Patent Application
20160209075
The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically to a duct interface for a chilled beam system that facilitates field installation.
A chilled beam is an item of HVAC equipment that is used to provide cooled air to a space. Chilled beams can be installed in a recessed configuration, where the chilled beam is flush with ceiling tiles.
A device for connecting a chilled beam to a duct is disclosed that includes a cubic structure having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, and where the fourth side has a duct portal that can be readily connected to field-run duct work. The device also has a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface further has a circular chilled beam interface that allows a mating circular interface on the chilled beam to be rotatably coupled to the device, so as to facilitate connecting the chilled beam to the duct.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:
In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures might not be to scale and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
Duct interface 106 also includes duct portal 110, which extends outward from a side surface of duct interface 106 and is configured to interface with a duct. In one exemplary embodiment, duct portal 110 is circular, but can alternatively be square, rectangular or other suitable dimensions in accordance with the associated duct that duct interface 106 is used with. Likewise, duct portal 110 can extend into the side surface of duct interface 106 where suitable, provided that the associated duct can extend into duct interface 106.
Chilled beam 102 and duct interface 106 can be made from metal, plastic, a combination of metal and plastic, or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. Interface assembly 104 is clearance fit outside or inside of mating assembly 108, and can rotate 360 degrees or other suitable amounts.
Inside of chilled beam 102, vents 112 extend downward from interface assembly 104 and carry outside or mixed outside and recirculated air from interface assembly 104 past heat exchanger 114, which can be a water-cooled heat exchanger or other suitable devices. In addition, light fixture 116 is disposed within chilled beam 100, and vents 112 are routed around light fixture 116. Although exemplary vent 112, heat exchanger 114 and light fixture 116 structures have been shown, distributed vents, adjustable light fixtures, radiant heaters or other suitable vent, heating and cooling or lighting structures or devices can also or alternatively be used.
In operation, chilled beam 102 is typically installed in a desired location, such as in a recessed location in a ceiling or other suitable structure. Duct interface 106 can then be installed on chilled beam 102, and can be rotated in a suitable direction so that duct portal 110 is directed towards a duct structure. Additional ductwork can then be more readily installed to connect the duct structure to duct interface 106. In this manner, chilled beam 102 can be installed in parallel with duct work installation without the risk that the chilled beam or duct installation work will need to be redone, which facilitates building construction activities.
During construction, main duct 302 may be installed first, and parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 may be installed later, after chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 have been installed. Alternatively, parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 may be installed before chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 are installed, such that any misalignment of parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 with chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 can result in the need for expensive and time consuming rework. Such misalignment of chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 can be readily accommodated by rotating duct interfaces 310, 312 and 314, respectively, to align with duct extensions 304, 306 and 308, respectively. In this manner, rework can be avoided, and the installation of parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 and chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 can be facilitated.
Chilled beam 504 includes perimeter 510, which interfaces with the ceiling structure. As previously discussed, because chilled beam 504 is installed in this manner, the alignment of chilled beam 504 might vary from a designed alignment by more than an allowable tolerance for the installation of the ductwork, such that duct interface 502 can be used to compensate for such lack of alignment.
Although chilled beams are shown herein, other suitable HVAC components can also or alternatively be used with the duct interface and duct arrangements disclosed herein. For example, passive duct components, lighted duct components, air handling units, vents, blowers, fans, heat exchangers, chillers or other suitable HVAC components can also or alternatively be used.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62104333 | Jan 2015 | US |
