System and Method of Conditioning Recycled Air During Building Construction

Abstract

A system and method that allows the interior air of a building to be conditioned during construction by the installed permanent HVAC systems, the system and method utilizing a portable, temporary, auxiliary air filtering and delivery system that provides filtered clean air to the HVAC system, with the installed air intakes and return air ductwork of the installed HVAC system being sealed such that all air to be conditioned by the HVAC system passes through the air filtering and delivery system, such that particulates and other detrimental airborne contaminants such as dust, fibers, etc. are removed prior to delivering the recycled air into the ductwork, filters and conditioning equipment of the permanent HVAC system. The auxiliary air filtering and delivery system is a combination of a filtering assembly, a fan assembly and delivery assembly, preferably provided in modular form.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to the field of building construction, and more particularly to the field of building construction wherein heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed in the building, as well as to the field of air filtering and delivery systems. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a system and methodology wherein air circulation and conditioning may be provided within a building during construction without dirtying the newly installed and clean ductwork and HVAC equipment.[0002]The pace of construction today is much faster than it has been in the past, and continues to increase. General Contractors and Construction Managers (GC / CMs) are constantly pushing to finish jobs at a faster pace and ahead of schedule, as this not only allows for larger bonuses but makes a good impression on owners. There are certain issues that mechanical contractors face on nearly every job that conflict with a GC / CMs...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system and method for filtering and conditioning air in a building during construction without contaminating the HVAC system. The system includes a filtering assembly, a fan assembly with a variable speed fan, and a delivery assembly that is connected to the HVAC unit. The system is portable and can be easily moved around the building. The method involves drawing air from the building, conditioning it, and then returning it to the building. The system can automatically adjust the airflow based on the HVAC system's needs. The invention helps to keep the air clean and free from contaminants, improving the quality of the air in the building.

Problems solved by technology

There are certain issues that mechanical contractors face on nearly every job that conflict with a GC / CMs schedule.

One such issue is the start-up of the HVAC equipment.

Unfortunately, premature startup of the HVAC equipment early in the construction timeline can lead to significant problems.

If the building is not properly sealed up and completely clean of airborne particulates (dirt, drywall dust, debris, etc.), the ductwork serving the HVAC equipment will not remain clean because of the airborne particles present in the space and the filters in the HVAC equipment may become excessively clogged, resulting in possible damage to the HVAC equipment.

Early startup of the HVAC systems during ongoing construction will likely result in two major problems: (1) the ductwork must now be cleaned prior to occupancy, at a very expensive cost to the GC / CM, and (2) even after cleaning, a significant amount of particulates and contaminants will remain in the ductwork.

In many facilities, such as hospitals, clean rooms, etc., a partially cleaned duct system will be unacceptable and a higher level of cleaning will be required to meet the standards or the previously installed ductwork will have to be replaced, which will be even more costly to the GC / CM.

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