Tubular-shaped and modular air handling unit (ahu) for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (hvac) systems

Abstract

A tubular-shaped and modular air handling unit (AHU) for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is disclosed. In some embodiments, a modular AHU is disclosed that may include a coil module, a fan module, and an electrical module; each of which may be tubular shaped for easily coupling one to another and easily coupling to tubular-shaped (or round or circular) ductwork. Further, in the tubular-shaped and modular AHU, each module may be independent and stand alone, thereby allowing for relatively easy upgrading, replacement, and/or servicing.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . An air handling system comprising a coil module and a fan module, wherein the coil module and fan module each comprise a tubular shape having a first inner diameter extending to an interior portion of an exterior wall of the system,
 wherein the fan module comprises a fan disposed along the first inner diameter,   wherein the coil module comprises an evaporator coil disposed along the interior portion of the exterior wall about the entire circumference of the module for conditioning air flowing through the coil module and further wherein each of the coil module and fan module, along with each module's respective exterior wall, are each configured to be independently installed or removed from the system as a single respective unit.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronics module. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the electronics module is installed within the fan module or the coil module. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the electronics module comprises a tubular shape having the first diameter extending to an interior portion of an exterior wall of the system. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first diameter corresponds to a diameter of duct work connected to the system. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the electronics module is configured to be installed adjacent the fan module. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the coil module comprises a composite material. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the interior portion of the coil module comprises a water-resistant coating. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the water-resistant coating is a rubberized coating. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the water-resistant coating is a composite material. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more selectively openable drains. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more selectively openable drains are selectively opened during installation depending on an installation orientation of the system. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to be selectively installed both horizontally and vertically. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to be selectively installed in any orientation between horizontal and vertical.