Method and apparatus for delivering conditioned air using dual plenums

Abstract

Multiple methods of supplying conditioned air to a room and components therefor are provided. A dual plenum system has a supply plenum for delivering supply air to the room and a return plenum for returning room air to an air handling unit. Conduits are provided to permit passage of the return air through the supply plenum without breaching the integrity of the supply plenum. Modular units permit a user to customize the supply and return apparatuses. A terminal unit having a controllable damper blade can be applied to a diffuser to permit the unit to be convertible between a constant volume unit and a variable volume unit. A thermostat generates signals that open and close the damper blade at determined intervals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of pending application Ser. No. 10 / 423,648 filed by Stanley J. Demster on Apr. 25, 2003 and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Delivering Conditioned Air Using Dual Plenums”, which was itself a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 150,266 filed by Stanley J. Demster on May 17, 2002 and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Delivering Conditioned Air Using Pulse Modulation”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,866.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates in general to systems for the delivery of conditioned air to occupied spaces in buildings and deals more particularly with a method and apparatus for distributing air in an economical and efficient manner, as well as to improvements in various components and systems that are useful in equipment for delivering conditioned air. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004]...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a system for delivering conditioned air in a more efficient and economical way. It eliminates the need for extensive duct work and short circuiting problems. The system includes a partition that separates the interstitial space above the ceiling of the room into separate supply and return plenums, which reduces the need for air handling units. The system also includes a combination supply / return fitting that ensures proper mixing of the supply and return air. The system provides improved thermostat control and aesthetics that match the decor of the room. The system also includes a bypass path that reduces humidity in the supply plenum and allows for the delivery of cool and heated air in a comfortable manner. The system is energy efficient, easy to install, and can accommodate various ceiling mounted devices without obstruction or installation difficulties. Overall, the invention provides a better air delivery system that is more efficient, economical, and aesthetically pleasing."

Problems solved by technology

Although systems of this type have long been in widespread use, they are not wholly free of problems.

The need to install extensive ductwork above the ceiling creates a large cost factor and adds significantly to the labor costs that are involved in constructing and finishing the space.

The ductwork also occupies a large amount of space and reduces the space that is available for other components and equipment that must be installed in the interstitial space.

The delivery of conditioned air is often less than ideal from an efficiency and comfort standpoint.

In the latter respect, the air return system can be significantly mismatched relative to the supply system so that the rooms in the space can be uncomfortably warm at times and uncomfortably cool at other times. The need to provide separate fixtures for the supply and return systems also increases the cost of fabrication, shipping, handling, storage and installation of the fixtures.

The need for two different fixtures for the supply and return systems also adds to the clutter on the ceiling and detracts from the ceiling aesthetics.

Other problems with conventional air delivery systems can arise from undue humidity in the supply ducts.

This can lead to fouling of the ductwork with mildew, mold, fungi, and various micro-organisms that can create unhealthy conditions in the occupied space.

Although a variety of styles, from large rectangular units to rounded knobs, are available currently, most thermostats are visually unappealing.

In fact, it appears that thermostat manufacturers have not placed any great emphasis on whether their devices could match the decoration of the room where the device was located.

Even though attempts have been made to enhance the aesthetics of thermostats in recent years, their appearance has not been integrated effectively into the overall decor of the room.

The color and design of the thermostat have not matched other common wall mounted devices such as light switches, electrical receptacles, telephone and cable television outlets, communications devices such as intercoms, and other wall fixtures such as occupancy sensors and the like.

As a result, thermostats often detract appreciably from the aesthetic appeal of the rooms in which they are installed.

While some thermostats include adaptors that allow the thermostats to be mounted on a standard electrical junction box, these configurations do not produce an integrated appearance with the other devices.

Thermostats have also suffered from relatively large dead bands that can result in the actual room temperature fluctuating 5° or more from the temperature setting.

The need for anticipation circuits has added to the cost and complexity of the thermostat, as well as to problems with reliability.

The 20 tons of excess capacity adds markedly to the equipment expense, the installation and maintenance costs, and the energy that is used.

The need for unduly large air handling units also detracts from the aesthetics of the building and increases the roof profile due to the need to install relatively large air handling units there.

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