US20090078393A1

US20090078393A1 - Air conditioning operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy

Info

Publication number: US20090078393A1
Application number: US11/859,241
Authority: US
Inventors: Ho-Jan Tsai; Hsu-Ming CHANG
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-21
Filing date: 2007-09-21
Publication date: 2009-03-26

Abstract

An air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy includes a first pipeline, a fan, and a power supply unit. The first pipeline is divided into an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence to input water from an outdoor water source. The fan corresponds in position to the heat exchange section. The power supply unit is adapted to supply power to the fan. The air blowing by the fan facilitates the enthalpy in the water source executing sufficient heat exchange with air in a room to lower or elevate beforehand the room temperature so to shorten the startup time of or forthwith substitute the air conditioner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy, and more particularly, to one provided with a first pipeline to lead an outdoor water source to force water enthalpy to execute heat exchange with indoor air to minimize operation of an air conditioning device or forthwith substitute the air conditioning device for achieving energy saving and cost reduction purposes.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
The primary purpose of air conditioning systems generally used today is to keep a room cool or warm; in either purpose, they consume massive power energy.
A conventional device titled “Terrestrial Heat Exchanger & Coolant Compression Cycle Air Conditioning System Using Ground Enthalpy” comprises a terrestrial heat exchanger buried in outdoor ground. The terrestrial heat exchanger is provided with incoming and outgoing pipelines filled with heat transfer fluid to engage heat exchange with the soil. An air conditioning system is installed in a room. A water heat exchanger disposed on the air supply side of the air conditioning system is filled with flowing coolant to execute heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid of the terrestrial heat exchanger to lower or elevate temperature in the room. However, in the prior art, excavation of the soil to deeply bury the incoming and outgoing pipelines for the terrestrial heat exchanger involves difficult works and the service and replacement works certainly are even more difficult. Furthermore, the air conditioning system must be separately designed and manufactured since the terrestrial heat exchanger must be directly connected to the air conditioning system in the room to execute heat exchange, meaning, the terrestrial heat exchanger is not workable with the existing air conditioning system in the room and it takes additional manufacturing and installation costs to have an air conditioning system that is adaptable to the terrestrial heat exchanger; and the service and replacement of the air conditioning system will consume much time and efforts in case of any failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Whereas the air conditioning auxiliary equipment of the prior art must be first activated to operate for lowering or rising room temperature to result in significant waste of energy and increased cost, the primary purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system working on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy.
To achieve the purpose, the temperature difference created between the underground and external environment of the general power supply system (tap water), i.e., a first pipeline buried in the ground is applied for heat exchange. The water after heat exchange is forced to return to its pressure before entering into the (tap water) water supply system or into a sub-circulation pipeline. Considering the wide distribution of the water supply system and the use of closed-loop heat exchange system, the water forced to return to its supply system after the heat exchange is free of contamination. In general, the temperature difference is mild from the pipeline of the (tap water) water supply system. The system comprises a first pipeline, at least one fan, and a power supply unit. The first pipeline is divided into an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence to increase contact area for heat exchange. A temperature sensor control valve is provided between the input section and the heat exchange section to control conduction between the input section and the heat exchange section. The fan corresponds in position to the heat exchange section. The power supply unit is adapted to supply power to the fan.
The input section is installed outdoors to input water; and the output section delivers the water to a storage area.
The heat exchange section is disposed in a room and made in the form of corrugation, loop, or a plurality of fins provided on an outer edge of the heat exchange section.
The power supply unit is a solar panel with a battery, wind velocity, or hydraulic power generation means.
The air conditioning system further comprises a heat supply unit provided with a water pipe connected to the temperature sensor control valve for conduction to the heat exchange section.
The heat supply unit is a solar water heater or a hot water boiler.
The air conditioning system further comprises a second pipeline. The second pipeline is divided into an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence. The input section and the heat exchange section of the second pipeline are conducted subject to control by the temperature sensor control valve. Both the input section and the output section of the second pipeline are jointly connected to a water tank to constitute a circulation loop.
The fan is a cooling fan or electric dipole type of fan.
The present invention provides the following advantages:
1. Enthalpy in the outdoor water source is applied to execute heat exchange with air in the room by the present invention in conjunction with the convenient water supply system in the city to substitute cool air or hot air conditioning system of the prior art so as to lower or elevate beforehand the room temperature so to reduce operation time of the air conditioning system for saving energy and cost reduction.
2. The present invention may use a heat supply unit which is a solar water heater or a hot water boiler connected via a water pipe to the temperature sensor control valve for conduction to the heat exchange section in helping the heat exchange process for elevating the room temperature beforehand.
3. The present invention may further comprise the second pipeline divided into an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence connected to a water tank to constitute a circulation loop in facilitating the heat exchange process for lowering the room temperature beforehand.
4. The air conditioning system of the present invention is simple in construction, allowing easy work and service thus to correct those problems of difficulties in work, service and replacement found with the prior art of air conditioning system that operates on ground enthalpy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a constructional layout of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a constructional layout of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a constructional layout of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first pipeline (1), at least one fan (2), and a power supply unit (3).
The first pipeline (1) is divided into an input section (11), a heat exchange section (12), and an output section (13) in sequence. The input section (11) is installed outdoors to guide water from an outdoor source of tap water, ground water, spring water or the equivalent into the heat exchange section (12). The heat exchange section (12) is installed in a room (C) and made in the form of corrugation, loop, or a plurality of fins in different shapes additionally provided on an outer edge of the heat exchange section (12) to increase contact area for heat exchange. The output section (13) delivers the water having completed heat exchange process through the heat exchange section (12) to a storage area (D) for serving daily life needs, industrial water or irrigation. A temperature sensor control valve (14) is provided between the input section (11) and the heat exchange section (12) to control conduction between the input section (11) and the heat exchange section (12) by detecting the temperature in the room (C).
The fan (2) is installed in the room (C), corresponding in position to the heat exchange section (12); and the fan (2) is a cooling fan or electric dipole type of fan.
The power supply unit (3) supplying power to the fan (2) is a combination of a solar panel and a battery installed outdoors to convert solar energy into electric energy for storage. The power supply unit (3) may be a wind velocity, hydraulic or other power generation means.
When used in the room (C) in the tropical area or during summer time, the present invention operates in conjunction with an air conditioner (E) installed in the room (C). The higher temperature in the room (C) during daytime is detected by the temperature sensor control valve (14) to permit both the input section (11) and the heat exchange section (12) to be conducted through, water from the external source is introduced into the heat exchange section (12); and the enthalpy in the water and the air in the room (C) are fully engaged in heat exchange to lower the temperature in the room (C) beforehand in conjunction with the fan operating to blow the air powered by the power supply unit (3). As the room temperature drops, the air conditioner (E) is activated to accelerate fast drop of the temperature in the room (C) to reduce energy consumption and save operating cost of the air conditioner (E). Furthermore, the output section (13) delivers the water having completed the heat exchange in the heat exchange section (12) to the storage area (D) for reuse. The present invention is sufficient to operate as a standing along equipment by substituting the air conditioner (E) for further cost reduction purpose.
Now referring to FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first pipeline (1A), at least one fan (2A), a power supply unit (3A), and a heat supply unit (4A). The first pipeline (1A) is divided into an input section (11A), a heat exchange section (12A), and an output section (13A) in sequence. A temperature sensor control valve (14A) is provided between the input section (11A) and the heat exchange section (12A). The output section (13A) is connected to the storage area (D). The fan (2A) corresponds in position to the heat exchange section (12A). The power supply unit (3A) is adapted to supply power to the fan (2A). The heat supply unit (4A) related to a solar water heater or a hot water boiler is separately provided and connected to the temperature sensor control valve (14A) by means of a water pipe (41A).
When used in the room (C) in a frigid zone or during winter time, a radiator (F) is provided in the room (C) for operation in conjunction with the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2. Once the temperature sensor control valve (14A) detects the temperature of the room (C), both the input section (11A) and the heat exchange section (12A) of the first pipeline (1A) are conducted through each other to deliver the water from an external source into the heat exchange section (12A) so to have the enthalpy in the water to sufficiently execute heat exchange with the air in the room (C) with the help of air blowing provided by the fan (2A) for elevating the temperature in the room (C) beforehand. Accordingly, the temperature of the room (C) will be soonest raised after the radiator (F) is turned on for reducing power consumption by the radiator (F). Furthermore, the output section (13A) delivers the water having completed the heat exchange in the heat exchange section (12A) to the storage area (D) for reuse.
The hot water from the heat supply unit (4A) is directed into the heat exchange section (12A) of the first pipeline (1) by having the temperature sensor control valve (14A) to interrupt the conduction between the input section (11A) and the heat exchange section (12A). With the help of air blowing by the fan (2A), the enthalpy in the hot water executes complete heat exchange with the air in the room (C) to elevate the temperature beforehand so to reduce energy consumption by the radiator (F). Furthermore, the present invention may forthwith substitute the radiator (F) to become a standing alone equipment to further reduce the operation cost.
A third preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, comprises a first pipeline (1B), at least a fan (2B), a power supply unit (3B), and a second pipeline (5B). The first pipeline (1B) is divided in sequence into an input section (11B), a heat exchange section (12B), and an output section (13B). A temperature sensor control valve (14B) is provided between the input section (11B) and the heat exchange section (12B). The output section (13B) is connected to the storage area (D). The fan (2B) corresponds in position to the heat exchange section (12B). The power supply unit (3B) is adapted to supply power to the fan (2B). The second pipeline (5B) is separately provided and divided in sequence into an input section (51B), a heat exchange section (52B), and an output section (53B). Conduction between the input section (51B) and the heat exchange section (52B) is subject to control by the temperature sensor control valve (14B). Both the input section (51B) and the output section (53B) are jointly connected to a water tank (54B) to constitute a cool water circulation loop. The water tank (54B) is disposed at a shady place of a house or building.
When the present invention is used in the room (C) located in tropical area or during daytime in summer in conjunction with an air conditioner (E) as illustrated in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor control valve (14B) detects that the temperature of the room (C) is higher than that of the outdoor, both the input section (11B) and the heat exchange section (12B) of the first pipeline (1B) are conducted through each other and the water from an external source is delivered through the input section (11B) of the first pipeline (1B) into the heat exchange section (12B) to have the enthalpy in the water to sufficiently engage in heat exchange with the air in the room (C) while the air blowing by the fan (2B) facilitates the heat exchange so to lower the temperature of the room (C) beforehand; accordingly, the temperature of the room (C) soonest drops once the air conditioner (E) is turned on to reduce energy consumption by the air conditioner (E). The output section (13B) of the first pipeline (1B) delivers the water completed with the heat exchange in the heat exchange section (12B) to the storage area (D) for reuse.
During night hours when the temperature of the room (C) is slightly higher than that in the outdoor, the temperature sensor control valve (14B) interrupts the conduction between the input section (11B) and the heat exchange section (12B) of the first pipeline (1B), allowing conduction between the input section (51B) and the heat exchange section (52B) of the second pipeline (5B) to direct the cool water in the water tank (54B) into the heat exchange section (52B) to have the enthalpy in the cool water to sufficiently engage in heat exchange with the air in the room (C) while the air blowing by the fan (2B) encourages the heat exchange to drop the temperature of the room (C) beforehand and the water returns to the water tank (54B) through the output section (53B) for reducing energy consumption by the air conditioner (E). The present invention maintains the water circulation by using the water stored in the water tank (54B) without depending on introducing water from the external source for saving water resources. Furthermore, the present invention is forthwith used as a standing along equipment to substitute the air conditioner (E) for further saving of operation cost otherwise incurred by the air conditioner (E).

Claims

1. An air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy, comprising:

a first pipeline, the first pipeline having an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence to increase contact area in heat exchange, a temperature sensor control valve being provided between the input section and the heat exchange section to control conduction between the input section and the heat exchange section;

at least one fan, the fan corresponding in position to the heat exchange section; and

a power supply unit, the power supply unit being adapted to supply power to the fan.

2. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input section is mounted outdoors to input water source; and the output section delivers the water source into a storage area.

3. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchange section is disposed in a room.

4. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat exchange section is made in the form of corrugation, loop, or a plurality of fins provided on an outer edge of the heat exchange section.

5. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is a solar panel with a battery, wind velocity, or hydraulic power generation means.

6. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a heat supply unit, the heat supply unit being provided with a water pipe connected to the temperature sensor control valve for conduction to the heat exchange section.

7. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heat supply unit is a solar water heater or a hot water boiler.

8. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second pipeline, the second pipeline having an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence, the input section and the heat exchange section of the second pipeline being conducted subject to control by the temperature sensor control valve, and the input section and the output section of the second pipeline being jointly connected to a water tank to constitute a circulation loop.

9. The air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan is a cooling fan or electric dipole type of fan.