimeter14. The front perimeter14can surround the opening16to the storage compartment18of the refrigeration unit10. In various implementations, the front perimeter14of the cabinet12defines the opening16to the storage compartment18. Referring still toFIGS.2-5, the cabinet12includes an outer wrapper50and an inner liner52. The outer wrapper50and the inner liner52define a cabinet interior54. In various implementations, the cabinet interior54is filled at least partially with insulation, such that the refrigeration unit10is insulated. The cabinet12can be insulated via a variety of materials and/or methods. For example, the cabinet12may include foam insulation, in various embodiments. The outer wrapper50and the inner liner52of the cabinet12can cooperate to form the front perimeter14of the refrigeration unit10, as illustrated inFIGS.3-5, as described further herein. Referring now toFIGS.3-5, the inner liner52includes a first liner side56and a second liner side58that is opposite the first liner side56. In various embodiments, a portion of the first liner side56at least partially defines the storage compartment18of the refrigeration unit10. As illustrated inFIGS.3-5, a portion of the first liner side56of the inner liner52defines the storage compartment18of the refrigeration unit10. It is contemplated that one or more other components of the refrigeration unit10can define the storage compartment18of the refrigeration unit10together with the portion of the inner liner52. The inner liner52includes a first liner portion60and a second liner portion62. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the first liner portion60forms the front perimeter14of the cabinet12together with the outer wrapper50. For example, as illustrated inFIG.3, the first liner side56of the first liner portion60forms an exterior surface of the front perimeter14of the cabinet12together with the outer wrapper50, as described further herein. The second liner portion62extends from the first liner portion60into the cabinet interior54. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the second liner portion62extends from the first liner portion60to a terminus64that is upward of the first liner portion60. Referring now toFIG.3, in some implementations, the second liner portion62includes a first step portion66and a second step portion68. The first step portion66is further than the first liner portion60of the inner liner52from the opening16to the storage compartment18, and the second step portion68is further than the first step portion66from the opening16to the storage compartment18. In various implementations, the first liner side56of the first step portion66is a first distance from the front perimeter14of the cabinet12, and the first liner side56of the second step portion68is a second distance from the front perimeter14of the cabinet12, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. The first liner side56of the first step portion66can be substantially parallel to the first liner side56of the second step portion68. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, the first liner side56of the first step portion66is substantially parallel to the first liner side56of the second step portion68, and the first liner side56of both the first and second step portions66,68are substantially parallel to the first liner side56of the first liner portion60. Referring now toFIG.4, in various embodiments, a portion of the inner liner52defines the storage compartment18within the cabinet12, and a portion of the inner liner52forms at least a portion of the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. As illustrated inFIG.4, the portion of the inner liner52that defines the at least a portion of the front perimeter14and the portion of the inner liner52that defines the storage compartment18are coupled to each other at a corner70. The corner70defines the opening16to the storage compartment18. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.4, the portion of the inner liner52that defines the storage compartment18extends rearward (i.e., generally toward the rear side36of the refrigeration unit10) and storage compartment-outboard from the corner70of the inner liner52to form a diverter portion72. As shown inFIG.4, the diverter portion72extends upward and rearward from the corner70of the inner liner52, such that the opening16defined by the corner70is generally narrower than a parallel space positioned within the storage compartment18, rearward of the opening16. InFIG.4, this is represented by the portion of the inner liner52that constitutes a ceiling74of the storage compartment18being further upward than the corner70of the inner liner52. Referring now toFIGS.4and5, the front perimeter14of the cabinet12can include a first shelf portion76and a second shelf portion78. In various implementations, the second shelf portion78is nearer than the first shelf portion76to the rear side36of the refrigeration unit10. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the second shelf portion78of the front perimeter14is generally recessed relative to the first shelf portion76of the front perimeter14. Further, in the illustrated embodiments, the first shelf portion76and the second shelf portion78are generally parallel to each other. Referring now toFIGS.2-5, the outer wrapper50of the cabinet12includes a first wrapper side80and a second wrapper side82that is opposite the first wrapper side80. As illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the outer wrapper50can include a first wrapper portion84and a second wrapper portion86. The first wrapper side80of the first wrapper portion84can form the front perimeter14of the cabinet12together with the first liner portion60of the inner liner52. The second wrapper portion86extends from the first wrapper portion84into the cabinet interior54. In various implementations, the second wrapper portion86includes a retainer88that couples the outer wrapper50to the inner liner52. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.3-5, the second wrapper portion86of the outer wrapper50comprises a retainer88that includes a first elongated section90that extends from the first wrapper portion84to an arcuate section92of the retainer88, a second elongated section94that extends outward from the arcuate section92, and a tang96that extends outward from the second elongated section94to a retainer terminus98. It is contemplated that the second wrapper portion86of the outer wrapper50may form a variety of types of retainers, in various implementations. Referring now toFIGS.3-5, in some implementations, the first wrapper side80of the second wrapper portion86contacts the first and/or second liner sides56,58of the second liner portion62. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the first wrapper side80of the first elongated section90contacts the first liner side56of the second liner portion62, and the first wrapper side80of the second elongated section94contacts the second liner side58of the second liner portion62. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, the first wrapper side80of the first elongated section90of the retainer88of the second wrapper portion86contactingly extends along the first liner side56of the first step portion66of the inner liner52. Further, the first wrapper side80of the second elongated section94of the retainer88of the second wrapper portion86contactingly extends along the second liner side58of the second step portion68of the second liner portion62of the inner liner52. Referring now toFIGS.1A and3-5, the refrigeration unit10includes a heat loop conduit24. As used herein, the heat loop conduit24may refer to at least one of a Yoder loop conduit and a pre-condenser loop conduit. The heat loop conduit24is disposed within the cabinet interior54and extends along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. The heat loop conduit24can extend around a majority of the opening16to the storage compartment18along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. In some implementations, the heat loop conduit24extends entirely around the opening16to the storage compartment18along the front perimeter14. In operation of the refrigeration unit10, the heat loop conduit24may be configured to emit heat which is transferred through the front perimeter14of the cabinet12to the at least one gasket22coupled to the door20of the refrigeration unit10in the closed position of the door20to prevent condensation from freezing on the gasket22, as described further herein. Referring now toFIGS.1A and3, in some implementations, the heat loop conduit24includes the first conduit portion26and the second conduit portion28. The first and second conduit portions26,28may be adjacent sections of the heat loop conduit24. In various implementations, the first conduit portion26and/or the second conduit portion28extends around a majority of the opening16along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. For example, as illustrated inFIG.1A, the heat loop conduit24includes the first conduit portion26that extends around the opening16to the storage compartment18along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12, and the second conduit portion28that extends around the majority of the opening16along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. It is contemplated that the first and/or second conduit portions26,28may extend entirely around the opening16along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12, in some implementations. As illustrated inFIG.3, the first and second conduit portions26,28are disposed within the cabinet interior54, proximate to the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. The first conduit portion26can extend between the first liner side56of the second liner portion62and the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, the first conduit portion26is positioned between the second step portion68of the inner liner52and the first elongated section90of the retainer88of the outer wrapper50. Further, the second conduit portion28is positioned upward of the first conduit portion26within the space defined by the first elongated section90, the arcuate section92, and the second elongated section94of the retainer88. Referring still toFIG.3, the refrigeration unit10may include a retention clip100. The retention clip100may be disposed within the cabinet interior54and may be coupled to the first and second conduit portions26,28of the heat loop conduit24. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, the retention clip100extends along the first wrapper side80of the arcuate section92of the retainer88, around a majority of the circumference of the second conduit portion28, along the first wrapper side80of the first elongated section90of the retainer88, and around a majority of the circumference of the first conduit portion26. The retention clip100may maintain the first and second conduit portions26,28in position relative to each other and/or relative to other components of the refrigeration unit10. Referring now toFIGS.3-5, at least one gasket22is coupled to the door20of the refrigeration unit10. The at least one gasket22is configured to be compressed between the door20and the front perimeter14of the cabinet12in the closed position of the door20. Compression of the at least one gasket22between the door20and the front perimeter14of the cabinet12is configured to form a seal between the door20and the cabinet12, such that air is generally prevented from entering and exiting the storage compartment18via the opening16concealed by the door20in the closed position. Sealing the opening16to the storage compartment18in this manner may aid in maintaining the temperature-controlled environment within the storage compartment18of the refrigeration unit10. The at least one gasket22can be compressed between the door20and the first and/or second shelf portions76,78of the front perimeter14of the cabinet12, in some implementations. For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, the at least one gasket22is compressed between the door20and the first shelf portion76of the front perimeter14. In some implementations, the at least one gasket22includes a plurality of gaskets22. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.5, first and second gaskets22A,22B are coupled to the door20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first gasket22A is configured to be compressed between the door20and the first shelf portion76of the front perimeter14in the closed position of the door and the second gasket22B is configured to be compressed between the door20and the second shelf portion78of the front perimeter14of the cabinet12in the closed position of the door20. Referring now toFIGS.1A and3, in operation of an exemplary embodiment of the refrigeration unit10, wherein the refrigeration unit10includes the heat loop conduit24having the first and second conduit portions26,28, the first and second conduit portions26,28extend within the cabinet interior54along the front perimeter14of the cabinet12. The first and second conduit portions26,28emit heat that warms the at least one gasket22that is compressed between the door20and front perimeter14of the cabinet12, such that condensation does not freeze on the gasket22. Referring now toFIGS.1B and4, an exemplary embodiment of the refrigeration unit10is illustrated, wherein the door20is a vacuum insulated door20, and the inner liner52includes the diverter portion72. The diverter portion72of the inner liner52is configured to divert air circulating within the storage compartment18away from the at least one gasket22that is compressed between the front perimeter14of the cabinet12and the door20in the closed position of the door20. Referring now toFIGS.1C and5, an exemplary embodiment of the refrigeration unit10, wherein the first and second gaskets22A,22B are coupled to the door20, is illustrated. In operation of the exemplary embodiment, the second gasket22B generally prevents air from within the storage compartment18from flowing to the first gasket22A in the closed position of the door20. As such, condensation is generally prevented from accumulating and freezing on the first gasket22A during operation of the refrigeration unit10. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration unit includes a cabinet that includes a front perimeter that surrounds an opening to a storage compartment within the cabinet and a door coupled to the cabinet and operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the door, access to the storage compartment is provided. In the closed position of the door, the door conceals the opening to the storage compartment. The refrigeration unit also includes at least one gasket coupled to the door and configured to be compressed between the door and the front perimeter of the cabinet in the closed position of the door. The refrigeration compartment further includes a heat loop conduit having a first conduit portion that extends around a majority of the opening along the front perimeter of the cabinet and a second conduit portion that extends around the majority of the opening along the front perimeter of the cabinet. According to another aspect, the cabinet includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner coupled to the outer wrapper. The inner liner and outer wrapper cooperate to form the front perimeter and define a cabinet interior. The first and second conduit portions are positioned within the cabinet interior. According to another aspect, the inner liner includes a first liner side and a second liner side opposite the first liner side. A portion of the first liner side defines the storage compartment. According to another aspect, the inner liner includes a first liner portion that forms the front perimeter of the cabinet together with the outer wrapper and a second liner portion that extends from the first liner portion into the cabinet interior. The first conduit portion extends between the first liner side of the second liner portion and the front perimeter of the cabinet. According to another aspect, the outer wrapper includes a first wrapper side and a second wrapper side opposite the first wrapper side. According to another aspect, the outer wrapper includes a first wrapper portion and a second wrapper portion. The first wrapper side of the first wrapper portion forms the front perimeter of the cabinet together with the first liner portion. The second wrapper portion extends from the first wrapper portion into the cabinet interior. The first wrapper side of the second wrapper portion contacts the first and second liner sides of the second liner portion. According to another aspect, a retention clip is coupled to the first conduit portion, the second conduit portion, and the first wrapper side of the second wrapper portion. According to another aspect, the second liner portion includes a first step portion that is further than the first liner portion from the opening to the storage compartment. The first liner side of the first step portion is a first distance from the front perimeter of the cabinet. The second liner portion also includes a second step portion that is further than the first step portion from the opening to the storage compartment. The first liner side of the second step portion is a second distance from the front perimeter of the cabinet. Further, the second distance is greater than the first distance. According to another aspect, the first liner side of the first liner portion is substantially parallel to the first liner side of the first step portion and the first liner side of the second step portion. According to another aspect, the first conduit portion extends between the second step portion and the front perimeter of the cabinet. According to another aspect, the outer wrapper contacts the second liner side of the second step portion and the first liner side of the first step portion. According to another aspect, the door is a vacuum insulated door. According to yet another aspect, the cabinet is a foam insulated cabinet. According to another aspect, a refrigeration unit includes a cabinet which includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner coupled to the outer wrapper. The inner liner defines a storage compartment within the cabinet and forms at least a portion of a front perimeter of the cabinet. The portion of the inner liner that defines the at least a portion of the front perimeter and the portion of the inner liner that defines the storage compartment are coupled to each other at a corner that defines an opening to the storage compartment. The portion of the inner liner that defines the storage compartment extends rearward and storage compartment-outboard from the corner of the inner liner to form a diverter portion. The refrigeration unit also includes a door coupled to the cabinet and operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the door, access to the storage compartment is provided. In the closed position of the door, the door conceals the opening to the storage compartment. The refrigeration unit further includes at least one gasket coupled to the door and configured to be compressed between the door and the front perimeter of the cabinet in the closed position of the door. The diverter portion of the inner liner is configured to divert air from the storage compartment away from the at least one gasket. According to another aspect, the front perimeter includes a first shelf portion and a second shelf portion. The second shelf portion is nearer than the first shelf portion to a rear side of the cabinet and the at least one gasket is configured to be compressed between the door and the first shelf portion of the front perimeter. According to another aspect, a heat loop conduit is disposed within a cabinet interior and extends along the front perimeter of the cabinet. According to another aspect, the door is a vacuum insulated door. According to yet another aspect, the cabinet is a foam insulated cabinet. According to another aspect, a refrigeration unit includes a cabinet that includes a front perimeter that surrounds an opening to a storage compartment within the cabinet. The front perimeter includes a first shelf portion and a second shelf portion that defines the opening to the storage compartment and is nearer than the first shelf portion to a rear side of the cabinet. The refrigeration unit also includes a door coupled to the cabinet and operable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the door, access to the storage compartment is provided. In the closed position of the door, the door conceals the opening to the storage compartment. The refrigeration unit further includes a first gasket coupled to the door and configured to be compressed between the door and the first shelf portion of the front perimeter of the cabinet in the closed position of the door, and a second gasket coupled to the door and configured to be compressed between the door and the second shelf portion of the front perimeter of the cabinet in the closed position of the door. According to another aspect, the first and second shelf portions are substantially parallel to each other. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. | 29,128 |
11859896 | MODE FOR INVENTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and a person of ordinary skill in the art, who understands the spirit of the present invention, may readily implement other embodiments included within the scope of the same concept by adding, changing, deleting, and adding components; rather, it will be understood that they are also included within the scope of the present invention. The drawings shown below may be displayed differently from the actual product, or exaggerated or simple or detailed parts may be deleted, but this is intended to facilitate understanding of the technical idea of the present invention. It should not be construed as limited. In the following description, the vacuum pressure means any pressure state lower than the atmospheric pressure. In addition, the expression that a vacuum degree of A is higher than that of B means that a vacuum pressure of A is lower than that of B. FIG.1is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.1, the refrigerator1may include a main body2provided with a cavity9capable of storing storage goods and a door3provided to open or close the main body2. The door3may be rotatably or slidably movably provided to open or close the cavity9. The cavity9may provide at least one of a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. The cavity9may be supplied with parts or devices of a refrigeration or a freezing cycle in which cold air is supplied into the cavity9. For example, the parts may include a compressor4to compress a refrigerant, a condenser5to condense the compressed refrigerant, an expander6to expand the condensed refrigerant, and an evaporator7to evaporate the expanded refrigerant to take heat. As a typical structure, a fan may be installed at a position adjacent to the evaporator7, and a fluid blown from the fan may pass through the evaporator7and then be blown into the cavity9. A freezing load is controlled by adjusting the blowing amount and blowing direction by the fan, adjusting the amount of a circulated refrigerant, or adjusting the compression rate of the compressor, so that it is possible to control a refrigerating space or a freezing space. Other parts constituting the refrigeration cycle may be constituted by applying a member including a thermoelectric module. FIG.2is a view schematically showing a vacuum adiabatic body used in the main body2and the door3of the refrigerator1. InFIG.2, a main body-side vacuum adiabatic body is illustrated in a state in which top and side walls are removed, and a door-side vacuum adiabatic body is illustrated in a state in which a portion of a front wall is removed. In addition, sections of portions at conductive resistance sheets60or63are provided are schematically illustrated for convenience of understanding. Referring toFIG.2, the vacuum adiabatic body may include a first plate member10to provide a wall of a low-temperature space or a first space, a second plate member20to provide a wall of a high-temperature space or a second space, and a vacuum space part or a third space50defined as a gap between the first and second plate members10and20. Also, the vacuum adiabatic body includes the conductive resistance sheets60and63to prevent heat conduction between the first and second plate members10and20. A sealing or welding part61may seal the conductive resistance sheets60and63to the first and second plate members10and20such that the vacuum space part50is in a sealed or vacuum state. When the vacuum adiabatic body is applied to a refrigerator or a warming apparatus, the first plate member10providing a wall of an internal or inner space of the refrigerator may be referred to as an inner case, and the second plate member20providing a wall of an outer space of the refrigerator may be referred to as an outer case. A machine room8may include parts providing a refrigerating or a freezing cycle. The machine room may be placed at a lower rear side of the main body-side vacuum adiabatic body, and an exhaust port40to form a vacuum state by exhausting air from the vacuum space part50is provided at any one side of the vacuum adiabatic body. In addition, a pipeline64passing through the vacuum space part50may be further installed so as to install a defrosting water line and electric lines. The first plate member10may define at least one portion of a wall for a first space provided thereto. The second plate member20may define at least one portion of a wall for a second space provided thereto. The first space and the second space may be defined as spaces having different temperatures. Here, the wall for each space may serve as not only a wall directly contacting the space but also a wall not contacting the space. For example, the vacuum adiabatic body or insulator of the embodiment may also be applied to a product further having a separate wall contacting each space. Factors of heat transfer, which cause loss of the adiabatic effect of the vacuum adiabatic body, are thermal or heat conduction between the first and second plate members10and20, heat radiation between the first and second plate members10and20, and gas conduction of the vacuum space part50. Hereinafter, a heat resistance unit or sheet provided to reduce adiabatic loss related to the factors of the heat transfer will be provided. The vacuum adiabatic body and the refrigerator of the embodiment do not exclude that another adiabatic means is further provided to at least one side of the vacuum adiabatic body. Therefore, an adiabatic means using foaming or the like may be further provided to another side of the vacuum adiabatic body. The heat resistance unit may include a conductive resistance sheet60or63that resists conduction of heat transferred along a wall of a third space50and may further include a side frame coupled to the conductive resistance sheet. The conductive resistance sheet60or63and the side frame will be clarified by the following description. Also, the heat resistance unit may include at least one radiation resistance sheet32that is provided in a plate shape within the third space50or may include a porous material that resists radiation heat transfer between the second plate member20and the first plate member10within the third space50. The radiation resistance sheet32and the porous material will be clarified by the following description. FIGS.3A-3Care views illustrating various embodiments of an internal configuration of the vacuum space part or third space50. First, referring toFIG.3A, the vacuum space part50may have a pressure different from that of each of the first and second spaces, preferably, a vacuum state, thereby reducing an adiabatic loss. The vacuum space part50may be provided at a temperature between the temperature of the first space and the temperature of the second space. Since the vacuum space part50is provided as a space in the vacuum state, the first and second plate members10and20receive a force contracting in a direction in which they approach each other due to a force corresponding to a pressure difference between the first and second spaces. Therefore, the vacuum space part50may be deformed in a direction in which it is reduced. In this case, the adiabatic loss may be caused due to an increase in amount of heat radiation, caused by the contraction of the vacuum space part50, and an increase in amount of thermal or heat conduction, caused by contact between the plate members10and20. The supporting unit or support30may be provided to reduce deformation of the vacuum space part50. The supporting unit30includes a bar31. The bar31may extend in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the plate members10and20to support a distance between the first plate member10and the second plate member20. A support plate35may be additionally provided on at least any one end of the bar31. The support plate35may connect at least two or more bars31to each other to extend in a horizontal direction with respect to the first and second plate members10and20. The support plate35may be provided in a plate shape or may be provided in a lattice shape so that an area of the support plate contacting the first or second plate member10or20decreases, thereby reducing heat transfer. The bars31and the support plate35are fixed to each other at at least one portion, to be inserted together between the first and second plate members10and20. The support plate35contacts at least one of the first and second plate members10and20, thereby preventing deformation of the first and second plate members10and20. In addition, based on the extending direction of the bars31, a total sectional area of the support plate35is provided to be greater than that of the bars31, so that heat transferred through the bars31may be diffused through the support plate35. A material of the supporting unit30will be described. The supporting unit30may have a high compressive strength so as to endure the vacuum pressure, a low outgassing rate and a low water absorption rate so as to maintain the vacuum state, a low thermal conductivity so as to reduce the thermal or heat conduction between the plate members10and20. Also, the supporting unit30may have a secure compressive strength at a high temperature so as to endure a high-temperature exhaust process, have an excellent machinability so as to be subjected to molding, and have a low cost for molding. Here, the time required to perform the exhaust process takes about a few days. Hence, the time is reduced, thereby considerably improving fabrication cost and productivity. Therefore, the compressive strength is to be secured at the high temperature because an exhaust speed is increased as a temperature at which the exhaust process is performed becomes higher. The inventor has performed various examinations under the above-described conditions. First, ceramic or glass has a low outgassing rate and a low water absorption rate, but its machinability is remarkably lowered. Hence, ceramic and glass may not be used as the material of the supporting unit30. Resin may be considered as the material of the supporting unit30. FIG.4is a diagram illustrating results obtained by examining resins. Referring toFIG.4, the present inventor has examined various resins, and most of the resins may not be used because their outgassing rates and water absorption rates are remarkably high. Accordingly, the present inventor has examined resins that approximately satisfy conditions of the outgassing rate and the water absorption rate. As a result, polyethylene (PE) may not be used due to its high outgassing rate and its low compressive strength. Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) may not be used due to its remarkably high price. Polyether ether ketone PEEK may not be used due to its high outgassing rate. A resin selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), glass fiber PC, low outgassing PC, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and liquid crystal polymer (LCP) may be used as the material of the supporting unit30. However, an outgassing rate of PC is 0.19, which is at a low level. Hence, as the time required to perform baking in which exhaustion is performed by applying heat is increased to a certain level, PC may be used as the material of the supporting unit30. The present inventor has found an optimal material by performing various studies on resins expected to be used inside the vacuum space part50. Hereinafter, results of the performed studies will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.5is a view illustrating results obtained by performing an experiment on vacuum maintenance performances of the resins. Referring toFIG.5, there is illustrated a graph showing results obtained by fabricating the supporting unit30using the respective resins and then testing vacuum maintenance performances of the resins. First, a supporting unit30fabricated using a selected material was cleaned using ethanol, left at a low pressure for 48 hours, exposed to the air for 2.5 hours, and then subjected to an exhaust process at 90° C. for about 50 hours in a state where the supporting unit30was put in the vacuum adiabatic body, thereby measuring a vacuum maintenance performance of the supporting unit30. An initial exhaust performance of LCP is best, but its vacuum maintenance performance is bad. This may be caused by sensitivity of the LCP to temperature. Also, it is expected through characteristics of the graph that, when a final allowable pressure is 5×10−3Torr, its vacuum performance will be maintained for a time of about 0.5 years. Therefore, the LCP may not be used as the material of the supporting unit30. Regarding glass fiber PC (G/F PC), its exhaust speed is fast, but its vacuum maintenance performance is low. It is determined that this will be influenced by an additive. Also, it is expected through the characteristics of the graph that the glass fiber PC will maintain its vacuum performance under the same conditions for a time of about 8.2 years. Therefore, PC (G/F PC) may not be used as the material of the supporting unit30. It is expected that, in the case of the low outgassing PC (O/G PC), its vacuum maintenance performance is excellent, and its vacuum performance will be maintained under the same conditions for a time of about 34 years, as compared with the above-described two materials. However, it may be seen that the initial exhaust performance of the low outgassing PC is low, and therefore, the fabrication efficiency of the low outgassing PC is lowered. It may be seen that, in the case of the PPS, its vacuum maintenance performance is remarkably excellent, and its exhaust performance is also excellent. Based on the vacuum maintenance performance, PPS may be used as the material of the supporting unit30. FIGS.6A-6Cillustrate results obtained by analyzing components of gases discharged from the PPS and the low outgassing PC, in which the horizontal axis represents mass numbers of gases and the vertical axis represents concentrations of gases.FIG.6Aillustrates a result obtained by analyzing a gas discharged from the low outgassing PC. InFIG.6A, it may be seen that hydrogen or H2series (I), water or H2O series (II), dinitrogen/carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide/oxygen or N2/CO/CO2/O2series (III), and hydrocarbon series (IV) are equally discharged.FIG.6Billustrates a result obtained by analyzing a gas discharged from the PPS. InFIG.6B, it may be seen that the H2series (I), H2O series (II), and N2/CO/CO2/O2series (III) are discharged to a weak extent.FIG.6Cis a result obtained by analyzing a gas discharged from stainless steel. InFIG.6C, it may be seen that a similar gas to the PPS is discharged from the stainless steel. Consequently, it may be seen that the PPS discharges a similar gas to the stainless steel. As the analyzed result, it may be re-confirmed that the PPS is excellent as the material of the supporting unit30. FIG.7illustrates results obtained by measuring maximum deformation temperatures at which resins are damaged by atmospheric pressure in high-temperature exhaustion. At this time, the bars31were provided at a diameter of 2 mm at a distance of 30 mm. Referring toFIG.7, it may be seen that a rupture occurs at 60° C. in the case of the PE, a rupture occurs at 90° C. in the case of the low outgassing PC, and a rupture occurs at 125° C. in the case of the PPS. As the analyzed result, it may be seen that the PPS may be used as the resin used inside the vacuum space part50. However, the low outgassing PC may be used in terms of fabrication cost. Referring back toFIG.3A, a radiation resistance sheet32to reduce heat radiation between the first and second plate members10and20through the vacuum space part50will be described. The first and second plate members10and20may be made of a stainless material capable of preventing corrosion and providing a sufficient strength. The stainless material has a relatively high emissivity of 0.16, and hence a large amount of radiation heat may be transferred. In addition, the supporting unit30made of the resin has a lower emissivity than the plate members, and is not entirely provided to inner surfaces of the first and second plate members10and20. Hence, the supporting unit30does not have great influence on radiation heat. Therefore, the radiation resistance sheet32may be provided in a plate shape over a majority of the area of the vacuum space part50so as to concentrate on reduction of radiation heat transferred between the first and second plate members10and20. A product having a low emissivity may be used as the material of the radiation resistance sheet32. In an embodiment, an aluminum foil having an emissivity of 0.02 may be used as the radiation resistance sheet32. Also, since the transfer of radiation heat may not be sufficiently blocked using one radiation resistance sheet32, at least two radiation resistance sheets32may be provided at a certain distance so as not to contact each other. Also, at least one radiation resistance sheet32may be provided in a state in which it contacts the inner surface of the first or second plate member10or20. Referring toFIG.3B, the distance between the plate members10and20is maintained by the supporting unit30, and a porous material33may be filled in the vacuum space part50. The porous material33may have a higher emissivity than the stainless material of the first and second plate members10and20. However, since the porous material33is filled in the vacuum space part50, the porous material33has a high efficiency for resisting the radiation heat transfer. In the present embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured without the radiation resistance sheet32. Referring toFIG.3Cthe supporting unit30to maintain the vacuum space part50may not be provided. A porous material333may be provided to be surrounded by a film34instead of the supporting unit30. Here, the porous material33may be provided in a state of being compressed so that the gap of the vacuum space part50is maintained. The film34made of, for example, a PE material provided in a state in which a hole is punched in the film34. In the present embodiment, the vacuum adiabatic body may be manufactured without the supporting unit30. That is to say, the porous material33may perform the function of the radiation resistance sheet32and the function of the supporting unit30together. FIGS.8A-8Care views showing various embodiments of conductive resistance sheets60or63and peripheral parts thereof. Structures of the conductive resistance sheets60or63are briefly illustrated inFIG.2, but will be understood in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a conductive resistance sheet60proposed inFIG.8Amay be applied to the main body-side vacuum adiabatic body. Specifically, the first and second plate members10and20may be sealed so as to vacuumize the interior of the vacuum adiabatic body. In this case, since the first and second plate members10and20have different temperatures from each other, heat transfer may occur between the first and second plate members10and20. A conductive resistance sheet60is provided to prevent thermal or heat conduction between two different kinds of plate members10and20. The conductive resistance sheet60may be provided with sealing or welding parts61at which both ends of the conductive resistance sheet60are sealed to define at least one portion of the wall for the third space or vacuum space part50and maintain the vacuum state. The conductive resistance sheet60may be provided as a thin foil in unit of micrometer so as to reduce the amount of heat conducted along the wall for the vacuum space part50. The sealing parts61may be provided as welding parts, and the conductive resistance sheet60and the plate members10and20may be fused to each other. In order to cause a fusing action between the conductive resistance sheet60and the first and second plate members10and20, the conductive resistance sheet60and the first and second plate members10and20may be made of the same material (e.g., a stainless material). The sealing parts61are not limited to the welding parts, and may be provided through a process such as cocking. The conductive resistance sheet60may be provided in a curved shape. Thus, a thermal conduction distance of the conductive resistance sheet60is provided longer than the linear distance of each plate member10and20, so that the amount of thermal conduction may be further reduced. A change in temperature occurs along the conductive resistance sheet60. Therefore, in order to block heat transfer to the exterior of the conductive resistance sheet60, a shielding part or cover62may be provided at the exterior of the conductive resistance sheet60such that an adiabatic action occurs. In other words, in the refrigerator1, the second plate member20has a high temperature and the first plate member10has a low temperature. In addition, thermal conduction from high temperature to low temperature occurs in the conductive resistance sheet60, and hence the temperature of the conductive resistance sheet60is suddenly changed. Therefore, when the conductive resistance sheet60is opened to the exterior thereof, heat transfer through the opened place may seriously occur. In order to reduce heat loss, the shielding part62is provided at the exterior of the conductive resistance sheet60. For example, when the conductive resistance sheet60is exposed to any one of the low-temperature space and the high-temperature space, the conductive resistance sheet60may not serve as a conductive resistor at the exposed portion. The shielding part62may be provided as a porous material contacting an outer surface of the conductive resistance sheet60. The shielding part62may be provided as an adiabatic structure, e.g., a separate gasket, which is placed at the exterior of the conductive resistance sheet60. The shielding part62may be provided as a portion of the vacuum adiabatic body, which is provided at a position facing a corresponding conductive resistance sheet60when the main body-side vacuum adiabatic body is closed with respect to the door-side vacuum adiabatic body. In order to reduce heat loss even when the main body2and the door3are opened, the shielding part62may be provided as a porous material or a separate adiabatic structure. A conductive resistance sheet60proposed inFIG.8Bmay be applied to the door-side vacuum adiabatic body. InFIG.8B, portions different from those ofFIG.8Aare described in detail, and the same description is applied to portions identical to those ofFIG.8A. A side frame70is further provided at an outside of the conductive resistance sheet60. A part or seal to seal between the door3and the main body2, an exhaust port necessary for an exhaust process, a getter port for vacuum maintenance, and the like may be placed on the side frame70. This is because the mounting of parts is convenient in the main body-side vacuum adiabatic body, but the mounting positions of parts are limited in the door-side vacuum adiabatic body. In the door-side vacuum adiabatic body, it is difficult to place the conductive resistance sheet60at a front end portion of the vacuum space part50, i.e., a corner side portion of the vacuum space part50. This is because, unlike the main body2, a corner edge portion of the door3is exposed to the exterior. In more detail, if the conductive resistance sheet60is placed at the front end portion of the vacuum space part50, the corner edge portion of the door3is exposed to the exterior, and hence there is a disadvantage in that a separate adiabatic part should be configured so as to heat-insulate the conductive resistance sheet60. A conductive resistance sheet63proposed inFIG.8Cmay be installed in the pipeline64passing through the vacuum space part50. InFIG.8C, portions different from those ofFIGS.8A and8bare described in detail, and the same description is applied to portions identical to those ofFIGS.8A and8B. A conductive resistance sheet63having a similar shape as that ofFIG.8A, such as a wrinkled or zig-zag conductive resistance sheet63, may be provided at a peripheral portion of the pipeline64. Accordingly, a heat transfer path may be lengthened, and deformation caused by a pressure difference may be prevented. In addition, a separate shielding part may be provided to improve the adiabatic performance of the conductive resistance sheet. A heat transfer path between the first and second plate members10and20will be described with reference back toFIG.8A. Heat passing through the vacuum adiabatic body may be divided into surface conduction heat conducted along a surface of the vacuum adiabatic body, more specifically, the conductive resistance sheet60, supporter conduction heat conducted along the supporting unit30provided inside the vacuum adiabatic body, gas conduction heat conducted through an internal gas in the vacuum space part, and radiation transfer heat transferred through the vacuum space part. The transfer heat may be changed depending on various depending on various design dimensions. For example, the supporting unit30may be changed such that the first and second plate members10and20may endure a vacuum pressure without being deformed, the vacuum pressure may be changed, the distance between the first and second plate members10and20may be changed, and the length of the conductive resistance sheet60or63may be changed. The transfer heat may be changed depending on a difference in temperature between the spaces (the first and second spaces) respectively provided by the plate members10and20. In the embodiment, a configuration of the vacuum adiabatic body has been found by considering that its total heat transfer amount is smaller than that of a typical adiabatic structure formed by foaming polyurethane. In a typical refrigerator including the adiabatic structure formed by foaming the polyurethane, an effective heat transfer coefficient may be proposed as 19.6 mW/mK. By performing a relative analysis on heat transfer amounts of the vacuum adiabatic body of the embodiment, a heat transfer amount by the gas conduction heat {circle around (3)} may become the smallest. For example, the heat transfer amount by the gas conduction heat {circle around (3)} may be controlled to be equal to or smaller than 4% of the total heat transfer amount. A heat transfer amount by solid conduction heat defined as a sum of the surface conduction heat {circle around (1)} and the supporter conduction heat {circle around (2)} is the largest. For example, the heat transfer amount by the solid conduction heat may reach 75% of the total heat transfer amount. A heat transfer amount by the radiation transfer heat {circle around (3)} is smaller than the heat transfer amount by the solid conduction heat but larger than the heat transfer amount of the gas conduction heat. For example, the heat transfer amount by the radiation transfer heat {circle around (3)} may occupy about 20% of the total heat transfer amount. According to such a heat transfer distribution, effective heat transfer coefficients (eK: effective K) (W/mK) of the surface conduction heat {circle around (1)}, the supporter conduction heat {circle around (2)}, the gas conduction heat {circle around (3)}, and the radiation transfer heat {circle around (4)} may have an order of Math Equation 1. eKsolid conduction heat>eKradiation transfer heat>eKgas conduction heatEquation 1 Here, the effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) is a value that may be measured using a shape and temperature differences of a target product. The effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) is a value that may be obtained by measuring a total heat transfer amount and a temperature at least one portion at which heat is transferred. For example, a calorific value (W) is measured using a heating source that may be quantitatively measured in the refrigerator, a temperature distribution (K) of the door is measured using heats respectively transferred through a main body and an edge of the door of the refrigerator, and a path through which heat is transferred is calculated as a conversion value (m), thereby evaluating an effective heat transfer coefficient. The effective heat transfer coefficient (eK) of the entire vacuum adiabatic body is a value given by k=QL/AΔT. Here, Q denotes a calorific value (W) and may be obtained using a calorific value of a heater. A denotes a sectional area (m2) of the vacuum adiabatic body, L denotes a thickness (m) of the vacuum adiabatic body, and ΔT denotes a temperature difference. For the surface conduction heat, a conductive calorific value may be obtained through a temperature difference (ΔT) between an entrance and an exit of the conductive resistance sheet60or63, a sectional area (A) of the conductive resistance sheet, a length (L) of the conductive resistance sheet60or63, and a thermal conductivity (k) of the conductive resistance sheet60or63(the thermal conductivity of the conductive resistance sheet is a material property of a material and may be obtained in advance). For the supporter conduction heat, a conductive calorific value may be obtained through a temperature difference (ΔT) between an entrance and an exit of the supporting unit30, a sectional area (A) of the supporting unit30, a length (L) of the supporting unit30, and a thermal conductivity (k) of the supporting unit30. Here, the thermal conductivity of the supporting unit30is a material property of a material and may be obtained in advance. The sum of the gas conduction heat {circle around (3)}, and the radiation transfer heat {circle around (4)} may be obtained by subtracting the surface conduction heat and the supporter conduction heat from the heat transfer amount of the entire vacuum adiabatic body. A ratio of the gas conduction heat {circle around (3)}, and the radiation transfer heat {circle around (4)} may be obtained by evaluating radiation transfer heat when no gas conduction heat exists by remarkably lowering a vacuum degree of the vacuum space part50. When a porous material is provided inside the vacuum space part50, porous material conduction heat {circle around (5)} may be a sum of the supporter conduction heat {circle around (2)} and the radiation transfer heat {circle around (4)}. The porous material conduction heat may be changed depending on various variables including a kind, an amount, and the like of the porous material. According to an embodiment, a temperature difference ΔT1between a geometric center formed by adjacent bars31and a point at which each of the bars31is located may be preferably provided to be less than 0.5° C. Also, a temperature difference ΔT2between the geometric center formed by the adjacent bars31and an edge portion of the vacuum adiabatic body may be preferably provided to be less than 0.5° C. In the second plate member20, a temperature difference between an average temperature of the second plate member20and a temperature at a point at which a heat transfer path passing through the conductive resistance sheet60or63meets the second plate member20may be the largest. For example, when the second space is a region hotter than the first space, the temperature at the point at which the heat transfer path passing through the conductive resistance sheet60or63meets the second plate member20becomes lowest. Similarly, when the second space is a region colder than the first space, the temperature at the point at which the heat transfer path passing through the conductive resistance sheet60or63meets the second plate member20becomes highest. This means that the amount of heat transferred through other points except the surface conduction heat passing through the conductive resistance sheet60or63should be controlled, and the entire heat transfer amount satisfying the vacuum adiabatic body may be achieved only when the surface conduction heat occupies the largest heat transfer amount. To this end, a temperature variation of the conductive resistance sheet60or63may be controlled to be larger than that of the plate members10and20. Physical characteristics of the parts constituting the vacuum adiabatic body will be described. In the vacuum adiabatic body, a force by vacuum pressure is applied to all of the parts. Therefore, a material having a strength (N/m2) of a certain level may be preferably used. Under such conditions, the plate members10and20and the side frame70may be made of a material having a sufficient strength with which they are not damaged by even vacuum pressure. For example, when the number of bars31is decreased so as to limit the support conduction heat, deformation of the plate members10and20may occur due to the vacuum pressure, which may bad influence on the external appearance of refrigerator. The radiation resistance sheet32may be made of a material that has a low emissivity and may be easily subjected to thin film processing. Also, the radiation resistance sheet32is to ensure a strength strong enough not to be deformed by an external impact. The supporting unit30is provided with a strength strong enough to support the force by the vacuum pressure and endure an external impact, and is to have machinability. The conductive resistance sheet60may be made of a material that has a thin plate shape and may endure the vacuum pressure. In an embodiment, the plate members10and20, the side frame70, and the conductive resistance sheet60or63may be made of stainless materials having the same strength. The radiation resistance sheet32may be made of aluminum having a weaker strength that the stainless materials. The supporting unit30may be made of resin having a weaker strength than the aluminum. Unlike the strength from the point of view of materials, analysis from the point of view of stiffness is required. The stiffness (N/m) is a property that would not be easily deformed. Although the same material is used, its stiffness may be changed depending on its shape. The conductive resistance sheets60or63may be made of a material having a high or predetermined strength, but the stiffness of the material may be low so as to increase heat resistance and minimize radiation heat as the conductive resistance sheet60or63is uniformly spread without any roughness when the vacuum pressure is applied. The radiation resistance sheet32requires a stiffness of a certain level so as not to contact another part due to deformation. Particularly, an edge portion of the radiation resistance sheet32may generate conduction heat due to drooping caused by the self-load of the radiation resistance sheet32. Therefore, a stiffness of a certain level is required. The supporting unit30may require a stiffness strong enough to endure a compressive stress from the plate members10and20and an external impact. In an embodiment, the plate members10and20and the side frame70may have the highest stiffness so as to prevent deformation caused by the vacuum pressure. The supporting unit30, particularly, the bar31may have the second highest stiffness. The radiation resistance sheet32may have a stiffness that is lower than that of the supporting unit30but higher than that of the conductive resistance sheet60or63. Lastly, the conductive resistance sheet60or63may be made of a material that is easily deformed by the vacuum pressure and has the lowest stiffness. Even when the porous material33is filled in the vacuum space part50, the conductive resistance sheet60or63may have the lowest stiffness, and the plate members10and20and the side frame70may have the highest stiffness. The vacuum space part50may resist heat transfer by only the supporting unit30. Here, a porous material33may be filled with the supporting unit30inside the vacuum space part50to resist to the heat transfer. The heat transfer to the porous material33may resist without applying the supporting unit30. In the above description, as a material suitable for the supporting unit30, a resin of PPS has been proposed. The bar31is provided on the support plate35at gaps of 2 cm to 3 cm, and the bar31has a height of 1 cm to 2 cm. These resins often have poor fluidity of the resin during the molding. In many cases, the molded article does not have the designed value. Particularly, the shape of a molded product such as a bar31having a short length is often not provided properly due to non-uniform injection of resin into a part far from the liquid injection port of the liquid. This may cause damage of the supporting unit30or a defective vacuum adiabatic body later. The supporting unit30may be a substantially two-dimensional structure, but its area is considerably large. Therefore, if a defect occurs in one of the portions, it is difficult to discard the entire structure. This limitation becomes even more pronounced as refrigerators and warming apparatus are becoming larger in size to meet the needs of consumers. Hereinafter, a vacuum pressure of the vacuum adiabatic body will be described. FIG.9illustrates graphs showing changes in adiabatic performance and changes in gas conductivity with respect to vacuum pressures by applying a simulation. Referring toFIG.9, it may be seen that, as the vacuum pressure is decreased, i.e., as the vacuum degree is increased, a heat load in the case of only the main body (Graph 1) or in the case where the main body2and the door3are joined together (Graph 2) is decreased as compared with that in the case of the typical product formed by foaming polyurethane, thereby improving the adiabatic performance. However, it may be seen that the degree of improvement of the adiabatic performance is gradually lowered. Also, it may be seen that, as the vacuum pressure is decreased, the gas conductivity (Graph 3) is decreased. However, it may be seen that, although the vacuum pressure is decreased, the ratio at which the adiabatic performance and the gas conductivity are improved is gradually lowered. Therefore, the vacuum pressure may be greatly reduced or reduced as low as possible. However, it takes a long time to obtain excessive vacuum pressure, and much cost is consumed due to excessive use of a getter. In the embodiment, an optimal vacuum pressure is proposed from the above-described point of view. FIG.10is a graph illustrating results obtained by observing a time and a pressure in a process of exhausting the inside of the vacuum adiabatic body when a supporting unit30is used. Referring toFIG.10, in order to create the vacuum space part50to be in the vacuum state, a gas in the vacuum space part50is exhausted by a vacuum pump while evaporating a latent gas remaining in the parts of the vacuum space part50through baking. However, if the vacuum pressure reaches a certain level or more, there exists a point at which the level of the vacuum pressure is not increased any more (ΔT1). After that, the getter is activated by disconnecting the vacuum space part50from the vacuum pump and applying heat to the vacuum space part50(ΔT2). If the getter is activated, the pressure in the vacuum space part50is decreased for a certain period of time, but then normalized to maintain a vacuum pressure of a certain level. The vacuum pressure that maintains the certain level after the activation of the getter is approximately 1.8×10−6Torr. In the embodiment, a point at which the vacuum pressure is not substantially decreased any more even though the gas is exhausted by operating the vacuum pump is set to the lowest limit of the vacuum pressure used in the vacuum adiabatic body, thereby setting the minimum internal pressure of the vacuum space part50to 1.8×10−6Torr. FIG.11is a graph obtained by comparing a vacuum pressure with gas conductivity. Referring toFIG.11, gas conductivities with respect to vacuum pressures depending on sizes of a gap in the vacuum space part50are represented as graphs of effective heat transfer coefficients (eK). Effective heat transfer coefficients (eK) were measured when the gap in the vacuum space part50has three sizes of 2.76 mm, 6.5 mm, and 12.5 mm. The gap in the vacuum space part50is defined as follows. When the radiation resistance sheet32exists inside the vacuum space part50, the gap is a distance between the radiation resistance sheet32and the plate member10or20adjacent thereto. When the radiation resistance sheet32does not exist inside the vacuum space part50, the gap is a distance between the first and second plate members10and20. It was seen that, since the size of the gap is small at a point corresponding to a typical effective heat transfer coefficient of 0.0196 W/mK, which is provided to a adiabatic material formed by foaming polyurethane, the vacuum pressure is 2.65×10−1Torr even when the size of the gap is 2.76 mm. Meanwhile, it was seen that the point at which reduction in adiabatic effect caused by gas conduction heat is saturated even though the vacuum pressure is decreased is a point at which the vacuum pressure is approximately 4.5×10−3Torr. The vacuum pressure of 4.5×10−3Torr may be defined as the point at which the reduction in adiabatic effect caused by gas conduction heat is saturated. Also, when the effective heat transfer coefficient is 0.1 W/mK, the vacuum pressure is 1.2×10−2Torr. When the vacuum space part50is not provided with the supporting unit30but provided with the porous material33, the size of the gap ranges from a few micrometers to a few hundreds of micrometers. In this case, the amount of radiation heat transfer is small due to the porous material33even when the vacuum pressure is relatively high, i.e., when the vacuum degree is low. Therefore, an appropriate vacuum pump is used to adjust the vacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure appropriate to the corresponding vacuum pump is approximately 2.0×10−4Torr. Also, the vacuum pressure at the point at which the reduction in adiabatic effect caused by gas conduction heat is saturated is approximately 4.7×10−2Torr. Also, the pressure where the reduction in adiabatic effect caused by gas conduction heat reaches the typical effective heat transfer coefficient of 0.0196 W/mK is 730 Torr. When the supporting unit30and the porous material33are provided together in the vacuum space part50, a vacuum pressure may be created and used, which may be a middle pressure between the vacuum pressure when only the supporting unit30is used and the vacuum pressure when only the porous material33is used. In the description of the present disclosure, a part for performing the same action in each embodiment of the vacuum adiabatic body may be applied to another embodiment by properly changing the shape or dimension of foregoing another embodiment. Accordingly, still another embodiment may be easily proposed. For example, in the detailed description, in the case of a vacuum adiabatic body suitable as a door-side vacuum adiabatic body, the vacuum adiabatic body may be applied as a main body-side vacuum adiabatic body by properly changing the shape and configuration of a vacuum adiabatic body. Hereinafter, the configurations of the supporting unit and the peripheral portion for solving such limitations will be described. FIG.12is a perspective view of the supporting unit according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.12, the supporting unit30may include a support plate35provided in a plane with a lattice structure and bars31extending in a direction facing each other on one surface of the support plate35. The support plate35is provided in a lattice shape so that the heat transfer between the plate members10and20contacting the support plate35may be reduced. One end of the bar31may be provided to contact the support plate35and to be supported by the support plate35, and the other end of the bar31may directly contact inner surfaces of the plate members10and20. One end of the bar31may be provided as one body to the support plate35and may be provided as a single injection process. Another article may be inserted into the contact surface of the other end of the bar31and the plate member10and/or20, but the other article is not for the purpose of reinforcing the strength of the bar31. The above-mentioned contact between the support plate35and the plate member10or20may be defined as point contact, which is different from a line contact between the support plate35and the plate member10or20. However, it may be understood that it has a predetermined area even if it is the point contact, and it may be understood that it is contrasted with the line contact. One end of the bar31is provided with a larger cross-sectional area than the other end of the bar31. The other end of the bar31may directly contact a plate members10or20, and such other end may be provided with a smaller cross-sectional area than the one end of the bar31contacting the support plate35. Thus, an amount of thermal conduction transferred from the plate members10and20to the supporting unit30may be greatly reduced. Accordingly, the adiabatic efficiency of the vacuum adiabatic body may be improved. The bar31may be provided in a circular or cylindrical shape, or alternatively, as shown, a cone shape due to the changing cross-sectional area between the one end and the other end. A cross-section of the bar31may have a circular shape. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bar31may have a conical shape. Thus, defects may be prevented during injection molding, and convenience of production may be achieved. A diameter of the circular cross-section of the bar may be reduced linearly, such as in a straight line shape, so that injection may be more convenient, and the structural strength may increase. The bar31is provided at each intersection of the support plate35in the lattice shape so that stress due to a vacuum pressure received by the bar31is stably supported on the structure of the support plate35. A surface contacting the support plate35may be one of the first plate member10and the second plate member20. In some cases, the support plate35may contact the first plate member10providing the internal surface of the refrigerator1. The internal space of the refrigerator may have a maximized or enlarged inner volume, but a separate plate may be provided in the external space for decoration and/or to cover a curvature of the second plate member20occurring when the bar31contacts the second plate member20. In the case in which the separate plate is provided in the internal space of the refrigerator, the opposite case may also be provided. In other cases, the support plate35may contact the first plate member20providing the external surface of the refrigerator. In this case, the bar31may contact the first plate member10so that a narrow portion of the bar31contacts the first plate member10. Thus, cold air within the refrigerator may significantly reduce an amount of heat conducted to the supporting unit30. Hereinafter, in consideration of improving the adiabatic efficiency of the vacuum adiabatic body, the support plate35may contact a side of the second plate member20. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such a form as described above. FIG.13is a partial cross-sectional view of the vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment, andFIG.14is a front view of the cross-section ofFIG.13when viewed from a front side. Referring toFIGS.13and14, the first plate member10faces an inner surface side of the vacuum adiabatic body, that is, the inner side of the refrigerator1, and the second plate member20faces the outer surface side of the vacuum adiabatic body, that is, the outer side of the refrigerator1. The support plate35may contact an inner surface of the second plate member20. The bar31may extend from the support plate35to contact the inner surface of the first plate member10that faces the second plate member20. The support plate35is provided on only one side of the plate member10or20and not on the other side. Thus, an amount of resin for manufacturing the supporting unit30may be reduced, and the convenience of the operator may be improved. A portion of the bar31, which contacts the support plate35, has a large cross-sectional area, and a portion of the bar31, which contacts the first plate member10, has a narrow cross-sectional area. Due to this configuration, the thermal conduction from the first plate member10to the supporting unit30may be reduced. Also, since the cross-sectional area of the portion contacting the support plate35is wide, stress due to the vacuum pressure applied to the bar31may be sustained. The bar31may be hollow to have a structure in which the inside is empty. The bar may be provided as an outer wall part311having an empty hollow portion or space312therein. Since the bar31is made of a resin, the larger an amount of consumed resin increases, the more an amount of outgassing increases, thereby causing destruction of the vacuum pressure of the vacuum adiabatic body. The destruction of the vacuum pressure is more prominent as the service life of the product becomes longer, which is a particularly required configuration for increasing the service life of the product. In addition, this is because the shape of the raw material of the supporting unit30increases, and the internal structure of the bar31does not greatly affect the moment of inertia. Thus, it does not greatly contribute to the improvement of the buckling strength. As already described, the cross-sectional area of the bar31is provided in a shape that becomes narrower in one direction. For example, the diameter (ϕspacer) of the portion contacting the support plate35may be provided to be larger than the diameter (ϕhole) at which the radiation resistance sheet32is mounted. A cusp of the bar31, that is, a portion in contact with the inner surface of the first plate member10, may be provided as a tangent point to drastically reduce thermal conduction. The radiation resistance sheet32may be supported on the outer wall part311. The radiation resistance sheet32may be mounted on the outer wall part of the bar31and be stopped from moving downward. A hole (such as hole316inFIG.15or hole335inFIG.19) through which the bar31is inserted may be defined in the radiation resistance sheet32, and the position of the radiation resistance sheet32may be determined according to a size of the hole. The upward movement of the radiation resistance sheet32may be stopped by the coupling between the radiation resistance sheets32. The stopping action of the upward movement of the radiation resistance sheet32will be described in more detail. The vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment may be applied to the main body2of the refrigerator1. The main body2of the refrigerator1may have a three-dimensional space, and the radiation resistance sheet32may contact with each other at each edge. The radiation resistance sheets32may be stopped at the positions, specifically, the upward movement by being coupled to each other at the edges contacting each other. In addition, the downward movement may be stopped. The number of bars31may vary depending on various factors such as magnitude of the vacuum pressure and the stress, a size of the vacuum adiabatic body, and a thickness of the vacuum adiabatic body. In the drawings, nine bars are provided. Hereinafter, details will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS.15and16are views illustrating two types of radiation resistance sheets32different from each other.FIG.15is a view of a first radiation resistance sheet310applied to a bottom surface, andFIG.16is a plan view of a second radiation resistance sheet applied to a side surface. Referring toFIG.15, the first radiation resistance sheet310may be a square or rectangular plate311having a rectangular shape corresponding to the edges of the refrigerator1. As described above, the first radiation resistance sheet310may be applied to the bottom surface of the refrigerator1. A bar insertion hole316through which the bar31is inserted is provided in a surface of the first radiation resistance sheet310so that the bar31is inserted and supported. When the bar31contacts the bar insertion hole316, one-way movement of the first radiation resistance sheet310may be stopped. The supporting action of the bar31and the bar insertion hole316is not essential. This is because the position of the radiation resistance sheet31is fixed by the coupling between the radiation resistance sheets310. Insertion slits312,313,314, and315, which are cut along the edge direction, are provided in inner portions of the edge of the first radiation resistance sheet310, respectively. The edges of an adjacent radiation resistance sheet310and/or the second radiation resistance sheet330may be inserted into the insertion slits312,313,314, and315. Briefly, the edges of the second radiation resistance sheet330adjacent to the insertion slits312,313,314, and315of the first radiation resistance sheet310are inserted to complete a structure for only the radiation resistance sheets310and330. This will be described in more detail with reference to the other drawings. Referring toFIG.16, the second radiation resistance sheet330is provided with an approximate rectangular plate331having a chamfered or cut-out vertex. The vertex of the rectangular plate331is provided with a chamfered or cut-out part333. An insertion piece334may be disposed at each edge of the rectangular plate331by the chamfered part333. The insertion piece334may be inserted into the insertion slit312. The chamfered part333is provided in a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the chamfered part333may be any shape that allows the insertion piece334to be fitted in the insertion slit312. One or more of the insertion pieces334may be provided with an insertion slit332. The insertion slit332has a configuration in which the insertion piece334of the adjacent second radiation resistance sheet330is inserted. FIG.17is a view illustrating a state in which the second radiation resistance sheet330is coupled to the first radiation resistance sheet310. Referring toFIG.17, the first radiation resistance sheet310may be placed at the bottom so that the second radiation resistance sheet330is coupled. Particularly, the insertion pieces334of the second radiation resistance sheet330are inserted into the insertion slits312,313,314, and/or315of the first radiation resistance sheet310to fix the insertion pieces334and the insertion silts332. The other second radiation resistance sheet330may be coupled to the first radiation resistance sheet310in the same manner. The coupling between the second radiation resistance sheets330may be performed by coupling the neighboring second radiation resistance sheets330to each other. Particularly, the insertion piece334of one of the second radiation resistance sheets330may be inserted into the insertion slit332of the other of the second radiation resistance sheets330to fix the insertion piece334and the insertion slit332. Of course, the second radiation resistance sheet330may be coupled in another manner. For example, one of the two second radiation resistance sheets330is provided with two insertion slits332, and the other two second radiation resistance sheets330are not provided with insertion slits so that the insertion of the other two radiation resistance sheets330, and the insertion piece334may be inserted into and fixed to the two insertion slits332of any one of the second radiation resistance sheets330. Other methods can be considered sufficiently. FIG.18is a view of any one side edge to which the radiation resistance sheet is coupled. Referring toFIG.18, it is seen that the insertion piece334of the other second radiation resistance sheet330adjacent to the insertion slit332of one of the second radiation resistance sheets330is inserted. Although not shown, the other insertion piece334of the second radiation resistance sheet330may be inserted into the insertion slits312,313,314, and/or315of the first radiation resistance sheet310. According to this configuration, since the sheets310and330comprising the radiation resistance sheet32are coupled at all the edges adjacent to each other, the three-dimensional structure may be supported without the assisting of other structures. Alternatively, since the radiation resistance sheet32is provided as a thin plate, it may be supported by the bar31at several points. Nevertheless, it is not necessary for the bar31to support the radiation resistance sheet32as a whole. Therefore, thermal conduction occurring at the contact point between the radiation resistance sheet32and the bar31may be reduced, and the adiabatic efficiency of the vacuum adiabatic body may be further improved. The radiation resistance sheet32is made of a metal material. When the radiation resistance sheet32contacts the plate members10and20, rapid thermal conduction occurs to lead to adiabatic failure of the vacuum adiabatic body. To solve this limitation, a spacing part may be further provided to prevent the movement of the vacuum adiabatic body according to an embodiment. In the supporting unit having the above configuration, since the worker inserts the narrow top end of the bar31into the wide bar insertion hole316, the convenience of the operation may be improved, and the respective radiation resistance sheets310,320may be coupled together as one body. Thus, when manufactured, convenience may be further improved. FIG.19is a perspective view of a supporting unit to which a spacing member or spacer is applied, andFIG.20is a perspective view of the spacing member. Referring toFIG.19, the bar31is disposed on the support plate35. The bar31is inserted into a bar insertion hole335of the radiation resistance sheet31. The second radiation sheet330in the drawing is used to illustrate the radiation resistance sheet31. A spacing member340may be inserted into the bar31, which may be provided at a center of the second radiation resistance sheet330. The spacing member340may be supported on the bar31while holding the second radiation resistance sheet330. According to the spacing member340, the second radiation resistance sheet330does not move upward with reference to the drawing. According to this configuration, the second radiation resistance sheet330and the first radiation resistance sheet310may be maintained in an installation by the coupling operation of the insertion slit332and the insertion piece334, the bar31penetrating the radiation resistance sheet32, and the spacing member340, which may maintain the gap between the radiation resistance sheet32and the plate member10or20. The spacing member340is provided in the middle portion of the radiation resistance sheet31. This is because the edge portion is held in position by the coupling between the radiation resistance sheets32, but the middle portion of the radiation resistance sheet31is not the furthest from the edge portion but is the weakest point at which drooping by self-weight occurs. Referring toFIG.20, the spacing member340includes a column part or cylindrical portion341and a sheet insertion part344, which may include a hook protrusion342provided below the column part341and an elastic deformation part343. The inside of the column part341may be hollow to have an empty space defining a bar insertion part or space345, and the bar31is inserted into the inside thereof to be inside the bar insertion part345. An upper end of the column part341may contact the plate members10and20. The elastic deformation part343is provided at an interval between the end of the hook protrusion342and the column part341. The outer side of the elastic deformation part343may be part of the sheet insertion part344. The position of the radiation resistance sheet32may be fixed by having the bar31and the sheet insertion part344inserted into the bar insertion hole335of the radiation resistance sheet32. The position of the radiation resistance sheet32is fixed by the sheet inserting part344, and the position of the upper end of the column portion341is fixed to the plate member10. As a result, the spacing between the plate member10and the radiation resistance sheet32may be maintained to be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a height or length of the column part341. A lower end of the hook protrusion342may be tapered or inclined so that the sheet insertion part344may be inserted into the radiation resistance sheet32. The bar31may be inserted into the bar insertion part345in a state in which the spacing member340is supported by the radiation resistance sheet32. A top of the column part341may have an opening to allow access to the bar insertion part345so that the bar31may contact the first or second plate10or20. The spacing member340may be applied to all the radiation resistance sheets32(310and330) when the size of the vacuum adiabatic body is large. Alternatively, it may be installed only on the surface which is not susceptible to the deformation of the radiation resistance sheet32, not on the radiation resistance sheet32of all the surfaces. In the case of the radiation resistance sheet32disposed on the upper side, it may be more preferably applied to the upper side when viewing the rear side through the opening of the refrigerator1. This is because the drooping of the radiation resistance sheet32due to its own weight may occur more in the case of the upper side. FIG.21is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the spacing member340is installed. Referring toFIG.21, the bar31is inserted into the bar insertion portion345in a state in which the radiation resistance sheet32is hooked with the hook protrusion342of the sheet insertion part344. A lower end of the hook protrusion342is supported on the outer surface of the bar31. As has been described above, the bar31is provided to the outer wall part311and the empty hollow portion312so that an amount of resin required for manufacturing the supporting unit30is reduced. As described above, one side of the bar31adjacent to the support plate35has a larger cross-sectional area than that of the other side of the bar31adjacent to the plate member10or20. This is in consideration of the vacuum adiabatic characteristics, and the cross-sectional shapes of various bars will be discussed below. In the following description, it is assumed that the cross-sectional area, that is, a diameter of the lower end of the bar31is the same. Since the cross-section of the bar31is provided in a circular shape for convenience of the injection or the like, the cross-sectional area may be proportional to the square of the diameter. It is also assumed that the spacing, number, material, and height of the bars are the same. FIGS.22to25are vertical cross-sectional views of the bar, in which an outer wall part311and an empty hollow part312are provided in each of the bars31. A diameter of a lower end of each bar is the same as D1, and a diameter of an upper end is different as D2. In the following description, the case ofFIG.22is referred to as A, the case ofFIG.23as B, the case ofFIG.24as C, and the case ofFIG.25as D. First, when observed from the aspect of thermal conductivity, the smaller the length of the upper diameter D2, the smaller the contact area with the plate member35, and thus, the heat loss may be reduced. The thermal conductivity may increase in order of A<B<C<D. The case A ofFIG.22may be provided to increase the adiabatic efficiency of the vacuum adiabatic body. Second, when observed from the aspect of the structural strength corresponding to the vertical load, the smaller the length of the upper end or diameter D2 of the bar31, the more the load is concentrated, which is disadvantageous in terms of structural strength. The structural strength of the vertical load may increases in order of A<B<C<D. The case D ofFIG.25is advantageous in terms of the structural strength corresponding to the vertical load of the bar31. Third, when observed from the viewpoint of the structural strength corresponding to shear stress, the case of the bar31having a triangular structure is advantageous for the shear stress. The structural strength of the shear stress may decreases in order of A>B>C>D. The case A ofFIG.22is advantageous in terms of the structural strength of the share stress. Fourth, in terms of surface roughness, the greater the length of the upper end or diameter D2 of the bar31, the more the surface roughness is uniformly maintained. In addition, since the drooping of the plate member10or20is less, an adiabatic thickness may be uniformly maintained. The surface roughness may decrease in order of A>B>C>D, and the case D ofFIG.25may maintain a small and uniform surface roughness of the vacuum adiabatic body. Fifth, in terms of outgassing, as an amount of resin for manufacturing the supporting unit30increases, the more an amount of outgassing increases, and thus, the vacuum maintenance may be disadvantageous. The amount of outgassing may increase in order of A<B<C<D, and the case A ofFIG.22may improve the vacuum performance corresponding to the use of the vacuum adiabatic body for a long time. When considering the above-mentioned various examination conditions, the bar31illustrated inFIG.24may be further examined. That is, a conical or truncated cone shape having a smaller cross-sectional area on the plate member10or20than a cross-sectional area of the support plate35may be considered. FIG.26is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bar according to another embodiment. Referring toFIG.26, a bar31according to this embodiment includes a recess part or stepped portion313, and a diameter D3 of the recess part313may be smallest as compared with other portions (such as the diameter of the end D2). Thus, it may satisfy all the five requirements already reviewed. However, to provide the recess part313, injection may be difficult, and it is difficult to obtain the uniformity of the shape. Thus, it is not suitable for application. Under the above background, the shape provided inFIG.24may be proposed as an advantageous vertical cross-sectional shape. The vacuum adiabatic body proposed in the present disclosure may be preferably applied to refrigerators. However, the application of the vacuum adiabatic body is not limited to the refrigerators, and may be applied in various apparatuses such as cryogenic refrigerating apparatuses, heating apparatuses, and ventilation apparatuses. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the embodiments, it may be possible to prevent the deterioration of the adiabatic performance due to the long-term use of the vacuum adiabatic body so as to reduce the adiabatic loss and to improve the work convenience. Therefore, the disclosure may be expected to be greatly applied as a disclosure that greatly contributes to actual commercialization of the vacuum adiabatic body. | 67,007 |
11859897 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments provide a clip assembly100and a refrigerating and freezing device with same, and the refrigerating and freezing device can be a device with refrigerating and freezing functions, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or the like. The clip assembly100and the refrigerating and freezing device according to the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS.1to8. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the clip assembly100is arranged on an inner side of a door body210of the refrigerating and freezing device, and is convenient for a user to access. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.3to8, the clip assembly100includes a fixed member110, and the fixed member110is fixed to the door body210of the refrigerating and freezing device, such that the clip assembly100is integrally assembled on the inner side of the door body210. The clip assembly100further includes clips120, a clip storage box130, and a movable member140, the clip storage box130has a storage cavity131aused for storing the clips120, the movable member140has an accommodating space that accommodates the clip storage box130, the clip storage box130is detachably accommodated in the accommodating space, and the movable member140is configured to operably rotate to a side away from the fixed member110, such that the clip storage box130can be taken out for cleaning. In the present embodiment, the clip storage box130is additionally arranged, such that the clips120can be stored and organized and are convenient for users to access; the clip storage box130is provided with a placing space by additionally arranging the movable member140, thus avoiding condensation of the clips120and the clip storage box130; in addition, the movable member140is rotatably arranged, which facilitates the removal of the clip storage box130from the movable member140, and then, the clip storage box130can be cleaned. In some embodiments, the fixed member110includes a fixed vertical plate111and two fixed side plates112extending backwards from two sides of the fixed vertical plate111in a length direction of the fixed vertical plate respectively, and each of the fixed side plates112is provided with a slide way110band a rotary shaft hole110c; the movable member140includes a movable vertical plate141and two movable side plates143extending backwards from two sides of the movable vertical plate141in a length direction of the movable vertical plate respectively, and each of the movable side plates143is provided with a positioning shaft143afitted with the slide way110band a rotary shaft143bfitted with the rotary shaft hole110c; the movable member140is configured to rotate with the rotary shaft143bas an axis when operably rotating to the side away from the fixed member110, and the positioning shaft143amoves along the slide way110b; such a design may guarantee stable rotation of the movable member140and facilitates user operations. The terms “front” and “rear” in the present embodiment refer to a state after the door body210of the refrigerating and freezing device is closed, and when the door body210is closed, a side of the door body210facing the interior of the refrigerating and freezing device is a rear side, and a side of the door body210facing the user is a front side. The movable side plate143may be provided with an opening143cand a flexible limiting member143dlocated in the opening143c, and the flexible limiting member143dhas a fixed part connected to an upper end of the opening143cand a free part extending downwards from the fixed part; a limiting fitting member130ais formed at a position of the clip storage box130corresponding to the flexible limiting member143d, the flexible limiting member143dto may be exposed after the movable member140rotates to the side away from the fixed member110, and the free part of the flexible limiting member143doperably moves away from the limiting fitting member130ato be separated from the limiting fitting member130a. That is, in a general state of the clip assembly100, the flexible limiting member143dof the movable member140is shielded by the fixed member110, and the user cannot operate the flexible limiting member143d, and due to the effects of the flexible limiting member143dand the limiting fitting member130aon the clip storage box130, the clip storage box130cannot be taken out of the movable member140, and when the clip storage box130is required to be cleaned, the user can rotate the movable member140to expose the flexible limiting member143d, lift the free part of the flexible limiting member143daway from the limiting fitting member130a, so as to separate the flexible limiting member143dfrom the limiting fitting member130a, and then take out the clip storage box130from the movable member140. Therefore, the stability of the clip storage box130and the movable member140is guaranteed, unstable phenomena, such as shaking, or the like, of the clip storage box130and the movable member140in the opening and closing process of the door body210are avoided, operations are easy, and the clip storage box130is convenient to take and place. The movable member140may include a bottom plate144extending backwards from a lower end of the movable vertical plate141, and a rear vertical plate142located on a rear side of the movable vertical plate141, and the movable vertical plate141, the bottom plate144, the two movable side plates143, and the rear vertical plate142define the accommodating space, which provides a storage space for the clip storage box130; the rear vertical plate142is clamped to the bottom plate144and the two movable side plates143, such that installation can be simplified, assembly is easy, and influences on an appearance caused by use of fasteners, such as screws, are avoided. In one embodiment, a lower flange1441extending downwards may be formed on a rear side of the bottom plate144, a side flange1431extending outwards along the length direction of the movable side plate may be formed on a rear side of each movable side plate143, a plurality of first clamping holes1441adistributed at intervals along the length direction of the lower flange are formed in the lower flange1441, and a second clamping hole1431ais formed in a lower end of the side flange1431; the rear vertical plate142is provided with a plurality of first buckles142ain one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first clamping holes1441aand clamped thereto, and a second buckle142bclamped to the second clamping hole1431a, such that the rear vertical plate142is clamped to the bottom plate144and the two movable side plates143. A first positioning groove1431bmay be formed in an upper end of the side flange1431, and a positioning strip1431clocated between the first positioning groove1431band the second clamping hole1431aand protruding backwards is further formed on the side flange1431; the rear vertical plate142is further provided with a positioning post142cfitted with the first positioning groove1431band extending forwards, and a second positioning groove142dfitted with the positioning strip1431c. A positioning hole or positioning groove (not numbered) located between two first clamping holes1441acan be formed in the lower flange1441, and correspondingly, a positioning protrusion (not numbered) fitted with the positioning hole or positioning groove can be formed on the rear vertical plate142. Therefore, by the fitting of the buckles and the clamping holes and the fitting of a positioning component and the positioning groove, the assembly of the rear vertical plate142, the bottom plate144and the two movable side plates143is simplified, and assembly stability is guaranteed. An upper flange1411smoothly bent and extending forwards and upwards may be formed at an upper end of the movable vertical plate141, a first positioning plate1412extending along the length direction of the upper flange and extending backwards is formed on a rear side of the upper flange1411, and the first positioning plate1412is located above the movable vertical plate141and spaced apart from the upper end of the movable vertical plate141; a second positioning plate1421extending along the length direction of the rear vertical plate and extending forwards is formed on a front side surface of the rear vertical plate142; the first positioning plate1412is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes1412adistributed at intervals along the length direction of the first positioning plate, and the second positioning plate1421is provided with a plurality of second positioning holes1421adistributed at intervals along the length direction of the second positioning plate. The clip storage box130includes a box body131, a front flange132extending forwards from a front edge of an upper end portion of the box body131, and a rear flange133extending backwards from a rear edge of the upper end portion of the box body131, a plurality of first positioning parts132awhich extend downwards and are in one-to-one correspondence with and fitted with the plurality of first positioning holes1412aare formed on a lower side of the front flange132, and a plurality of second positioning parts133awhich extend downwards and are in one-to-one correspondence with and fitted with the plurality of second positioning holes1421aare formed on a lower side of the rear flange133, such that the placement stability of the clip storage box130is enhanced by the fitting of the positioning parts on the clip storage box130and the positioning holes in the movable vertical plate141and the rear vertical plate142. In some embodiments, the clips120in the clip assembly100can be used as ordinary clips, and the clips120are taken out from the clip storage box130for sealing unsealed outer packing of food. In some embodiments, the clips120in the clip assembly100can be used as electronic tags, and specifically, the clip assembly100according to the present embodiment can further include an antenna board cover150, chips (not shown), an antenna board160, and a control board170. The antenna board cover150has a vertical plate cover151located between the fixed vertical plate111and the movable vertical plate141and a lower mounting plate152extending backwards from a lower end of the vertical plate cover151to a position below the bottom plate144of the movable member140; the chips are in one-to-one correspondence with the clips120, the chips have food information, and the chips are configured to be operably taken out; the antenna board160is arranged on the vertical plate cover151and located on a rear side of the vertical plate cover151; the control board170is arranged on the lower mounting plate152and covered with the bottom plate144, and the control board170is configured to read the food information on the chips through the antenna board160. When storing a kind of food into the refrigerating and freezing device, the user can take out the clip120corresponding to the food from the clip storage box130, place the clip and the food together, and meanwhile take out the chip corresponding to the clip120, the control board170reads the removal of this chip by means of the antenna board160, and the control board170records the food information corresponding to this chip, and then, the information of the food stored in the refrigerating and freezing device can be learnt. After a certain kind of food is eaten up, the clip120and the corresponding chip are placed at original positions again, and the control board170reads returning of this chip by means of the antenna board160to update the information of the food stored in the refrigerating and freezing device, such that the food in the refrigerating and freezing device can be dynamically monitored using the foregoing components, thereby intelligently managing the food and improving the intelligence of the refrigerating and freezing device. The food information may include a food type, a food shelf life, or the like. When a certain kind of food is put into the refrigerating and freezing device, the user can take and use the clip120corresponding to the food to clip the food or outer packing of the food, and meanwhile take out the chip corresponding to the clip120, the control board170reads the food type corresponding to the taken chip through the antenna board160, and records the time of taking the chip as the initial time of putting the food into the refrigerating and freezing device, and when the shelf life of the food is about to end and the food is still not eaten up, the control board170sends out reminding information to remind the user that the shelf life of the food is about to expire, and the user is reminded of timely eating to avoid waste of the food. The foregoing chip may be an NFC chip or an RFID chip, and when the chip is taken out with the corresponding clip120, a distance between the chip and the antenna board160is relatively large, the control board scans the chips through the antenna board160, and the chip which is not scanned is the taken-out chip, such that the information of the food in the refrigerating and freezing device may be updated. One clip assembly100may include a plurality of clips120, and correspondingly, the number of the chips is also multiple, the chips should be in one-to-one correspondence with the clips120, and the food information contained in the chips is different; that is, each chip can correspond to one kind of food, the plurality of chips correspond to a plurality of different kinds of food, and the various kinds of food can be managed conveniently. Correspondingly, the clip storage box130has a plurality of storage cavities131ain one-to-one correspondence with the clips120, a clip taking opening is formed in an upper end of each storage cavity131a, and the clips120are inserted into the corresponding storage cavities131aor extracted from the corresponding storage cavities131athrough the corresponding clip taking openings, such that the clips120can be conveniently stored and taken out. The chip can be arranged on an outer side or inner side of the corresponding clip120, such that the chip can be taken and placed with the clip120and kept consistent with a placement position of the clip120, thereby facilitating unified management of the chip and the clip120. A plurality of first clamping hooks151adistributed at intervals in the length direction of to the vertical plate cover are formed on a rear side of an upper end portion of the vertical plate cover151, a plurality of second clamping hooks151bdistributed at intervals in the length direction of the vertical plate cover are formed on a rear side of a lower end portion of the vertical plate cover151, and the plurality of second clamping hooks151bhave the same number as the plurality of first clamping hooks151aand are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first clamping hooks; the antenna board160is clamped between the plurality of first clamping hooks151aand the plurality of second clamping hooks151b, such that the antenna board160is clamped on the vertical plate cover151, the structure is compact, and the space is saved. A first clamping protrusion161protruding backwards is formed on a rear side surface of the antenna board160, and a first clamping groove141afitted with the first clamping protrusion161is formed in a front side surface of the movable vertical plate141; a plurality of second clamping grooves151cdistributed at intervals along the length direction of the vertical plate cover are formed in an upper side of the upper end portion of the vertical plate cover151, and a plurality of second clamping protrusions141bwhich are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of second clamping grooves151cand clamped thereto are further formed on the front side surface of the movable vertical plate141, so as to improve the mounting stability of the antenna board160. In the present embodiment, the movable member140, the clip storage box130and the antenna board160with special structures are installed and fitted, such that stable assembly of the components is guaranteed, an overall design is ingenious, the structure is compact, and the occupied space is small. Power supply of the control board170can be realized by connecting a control board cable and a door body210cable. Specifically, the refrigerating and freezing device according to the present embodiment may further include a pre-embedded member220, a first terminal230connected to the door body cable (not shown), and a second terminal240connected to the control board cable (not shown), the pre-embedded member220is arranged in a foaming layer of the door body210, and has a first opening221located in an upper part and a second opening (not shown) located in a rear side in communication with the first opening221, and the first terminal230passes through the first opening221and is connected to the second terminal240passing through the second opening. A first cable passing port211communicated with the second opening is formed in the inner side of the door body210, the fixed member110further includes a fixed lower plate113extending backwards from a lower side of the fixed vertical plate111, a second cable passing port110ais formed in the fixed lower plate113, a third cable passing port152ais formed in the lower mounting plate152of the antenna board cover150, and the control board cable sequentially passes through the third cable passing port152a, the second cable passing port110aand the first cable passing port211and is connected with the first terminal230by the second terminal240, such that the control board cable is electrically connected with the door body cable. The door body cable generally passes through a shaft hole of an end cover250of the door to body210and a shaft hole of a hinge shaft, and then enters a cabinet of the refrigerating and freezing device to be connected with a cabinet cable, and the cabinet cable is connected with a power source of the refrigerating and freezing device, thus realizing the power supply to the control board170and power supply to electronic components in the door body210. So far, those skilled in the art should be aware that, although plural exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein in detail, a lot of other variations or modifications conforming to the principle of the present invention can still be directly determined or derived from the contents disclosed in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed as covering all of these other variations or modifications. | 18,667 |
11859898 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.1is a front view of a refrigerator according to an implementation. Also,FIG.2is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a drawer door of the refrigerator is elevated. As illustrated in the drawing, the refrigerator1may have an outer appearance that is defined by a cabinet10defining a storage chamber and a door2covering an opened front surface of the cabinet10. The storage chamber of the cabinet10may be divided into a plurality of spaces. For example, an upper storage chamber11of the cabinet10may be provided as a refrigerating compartment, and a lower storage chamber12may be provided as a freezing compartment. Alternatively, the upper storage chamber11and the lower storage chamber12may be provided as independent spaces that are maintained at temperatures different from each other, but are not the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment. Also, the lower storage chamber12may be divided into a plurality of spaces. As illustrated in the drawings, one space may be opened and closed by a plurality of doors20and30. The door2may include a rotation door20for opening and closing the upper space through rotation thereof and a drawer door30for opening and closing the lower space by being inserted or withdrawn in a drawer type configuration. The lower space may further be vertically divided into two separate spaces. The drawer door30may include an upper drawer door30and a lower drawer door30. In some cases, an outer appearance of each of the rotation door20and the drawer door30may be made of a metal material and be exposed to the front side. Although the refrigerator in which both the rotation door20and the drawer door30are provided is described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to all refrigerators including a door that is inserted and withdrawn in the drawer type. Also, the rotation door20may be provided at an upper portion and thus called an upper door, and the drawer door30may be provided at a lower portion and thus called a lower door. A display21may be disposed on one side of a front surface of the rotation door20. In some cases, when the outer appearance of the door2is made of the metal material, a plurality of fine holes may be punched in the display21to display information by using light passing therethrough. In some implementations, a manipulation part22that is capable of manipulating automatic rotation or withdrawal of the upper door2or the lower door2may be provided on one side of the rotation door20. The manipulation part22may be integrated with the display21and may operate in a touch manner or a button manner. The manipulation part22may input an overall operation of the refrigerator1and manipulate an insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door30or an elevation within the drawer door. A manipulation part301may also be provided on the drawer door30. The manipulation part301may be disposed on one side of the drawer door30that is disposed at the lowermost portion of the drawer door30. The manipulation part301may operate in a touch or button manner. The manipulation part301may be provided as a sensor detecting proximity or movement of the user or provided as an input unit that operates by a user's motion or voice. As illustrated in the drawings, a manipulation device302may be disposed on a lower end of the lower drawer door30to illuminate an image on a bottom surface and thereby to output a virtual switch and to input an operation when the user approaches a corresponding area. The lower drawer door30may be automatically inserted and withdrawn according to the manipulation of the manipulation part301. In some cases, a food or container within the lower drawer door30may be elevated in a state in which the drawer door30is withdrawn by the manipulation of the manipulation part301. The lower drawer door30may be a storage chamber defined in a lower side of the refrigerator1and may withdraw the lower drawer door30forward to accommodate a food stored in the lower drawer door30, and then, the container36inside the drawer door30may be manipulated to be elevated. The container36may have a predetermined height. Since the container36is seated on the elevation device80, the height of the container36may increase by the height of the elevation device80when the elevation device80is elevated. Thus, when the elevation device80ascends, the container36may be disposed at a point at which the user is able to more easily access the container36and also more easily lift the container36. The container326may be completely accommodated in the accommodation part32when the door30is inserted and withdrawn. When the elevation device ascends, the container36may be disposed at a higher position than the lower storage chamber12. Although the shape of the container36is not limited, the container36may have a shape corresponding to the size of the front space S1and may have a predetermined height to prevent the stored food from spilling out when the elevation device80ascends. The food or container36inside the lower drawer door30disposed at the lowest position may be more easily lifted and used through the above-described manipulation. The lower drawer door30may be automatically inserted and withdrawn forward and backward by the draw-out motor14, the pinion141provided in the cabinet10, and the draw-out rack34provided on the bottom surface of the lower drawer door30. Also, the container inside the lower drawer door30may be elevated by the driving device40and the elevation device80provided in the lower drawer door30. Hereinafter, the lower drawer door30and an operation of the lower drawer door30will be described in more detail, and also, the lower drawer door30will be referred to as a drawer door or a door unless otherwise specified. The implementations are not limited to the number and shape of the drawer doors and may be applied to all refrigerators having a door that is inserted and withdrawn in a drawer type into/from the lower storage chamber. FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the container of the drawer door is separated. Also,FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which the drawer part of the drawer door and the door part are separated from each other when viewed from a front side. As illustrated in the drawings, the door30may include a door part31for opening and closing the storage chamber. The door30may also include a drawer part32that is coupled to a rear surface of the door part31and that is designed to be inserted and withdrawn together with the door part31. The door part31may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet10to define an outer appearance of the refrigerator1, and the drawer part32may be disposed inside the cabinet10to define a storage chamber. Also, the door part31and the drawer part32may be coupled to each other and inserted and withdrawn in a forward/backward direction together with each other. The drawer part32may be disposed on the rear surface of the door part31to define a space in which the food or container to be stored is accommodated. The inside of the drawer part32may provide an upwardly opened storage chamber, and an outer appearance of the drawer part32may be defined by a plurality of plates (see reference numerals391,392, and395inFIG.11). Each of the plurality of plates391,392, and395may be made of a metal material and provided inside and outside the drawer part32such that the entire drawer part32is made of stainless steel. In some cases, a material having a texture of stainless steel may be used. In the state in which the door30is inserted, a machine room3, in which a compressor and a condenser for performing a refrigeration cycle are provided, may be disposed behind the door30. Thus, a rear end of the drawer part32may have a shape of which an upper end further protrudes from a lower end, and an inclined surface321may be provided on a rear surface of the drawer part32. Also, a draw-out rail33guiding the insertion and withdrawal of the door30may be provided on each of both side surfaces of the drawer part32. The door30may be mounted to be inserted into or withdrawn from the cabinet10by the draw-out rail33. The draw-out rail33may be covered by an outer side plate391and thus may not be exposed to the outside. The draw-out rail33may have a rail structure that is capable of extending in multiple stages. A rail bracket331may be provided on the draw-out rail33, and the rail bracket331may extend from one side of the draw-out rail33to both sides of the drawer part32. Also, the rail bracket331may be fixedly coupled to a sidewall surface inside the refrigerator. Thus, the drawer part32, that is, the door30, may be mounted to the cabinet10by the draw-out rails33. Also, the draw-out rail33may be provided on a lower end of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer part32. Thus, it may be understood that the draw-out rail33is disposed on the bottom surface of the drawer part32. Thus, the draw-out rail33may be provided at a lower ends of each of both sides of the drawer part32and may be called an under rail. A draw-out rack34may be disposed on the bottom surface of the drawer part32. The draw-out rack34may be disposed on each of both sides and be interlocked with an operation of a draw-out motor14mounted on the cabinet10to automatically insert and withdraw the door30. That is, when an operation is inputted into the manipulation parts22and301, the draw-out motor14may be driven to insert and withdraw the door30according to movement of the draw-out rack34. Here, the door30may be stably inserted and withdrawn by the draw-out rail33. The draw-out rack34may not be provided on the drawer part32. Here, the user may hold a side of the door part31to push and pull the door part31so that the door30is directly inserted and withdrawn. The inside of the drawer part32may be divided into a front space S1and a rear space S2. The elevation device80that is vertically elevated and a container seated on the elevation device80to be elevated together with the elevation device80may be disposed in the front space S1. Although the container36is illustrated in the form of a basket having an opened upper portion, the container36may have a closed box structure such as a kimchi box. Also, a plurality of containers36may be stacked or arranged in parallel to each other. Also, when the door30is withdrawn, the entire drawer part32may not be withdrawn to the outside of the storage chamber due to a limitation in draw-out distance of the door30. That is, at least the front space S1is withdrawn to the outside of the storage chamber, and the whole or a portion of the rear space S2is disposed inside the storage chamber within the cabinet10. In such a structure, a draw-out distance of the door30may be limited by the draw-out rack34or the draw-out rail33. As the draw-out distance becomes longer, the moment applied to the door30may become larger in the drawn-out state, and thus it can be difficult to maintain a stable state, thus resulting in possible deformation or damage of the draw-out rail33or the draw-out rack34may occur. The elevation device80and the container36may be accommodated in the front space S1. While the elevation device is elevated, the food or container36seated on the elevation device80may be elevated together. Also, the elevation device80may be provided below the container36, and the elevation device80may be covered by the container36when the container36is mounted. Thus, elements of the elevation device80may not be exposed to the outside. A separate drawer cover37may be provided in the rear space S2. The front space S1and the rear space S2may be partitioned by the drawer cover37. In a state in which the drawer cover37is mounted, a space in which front and top surfaces of the rear space S2are covered and not be used may be not be exposed to the outside. However, when the drawer cover37is separated, the user may access the rear space S2, and thus, food items may be easily accommodated in the rear space S2. To utilize the rear space S2, a separate pocket or a container corresponding to the shape of the rear space may be disposed in the rear space S2. Also, the elevation device80inside the drawer part32may be easily separated and mounted to allow the utilization of the entire space inside the drawer part32, and the elevation device80and the drawer cover37may be separated from each other to utilize the entire space of the drawer part32. The outer appearance of each of the inner and outer surfaces of the drawer part32may be defined by the separate plates391,392and395, which cover the components mounted on the drawer part32, and thus, the outer and inner appearances may be seen to be neat. The plates391,392, and395may include a plurality of plates and may be made of stainless steel to provide a more luxurious and clean appearance. As illustrated in the drawings, the door part31and the drawer part32of the door30may be may be separably coupled to each other. Thus, assembling workability and serviceability may be improved through the separable structure of the door part31and the drawer part32. A rear surface of the door part31and a front surface of the drawer part32may be coupled to each other. When the door part31and the drawer part32are coupled to each other, power for the elevation of the elevation device80may be provided. The driving device40for elevating the elevation device80may be disposed on the door part31, and the door part31and the drawer part32may be selectively connected to each other. In more detail, the driving part40provided in the door part31may be configured to receive power from the power source and to transmit the power to the elevation part80. Thus, it is possible to remove the door part31when the service of the driving part40is necessary and to, if necessary, simply replace just the door part31. The door part31and the drawer part32may be coupled by a pair of door frames316provided on both sides. The door frame316includes a door coupling part316aextending upward and downward to be coupled to the door part31and a drawer coupling part316bextending backward from a lower end of the door coupling portion316a. The door coupling part316amay be coupled to the door part31by a separate coupling member and may be coupled to one side of the door part31by a simple coupling structure. Also, the drawer coupling part31bmay be mounted on each of both sides of the drawer part32and be inserted and mounted in a state of being coupled to the draw-out rail33. The drawer coupling part316band the draw-out rail33may be covered by the plate391mounted on the drawer part32and thus may not be exposed to the outside. Also, a connecting assembly70may be provided on the rear surface of the door30so that the driving part40and the elevation are80are connected to each other when the door part31and the drawer part32are coupled. A drawer opening35through which a part of the elevation device80is exposed may be defined in a position corresponding to the connecting assembly70on the front surface of the drawer part32. The door part31may be configured to substantially open and close the storage chamber of the cabinet10and to define the front surface of the refrigerator1. The door part31may have an outer appearance that is defined by an outer case311defining a front surface and a portion of a circumferential surface, a door liner314defining a rear surface, and an upper deco312and a lower deco313which respectively define top and bottom surfaces. Also, an insulation material300may be filled in the inside of the door part31between an outer case311and a door liner314. Hereinafter, a structure of the door part31of the door30will be described in more detail. FIG.5is a view illustrating a rear surface of the door part. Also,FIG.6is a rear view illustrating a state in which a door cover of the door part is removed. Also,FIG.7is an exploded perspective view of the door part. As illustrated in the drawings, a front surface of the door part31may be defined by the outer plate311, and a rear surface may be defined by the door liner314. Also, a driving device40for operating the elevation device80may be provided inside the door part31. Although the driving device40may be disposed inside the door part31, the driving device40but is not embedded in the insulation material300but is disposed inside a recessed space of the door liner314. Then, the driving device40may be covered by the door cover315and thus may not be exposed to the outside. In more detail, the insulating material300may be filled between the outer plate311and the door liner314to insulate the inside of the storage chamber12. Also, the door liner314may have a door recess part314athat is recessed inward. The door recess part314amay have a shape corresponding to that of the driving device40. Thus, the door recess part314may have a shape corresponding to that of each of the elements of the elevation device80so that the entire driving device40can be inserted into the internal space of the door30. Also, a lighting recess part314bmay be disposed in the upper portion of the rear surface of the door part31, i.e., the upper portion of the door liner314. The lighting unit318may be mounted in the lighting recess part314b. The lighting unit318may be disposed above an opened top surface of the drawer part32to emit light to the inside of the drawer part32at the front side of the drawer part32, thereby illuminating the inside of the drawer part32. In detail, the lighting unit318may be elongated in the lateral direction from the left side to the right side of the rear surface of the door30and may be disposed at the uppermost position of the inner side regions of a gaskets317disposed along the rear surface of the door30. The driving device40may be mounted in the door recess part314adisposed below the lighting unit. The driving device40may be covered by the door cover315in the state of being mounted in the door recess part314a. Alternatively, the door cover315may be omitted. When the door cover315is omitted, the front surface of the drawer part32may cover the driving device40. The driving device40may be connected to the elevation device80provided in the drawer part32by the connecting assembly70. Thus, power of the driving device40may be transmitted to the elevation device through the connecting assembly70. Here, power having the same intensity may be transmitted to both sides of the elevation device80through the connecting assemblies70disposed on both sides at the same time. Thus, the elevation device80may ascend and descend in the horizontal state at both left and right sides without being tilted or biased to one side. The door cover315defining a portion of an outer appearance of the rear surface of the door part31may be mounted on the rear surface of the door part31. The door cover315may cover the driving device40mounted on the door part31. The door cover315may have a plate shape to cover the driving device40so that the door cover315is not exposed in the driving device40is mounted. Here, the door cover315may have a shape that protrudes or is recessed at a position corresponding to the driving device40. Also, the door cover315may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the door liner314in the state of being mounted on the rear surface of the door part31. Thus, cool air may be supplied therein to cool the driving device. Also, an upper end315aof the door cover315may contact the door liner314to cover a portion of the lighting unit318. Here, a portion of an upper portion of the lighting unit318may be exposed. Thus, a space in which light is emitted into the drawer part32may be secured. Also, the upper end315aof the door cover315may contact the lighting unit318. Thus, when the cool air of the lower storage chamber12flows to the lighting unit318, the cool air may be guided by the rounded rear surface of the lighting unit318to flow downward along the door cover315. Also, a lower air guide315bmay be disposed on a lower end of the door cover315. The lower air guide315bmay extend from a left side to a right side of the lower end of the door cover315. Also, the lower air guide315bmay further protrude downward from the lower end of the drawer part32and also protrude to be rounded or inclined backward. Thus, the cool air flowing along the door cover315may be guided into a space between the bottom surface of the drawer part32and the lower storage chamber12along the lower air guide315b. The door opening315cmay be defined in each of both left and right sides of the lower portion of the door cover315. The door opening315cmay be defined so that a portion of the connecting assembly70passes through the door opening315eto protrude from the rear surface of the door part31. Also, the door opening315cmay have a corresponding shape at a position facing the drawer opening35. Thus, a portion of the connecting assembly70exposed through the door opening315cwhen the door part31and the drawer part32are coupled may be coupled to the elevation device80to transmit the power Also, a push part741of the connecting assembly70may be exposed through the door opening315c. The user may manipulate the push part741exposed to the rear surface of the door part31to selectively couple or separate the driving device40to/from the elevation device80. A door gasket317may be provided along the rear surface of the door part31. When the door30is closed, the door gasket317may contact, in an airtight manner, the front surface of the cabinet10in the state in which the door30is closed. Hereinafter, the elements of the driving device40will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.8is a perspective view of the driving device according to an implementation. Also,FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of the driving device. As illustrated in the drawings, the driving device40may include a motor assembly60, a screw assembly50disposed on each of both sides of the motor assembly60and connected by a shaft41, a lever42connected to the screw assembly50, and the connecting assembly70. In detail, the motor assembly60may be disposed at a center of each of the left and right sides of the door part31. Also, the driving device40may provide the power for elevating the elevation device80. The driving device40may allow both the screw assemblies50and the lever42to be driven by the motor assembly, which includes a single driving motor64. Particularly, the motor assembly60may adjust magnitude of the decelerated and transmitted force through a combination of the plurality of gears. Also, a shaft41passing through the motor assembly60from the left to the right, i.e., in a horizontal direction may be disposed on an upper end of the motor assembly60, and the plurality of gears may be combined in the motor assembly60for rotation of the shaft41. In some implementations, the motor assembly60may have a structure in which the driving motor64and the gears are arranged vertically to minimize the required recessed space when the motor assembly60is mounted on the door part31. Accordingly a width in the left and right direction may be widened, and a thickness in the front and rear direction may be minimized. Also, the driving motor64of the motor assembly60may protrude toward the drawer part32to minimize a depth of the door part31and help increase insulation performance. The shaft41may pass through the motor assembly60in the transverse direction and be coupled to the screw assembly50disposed at both sides of the motor assembly60so that the power of the motor assembly60is simultaneously to the screw assembly (50). Thus, the shaft41may be referred to as a power transmission member. In one implementation, the shaft41may have a length such that both ends of the shaft41pass through the motor assembly60and are inserted into the screw assembly50. Also, a shaft driving gear411may be provided at a center of the shaft41. The shaft driving gear411may be coupled to the gears in the motor assembly60to rotate. Also, a shaft gear412may be disposed on each of both ends of the shaft41. The shaft gear412may have a structure that is coupled to the screw assembly50. The shaft gears412may have the same structure such that the rotation force is applied equally to both shaft gears412. Accordingly, the driving force may be transmitted simultaneously to both screw assemblies50. The screw assemblies50may be disposed on both sides of the motor assembly60. The upper end of the screw assembly50may be connected to the shaft41and also be gear-coupled to the shaft gear412to transmit the power so that the screw52rotates. A screw gear having a bevel gear shape gear-coupled to the shaft gear412may be further disposed on the screw52. When the screw52rotates, a screw holder56may move along the screw52. Also, the lever42may be coupled to the screw holder56to allow the lever42to rotate according to the movement of the screw holder56. In some implementations, the upper end of the screw assembly50may be oriented outward, and the lower end of the screw assembly50may be inclined inward. Here, the screw assemblies50on both sides may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the motor assembly60. Thus, the motor assembly60may be disposed between the screw assemblies50located on both sides of the screw assembly50. The screw assembly50disposed on both sides of the motor assembly60may be provided so that a distance between the screw assemblies50gradually increases from the upper end to the lower end. The screws52provided in the screw assembly50may be arranged in the same direction as the screw assembly50, and extension lines of the screws52on both the left and right sides may cross each other. Also, the screw holder56may move along the screw52according to the rotation of the screw52, and the lever42connected to the screw holder56may rotate along the connecting assembly70. The screw assembly50, the lever42, and the connecting assembly70may be symmetrical to each other so that the lever42simultaneously rotates at the same angle as the screw assembly50is driven. The lever42may connect the screw holder56to the connecting assembly70. Thus, both ends of the lever42may be rotatably coupled to the screw holder56and the connecting assembly70, respectively. Thus, when the screw holder56linearly moves, the lever42may be rotatable about the connecting assembly70. The connection assemblies70disposed on both the left and right sides may be connected to each other by a connector bracket43, and the connecting assembly70may be firmly supported on the door part31to effectively transmit the rotation force to the elevation device80. FIG.10is an exploded perspective illustrating a coupling structure of a connecting assembly, which is one component of the driving device, and a lever. As illustrated in the drawing, the lever42may be configured to connect the screw assembly50to the connecting assembly70. As for the structure of the lever42, the lever42may be provided in a rod or bar shape having a predetermined width and may extend from the rotation axis of the connecting assembly70to the holder protrusion591of the screw assembly50. In detail, the lever42may include a first extension part421connected to the connecting assembly, a second extension part423connected to the screw holder56, and an intermediate portion422connecting the first extension part421to the second extension part423. The first extension part421and the second extension part423may be disposed parallel to each other, and the intermediate portion422may have an inclination. Also, the first extension part421may be further backward than the second extension part423by the inclination of the intermediate part422. Accordingly, the lever42may not be deformed or damaged even if a large amount of force is applied to the lever42due to the structure and shape of the bent lever42. Also, the lever42may be made of a metal material to help realize more stable power transmission even when the elevation device80on which a heavy food is seated is elevated. Also, the inclination of the intermediate portion422may allow the lever42to be connected between the connecting assembly70disposed relatively backward and the screw holder56disposed relatively forward. A first lever hole424may be defined in the first extension part421to be connected to the lever fixing member75of the connecting assembly70. The first lever hole424may be have a polygonal shape corresponding to one side of the lever fixing member75and may be opened in a rectangular shape as illustrated in the drawing. The lever fixing member75may also rotate together when the lever42rotates. Also, the lever protrusion425may be disposed on the first extension part421. The lever protrusion425may be spaced apart from the first lever hole424and disposed toward the intermediate part422. The lever protrusion425may be configured to be coupled to the connection member73of the connecting assembly70. That is, the rotation force of the lever42may be transmitted to the connecting assembly70by the lever protrusion425together with the first lever hole424. Furthermore, the rotation force may be transmitted to the elevation device80to elevate the elevation device80. Also, a second lever hole426through which the holder protrusion591of the screw holder56is inserted may be defined in the second extension part423. The second lever hole426may have a size corresponding to the holder protrusion591and also may have a long hole shape in the extension direction of the second extension part423so that the holder protrusion591move as the screw holder56move vertically. Thus, the holder protrusion591may be disposed on the left end of the second lever hole426in a state in which the screw holder56is disposed at the lowest position, and as the screw holder56move upward, the protrusion591moves to the right side of the second lever hole426so that the lever42rotates. The connecting assembly70may be provided at one end of the lever42, i.e., at a position corresponding to the first extension part421. A connection member73for connecting the lever42to the elevation device80may be rotatably mounted on the inside of the connecting assembly70. The connection member73may be coupled to the lever fixing member75by the fixing shaft77and thus may rotate together with the rotation of the lever42. Also, the connection member73may be connected to the lever protrusion425and the scissors protrusion841bto transmit greater force to the elevation device80, and thus, the elevation device80may be more effectively lifted. Thus, the elevation device80in the state in which the food is seated sufficiently while using only one of the drive motors64may be elevated, and a compact configuration may be realized. The connecting assembly70may have an outer appearance defined by the connection case71and the connection cover72, and the lever fixing member75and the connection member73may be mounted on the connection case71. The connecting assembly70may include the connection case71, the connection cover72, and the connection member73, the push member74, the lever fixing member75, and the elastic member76. In detail, the connection case71may be opened on one side and includes a space for accommodating the lever fixing member75, the connection member73, the push member74, and a portion of the lever42. Also, a through-hole712may be defined in the space. An external fixing member78may be provided on the outer surface of the connection case71corresponding to the through-hole712. Also, the lever fixing member75may be accommodated in the space inside the connection case71and define a surface capable of supporting one end of the elastic member76. Also, A first lever hole424of the lever42and the through-hole712may extend to be sequentially penetrated through a center of the lever fixing member75to allow the external fixing member78to be inserted therein. The fixing shaft77may pass through the first connection part731of the connection member73and then be inserted into the lever fixing member75. Also, coupling members771and772may be coupled to both ends of the fixing shaft77, respectively. The lever fixing member75, the external fixing member78, and the connection member73may be coupled to the fixing shaft77through the coupling of the coupling members771and772. Thus, when the lever fixing member75rotates by the rotation of the lever42, the connection member73connected by the fixing shaft77may also rotate together. The elastic member76may be provided between the connection member73and the lever fixing member75. The elastic member76may be compressed when the connection member73moves. In detail, the elastic member76may have a coil spring structure and have one end supported by the lever fixing member75and the other end supported by the connection support part734of the connection member73. The connection member73may move in the front-rear direction within the space of the connection case71. Here, the connection member73may have a structure that is inserted into or protrudes to the space by the guide of the fixing shaft77. In details of the structure of the connection member73, the connection member73may include a first connection part731which passes through the fixing shaft77and is concentric with the rotation axis of the lever42, a second connection part731which is spaced from the first connection part731and into which the lever protrusion425is inserted, and a connection part733connecting the first connection part731to the second connection part732. The first connection part731may have a hollow cylindrical shape. Also, the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80may be inserted into the first connection part to rotate together with the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80. In some implementations, a connection support part734protruding outward by a predetermined width may be disposed on one side of the first connection portion731. The end of the elastic member76may contact the connection support part734, and the end of the first connection part731may contact the connection support part734. The connection support part734may protrude outward to support one end of the elastic member76, and one end of the first connection part731may be inserted into the elastic member76to prevent the elastic member76from being separated. The connection support part734may be larger than the size of the through-hole742defined in the push member74to maintain the state in which the connection support part734is in close contact with the rear surface of the push member74. Thus, the connection support part734and the push member74may move together when the push member74is pressed or when the elastic member76returns to the initial position. The second connection part732may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first connection part731by the connection member73. The second connection part732may have a cylindrical shape that is penetrated in the front and rear direction. The lever protrusion425may be inserted into one side of the second connection part732, and the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device80may be inserted into the other side of the second connection part732. Thus, the second connection part732may rotate together with the scissors protrusion841band the lever protrusion425when the elevation device80operates. The connection part733may be disposed so that the rotating shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device80are respectively inserted into the first connection part731and the second connection part732. As the second connection part732move farther away from the first connection part731, the elevation device80may be easily elevated. However, when the first connection part731and the second connection part732are spaced a set distance or more from each other, the moving trajectory of the lever protrusion425and the scissors protrusion841b, which are inserted into the second connection part732, may extend up to a high height on the rear surface of the door part31and the front surface of the drawer part. Thus, the opened trajectory may be exposed to deteriorate the outer appearance. Thus, the position of the second connection part732may be determined by the length of the connection part733. Also, the second connection part732may be disposed at a height at which the rotation trajectory is not exposed, i.e., a position higher than the upper end of the elevation device80. In an alternative implementation, the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device80may be provided as a recessed portion that is configured to receive and become coupled to a corresponding protrusion provided by the second connection part732, which may alternatively be provided as a protruded portion. The push member74may be provided inside the connection device case71and may be exposed through the opening721of the connecting cover72so that the push member68is pressed by the user. The push member74may include a push part741that is exposed through the opening721of the connecting cover72. A through-hole742through which the first connection part731passes may be defined in the push part741. The through-hole742may be larger than the outer diameter of the first connection part731and slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connection support part734. Thus, when the push member741may be pushed to move the push member74, the first connection member73contacting the push member74may also move together to selectively connect the connection member73to the elevation device80. The connecting cover72may be mounted on the opened front side of the connecting case71, and an opening721may be defined to expose the push part741. The connecting cover72may be firmly fixed to the connecting case71by the coupling member. Thus, the configuration of the connecting case71may be maintained in the mounted state. The connecting case71, the push member74, and a portion of the connecting cover72may be opened by cutting the connection member73by a rotational trajectory. Thus, the connection member73may be prevented from interfering with the connecting case71, the push member74, and the connecting cover72when the connection member73rotates. In this structure, the user may manipulate the push member74of the connecting assembly70to selectively couple and separate the connecting assembly70to and from the elevation device80. Hereinafter, a structure of the drawer part32coupled to the door part31will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.11is an exploded perspective view of the drawer part. Also,FIG.12is a view of the drawer door when viewed from an upper side. As illustrated in the drawings, the drawer part32may include a drawer body38defining an entire shape of the drawer part32, an elevation device80provided in the drawer body38to elevate the container and food, and a plurality of plates391,392, and393defining an outer appearance of the drawer part32. In more detail, the drawer body38may be injection-molded by using a plastic material and define an entire shape of the drawer part32. The drawer body38may have a basket shape having an opened top surface to define a food storage chamber therein. An inclined surface321may be disposed on a rear surface of the drawer body38. Thus, an interference with the machine room3may be prevented. The door frames316may be mounted on both sides of the drawer part32. The door frame316may be coupled to the lower frame of each of both sides of the bottom surface or both left and right surfaces of the drawer part32. In the state in which the door frame316and the drawer part32are coupled to each other, the drawer part32and the door part31may be integrally coupled to be inserted and withdrawn. The door frame316may be separated from the drawer part32, and then the connecting assembly70may operate to separate the door part31from the drawer part32in order to separate the door part31from the drawer part32. The door frame316and the drawer part32may be coupled to each other by a separate coupling member or a coupling structure between the door frame316and the drawer unit32. The draw-out rack34may be disposed on each of both the sides of the bottom surface of the drawer part32. The drawer part32may be inserted and withdrawn forward and backward by the draw-out rack34. In detail, in the state in which the drawer part32is mounted on the cabinet10, at least a portion is disposed in the storage chamber. Also, the draw-out rack34may be coupled to a pinion gear141disposed on the bottom surface of the storage chamber. Thus, when the draw-out motor14is driven, the pinion gear141may rotate to allow the draw-out rack34to move, and the door30may be inserted and withdrawn. The door30may not be automatically inserted and withdrawn. That is, the user may push or pull the door30to be inserted and withdrawn. Here, the draw-out rack34may be omitted, and thus, the insertion and withdrawal may be performed through only the draw-out rail33. A rail mounting part382on which the draw-out rail33for guiding the insertion and withdrawal of the drawer body38is mounted may be disposed on a lower portion of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body38. The rail mounting part382may extend from a front end to a rear end and provide a space in which the draw-out rail33is accommodated. The draw-out rail33may be a multistage rail that extends in multiple steps. The draw-out rail33may have one end fixed to the storage chamber inside the cabinet10and the other end fixed to the rail mounting part382to achieve more stable insertion and withdrawal of the door30. Also, the plurality of plates391,392, and393that are made of a plate-shaped metal material such as stainless steel to define at least portions of the inside and outside of the drawer body38may be provided on the drawer body38. In detail, the outer side plate391may be disposed on each of both left and right surfaces of the outside of the drawer body38. The outer side plate391may be mounted on each of both the left and right surfaces of the drawer body38to define an outer appearance of each of both the side surfaces. Particularly, elements such as the door frame316and the draw-out rail33, which are mounted on both the sides of the drawer body38, may not be exposed to the outside. A plurality of reinforcement ribs384may cross each other in vertical and horizontal directions on both outer surfaces of the drawer body38. The reinforcement ribs384may reinforce the strength of the drawer body38itself so that the drawer body38is more rigidly shaped relative to the weight of the door, which increases by providing the driving device and the elevation. Also, the reinforcement ribs384may support the outer side plates391mounted on both side surfaces, and thus the outer appearance of the drawer part32may be firmly maintained. An inner side plate392may be disposed on each of both left and right surfaces of the inside of the drawer body38. The inner side plate392may be mounted on each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body38to define both the left and right surfaces of the inside thereof. The inner plate395may include a front surface part395a, a bottom surface part395b, and a rear surface part395c, which have sizes correspond to the front surface, the bottom surface, and the rear surface of the inside of the drawer body38. The inner plate395may be provided by bending the plate-shaped stainless material so that the inner plate395defines the inner surface of the remaining portion except for both the left and right surfaces of the drawer body38. Also, both left and right ends of the inner plate395may contact the inner side plate392. The front surface part395a, the bottom surface part395b, and the rear surface part395cof the inner plate395may be separately provided and then coupled to or contact each other. The entire inner surfaces of the drawer body38may be defined by the inner side plate392and the inner plate395, and the inner surface of the drawer body38may provide texture of the metal. Thus, the storage chamber within the drawer part32may have a metal texture on the whole, and the foods accommodated in the drawer part32may be more uniformly cooled and thus stored at a low temperature in the more uniform region. In addition, excellent cooling performance and storage performance that is also visually appealing may be provided to the user as a result. The drawer cover37may include a cover front part371that partitions the inside of the drawer body38into a front space S1and a rear space S2and a cover top surface part372bent from an upper end of the cover front surface part371to cover a top surface of the rear space S2. That is, when the drawer cover37is mounted, only the front space S1, in which the elevation device80is disposed, may be exposed in the drawer body38, and the rear space S2may be covered by the drawer cover37. The elevation80may be disposed in the drawer body38. The elevation device80may be connected to the connecting assembly70and may be vertically movable. The left and right sides of the elevation device80may be elevated uniformly. A drawer opening35may be defined in the lower part of the front surface of the drawer part32for coupling the elevation device80to the connecting assembly70. The drawer opening35may provide a passage through which the connection member73is inserted to be coupled to the elevation device. Also, the drawer opening35may have an opening shape along the rotation path of the connection member73when the connection member73rotates to allow the connection member73to rotate, and thus, the stable rotation may be achieved without the interference. The elevation device80may be provided as a scissors type so that the elevation device is folded in a descending state and unfolded in an ascending state. Thus, the container or food seated on the top surface may be elevated. The elevation device80may be provided with a support plate81, and the support plate81may provide a seating surface on which the container36or food is seated. A plurality of ventilation holes385may be defined in a lower end of the front surface of the drawer body38. The ventilation hole385may guide the cool air flowing downward along the rear surface of the door part31so as to be introduced to the bottom surface of the drawer part32. A plurality of ventilation holes385may be continuously arranged at regular intervals. Also, a plate hole395emay be defined in a front surface of the inner plate395to correspond to the ventilation hole385, and a connecting hole395dcorresponding to the drawer opening35may be further defined. The plate hole395eand the connecting hole395dmay have the same size and shape as the ventilation hole385and the drawer opening35and may be defined in the same position. Thus, the cool air flowing along the rear surface of the door part31may be introduced into the drawer part32through the ventilation hole385and the plate hole395ein order. Also, the plate hole395eand the connecting hole395dmay be collectively referred to as the ventilation hole385and the drawer opening35. The ventilation hole385and the drawer opening35may be exposed as shown inFIG.12when the elevation device80is separated but may be covered as shown inFIG.27when the elevation device80is mounted. That is, the height of each of the ventilation hole385and the drawer opening35may be lower than the that of the elevation device80. Thus, the ventilation hole385and the drawer opening35may be covered by the elevation device80when the elevation device80is mounted. Also, the connecting assembly70disposed on the drawer opening may be disposed lower than the top surface of the elevation device80and may be covered by the elevation device80. A seating protrusion396may protrude from an inner bottom surface of the drawer part32on which the elevation device80is mounted. The seating protrusion396may be disposed at a position corresponding to the seating hole837defined in each of four corners of the bottom surface of the elevation device80. When the elevation device80is mounted inside the drawer part32, the seating protrusion396and the seating hole837may be coupled to each other. The elevation device80may not move but be maintained in a stable mounting state even during the elevation operation of the elevation device80. A protrusion397may protrude from a transverse center of the front space S1. The protrusion397may be disposed a position corresponding to the restricting unit90to be described below. When the elevation device80is mounted, the restricting unit90may contact the restricting unit90so that the restriction of the restricting unit is released. The protrusion397may have a pair of guide surfaces397aand397bof which ends are inclined to contact each other. The protrusion397may be provided in a rounded curved shape that is not provided as the pair of guide surfaces397aand397bbut is lowered toward both sides. The protrusion397may be mounted on the bottom surface of the drawer body38or may be integrated to protrude when the drawer body38is molded. The protrusion397may protrude upward by passing through the bottom surface of the inner plate395. The protrusion397may be formed by cutting a portion of the inner plate395. A portion of the inner plate395may be cut to form an opening397c, and the cut portion above the opening397cmay be bent to form the pair of the guide surfaces397aand397b. The seating protrusion396and the protrusion397may be provided as separate elements so as to be mounted on the inner plate395or the drawer body. The seating protrusion396and the protrusion397may be integrated with the inner plate395or the drawer body38. FIG.13is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between the drawer part and the connecting assembly. Also,FIG.14is an enlarged view illustrating portion A ofFIG.13. As illustrated in the drawings, the drawer opening35may be defined in the right and left sides of the lower front of the drawer part32. The shape of the drawer opening35on each of both sides of the right and left sides may be symmetrical to each other, and the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80and the scissors protrusion841bmay be exposed through the drawer opening35. That is, the drawer opening35may be opened at a position corresponding to the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80and the scissors protrusion841b. The drawer opening35may include a central portion351and a trajectory portion352. The center portion351may be disposed at a position corresponding to the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80and may have a size such that the first connection part731of the connection member73is inserted. Also, the trajectory portion352may be connected to the center portion351and may be opened in a shape corresponding to the trajectory in which the second connection part732of the connection member73move to rotate. Thus, the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80may rotate on the central portion351while the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device80rotates along the trajectory portion352. That is, the scissors protrusion841band the second connection part732may be disposed inside the center portion351and the trajectory portion352when the elevation device80moves vertically. The height of the drawer opening35may be lower than the upper end of the elevation device80, i.e., the top surface of the support plate81. Thus, the drawer opening35may be prevented from being seen from the inside of the drawer part32in any state in the state in which the elevation device80is mounted. The rotation shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device80may be exposed through the drawer opening35while the elevation device80is mounted inside the drawer part32. Also, in the state in which the sub door30is coupled, the connection member73of the connecting assembly70may be inserted through the inside of the drawer opening35so as to be coupled to the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80and the scissors protrusion841b. The connecting assembly70may be provided on each of both right and left sides of the drawer part32and may have a shape symmetrical to each other. The selective separation of the elevation device80and the connecting assembly70may be enabled through the manipulation of the push member74. The circumference of the support plate81may protrude upward so that the container36or food can be stably mounted. Also, the circumference of the support plate81may extend downward. Thus, the remaining elements of the elevation device80may be accommodated below the support plate81, and the covered and clean outer appearance may be realized by the circumference of the support plate81. In addition, the support plate81may have a size and a shape corresponding to the front space to prevent foreign matters from being introduced into the elevation device80provided below the front space S1, and also, to fundamentally prevent safety accidents from occurring by blocking the access to the elevation device80. Hereinafter, elements of the elevation device80will be described in more detail. FIG.15is a perspective view of the elevation device according to an implementation. Also,FIG.16is an exploded perspective view of the elevation device. Also,FIG.17is a perspective view of the scissors lift assembly that is one component of the elevation device. As illustrated in the drawings, the elevation device80may be provided on the bottom surface of the inner side of the drawer part32and may be detachably installed on the inside of the drawer part32. Also, the elevation device80may include an upper frame82and a lower frame83as a whole and a scissors lift assembly84disposed between the upper frame82and the lower frame83. In detail, the upper frame82may have a square frame shape corresponding to the size of the inner front space S1of the drawer part32and may be configured to mount the support plate81on the top surface thereof. The upper frame82of the elevation device80may move upward and downward and substantially supports the food or the container36together with the support plate81. Also, the upper frame82may generally defines a frame part821which defines a circumferential shape of the upper frame82and an upper partition part822for partitioning the space inside the frame portion821into left and right sides. Since the frame part821and the upper partition part822define an outer frame and support the support plate81, high strength may be required, and thus, the frame part821and the upper partition part822may be made of a metal and may have shape in which both ends are bent to increase strength and prevent deformation. Also, a slide guide825may be disposed on each of both sides of the inner side of the frame part821to accommodate the end of the scissors lift assembly84and guide the movement of the scissors lift assembly84. The slide guides825may be disposed on both sides of the upper partition part822. Also, the scissors lift assemblies84may be disposed in the spaces823and824on both sides partitioned by the upper partition part822, respectively. The slide guide825may be separately molded by using a plastic material having excellent abrasion resistance and lubrication performance and mounted on the upper frame82. Also, a long hole825athrough which the sliding shaft842of the scissors lift assembly passes may be defined in the slide guide825, and the sliding shaft842may move along the slide guide825. Also, a sliding surface825bhaving a predetermined width may be further disposed along the circumference of the lone hole825a, and the sliding shaft842may be supported by the sliding surface825bso that the scissors lift assembly84is more smoothly folded or unfolded. The frame part821may include vertically curved edges821aand821balong the circumference thereof. The edges821aand821bmay be disposed on the inner side and the outer side of the frame part821, respectively. Also, the slide guide825may be disposed on the edge821binside the frame part821. Also, edge grooves821cand821dmay be defined in the outer edge821aof the frame part821. The edge grooves821cand821dmay be defined in the edge821aby the grooves into which the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80and the scissors protrusion841bare accommodated while the elevation device80completely descends and may include a first edge groove821cand a second edge groove821dcorresponding to the rotation shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bat the end of the first edge groove821c. When the upper frame82completely descends to contact the lower frame83, the upper frame82may contact the edge grooves821cand821ddefined in the lower frame83to provide a complete hole shape so that the rotation shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bpass therethrough. The edge grooves821cand821dmay be defined in a number corresponding to the rotation shaft841awhen the scissors protrusion841bis not provided but only the rotation shaft841ais provided. The edge grooves821cand821dand the rotation shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bmay be disposed adjacent to the left and right ends of the elevation device80and may be exposed through the drawer opening35. The frame part821may define a space of which a bottom surface is opened by the edges821aand821bon both sides. Also, scissors fixing members be provided at both ends of the inner space of the frame part821. The scissors fixing member may fix the rotation shaft847of the scissors lift assembly84, and a pair of scissors fixing members826may be provided at both ends. The scissors fixing member may also be made of an engineering plastic material having abrasion resistance due to continuous friction with the rotating shaft847. Also, the scissors fixing member may have a through-hole through which the rotation shaft847passes. A plurality of scissors fixing members826may be provided on both ends of the frame part821to fix both ends of the rotation shaft847. The scissors fixing member826may stably fix the rotation shaft847to allow the scissors lift assembly84to be smoothly folded and unfolded. The lower frame83may have the same structure as that of the upper frame85but only in the direction. The lower frame83may include a frame part831and a lower partition part832to define spaces833and834in which the scissors lift assemblies84are respectively installed. Also, the slide guide825may be provided on the inner frame821bof the frame part821, and the first frame groove831cand the second frame groove831dmay be defined in the outer frame821a. Also, the scissors fixing member826may be provided in the inner space of the frame portion821. The outer frame821aof the upper frame82and the outer frame821aof the lower frame83may contact each other when the upper frame82completely move downward. Thus, the frame part821of the upper frame82and the frame part821of the lower frame83may contact each other to define a closed space therein, and the scissors lift assembly84may be accommodated in the closed space in the completely folded state. That is, the elements of the scissors lift assembly84may be disposed inside the frame part821of the lower frame82and the upper frame82in the state in which the elevation device80descends to the lowest state. Thus, the additional space for accommodating the scissors lift assembly84in addition to the upper frame82and the lower frame83may not be required so that the loss of storage chamber inside the drawer unit32is minimized. Furthermore, since the support plate81also has a structure capable of accommodating the upper frame82and/or the lower frame83, a space for arranging the upper frame82and the lower frame83may not be additionally required to minimize the space loss. That is, even if the elevation device80having the complicated scissors type is disposed, a space loss equivalent to the thickness of the support plate81may be generated to very effectively utilize the interior of the drawer unit32. A seating hole837may be defined in the bottom surface of the frame part821of the lower frame83. The seating hole837may have an opened hole shape and be engaged with a seating protrusion396having a projection shape to protrude from the bottom surface of the drawer part32when the elevation device80is mounted inside the drawer part32. That is, the elevation device80may be fixed to match the inside of the drawer part32by a simple operation that is seated inside the drawer part32and be maintained in the stable state even though the elevation device80operates. Also, the elevation device80may be easily lifted and separated from the drawer part32without any additional tool even if the elevation device80is not disposed in the drawer part32. The scissors lift assemblies84may be provided on both left and right sides of the scissors lift assembly84. The scissors lift assemblies84may be connected to the connecting assembly70and may be independently driven by the power transmitted through the shaft41and the lever42to lift the upper frame82. Here, the scissors lift assemblies84on both sides may not cause any misalignment or deviation in one of the driving motors64and the structure of the driving device40including the shaft41and the screw assembly50so as to provide a structure capable of being elevated by the same height. Thus, the scissors lift assembly84may be effectively elevated by the pair of the scissors lift assemblies84which independently apply the forces to both sides even when the heavy load is supported by the scissors lift assembly84. Here, the upper frame82, i.e., the support plate81may be elevated in a horizontal state through the scissors lift assembly84. The scissors lift assembly84may include a pair of first rods841arranged in parallel to each other, a first sliding shaft842connecting both ends of the first rod841, and a first rotation shaft847. Each of the first rod841, the first sliding shaft842, and the first rotation shaft847may have a width that is enough to be accommodated inside the frame part821. Also, the first rod841may be disposed at a position corresponding to the region of the frame part821, and the first rotation shaft847may also be disposed at a region corresponding to the frame part821. Also, the rotation shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bmay be disposed on one end of the first rod841. Here, the rotation shaft841amay be disposed on the same extension line as the first rotation shaft843, and the first rotation shaft843may rotate when the rotation shaft841arotates. The first rotation shaft843may further include a rotation enhancing part843a. The rotation enhancing part843amay be configured to connect a portion of the first rod841to the entire first rotation shaft847. Thus, when the first rod841rotates, the first rotation shaft847may rotate together and also be enhanced to withstand the generated moment. Also, a mounting hole342bmay be defined in each of both ends of the rotation enhancing part843a, and the scissors fixing member826may be mounted to pass through the mounting hole842b. Thus, the first rotation shaft847may be rotatably mounted on the scissors fixing member826of the lower frame83. Also, the first sliding shaft842may connect the other end of the first rod841and may be disposed to pass through the slide guide825. Thus, the first sliding shaft842may move along the slide guide825of the upper frame82when the first rod841rotates. Also, a pair of second rods844may be provided to cross the first rod841. The first rod841and the second rod844may be connected to each other by the scissors shaft845so that the first rod841and the second rod844rotate in the state of crossing each other. A second sliding shaft842and a second rotating shaft847connecting both ends of the second rod844may be further provided. The second rod844, the second sliding shaft842, and the second rotation shaft847may also have shapes and arrangements that are enough to be accommodated in the frame part821. In this state, both the second rotation shafts847connecting the upper ends of the second rods844may be provided. The second rotation shaft847may be rotatably mounted on the scissors fixing member826of the upper frame82. Here, the second rotation shaft847passing through the scissors fixing member826may further include a rotation bush847a. The rotation bush847amay contact the inner surface of the scissors fixing member826and may be made of a plastic material having excellent lubrication performance and abrasion resistance. Thus, the operation of the scissors lift assembly84may be smoothly performed. The lower ends of the second rods844disposed on both sides may be connected by the second sliding shaft842. The second sliding shaft846may be mounted to pass through the slide guide835provided in the lower frame83and may move along the slide guide835as the elevation device80is elevated. The upper frame82and the lower frame83connected by the scissors lift assembly84may be provided with the restraining unit90. The restricting unit90may selectively restrict the elevation device80to prevent the elevation device80from operating. For example, the upper frame82and the lower frame83are restricted with respect to each other by the restricting unit90so as to not become unfolded when the elevation device80is separated from the drawer part32and lifted up. Thus, it is possible to prevent a safety accident from occurring by the elevation device80maintaining the restrained state, thereby facilitating the separation and transportation of the elevation device80. The upper frame82and the lower frame83may be provided at a central portion of the upper frame82and a central portion of the lower frame83so that the upper frame82and the lower frame83are stably maintained in the restrained state. In detail, an upper locker91of the restricting unit90may be mounted on the upper partition part822which extends across the center of the upper frame82. The upper locker91may be firmly fixed to an internal space of the upper partition part822bent downward to be opened downward and may protrude downward from a center of the upper partition part822. Also, a lower locker92and a locker case93of the restricting unit90may be mounted on a lower partition part832crossing the center of the lower frame83. The lower locker92may be firmly fixed to the internal space of the lower partition part832bent to be opened upward and may protrude upward from the center of the lower partition part832, i.e., a position corresponding to the upper locker91. Also, the upper locker91and the lower locker92may be hooked to be restricted with respect to each other to restrain the elevation device80so as not to be unfolded when the upper frame82is disposed closest to the lower frame83. The restricting unit90may be disposed on both sides of the elevation device80. Here, the protrusion397may be disposed at a position corresponding to the restricting unit90. The restricting unit90may be provided in a plurality of parts, and the protrusion397may be provided in number at a position corresponding to the restricting unit90. Hereinafter, the restricting unit will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.18is a perspective view of the restricting unit according to an implementation. Also,FIG.19is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the restricting unit when viewed from the upper side. Also,FIG.20is an exploded perspective view illustrating the coupling structure of the restricting unit when viewed from a lower side. Hereinafter, the restriction state of the restricting unit90may be a state in which the upper locker91and the lower locker92are coupled to each other to restrict the upper frame82and the lower frame83so as not to be unfolded. The restriction release state may be a state in which the upper locker91and the lower locker92are separated from each other to allow the upper frame82and the lower frame83to be elevated while being unfolded or folded. As illustrated in the drawings, the restricting unit90may include an upper locker91, a lower locker92, and a locker case93. The upper locker91may be fixedly mounted on the upper frame82, and the lower locker92and the locker case93may be mounted on the lower frame83. Also, the upper frame82and the lower frame83may be selectively restricted with respect to each other by the selective coupling of the upper locker91and the lower locker92. In detail, the upper locker91may have a width corresponding to the upper partition part822and be inserted into a space defined by the upper partition part822. A top surface of the upper locker91may have a planar shape and may contact a bottom surface of the upper partition part822. Also, the upper locker91may extend further downward than the lower restricting part926of the lower locker92so that the upper locker91is maintained in a state of being restricted with the lower locker92. Also, the upper locker91may have an upper hole911vertically passing through the upper locker91, and the upper locker91may be fixedly mounted on the upper partition part822by a screw S which is coupled below the upper locker91. Also, an opening914communicating with the upper hole911may be defined in the bottom surface of the upper locker91, and the screw S may be inserted through the opening914and be coupled to the upper hole911. An inner surface of the upper locker91may have a shape of a plurality of mutually intersecting ribs so as to maintain the shape without being deformed. The upper restricting part912and the upper accommodation part913may disposed on a rear surface of the upper locker91, i.e., in a direction that faces the lower locker92. The upper restricting part912may be hooked to be restricted with the lower restricting part926so that the restricting unit90is restricted. Also, the upper restricting part912may extend from a lower end of the upper locker91to a front end of the upper locker91. Also, the upper restricting part912may be defined below the upper accommodation part913to define a bottom surface of a space defined below the upper accommodation part913. A first inclined surface912amay be disposed on the top surface of the upper restricting part912. Also, a second inclined surface912cmay be disposed on the lower front end of the upper restricting part912. Also, a first extension surface912bextending to a front end of the upper accommodation part913may be disposed on a front end of the first inclined surface912a. The first inclined surface912amay be a portion at which the contact with the lower locker92starts when the restricting unit90moves so as to be in the restrained state and may be inclined upward toward the front side. Thus, as the lower locker92moves forward, the front end of the lower locker92may move along the first inclined surface912ato enter into the inside of the upper accommodation part913. The first extension surface912bmay be disposed on a front end of the first inclined surface912ato extend forward and then to contact an end of the lower locker92inserted into the upper accommodation part913so as to be hooked to be restricted. The first extension surface912bmay extend forward from the front end of at least the lower restricting part926and may define a space of the upper accommodation part913into which the lower locker92is inserted. The second inclined surface912cmay contact the top surface of the lower locker92to push the lower locker92so as to move backward when the upper frame82moves downward. As a result, the restricting unit90may be changed from the restriction release state to the restriction state. That is, when the upper frame82moves downward in the state in which the restricting unit90is released due to an abnormal operation or user's intention, the second inclined surface912cand the top surface of the lower lockers92may contact each other to allow the lower locker92to move backward, and thus, the restricting unit90may be restricted again. The upper accommodation part913may define a recessed space above the upper restricting part912and may be opened backward and upward so that the front end of the lower restricting part926is inserted. Also, the bottom surface of the upper accommodation part913may be defined by the first inclined surface912aand the first extension surface912b. The lower locker92may be mounted on the locker case93, and also, the locker case93may guide the movement of the lower locker92and be fixedly mounted on the lower partition part832. The locker case93may have a width that is enough to be accommodated in the inside of the lower partition part832, and the lower locker92may move forward and backward to be hooked and restricted with the upper locker91. Therefore, the locker case93may extend up to one side of the rear side of the upper locker91vertically below the upper locker91. In detail, a screw hole931for fixedly mounting the locker case93may be defined in front and rear ends of the locker case93. The screw S inserted from an upper side of the screw hole931may pass through the locker case93and may be coupled to the lower partition part832to fix the locker case93. The locker case93may have a top surface opening933and a bottom surface opening934in the top and bottom surfaces thereof, respectively. Also, a sliding space932may be defined below the lower locker92, i.e., the slide part921. The top surface opening933may communicate with the sliding space932at an upper side, and the lower opening934may communicate with the sliding space932at a lower side. Thus, the lower locker92may reciprocally move along the sliding space932while being slid forward and backward. Also, the locker case93may be disposed at a position corresponding to a partition part opening832aof the bottom surface of the lower partition part832. That is, the partition part opening832amay be defined inside the sliding space932when the locker case93is installed. The partition part opening832amay defined in a position corresponding to the position of the protrusion397on the bottom surface of the drawer part32and may correspond to or slightly larger than the size of the protrusion397. Thus, the protrusion397may be positioned inside the sliding space932through the partition part opening832awhile the elevation device80is mounted on the drawer part32. The bottom surface opening934may have a size greater than that of each of the top surface opening933and the partition part opening832a. The protrusion397and the lower locker92may contact with each other to guide the backward and forward movement of the lower locker92while being accommodated in the sliding space932. The length of the top surface opening933and the bottom surface opening934may be designed in consideration of a stroke of the lower locker92. The top surface opening933and the bottom surface opening934may provide the stroke by which the front end of the lower restricting part926of at least the lower locker92move from a position at which the front end is completely accommodated in the upper restricting part912and is hooked to be restrained to a position at which the front end is completely separated from the upper restricting part912. Also, a case fixing part935for fixing one end of the elastic member94may be disposed on the front end of the top surface opening933. The elastic member94may provide elastic force for allowing the lower locker92to move and may have a coil spring shape. Also, the other end of the elastic member94may be fixed to the lower locker92. The elastic member94may completely move forward to be disposed at the most forward position, i.e., a state in which the lower locker92is hooked to be restricted with the upper locker91so as to be in state in which the restricting unit90is initially restricted. Thus, the elastic member94may provide the elastic force so that when the restricting unit90moves backward to be in a state in which the restriction of the restricting unit90is released, the elastic member94is extended, and when external force is removed, the lower locker92moves forward up to the initial position. The lower locker92may include a slide part921accommodated in the locker case93as a whole and a locking part922protruding upward from the locker case93to be hooked and restricted with the upper locker91. The slide part921may have a shape corresponding to the size of the sliding space932and be disposed to be movable backward and forward while being accommodated in the sliding space932. The slide part921may have a width less than that of the bottom surface opening934and greater than that of the top surface opening933. The slide part921may move forward and backward while being accommodated in the locker case93in a state in which the locker case93is mounted on the lower partition part832. A plurality of support protrusions921amay be disposed on a bottom surface of the slide part921. The plurality of support protrusions921amay be disposed on both side ends of the bottom surface of the slide part921to protrude downward to contact the lower partition part832. The lower locker92may be supported on the top surface of the lower partition part832by the support protrusions921a. Thus, the slide part921may slidably move in a point contact state with the lower partition part832. Also, a side extension parts921bextending forward may be disposed on each of both sides of the slide part921, and a contact part923may be disposed between the side extension parts921b. The contact part923may contact the protrusion397to allow the lower locker92to move backward. The contact part923may be disposed at a position corresponding to the protrusion397when the elevation device80is mounted. The contact part923may be inclined upward toward the front side and may be rounded. Thus, the contact part923may start to contact the protrusion397when the elevation device80is mounted. As a result, the lower locker92may move backward by the corresponding inclinations or rounded shapes of the contact part923and the protrusion397. The locking part922may vertically extend upward from the slide part921and extend up to a height at which the locking part922is hooked to be restricted with the upper locker91. Here, the front surface of the locking part922may extend perpendicularly to the slide part921. Also, a locker fixing part925may be disposed on a front surface of the locking part922to fix one end of the elastic member94. The locker fixing part925may be disposed behind the case fixing part935, and the elastic member94may be disposed between the case fixing part935and the locker fixing part925. Thus, the elastic member94may be stretched or contracted by the movement of the lower locker92forward and backward and may provide elastic force to return to the initial position when the lower locker92moves backward. A lower restricting part926protruding forward may be disposed on an upper end of the locking part922. The lower restricting part926may be hooked to be restricted with the upper locker91and may protrude by a length that is enough to be inserted completely into the upper accommodation part913of the upper locker91. Also, the lower locker92may have a width less than that of the upper accommodation part913so as to be able to enter and exit the inside of the upper locker91. A third inclined surface926aand a fourth inclined surface926bmay be disposed on the top surface and the bottom surface of the lower restricting part926. The third inclined surface926amay be disposed on a top surface of the lower restricting part926and may extend from a front end to a rear end of the lower restricting part926. The third inclined surface926amay have an inclination that protrudes upward toward the rear side. Also, the third inclined surface926amay have an inclination corresponding to the second inclined surface912cof the upper restricting part912. When the upper restricting part912moves downward while the restriction of the restricting unit90is released, the second inclined surface912cmay contact the third inclined surface926ato guide the backward movement of the lower locker92. The fourth inclined surface926bmay be disposed on a bottom surface of the lower restricting part926and may extend backward from a front end of the lower restricting part926. Also, the fourth inclined surface926bmay be inclined downward toward the rear side. Also, the fourth inclined surface926bmay have an inclination corresponding to the first inclined surface912a. Thus, the fourth inclined surface926bmay contact the first inclined surface912ato guide the forward movement of the lower locker92when the lower locker92moves forward. The fourth inclined surface926bmay start to contact the lower locker92in the initial restriction of the upper locker91so as to guide the movement of the lower locker92. Also, the fourth inclined surface may be disposed on a portion of an area of the first portion of the entire bottom surface of the lower restricting part926. The fourth inclined surface926bmay have a length corresponding to the length of the first inclined surface912a. Also, a second extension surface926cmay be disposed on a rear end of the fourth inclined surface926b, and a fifth inclined surface926dmay be disposed on a rear end of the second extension surface926c. The second extension surface926cmay be disposed parallel to the first extension surface912b, and the fifth inclined surface926dmay have the same inclination as the fourth inclined surface926b. Thus, the first extension surface912band the second extension surface926cmay contact each other when the lower locker92is completely inserted into the upper accommodation part913so that the restricting unit90is in the restriction state. Here, the first inclined surface912aand the fifth inclined surface926dmay contact each other to be closely attached to each other. Thus, the upper locker91and the lower locker92may be completely restricted with respect to each other, and thus, the effective restriction state may be maintained. Hereinafter, the selective coupling and power connection of the elevation device80and the connecting assembly70will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG.21is a perspective view illustrating a connection state between the connecting assembly and the elevation device. Also,FIG.22is a perspective view illustrating a separation state of the connecting assembly and the elevation device. As illustrated in the drawings, if the service of the driving device40or the elevation device80is necessary or if the use of the elevation device80is not desired, the driving device40and the elevation device80may be simply separated from and coupled to each other. As illustrated inFIG.21, the door part31and the drawer part32may be coupled to each other, and power transmission may be possible in the state in which the connecting assembly70and the elevation device80are connected to each other. Here, the connection member73may be connected to the lever42and the elevation device80, and the first connection part731may be connected to the fixing shaft77and the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80. The lever protrusion425and the scissors protrusion841bmay be inserted into the second connection part732. In this state, when the lever42rotates by the operation of the driving device40, the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80may rotate by the first connection part731, and the scissors lift assembly84of the elevation device80may rotate. Here, since the second connecting part732is connected to the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device80, greater force may be transmitted to the elevation device80. In detail, the second connection part732may be disposed at a position away from the first connection part731, and thus when the first connection part731rotates around the shaft, a moment similar to a leverage may be applied to the second connection part732. Thus, a moment greater than the moment generated at the first connection part731may be applied together with the second connection part732, and thus the elevation device80may rotate with larger force. Furthermore, since the pair of scissors lift assemblies84are disposed on both sides of the scissors lift assembly84, the power may be transmitted to the scissors lift assembly84, thereby effectively elevating the elevation device80with less force. The connection member73may have a single shaft structure that connects the lever42to the rotation shaft841aof the elevation device80when the torque by the driving device40is sufficient. The scissors lift assembly84may also be configured so that the connection member73is connected to each of both sides of one of the scissors lift assemblies84to elevate the elevation device80. The user may push the push member74of the connecting assembly70to push the connection member73as illustrated inFIG.21in the state in which the service condition of the driving device or the elevation device80of the refrigerator1occurs. The coupling between the connection member73and the elevation device80may be released by allowing the connection member73to move forward. In this state, the door part31may be separated from the drawer part32, and the entire driving part40provided in the door part31may be completely separated from the drawer part32by a single operation. The driving part40may be maintained in the state in which the door part31is separated, and the door part31, which normally operates as necessary, may be replaced to be mounted. Here, the connection member73of the door part31may be coupled to the rotation shaft841aand the scissors protrusion841bof the elevation device without separate assembly and disassembly. The door part31and the drawer part32may be rigidly coupled to each other by the door frame or other structure, and the door part31and the drawer part32may be additionally separated from or coupled to each other when the door part31and the drawer part32are separated from or coupled to each other. Hereinafter, a state in which the door30of the refrigerator1is inserted and withdrawn and is elevated according to an implementation will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.23is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the drawer door is closed. As illustrated in the drawing, in the state in which the food is stored, the refrigerator1may be maintained in a state in which all of the rotation door20and the door30are closed. In this state, the user may withdraw the door30to accommodate the food. The door30may be provided in plurality in a vertical direction and be withdrawn to be opened by the user's manipulation. Here, the user's manipulation may be performed by touching the manipulation part301disposed on the front surface of the rotation door20or the door30. Alternatively, an opening command may be inputted on the manipulation device302provided on the lower end of the door30. Also, the manipulation part301and the manipulation device302may individually manipulate the insertion and withdrawal of the door30and the elevation of the elevation member80. Alternatively, the user may hold a handle of the door30to open the drawer door30. Hereinafter, although the lowermost door30of the doors30, which are disposed in the vertical direction, is opened and elevated as an example, all of the upper and lower doors30may be inserted and withdrawn and elevated in the same manner. FIG.24is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the drawer door is completely opened. Also,FIG.25is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the drawer door in a state in which the basket of the drawer door completely descends. As illustrated in the drawings, the user may manipulate the draw-out operation on the door30to withdraw the door30forward. The door30may be withdrawn while the draw-out rail33extends. The door30may be configured to be inserted and withdrawn by the driving of the draw-out motor14, not by a method of directly pulling the door30by the user. The draw-out rack34provided on the bottom surface of the door30may be coupled to the pinion gear141rotating when the draw-out motor14provided in the cabinet10is driven. Thus, the door30may be inserted and withdrawn according to the driving of the draw-out motor14. The draw-out distance of the door30may correspond to a distance at which the front space S1within the drawer part32is completely exposed to the outside. Thus, in this state, when the elevation device80is elevated, the container or the food may not interfere with the doors20and30or the cabinet10disposed above it. Here, draw-out distance of the door30may be determined by a draw-out detection device15disposed on the cabinet10and/or the door30. The draw-out detection device15may be provided as a detection sensor that detects a magnet389to detect a state in which the door30is completely withdrawn or closed. For example, as illustrated in the drawings, the magnet389may be disposed on the bottom of the drawer part32, and the detection sensor may be disposed on the cabinet10. The draw-out detection device15may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position of the magnet389when the door30is closed and a position of the magnet389when the door30is completely withdrawn. Thus, the drawn-out state of the door30may be determined by the draw-out detection device15. Also, in some cases, a switch may be provided at each of positions at which the door30is completely inserted and withdrawn detect the drawn-out state of the door30. In addition, the drawn-out state of the door30may be detected by counting the rotation number of draw-out motor14or measuring a distance between the rear surface of the door part31and the front end of the cabinet10. In the state in which the door30is completely withdrawn, the elevation motor64may be driven to elevate the elevation device80. The elevation device80may be driven in an even situation in which the door30is sufficiently withdrawn to secure safe elevation of the food or container36seated on the elevation device80. That is, in the state in which the door30is withdrawn to completely expose the front space S1to the outside, the elevation device80may ascend to prevent the container36or the stored food seated on the elevation device80from interfering with the doors20and30or the cabinet10. Referring to the drawn-out state of the door30, the front space S1is to be completely withdrawn to the outside of the lower storage chamber12in the state in which the door30is withdrawn for the elevation. Particularly, the rear end L1of the front space S1is to be more withdrawn than the front end L2of the cabinet10or the upper door20. Also, the rear end L1of the front space S1is disposed at a further front side than the front end L2of the cabinet10or the door20so at to prevent the elevation device80from interfering when the elevation device80is elevated. Also, when the elevation device80is completely withdrawn to be driven, the entire drawer part32may not be completely withdrawn but withdrawn up to only a position for avoiding interference when the elevation device80is elevated as illustrated inFIG.31. Here, at least a portion of the rear space S2of the drawer part32may be disposed inside the lower storage chamber12. That is, the rear end L3of the drawer part32may be disposed at least inside the lower storage chamber12. Thus, even when the weight of the stored object is added to the weight of the door30itself including the driving device40and the elevation device80, the deflection or damage of the draw-out rail33or the door30itself may not occur to secure the reliable draw-out operation. The ascending of the elevation device80may start in a state in which the door30is completely withdrawn. Also, to secure the user's safety and prevent the food from being damaged, the ascending of the elevation device80may start after a set time elapses after the door30is completely withdrawn. After the door30is completely withdrawn, the user may manipulate the manipulation part301to input the ascending of the elevation device80. That is, the manipulation part301may be manipulated to withdraw the door30, and the manipulation part301may be manipulated again to elevate the elevation device80. Also, in the state in which the door30is manually inserted and withdrawn, the manipulation part301may be manipulated to elevate the elevation device80. As illustrated inFIG.25, the driving device40and the elevation device80may not operate until the door30is completely withdrawn, and the elevation device80may be maintained in the lowest state. FIG.26is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the drawer door in a state in which the basket of the drawer door completely ascends. As illustrated inFIG.25, in the state in which the door30is withdrawn, when the operation signal of the driving device is inputted, the driving device40may operate, and the state as illustrated inFIG.26may be obtained by elevating the elevation device80. The driving device40may be connected to the elevation device80by the connecting assembly70so that the power is transmitted to the elevation device80. The power may be transmitted to the elevation device80by the connecting assembly70together with the operation of the driving device40, and the elevation device80may start to ascend. The elevation device80may continuously ascend and then be stopped when ascend to a sufficient height to facilitate access to the food or container36seated on the elevation device80as illustrated inFIG.26. In this state, the user may easily lift the food or container36without overtaxing the waist. When the elevation completion signal of the elevation device80is inputted, the driving of the driving motor64may be stopped. For this, a height detection device16capable of detecting the position of the elevation device80may be provided. The height detection device16may be provided on the door part31and may be disposed at a position corresponding to the maximum height of the elevation device80and at a position corresponding to the lowest height of the elevation device80. The height detection device16may be provided as a detection sensor that detects a magnet389. The height detection device16may detect the magnet389disposed on the elevation device80to determine whether the ascending of the elevation device80is completed. Also, the height detection device16may be provided as a switch structure to turn on the switch when the elevation device80maximally ascends. Also, the height detection device16may be provided on the elevation rail44or the screw52to detect the maximally ascending position of the elevation member80. Also, whether the elevation device80maximally ascends may be determined according to a variation in load applied to the elevation motor64. The driving of the elevation motor64is stopped in the state in which the elevation device80maximally ascends. In this state, although the elevation device80is disposed inside the drawer part32, the food or container36seated on the elevation device80may be disposed at a position higher than the opened top surface of the drawer part32. Thus, the user may easily access the food or container36. Particularly, it is not necessary to excessively bend at the waist for lifting the container36, thus resulting in safer and more convenient operation. In the maximally ascended state of the elevation device80, the elevation device80may be elevated by driving the driving device40and be disposed at least at a lower position than the upper end of the drawer part32. In the driving device80, when viewed with respect to the container36in the state in which the container36is seated, the upper end H1of the container36may ascend to a position higher than the upper end H2of the lower storage chamber12. Here, the height of the container36may reach a height suitable for the user to reach the container36without stretching his/her waist. That is, the driving device40may have a structure in which the container36ascends from the inside of the drawer part32. However, when the container36is mounted on the elevation device80, the container36may be disposed at an accessible height. After the user's food storing operation is completed, the user may allow the elevation device80to descend by manipulating the manipulation part301. The descending of the elevation device80may be performed by reverse rotation of the elevation motor64and may be gradually performed through the reverse procedure with respect to the above-described procedure. Also, when the descending of the elevation device80is completed, i.e., in the state ofFIG.25, the completion of the descending of the elevation device80may be performed by the height detection device16. The height detection device16may be further provided at a position that detects the magnet disposed on the elevation device80when the elevation device80is disposed at the lowermost descending position. Thus, when the completion of the descending of the elevation device80is detected, the driving of the driving motor40is stopped. Also, after the driving of the elevation motor64is stopped, the door30may be inserted. Here, the door30may be closed by the user's manipulation or by the driving of the draw-out motor14. When the door30is completely closed, a state ofFIG.23may become. Hereinafter, a state in which the elevation device of the drawer door is separated will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.27is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the elevation device is mounted on the drawer door. Also,FIG.28is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a state of the restricting unit in a state in which the elevation device is mounted. As illustrated in the drawings, when the user desires to use the elevation function, the elevation device80may be maintained in the state in which the elevation device80is mounted inside the drawer part32. When the elevation device80is seated in the drawer part32, the elevation device80and the support plate81of the elevation device80may cover the front space S1. Also, a container36such as a basket may be seated on the top surface of the support plate81. In this state, the elevation device80may be elevated when the driving device40operates. The ventilation hole385and the drawer opening35in the front surface of the inside of the drawer part32may be completely covered when the elevation device80is mounted. The protrusion397on the bottom surface of the drawer part32may pass through the partition part opening832adefined in the lower partition part832as shown inFIG.28and may contact the contact part923of the lower locker92so that the lower locker92is disposed at the rearmost position. Here, the bottom surface of the elevation device80may be maintained in close contact with the bottom surface of the drawer part32by the weight of the elevation device80. Also, the rear end of the protrusion397may contact the contact part923so that the lower locker92does not move forward when the elevation device80is mounted. The lower restricting part926may be disposed outside the upper accommodation part913of the upper locker91and be separated from the upper restricting part912so as not to be vertically restricted. That is, the restricting unit90may be in a restriction release state. The restricting unit90may ascend and descend at any time in such the restriction release state. That is, when the driving of the driving device40is started, the upper frame of the elevation device80may move away from the lower frame83. The lower frame83may be coupled to the seating protrusion396on the bottom surface of the drawer part32to maintain the stable mounting without causing the movement. Particularly, the operation of the driving device40may allow the upper frame82to be maintained in the mounted state without shaking even when the upper frame82is elevated. When the lower locker92moves backward, the elastic member94is extended. When the lower locker92is located at the rearmost position as shown inFIG.28, the elastic member94may be maximally extended to provide elastic restoring force forward. However, the contact part923of the lower locker92may be maintained on the lower end of the protrusion397by the weight of the elevation device80. The upper restricting part912of the upper locker91may be disposed further downward than the lower restricting part926of the lower locker92in the state in which the upper frame82completely descends. When the external force applied to the rear side of the lower locker92is removed, the elastic restoring force of the elastic member94may maintain a standby state so that the lower locker92quickly moves forward. FIG.29is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the elevation device is separated from the drawer door. Also,FIG.30is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a state of the restricting unit in a state in which the elevation device is separated. As illustrated in the drawings, when the user desires not to use the elevation function of the drawer door30, the elevation device80may be separated from the drawer part32. When the elevation device80is removed according to the user's needs, an amount of available contents of the drawer part32may increase, and the user may adjust the capacity of the drawer part32through the detachment of the elevation device80. The elevation device80may be connected to the connecting assembly70in the state in which the elevation device80is mounted on the drawer part32. Thus, the connecting assembly70operates to thereby separate the elevation device80. Also, the elevation device80may be separated from the connecting assembly70after the elevation device80slightly moves backward to separate the elevation device80from the connecting assembly70. When the elevation device80moves backward, the contact part923may move away from the protrusion397, and the lower locker92may move forward by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member94so as to be hooked and restricted with the upper locker91. The elevation device80may be lifted upward to separate the elevation device80. Also, a handle811may be recessed inside the periphery of the support plate81so that the user easily holds the elevation device80to be lifted. Since the front end of the elevation device80is inserted into the connecting assembly70at the moment when the elevation device80is lifted upward, the elevation device80may be in a temporarily tilted state in which the front portion is lowered, and the rear portion. The contact part923and the protrusion397of the lower locker92may be separated from each other and move forward by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member94at the moment when the contact part923and the protrusion397are separated from each other so as to be hooked and restricted with the upper locker91. In this state, if the handle811is further lifted, the front end of the elevation device80may be separated from the connecting assembly70. Thus, the elevation device80may be separated from the drawer part32. Also, when being separated from the drawer unit32, the restriction unit90may be maintained in the restriction state by the elastic member94because the upper locker91and the lower locker92are be coupled to each other. Thus, the scissors lift assembly84of the elevation device80may be maintained in the folded state, and thus, the scissors lift assembly84may not be unfolded arbitrarily so that the elevation device80may be safely and easily separated. To separate and mount the elevation device80, the elevation device80may be mounted in the reverse order of the above-described process. Since the front end of the elevation device80and the connecting assembly70have to be connected when the elevation device80is mounted, and the front end of the elevation device80may be inclined to be lowered so that the elevation device80is inserted into the inside. When the elevation device80is completely lowered on the bottom of the drawer part32in a state in which the front end of the elevation device80is inserted into the connecting assembly70, the state ofFIG.28may be realized to maintain the state in which the restriction of the restricting unit90is released, and the elevation device is elevatable at any time. The restricting unit90may be arbitrarily released in restriction as necessary, and after the necessary operation is performed in such a state, the restriction state may be brought again by a simple operation. FIGS.31to34are views sequentially illustrating an example process in which the restricting unit is changed from the restriction state to the restriction release state. The restricting unit90may be released from the restriction by the user's need, or the restricting unit90may be released in a specific situation. When the restricting unit90is released from the restriction, the upper locker91and the lower locker92may be spaced apart from each other vertically as shown inFIG.31. In this state, the upper frame82and the lower frame83may freely move upward and downward. Also, the lower locker92is in a state of being at frontmost position, and the elastic member94is in a maximally compressed state. In this state, the upper frame82and the lower frame83may move close to each other so as to be changed again into the restriction state of the restricting unit90due to performance of all necessary operations desired by the user or other reasons. For example, the restricting unit90may be restricted by its own weight by a simple operation of placing the elevation device80on the floor so that the lower frame83is placed on the floor. In detail, when the elevation device80is placed on the floor, the upper frame82and the lower frame83may be close to each other by their own weight, and the scissors lift assembly84may be gradually folded. As illustratedFIG.32, when the upper frame82and the lower frame are close to a certain distance, the upper locker91and the lower locker92may contact each other. The lower locker92may be still in the most forward position, and the elastic member94may also be maintained in the contracted state. Also, the second inclined surface912cof the upper locker91and the third inclined surface926aof the lower locker92may contact each other. The upper locker91may move closer to the lower locker92by its own weight in the state shown inFIG.32. When the user pushes the upper locker91from the upper side, the upper locker91may move further downward. When the upper frame82and the lower frame83are close to each other in the state ofFIG.32in which the second inclined face912cand the third inclined face926acontact each other, the lower locker92may move backward. That is, the lower locker92may move relative to the fixed upper locker91to move backward. The elastic member94may be extended by the backward movement of the lower locker92, and the lower locker92may be extended until the front end of the lower locker92is disposed at the rear end of the upper locker91, and the elastic member94may be extended while the locker92may move backward. In the state ofFIG.33, the front end of the lower locker92may move beyond the second inclined surface912c, and the upper frame82may further move downward by its own weight in the state in which there is no downward restriction. Here, the lower locker92may be allowed to move forward, and therefore, the lower locker92may move forward due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member94. The lower locker92may move forward until the state shown inFIG.34is reached. In this state, the restricting unit90may be restricted again. In the restriction state, the upper frame82and the lower frame83may be in the closest state. In some cases, the lower end of the upper frame82and the upper end of the lower frame may contact each other or be very close to each other. The restricting unit90may be in a state in which the lower restricting part926is completely inserted into the upper accommodating part913. The second extension surface926cmay contact the first extension surface912b, and the fifth inclined surface926dmay contact the first inclined surface912aso that the lower locker92and the upper locker91are in the maximum contact state. The restricting unit90may be maintained in the stable restriction state, and the user may accommodate mount the elevation device80in the above-described state of the drawer part32or in a state of being separated. In addition to the foregoing implementation, various implementations may be exemplified. Hereinafter, another implementations will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the other implementations of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the above-described implementations, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG.35is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another implementation. As illustrated in the drawing, a refrigerator1according to another implementation may include a cabinet10having a storage chamber that is vertically partitioned and a door2opening and closing the storage chamber. The door2may include a rotation door20which is provided in an upper portion of a front surface of the cabinet10to open and close an upper storage chamber and a door30disposed in a lower portion of the front surface of the cabinet10to open and close a lower storage chamber. The door30may be inserted and withdrawn forward and backward in the above implementation, and the container and the food inside the drawer part32may be vertically elevated by the operation of the driving device40and the elevation device80inside the door30. The elevation device80may be provided in the region of the front space of the inside of the drawer part32. Thus, the elevation device80may elevate the food in the region of the front space among the entire region of the drawer part32. A manipulation part301or a manipulation device302may be provided at one side of the door part31, and the driving part40may be installed inside the door part31. Also, the pulling-out operation of the drawer door30and/or the elevation of the elevation device80may be carried out by the manipulation of the manipulation part301or the manipulation device302. The drawer part32may be provided with the elevation device80. The elevation device80may be elevated by a connecting assembly that connects the driving device to the elevation device. Also, the elevation device80may be separated from the drawer part32by the user as necessary. When the elevation device80is mounted on the drawer part32, the restricting unit90may be in the release state so as to be elevatable also may be in the restriction state at the moment when being separated from the drawer part32so that the elevation device80is safely separated. implementation A plurality of containers361may be provided in the elevation device80. The container361may be a sealed container such as a kimchi box, and a plurality of the containers361may be seated on the elevation device80. The container361may be elevated together with the elevation device80when the elevation device80is elevated. Thus, in the state in which the container361ascends, at least a portion of the drawer part32may protrude, and thus, the user may easily lift the container361. The elevation device80may interfere with the rotation door20in the rotation door20is opened even though the drawer door30is withdrawn. Thus, the elevation device80may ascend in a state in which the rotation door20is closed. For this, a door switch for detecting the opening/closing of the rotation door20may be further provided. FIG.36is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another implementation. As illustrated in the drawings, a refrigerator1according to another implementation includes a cabinet10defining a storage chamber therein and a door2opening and closing an opened front surface of the cabinet10, which define an outer appearance of the refrigerator1. The door2may include a drawer door30that defines an entire outer appearance of the refrigerator1in a state in which the door2is closed and is withdrawn forward and backward. A plurality of the drawer doors30may be continuously arranged in the vertical direction. Also, the drawer doors30may be independently withdrawn by the user's manipulation. The drawer door30may be provided with the driving device40and the elevation device80. The driving part40may be installed in the door part31, and the elevation part80may be provided inside the drawer part32. Also, the driving device40and the elevation device80may be connected to each other by the connecting assembly70when the door part31and the drawer part32are coupled to each other. Also, the elevation device80may be disposed in the front space S1of the total storage chamber of the drawer part32. Also, the elevation device80may be separated from the drawer part32by the user as necessary. When the elevation device80is mounted on the drawer part32, the restricting unit90may be in the release state so as to be elevatable also may be in the restriction state at the moment when being separated from the drawer part32so that the elevation device80is safely separated. The insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door30and the elevation of the elevation device80may be individually performed. After the drawer door30is withdrawn, the elevation device80may ascend. Then, after the elevation device80descends, the insertion of the drawer door30may be continuously performed. Also, when the plurality of drawer doors30are vertically arranged, the elevation device80inside the drawer door30, which is relatively downwardly disposed, may be prevented from ascending in a state where the drawer door30is relatively drawn upward. Thus, the drawer door30may be prevented from interfering with the drawer door30in which the food and container are withdrawn upward. Also, although the elevation device80ascends in the state in which the drawer door30that is disposed at the uppermost side is withdrawn inFIG.36, all of the drawer doors30disposed at the upper side may also be elevated by the elevation device80that is provided inside. If a height of each of the drawer doors30disposed at the upper side is sufficiently high, only the drawer door30disposed at the lowermost position or the elevation device80of the of drawer doors30disposed relatively downward may be elevated. FIG.37is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another implementation. As illustrated in the drawings, a refrigerator1according to another implementation includes a cabinet10defining a storage chamber therein and a door2opening and closing an opened front surface of the cabinet10, which define an outer appearance of the refrigerator1. The inside of the cabinet10may be divided into an upper space and a lower space. If necessary, the upper and lower storage chambers may be divided again into left and right spaces. The door2may include a rotation door20which is provided in an upper portion of the cabinet10to open and close the upper storage chamber and a drawer door2disposed in a lower portion of the cabinet10to open and close the lower storage chamber. Also, the lower space of the cabinet may be divided into left and right spaces. The drawer door30may be provided in a pair so that the pair of drawer doors30respectively open and close the lower spaces. A pair of the drawer doors30may be arranged on both sides of the right and left sides of the drawer door30. The drawer door30may include the driving device40and an elevation device80. The driving part40may be installed in the door part31, and the elevation part80may be provided inside the drawer part32. Also, the driving device40and the elevation device80may be connected to each other by the connecting assembly70when the door part31and the drawer part32are coupled to each other. Also, the elevation device80may be disposed in the front space S1of the total storage chamber of the drawer part32. Also, the elevation device80may be separated from the drawer part32by the user as necessary. When the elevation device80is mounted on the drawer part32, the restricting unit90may be in the release state so as to be elevatable also may be in the restriction state at the moment when being separated from the drawer part32so that the elevation device80is safely separated. The drawer door30may have the same structure as the drawer door according to the foregoing implementation. Thus, the drawer door30may be inserted and withdrawn by user's manipulation. In the drawer door30is withdrawn, the elevation device80may ascend so that a user more easily accesses a food or container within the drawer door30. The following effects may be expected in the refrigerator according to the proposed implementations of the present disclosure. The refrigerator according to the implementation, the portion of the storage chamber within the drawer door may be elevated in the state in which the drawer door is withdrawn. Thus, when the food is accommodated in the drawer door disposed at the lower side, the user may not excessively turn its back to improve the convenience in use. Also, the driving device that includes the electric devices for providing the power may be provided inside the door part, and the elevation device for the elevation may be provided inside the drawer part so that the driving device and the elevation device are not exposed to the outside to improve the outer appearance. Particularly, the driving device including the electric devices may be disposed inside the door part, and it may be possible to prevent the user from accessing the door to prevent the occurrence of the safety accident. Also, the driving device may be provided in the door to block the noise and reduce noise during the use. Also, the driving part that occupies a large space may be disposed in the door part to minimize the storage capacity loss of the drawer part. Also, the elevation device or the structure that is compactly folded and accommodated in the descending state may be provided to secure the storage capacity in the refrigerator. Also, the elevation device may be easily detached from the drawer part through the connection with the connecting assembly. Thus, the elevation device may be mounted and separated through the simple operation without a separate tool or operation technique to improve the serviceability and ease of use. Also, since the elevation device is easily detached, the storage capacity of the drawer part may be variably adjusted by mounting or separating the elevation device at any time according to the user's needs. Thus, the elevation device may be suitably changed and used according to the application and environment. Also, when the elevation device is mounted, the ventilation hole and the opening may be configured to cover the elevation device to realize the more clean internal configuration of the drawer part while easily introducing the cool air into the drawer part. Also, the restricting unit may be provided in the elevation device to maintain the folded restriction state of the elevation device by the restricting unit without being arbitrarily unfolded when the elevation device is separated, thereby preventing the safety accident and facilitating the separation and storage of the elevation device. Also, the restricting unit may contact the bottom surface of the drawer part so as to be released in restriction when the elevation device is mounted on the drawer part so that the elevation device freely operates in the state in which the elevation device is mounted. Particularly, the elevation device may contact the contact part by its own weight without any operation while the drawer part is mounted, and the restricting unit may operate to release the restriction, thereby more improving the usability. Also, when the elevation device is lifted to be separated from the drawer part, the elevation device may automatically be in the restricted state by the elastic member, and thus, the elevation device may be separated from the drawer part in the state of being restricted and folded. Therefore, the elevation device may be more easily separated from the drawer part, and also, the elevation device may be unfolded during the separation to prevent the safety accidents from occurring or prevent the elevation device or the refrigerator from being damaged. Although implementations have been described with reference to a number of illustrative implementations thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. | 121,108 |
11859899 | DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the description below, orientation or position relations indicated by the terms “front”, “back”, “on/above”, “under/below”, “left”, “right” and the like are orientations based on the refrigerator100itself as a reference, and “front”, “back”, “left”, and “right” are directions indicated inFIG.2. FIG.1is a schematic side view of a refrigerator100according to one embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator100provided by the present invention generally includes a cabinet110, a door body and a light source500. At least one storage compartment140is defined inside the cabinet110. The number and configuration of the storage compartment140may be configured as needed. For example,FIG.1illustrates a first storage compartment, a second storage compartment, and a third storage compartment disposed in sequence from top to bottom, where the first storage compartment has a rotationally-opened door body120disposed on a front side of the cabinet110for closing the storage compartment; the second storage compartment and the third storage compartment are drawer type storage devices and are disposed in the storage compartments in a drawing mode. The storage compartment140may be configured as a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, a temperature-variable compartment, or a fresh-keeping compartment according to different purposes. Each storage compartment140may be divided into a plurality of storage areas by a shelf, and the shelf or drawers130are used for storing articles. The refrigerator100provided by the embodiment of the present invention may be a typical French refrigerator in which three compartments, a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment and a freezing compartment, are sequentially disposed from top to bottom. FIG.2is a schematic three-dimensional view of a partial cabinet110of the refrigerator100shown inFIG.1. Taking the refrigerating compartment as an example, the cabinet110corresponding to the refrigerating compartment includes side walls114, a top wall111, a bottom wall112and a rear wall113, wherein the side walls114including a left side wall1141and a right side wall1142. A light source500is disposed on the side wall114, and is configured such that light emitted by the light source obliquely propagates backwards inside the cabinet110, so as to provide illumination for the refrigerating compartment. According to the refrigerator100provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the light source500is disposed on the side wall114of the cabinet110, and the light emitted by the light source500obliquely propagates backwards inside the cabinet110to provide illumination for the storage compartment140, so that the illumination for the storage compartment140is not affected by the shelf, and meanwhile, the light propagates backwards so that no dazzling occurs to the user's visual experience. In some embodiments, the light sources500are disposed on the left side wall1141and the right side wall1142respectively, and the inclination angles of the light emitted by the light source500positioned on the left side wall1141and the light source500positioned on the right side wall1142meet the condition that the light on the two sides at least partially intersect, so that full illumination in the left-right direction of the refrigerating compartment is realized. In some embodiments, the light source500is configured such that an included angle between the light emitted and the side wall114is 45°-65°, for example, 55°. In some embodiments, to achieve substantially full illumination in the front-rear direction of the refrigerating compartment, the light sources500are disposed close to front ends of the left side wall1141and the right side wall1142. The refrigerator100provided by the embodiment of the present invention further includes side wall plates200. The side wall plates200are detachably and fixedly connected with the side walls. The light source500is disposed on the side wall plate200. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the light source500is disposed on the side wall plate200which is detachably and fixedly connected with the side wall114, so that the light source500is convenient to replace. FIG.3is a schematic exploded view of a drawer130, a side wall plate200, a lampshade300and a lamp holder400of the refrigerator100shown inFIG.2. As shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the refrigerator100provided by the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a light-transmitting fruit and vegetable box drawer130at the bottom of the refrigerating compartment. The drawer130moves along slideways210on slideway210plates200to achieve forward and backward movement inside the refrigerator100. At this time, the slideway plates200serve as the side wall plates200to provide a required mounting position for the light source500. FIG.4is a schematic front view of a side wall plate200, a lampshade300and a lamp holder400of the refrigerator100shown inFIG.2.FIG.5is a schematic cross-sectional view taken by a section line A-A inFIG.4.FIG.6is a schematic enlarged partial view of a portion B inFIG.5. The mounting of the light source500does not affect structures of other components as much as possible and does not affect the normal sliding of the drawer130, and thus, in some embodiments, a concave structure220is formed on the slideway plate200. The concave structure220is provided with a first inclined portion201, a second inclined portion202, a top surface portion203, and a bottom surface portion204. The first inclined portion201is disposed close to the front side of the drawer130, and the second inclined portion202is disposed away from the front side of the drawer130. The first inclined portion201and the second inclined portion202intersect, the top surface portion203is disposed at the tops of the two inclined portions, and the bottom surface portion204is disposed at the bottoms of the two inclined portions. The first inclined portion201is provided with a mounting opening211, and the light source500is mounted on the first inclined portion201. In order to make the light emitted by the light source500emit out of the concave structure220as much as possible, the included angle between the first inclined portion201and the second inclined portion202is a right angle or an obtuse angle. In one preferred embodiment, the included angle between the first inclined portion201and the side wall of the drawer130is 35°-45°, and the light source500is disposed parallelly to the first inclined portion201. FIG.7is a schematic rear view of a side wall plate200, a lampshade300and a lamp holder400of the refrigerator100shown inFIG.2.FIG.8is a schematic enlarged partial view of a portion C inFIG.7.FIG.9is a schematic three-dimensional view of a lampshade300and a lamp holder400of the refrigerator100shown inFIG.2. The lamp shade300is provided with an inner-layer plate302and an outer-layer plate301. The inner-layer plate302is disposed in the mounting opening211, and the outer-layer plate301covers the mounting opening211. The inner-layer plate302is fixed to the back surface of the first inclined portion201. In some embodiments, first clamping hooks331are formed by extending backwards from upper and lower sides of the back surface of the inner-layer plate302respectively. The shapes of the plurality of first hooks331may be the same or different. The top end of the first inclined portion201extends backwards to form a protrusion212, and the first clamping hook331located on the upper portion is fixed to the protrusion212in a matched mode. And the first clamping hook331at the lower part is clamped at the edge of the mounting opening211. In addition, in order to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the lamp shade300, a notch310is provided in the top of the outer-layer plate301. In some embodiments, second clamping hooks332are formed by extending backwards from left and right sides of the back surface of the inner-layer plate302respectively. The shapes of the plurality of second hooks332may be the same or different. Meanwhile, a plurality of positioning columns304are formed by extending backwards from the area, between the plurality of second clamping hooks332, of the inner-layer plate302. The lamp holder400is formed with positioning holes402corresponding to the positioning columns304. And the lamp holder400is fixed with the lamp shade300through the second clamping hooks332, the positioning columns304and the positioning holes402. In some embodiments, each positioning column304includes a support portion341and a positioning portion342. One end of the support portion341is the inner-layer plate302, and the other end is the positioning portion342. The positioning portions342fit within the positioning holes402. The sizes of the support portions341are larger than the sizes of the positioning portions342so as to provide support between the lamp shade300and the lamp holder400. FIG.10is a schematic exploded view of a lampshade300and a lamp holder400of the refrigerator100shown inFIG.2. The lamp holder400includes a base body401and a control block403. Positioning holes402are provided in the positions, corresponding to the positioning columns304, of the base body401. The base body401is provided with a plurality of light sources500, for example, LED lamps, on a front surface. The control block403is disposed at the bottom of the base body401, and the light sources500are controlled by the control block403to emit light or go out. Preferably, the control block403and the base body401are detachably and fixedly connected. According to the refrigerator100provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the light source500is disposed on the side wall114of the cabinet110, and the light emitted by the light source500obliquely propagates backwards inside the cabinet110to provide illumination for the storage compartment140, so that the illumination for the storage compartment140is not affected by the shelf, and meanwhile, the light propagates backwards so that no dazzling occurs to the user's visual experience. Hereto, those skilled in the art should realize that although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, however, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can still be directly determined or deduced from contents disclosed in the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and deemed as covering all these other variations or modifications. | 10,648 |
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