FLIP-ABLE VAV PIPING PACKAGE

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20240401890
  • Publication Number
    20240401890
  • Date Filed
    May 31, 2023
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    December 05, 2024
    17 days ago
  • Inventors
    • Struewing; Brian J. (Rushville, IN, US)
    • Kleve; Allan (Rushville, IN, US)
    • Wilson; Adam (Rushville, IN, US)
    • Puckett; Jonathan (Rushville, IN, US)
    • Malm; Tyler A. (Plymouth, MI, US)
    • Ballentine; Randall (Rushville, MI, US)
    • Shapiro; Ian (Columbia, SC, US)
  • Original Assignees
Abstract
A piping package is provided for connecting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system to a building variable air volume (VAV) system. The piping package includes an enclosure containing a supply pipe and a return pipe. Each of the supply pipe and the return pipe include an air vent and a blow-down valve. The piping package can be configured such that it is flip-able and can be positioned on either side of a main unit of the HVACR system. The piping package can further include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the HVACR system and the process fluid distributed to the building VAV system.
Description
FIELD

This disclosure is directed to packaged piping for connecting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system to a variable air volume (VAV) distribution system.


BACKGROUND

Piping for VAV HVACR systems typically is not provided in the factory unit, and instead is installed at a location by the installer. The factory units do not include support for the piping. Additionally, valves for this piping are not terminated on a unit controller at the factory. Further, field installed piping packages often are misplaced or installed on the incorrect unit. VAV piping further is orientation dependent for proper installation.


SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to packaged piping for connecting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system to a variable air volume (VAV) distribution system.


By providing the piping for connecting a VAV system in a flip-able piping package including support and an enclosure, VAV installation at locations can be simplified and VAV piping can be provided as part of the factory unit. The flip-able piping package can be pre-assembled and in some cases be included in the main unit of the HVACR system. By being pre-assembled, the unit can reduce the need for complex assembly at installation. By being flip-able, the piping package can be adaptable to various installation conditions based on the site where the HVACR system is being installed, for example being able to be installed on either a left side or a right side of the main unit of the HVACR system. Additionally, the enclosure of the package can support and protect the piping contained within during transit to an installation site. Further, the use of such packages can allow a control valve actuator to be directly terminated on the controller of the HVACR system from the factory or facilitate such connection by the interface of the piping package with the main unit, thus also simplifying the electrical aspects of the installation for the HVACR system, reducing costs and the chance of error.


In an embodiment, a piping package for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent, a return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent, and an enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe. The enclosure includes a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve.


In an embodiment, the piping package further includes a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are each connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger. In an embodiment, the enclosure has a removable side panel.


In an embodiment, the return pipe includes a control valve including an actuator.


In an embodiment, the piping package further includes a bypass line extending from the supply pipe to the control valve.


In an embodiment, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a piping package. The piping package includes a supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent, a return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent, and an enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe. The enclosure includes a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve.


In an embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are each connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger. In an embodiment, the enclosure has a removable side panel.


In an embodiment, the return pipe includes a control valve including an actuator.


In an embodiment, the actuator is terminated on a unit controller of the HVACR system.


In an embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a bypass line extending from the supply line to the control valve.


In an embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a main unit and a control box, wherein the VAV piping package is on a same side of the main unit as the control box.


In an embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a main unit and a control box, wherein the VAV piping package is on an opposite side of the main unit from the control box.


In an embodiment, a method of installing a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system at a location includes installing a main unit of the HVACR system and installing a pre-assembled piping package. The pre-assembled piping package includes a supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent, a return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent, and an enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe. The enclosure includes a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve. The method further includes connecting the supply pipe and the return pipe to a building variable air volume (VAV) system.


In an embodiment, the pre-assembled piping package is installed in a right-side orientation relative to the main unit of the HVACR system.


In an embodiment, the pre-assembled piping package is installed in a left-side orientation relative to the main unit of the HVACR system.


In an embodiment, the pre-assembled piping package includes a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.


In an embodiment, the method further includes installing a heat exchanger and connecting each of the supply pipe and the return pipe to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.


In an embodiment, the HVACR system includes a control box, and the pre-assembled piping package is installed on a same side of the main unit of the HVACR system as the control box.


In an embodiment, the HVACR system includes a control box, and the pre-assembled piping package is installed on an opposite side of the main unit of the HVACR system from the control box.





DRAWINGS


FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an HVACR system including a VAV piping package according to an embodiment.



FIG. 1B shows a top view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 1A.



FIG. 1C shows a side view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 1A.



FIG. 1D shows a sectional view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 1A.



FIG. 1E shows a view of the HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 1A.



FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an HVACR system including a VAV piping package according to an embodiment.



FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method of installing an HVACR system according to an embodiment.



FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an HVACR system including a VAV piping package according to an embodiment.



FIG. 4B shows a top view of an HVACR system including a VAV piping package according to FIG. 4A.



FIG. 4C shows a side view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 4A.



FIG. 4D shows a sectional view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 4A.



FIG. 5 shows an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to an embodiment.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to packaged piping for connecting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system to a variable air volume (VAV) distribution system.



FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an HVACR system including a VAV piping package according to an embodiment. HVACR system 100 includes main unit 102 and VAV piping package 104 including piping enclosure 106. Piping enclosure 106 includes access opening 108 and side panel 110. Heat exchanger 112, positioned within heat exchanger enclosure 114, is also included in HVACR system 100.


Main unit 102 includes at least some components of the HVACR system 100, such as a compressor (not shown), an expander (not shown), an ambient environment heat exchanger (not shown), and/or any other suitable component for an HVACR system. Examples of components of the HVACR system 100 included in main unit 102 can be seen in FIG. 2 and described below. A control box 103 can be provided on an exterior of the main unit 102. Control box 103 can include one or more controls for the HVACR system 100, interfaces thereof, and/or any other suitable components.


VAV piping package 104 is a piping package configured to allow a process fluid to be circulated between the HVACR system 100 and a building VAV system (not shown) including a plurality of VAV terminals (not shown). When installed, VAV piping package 104 is positioned on a side of the main unit 102. The VAV piping package 104 includes piping enclosure 106. Piping enclosure 106 surrounds other components of the VAV piping package 104, such as, for example, supply pipe 116, return pipe 118, first blow-down valve 120, second blow-down valve 122, first air vent 124, second air vent 126, bypass line 128, and control valve 130 as shown in FIG. 1C, and the like.


Heat exchanger 112 can be contained in enclosure 114. Heat exchanger 112 can be connected to the main unit of the HVACR system 100 that is contained within main unit 102, and to VAV piping package 104. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 112 is a water coil of a HVACR system. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 112 is configured to allow the addition and/or removal of heat from a process fluid circulated through VAV piping package 104 and a building VAV system (not shown). In an embodiment, heat exchanger 112 is a heat exchanger allowing a working fluid of the HVACR system to exchange heat with a process fluid that is circulated to a building VAV system by way of the VAV piping package 104. The heat exchanger 112 can be, for example, a heat exchange coil. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 112 and/or enclosure 114 are included in the main unit 102. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 112 and/or enclosure 114 are included in the VAV piping package 104.



FIG. 1B shows a top view of the HVACR system 100 of FIG. 1A, including main unit 102 and VAV piping package 104. In the top view of FIG. 1B, the access opening 108 on a top surface of the piping enclosure 106 is open, allowing the first blow-down valve 120 to be accessed. Access opening 108 is an opening provided to close an opening formed in piping enclosure 106 at a position corresponding to first blow-down valve 120. Access opening 108 can be, for example, an aperture, a window, or the like. In an embodiment, access opening 108 can include an access door. A second access opening can be provided in a corresponding position on an opposite wall of piping enclosure for example, on a bottom of the piping enclosure 106, when in the arrangement and orientation of piping enclosure 106 shown in FIG. 1B. In the top view of HVACR system 100 in FIG. 1B, the VAV piping package 104 is shown in a left-side arrangement relative to the heat exchanger 112 of the HVACR system 100. In an alternative embodiment, the VAV piping package can instead be positioned on an opposite side of the heat exchanger 112 from what is shown in FIG. 1B, thus positioning the VAV piping package 104 in a right-side arrangement relative to the heat exchanger 112 of the HVACR system. In the right-side arrangement, the second access opening discussed above can be provided on the upwards-facing side of piping enclosure 106.



FIG. 1C shows a side view of an HVACR system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the side view of FIG. 1C, side panel 110 is omitted to show components of the VAV piping package 104 contained within piping enclosure 106. VAV piping package 104 includes supply pipe 116, return pipe 118, first blow-down valve 120, second blow-down valve 122, first air vent 124, bypass line 128, and actuator 132.


Supply pipe 116 is a pipe configured to convey a process fluid that is circulated through VAV piping package 104 from heat exchanger 112 to the building VAV system. Supply pipe 116 is configured such that supply pipe 116 is suitable for use as either an outlet line directing process fluid from heat exchanger 112 to the building VAV system or as an inlet line directing process fluid from the building VAV system to the heat exchanger 112. Supply pipe 116 includes a first blow-down valve 120 and a first air vent 124.


Return pipe 118 is a pipe configured to convey a process fluid that is circulated through VAV piping package 104 from the building VAV system to heat exchanger 112. Return pipe 118 is configured such that return pipe 118 is suitable for use as an outlet line directing process fluid from the heat exchanger 112 to the VAV system. Return pipe 118 includes a second blow-down valve 122 and a second air vent 126.


The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D is a three-way VAV piping package including bypass line 128. Bypass line 128 is a fluid line connecting supply pipe 116 to return pipe 118, such that process fluid can bypass the heat exchanger 112. Control valve 130 can be provided where bypass line 128 meets return pipe 118. Control valve 130 (shown in FIG. 1E) can be used to control a flow rate and/or a temperature of the process fluid. Actuator 132 can be provided to allow control valve 130 to be manipulated, for example according to commands from a controller included in HVACR system 100 (e.g. a controller provided in control box 103). It is noted that while the three-way VAV piping package of FIG. 1A-1D is shown in the left-side arrangement, VAV piping package 104 including the three-way VAV piping package could be flipped to be connected to the HVACR system 100 in a right-side arrangement. Control valve 130 and actuator 132 can extend horizontally from the return pipe 118, such that the control valve 130 and actuator 132 would not interfere with other structures when the VAV piping package 104 is flipped between left- or right-side arrangements.



FIG. 1D shows a sectional view of the HVACR system 100 including the VAV piping package 104 according to FIG. 1A. In the sectional view of FIG. 1D. VAV piping package 104 is shown within piping enclosure 106. VAV piping package 104 is in the left-side arrangement relative to heat exchanger 112 of HVACR system 100. As visible in the sectional view of FIG. 1D. VAV piping package 104 includes supply pipe 116, return pipe 118, first blow-down valve 120, second blow-down valve 122, first air vent 124, second air vent 126, bypass line 128, and control valve actuator 132.



FIG. 1E shows a view of the HVACR system 100 including the VAV piping package 104 according to FIG. 1A. In the view of FIG. 1E, the piping enclosure 106 of VAV piping package 104 is shown as transparent to show other features of VAV piping package 104. In FIG. 1E, the VAV piping package has been flipped relative to main unit 102, such that the VAV piping package 104 is in a right-side arrangement relative to the main unit 102. As visible in the view of FIG. 1E, VAV piping package 104 includes supply pipe 116 and return pipe 118, with supply pipe 116 below return pipe 118 when VAV piping package 104 has been flipped from the left-side arrangement of FIGS. 1A-1D. In FIG. 1E, the control valve 130 controlled by control valve actuator 132 is visible. In FIG. 1E, first blow-down valve 120, second blow-down valve 122, second air vent 126, bypass line 128, and control valve actuator 132 can also be seen within piping enclosure 106.



FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an HVACR system 200 including a VAV piping package according to an embodiment. HVACR system 200 includes working fluid circuit 202, process fluid piping connection 204, and building VAV system 206. Working fluid circuit 202 includes compressor 208, first heat exchanger 210, expander 212, and second heat exchanger 214. Process fluid piping connection includes an inlet line 216 configured to receive process fluid from the building VAV system 206, an outlet line 218 configured to direct process fluid to the building VAV system 206, a bypass line 220, and a control valve 222. Building VAV system 206 includes one or more VAV terminal(s) 224. In an embodiment, one or more additional process fluid piping connections 204 are included, with each process fluid piping connection 204 connecting to a different VAV terminal 224.


Working fluid circuit 202 is configured to circulate a working fluid. Working fluid circuit 202 can be the main unit of the HVACR system 200. The working fluid can be, for example, any suitable refrigerant. Working fluid circuit 202 can include a compressor 208, configured to compress the working fluid. The compressor 208 can be any suitable compressor for compressing the working fluid. The working fluid from compressor 208 passes to a first heat exchanger 210. First heat exchanger 210 can serve as a condenser, where the compressed working fluid rejects heat, for example to an ambient environment. The working fluid from the first heat exchanger 210 can then pass to expander 212. Expander 212 can be, for example, an expansion valve, an expansion plate, an expansion vessel, one or more expansion orifices, or any other known suitable structure for expanding the working fluid. In an embodiment, the expander 212 is an electronic expansion valve. Working fluid that has been expanded at the expander 212 can then pass to second heat exchanger 214. Second heat exchanger 214 is a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the working fluid and a process fluid that is circulated through the process fluid piping connection 204 and building VAV system 206. In an embodiment, second heat exchanger 214 can be included with the rest of working fluid circuit 202 in a pre-assembled unit for installation. In an embodiment, second heat exchanger 214 is included in an assembly with process fluid piping connection 204 that is assembled to the other components of working fluid circuit 202 when the HVACR system 200 is installed. A unit controller 226 can further be included in HVACR system 200, for example on or in a main unit that also includes the working fluid circuit 202.


Process fluid piping connection 204 includes inlet line 216, which is configured to receive process fluid from the building VAV system 206 and direct the received process fluid to a process fluid inlet of the second heat exchanger 214. The process fluid can then exchange heat with the working fluid of working fluid circuit 202. The process fluid can then leave the second heat exchanger 214 and enter outlet line 218. Outlet line 218 is a fluid line configured to convey the process fluid from second heat exchanger 214 to an inlet of the building VAV system 206. Optionally, a bypass line 220 can be provided, connecting the inlet line 216 to the outlet line 218, bypassing the second heat exchanger 214. Flow through bypass line 220 can be regulated by the control valve 222. In an embodiment including bypass line 220, control valve 222 can be positioned at a junction of bypass line 220 with outlet line 218. In an embodiment, bypass line 220 can be omitted. In an embodiment where bypass line 220 is omitted, the control valve 222 can control the flow rate and/or temperature of the process fluid through the outlet line 218 to be controlled.


Building VAV system 206 includes VAV terminal 224. VAV terminal 224 is a terminal including one or more heat exchangers where the process fluid can exchange heat with air that is in or directed into a conditioned space. VAV terminal 224 can further include ducting, fans, louvers, or the like to control an amount of airflow over the heat exchanger(s) included therein. The building VAV system 206 can further include any suitable piping to convey the process fluid from outlet line 218 to the VAV terminal 224 and to return process fluid from the VAV terminal 224 to inlet line 216.



FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 of installing an HVACR system according to an embodiment. Method 300 includes installing a main unit of the HVACR system at 302, installing a pre-assembled piping package 304, and optionally installing a heat exchanger at 306. Method 300 can further include connecting the pre-assembled piping package to a building VAV system at 308. Method 300 can also further include connecting a control valve actuator of the pre-assembled piping package to a controller provided on the main unit of the HVACR system at 310.


A main unit of the HVACR system is installed at 302. The main unit can include, for example, some or all of the working fluid circuit, such as working fluid circuit 202 described above and shown in FIG. 2. The main unit can be provided as a pre-assembled package. In an embodiment, the main unit is a rooftop HVACR unit. Installing the main unit of the HVACR system at 302 can include moving the main unit of the HVACR system to a desired position. Installing the main unit of the HVACR system at 302 can include making any suitable utility connections, for example electrical connections.


A pre-assembled piping package is installed at 304. Installing the pre-assembled piping package at 304 can include positioning the pre-assembled piping package relative to the main unit of the HVACR system at 302. The pre-assembled piping package can be delivered to the location of the installation at 304 already assembled other than connections to the main unit of the HVACR system. The pre-assembled piping package can be, for example, VAV piping package 104 as described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1C or VAV piping package 204 as described above and shown in FIG. 2.


Optionally, a heat exchanger can be installed at 306. The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger allowing heat exchange between the working fluid of the main unit of the HVACR system installed at 302 and the process fluid conveyed in part by the pre-assembled piping package installed at 304. Installing the heat exchanger at 306 can include positioning the heat exchanger in a suitable location relative to the main unit of the HVACR system and the pre-assembled piping package. Installing the heat exchanger at 306 can include making suitable connections among fluid lines of the main unit of the HVACR system and/or the pre-assembled piping package. Alternatively, the heat exchanger allowing heat exchange between the working fluid of the main unit of the HVACR system and the process fluid can be included in either the main unit of the HVACR system installed at 302 or the pre-assembled piping package installed at 304. In such embodiments, installing the pre-assembled piping package at 304 can include connecting the heat exchanger to the working fluid circuit of the main unit and/or connecting the pipes of the pre-assembled piping package to the heat exchanger.


The pre-assembled piping package can be connected to a building VAV system at 308. The building VAV system can be, for example, building VAV system 206 described above and shown in FIG. 2, including terminal(s) 224 and suitable fluid connections for the terminal. The connections of the pre-assembled piping package can include connection of one pipe of the pre-assembled piping package to an inlet of the building VAV system, and another pipe of the pre-assembled piping package to an outlet of the building VAV system. The particular connections of the pipes of the pre-assembled piping package to the inlet and the outlet of the building VAV system can be based on the orientation in which the pre-assembled piping package was installed at 304 and/or the connections made between the pre-assembled piping package and the heat exchanger.


A control valve actuator included in the pre-assembled piping package can be connected to a controller included in the main unit of the HVACR system at 310. The connection can be a direct wired connection of the control valve actuator to the controller. The connection can allow the controller to direct operation of a control valve of the pre-assembled piping package.



FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an HVACR system 400 including a VAV piping package 404 according to an embodiment. HVACR system 400 includes main unit 402 and VAV piping package 404 including piping enclosure 406. Piping enclosure 406 includes access opening 408 and side panel 410. Heat exchanger 412, positioned within heat exchanger enclosure 414 is also included in HVACR system 400.


Main unit 402 is an enclosure containing at least some components of the HVACR system 400, such as a compressor (not shown), an expander (not shown), an ambient environment heat exchanger (not shown), and/or any other suitable component for an HVACR system. Examples of components of the HVACR system 400 included in main unit 402 can be seen in FIG. 2 and described above. A control box 403 can be provided on an exterior of the main unit 402. Control box 403 can include one or more controls for the HVACR system 400, interfaces thereof, and/or any other suitable components.


VAV piping package 404 is a piping package configured to allow a process fluid to be circulated between the HVACR system 400 and a building VAV system (not shown) including a plurality of VAV terminals (not shown). When installed, VAV piping package 404 is positioned on a side of the main unit 402. The VAV piping package 404 includes piping enclosure 406. Piping enclosure 406 surrounds other components of the VAV piping package 404, such as, for example, supply pipe 416, return pipe 418, first blow-down valve 420, second blow-down valve 422, first air vent 424, second air vent 426, control valve actuator 428 as shown in FIG. 4C, and the like.


Heat exchanger 412 can be contained in enclosure 414. Heat exchanger 412 can be connected to the main unit of the HVACR system 400 that is contained within main unit 402, and to VAV piping package 404. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 412 is a water coil of a HVACR system. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 412 is configured to allow the addition and/or removal of heat from a process fluid circulated through VAV piping package 404 and a building VAV system (not shown). In an embodiment, heat exchanger 412 is a heat exchanger allowing a working fluid of the HVACR system to exchange heat with a process fluid that is circulated to a building VAV system by way of the VAV piping package 404. The heat exchanger 412 can be, for example, a heat exchange coil. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 412 and/or enclosure 414 are included in the main unit 402. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 412 and/or enclosure 414 are included in the VAV piping package 404. In an embodiment, heat exchanger 412 and/or enclosure 414 are provided separately from main unit 402 and VAV piping package 404.



FIG. 4B shows a top view of the HVACR system 400 of FIG. 4A, including main unit 402 and VAV piping package 404. In the top view of FIG. 4B, the access opening 408 on a top surface of the piping enclosure 406 is open, allowing the first blow-down valve 420 to be accessed. Access opening 408 is an openable door provided to close an opening formed in piping enclosure 406 at a position corresponding to second blow-down valve 422. A second access opening (not shown) can be provided in a corresponding position on an opposite wall of piping enclosure for example, on a bottom of the piping enclosure 406, when in the arrangement and orientation of piping enclosure 406 shown in FIG. 4B. In the top view of HVACR system 400 in FIG. 4B, the VAV piping package 404 is shown in a right-side arrangement relative to the heat exchanger 412 of the HVACR system 400. In an alternative embodiment, the VAV piping package can instead be positioned on an opposite side of the heat exchanger 412 from what is shown in FIG. 4B, thus positioning the VAV piping package 404 in a left-side arrangement relative to the heat exchanger 412 of the HVACR system. In the left-side arrangement, the second access opening discussed above can be provided on the upwards-facing side of piping enclosure 406.



FIG. 4C shows a side view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 4A. In the side view of FIG. 4C, side panel 410 is omitted to show components of the VAV piping package 404 contained within piping enclosure 406. VAV piping package 404 includes supply pipe 416, return pipe 418, first blow-down valve 420, second blow-down valve 422, first air vent 424, and control valve actuator 428.


Supply pipe 416 is a pipe configured to convey a process fluid that is circulated through VAV piping package 404 from heat exchanger 412 to the building VAV system. Supply pipe 416 is configured such that supply pipe 416 is suitable for use as either an outlet line directing process fluid from heat exchanger 412 to the building VAV system or as an inlet line directing process fluid from the building VAV system to the heat exchanger 412. Supply pipe 416 includes a first blow-down valve 420 and a first air vent 424.


Return pipe 418 is a pipe configured to convey a process fluid that is circulated through VAV piping package 404 from the building VAV system to heat exchanger 412. Return pipe 418 includes a second blow-down valve 422 and a second air vent 426.


The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D is a two-way VAV piping package. In such an arrangement, no bypass line such as bypass line 128 described above is present. A control valve actuator 428 can control a control valve (such as control valve 130 described above and shown in FIG. 1E) provided along return pipe 418. Control valve actuator 428 can be used to operate the control valve to control a flow rate and/or a temperature of the process fluid. Actuator 428 can be operated according to commands from a controller included in HVACR system 100. It is noted that while the two-way VAV piping package of FIG. 4A-4D is shown in the right-side arrangement, VAV piping package 404 including the two-way VAV piping package could be flipped to be connected to the HVACR system 400 in a left-side arrangement.



FIG. 4D shows a sectional view of an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to FIG. 4A. In the sectional view of FIG. 4D, VAV piping package 404 is shown within piping enclosure 406. VAV piping package 404 is in the right-side arrangement relative to heat exchanger 412 of HVACR system 400. As visible in the sectional view of FIG. 4D, VAV piping package 404 includes supply pipe 416, return pipe 418, first blow-down valve 420, second blow-down valve 422, second air vent 426, and control valve actuator 428.



FIG. 5 shows an HVACR system including the VAV piping package according to an embodiment. HVACR system 500 includes main unit 502, control box 503, and VAV piping package 504. VAV piping package 504 includes piping enclosure 506. Piping enclosure 506 includes access opening 508. The piping enclosure 506 can include a side panel, such as side panel 110 described above and shown in FIG. 1, though this is not visible in the particular view of FIG. 5. Heat exchanger 510, positioned within heat exchanger enclosure 512 is also included in HVACR system 500. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the main unit 502 has a relatively short overall length such that control box 503 and piping enclosure 506 would interfere with one another if both were to be placed on the same side of the main unit 502. Accordingly, piping enclosure 506 can be installed in an orientation (either the left-side orientation of FIGS. 1A-1D or the right-side orientation of FIGS. 1E and 4A-4D) such that the piping enclosure 506 is on an opposite side of main unit 502 from the control box 503. In embodiments having a longer main unit, such as main units 102 and 402 as shown in FIGS. 1A-E and 4A-D, respectively, the corresponding piping enclosures 106, 406 can be placed on either the same or the opposite side of the main units 102, 402 as the corresponding control boxes 103, 403.


Aspects:

It is understood that any of aspects 1-5 can be combined with any of aspects 6-13 or any of aspects 14-20. It is understood that any of aspects 6-13 can be combined with any of aspects 14-20.


Aspect 1. A piping package for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system, comprising:

    • a supply pipe, the supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent;
    • a return pipe, the return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent; and
    • an enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe, the enclosure including a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve.


Aspect 2. The piping package according to aspect 1, further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are each connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.


Aspect 3. The piping package according to any of aspects 1-2, wherein the enclosure has a removable side panel.


Aspect 4. The piping package according to any of aspects 1-3, wherein the return pipe includes a control valve including an actuator.


Aspect 5. The piping package according to aspect 4, further comprising a bypass line extending from the supply pipe to the control valve.


Aspect 6. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising a piping package, the piping package comprising:

    • a supply pipe, the supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent;
    • a return pipe, the return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent; and
    • an enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe, the enclosure including a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve.


Aspect 7. The HVACR system according to aspect 6, further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are each connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.


Aspect 8. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 6-7, wherein the enclosure has a removable side panel.


Aspect 9. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 6-8, wherein the return pipe includes a control valve including an actuator.


Aspect 10. The HVACR system according to aspect 9, wherein the actuator is terminated on a unit controller of the HVACR system.


Aspect 11. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 9-10, further comprising a bypass line extending from the supply line to the control valve


Aspect 12. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 6-11, further comprising a main unit and a control box, wherein the VAV piping package is on a same side of the main unit as the control box.


Aspect 13. The HVACR system according to any of aspects 6-11, further comprising a main unit and a control box, wherein the VAV piping package is on an opposite side of the main unit from the control box.


Aspect 14. A method of installing a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system at a location, comprising:

    • installing a main unit of the HVACR system;
    • installing a pre-assembled piping package, the pre-assembled piping package including:


      a supply pipe, the supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent;


      a return pipe, the return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent; and


      an enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe, the enclosure including a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve; and connecting the supply pipe and the return pipe to a building variable air volume (VAV) system.


Aspect 15. The method according to aspect 14, wherein the pre-assembled piping package is installed in a right-side orientation relative to the main unit of the HVACR system.


Aspect 16. The method according to any of aspects 14-15, wherein the pre-assembled piping package is installed in a left-side orientation relative to the main unit of the HVACR system.


Aspect 17. The method according to any of aspects 14-16, wherein the pre-assembled piping package includes a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.


Aspect 18. The method according to any of aspects 14-17, further comprising installing a heat exchanger and connecting each of the supply pipe and the return pipe to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.


Aspect 19. The method according to any of aspects 14-18, wherein the HVACR system includes a control box, and the pre-assembled piping package is installed on a same side of the main unit of the HVACR system as the control box.


Aspect 20. The method according to any of aspects 14-18, wherein the HVACR system includes a control box, and the pre-assembled piping package is installed on an opposite side of the main unit of the HVACR system from the control box.


The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims
  • 1. A piping package for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system, comprising: a supply pipe, the supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent;a return pipe, the return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent; andan enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe, the enclosure including a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve.
  • 2. The piping package of claim 1, further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are each connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.
  • 3. The piping package of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a removable side panel.
  • 4. The piping package of claim 1, wherein the return pipe includes a control valve including an actuator.
  • 5. The piping package of claim 4, further comprising a bypass line extending from the supply pipe to the control valve.
  • 6. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising a piping package, the piping package comprising: a supply pipe, the supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent;a return pipe, the return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent; andan enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe, the enclosure including a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve.
  • 7. The HVACR system of claim 6, further comprising a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are each connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.
  • 8. The HVACR system of claim 6, wherein the enclosure has a removable side panel.
  • 9. The HVACR system of claim 6, wherein the return pipe includes a control valve including an actuator.
  • 10. The HVACR system of claim 9, wherein the actuator is terminated on a unit controller of the HVACR system.
  • 11. The HVACR system of claim 9, further comprising a bypass line extending from the supply line to the control valve.
  • 12. The HVACR system of claim 6, further comprising a main unit and a control box, wherein the VAV piping package is on a same side of the main unit as the control box.
  • 13. The HVACR system of claim 6, further comprising a main unit and a control box, wherein the VAV piping package is on an opposite side of the main unit from the control box.
  • 14. A method of installing a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system at a location, comprising: installing a main unit of the HVACR system;installing a pre-assembled piping package, the pre-assembled piping package including: a supply pipe, the supply pipe including a first blow-down valve and a first air vent;a return pipe, the return pipe including a second blow down valve and a second air vent; andan enclosure configured to surround the supply pipe and the return pipe, the enclosure including a first access opening configured to allow access to the first blow-down valve and a second access opening configured to allow access to the second blow-down valve; andconnecting the supply pipe and the return pipe to a building variable air volume (VAV) system.
  • 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pre-assembled piping package is installed in a right-side orientation relative to the main unit of the HVACR system.
  • 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the pre-assembled piping package is installed in a left-side orientation relative to the main unit of the HVACR system.
  • 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the pre-assembled piping package includes a heat exchanger, wherein the supply pipe and the return pipe are connected to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.
  • 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising installing a heat exchanger and connecting each of the supply pipe and the return pipe to a process fluid side of the heat exchanger.
  • 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the HVACR system includes a control box, and the pre-assembled piping package is installed on a same side of the main unit of the HVACR system as the control box.
  • 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the HVACR system includes a control box, and the pre-assembled piping package is installed on an opposite side of the main unit of the HVACR system from the control box.