Patent Application
20240230154
The embodiments described herein relate generally to a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for use in temporary structures. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a portable, ductless portable HVAC system including a platform.
Temporary structures are erected to provide shelter for persons, animals, and/or objects for a limited time. For example, a large number of people my gather within a temporary structure for an event. It is desirable to provide conditioned air within the temporary structure so that the occupants are comfortable. However, conventional options for providing conditioned air within temporary structures are costly, inefficient, and/or aesthetically unpleasant.
For example, existing methods for the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) of temporary structures are generally centered around commercial, off the shelf HVAC units. However, commercial HVAC systems are typically designed for large, permanent commercial structures in which components of the HVAC systems are permanently installed in a dedicated mechanical space that is hidden or located remotely from the occupants. For example, at least one known method to cool a temporary structure includes utilizing HVAC units that can be noisy or are generally aesthetically unpleasing. In addition, at least some known HVAC systems include large diameter ducting that extends between the HVAC unit and the structure. This ducting may accumulate dust and debris that may be channeled into the structure. Furthermore, the ducting may need to extend through, under, and/or over a wall of the structure and create undesirable inefficient gaps between two or more of the wall, the ducting, the floor of the temporary structure, and the ground.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an HVAC system for temporary structures that is efficient, clean to operate, and not aesthetically unpleasant. In addition, it is desirable for the HVAC system to be portable and simple to install and remove from a remote location.
In one aspect, a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for delivering conditioned air into an interior space of a structure generally comprises a platform, a condenser, and an air handling unit. The condenser and the air handling unit are supported by the platform. The air handling unit and the condenser are separated on the platform by a gap that is configured to receive a portion of the structure such that the air handling unit is positioned in the interior space of the structure and the condenser is positioned on an exterior of the structure. The HVAC system is configured to be moved as a single unit by lifting the platform with the condenser and the air handling unit supported thereon.
In another aspect, a temporary structure includes a wall that defines a structure interior and a structure exterior. The temporary structure also includes an HVAC system including a platform, a condenser positioned on the structure exterior and supported by the platform, and an air handling unit positioned within the structure interior and supported by the platform. The air handling unit and the condenser are separated on the platform by a gap and a portion of the wall positioned in the gap.
In yet another aspect, a method of assembling an HVAC system includes positioning a platform on a surface. The HVAC system includes a condenser supported by the platform and an air handling unit supported by the platform. The air handling unit and the condenser are separated on the platform by a gap. The method also includes positioning a portion of the structure in the gap such that the air handling unit is positioned in the interior space of the structure and the condenser is positioned on an exterior of the structure.
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.
In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.
One solution to the issues discussed herein is to utilize a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a condenser and an air handling unit that are supported on a platform. For example, the air handling unit and the condenser are separated on the platform by a gap that is sized to receive a wall or other component of the structure. Accordingly, the air handling unit may be positioned within an interior space of the structure and the condenser may be positioned on an exterior of the structure. The HVAC system does not require ductwork because the air handling unit is positioned directly within the interior space of the structure. As a result, the HVAC system may operate more cleanly and more efficiently than known systems. Further, the HVAC system may be more aesthetically pleasing than known systems.
In addition, the HVAC system is portable. For example, the platform supports the air handling unit and the condenser such that the system is able to be moved using a forklift or other transport apparatus. The air handling unit and the condenser are positioned on the platform in a ready-to-use position such that the HVAC system is ready for use when the platform is set in position relative to the structure.
The HVAC system is suitable for providing conditioned air for a structure such as a temporary structure. For example, the temporary structure can take of the form of a tent, marquee, big top, dome tent, pup tent, teepee, wigwam, gazebo, pavilion, yurt, yaranga, palapa, or any structure not intended to be a permanent fixture. Further, the temporary structure can also include side walls at least partially detached from the ground. The temporary structure can include other building components such as roofs, floors, ceilings, insulation, beams, columns, windows, and doors. The temporary structure can separate an interior space from an exterior environment. The condenser can reside in the exterior environment and the air handling unit can reside in the interior space. The side walls and/or other building components can be positioned within a gap between the air handling unit and the condenser on the platform and naturally follow the contour of the platform by operation of gravity.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
Referring in particular to
In the illustrated example, the gap 110 extends from the platform 104 to the tops of the air handling unit 108 and the condenser 106 and across the entire width of the platform 104. In addition, the gap 110 is free of any obstructions. As a result, a portion of the structure 102 is able to extend through the gap 110 from the upper surface of the platform 104 to the tops of the air handling unit 108 and the condenser 106.
As seen in
With reference to
The condenser 106 removes heat from the refrigerant fluid by regulating the pressure of the refrigerant fluid and transfers the heat to the external environment. The condenser 106 delivers the cooled refrigerant fluid to the air handling unit 108 to cool air. In the example, the condenser 106 includes two of the condenser coils 116. The condenser 106 may have other configurations without departing from some aspects of the disclosure.
The air handling unit 108 is configured to deliver conditioned air into the structure 102. The air handling unit 108 includes a housing 124, an evaporator coil 130, and a blower 132. The evaporator coil 130 and the blower 132 are positioned within the housing 124. The housing 124 has at least one inlet 126 and at least one outlet 128. In the example, the housing 124 has two inlets 126 positioned on opposite sides of the housing 124 and a single outlet 128. In some embodiments, the airflow may be reversed such that the inlets 126 act as outlets and the outlet 128 acts as an inlet. In the illustrated example, the evaporator coil 130 is configured to cool the air received through the inlet 126. For example, the evaporator coil 130 is configured to receive the refrigerant fluid from the refrigerant lines 112 and channel the refrigerant fluid through the housing 124 such that the refrigerant fluid within the evaporator coil removes heat from the air and then moves toward the condenser 106 on the exterior of the structure 102. For example, the evaporator coil 130 extends through the housing 124 in a serpentine or circuitous manner.
In some embodiments, the air handling unit 108 includes a heating element 131 to provide heat to the air. For example, the air handling unit 108 may include an electric and/or gas powered heating element 131. During operation, the blower 132 directs the air to interact with and thereby be warmed by the heating element 131. In other examples, the HVAC system operates in the manner of a heat pump and the flow of refrigerant fluid can be reversed to provide heat for the air delivered into the interior space of the structure 102.
After heating, cooling, and/or other conditioning (e.g., filtering or sanitizing), the conditioned air is discharged directly into the interior space of the structure 102 through the outlet 128. For example, the blower 132 is configured to direct the conditioned air through the outlet 128. Suitably, the blower 132 includes a variable speed fan that is selected to provide a reduced noise within the structure 102.
In addition, the air handling unit 108 includes a filter 134 positioned adjacent at least one of the inlet 126 and the outlet 128, and an ultraviolet lamp 136 positioned adjacent at least one of the inlet 126 and the outlet 128. The filter 134 and the ultraviolet lamp 136 are configured to clean the air and/or remove particulates from the air. As shown in
The housing 124 of the air handling unit 108 can be constructed out of metal, e.g., aluminum including white aluminum, 6061 alloys, and 7075 alloys, steel, plastic, molded plastic, wood, plywood, and/or fiberglass. The housing 124 can also be constructed from other building materials such as steel. In the example, aluminum is used to facilitate weight rivets. The housing 124 can also include a frame where sheet material is attached to the frame with fasteners. Sheet material can also be riveted to the frame with POP rivets
The air handling unit 108 and the condenser 106 can be any size suitable to condition the air and redirect air into the structure 102. In the example, the condenser 106 is substantially the same size as the air handling unit 108. In addition, the air handling unit 108 has a height that is equal to a height of the condenser 106. Overall, the HVAC system 100 has a low profile which reduces the visual impact of the HVAC system 100. For example, the HVAC system 100 may be positioned under windows or other components of the structure 102 without completely obstructing the components. Also, the air handling unit 108 and the condenser 106 occupy all of the available space on the platform 104 other than the gap 110 to maximize use of the space on the platform 104. Moreover, the weight distribution of the HVAC system is balanced on the platform 104 and facilitates transportation of the HVAC system because the air handling unit 108 and the condenser 106 are positioned on opposite sides and suitably provided with similar dimensions.
The HVAC system includes a control panel 138 and one or more interchangeable power distribution panels 138 attached to the housing 114 of the condenser 106. The control panel 138 is configured to control operation of components of the HVAC system such as the condenser 106 and the air handling unit 108. The interchangeable power distribution panels 140 are removably mounted to the housing 114 of the condenser 106 and include electrical connectors 142 configured to receive a corresponding connector from at least one load to be used on the exterior and/or interior of the structure 102. The interchangeable power distribution panels 140 are interchangeable based on a desired configuration of the electrical connectors 142. For example, the control panel 138 houses a series of switches and controls that operate the air handling unit 108 in a first configuration, e.g., with a single blower 132, as well as the condenser 106, and thermostat controls. Also, the interchangeable power distribution panels 140 may provide different configurations for different power supplies, voltages, connection types, load sizes, and/or any other suitable operating parameters. Accordingly, the interchangeable power distribution panels 140 may be swapped out based on a desired configuration of the HVAC system 100.
In addition, the control panel 138 can include an integrated user interface, e.g., a thermostat, that facilitates a user controlling the HVAC system 100 directly at the unit. For example, the user interface can include inputs which allow the user to select a temperature, a fan setting, a cooling mode, and/or a heating mode. The control panel 138 is configured to provide self-regulation of the HVAC system such that the HVAC system can operate at least semi-autonomously. As a result, the time required to set up or operate the HVAC system is reduced. For example, the HVAC system does not require a separate control system to be installed to operate the HVAC system.
As seen in
The HVAC system 100 does not need ductwork, e.g., the HVAC system 100 is ductless. Also, the HVAC system 100 operates more efficiently than other systems because the air handling unit 108 is positioned within the interior space of the structure 102 and delivers conditioned air directly into the interior space. Moreover, the HVAC system 100 is simpler to install because the HVAC system 100 is transported and moved as a single ready-to-use unit.
In addition, the HVAC system 100 is compact and takes up less space than other systems because the HVAC system 100 does not have ductwork or components with separate footprints. Further, the condenser 106 and the air handling unit 108 are positioned proximate each other within the footprint of the platform 104 and are only separated by the gap 110. Accordingly, the HVAC system 100 has a reduced footprint in comparison to known systems and is simpler to move and store.
In addition, the housing 114 includes a middle compartment 148 positioned between the condenser coils 116. The middle compartment 148 is sized to receive the interchangeable power distribution panel 140. The interchangeable power distribution panel 140 can be positioned at least partly within the middle compartment 148 and removably mounted to the housing 114. Also, the housing 114 includes the camlock connections 122 located below the compartment 148. The interchangeable power distribution panel 140 and the camlock connections 122 are easily accessible without disassembling or moving the condenser 106 and are located next to the condenser 106 to facilitate connections to components of the condenser 106 such as the blower 132.
The platform 104 may include any number, including one, of the panels 150 required to support components of the HVAC system 100. In the example, the platform 104 includes two of the panels 150. In the example, the panels 150 are rectangles. For example, each of the panels 150 has a top 154 that defines a planar surface and is configured to receive the condenser 106 and the air handling unit 108. In addition, each panel 150 has sides 156 extending downward from edges of the top 154. The sides 156 of the panels 150 define notches 158 sized and positioned to receive the cross-members 152. For example, the notches 158 are spaced a distance from the ends of the platform 104 and are spaced apart a distance that corresponds to the distance between forklift tynes. The platform 104 may include other panels 150 without departing from some aspects of the disclosure.
The cross-members 152 are sized and positioned to receive, for example, tynes on a forklift or other apparatus for moving the HVAC system. In particular, each cross-member 152 defines a channel 164 that is sized to receive a tyne of the forklift. The channels 164 extend linearly across the platform 104 in horizontal directions. The channels 164 defined by the cross-members 152 are accessible from the sides of the platform 104. For example, the cross-members 152 are positioned within the notches 158 of the sides 156 of the panels 150 to allow access to the channels 164. The cross-members 152 are positioned underneath the panels 150 and support the panels 150 when the tynes are raised within the channels 164. Suitably, the cross-members 152 are arranged in pairs that receive tynes on at least three sides of the platform 104. Accordingly, the platform 104 may be picked up from at least three sides. The cross-members 152 are suitably strong and rigid to receive the tynes or other lifting apparatus and support the panels 150 and the load upon the panels 150 when the platform is raised and lowered.
Referring to
During assembly, the cross-members 152 are attached together in a grid pattern. For example, the cross-members 152 may be welded, mechanically fastened, and/or connected together in any other suitable manner. The panels 150 are secured to the cross-members 152 by welds, mechanical fasteners, and/or any other suitable connection means.
The condenser 106, the air handling unit 108, and any other components are mounted onto the upper surface of the panels 150 of the platform 104. For example, the condenser 106 and the air handling unit 108 are mechanically fastened, e.g., attached using bolts, to the panels 150 and/or the cross-members 152 of the platform 104. The condenser 106 and the air handling unit 108 are positioned on the platform 104 and define the gap 110 therebetween. The gap 110 separates the condenser 106 from the air handling unit 108 and is sized to receive a portion of the structure 102.
After the condenser 106 and the air handling unit 108 are secured in position, the HVAC system 100 may be picked up, moved, and set down as a single unit. For example, the HVAC system 100 is picked up using a forklift by inserting tynes of the forklift into the channels 164 of the cross-members 152. Accordingly, the HVAC system 100 does not require a crane or specialized equipment to be moved. The tynes of the forklift are raised in the channels 164 to lift the HVAC system 100 above the ground. Specifically, the tynes raise the cross-members 152 which support the panels 150, the air handling unit 108, and the condenser 106. The HVAC system 100 is moved in the lifted position to a desired position. Sometimes, the HVAC system 100 may be placed onto a vehicle, e.g., a truck, train, boat, airplane, or any other vehicle, and transported to a location. The HVAC system 100 is moved to a desired location and is lowered to position the HVAC system 100 in the desired location. For example, the HVAC system 100 may be positioned near or under a wall of the structure 102 or a location where the structure 102 will be installed.
When the HVAC system 100 is in position, a portion of the structure 102 is positioned in the gap 110 such that the air handling unit 108 is positioned in the interior space of the structure 102 and the condenser 106 is positioned on an exterior of the structure. For example, the structure 102 may be a temporary structure including at least one positionable wall. If the structure 102 has already been assembled before placement of the HVAC system 100, the wall of the structure 102 is raised to allow the HVAC system 100 to be positioned with the air handling unit 108 within the interior space and the condenser 106 on the exterior. The wall of the structure 102 is then lowered into the gap 110 and the wall may seal around the platform 104. Sometimes, the HVAC system 100 is installed before the structure 102 is fully assembled and the wall of the structure 102 is installed within the gap 110 after the HVAC system 100 has been positioned.
The HVAC system 100 is connected to a power supply and/or other systems. For example, the HVAC system 100 receives its power from a power source which energizes the power input connection, the control panel 138, and the interchangeable power distribution panel 140. Further, the HVAC system 100 may be connected to additional HVAC systems to power multiple units from one connection to a power supply. The HVAC system 100 may also be connected to wired and/or wireless controllers and/or other systems. In some embodiments, a drain line is connected to the HVAC system 100 to remove condensation or other fluids from the HVAC system 100.
Exemplary embodiments of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for use with a temporary structure are described herein. The HVAC system includes a condenser and an air handling unit that are supported on a platform. The condenser is separated from the air handling unit by a gap that is sized to receive a portion of a structure. The HVAC system is moved and transported as a single unit that is ready for use. During use, the air handling unit is positioned within the interior space and the condenser 106 is positioned on an exterior of the structure. The HVAC system does not require ductwork. As a result, the HVAC system is simple to install and operates more efficiently than other systems. In addition, the HVAC system is more aesthetically appealing than other systems
Exemplary embodiments of an air handling unit and methods for assembling the same are described above in detail. The methods and assemblies are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of assemblies and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with other HVAC systems, and are not limited to practice with only the temporary structure HVAC system as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other air handling applications.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. Further, although words such as “top” and “bottom” are used throughout the specification, there is no absolute orientation in the universe.
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 languages of the claims.
