HVAC system utilizing wind turbines to generate and harvest energy

Abstract

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of the present invention includes air delivery modules having an airflow housing in which impeller blades are positioned. Air flowing through the housing generates electrical energy, which may be stored in an energy storage device. A person presence sensor is electrically interconnected to and powered by the energy storage device. The modules are mounted via a rocking and tilting mechanism whereby servomotors attached to the modules direct the outputs of the modules in response to data of a person presence sensor to divert and / or direct air toward the person. The system provides a self-powered system, and the self-powered system can control the flow and direction of air so as to realize customization of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent document claims priority to previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 582,693 (filing date September 14, 2023), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of generating electrical energy by means of wind turbines and storing such generated electrical energy. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of wind turbines in smaller and more confined spaces, such as interior spaces or environments. Such interior spaces or environments may include, for example, office spaces, industrial manufacturing areas, or residential spaces. The present invention further relates to a wind energy collection system for use in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the roof or ceiling area of ​​a particular type of environment, such as an interior environment. The present invention relates to the use of a turbine to convert wind associated with airflow within an HVAC system into electrical energy, which in turn can be used to operate the HVAC system itself.

[0003] The system involves the collection, storage, and application of wind energy, which can be used to generate electricity to operate an HVAC system, such as a system with sensors and other devices that can adjust the HVAC system based on human activity in such an interior environment.

[0004] By way of further background, renewable energy sources based on energy harvesting from external wind turbines have gained increasing attention and maturity. However, there has been little or no development in general technologies for harvesting energy from wind generated within confined interior spaces, such as existing HVAC systems (i.e., systems that include forced heating or cooling airflow). Consequently, significant challenges exist in effectively harvesting wind energy within interior spaces, resulting in few solutions in this area.

[0005] In an interior space, there can be a considerable amount of airflow, i.e., the airflow generated in the HVAC system as it delivers forced hot air (for heating the space) or forced cold air (for air conditioning the space) through conditioning devices located throughout the space. Return vents exist that return this circulating air to the source from which the heat or cooling was generated, typically for continuous reheating or recooling of the forced air, thereby providing the desired corresponding heating or cooling of the space. The airflow in the HVAC system can be converted into electrical energy by a wind turbine for use in operating the HVAC system. Often, this airflow is more than sufficient to circulate the heated or cooled air for this purpose, resulting in excess airflow that is completely unused. This airflow and excess airflow, as well as the electrical energy generated thereby, can be used to power other devices external to the HVAC system or to supply power to the grid.

[0006] There have been some attempts in the prior art and renewable energy industries to take advantage of this unused or excess airflow. Existing strategies attempt to provide and improve the efficiency of internal "small-scale" wind collection using some type of wind energy collection mechanism with a loop, etc.

[0007] For example, "galloping" energy harvesters have advantages due to their self-excitation and self-limiting flutter characteristics, that is, the oscillation amplitude is large and can oscillate under an unlimited range of wind speeds. However, these devices and systems have the disadvantage of requiring high wind speeds. For example, most piezoelectric electro-elastic energy harvesters only operate effectively at high wind speeds or within a narrow speed range. In another attempt in the industry, "fluttering" energy harvesters that collect airflow and / or ambient air have also become a popular direction.

[0008] However, both flapping and flutter mechanisms oscillate and generate energy only under laminar flow conditions, which is not typically the case in natural environments where turbulence is common, but rather stabilizes the collector. Furthermore, these known devices and systems require a minimum wind speed threshold for startup, below which no electrical energy is generated. This requirement is unacceptable in very small-scale wind turbine systems, particularly in indoor environments.

[0009] Furthermore, turbulence-induced vibrations (TIV) can have the advantage that the vibrations do not disappear even at low average wind speeds. However, this technique can be difficult to implement in closed interior environments in practice.

[0010] There is a need in the industry for a solution to the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of known small-scale turbine systems to be used in an interior environment.

[0011] There is a further need for a system that integrates with existing HVAC systems to collect the resulting airflow and convert it into usable energy, such as electricity, for operation of the HVAC system and sensors and devices used in the HVAC system.

[0012] What is needed is a system that integrates directly into the air delivery system that delivers air into a given space.

[0013] There is a further need to tailor the direction, volume, and flow of air entering a given space when people are present in the space.

[0014] In particular, there is a need for a system having individual air delivery outlet port units that are independently controllable so that the flow direction of the air flow can be directed to specific desired locations.

[0015] There is a further need for a system that controls individual air delivery outlet port units in an efficient and cost-effective manner and utilizes as few moving parts and components as possible.

[0016] Demand control of individual air delivery outlet port units into the space is required.

[0017] It would be desirable to provide a modular system of individual air delivery outlet port units that can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of a given space. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The present invention is directed to a novel and unique HVAC system that delivers airflow to various locations within an interior space, wherein the air delivery outlet port units are configured as "smart" regulating devices that can individually control the flow and direction of air at each outlet port, wherein the flow control is optionally and preferably based on the presence of people in the port area. Furthermore, each outlet port unit is equipped with a turbine through which air flows, converting the air flowing through the turbine into electrical energy for use by corresponding devices (such as sensors and servo motors) within the outlet port in which the turbine is mounted and positioned. This electrical energy is preferably stored locally at each outlet port, such as in a battery associated with the corresponding outlet port unit. Excess electrical energy not required to power the corresponding devices at the outlet port can be used for other devices in the space, such as lighting. Excess electrical energy can also be sold back to the grid or stored at another remote location.

[0019] The electrical energy stored in the battery of each outlet port unit is preferably used to assist in the operation of the HVAC system, i.e., to assist in the operation of a given local outlet port. For example, the electrical energy generated by the turbine can be used to operate a valve to control the flow of air through the port unit, or for other devices, such as servos and sensors. For example, the locally stored electrical energy can power environmental sensors or presence sensors that detect the presence of people near a specific air delivery outlet port. For example, when a sensor detects the presence of a person in the space, the air flow at the specific air delivery outlet port can be turned on. In addition, the generated electrical energy can power servo motors that control the direction of the nozzles at the outlet ports. The sensors can detect the position of a person in three-dimensional space and then communicate this information to the control system to instruct the servo motors to collaboratively move the nozzles toward the position of the detected person, thereby optimizing and improving the energy efficiency of the HVAC.

[0020] The air delivery outlet port units are preferably interconnected via a wireless network (e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), allowing the air delivery outlet port units to communicate with each other. This further enables remote control of the entire network of port units from a central location (e.g., a central controller, hub, router, device, etc.). For example, such remote control can be performed directly on each module 12 via a mobile device or computer, or via a central hub.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the port units can also be electrically interconnected to a central location so that excess power not used locally for outlet port operation can be used for other power needs. In other words, the entire network of air delivery port units can also be used to generate power to meet environmental power needs, such as lighting and other non-HVAC sensors, or to sell excess power back to the grid.

[0022] The wind energy collection system of the present invention is applied in HVAC systems, preferably in the roof or ceiling area of ​​an interior environment. The system can collect, store and apply wind energy based on human activities in the environment.

[0023] Additional air amplifiers can be employed at each air delivery outlet port unit to further enhance the air flow at each port and improve the airflow efficiency at each port. As can be appreciated, increased air flow and the delivery efficiency of such air flow are desirable, and such air amplifiers are suitable for achieving this purpose.

[0024] It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problems and disadvantages present in known small scale turbine systems to be used in an internal environment.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that integrates with an existing HVAC system to collect the airflow generated thereby and convert the airflow into usable energy (such as electrical energy) for operation of the HVAC system and sensors and devices used in the HVAC system.

[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to integrate electrical energy generated by an air turbine into an air delivery system that delivers air to a given space.

[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that can provide dynamic control of the direction, volume, and flow of air entering a given space when people are present in the given space, all using electrical energy generated locally by wind turbines.

[0028] It is a further object of the present invention to provide control over individual airflow ports into a space.

[0029] Another object of the system of the present invention is to provide individual air delivery outlet port units that are independently controllable so that the flow direction of the air flow from the air delivery outlet port units can be directed to specific desired locations.

[0030] Another object of the system of the present invention is to control the various air delivery outlet port units in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and with as few moving parts and components as possible.

[0031] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a modular system that can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of a given space.

[0032] It is another object of the present invention to provide an HVAC system that generates excess electrical energy that can be used to power devices external to the HVAC system or to provide power back to the grid.

[0033] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide amplified and enhanced air flow at each air delivery outlet port unit to increase the efficiency and flow rate of delivered air, thereby optimizing the overall performance of the system.

[0034] Thus, the present invention provides a new, unique and novel HVAC system that utilizes forced hot or cold air to condition an interior environment (such as an office space) whereby such air flow also powers devices located at one or more given outlet port locations that are otherwise remote from or not interconnected to a power source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the invention are shown and described in the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the HVAC system of the present invention installed in an environment in which users are present;

[0037] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the HVAC system of the present invention installed in an environment in which no personnel are present;

[0038] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the HVAC system of the present invention installed in an environment;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the HVAC system of the present invention, showing the coverage of each air delivery module within a given environment;

[0040] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the HVAC system of the present invention showing downward coverage of the various air delivery modules within a given environment;

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an air delivery module according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top view of the air delivery module;

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the air delivery module, showing the shaking capability of the air delivery module;

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A side elevation view of an air delivery module;

[0045] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A side elevation view of an air delivery module illustrating the tilting capability of the air delivery module;

[0046] Figure 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the turbine portion of the air delivery module;

[0047] Figure 12A shows a top perspective view of the blower portion of the air delivery module;

[0048] Figure 12B shows a top perspective view of the blower portion of the air delivery module with the top cover removed for illustration purposes to show the magnets;

[0049] Figure 12C shows a top perspective view of the blower portion of the air delivery module with the top cover and turbine blades removed for illustration purposes;

[0050] Figure 13A shows a bottom perspective view of the blower portion of the air delivery module with the turbine blades and bottom housing removed for illustration purposes to show the wire windings;

[0051] Figure 13B shows a bottom perspective view of the blower portion of the air delivery module with the bottom housing removed for illustration purposes to show the turbine blades;

[0052] Figure 13C shows a bottom perspective view of the blower portion of the air delivery module;

[0053] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a blower portion of an air delivery module employing an air amplification configuration;

[0054] Figure 15 Shown is an air amplification configuration. Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the blower part;

[0055] Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an air delivery module of the present invention, the air delivery module having a rechargeable battery for energy harvesting;

[0056] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A side elevation view of another embodiment of an air delivery module of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 18 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an air delivery module having a sensor array for directional control of airflow; and

[0058] Figure 19 It is a top perspective view of the sensor network communication components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The system 10 of the present invention provides a novel HVAC system 10 having an array of individual air delivery modules 12 having directional air blowers that can be controlled in response to environmental events, such as the presence of a person in the environment, or other instructions provided to the system 10. This enables the directional delivery of HVAC airflow to a room environment 14 to be dynamically customized in response to the sensed presence of a person 16 in the room environment 14 and the person's location in the room environment, or other instructions.

[0060] First turn Figures 1 to 5 , shows various views of an overall HVAC system 10 of the present invention having an array of air delivery modules 12 preferably suspended from a ceiling 18 in an environment / room 14 to direct air (e.g., heated or cooled air) into the ambient space 14. It should be noted that while it is preferred to suspend the system 10 of the present invention from the ceiling 18, the system 10 may also be mounted on a wall 20 or on a floor 22, or the air delivery modules may be independently located in the ambient room 14. Typically, the air delivery modules 12 of the overall array of modules 12 are positioned in an interior space 14, such as a workspace that is intermittently occupied by a person 16, for example.

[0061] First reference Figure 1 , the system 10 of the present invention is shown mounted on a ceiling 18, whereby, for example, four air delivery modules 12 are positioned in spaced relation throughout the room environment 14 as desired. Figure 1In this example, the system 10 is arranged in a substantially rectangular configuration, wherein the air delivery modules 12 are located in the middle of each side of the rectangle defined by the air supply conduits 24. In general, the system 10 includes an array of mounted air delivery modules 12, each of which receives compressed air from a remote air supply source 26 via conduits 24 to a connecting conduit 28 at each air delivery module 12. Figure 1 As can be seen in , this supply of air, which has been heated or cooled as required, is delivered to each air delivery module 12 .

[0062] It is also preferred that the layout of the air delivery modules 12 be customized to a given environment 14 in order to optimally adjust the HVAC air flow for the specific objects 30 and people 16 in that environment 14. For example, if there are seven work areas, three corridors, and one common area, a total of eleven air delivery modules 12 can be positioned directly above those areas in a given workspace 14 so that the system 10 of the present invention can provide HVAC air flow in a controlled manner to those areas 14 requiring HVAC control. This configuration is modular and can be scaled up or down. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 , wherein, for illustration purposes and to facilitate viewing of the system 10 of the present invention, persons 16 and objects 30 in the room environment 14 are removed. Figure 3 A ceiling-mounted embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0063] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , shows further details and possible designs of the layout and arrangement of the individual air delivery modules 12. For example, in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the individual air delivery modules 12 can be configured and arranged from a plan view perspective according to the needs of a given interior space 14, wherein the coverage area of ​​a given air delivery module 12 can be mapped and arranged so that the array as a whole meets the needs of a given installation space 14 and the personnel 16 that will occupy the installation space. Figure 5 The positioning of the air delivery modules 12 is shown from above to further illustrate a given coverage area of ​​a given array of air delivery modules 12 . Figure 5 The elevation view shows how the modules 12 can be arranged in the ceiling 18 near (i.e., above) high-traffic areas where occupants 16 may reside during the workday. It will be appreciated that the air flow modules 12 can be distributed with sufficient density and spacing to provide airflow as needed throughout the day.

[0064] Although Figures 1 to 3 An array of four air delivery modules 12 is shown in FIG. Figure 4 Seven modules are shown in Figure 5 Three modules can be seen in the figure, but any number of air delivery modules 12 can be used to adapt to the current application and room environment 14.

[0065] Now turn Figures 6 to 10 , wherein the details that the position and direction of a single air delivery module 12 (i.e., its air blower part 32) are controlled are shown in detail. Usually, for the convenience of configuration, implementation and control to system 10, preferably, each air delivery module 12 in a given air delivery module 12 array has identical structure. However, air delivery modules 12 also can be different (for example, air flow rate is different, diffusion range is different and blower design is different). For example, if the given area of ​​room environment 14 has higher ceiling 18, the air delivery module 12 in this area can be provided with the more powerful blower 32 that air flow rate is larger, to adapt to this given area 14. For ease of explanation, an air delivery module 12 will be discussed in detail. It should be understood that other airflow modules 12 preferably have identical structure and operation.

[0066] refer to Figure 6 , shows a perspective view of an air delivery module 12 according to the present invention in detail. The air delivery module 12 generally includes an input 34 that delivers a supply of air 36 to an air blower 32 via a port 33, thereby causing the blades in the air blower to rotate to generate electrical energy using electromagnetic bearings. The details of the energy harvesting capabilities of the present invention will be discussed below. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The supply of air 36 from the air supply line 34 causes the turbine in the air blower 32 to rotate, thereby blowing the air 36 downwardly out of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module 12 .

[0067] For a given air delivery module 12, the air delivery module 12 preferably provides pan and tilt control for each corresponding air blower section 32. Figure 6 In FIG, the blower 32 is connected to a bracket 38 which is rotatably connected to a first housing 40 having a first servo motor 42 therein for controlling a tilting motion / rotation about a horizontal axis 44. The first housing 40 is in turn rotatably mounted to a second housing 46 having a second servo motor 48 therein for controlling a panning motion / rotation about a vertical axis 50. The second housing 46 is mounted to a support member, such as Figures 1 to 5, or the second housing is mounted directly to the ceiling 18, a wall, etc. Thus, the first servo motor 42 and the second servo motor 46 work together in combination to direct the air blower 32 in any desired direction (i.e., a generally downward facing output of the air blower) using the pan and tilt mounting interface.

[0068] Figure 7 Provided Figure 6 A top view of the air delivery module 12 is provided, and Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 FIG2 is a top view of the air delivery module 12 illustrating the ability of the air delivery module 12 to swing about a vertical servo-controlled spindle 50. The air blower 32 can be seen interconnected to the first housing 40 via the bracket 38. A second servo motor 48 is interconnected to the vertical spindle 50 to control the rotation of the vertical spindle, i.e., the swing of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module 12. Figure 8 The rocking motion about the vertical spindle 50 due to actuation is shown. Thus, the vertical spindle 50 and the associated rocking motion can be actuated incrementally or completely back and forth as desired. It should be noted that for ease of illustration, the internal details of the interconnection between the spindle 50 and the given servo motor 48 are not shown. However, the control of the spindles 44, 50 by the servo motors 42, 48 is well known in the art and therefore need not be discussed in detail herein.

[0069] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The tilting capability of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module 12 of the present invention is shown. Figure 9 Shown Figure 6 The side elevation view of the air delivery module 12 is shown. Figure 10 Shown Figure 9 FIG2 is a side elevation view of the air delivery module 12 of FIG2 , showing the tilt capability. The air blower 32 is connected to a first housing 40 having a first servo 42 therein via a bracket 38 and a first (horizontal) spindle 44. Back and forth actuation of the first spindle 44 causes the air blower portion 32 to tilt up and down, thereby controlling the angular direction of the airflow 36 from the air delivery module 12. Similar to the second servo 48 and vertical spindle 50, the first servo 42 and horizontal spindle 44 and associated tilt can be actuated incrementally or completely up and down as needed.

[0070] Thus, a supply of air 36 (heated, cooled, or otherwise treated) is directed into the air delivery module 12 via the duct 34 and out through the air blower portion 32 to deliver such air 36 to the room environment 14. With the pan and tilt capabilities, the direction of the flow of air 36 can be precisely directed and controlled to optimize the air flow into a given space 14. For example, the input of the supply air 36 via the duct 34 can first be controlled by a valve 56 (such as a solenoid valve within the manifold 54), as shown. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown. The solenoid valve 56 is preferably controlled by one or more sensors, as will be discussed further below. For example, depending on the programming of the system 10 of the present invention, the solenoid valve 56 can be closed when the presence of a person 16 is not sensed nearby, and can be opened when the sensor does sense the presence of a person 16 nearby, to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. As will be discussed below, various sensors 58 can be used to track the position of an object 30 (such as a person 16) in the room, whereby the air delivery module 12 actuates the appropriate servo motors 42, 48, and in turn invokes control of the pan and tilt direction of the air blower 32 to precisely direct the airflow 36 when needed. This movement of the air blower 32 is discussed below. Figure 8 and Figure 10 1 and 2. These are shown by way of example to form a variety of direction combinations that the air blower 32 can be aimed at.

[0071] Figure 11 A bottom perspective view of the turbine portion 60 of the air delivery module 12 is shown. An impeller blade 62 is rotatably mounted to an air blower housing 64. Vanes 66, preferably having an arcuate configuration, are provided on the impeller blade 62. Thus, as the air 36 is delivered through the housing 64 and communicates with the blades 66 of the air blower 60, the impeller blade 62 rotates and thereby, in turn, directs the air 36 downwardly toward the room environment 14. Thus, Figure 11 The illustrated configuration of the air blower 32 effectively diverts the air in the main line 34 of compressed air 36 in a downward direction into the room environment 14. With the aforementioned pan and tilt functionality, the direction of the downwardly directed airflow 36 exiting the air blower 32 and out the air blower's outlet port 68 can be further and more precisely controlled. Figure 14 (discussed in more detail below) provides further details of the construction of the air blower 32 with air amplification functionality.

[0072] It should be noted that a pan and tilt mechanism is a preferred configuration for directing the air flow of the air blower 32 into the environment 14. Other mechanisms and configurations (such as servo-controlled armatures, etc.) are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] 12A to 12C 、 13A to 13C 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 Details of the construction of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module are shown.

[0074] Figure 12A A top perspective view of the blower portion 32 of the air delivery module 12 is shown with the air supply conduit 34 connected to the housing 64 and in fluid communication with an open chamber 70 in the housing. A top cover 72 is secured to the housing 64 via a central spindle 74. Figure 12B , the top cover 72 is removed for illustration purposes to expose the rotating impeller blades 62, which carry magnets 76 on their top surfaces. Figure 12C Further shown is a center spindle 74 mounting, with the impeller blades 62 also removed for illustration purposes to expose the center spindle mounting extending upwardly from a bottom support structure 78 .

[0075] Figure 13A A bottom perspective view of the top cover 72 of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module 12 is shown with the impeller blades 62 and housing 64 removed for illustrative purposes to show the wire windings 80 on the bottom of the top cover 72 . Figure 13B A bottom perspective view of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module is shown with the housing 64 removed for illustration purposes to show the impeller blades 62 mounted on the central spindle 74 . Figure 13C A bottom perspective view of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module 12 is shown showing the housing 64 in place about the top cover 72 and the impeller blades 62 with the bottom support structure 78 in place.

[0076] Figure 14 It passes through Figure 12A 14-14 of the side cross-sectional view of the air blower portion 32 of the air delivery module in an air amplification configuration. In this view, the stacked components can be easily seen, wherein the housing 64 supports a central spindle 74 which rotatably carries the impeller blades 62 which carry the magnet array 76. A top cover 72 on which a wire coil 80 is mounted is secured to a top seat 82 of the housing 64. The magnets 76 on the impeller blades 62 are circumferentially aligned with the coils 80 on the top cover 72. As the impeller blades 62 rotate within the housing 64, the wire coils 80 and the magnets 76 pass each other, thereby generating appropriate electrical energy. The generation of electrical energy using magnets 76 and wire coils 80 is well known in the art and therefore further details of the process need not be provided herein. It should also be noted that the positions of the magnets 76 and the wire coils 80 could be reversed, ie, with the top cover 72 carrying the magnets 76 and the tops of the impeller blades 62 carrying the coils 80, with additional electrical interconnection required.

[0077] Still refer to Figure 14 , the air supply line 34 is interconnected to the housing 64 via the port 33, so that the introduced air 36 is in fluid communication with the internal chamber space 70 of the housing 64, wherein the air 36 flows upward through the air gap 86 and passes over the top inner edge 84 of the housing 64 and communicates with the impeller blades 62, causing the impeller blades to rotate, thereby performing electrical energy / energy collection, and then the air 36 is directed downward into the room environment 14. Figure 15 Shown is an air amplification configuration. Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the air blower 32, wherein compressed air 36 is supplied to the housing 64 and the entrained air flow is drawn from the suction end to push the air flow into the main cavity 72 of the housing 64, in which the air is compressed and then pushed further downward to form an effective amplified air flow.

[0078] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Another embodiment of the air delivery module 12 of the present invention is shown in which the electrical energy generated by the interaction between the magnet 76 and the wire coil 80 is directed to a rechargeable battery 88 for energy harvesting. Figure 16 A perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a rechargeable battery 88 is located inside an electronics housing 90 that is electrically interconnected to the coil wire windings 80 . Figure 17 yes Figure 16 FIG2 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of an air delivery module 12 of the present invention, wherein the electronics, including a rechargeable battery 88, are housed in a housing 90. The rechargeable battery 88 serves as an electrical / energy storage device. For this energy storage, a separate battery compartment can be added to each module 12 to create a better user experience. For example, a fully charged battery 88 provides power (e.g., 3V to 12V) to devices such as the electromagnetic device 56, servos 42, 48, and any other local peripheral devices.

[0079] For ease of illustration, the wiring from the air blower 32 to the rechargeable battery 88 is not shown.

[0080] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a manifold 54 with a solenoid valve controller 56 is provided when more than one air supply line 92a, 92b is provided. Figure 16 and Figure 17In the example of , a first supply line 92a for hot air and a second supply line 92b for cold air 36 are provided, wherein both supply lines are led into a manifold 54 in which a valve 56 (e.g., a solenoid valve) is provided for controlling the flow and mixing of air 36 from the supply lines 92a, 92b into the housing 64. In particular, the manifold 54 and the solenoid valve 56 (which are preferably powered by electrical energy stored in the rechargeable battery 88) control the mixing of hot air and cold air from the respective two supply lines 92a, 92b. For example, the hot supply line 92a or the cold supply line 92b can be selectively opened or closed. Alternatively, a partial mixture of the hot supply line 92a and the cold supply line 92b can be provided in a manner similar to a thermostatic water valve for precise temperature control. In addition, this embodiment employs another version of the shake and tilt mechanism, but the functionality is the same as above Figures 6 to 9 The functions are the same, so there is no need to combine Figure 16 and Figure 17 Further discussion.

[0081] It will be appreciated that more than two supply lines may be controlled in the same manner. For example, Figure 6 An embodiment of the present invention is shown having a single air supply line 34, so the manifold 54 and solenoid valve 56 are not required in this embodiment.

[0082] The present invention uniquely provides an array of air delivery modules 12, each of which has an air blower 32 that can be directed via a servo-driven pan and tilt mechanism. These air blowers 32 can be adjusted in real time to change the direction of airflow from the air blower into a given room environment 14. The present invention preferably activates the air blowers 32 in response to the presence of a person 16 in a given room environment 14. The system 10 can be configured to turn on airflow when the presence of a person 16 is sensed. In addition, the system 10 of the present invention can be configured to direct all air blowers 32 within a certain distance of a person 16 toward that person 16, thereby effectively cooling or heating the environment 14 near the person 16, thereby avoiding heating or cooling the entire room environment 14. In other words, the application of sensors 58 to the air blowers 32 in the room environment 14 can not only determine whether to turn a given air blower 32 on or off, but also track a given person 16 in the room environment 14 and direct airflow directly to that person 16.

[0083] This tracking is preferably performed by proximity sensors 58 that are electrically connected to each air delivery module 12 in the room environment 14 and located near the air delivery module. Figure 18An example of such an array of sensors 58 is shown located at one location of an air delivery module 12. Preferably, three sensors 58, such as passive infrared (PIR) sensors, and two servo motors 42, 48 in the pan and tilt mechanism work in conjunction. The sensors 58 can be any other type of sensor, such as a visible light camera, a lidar, a radar, a millimeter wave sensor, etc. Using three sensors 58 is sufficient to be able to adequately track a person 16 in the three-dimensional space near the current air delivery module 12, but more or less than three sensors 58 can also be used. Thus, in one embodiment, via the pan and tilt mechanism, the servo motors 42, 48 direct the air blower 32 toward the location of the person 16 in the three-dimensional space 14 sensed by the sensors 58. Uniquely, this presence sensing and adjustment of the target direction of the air blower 32 can be performed in real time as the person walks through the room environment 14.

[0084] Therefore, the present invention can directional control the direction of output air 36 in a three-dimensional space 14, wherein the sensor senses the presence of a person and the data of the sensor is interpreted to instruct the servo motors 42, 48 to move the position of the air blower to achieve personalized air control of the air flow direction.

[0085] Figure 19 Shown is a sensor network and wireless communication module 94 (disassembled for the purpose of illustration), which is preferably included in each air delivery module 12 located in the space 14. Various circuit boards 96 with antennas 98 are used. The sensor network between the transceivers communicates by sending notes / instructions to each transceiver or via a central hub or server (not shown). Therefore, via the wireless communication of the module 94, it is only necessary to interconnect the air supply lines 34 (or more than one air supply lines 92a, 92b) to simply and easily install a given air delivery module 12. The air supply source 34 rotates the impeller 62 to generate and then store electrical energy for local use by the air delivery module 12, thereby eliminating the need to extend wires to each air delivery module location. In addition, the wireless communication module 94 can be remotely controlled, such as via a host hub, so that the air delivery module 12 array is controlled.

[0086] The present invention utilizes appropriate electronic components and computer systems to implement the present invention. Circuit board 96 may be equipped with an appropriate microprocessor RAM, powered by battery 88, to run an appropriate operating system to execute software for interpreting sensor data to control the direction of air blower 32, receiving and issuing commands for manifold valve control, and the like. Appropriate software is used to facilitate interconnection of module 12 with other modules 12 in system 10, allowing them to communicate with each other as needed. Such computer and software functionality is well known and need not be discussed in further detail herein.

[0087] Thus, the system 10 of the present invention is environmentally responsive, wherein sensors 58 are used to effectively control the collection of airflow in response to the presence of an occupant 16 or any other event or instruction. One set of sensors 58 (preferably three) controls the solenoid valve 56 to pass air based on the activity of the occupant 16, thereby achieving efficient energy utilization, while another set of sensors 58 (preferably three) controls the air output direction of the air blower 32 to more accurately deliver air to the space 14, such as toward the occupant 16 or toward a specific environmental location where airflow is desired.

[0088] The foregoing examples are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Common variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention are intended to be encompassed within the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ambient air flow system comprising: Air supply source; an air conduit fluidly connected to the air supply; An air delivery module, comprising: a housing in fluid communication with the air conduit to receive an air flow from the air conduit; the housing including an air outlet port for delivering air from the air conduit; The housing is mounted to a support surface; the housing is configured to selectively actuate the air outlet port to direct air in a desired direction.

2. The ambient air flow system of claim 1 , further comprising: Support surface; Wherein, the air delivery module is mounted to the support surface via an electronically controlled pan and tilt mechanism.

3. The ambient air flow system of claim 1, wherein: The air delivery module further includes an impeller blade carrying an array of magnets, the impeller blade being rotatably positioned in an air path through the housing; and a top cover carrying an array of wire coils having electrical output wires; actuation of the wire coils relative to the magnets generates electrical energy through the electrical output wires.

4. The ambient air flow system of claim 3, further comprising: An energy storage device is connected to the electrical output wire to receive and store energy generated by the interaction of the magnet with the wire coil.

5. The ambient air flow system of claim 1 , further comprising: multiple air supply ducts; a manifold having valves therein; The manifold has a plurality of inputs and a single output; The air supply conduits are fluidly connected to a plurality of input ports of the manifold, respectively; The single output is fluidly connected to the housing.

6. The ambient air flow system of claim 5, further comprising: Energy storage devices; The valve is electrically interconnected with and powered by the energy storage device, whereby the valve controls the flow of air through the air delivery module.

7. The ambient air flow system of claim 1 , further comprising: at least one sensor electrically interconnected to and powered by the energy storage device, and configured and arranged to sense the presence of a person; Thus, the presence of a person detected by the sensor causes the valve to open and allow air to flow into the unit.

8. The ambient air flow system of claim 1 , further comprising: at least one sensor electrically interconnected to and powered by the energy storage device, and configured and arranged to sense the presence of a person; Thus, the presence of a person in three-dimensional space detected by the sensor causes air to flow towards the person.

9. The ambient air flow system of claim 6, wherein: The energy storage device is a battery or a battery array.

10. The ambient air flow system of claim 1, wherein: The air delivery modules are wirelessly connected to a controller hub or server.

11. The ambient air flow system of claim 1 , wherein: The system includes a plurality of air delivery modules arranged in an array.

12. The ambient air flow system of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of air delivery modules are wirelessly connected to each other.

13. The ambient air flow system of claim 3, wherein: The excess electricity generated is fed back into the grid.

14. The ambient air flow system of claim 1, wherein: The system is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

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