Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated

Andrew Popelka

Barry M Cohen

Paul H Sarkisian

In a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system such as a heat pump having a multi-zone hydronic thermal distribution system or such as an air conditioner, a novel condensate removal apparatus removes condensate from each zone fan coil. Each fan coil uses a valve to drain condensate from a fan coil drip pan into a drainage conduit. The drainage conduits from each valve carry condensate to a tank. The tank acts as a manifold for fluid collection from the different fan coils. A single pump draws condensate from fan coils through drainage conduits to the tank. This same pump draws a vacuum in the tank and the drainage conduits. The pump uses a single outlet conduit to discharge condensate.

Apparatus for condensate removal

An interior thermal conditioning method and apparatus with improved zone control is disclosed. The thermal conditioning apparatus, such as a heat pump assembly, generates a desired thermal condition which is conveyed by a thermal distribution medium to a number of zones within a multiple zone building. Each zone includes a heat exchange device for receiving the thermal distribution medium. Each zone also includes a thermostat which is used to set a desired temperature range and to indicate the prevailing temperature. When the prevailing temperature is inconsistent with the desired temperature range, a conditioning request is generated. Rather than immediately responding to the conditioning request, the heat pump controller assesses the temperature of the thermal distribution medium to determine whether it is within a target range. If the thermal distribution medium is not within the target range, execution of the conditioning request is delayed while the heat pump is modulated to produce the desired thermal distribution temperature. Additional conditioning requests may be generated during this modulation period. Conditioning requests are processed after the desired thermal distribution temperature is established. Various criteria may be used to establish conditioning request priorities. Conditioning requests may be swapped with former conditioning requests which are executing. The controller establishes a steady and efficient operation of the heat pump.

Method and apparatus for interior space conditioning with improved zone

A rectangular, flexible duct serves as an alternative to galvanized sheet metal duct work installed in homes by utilizing corrugated semi-rigid top and bottom walls with relatively flexible connecting side walls so that the duct may be easily rolled and stored. But when unrolled, it is fastened, for example, between floor joists of a home by use of an overhanging flange formed by one of the top or bottom walls. The duct walls are made of heat resistant plastic suitable for heating and ventilating. Rigidity is provided in the top and bottom walls by corrugations or ribs formed in the plastic.

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Acton, MA, United States of America

Andrew Popelka