Method for controlling multiple indoor air quality parameters

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved method and system for controlling an HVAC system for managing multiple indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters. An acceptable range is defined for each of the IAQ parameter. The parameters are then monitored by sensors within a controlled space. The parameters may comprise temperature, humidity, smoke, radon, VOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates, hydrocarbons, oxygen, ozone, and odors. The invention maintains the IAQ parameters within their respective acceptable ranges by automatically manipulating certain HVAC system functions including heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, ventilation, addition or removal of materials or compounds which affect IAQ parameters, airflow volume and air recirculation. In one embodiment of the invention, a non-HVAC-specific venting system is used to augment HVAC adjustment of airflow volume and air recirculation. This may include bathroom, kitchen and attic venting systems as well as whole-home vacuum systems.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates generally to a process or method for controlling HVAC systems, and more particularly to controlling HVAC systems according to multiple variables including but not limited to measurements of indoor air quality parameters.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Simple heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems respond to or control merely one or two variables at a time. Temperature is the one most often controlled. When the environment is too hot or cold, a system turns on a heater, furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner based on the settings of a thermostat and adjusts the air temperature either upward or downward to match a set point and keep the air in a controlled space within a temperature range. Relatively sophisticated systems can be programmed to different set points or ranges at different times during a typical daily cycle.[0005]HVAC systems typically control temperature with a single temperat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]In another embodiment, an improved thermostat is disclosed that includes the additional sensors. This allows for a central point of control

Problems solved by technology

When moisture content is high, or when the thermostat does not sufficiently run the equipment because of low dry bulb conditioning requirements, the humidity can be excessively high.

Also, during periods of high humidity and relatively warm temperatures in a controlled space, many air-handling units have sufficient capacity to cool the space, but are incapable of keeping the humidity at a sufficiently comfortable level.

However, occupants frequently fail to manually correct the inlet air valve to accommodate the prevailing conditions in the controlled space.

Likewise, no dynamic real time adjustment is made for changes in the amount of air that enters or leaves through windows and doors such as when occupants enter or leave the controlled space.

In addition to the limitation of controlling just one or two variables, all HVAC systems have a maximum volume of air for ventilation through the controlled space.

There is no systematic means to supplement this ventilation volume.

While other ventilation systems exist in the house, for example bathroom and kitchen ventilators, they are not integrated into a system which controls ventilation levels for the building.

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