EXPLORING DESIGN SOLUTIONS IN AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

INPAL
Feb 14
12 min read

On this occasion, we will discuss design, mainly from an aesthetic perspective, but we will also address functional and engineering issues, seeking to harmonize all the elements that guarantee air quality and thermal stability in the spaces where we work or live. Design is a creative activity with a clear objective. It is aimed at solving problems, taking into account factors such as function, form, materials, and user needs in a comprehensive manner.

Exploring design solutions in air conditioning equipment

Let us understand that design is studied, comfort is planned, efficiency is calculated, and the indoor air we breathe is designed.

NAME:

COMBO 720

Purifier | Dehumidifier

Company:

Qierling Beijing Health Tech Co., Ltd.

INSPIRATION:

This device features a translucent black screen inspired by the floating 3D screens often seen in spaceships. This design is visible from a distance, with a control panel integrated into the front for both aesthetics and convenience. The screen also incorporates a breathing light belt that changes color between green, yellow, or red to clearly indicate air quality in real time. The device has a simple rectangular body with meticulous proportions, featuring a modern, technological aesthetic.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This equipment is designed to address environmental challenges by effectively maintaining optimal humidity levels and eliminating bacteria and viruses. Based on advanced artificial intelligence technology, it can accurately detect and predict changes in temperature, humidity, and air quality, and then make intelligent, proactive adjustments to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. It can also be integrated with a smart home system, working with other appliances to create a smart and holistic ecosystem.

OPERATION | FLOW/INTERACTION:

The intuitive interface allows users to monitor indoor conditions in real time. The dedicated app enables remote control and provides easy access to detailed operational reports and data, offering in-depth information on performance and efficiency. The automatic solenoid valve system simplifies drainage at the touch of a button, and the device can also pump water upwards for drainage. With swivel casters and recessed handles on both sides, moving the device is a breeze.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY:

This device integrates multiple filtration layers that can remove different types of pollutants from the air, improving overall air quality. Equipped with a powerful compressor, it sets a new standard in dehumidification, capable of removing up to 60 liters of moisture per day and covering an area of 150 square meters.

RESEARCH:

Traditional products often lag behind in their response to air quality management, which can affect users' health and comfort. In response, this device integrates AI-powered omnidimensional sensing technology. It can detect even the slightest changes in indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality in real time. It then responds intelligently and proactively optimizes indoor conditions. By working seamlessly with other smart appliances, it ensures optimal levels of indoor comfort and hygiene.

NAME:

REMOTE CONTROL

Echo | Sliding

Company:

ZHEJIANG ZHONGGUANG ELECTRICAL CO.,LTD.

INSPIRATION:

This remote control is designed for easy sliding. The design is suitable for blind people. It has a Braille display for blind people, which makes the buttons easy to read. In addition, this remote control is equipped with a voice system to help blind people operate it, making it more convenient.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The slider has a Braille display that is very convenient for blind people, a slider button for quick temperature adjustment, and an arrow-shaped button for precise adjustment. In addition, this remote control is equipped with a magnetic charging panel that helps to secure the position of the remote.

OPERATION | FLOW/INTERACTION:

The Braille display helps blind people confirm the current temperature. The slide button allows you to quickly adjust the temperature. The arrow-shaped button allows for precise temperature adjustment. The mode and airflow buttons are integrated on both sides with a large button, helping blind people to easily change the temperature. The remote control has a voice control button on the side, allowing blind people to control the air directly by voice.

PRODUCTION/DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY:

The slide uses a magnetic panel charge, which effectively reduces the use of disposable batteries and is more environmentally friendly.

SPECIFICATIONS/TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:

130 mm x 35 mm x 10 mm

RESEARCH SUMMARY:

Air conditioning remote controls available on the market were investigated. It was discovered that remote controls are extremely hostile to blind people. These individuals have difficulty operating them easily and cannot find the information they need. This situation became an opportunity for this project to be developed. The goal was to create a remote control that is easy for blind people to use, helping them regain a sense of control and a comfortable experience in life.

NAME:

PLANT RHYTHM

Air conditioning

Compay:

Zhejiang Zhongguang Electrical Co., Ltd.

INSPIRATION:

In conventional air conditioning designs, the condenser is often discharged as wastewater. In fact, after cleaning the inside of the air conditioner, its purity is high and its pH is neutral, making it a source of high-quality irrigation water and providing a good growing environment for green plants. Based on this, Ritmo de Plantas has been designed, an environmentally friendly air conditioning unit that allows condensed water to be recycled, achieving symbiosis between plants and the unit.

UNIQUE FEATURES | PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

It seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal. Its internal mechanism automatically reuses condensation water for plant irrigation. The integrated planting module, designed for easy installation and removal, allows users to customize indoor landscapes by seasonally updating the vegetation. The built-in vegetation improves air quality by continuously releasing oxygen through light-driven conversion. In addition, an automated lighting system activates in low-light conditions to ensure nighttime accessibility.

OPERATION | FLOW | INTERACTION:

Rotate the transparent cover on the surface of the sphere to replace the plants inside. Easy to install and remove, it allows you to replace the plants inside the ball. It features a built-in lighting design that allows it to be used as a night light decoration. Soft lighting, combined with green plants, has a healing effect on the soul. The product has an emotional connection and deep interaction with users. Simultaneously improving the home environment.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | IMPLEMENTATION:

The removable decorative cover for green plants combines a metal frame and plastic mesh, which not only ensures good air permeability but also provides stable support for plant growth. The plant ball adopts an automatic irrigation system, which automatically adjusts the amount and timing of irrigation by detecting indoor humidity and temperature to ensure the water necessary for plant growth.

SPECIFICATIONS:

370 mm × 70 mm × 370 mm

RESEARCH SUMMARY:

With the continuous growth of the world's population, the number of areas experiencing water shortages is also increasing. With this in mind, let's make the most of water resources that people previously overlooked. Recycle condensed water from neglected air conditioners to conserve water and protect water resources.

CHALLENGE:

The first problem we face is how to make use of wastewater from air conditioning; secondly, we must consider how to combine green plants with air conditioning; finally, we must think about how to skillfully integrate the new design into the familiar environment.

NAME:

MAGIC CUBE

Air conditioning

Company:

Zhejiang Zhongguang Electrical Co., Ltd.

INSPIRATION:

Outdoor units use metal materials. The MAGIC CUBE is a modular outdoor unit that divides and combines OUTES panels. The random division and combination provides a new idea for the structural design of outdoor units. The panels are magnetically connected and easy to disassemble so that owners or professionals can handle the unit independently.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This is a modular outdoor air conditioning unit that provides heating, cooling, and hot water to homes. This product divides the panel into five identical modules and one custom panel, which are connected magnetically. The modular panels are lightweight and can be freely combined according to position, reducing transportation costs. The customized panel is used for maintenance and disassembly, and also offers users more design options.

OPERATION | FLOW/INTERACTION:

The modular panel adopts a strong magnetic structure for connection, significantly reducing the use of screws. This allows a single person to easily install the unit, and the disassembly process is extremely convenient. The customized panel, which serves as the main maintenance panel, is also very aesthetically pleasing. It can be customized according to user preferences and different usage scenarios.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | IMPLEMENTATION:

Heat pump air conditioners offer better energy savings compared to conventional air conditioners. They generate more energy using the same amount of electricity, have lower operating costs, and do not emit pollutants, making them more environmentally friendly. They use R290, a natural refrigerant that does not damage the ozone layer, reduces the greenhouse effect, protects the environment, and helps achieve carbon neutrality. The plastic panels do not require spraying. They are made from recycled marine waste, natural resources, and biodegradable materials. The modular design of the panels makes them easy to replace, increasing the recycling rate of outdoor units.

SPECIFICATIONS | TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:

1250 mm x 560 mm x 1130 mm

RESEARCH SUMMARY:

Traditional outdoor air conditioning units have problems such as materials that are not environmentally friendly, bulky models that cause transportation inconveniences, the need for professional installation, and high costs. To address these issues, the modular panel designed in this study is made of plastic material, which is lightweight and environmentally friendly. It greatly reduces the difficulty of installation and simplifies the disassembly process.

CHALLENGE:

The appearance and structure of existing outdoor units are restricted by air outlets, but the modular panel design allows each panel to expel air. This innovation offers more possibilities for the layout of internal fan blades and other components. Engineers can rearrange internal components based on technology without being restricted by the panels.

NAME:

SNAPCOOL

Air conditioning

Compay:

Zhejiang Zhongguang Electrical Co., Ltd.

INSPIRATION:

The design concept comes from the MEASURING TAPE. It allows the filter to retract and extend to fulfill its function in any home environment. Compared to traditional equipment, pulling the filter out from the side is like using a measuring tape, which makes cleaning the filter more fun. This makes sense in terms of technology and fashion.

UNIQUE FEATURES | PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

With just a light touch on the screen, the filter can be rolled up or unfolded, solving the problems of filter removal and cleaning. The screen displays the real-time status of the filter, fills with dust, and the tank can be lowered for removal. With its side-pull design, cleaning is efficient and fun.

OPERATION | FLOW/INTERACTION:

Air outlet on the side wall of the unit, increasing the airflow area. Orange filter compartment extractor, easy to pull down, the striking color always reminds people to pay attention to the condition of the filter. Circular air outlet, users can freely change the air outlet angle in the phone app.

RESEARCH SUMMARY:

Traditional air conditioner filters are difficult to remove and clean, and the filter can easily generate dust. To address this issue, an air conditioner with a filter that is easy to remove and clean was designed. The filter can be rinsed repeatedly with water, which is more economical and practical for users and more environmentally friendly. Save time and labor, reduce costs with manual cleaning.

CHALLENGE:

The first problem we faced was how to make the filter easier to remove. Secondly, we had to figure out how to reduce the dust kicked up when the filter is removed. Finally, we had to think about how to remind users to replace the filter.

NAME:

GREENOR MAX

Air conditioning

Company:

Cinier Paris

INSPIRATION:

The idea was to revolutionize the classic indoor air conditioning unit. We worked to create a system that was radically more attractive and dispersed air more gently throughout the room. Our inspiration came from our art studies (Beaux-Arts in France), which led us to use a picture format with an American-style box frame. Our experience in climate engineering also helped us to invent new technical solutions.

PROPIEDADES | DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PROYECTO:

Greenor Max es una unidad interior de calefacción y refrigeración de alta eficiencia energética. Greenor Max tiene un diseño vertical único. Este diseño vertical permite difundir el aire acondicionado en la parte delantera y en un lado vertical. Estas propiedades crean un flujo de aire frío constante y ecológico, sin refrigerantes y sin corrientes de aire. Greenor es ultrasilencioso, con 14,8 decibelios a velocidad máxima. Su concepto ofrece comodidad, diseño de alta gama y máxima eficiencia.

OPERATION | FLOW | INTERACTION:

Greenor Max can be used in a variety of residential or commercial settings where the architecture seeks to combine energy efficiency, comfort, and modern, aesthetic design. It revolutionizes the aesthetic impact of air conditioning in interiors (homes, living rooms, reception areas). It improves the comfort of people in a room by dispersing healthier air without drafts. The air is diffused directly in the center of the room and not from the bottom up or from the top/ceiling down like a classic air conditioner. This significantly increases people's comfort. The cooled air is more homogeneous and less humid.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:

The project began in January 2019 in Sète, France, and ended in January 2022 in Paris, France. GREENOR was exhibited at the Architects at work Bordeaux event in December 2021 and at the Architects at work Paris event in September 2021.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | MANUFACTURING:

GREENOR Max uses a patented antibacterial and antiviral heat exchanger, made entirely of 100% copper (anti-legionella). The frame is made of high-quality steel. GREENOR Max fans use the latest brushless DC electric motor to be the most energy-efficient cooling/heating unit on the market. The Greenor unit circulates low-temperature chilled water through a coil for indoor cooling or heating using renewable energy generators such as heat pumps for hydronic systems. Greenor Max does not use refrigerants, making it more environmentally friendly.

SPECIFICATIONS | TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:

Width 540 mm x Depth 145 mm x Height 1900 mm

RESEARCH SUMMARY:

The CINIER team, particularly Michel Cinier on the technical side, spent nearly 18 months developing and testing numerous prototypes in-house to invent a unique air conditioning/heating exchanger with vertical operation and ultra-efficiency. The main challenge was the evacuation of condensation water (when the exchanger condenses by removing moisture from the air) and achieving significant performance in terms of air conditioning quality/quantity. During the research and in line with the current health context (COVID-19), the research also focused on the health aspect of the product. This led to the choice of an antiviral material, copper, for the exchanger in contact with the air. Greenor Max consists of 16 kg of pure copper. This destroys as many viruses and bacteria as possible. In addition to copper, the CINIER team has also developed new stainless steel filters with UV LEDs inside, allowing perfectly healthy air to be diffused into the room.

CHALLENGE:

The most difficult part of this design was undoubtedly imagining and inventing a completely new technological design. The goal was to create an air conditioning system with a VERTICAL design (at human height) rather than the standard horizontal design. Michel Cinier's 40 years of technical experience, perseverance, and inventiveness have led to several technical advances, particularly in the shape of the exchanger, filtration, air diffusion in the room, silence, etc. Energy consumption. At the same time, Johanne Cinier worked on the aesthetic design to reduce the thickness of the product and achieve the lightest possible visual impression, with an exceptional creative result.

NAME:

PELONIS

Indoor air care equipment

Company:

Pelonis

INSPIRATION:

The design strategy solves the brand's main problem: North America is not fully aligned with consumer perceptions. The product family did not communicate its characteristics. The challenge of the project is to provide a new brand language that offers differentiation and a premium message to a new product family within the market in which it operates, adding value without incurring increased production costs.

UNIQUE FEATURES | PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This is a new design strategy for an appliance brand, positioning the brand in North America. The brand's visual language has been created to communicate the company's personality and can provide designers with a powerful tool to control the creative process, expressing the brand's core attributes and values for a collection of environmentally friendly appliances. This design strategy emphasizes affordable innovation in products for home comfort, as well as a people-centered design approach.

FUNCTION | FLOW INTERACTION:

The new line of heaters, air purifiers, and fans features a sleek, modern design that is aesthetically pleasing and reflects its functionality. The design incorporates a range of metallic materials and LEDs, creating a premium look that reflects the quality of the product. Manufacturing considerations have been taken into account when creating the form, ensuring that the product is visually appealing and fully functional. The combination of colors, materials, and finishes allows users to recognize the product. The design also supports the company's commitment to sustainability.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | MANUFACTURING:

These include metals such as aluminum and stainless steel; plastics such as ABS and polycarbonate; and a range of LEDs. In addition, paints and finishes have been used to create the desired look and feel. All of these materials have been carefully selected to ensure that the product is attractive, durable, and reliable. The design also supports the company's commitment to sustainability, as it helps reduce environmental impact through the use of recycled and recyclable materials, as well as energy-efficient components.

SPECIFICATIONS:

For environmental care devices: heaters measuring approximately 14 x 17 x 26 cm, air purifiers measuring 26 x 26 x 50 cm, and fans measuring approximately 26.5 x 22 x 75 cm (depending on the model).

RESEARCH SUMMARY:

We collected all data through an immersive process involving consumers, designers, and multidisciplinary teams (marketing, engineering, anthropology, etc.). Objective: to contribute innovation and differentiation. Method: consumer-centered information with a design-based approach to problem solving. Steps: research (mapping and understanding), conceptualization (generating alternatives), and visualization (representations). The result was a new system that takes cultural factors into account, including objective aesthetics.

CHALLENGE:

The challenge was to develop a verbal language and make it tangible in the context of the brand and the development of its products. This is present at all levels of the product (form, colors, graphics, interface, UX, and CMF), inspiring the project team and creating an emotional bond between the brand and the consumer. It also provides guidance for evaluating a product's success and expressing the brand's core attributes and values.