Piping system for HVAC system of hermetic building and method for conditioning interior air thereof

Abstract

A duct system for an HVAC system of an airtight building and a method for conditioning interior air of an airtight building are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of fluidly connecting an inlet conduit including an inlet damper between a central conduit and an environment, fluidly connecting an outlet conduit including an outlet damper between the central conduit and the environment, and configuring a baffle at a predefined location within one or more of the central conduit, the inlet conduit, and / or the outlet conduit, the baffle is moved to a first position and the inlet damper and the outlet damper are moved to an open position to effect outflow of interior air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct through the outlet duct into the environment and further effect inflow of ambient air through the inlet duct into the central duct and / or the one or more zones.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 508,584, filed on June 16, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a duct system for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of an airtight building and a method for conditioning the interior air of an airtight building. Background Art

[0004] Buildings can be airtight to prevent air from leaking into and out of the building through cracks and other passages. Airtight buildings can be designed and constructed to minimize the amount of conditioned air leaking from the building in order to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall building performance. However, this can lead to humidity accumulation and mold growth inside the building as well as excessive CO2 levels. In addition, other undesirable air pollutants may also accumulate inside the building. In addition, due to safety issues, it may not always be possible to open windows or doors to reduce humidity and pollutant accumulation in the building. In addition, opening windows and doors may introduce outside pollutants into the building. Summary of the invention

[0005] A duct system for an HVAC system of an airtight building is described herein. The duct system includes a central duct extending between and fluidly connected to one or more zones associated with the building, the central duct being configured to facilitate circulation of air therethrough and / or between the one or more zones and the central duct, wherein the one or more zones and the central duct are airtight. The duct system further includes: an inlet duct including an inlet damper, the inlet duct being fluidly connected between the central duct and an environment; an outlet duct including an outlet damper, the outlet duct being fluidly connected between the central duct and an environment; and a variable speed fan associated with the HVAC system, wherein the fan is configured to circulate and control the flow of air through the duct system. In addition, the duct system includes a baffle constructed at a predefined position within one or more of the central duct, the inlet duct and / or the outlet duct, wherein the baffle is configured to move between one or more positions, wherein, at a first position among the one or more positions, the baffle and the outlet damper enable the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct via the outlet duct into the environment, and the baffle and the inlet damper enable the inflow of filtered ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, at a second position among the one or more positions, the baffle and the outlet damper restrict the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct into the environment, the baffle and the inlet damper restrict the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones, and the baffle further enables circulation of internal air within the central duct and / or between the central duct and one or more zones.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, at a third position among the one or more positions, the baffle and the outlet damper enable the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct into the environment via the outlet duct, and the inlet damper can restrict the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, at a fourth position among the one or more positions, the baffle and the inlet damper enable the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct, and the outlet damper restricts the outflow of internal air from the central duct and / or one or more zones via the outlet duct.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, baffles are configured at connection areas between the central duct, the inlet duct, and / or the outlet duct.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the duct system includes an actuator operably coupled to the baffle and configured to effectuate movement of the baffle between one or more positions.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the duct system includes a cooling unit and a heating unit, wherein the cooling unit is positioned within the central duct and is configured to cool one or more of the internal air and / or the received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct, and the heating unit is positioned within the central duct and is configured to heat one or more of the internal air and / or the received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the duct system includes one or more inlet registers and one or more outlet registers, which are constructed between one or more zones and a central duct, so that one of the inlet registers and one of the outlet registers are provided between each of the zones and the central duct, wherein the inlet registers and the outlet registers facilitate the flow of air between the one or more zones and the central duct.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the duct system includes one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans configured with each of the inlet regulators and each of the outlet regulators, wherein the one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans control and / or block the flow of air between one or more zones and the central duct.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, an airtight building includes a thermostat positioned in one or more zones and a controller operably connected to the thermostat, an actuator, an inlet damper, an outlet damper, and one or more zone dampers, wherein the controller is configured to receive data related to predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at one or more zones from the thermostat, receive real-time IAQ values ​​at one or more zones from the thermostat, and actuate one or more of the actuator, the inlet damper, the outlet damper, one or more zone dampers, a cooling unit, and a heating unit to maintain the predefined IAQ parameters within the one or more zones.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the duct system includes at least one air filter constructed in one or more of the inlet duct and the center duct, wherein the at least one air filter is configured to clean ambient air received within the center duct via the inlet duct and / or clean internal air circulated through the center duct.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the at least one air filter comprises one or more of a HEPA filter, a UV air filter, an electrostatic filter, an activated carbon filter, a pleated filter, and a glass fiber filter.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the piping system includes an energy recovery system or a heat recovery system configured between the inlet piping and the outlet piping.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the baffle is fixed in a closed position and the inlet damper end of the inlet duct and the outlet damper end of the outlet duct are fluidly connected via a spring-actuated baffle, wherein the spring-actuated baffle is adapted to remain closed when the inlet damper and the outlet damper are open, and remain open when the inlet damper and the outlet damper are closed to allow air to flow from the inlet duct to the outlet duct to circulate air through the duct system.

[0019] Also described herein is a method for conditioning interior air of an airtight building, the airtight building comprising a central duct extending between and fluidly connected to one or more zones associated with the building to facilitate circulation of air therethrough and / or between the one or more zones and the central duct. The method comprises the steps of fluidly connecting an inlet duct including an inlet damper between the central duct and an environment, fluidly connecting an outlet duct including an outlet damper between the central duct and the environment, and configuring a baffle at a predefined position within one or more of the central duct, the inlet duct, and / or the outlet duct, moving the baffle to a first position, and moving the inlet damper and the outlet damper to an open position to enable outflow of interior air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct into the environment via the outlet duct, and further enabling inflow of filtered ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the following steps: moving the baffle to a second position and moving the inlet damper and the outlet damper to a closed position to restrict the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct to the environment, restricting the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones, and enabling recirculation of internal air within the central duct and / or between the central duct and one or more zones.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the following steps: moving the baffle to a third position, moving the inlet damper to a closed position, and moving the outlet damper to an open position to: enable the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or a central duct via an outlet duct into the environment; and restrict the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the following steps: moving the baffle to a fourth position, moving the inlet damper to an open position, and moving the outlet damper to a closed position to enable the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct, and restricting the outflow of internal air from the central duct and / or one or more zones via the outlet duct.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the following steps: actuating a cooling unit positioned within the central duct to cool one or more of the internal air and / or the received ambient air as they circulate through the central duct, and / or actuating a heating unit positioned within the central duct to heat one or more of the internal air and / or the received ambient air as they circulate through the central duct.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of providing at least one air filter in one or more of the inlet duct and the central duct to clean ambient air received into the central duct via the inlet duct and / or to clean interior air circulated through the central duct.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the following steps: providing one or more inlet regulators and one or more outlet regulators between one or more zones and a central duct, such that one of the inlet regulators and one of the outlet regulators are provided between each of the zones and the central duct, wherein the inlet regulator and the outlet regulator facilitate the flow of air between the one or more zones and the central duct.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of providing one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans for each of the inlet regulators and each of the outlet regulators; and controlling the one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans to control and / or block the flow of air between one or more zones and the central duct.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of receiving, by a controller, data relating to predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at one or more zones from thermostats provided in one or more zones, receiving, by the controller, real-time IAQ values ​​at one or more zones monitored by the thermostat, and actuating, by the controller, one or more of an actuator associated with a baffle, an inlet damper, an outlet damper, one or more zone dampers, a cooling unit, and a heating unit to facilitate maintaining the predefined IAQ parameters within the one or more zones.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of manually operating one or more of baffles, inlet dampers, outlet dampers, one or more zone dampers, cooling units, and heating units to facilitate maintaining predefined IAQ parameters within one or more zones.

[0029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0031] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference numerals. In addition, individual components of the same type may be distinguished by a reference numeral that is then distinguished from a second numeral among similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0032] Figure 1 An exemplary representation of a duct system implemented in an HVAC system for an airtight building including a movable baffle configured in a central duct system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 A diagram showing a device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure wherein the baffle is in a first position Figure 1 Schematic representation of a piping system.

[0034] Figure 3 The embodiment of the present invention shows a device in which the baffle is in the second position according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 Schematic representation of a piping system.

[0035] Figure 4 An exemplary representation of a duct system implemented in an HVAC system for an airtight building wherein an inlet damper end of an inlet duct and an outlet damper end of an outlet duct are fluidly connected or shortened and the inlet damper and outlet damper are in an open position according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 An exemplary representation of a duct system for an HVAC system for an airtight building is shown wherein an inlet damper end of an inlet duct and an outlet damper end of an outlet duct are fluidly connected or shortened and the inlet damper and outlet damper are in a closed position according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 An exemplary representation of a duct system implemented in an HVAC system for an airtight building including a passive spring-actuated baffle configured between an inlet damper end of an inlet duct and an outlet damper end of an outlet duct according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 An exemplary representation of a duct system implemented in an HVAC system for an airtight building for creating negative pressure within the duct system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8Exemplary steps involved in a method for conditioning the interior air of an airtight building while maintaining the building airtightness according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are so detailed as to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0041] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term is used in an undefined claim below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0042] In the specification, when describing the device in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various components and the spatial orientation of the various aspects of the components. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after reading the present disclosure in its entirety, the components of the invention described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Therefore, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "first", "second" or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between the various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe the relative relationship between the components, or the spatial orientation of aspects of such components described herein, respectively, may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0043] Airtight buildings can be designed and constructed to prevent air from leaking into and out of buildings through cracks and other pathways. These airtight buildings can help minimize the amount of conditioned air leaking from buildings, which can reduce the load on the HVAC system of the building, thereby improving energy efficiency and further improving indoor air quality and overall building performance. However, this may lead to humidity accumulation inside the airtight building, which may provide discomfort to the user and may also cause mold formation. In addition, because the building is airtight, other undesirable air pollutants (such as formic acid and radon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) released by the materials in the building may also accumulate inside the building. To overcome the accumulation of pollutants and humidity in airtight buildings, generally, the windows or doors of airtight buildings can be opened to reduce the accumulation of humidity and pollutants in the airtight building. However, due to safety issues, especially during nighttime or in urban areas, it may not always be possible to open windows or doors. In addition, opening windows or doors may introduce external pollutants or pollutants into the building, making it unsafe and uncomfortable for users. Furthermore, opening windows and doors of an airtight building may defeat the primary goal of keeping the building airtight.Therefore, there is a need to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks and shortcomings by providing a simple, efficient and cost-effective solution to condition the interior air of a building while keeping the building airtight.

[0044] The invention provides a simple, efficient and cost-effective solution in the form of a duct system for an HVAC system of an airtight building, which keeps the building airtight and conditioned while restricting the accumulation of pollutants and humidity within the airtight building without involving windows and doors of the airtight building. The invention further provides a method for conditioning the interior air of an airtight building while keeping the building airtight.

[0045] refer to Figures 1 to 7 , discloses a duct system 100 for airtightening an HVAC system of a building 102. The duct system may include a central duct 106 extending between and fluidly connected to one or more zones 104 associated with the building 102. The central duct 106 may be configured to facilitate circulation of air through the central duct 106 and / or between the zones 104 and the duct 106. In addition, windows, doors, or any other openings of the electrical wiring and plumbing system arrangement including the zones 104 and the central duct 106 may be airtight using enclosures, sealing materials, etc. to restrict leakage of air into and from the building 102.

[0046] The duct system 100 may further include an inlet duct 108-1 fluidly connected between the central duct 106 and the environment 110. In addition, the duct system 100 may include an outlet duct 108-2 fluidly connected between the central duct 106 and the environment 110. In one or more embodiments, the opening at the ambient end of the inlet duct 108-1 may be configured with an inlet damper 112-1 (also referred to as an inlet louver in this article) to control the flow of air through the inlet duct 108-1. In addition, the opening at the ambient end of the outlet duct 108-2 may be configured with an outlet damper 112-2 (also referred to as an outlet louver in this article) to control the flow of air through the outlet duct 108-2. The inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 may be configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 in the closed position may restrict the flow of air (ambient air or return air) through the ambient end openings of the inlet duct and the outlet duct, respectively. In addition, the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 in the open position can allow the flow of air (ambient air or return air) through the ambient end openings of the inlet duct and the outlet duct, respectively. In addition, the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 can also be adapted to move to a semi-closed or partially open position in which they can allow air flow at a reduced rate.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include a variable speed fan or blower 114 (hereinafter, also referred to as fan 114 or blower 114) configured with the central duct 106 to circulate and control the flow of air through the duct system 100. However, the fan 114 may also be a single speed fan. The fan 114 may be associated with the HVAC system of the building 102, however, the fan 114 may also be configured with the duct system 100 in addition. It will be appreciated that the use of an existing variable speed fan 114 associated with the HVAC system of the building 102 may allow the duct system 100 to occupy less space, involve fewer components, and be cost-effective. In addition, the variable speed fan 114 may enable the fan 114 to be operated at different speeds, thereby controlling the rate at which air circulates within the duct system 100, and controlling the inflow rate of air into the duct system 100 and the building 102 and the outflow rate from the duct system 100 and the building 102.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may further include a baffle 116 configured at a predefined position within one or more of the central duct 106, the inlet duct 108-1, and / or the outlet duct 108-2. The baffle 116 may be configured at a connection area between the central duct 106, the inlet duct 108-1, and / or the outlet duct 108-2. The baffle 116 may be configured to move between one or more positions. As shown, the inlet duct 108-1 and the outlet duct 108-2 may preferably be close to the central duct 106 and extend from the central duct 106, wherein the baffle 116 is movably configured within the central duct 106 at the connection area. In addition, the environmental end openings of the inlet duct 108-1 and the outlet duct 108-2 may extend at least partially through the wall 102-1 or window of the building 102, however, the rest of the building 102 may remain airtight.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 In one or more embodiments, when the damper 116 is in the first position, and the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 are in the open position, the outlet damper 112-2 and the damper 116 can enable the outflow of interior air from the zone 104 and / or from the central duct 106 via the outlet duct 108-2 into the environment 110, and in addition, the damper 116 and the inlet damper 112-1 can enable the inflow of ambient air into the central duct 106 and / or the zone 104 via the inlet duct 108-1. This can keep the building airtight and conditioned while limiting the accumulation of pollutants and humidity within the building 102.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 In one or more embodiments, when the baffle 116 is in the second position, the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 are in the closed position, the baffle 116 and the outlet damper 112-2 can restrict the outflow of internal air from the zone 104 and / or from the central duct 106 to the environment 110, the baffle 116 and the inlet damper 112-1 can restrict the inflow of ambient air into the central duct 106 and / or one or more zones 104, and the baffle 116 can enable circulation of internal air within the central duct 106 and / or between the central duct 106 and one or more zones 104.

[0051] Return to reference Figures 1 to 7 In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include an actuator 118 operably coupled to the baffle 116 and configured to effectuate automatic movement of the baffle 116 between one or more positions, however, the baffle 116 may also be adapted to be manually moved between one or more positions by a user.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include a cooling unit 120 positioned within the central duct 106 and configured to cool and / or dehumidify one or more of the interior air and / or the received ambient air while circulating through the central duct 106. The cooling unit 120 may primarily include a vaporizer and a condenser. The vaporizer coil of the vaporizer may be located inside the duct central duct 106, which may absorb heat from the air flowing through the central duct 106. When warm air passes over the cold vaporizer coil, the heat of the air may be transferred to the refrigerant inside the vaporizer coil. This may cause the refrigerant to vaporize and turn into a gas. The gas refrigerant may then travel to a condenser that may be located outside the building 102. A compressor may be fluidly connected to the condenser, which may compress the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure. This may cause the refrigerant to condense back into a liquid and release the heat it absorbed from the air (flowing in the central duct 106). The cooled liquid refrigerant may then travel back to the evaporator coil where the cycle begins again. This process of absorbing heat from the air inside the central duct 106 and releasing it outside may allow the cooling unit 120 to cool and / or dehumidify the interior air or ambient air entering the duct system 100.

[0053] The duct system 100 may further include a heating unit 122 positioned within the central duct 106 and configured to heat one or more of the internal air and / or the received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct 106. The heating unit 122 may be configured to heat the air flowing through the central duct 106. The heating unit 122 may primarily include a furnace and an air handler. The furnace may generate heat by burning a fuel such as natural gas, oil, or a mixture of propane or natural gas and hydrogen or by using an electric heating element. As the air is drawn into the furnace, it may pass over a heat exchanger that may transfer heat from the burning fuel or electric element to the air flowing through the central duct 106, thereby heating the air. In one or more embodiments, the air handler of the heating unit 122 may be a variable speed fan 114 of the HVAC system, however, the air handler may also be a separate blower fan 114. As the variable speed fan 114 or blower fan 114 pulls the heated air through the furnace, it may push the heated air through the duct system 100 and into various zones 104 of the building 102 .

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include a heat pump that can be operated as a cooling unit 102 and a heating unit 122 when operating in a cooling mode and a heating mode, respectively. The heat pump can replace two separate cooling units 102 and heating units 122, which can be positioned within the central duct 106 and configured to cool and / or heat the interior air and / or the received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct 106.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include at least one air filter 124 positioned within the central duct 106 and / or the inlet duct 108-1. The air filter 124 may be configured to filter one or more of the interior air as it circulates through the central duct 106 and / or the ambient air received as it enters the duct system 100 via the inlet duct 108-1. In one or more embodiments, the air filter 124 may include, but is not limited to, a HEPA filter, a UV air filter, an electrostatic filter, an activated carbon filter, a pleated filter, and a fiberglass filter.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include one or more inlet regulators 126-1 and one or more outlet regulators 126-2 configured between the one or more zones 104 and the central duct 106, such that one of the inlet regulators 126-1 and one of the outlet regulators 126-2 are provided between each of the zones 104 and the central duct 106. The inlet regulators 126-1 and the outlet regulators 126-2 may be configured to facilitate the flow of air between the one or more zones 104 and the central duct 106.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include one or more zone dampers (not shown) and one or more booster fans (not shown) configured with each of the inlet regulators 126-1 and each of the outlet regulators 126-2. The zone dampers and booster fans may be configured to control and / or block the flow of air between the zones 104 and the center duct 106. In one or more embodiments, the inlet damper 112-1, the outlet damper 112-2, and the zone dampers may be moved to an open position to allow air to flow therethrough or to a closed position to restrict the flow of air therethrough. Additionally, in some embodiments, the dampers may also be moved to an intermediate position to allow partial / mixed air flow.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the duct system 100 may include an energy recovery system (ERS) or a heat recovery system (HRS) configured between the inlet duct 108-1 and the outlet duct 108-2. The ERS or HRS may be configured to recover heat and moisture from the air leaving the building 102 through the outlet duct 108-2, and reuse the recovered heat and moisture to condition or preheat or precool the fresh air entering the duct system 100 via the inlet duct 108-1. This may help reduce the load on the duct system 100 / HVAC system and save energy. The ERS / HRS may include a heat exchanger and / or a desiccant-based dehumidification system to achieve the transfer of heat and moisture between the exhaust air (flowing through the outlet duct 108-2) and the incoming fresh air (flowing through the inlet duct 108-1).

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the building 102 may include a thermostat 128 positioned in one or more zones 104 and / or within the central duct 106 itself. In addition, the duct system 100 may include a controller 130 that is operably coupled to or in communication with the thermostat 128, the damper actuator 118, the inlet damper 112-1, the outlet damper 112-2, one or more zone dampers via a network via a wired or wireless medium. However, the thermostat 128 may also be the controller 130 without any limitation. The controller 130 may include one or more processors coupled to a memory that is executable by the one or more processors to cause the controller 130 to perform one or more specified operations.

[0060] The controller 130, the thermostat 128, the damper 116 actuator 118, the inlet damper 112-1, the outlet damper 112-2, and one or more zone dampers may include a transceiver or communication module 134 to enable the controller 130 to be communicatively connected to one or more of the thermostat 128, the damper 116 actuator 118, the inlet damper 112-1, the outlet damper 112-2, and one or more zone dampers via a network via a wired and / or wireless medium. The communication module 134 may include a Bluetooth TM Module, WIFI TM 102. The controller 130 may be a control unit associated with the HVAC system of the building 102. However, in other embodiments, the controller 130 may be a central server that can communicate with the control unit of the HVAC system.

[0061] The controller 130 may be configured to receive data from the thermostat 128 regarding predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at one or more zones 104. The occupants / users of the zones 104 may use the thermostat 128 to set the predefined IAQ parameters for their respective zones 104. In addition, one or more sensors (not shown) including an IAQ sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor may be positioned in the zones 104 of the duct system 100 to monitor real-time IAQ values, temperature, and humidity of the interior air present in the building 102. In one or more embodiments, the sensor may be associated with the thermostat 128, however, additional sensors may also be positioned within the building 102 or the duct system 100. The controller 130 may communicate with the sensor or the thermostat 128. The controller 130 may be configured to receive data regarding predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at the zones 104 and real-time IAQ values, temperature, and humidity of the interior air present in the building 102. The controller 130 may accordingly actuate one or more of the actuator 118, the inlet damper 112-1, the outlet damper 112-2, one or more zone dampers, the cooling unit 120, and the heating unit 122 to facilitate maintaining predefined IAQ parameters within the zone 104. In one or more embodiments, the controller 130 may be configured to communicate with a utility company or curtailment service provider over a network to receive and respond to signals / data related to demand response, time-of-use power prices, or carbon intensity. The controller 130 may accordingly control the operation of the duct system 100 based on the data received from the utility company or curtailment service provider.

[0062] In one embodiment, the network may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network may be implemented as one of different types of networks such as an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a low power wide area network (LoRaWAN), the Internet, etc. In addition, the network may be a dedicated network or a shared network. A shared network represents an association of different types of networks that communicate with each other using a variety of protocols (e.g., hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP), wireless application protocol (WAP), etc.). In addition, the network may include a variety of network devices, including transceivers, routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc. In another embodiment, the network may be a cellular network or mobile communication network based on various technologies including but not limited to global system for mobile (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA), long term evolution (LTE), WiMAX, 5G or 6G network protocols, etc.

[0063] refer to Figures 4 to 6In one or more embodiments, the baffle 116 at the connection area can be fixed in a closed position, and the inlet damper end of the inlet duct 108-1 and the outlet damper end of the outlet duct 108-2 can be shortened. In addition, the inlet damper end of the inlet duct 108-1 and the outlet damper end of the outlet duct 108-2 can be fluidly connected or shortened via a spring-actuated baffle 132 or a check valve 132, such as Figure 6 As shown in the figure, when the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 are opened, the spring-actuated flapper / check valve 132 can remain closed, and when the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 are closed, the spring-actuated flapper / check valve 132 can automatically open to allow air to flow from the inlet duct 108-1 to the outlet duct 108-2 to circulate air through the duct system 100.

[0064] When the movable baffle 116 is fixed, it can be used as a fixed barrier in the duct system. In addition, the damper ends of the inlet duct 108-1 and the outlet duct 108-2 can be shortened so that when the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 are as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 100 and achieves circulation of air within the duct system 100 and building 102, which air may be further filtered and / or conditioned before being supplied to the zone 104 of the building 102. This may help reduce the involvement and expense of the movable baffle 116 and baffle 116 actuator 118, however, this may increase friction in the overall duct system 100 and further cause the return air to remix with the outside air. This problem may be addressed by adding a Figure 6 The passive spring actuated flapper / check valve 132 shown in the figure can be used to relieve the pressure. When the inlet damper 112-1 and the outlet damper 112-2 are open, the passive spring actuated flapper / check valve 132 can provide separation between the air flows, and when the pressure of the outlet duct 108-2 increases due to the closed outlet damper 112-2, the passive spring actuated flapper / check valve 132 can further swing open to allow return air to flow.

[0065] refer to Figure 7In one or more embodiments, when the baffle 116 is in the third position, the inlet damper 112-1 is in the closed position, and the outlet damper 112-2 is in the open position, the baffle 116 and the outlet damper 112-2 may enable the outflow of interior air from one or more zones 104 and / or from the central duct 106 into the environment 110 via the outlet duct 108-2, and the inlet damper 112-1 may restrict the inflow of ambient air into the central duct 106 and / or one or more zones 104 via the inlet duct 108-1. In such embodiments, the duct system 100 may involve two different groups of inlet ducts 108-1A, 108-1B configured with inlet dampers 112-1A, 112-1B and outlet ducts 108-2A, 108-2B configured with outlet dampers 112-2A, 112-2B. As shown, one of the set of inlet damper 112-1A and outlet damper 112-2A may be closed, and the other inlet damper 112-1B may be closed, and the other outlet damper 112-2B may be opened to enable the outflow of internal air from the duct system 100 and restrict the inflow of ambient air into the duct system 100, thereby generating a negative pressure within the duct system 100.

[0066] In one or more embodiments (not shown), when the baffle 116 is in the fourth position, the inlet damper 112-1 is in the open position, and the outlet damper 112-2 is in the closed position, the baffle 116 and the inlet damper 112-1 can enable the inflow of ambient air into the central duct 106 and / or one or more zones 104 via the inlet duct 108-1, and the outlet damper 112-2 can restrict the outflow of internal air from the central duct 106 and / or one or more zones 104 via the outlet duct 108-2, thereby generating a positive pressure within the duct system 100.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the controller 130 may communicate with a smart electrical panel associated with the building 102. The smart electrical panel may be operably connected to one or more electrical power outlets associated with the zones 104 of the building 102 and further communicate with the controller 130. The smart electrical panel may enable the controller 130 to detect the operation or use of one or more appliances within the building 102. These appliances may include, but are not limited to, clothes dryers, range hoods, bathroom ventilators, and fireplaces, which may force air to the outside of the building 102, thereby creating negative pressure within the building 102 and making the duct system 100 less efficient. To overcome this problem, the controller 130, upon detecting the operation / use of such appliances, may actuate the duct system 100 to actuate the inlet damper 112-1 to open the inlet duct 108-1, and further enable the inflow of ambient (conditioned) air via the inlet duct 108-1 into the central duct 106 and / or the zones 104, thereby restoring pressure within the building 102 and the duct system 100.

[0068] refer to Figure 8 , discloses a method 800 for conditioning the interior air of an airtight building. The building may include a central duct extending between and fluidly connected to one or more zones associated with the building to facilitate circulation of air therethrough and / or between the duct. The method 800 may further involve an inlet duct 108-1, an outlet duct 108-2, a baffle 116, an actuator 118, an inlet damper 112-1, an outlet damper 112-2, and a central duct connected to the building. Figures 1 to 7 Other components associated with the pipeline system 100.

[0069] Method 800 may include step 802: fluidly connecting an inlet duct including an inlet damper between a central duct and an environment such that an ambient end of the inlet duct is at least partially maintained outside a wall, door, or window of a building. Method 800 may further include step 804: fluidly connecting an inlet duct including an inlet damper between a central duct and an environment such that an ambient end of the inlet duct is at least partially maintained outside a wall, door, or window of a building. In addition, method 800 may include step 806: configuring a baffle at a predefined position within one or more of the central duct, the inlet duct, and / or the outlet duct. In one or more embodiments, the baffle may be configured at a connection area between the central duct, the inlet duct, and / or the outlet duct.

[0070] Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, method 800 may include step 808: moving the baffle to a first position, and moving the inlet damper and the outlet damper to an open position to enable the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct via the outlet duct to the environment, and further enabling the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct.

[0071] In addition, in one or more embodiments, method 800 may include step 810: moving the baffle to a second position and moving the inlet damper and the outlet damper to a closed position to restrict the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct to the environment, restrict the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones, and further achieve circulation of internal air within the central duct and / or between the central duct and one or more zones.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, method 800 may include the following steps: moving the baffle to a third position, moving the inlet damper to a closed position, and moving the outlet damper to an open position to enable the outflow of internal air from one or more zones and / or the central duct via the outlet duct to the environment, and restricting the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, method 800 may include the following steps: moving the baffle to a fourth position, moving the inlet damper to an open position, and moving the outlet damper to a closed position to enable the inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or one or more zones via the inlet duct, and restricting the outflow of internal air from the central duct and / or one or more zones via the outlet duct.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the method 800 may include the steps of actuating a cooling unit positioned within the central duct to cool one or more of the interior air and / or the received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct. Additionally, in other embodiments, the method 800 may include the steps of actuating a heating unit positioned within the central duct to heat one or more of the interior air and / or the received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, method 800 may include providing at least one air filter in one or more of the inlet duct and the center duct to clean ambient air received within the center duct via the inlet duct and / or to clean interior air circulated through the center duct.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, method 800 may include the steps of providing one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans for each of the inlet regulators and each of the outlet regulators. The method may further include controlling the zone dampers and booster fans to control and / or block the flow of air between one or more zones and the central duct.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the method 800 may include the steps of receiving, by a controller, data related to predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at one or more zones from thermostats provided in one or more zones. In addition, the method 800 may include the steps of receiving, by a controller, real-time IAQ values ​​at one or more zones monitored by a thermostat. Accordingly, the method 800 may include the steps of actuating, by a controller, one or more of an actuator associated with a baffle, an inlet damper, an outlet damper, one or more zone dampers, a cooling unit, and a heating unit to facilitate maintaining the predefined IAQ parameters within the one or more zones.

[0078] In other embodiments, the method may include manually operating one or more of baffles, inlet dampers, outlet dampers, one or more zone dampers, cooling units, and heating units to facilitate maintaining predefined IAQ parameters within one or more zones.

[0079] Thus, the present invention provides a simple, efficient and cost-effective solution in the form of a duct system for an airtight building's HVAC system that keeps the building airtight and conditioned while limiting the accumulation of pollutants and humidity within the airtight building without involving the windows and doors of the airtight building.

[0080] Although the present disclosure is described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather that the present disclosure includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0081] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components or steps may be present or used or combined with other elements, components or steps not explicitly referenced. In the case where the specification claims reference at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group that is not A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A duct system for an HVAC system of an airtight building, the duct system comprising: a central duct extending between and fluidly connected to one or more zones associated with the building, the central duct being configured to facilitate circulation of air therethrough and / or between the one or more zones and the central duct, wherein the one or more zones and the central duct are airtight; an inlet duct, the inlet duct including an inlet damper, the inlet duct being fluidly connected between the central duct and an environment; an outlet duct, the outlet duct including an outlet damper, the outlet duct being fluidly connected between the central duct and the environment; a variable speed fan associated with the HVAC system, wherein the fan is configured to circulate and control the flow of the air through the ductwork; and a baffle configured at a predefined position within one or more of the central duct, the inlet duct, and / or the outlet duct, wherein the baffle is configured to move between one or more positions, wherein, at a first position among the one or more positions, The baffles and the outlet damper enable outflow of interior air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct to the environment via the outlet duct, and The baffle and the inlet damper enable an inflow of ambient air via the inlet duct into the central duct and / or the one or more zones.

2. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: At a second position among the one or more positions, The baffles and the outlet damper restrict the outflow of the interior air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct to the environment, The baffle and the inlet damper restrict the inflow of the ambient air into the central duct and / or the one or more zones, and The baffles further enable circulation of the internal air within the central duct and / or between the central duct and the one or more zones.

3. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: At a third position among the one or more positions, The baffles and the outlet damper enable outflow of the interior air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct to the environment via the outlet duct, and The inlet damper restricts the inflow of the ambient air via the inlet duct into the central duct and / or the one or more zones.

4. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: At a fourth position among the one or more positions, The baffle and the inlet damper enable inflow of the ambient air via the inlet duct into the central duct and / or the one or more zones, and The outlet damper restricts outflow of the interior air from the central duct and / or the one or more zones via the outlet duct.

5. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: The baffle is configured at a connection region between the central pipe, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe.

6. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: The duct system includes an actuator operably coupled to the baffle and configured to effectuate movement of the baffle between the one or more positions.

7. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: The pipeline system comprises: a cooling unit positioned within the central duct and configured to cool one or more of the interior air and / or received ambient air while circulating through the central duct; and A heating unit is positioned within the central duct and is configured to heat one or more of the interior air and / or received ambient air while circulating through the central duct.

8. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: The duct system includes one or more inlet regulators and one or more outlet regulators, which are constructed between the one or more zones and the central duct, so that one of the inlet regulators and one of the outlet regulators are provided between each of the zones and the central duct, wherein the inlet regulator and the outlet regulator facilitate the flow of air between the one or more zones and the central duct.

9. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: The duct system includes one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans configured with each of the inlet regulators and each of the outlet regulators, wherein the one or more zone dampers and the one or more booster fans control and / or block the flow of air between the one or more zones and the central duct.

10. The piping system of claim 1, wherein: The airtight building comprises: a thermostat positioned in the one or more zones; a controller operably coupled to the thermostat, the actuator, the inlet damper, the outlet damper, and the one or more zone dampers, wherein the controller is configured to: receiving data from the thermostat related to predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at the one or more zones; receiving real-time IAQ values ​​at the one or more zones from the thermostat; and One or more of the actuator, the inlet damper, the outlet damper, the one or more zone dampers, a cooling unit, and a heating unit are actuated to facilitate maintaining predefined IAQ parameters within the one or more zones.

11. The piping system according to claim 1, wherein: The duct system includes at least one air filter configured in one or more of the inlet duct and the central duct, wherein the at least one air filter is configured to clean the ambient air received within the central duct via the inlet duct and / or to clean the internal air circulated through the central duct.

12. The piping system of claim 1, wherein: The at least one air filter includes one or more of a HEPA filter, a UV air filter, an electrostatic filter, an activated carbon filter, a pleated filter, and a glass fiber filter.

13. The piping system of claim 1, wherein: The piping system includes an energy recovery system or a heat recovery system configured between the inlet piping and the outlet piping.

14. The piping system of claim 1, wherein: the baffle being fixed in a closed position, and the inlet damper end of the inlet conduit and the outlet damper end of the outlet conduit being fluidly connected via the spring-actuated baffle, Wherein, the spring-actuated baffle is adapted to: remains closed when the inlet damper and the outlet damper are open, and The inlet damper remains open when the outlet damper is closed to allow the air to flow from the inlet duct to the outlet duct to circulate the air through the duct system.

15. A method for conditioning the interior air of an airtight building, the airtight building comprising a central duct extending between and fluidly connected to one or more zones associated with the building to facilitate circulation of air therethrough and / or between the one or more zones and the central duct, the method comprising the steps of: fluidly connecting an inlet conduit including an inlet damper between the central conduit and the environment; fluidly connecting an outlet conduit including an outlet damper between the central conduit and the environment; configuring baffles at predefined locations within one or more of the central duct, the inlet duct, and / or the outlet duct; and The baffle is moved to a first position, and the inlet damper and the outlet damper are moved to an open position to enable outflow of internal air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct into the environment via the outlet duct, and further enable inflow of ambient air into the central duct and / or the one or more zones via the inlet duct.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method comprises the steps of moving the baffle to a second position and moving the inlet damper and the outlet damper to a closed position to: restricting outflow of the interior air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct into the environment; restricting the inflow of the ambient air into the central duct and / or the one or more zones; and Circulation of the internal air is achieved within the central duct and / or between the central duct and the one or more zones.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method includes the steps of moving the baffle to a third position, moving the inlet damper to a closed position, and moving the outlet damper to the open position to: enabling outflow of the internal air from the one or more zones and / or the central duct to the environment via the outlet duct; and The inflow of the ambient air into the central duct and / or the one or more zones via the inlet duct is restricted.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method includes the steps of moving the baffle to a fourth position, moving the inlet damper to the open position, and moving the outlet damper to a closed position to: enabling inflow of said ambient air via said inlet duct into said central duct and / or said one or more zones; and Outflow of the interior air from the central duct and / or the one or more zones via the outlet duct is restricted.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: actuating a cooling unit positioned within the central duct to cool one or more of the interior air and / or received ambient air as it circulates through the central duct; and / or A heating unit positioned within the central duct is actuated to heat one or more of the interior air and / or received ambient air while circulating through the central duct.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method comprises the steps of providing at least one air filter in one or more of the inlet duct and the central duct to clean the ambient air received within the central duct via the inlet duct and / or to clean the interior air circulated through the central duct.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: providing one or more inlet regulators and one or more outlet regulators between the one or more zones and the central duct, such that one of the inlet regulators and one of the outlet regulators are provided between each of the zones and the central duct, wherein the inlet regulator and the outlet regulator facilitate the flow of air between the one or more zones and the central duct.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method comprises the steps of: providing one or more zone dampers and one or more booster fans for each of the inlet regulators and each of the outlet regulators; and The one or more zone dampers and the one or more supercharger fans are controlled to control and / or block the flow of air between the one or more zones and the center duct.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: receiving, by the controller, data from thermostats provided in the one or more zones relating to predefined indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters maintained at the one or more zones; receiving, by the controller, real-time IAQ values ​​at the one or more zones monitored by the thermostat; and One or more of an actuator associated with the baffle, the inlet damper, the outlet damper, the one or more zone dampers, a cooling unit, and a heating unit are actuated by the controller to facilitate maintaining predefined IAQ parameters within the one or more zones.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method includes the steps of manually operating one or more of the baffles, the inlet damper, the outlet damper, the one or more zone dampers, a cooling unit, and a heating unit so as to maintain predefined IAQ parameters within the one or more zones.

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