Bazza Design Case Study - Dimplex Thermal Solutions_ Chiller Design

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Dimplex Thermal Solutions – Chiller Design

Case Study

Chiller DesignChiller Design

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ContentsProject Scope

Research Phase - Competitive Set

Brainstorming Event

Concept Development Phase

Concept Refinement Phase

Concept Release of Data

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Project Scope

Dimplex Thermal Solutions approached Bazza Design with the simple request to help them re-design and re-configure their basic chiller lines, starting with their 10 and 20 ton units. Dimplex wanted to look into standardizing construction methods, integrate components, modularize for design expansion and create a new look that would start to set them apart from their competition. Chillers are known for being pretty “industrial” and boxy in their look and Dimplex’s current models are no exception. The goal was to create strong looking designs that would be a step beyond competitive designs in terms of look, assembly and cost.

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Here is a cross section of Dimplex’s competition

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Results

In general, the competition are very similar in look and construction. The fans are typically exposed on the top to the design and if there are controls they are part of an external box mounted to the side of the design. Not very integrated at all. Most all construction methods do not have basic reason for the assembly. The only design that looks like it was actually “designed” it the KKT model. Even the side venting in the sheet metal is looking like it was designed and not just placed on the face of the metal.


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Brainstorming EventIn a day long event Dimplex engineering and I kicked around many concepts that included novel ways to reconfigure the construction of a chiller. We also looked at individual features that could enhance the design and help with the esthetic of a chiller. The end results of the event gave me a series of concept starters that I could sketch around in the concept phase.

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Concept Development PhaseVarious ideas of form and integration were explored in hand sketch form. At this point I had yet to look into the integration of the control box into the complete unit. Mainly looking at rounder corners, integrated fan housings and bases that looked like they were not add on elements.

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Concept Refinement PhaseRefined concepts in shape, form, construction and integration of components were looked at in this iteration. Rounded and angular corners were explored. “Capping” off the top/fan area was a high point of integration of the form with the function. Most all of these ideas show the control box exterior to the main construction.

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Concept Refinement PhaseOther refinements focused on the integration of the controls into the main structure and eliminating the “add on” control box look. This was a preferred direction for the final designs to go in. It required some unique re-positioning of the internal components to do this without increasing the overall footprint of the design.

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Concept Refinement PhaseThe final design chosen was the integrated top with angled corners and integrated controls on the end cap of the sheet metal. Other material choices included a stainless steel band detail to match other equipment that the chiller would be paired with.

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Concept Refinement PhaseColor and Finishes application options.

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Concept Release DataThis final design, color and material choice was created in 3D and delivered to Dimplex for release to tools. It is now being manufactured for Mitsubishi Corporation

Bazza Design Case Study - Dimplex Thermal Solutions_ Chiller Design

Design

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