System and method for detecting low indoor air quality and enabling ventilation in multi-zone environment

Abstract

A system for detecting low IAQ and enabling ventilation in a multi-zone environment is disclosed. The system includes a damper disposed in a supply air passage associated with a region of an environment, and an IAQ sensor disposed in a common return conduit associated with the environment. When a change in the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected, the controller continuously operates one of the dampers in an open state while operating the remaining regional dampers in a closed state such that supply air flows into a region having the regional damper in the open state. The controller also continuously monitors the IAQ value of the return air received from each of the zones, and correspondingly detects a low IAQ condition in the zones upon detecting a difference between the IAQ value of the return air from the respective zone and the IAQ value of the combined return air received collectively from the zones.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 508,485, filed on June 15, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of indoor air quality management systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in zones of a multi-zone environment. Background Art

[0004] In a multi-zone environment, a duct-based HVAC system may be used to circulate conditioned air between the HVAC system and different zones. Existing IAQ control solutions may involve indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors that may be placed in each of the zones to monitor the IAQ value of the zone. In addition, based on the IAQ value of the zone, the air ventilation rate from the zone may be controlled. Summary of the invention

[0005] A system for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment is described herein. The system includes one or more zone dampers configured in one or more supply air channels associated with one or more zones of an area of ​​interest (AOI) such that one of the zone dampers is configured in each of the supply channels for individually adjusting the flow of supply air into each of the zones. In addition, the system includes: an IAQ sensor configured in a common return duct associated with the AOI, wherein the IAQ sensor is operable to monitor an IAQ value of combined return air commonly received from the one or more zones; and a controller in communication with the one or more zone dampers and the IAQ sensor. When it is detected that the IAQ value of the combined return air changes and / or is lower than a predetermined value, the controller is configured to: continuously operate one of the zone dampers in an open state, and simultaneously operate the remaining zone dampers in a closed state among the one or more zone dampers, so that the supply air flows into the zone having the corresponding zone damper in the open state, and the corresponding return air from the corresponding zone flows into the common air duct; when the corresponding zone damper is in the open state, continuously monitor the IAQ value of the return air received from each zone in the zone using the IAQ sensor; and when a difference between the IAQ value of the return air from the corresponding zone and the IAQ value of the combined return air received jointly from the one or more zones is detected, detect a low IAQ condition in the monitored corresponding zone.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the system includes one or more return air channels, which are fluidly configured between the one or more zones and the common air duct, so that one of the return air channels is fluidly configured between one of the zones and the common air duct, for individually supplying / adjusting the return air from each zone in the zone into the combined air duct as the combined return air.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the system includes an air ventilator configured in at least one of the one or more zones, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the ventilator in the zone having the low IAQ condition to ventilate the low IAQ value air from the corresponding zone.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the system includes at least one blower fan, which is configured with the one or more supply air channels, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the at least one blower to facilitate the flow of the supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the system includes an air handling unit (AHU) associated with the AOI, the AHU being fluidly connected to the one or more supply air channels and communicating with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the AHU to facilitate the flow of supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to actuate the at least one blower or the AHU to enable ambient air to flow into the area having the low IAQ condition, thereby promoting ventilation of low IAQ value air from the corresponding area.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to generate and transmit an alarm signal to one or more mobile devices associated with one or more occupants of the one or more zones having the low IAQ condition.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the system includes a thermostat configured in each of the zones, wherein the controller is in communication with the thermostats and is configured to generate an alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal to the thermostat associated with the zone having the low IAQ condition.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the alarm signal indicates that a low IAQ value is detected in the corresponding area, and requests the corresponding occupant to manually ventilate the corresponding area by opening doors and windows of the area.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, when the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected to be constant or above the predetermined value, the controller is configured to operate the one or more zone dampers in any one of the open state, the semi-closed state, and the closed state based on a predefined IAQ value set by the one or more occupants using the thermostat.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the AOI is a building and the one or more areas are one or more rooms of the building.

[0016] The present invention also describes a method for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment. The method includes the following steps: monitoring the combined return air commonly received from one or more zones associated with the AOI by an IAQ sensor configured in a common return duct associated with the AOI, wherein one or more zone dampers are configured in one or more supply channels associated with each zone in the zone for individually adjusting the flow of supply air entering each zone in the zone, and the common air duct is fluidly connected to each zone in the zone via one or more return air channels; when it is detected that the IAQ value of the combined return air changes and / or is lower than a predetermined value, continuously operating one of the zone dampers in an open state by a controller, and simultaneously operating the one of the zone dampers. the remaining zone dampers among one or more zone dampers are in the closed state, so that the supply air flows into the zone having the corresponding zone dampers in the open state, and the corresponding return air from the corresponding zone flows into the common air duct; when the corresponding zone dampers are in the open state, the controller continuously monitors the IAQ value of the return air received from each zone in the zone using the IAQ sensor; and when a difference between the IAQ value of the return air from the corresponding zone and the IAQ value of the combined return air received jointly from the one or more zones is detected, the controller detects a low IAQ condition in the monitored corresponding zone.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the step of actuating, by the controller, a ventilator associated with the zone having the low IAQ condition to ventilate the low IAQ value air from the corresponding zone.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the step of actuating at least one blower configured with the one or more supply air channels to facilitate the flow of the supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the step of actuating an air handling unit (AHU) associated with the AOI to facilitate flow of the supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the step of actuating the at least one blower or the AHU by the controller to enable ambient air to flow into the area having the low IAQ condition to promote ventilation of low IAQ value air from the corresponding area.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of generating, by the controller, an alarm signal and transmitting the alarm signal to one or more mobile devices associated with one or more occupants of the one or more zones having the low IAQ condition.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the alarm signal indicates that a low IAQ value is detected in the corresponding area, and requests the corresponding occupant to manually ventilate the corresponding area by opening doors and windows of the area.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, when the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected as constant and / or above the predetermined value, the method includes a step of operating, by the controller, the one or more zone dampers in the open state, the semi-closed state, or the closed state based on a predefined IAQ value set by the one or more occupants using the thermostat.

[0024] 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 subject disclosure will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the subject disclosure.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a second reference number that distinguishes between the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number.

[0027] Figure 1 An exemplary representation of a system for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2The present invention shows one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of a system.

[0029] Figure 3 An exemplary flow chart of a method for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 One or more embodiments disclosed in the present subject matter are shown for implementing Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary schematic block diagram of a hardware system of a controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the subject disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments employ such details so that the subject disclosure can be clearly conveyed. However, the numerous details provided are not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined 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.

[0033] In this specification, when describing the device in the drawings, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between various components and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after fully reading this subject disclosure, the components of the present invention described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Therefore, the use of terms such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "first", "second", or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of various aspects of such components should be understood to describe the relative relationship between these components described herein or the spatial orientation of various aspects of such components can be oriented in any desired direction.

[0034] In a multi-zone environment such as, but not limited to, a building having multiple floors and multiple rooms, a duct-based heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may be installed to supply conditioned and fresh air to different zones. The HVAC system may include a supply air flow duct having multiple interconnected supply air channels, and a return air duct having multiple interconnected return air channels, through which supply air flows to the zones, and through which return air from each zone is recirculated. The HVAC system may also involve an air handling unit (AHU) or blower connected to the supply air flow duct and the return air flow duct to receive fresh outside air, condition the outside air, and supply conditioned fresh air throughout the duct across the different zones in a timely manner.

[0035] Due to the increased levels of CO, CO2, VOC, particulate matter, bacteria, etc. present in the area or environment, the indoor air quality (IAQ) at the area may be negatively affected. Existing IAQ control solutions may involve multiple IAQ sensors that can be placed in each area of ​​the area to monitor the IAQ value of the area. Therefore, based on the IAQ value of the area, the air ventilation rate from the area can be controlled to maintain good IAQ at the area. However, the use of multiple IAQ sensors in a multi-area environment can be expensive and difficult to monitor and control. In addition, even if the low IAQ condition only involves certain specific areas, the existing IAQ control solutions can work effectively by clearing the entire area, thereby causing inconvenience to the occupants of the area.

[0036] The present invention provides a simple, efficient and cost-effective system and method that can be easily configured with existing HVAC systems and IAQ control systems of any multi-zone environment to detect low indoor air quality (IAQ) in zones of the multi-zone environment and enable ventilation. In addition, the present invention can be implemented in zones without air ventilation systems and can alert occupants in the event of a low IAQ condition.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a system 100 of an HVAC system configured with a multi-zone environment or area of ​​interest (AOI) 102 is disclosed, which detects low indoor air quality (IAQ) in an area of ​​the environment / AOI and further enables ventilation in the area to maintain good IAQ. The multi-zone environment 102 (also referred to herein as the area of ​​interest (AOI) 102) may include a plurality of zones 104-1 to 104-N (collectively referred to herein as zones 104). The system 100 may involve existing components of the HVAC system of the AOI without requiring any additional components.

[0038] The HVAC system of the environment / AOI may include a supply air flow duct including a plurality of interconnected supply air channels 106-1 to 106-N (collectively referred to herein as supply air channels 106) fluidly connected to the zones 104-1 to 104-N of the AOI 102. In addition, one or more zone dampers 108-1 to 108-2 may be configured in the supply air channels 106-1 to 106-N, such that one of the zone dampers 108-1 to 108-N may be configured within each of the supply air channels 106-1 to 106-N for individually adjusting the flow of supply air into each of the zones 104-1 to 104-N. The HVAC system may further include a return air duct including a plurality of interconnected return air channels 110-1 to 110-N (collectively referred to herein as return air channels 110) to facilitate the flow of return air out of each of the zones 104. The outlet of each of the return air passages 110-1 to 110-N may be connected to the common return air duct 112, so that the common return air duct 112 may receive the return air from each of the zones 104-1 to 104-N in common. The return air passages 110 may be fluidly configured between the zones 104-1 to 104-N and the common return air duct 112, so that one of the return air passages 110-1 to 110-N may be fluidly configured between one of the zones 104-1 to 104-N and the common return air duct 112 for individually supplying / adjusting the return air from each of the zones 104-1 to 104-N into the common return air duct 112 as combined return air.

[0039] The system 100 may include an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor 114 (also referred to herein as a sensing device) configured in the common return air duct 112 to monitor the IAQ value of the combined return air received from one or more zones 104. In one or more embodiments, the IAQ sensor 114 may be a single sensing device, such as a thermostat, etc., which includes one or more of the following: a volatile organic compound sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a particulate matter sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, an ethylene sensor, a formaldehyde sensor, a radon sensor, a methane sensor, an ozone sensor, a sulfur dioxide sensor, a nitrogen monoxide sensor, and a nitrous oxide sensor. In addition, in some embodiments, different IAQ sensors (collectively referred to herein as IAQ sensors 114) may be distributed in the common return air duct 112 to monitor the IAQ value of the received combined return air. The IAQ sensor 114 may be operable to monitor the level of one or more of the following present in the combined return air: volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ethylene, formaldehyde, radon, methane, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrous oxide, etc.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the HVAC system of the AOI may further include an air handling unit (AHU) 116 fluidly connected to the supply air flow duct / supply air channel 106 and the common return air duct 112 to facilitate the flow of supply air from the supply air channel 106 to the common air duct 112 via the one or more zones 104 and the corresponding return air channels 110. In other embodiments, the HVAC system of the environment may include at least one blower (also referred to herein as 116) fluidly connected to the supply air flow duct and the common return air duct 112 to facilitate the flow of supply air from the supply air channel 106 to the common return air duct 112 via the one or more zones 104 and the corresponding return air channels 110.

[0041] The HVAC system may include a central damper (not shown) configured to adjust the flow of supply air entering the supply air flow duct / supply air channel 106, the supply air including any one of the outside air and the return air or a mixture thereof. In addition, the system 100 may include a plurality of zone dampers 108, which may be installed in the interconnected supply air channels 106, so that one of the zone dampers 108 may be configured in each supply air channel of the supply air channel for individually adjusting the flow of supply air entering each zone in the zone. For example, as shown, the zone damper 108-1 may be configured in the supply air channel 106-1. In addition, the zone damper 108-2 may be configured in the supply air channel 106-N. Similarly, a number of N zone dampers 108-N may be configured in a number of N supply air channels 106-N. The zone damper 108 may be configured to operate in a closed state, a semi-closed state, or an open state. In the closed state, the zone damper 108 may completely restrict air from flowing through the corresponding supply air passage 106 and into the corresponding zone 104. In addition, in the open state, the zone damper 108 may allow air to flow through the corresponding supply air passage 106 and into the corresponding zone 104 without restriction. In addition, in the semi-closed state or the semi-open state, the zone damper 108 may allow reduced air to flow through the corresponding supply air passage 106 and into the corresponding zone 104.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the HVAC system may further include air ventilators 118-1 to 118-N (collectively referred to herein as ventilators 118), which are configured in at least one of the zones 104-1 to 104-N. The ventilators 118 may be operable to ventilate air from the corresponding zone 104. In addition, when no ventilator is present in any of the zones 104, ventilation in such a zone 104 may be manually accomplished by opening doors and windows of the corresponding zone 104. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that although Figure 1 Regions 104 - 1 and 104 -N with ventilators 118 - 1 and 118 -N and region 104 - 2 without a ventilator are shown, but, depending on the AOI, all regions 104 may also include ventilators 118 , or at least some of regions 104 may include ventilators 118 without any limitation.

[0043] The system may include a controller 120 that is communicatively connected to the AHU / blower 116, the zone dampers 108, the IAQ sensors 114, the air ventilators 118, and other components of the HVAC system to control the operation of the HVAC system. The controller 120 may include a processor 120-1 coupled to a memory 120-2 that stores instructions executable by the processor 120-1 to enable the controller 120 to perform one or more specified operations.

[0044] The system 100 may further include one or more mobile devices 122 associated with occupants of the zones 104. The mobile devices 122 may communicate with the controller and may allow the occupants to monitor the IAQ of the zones 104 and further set predefined IAQ values ​​for the corresponding zones 104.

[0045] The controller 120 may be configured to monitor the IAQ value of the combined return air commonly received from the zones 104 of the AOI 102. The controller 120 may maintain the operation of the zone damper 108 in any one of an open state, a semi-closed state, and a closed state based on a predefined IAQ value set for the zone by an occupant using a thermostat 124 provided in the zone 104 until the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected by the IAQ sensor 114 as being constant and / or above a predetermined value.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, when the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected by the IAQ sensor 114 as changing and / or being lower than a predetermined value, the controller 120 may continuously operate one of the zone dampers in an open state while operating the remaining zone dampers in a closed state among the one or more zone dampers 108-1 to 108-N so that supply air flows into the zone 104 having the corresponding zone damper in an open state, and the corresponding return air from the corresponding zone flows into the common return air duct 112. For example, the controller 120 may operate the zone damper 108-1 in an open state while operating the remaining zone dampers 108-2 to 108-N in a closed state so that supply air may flow into the zone 104-1, and the corresponding return air from the zone 104-1 may flow into the common return air duct 112. In addition, the controller 120 may operate the zone damper 108-2 in the open state while operating the remaining zone dampers 108-1, 108-3 to 108-N in the closed state so that supply air can flow into the zone 104-2 and the corresponding return air from the zone 104-2 can flow into the common return air duct 112. Similarly, the controller may individually and continuously operate all the zone dampers in the open state one at a time while keeping the other zone dampers in the closed state. The process of continuously operating one of the zone dampers in the open state while keeping the remaining zone dampers in the closed state may enhance the air flow in the zone, and the resulting positive pressure may increase the return air supply from the corresponding zone to the common return air duct.

[0047] In addition, when the corresponding zone damper 108 of the zone 104 is in the open state, the controller 120 may continuously monitor the IAQ value of the return air received from each of the zones 104 in the common return air duct 112 using the IAQ sensor 114. For example, when only the zone damper 108-1 is in the open state, the controller 120 may monitor only the IAQ value of the return air received from the zone 104-1 in the common return air duct 112. In addition, when only the zone damper 108-2 is in the open state, the controller 120 may monitor only the IAQ value of the return air received from the zone 104-2 in the common return air duct 112. Similarly, the controller 120 may monitor or scan the IAQ value of the return air received from each of the zones in the common return air duct one by one. Since the (combined) return air received in the common return air duct 112 mainly comes from the zones 104 having the zone dampers 108 in the open state (because the other zone dampers are in the closed state), the IAQ value of the return air detected in the common return air duct 112 can indicate the IAQ value of the corresponding zone 104.

[0048] Thus, the controller 120 may be configured to detect or identify a low IAQ condition in a respective zone 104 that is monitored individually when a fluctuation or difference is detected between the IAQ value of the return air from the respective zone 104 and the IAQ value of the combined return air received collectively from one or more zones 104-1 to 104-N. In addition, when the IAQ value of the return air from the respective zone 104 that is monitored individually and the IAQ value of the combined return air received collectively from one or more zones 104-1 to 104-N are detected to be relatively stable, the controller 120 may identify the respective zone as having good IAQ. For example, when a difference is detected between the IAQ value of the return air from the zone 104-1 and the IAQ value of the combined return air received collectively from one or more zones 104-1 to 104-N, the controller 120 may identify the zone 104-1 as having a low / poor IAQ value. Furthermore, the controller 120 may identify the zone 104-2 as having a good IAQ value when the difference between the IAQ value of the return air from the zone 104-2 and the IAQ value of the combined return air received collectively from one or more zones 104-1 through 104-N is detected as being relatively stable.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, when the IAQ value sensed by the IAQ sensor 114 changes or fluctuates, the output (voltage / current) value of the sensor may increase or decrease based on the sensor type. In an example, but not limited to, a particulate matter (IAQ) sensor configured to measure particulate matter levels in the range of 0-700 μg / m3 of air may produce a proportional current output value of 4-20 milliamps (mA), where detecting 0 μg / m3 of particulate matter in the air may produce an output of 4 mA, and 700 μg / m3 may produce an output of 20 mA. Therefore, the difference between the particulate matter (IAQ) level detected in the return air from one of the zones and the combined return air received from all zones 104-1 to 104-N may produce a proportional change in the output (voltage / current) of the sensor based on the difference, which may enable the controller 120 to identify the IAQ level of the corresponding zone.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured to actuate the ventilator 118 of the area 104 having a low IAQ condition to ventilate the low IAQ value air from the corresponding area 104. In addition, in other embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured to actuate the blower or AHU 116 to enable ambient air or clean supply air to flow into the area 104 having a low IAQ condition, thereby facilitating the ventilation of the low IAQ value air from the corresponding area 104-1. In addition, in other embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured to generate an alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal to a mobile device 122 associated with an occupant of the area 104 having a low IAQ condition and / or to a thermostat 124 provided in the area having a low IAQ condition. The alarm signal may indicate that a low IAQ value is detected at the corresponding area, and request the corresponding occupant to manually ventilate the corresponding area 104 by opening the door and window of the area 104.

[0051] The controller 120, AHU / blower 116, zone damper 108, IAQ sensor 114, mobile device 122, and ventilator 118 may include a transceiver or communication module to communicatively connect the controller 120 to one or more of the following: AHU / blower 116, zone damper 108, IAC sensor 114, mobile device 122, and air ventilator 118 via a network via a wired and / or wireless medium. In one or more embodiments, the controller 120 may be a control unit associated with the HVAC system of the AOI 102. However, in other embodiments, the controller 120 may be a central server that may communicate with the control unit of the HVAC system. In one or more embodiments, the system 100 or the controller 120 and the mobile device 122 associated with the occupant may be operably coupled to a website and thus may be operated from any Internet-enabled user device. Examples of mobile devices may include, but are not limited to, portable computers, personal digital assistants, handheld devices, and workstations.

[0052] In one implementation, 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), 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, which communicate with each other using various protocols, such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP), wireless application protocol (WAP), etc. In addition, the network may include various network devices, including transceivers, routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc. In another implementation, the network may be a cellular network or a 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.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 , discloses a method 300 for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment. The method 300 may involve a controller 120, an AHU / blower 116, a ventilator 118, a mobile device 122, an IAQ sensor 114, and a Figure 1 and Figure 2 The method 300 may include step 302 of monitoring, by an IAQ sensor disposed in a common return duct associated with the AOI, a combined return air commonly received from one or more zones associated with the AOI.

[0054] In addition, when it is detected that the IAQ value of the combined return air changes and / or is lower than a predetermined value, the method 300 may include step 304: continuously operating one of the zone dampers in an open state by the controller, while operating the remaining zone dampers in a closed state, so that the supply air flows into the zone having the corresponding zone damper in an open state, and the corresponding return air from the corresponding zone flows into the common return air duct. The method 300 may also include step 306: when the corresponding zone damper is in an open state, the controller continuously monitors the IAQ value of the return air received from each zone in the zone using the IAQ sensor.

[0055] Therefore, method 300 may further include step 308: detecting or identifying a low IAQ condition in the corresponding area monitored at step 304 when a fluctuation or difference is detected between the IAQ value of the return air from the corresponding area monitored at step 306 and the IAQ value of the combined return air (received jointly from the areas) monitored at step 302.

[0056] In addition, when the IAQ value of the return air from the corresponding area monitored at step 306 and the IAQ value of the combined return air (received jointly from the areas) monitored at step 302 are detected or monitored as being relatively stable, method 300 may include a step of detecting or identifying a good IAQ condition in the corresponding area monitored at step 304.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the method 300 may include a step of actuating, by a controller, a ventilator associated with an area with a low IAQ condition to ventilate low IAQ value air from the corresponding area. In addition, in other embodiments, the method 300 may include a step of actuating, by a controller, a blower or an AHU to enable ambient air to flow into an area with a low IAQ condition to facilitate ventilation of low IAQ value air from the corresponding area.

[0058] In addition, in one or more embodiments, the method 300 may include the step of generating, by the controller, an alarm signal and transmitting the alarm signal to a mobile device associated with an occupant of the area with the low IAQ condition or to a thermostat provided in the area with the low IAQ condition. The alarm signal may indicate that a low IAQ value is detected at the corresponding area and request the corresponding occupant to manually ventilate the corresponding area by opening the door and window of the area.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the method 300 may include the step of actuating a blower configured with the supply air channel to facilitate the flow of supply air from the supply air channel via the zones and the corresponding return air channels to the common return air duct. Additionally, in other embodiments, the method 300 may include the step of actuating an AHU associated with the AOI to facilitate the flow of supply air from the supply air channel via the zones and the corresponding return air channels to the common return air duct.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, when the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected as constant and / or above a predetermined value, method 300 may include the step of operating one or more zone dampers in an open state, a semi-closed state, or a closed state based on a predefined IAQ value set for the corresponding zone by an occupant using a thermostat or a mobile device.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system and method use existing blowers, AHUs, zone dampers, and ductwork already installed in the AOI without requiring any additional hardware elements, which keeps the system simple, cost-effective, and sustainable. In addition, only one IAQ sensor / sensing device / thermostat is used in the common return air duct (compared to existing solutions that provide multiple IAQ sensors / sensing devices in each zone), further making the system cost-effective, sustainable, and easy to control. In addition, the IAQ detection process can be completed quickly even when occupants are present in the zone (which can be difficult to achieve in existing solutions), thereby inconveniencing the occupants of the zone. In addition, the system can warn the occupants even in the absence of air ventilators in low IAQ zones and also enable ventilation in these zones.

[0062] Thus, the present invention provides a simple, efficient and cost-effective system and method that can be easily configured with existing HVAC systems and IAQ control systems of any multi-zone environment to detect low indoor air quality (IAQ) in zones of the multi-zone environment and enable ventilation. In addition, the present invention can be implemented in zones without air ventilation systems and can alert occupants if low IAQ is detected.

[0063] Figure 4 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram of a hardware system for implementing the controller 120. Figure 4 As shown, the controller 120 may include an external storage device 410, a bus 420, a main memory 430, a read-only memory 440, a mass storage device 450, a communication port 460, and a processor 470. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 120 may include more than one processor and communication port. Examples of the processor 470 include, but are not limited to, (one or more) or Itanium 2 processor, or (one or more) or Athlon processor, Processor line, FortiSOC TMSystem on chip processor or other future processor. Processor 470 may include various modules. Communication port 460 may be any of the following: RS-232 port for modem-based dial-up connection, 10 / 100 Ethernet port, Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, serial port, parallel port or other existing or future port. Communication port 460 may be selected depending on the network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) or any network to which controller 120 is connected. Memory 430 may be a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device known in the art. Read-only memory 440 may be any (one or more) static storage device, such as but not limited to a programmable read-only memory (PROM) chip for storing static information, such as startup or BIOS instructions for processor 470. Mass storage device 450 may be any current or future mass storage solution that can be used to store information and / or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid state drives (internal or external, e.g., with Universal Serial Bus (USB) and / or FireWire interfaces), such as those available from Seagate (e.g., Seagate Barracuda 7102 series) or Hitachi (e.g., Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical disks, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage devices, such as disk arrays (e.g., SATA arrays) available from various vendors including Dot-Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies Inc., and Enhance Technology Inc.

[0064] The bus 420 communicatively couples the processor(s) 470 with other memories, storage devices, and communication blocks. The bus 420 may be, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) / PCI expansion (PCI-X) bus, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a USB, etc., for connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems, and other buses, such as a front-side bus (FSB) that connects the processor 470 to a software system.

[0065] Optionally, operator and management interfaces, such as a display, keyboard, and cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus 420 to support direct operator interaction with controller 120. Other operator and management interfaces may be provided via a network connection connected via communication port 460. External storage device 410 may be any type of external hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, Zip drive, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk rewritable (CD-RW), digital video disk read only memory (DVD-ROM). The above components are intended only to list the possibilities. The above exemplary controller 120 should in no way limit the scope of the subject disclosure.

[0066] Although the subject disclosure has been 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 its elements without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adopt specific circumstances or materials taught by the subject disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the subject disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather that the subject disclosure includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0067] In interpreting this specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "include" 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, used or combined with other elements, components or steps not explicitly referenced. In the case where the specification claims refer to selecting at least one thing from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element of the group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A system for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment, the system comprising: one or more zone dampers, the one or more zone dampers being arranged in one or more supply air channels associated with one or more zones of an area of ​​interest (AOI), such that one of the zone dampers is arranged in each of the supply channels for individually adjusting the flow of supply air into each of the zones in the area; an IAQ sensor disposed in a common return duct associated with the AOI, wherein the IAQ sensor is operable to monitor an IAQ value of combined return air commonly received from the one or more zones; as well as a controller in communication with the one or more zone dampers and the IAQ sensor, When it is detected that the IAQ value of the combined return air changes and / or is lower than a predetermined value, the controller is configured to: continuously operating one of the zone dampers in an open state while operating the remaining zone dampers in a closed state among the one or more zone dampers so that the supply air flows into the zone having the corresponding zone damper in the open state and the corresponding return air from the corresponding zone flows into the common air duct; continuously monitoring the IAQ value of the return air received from each of the zones using the IAQ sensor when the corresponding zone damper is in the open state; and A low IAQ condition in the monitored respective zone is detected when a difference is detected between the IAQ value of the return air from the respective zone and the IAQ value of the combined return air commonly received from the one or more zones.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system comprises one or more return air channels, which are fluidly arranged between the one or more zones and the common air duct, such that one of the return air channels is fluidly arranged between one of the zones and the common air duct for individually supplying / conditioning the return air from each of the zones into the combined air duct as the combined return air.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes an air ventilator disposed in at least one of the one or more zones, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the ventilator of the zone having the low IAQ condition to ventilate low IAQ value air from the corresponding zone.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes at least one blower configured with the one or more supply air channels, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the at least one blower to facilitate the flow of supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes an air handling unit (AHU) associated with the AOI, the AHU being fluidly connected to the one or more supply air channels and in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the AHU to facilitate flow of supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to actuate the at least one blower or the AHU to enable ambient air to flow into the area having the low IAQ condition, thereby facilitating ventilation of low IAQ value air from the corresponding area.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to generate an alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal to one or more mobile devices associated with one or more occupants of the one or more zones having the low IAQ condition.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes a thermostat configured in each of the zones, wherein the controller is in communication with the thermostats and is configured to generate and transmit an alarm signal to the thermostat associated with the zone having the low IAQ condition.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The alarm signal indicates that a low IAQ value is detected in the corresponding area, and requests a corresponding occupant to manually ventilate the corresponding area by opening doors and windows of the area.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected to be constant or above the predetermined value, the controller is configured to operate the one or more zone dampers in any one of the open state, the semi-closed state, and the closed state based on a predefined IAQ value set by the one or more occupants using the thermostat.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The AOI is a building, and the one or more areas are one or more rooms of the building.

12. A method for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in a zone of a multi-zone environment, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring, via an IAQ sensor disposed in a common return duct associated with the AOI, the combined return air commonly received from one or more zones associated with the AOI, wherein one or more zone dampers are arranged in one or more supply channels associated with each of the zones for individually adjusting the flow of supply air into each of the zones in the zones, and the common air duct is fluidly connected to each of the zones in the zones via one or more return air channels; When it is detected that the IAQ value of the combined return air changes and / or is lower than a predetermined value, continuously operating one of the zone dampers in an open state and simultaneously operating the remaining zone dampers in a closed state among the one or more zone dampers through a controller, so that the supply air flows into the zone having the corresponding zone damper in the open state and the corresponding return air from the corresponding zone flows into the common air duct; continuously monitoring, by the controller, the IAQ value of the return air received from each of the zones using the IAQ sensor when the corresponding zone damper is in the open state; as well as A low IAQ condition in the monitored corresponding zone is detected by the controller when a difference is detected between the IAQ value of the return air from the corresponding zone and the IAQ value of the combined return air commonly received from the one or more zones.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method includes the step of actuating, by the controller, a ventilator associated with the zone having the low IAQ condition to ventilate low IAQ value air from the corresponding zone.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method includes the step of actuating at least one blower configured with the one or more supply air channels to facilitate flow of the supply air from the one or more supply air channels to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air channels.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method includes the step of actuating an air handling unit (AHU) associated with the AOI to facilitate flow of the supply air from the one or more supply air passages to the common air duct via the one or more zones and corresponding one or more return air passages.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method includes the step of actuating the at least one blower or the AHU by the controller to enable ambient air to flow into the area having the low IAQ condition to facilitate ventilation of low IAQ value air from the corresponding area.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method includes the steps of generating, by the controller, an alarm signal and transmitting the alarm signal to one or more mobile devices associated with one or more occupants of the one or more zones having the low IAQ condition.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method includes the steps of generating, by the controller, an alarm signal and transmitting the alarm signal to a thermostat associated with the zone having the low IAQ condition.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The alarm signal indicates that a low IAQ value is detected in the corresponding area, and requests a corresponding occupant to manually ventilate the corresponding area by opening doors and windows of the area.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein: When the IAQ value of the combined return air is detected to be constant and / or above the predetermined value, the method includes the step of operating, by the controller, the one or more zone dampers in the open state, the semi-closed state or the closed state based on a predefined IAQ value set by the one or more occupants using the thermostat.

Images