Proactive HVAC system and a method of controlling HVAC system proactively

Abstract

A proactive HVAC system of an internal space comprising one main zone (10) and at least one sub-zone (20a, 20b,...) within the main zone, the system comprising - HVAC apparatus (30) configured to supply air into the internal space, wherein the HVAC apparatus comprises air control means arranged to adjust the air supply into the zones, and - identifying devices (12, 22a, 22b,...) for identifying emission sources present in the internal space, and for generating emission source data, wherein the emission source data includes locations of the emission sources in the internal space, and the HVAC apparatus is configured to supply air based on the emission source data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply air control systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] HVAC, i.e. heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, is the technology of indoor environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HVAC system design is a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. HVAC is important in the design of indoors, where safe and healthy building conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors.

[0003] Ventilating (the V in HVAC) is the process of changing or replacing air in any space to provide high indoor air quality, for example to control temperature, replenish oxygen, or remove moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide. Ventilation is used to remove unpleasant smells and excessive moisture, introduce outside air, to keep interior building air circulating, and to prevent stagnation of the interior air. Ventilation includes both the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings. Methods for ventilating a building may be divided into mechanical or forced and natural types.

[0004] Indoor air quality emission sources are building materials, people, equipment, processes and outdoor air. For non-industrial buildings with sedentary occupation European and global standards suggest that building emissions are covered by minimum basic ventilation and additional ventilation / airflow rate is provided for occupation related emissions. In industrial settings process emissions may also be significant.

[0005] Due to global warming and need of energy saving within buildings, there is an increasing need for demand-based control of ventilation and / or cleaned recirculated air into occupied rooms or spaces. Various sensors are applied to enable demand-based operation, but the control accuracy and the timely control of the used applications is insufficient to provide optimal air quality or energy efficiency of ventilation.OBJECTIVE

[0006] The objective of the system and the method is to alleviate the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0007] In particular, it is an objective of the present system to provide energy efficient HVAC system for internal spaces.SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a proactive HVAC system of an internal space comprising one main zone and at least one sub-zone within the main zone. The system comprises HVAC apparatus configured to supply air into the internal space, wherein the HVAC apparatus comprises air control means arranged to adjust the air supply into the zones, and identifying devices for identifying emission sources present in the internal space, and for generating emission source data.

[0009] The emission source data includes locations of the emission sources in the internal space, and the HVAC apparatus is configured to supply air based on the emission source data.

[0010] The advantage of the system is that the control response is immediate as it reacts without delay on the emission source instead of change caused by it. The indoor environment conditions may be kept constant without the risk for worsening indoor air quality and without risk of exceeding critical limit values for mission critical operations such as cleanroom. Further, the indoor air quality and the utilization rate of clean supply air are enhanced, because the minimum airflow rate is directed punctually to the point of occupancy while unoccupied areas are shut down or kept to minimum airflow. As the airflow rate is kept to minimum necessary in all situations the system performance is more energy efficient and sustainable than with traditional adaptive control means.

[0011] In an embodiment of the system, the emission source data includes at least one of the number of emission sources present in the internal space and the type of the emission source in the internal space.

[0012] In an embodiment of the system, at least two zones comprise an identifying device.

[0013] In an embodiment of the system, each zone comprises an identifying device.

[0014] In an embodiment of the system, one HVAC arrangement is configured to supply air into the main zone and at least into one sub-zone.

[0015] In an embodiment of the system, each zone is provided with air control means for supplying air into the zones separately.

[0016] In an embodiment of the system, the HVAC apparatus is configured to provide total airflow rate into the internal space based on the emission source data.

[0017] In an embodiment of the system, the HVAC apparatus is configured to divide the total airflow rate to the zones having an emission source.

[0018] In an embodiment of the system, the share of the total airflow rate to each zone is based on at least one of the number of the emission sources inside the zone and the type of the emission sources inside the zone.

[0019] In an embodiment of the system, at least one of the emission sources is a person.

[0020] In an embodiment of the system, at least one of the emission sources is a machine.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling HVAC system proactively in an internal space having a main zone and at least one sub-zone within the main zone, the method comprising steps of: identifying emission sources present and their locations in the internal space, generating emission source data including the locations of the emission sources, providing total air flow rate with the HVAC apparatus into the internal space, wherein the total air flow rate is based on the number of emission sources present in the internal space, and adjusting the airflow rate to different zones based on the location of the emission sources.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method, the emission source data includes at least one of the number of emission sources in each zone and the type of the emission sources in each zone.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method, the airflow rate to different zones is based on the locations of the emission sources and at least one of the number of the emission sources in each zone and the type of the emission sources in each zone.

[0024] In an embodiment of the method, the emission sources include at least one of a person or a machine.

[0025] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the system comprising a main zone and one sub-zone, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the system comprising a main zone and two sub-zones, and Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the system comprising a main zone and two sub-zones so that one sub-zone is an open sub-zone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figures 1 to 2 show embodiments of a proactive HVAC system of an internal space. The internal space may be for example a room or other open space or closed space inside a building. The room may be for example a clean room, which may be specialized environment designed to maintain extremely low levels of particulates, such as dust, airborne organisms, or vaporized particles, for protecting the target (patient, product etc.) in the clean room. The clean room may be for example in a hospital, or manufacturing, pharmaceutical or biotechnology facility. Optionally, the internal space is an office space, wherein the system is for improving well-being and comfort of the occupants in the zones.

[0028] The internal space comprises a main zone 10 and at least one sub-zone 20a, 20b,... within the main zone. The sub-zones may be enclosed spaces within the main zone, i.e. the sub-zones are separated from the main zone by walls or other structures. Each sub-zone may comprise a passage opening from the main zone into the sub-zone. The passage opening may be only an opening, or it may be an opening comprising a door or other hatch so that the passage opening may be closed. Optionally, the sub-zones may be segregated zones without separating structure, and / or the sub-zones may be functionally isolated from the main zone with air flows or other environmental controls.

[0029] The main zone in this context is a service zone for common activity (e.g. a company office or a process facility) and it may be a small building, a floor or a larger zone within a floor in a larger building.

[0030] The sub-zone in this context is a smaller zone within the main zone (nested zones). The sub-zone may be a room or an open zone (e.g. a part of open office region or a specific process area) serving single or multiple persons. The main zone often has multiple sub-zones.

[0031] The main zone may be enabled as several sub-zones without any separate main zone space, i.e. the internal space is divided into two or more sub-zones which together form the main zone. Thus, the number of emission sources within the main zone may be calculated by adding the number of emission sources within the sub-zones.

[0032] The system comprises HVAC apparatus which is configured to supply air into the internal space. The supply air may be fresh air or, optionally or additionally, recirculated air.

[0033] The HVAC apparatus comprises air control means which is arranged to adjust the air supply into the zones and / or air exhaust from the zones. The air control means may comprise at least some of air supply devices, air exhaust devices variable air volume boxes, fans, valves, dampers, controllers, thermostats, heating coils, cooling coils, ductwork, filters and sensors.

[0034] Air supply device, such as air terminal device or air handling unit, is the central unit that conditions and distributes air. It may include components like fans, heating and cooling coils, filters, and dampers.

[0035] Dampers are used to regulate the flow of air within the ductwork. Types of dampers include volume dampers, balancing dampers, fire dampers, backdraft dampers, and variable air volume (VAV) dampers.

[0036] Thermostats are devices to control the temperature by regulating the operation of the heating and cooling systems. They can be set to maintain different temperatures in different zones.

[0037] Ductwork is a network of tubes distributing conditioned air throughout the building. It includes for example supply ducts, return ducts, and exhaust ducts.

[0038] Variable air volume (VAV) dampers are used in VAV systems to control the amount of air delivered to different zones. They adjust the airflow based on the temperature or air volume requirements of each zone.

[0039] Filters remove particulates or other impurities such as gases or living organisms from the air to improve indoor air quality and protect the HVAC system components.

[0040] Fans move air through the system. They can be variable-speed to adjust the airflow as needed.

[0041] Sensors and controllers monitor and control various parameters like temperature, humidity, and air quality. They ensure the system operates efficiently and maintains the desired conditions.

[0042] The system comprises identifying devices for identifying emission sources present in the internal space, and for generating emission source data. The identifying devices may be arranged so that at least one identifying device 12 is arranged within the main zone 10, and at least one identifying device 22a, 22b... is arranged within at least one sub-zone 20a, 20b,... Optionally, the main zone itself does not have any identifying device and at least one sub-zone has at least one identifying device.

[0043] The identifying device may be for example an occupancy sensor for detecting presence of people within the zone. Optionally, the identifying device is a camera (e.g. visual or thermal camera), IR sensor, personal tag. Different identifying devices may be based on different identification methods. The identifying devices may be configured to count the people in the specific zones. The counting may be applied by counting entering and exiting persons in the passage opening and / or counting the persons present in zones. Optionally or additionally, the identifying devices may be configured to detect acting processes or use of a machine, which may be emission sources, inside the zones. Thus, the identifying device may be connected to the emission source, such as a machine or a controller of the machine, for receiving a signal or other indication that the machine is on. The identifying device is configured to generate emission source data based on the emission source.

[0044] Further, the emission source data may include locations of the emission source, i.e. in which zone the emission source is. The HVAC apparatus is configured to supply air based on the emission source data.

[0045] Optionally or additionally, the emission source data includes at least one of the number of the emission sources present in the internal space and / or the type of the emission source in the internal space. Different types of emission sources may have pre-determined emission value and the HVAC arrangement is adjusted accordingly. The emission source, i.e. the type, may be for example specific person, e.g. a patient, nursing staff or other working person, cleaner etc, or it may specific action or operation that is happening, e.g. cleaning, patient operation etc. The emission source data may include schedules when some emission sources are present in the zones. The emission source type is important to identify in clean rooms so that the HVAC system may be adjusted to provide necessary actions for protecting the target ("product") in the clean room.

[0046] The HVAC apparatus may be configured to provide total airflow rate into the internal space based on the emission source data. The total airflow rate may be based on the number of emission sources, e.g. people, in the main zone (including the sub-zones) . If there are no people in the internal space, i.e. in the main zone and the sub-zones, the HVAC apparatus may be turned off or at least lowered to minimum for saving energy.

[0047] When the emission sources are present in different zones, the HVAC apparatus may divide the total air flow rate to the zones having emission source present. Again, if some sub-zone does not have any emission source present, air supply into said sub-zone may be turned off. The share of the total airflow rate to each zone may be based on at least one of the number of the emission sources inside the zone and the type of the emission sources inside the zone.

[0048] As noted before, the emission source may be for example a person or a machine.

[0049] Additionally or optionally, the HVAC apparatus may be configured to remove air from the zones, i.e. from the internal space. The HVAC apparatus may comprise separate air control means for controlling exhaust air from the internal space or zones, or the same air control means that are used for adjusting the air supply into the zone, may be used. For example, air control means for exhausting room air may be arranged within the same unit as air supply means, i.e. air supply device comprises also means for exhausting room air. Optionally, the air supply means and the air exhaust means are arranged in separate devices, which may be controlled by the controller of the common HVAC apparatus or they may be independent devices which may be controlled independently from the main HVAC apparatus.

[0050] Figure 1 shows an embodiment, wherein the internal space comprises a main zone 10 and one sub-zone 20a within the main zone. The main zone has one passage opening 11 through which people may enter the main zone. There is one identifying device 12 configured to detect the emission sources in the main zone. The sub-zone 20a comprises also a passage opening 21a with a door through which people may enter the sub-zone 20a. The sub-zone 20a has own identifying device 22a configured to detect the emission sources in the sub-zone 20a. HVAC apparatus 30 is provided to supply air into the internal space, i.e. into the main zone 10 and the sub-zone 20a. The HVAC apparatus 30 comprises a first air supply device 31a for providing supply air into the main zone 10, a second air supply device 32a for providing supply air into the sub-sone 20a. The HVAC arrangement is controlled by a controller 33, which is configured to adjust the supply air into the zones.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an embodiment, wherein the internal space comprises a main zone 10 and two sub-zones 20a and 20b within the main zone. The main zone has one passage opening 11 through which people may enter the main zone. There is one identifying device 12 configured to detect the emission sources in the main zone. The first sub-zone 20a comprises also a passage opening 21a with a door through which people may enter the first sub-zone 20a. The first sub-zone 20a has own identifying device 22a configured to detect the emission sources in the sub-zone 20a. The second sub-zone 20b comprises also a passage opening 21b with a door through which people may enter the second sub-zone 20b. The second sub-zone 20b has own identifying device 22b configured to detect the emission sources in the second sub-zone 20b. HVAC apparatus 30 is provided to supply air into the internal space, i.e. into the main zone 10 and the sub-zones 20a, 20b. The HVAC apparatus 30 comprises a first air supply device 31a for providing supply air into the main zone 10, a second air supply device 32a for providing supply air into the first sub-sone 20a, and a third air supply device 32b for providing supply air into the second sub-zone 20b. The HVAC arrangement is controlled by a controller 33, which is configured to adjust the supply air into the zones.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an embodiment, wherein the internal space comprises a main zone 10 and two sub-zones 20a and 20b within the main zone. The main zone has one passage opening 11 without a door through which people may enter the main zone. There is one identifying device 12 configured to detect the emission sources in the main zone. The first sub-zone 20a comprises also a passage opening 21a without any door or hatch, i.e. it is only an opening, through which people may enter the first sub-zone 20a. The first sub-zone 20a has own identifying device 22a configured to detect the emission sources in the sub-zone 20a. The second sub-zone 20b (dotted area) is a segregated zone without any enclosing separating structure with one or multiple passage openings through which people may enter the second sub-zone 20b. Thus, one may enter the second sub-zone 20b from any direction as illustrated with some hollow arrows in the figure. Such sub-zone may be for example an area of an open office or a working area within a clean room having for example some specific machine etc. to work with. The second sub-zone 20b has own identifying device 22b configured to detect the emission sources in the second sub-zone 20b. HVAC apparatus 30 is provided to supply air into the internal space, i.e. into the main zone 10 and the sub-zones 20a, 20b. The HVAC apparatus 30 comprises a first air supply device 31a for providing supply air into the main zone 10, a second air supply device 32a for providing supply air into the first sub-sone 20a, and a third air supply device 32b for providing supply air into the second sub-zone 20b. The HVAC arrangement is controlled by a controller 33, which is configured to adjust the supply air into the zones. Additionally, an optional separate air supply device 34a is arranged in the first sub-zone 20a. The separate air supply device may be independent from main zone air supply control. Such separate air supply devices may be arranged in other zones too.

[0053] Although the figures show embodiments, wherein each sub-zone has identifying devices, it should be understood that some of the zones may not necessarily have separate identifying devices. Further, the internal space may comprise more than two sub-zones.

[0054] The HVAC system is controlled by identifying emission sources present and their locations in the internal space, i.e. detecting which zones have emission sources, generating emission source data including the locations of the emission sources, providing total air flow rate with the HVAC apparatus into the internal space, wherein the total air flow rate is based on the number of emission sources present in the internal space, and adjusting the airflow rate to different zones based on the location of the emission sources.

[0055] The supply air may be fresh air brought in from outside the building, recirculated air from within the building, or a mixture of both.

[0056] Although the invention has been the described in conjunction with a certain type of device, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any certain type of device. While the present inventions have been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of prospective claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]Figures 1 to 2 show embodiments of a proactive HVAC system of an internal space. The internal space may be for example a room or other open space or closed space inside a building. The room may be for example a clean room, which may be specialized environment designed to maintain extremely low levels of particulates, such as dust, airborne organisms, or vaporized particles, for protecting the target (patient, product etc.) in the clean room. The clean room may be for example in a hospital, or manufacturing, pharmaceutical or biotechnology facility. Optionally, the internal space is an office space, wherein the system is for improving well-being and comfort of the occupants in the zones.

[0028]The internal space comprises a main zone 10 and at least one sub-zone 20a, 20b,... within the main zone. The sub-zones may be enclosed spaces within the main zone, i.e. the sub-zones are separated from the main zone by walls or other structures. Each sub-zone may comprise a passage opening...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply air control systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] HVAC, i.e. heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, is the technology of indoor environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. HVAC system design is a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. HVAC is important in the design of indoors, where safe and healthy building conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors.

[0003] Ventilating (the V in HVAC) is the process of changing or replacing air in any space to provide high indoor air quality, for example to control temperature, replenish oxygen, or remove moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide. Ventilation is used to remove unpleasant smells and excessive moisture, introduce outside air, to keep interior building air circulating, and to prevent stagnation of the interior air. Ventilation includes both the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings. Methods for ventilating a building may be divided into mechanical or forced and natural types.

[0004] Indoor air quality emission sources are building materials, people, equipment, processes and outdoor air. For non-industrial buildings with sedentary occupation European and global standards suggest that building emissions are covered by minimum basic ventilation and additional ventilation / airflow rate is provided for occupation related emissions. In industrial settings process emissions may also be significant.

[0005] Due to global warming and need of energy saving within buildings, there is an increasing need for demand-based control of ventilation and / or cleaned recirculated air into occupied rooms or spaces. Various sensors are applied to enable demand-based operation, but the control accuracy and the timely control of the used applications is insufficient to provide optimal air quality or energy efficiency of ventilation.OBJECTIVE

[0006] The objective of the system and the method is to alleviate the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0007] In particular, it is an objective of the present system to provide energy efficient HVAC system for internal spaces.SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a proactive HVAC system of an internal space comprising one main zone and at least one sub-zone within the main zone. The system comprises HVAC apparatus configured to supply air into the internal space, wherein the HVAC apparatus comprises air control means arranged to adjust the air supply into the zones, and identifying devices for identifying emission sources present in the internal space, and for generating emission source data.

[0009] The emission source data includes locations of the emission sources in the internal space, and the HVAC apparatus is configured to supply air based on the emission source data.

[0010] The advantage of the system is that the control response is immediate as it reacts without delay on the emission source instead of change caused by it. The indoor environment conditions may be kept constant without the risk for worsening indoor air quality and without risk of exceeding critical limit values for mission critical operations such as cleanroom. Further, the indoor air quality and the utilization rate of clean supply air are enhanced, because the minimum airflow rate is directed punctually to the point of occupancy while unoccupied areas are shut down or kept to minimum airflow. As the airflow rate is kept to minimum necessary in all situations the system performance is more energy efficient and sustainable than with traditional adaptive control means.

[0011] In an embodiment of the system, the emission source data includes at least one of the number of emission sources present in the internal space and the type of the emission source in the internal space.

[0012] In an embodiment of the system, at least two zones comprise an identifying device.

[0013] In an embodiment of the system, each zone comprises an identifying device.

[0014] In an embodiment of the system, one HVAC arrangement is configured to supply air into the main zone and at least into one sub-zone.

[0015] In an embodiment of the system, each zone is provided with air control means for supplying air into the zones separately.

[0016] In an embodiment of the system, the HVAC apparatus is configured to provide total airflow rate into the internal space based on the emission source data.

[0017] In an embodiment of the system, the HVAC apparatus is configured to divide the total airflow rate to the zones having an emission source.

[0018] In an embodiment of the system, the share of the total airflow rate to each zone is based on at least one of the number of the emission sources inside the zone and the type of the emission sources inside the zone.

[0019] In an embodiment of the system, at least one of the emission sources is a person.

[0020] In an embodiment of the system, at least one of the emission sources is a machine.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling HVAC system proactively in an internal space having a main zone and at least one sub-zone within the main zone, the method comprising steps of: identifying emission sources present and their locations in the internal space, generating emission source data including the locations of the emission sources, providing total air flow rate with the HVAC apparatus into the internal space, wherein the total air flow rate is based on the number of emission sources present in the internal space, and adjusting the airflow rate to different zones based on the location of the emission sources.

[0022] In an embodiment of the method, the emission source data includes at least one of the number of emission sources in each zone and the type of the emission sources in each zone.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method, the airflow rate to different zones is based on the locations of the emission sources and at least one of the number of the emission sources in each zone and the type of the emission sources in each zone.

[0024] In an embodiment of the method, the emission sources include at least one of a person or a machine.

[0025] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the system comprising a main zone and one sub-zone, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the system comprising a main zone and two sub-zones, and Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the system comprising a main zone and two sub-zones so that one sub-zone is an open sub-zone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figures 1 to 2 show embodiments of a proactive HVAC system of an internal space. The internal space may be for example a room or other open space or closed space inside a building. The room may be for example a clean room, which may be specialized environment designed to maintain extremely low levels of particulates, such as dust, airborne organisms, or vaporized particles, for protecting the target (patient, product etc.) in the clean room. The clean room may be for example in a hospital, or manufacturing, pharmaceutical or biotechnology facility. Optionally, the internal space is an office space, wherein the system is for improving well-being and comfort of the occupants in the zones.

[0028] The internal space comprises a main zone 10 and at least one sub-zone 20a, 20b,... within the main zone. The sub-zones may be enclosed spaces within the main zone, i.e. the sub-zones are separated from the main zone by walls or other structures. Each sub-zone may comprise a passage opening from the main zone into the sub-zone. The passage opening may be only an opening, or it may be an opening comprising a door or other hatch so that the passage opening may be closed. Optionally, the sub-zones may be segregated zones without separating structure, and / or the sub-zones may be functionally isolated from the main zone with air flows or other environmental controls.

[0029] The main zone in this context is a service zone for common activity (e.g. a company office or a process facility) and it may be a small building, a floor or a larger zone within a floor in a larger building.

[0030] The sub-zone in this context is a smaller zone within the main zone (nested zones). The sub-zone may be a room or an open zone (e.g. a part of open office region or a specific process area) serving single or multiple persons. The main zone often has multiple sub-zones.

[0031] The main zone may be enabled as several sub-zones without any separate main zone space, i.e. the internal space is divided into two or more sub-zones which together form the main zone. Thus, the number of emission sources within the main zone may be calculated by adding the number of emission sources within the sub-zones.

[0032] The system comprises HVAC apparatus which is configured to supply air into the internal space. The supply air may be fresh air or, optionally or additionally, recirculated air.

[0033] The HVAC apparatus comprises air control means which is arranged to adjust the air supply into the zones and / or air exhaust from the zones. The air control means may comprise at least some of air supply devices, air exhaust devices variable air volume boxes, fans, valves, dampers, controllers, thermostats, heating coils, cooling coils, ductwork, filters and sensors.

[0034] Air supply device, such as air terminal device or air handling unit, is the central unit that conditions and distributes air. It may include components like fans, heating and cooling coils, filters, and dampers.

[0035] Dampers are used to regulate the flow of air within the ductwork. Types of dampers include volume dampers, balancing dampers, fire dampers, backdraft dampers, and variable air volume (VAV) dampers.

[0036] Thermostats are devices to control the temperature by regulating the operation of the heating and cooling systems. They can be set to maintain different temperatures in different zones.

[0037] Ductwork is a network of tubes distributing conditioned air throughout the building. It includes for example supply ducts, return ducts, and exhaust ducts.

[0038] Variable air volume (VAV) dampers are used in VAV systems to control the amount of air delivered to different zones. They adjust the airflow based on the temperature or air volume requirements of each zone.

[0039] Filters remove particulates or other impurities such as gases or living organisms from the air to improve indoor air quality and protect the HVAC system components.

[0040] Fans move air through the system. They can be variable-speed to adjust the airflow as needed.

[0041] Sensors and controllers monitor and control various parameters like temperature, humidity, and air quality. They ensure the system operates efficiently and maintains the desired conditions.

[0042] The system comprises identifying devices for identifying emission sources present in the internal space, and for generating emission source data. The identifying devices may be arranged so that at least one identifying device 12 is arranged within the main zone 10, and at least one identifying device 22a, 22b... is arranged within at least one sub-zone 20a, 20b,... Optionally, the main zone itself does not have any identifying device and at least one sub-zone has at least one identifying device.

[0043] The identifying device may be for example an occupancy sensor for detecting presence of people within the zone. Optionally, the identifying device is a camera (e.g. visual or thermal camera), IR sensor, personal tag. Different identifying devices may be based on different identification methods. The identifying devices may be configured to count the people in the specific zones. The counting may be applied by counting entering and exiting persons in the passage opening and / or counting the persons present in zones. Optionally or additionally, the identifying devices may be configured to detect acting processes or use of a machine, which may be emission sources, inside the zones. Thus, the identifying device may be connected to the emission source, such as a machine or a controller of the machine, for receiving a signal or other indication that the machine is on. The identifying device is configured to generate emission source data based on the emission source.

[0044] Further, the emission source data may include locations of the emission source, i.e. in which zone the emission source is. The HVAC apparatus is configured to supply air based on the emission source data.

[0045] Optionally or additionally, the emission source data includes at least one of the number of the emission sources present in the internal space and / or the type of the emission source in the internal space. Different types of emission sources may have pre-determined emission value and the HVAC arrangement is adjusted accordingly. The emission source, i.e. the type, may be for example specific person, e.g. a patient, nursing staff or other working person, cleaner etc, or it may specific action or operation that is happening, e.g. cleaning, patient operation etc. The emission source data may include schedules when some emission sources are present in the zones. The emission source type is important to identify in clean rooms so that the HVAC system may be adjusted to provide necessary actions for protecting the target ("product") in the clean room.

[0046] The HVAC apparatus may be configured to provide total airflow rate into the internal space based on the emission source data. The total airflow rate may be based on the number of emission sources, e.g. people, in the main zone (including the sub-zones) . If there are no people in the internal space, i.e. in the main zone and the sub-zones, the HVAC apparatus may be turned off or at least lowered to minimum for saving energy.

[0047] When the emission sources are present in different zones, the HVAC apparatus may divide the total air flow rate to the zones having emission source present. Again, if some sub-zone does not have any emission source present, air supply into said sub-zone may be turned off. The share of the total airflow rate to each zone may be based on at least one of the number of the emission sources inside the zone and the type of the emission sources inside the zone.

[0048] As noted before, the emission source may be for example a person or a machine.

[0049] Additionally or optionally, the HVAC apparatus may be configured to remove air from the zones, i.e. from the internal space. The HVAC apparatus may comprise separate air control means for controlling exhaust air from the internal space or zones, or the same air control means that are used for adjusting the air supply into the zone, may be used. For example, air control means for exhausting room air may be arranged within the same unit as air supply means, i.e. air supply device comprises also means for exhausting room air. Optionally, the air supply means and the air exhaust means are arranged in separate devices, which may be controlled by the controller of the common HVAC apparatus or they may be independent devices which may be controlled independently from the main HVAC apparatus.

[0050] Figure 1 shows an embodiment, wherein the internal space comprises a main zone 10 and one sub-zone 20a within the main zone. The main zone has one passage opening 11 through which people may enter the main zone. There is one identifying device 12 configured to detect the emission sources in the main zone. The sub-zone 20a comprises also a passage opening 21a with a door through which people may enter the sub-zone 20a. The sub-zone 20a has own identifying device 22a configured to detect the emission sources in the sub-zone 20a. HVAC apparatus 30 is provided to supply air into the internal space, i.e. into the main zone 10 and the sub-zone 20a. The HVAC apparatus 30 comprises a first air supply device 31a for providing supply air into the main zone 10, a second air supply device 32a for providing supply air into the sub-sone 20a. The HVAC arrangement is controlled by a controller 33, which is configured to adjust the supply air into the zones.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an embodiment, wherein the internal space comprises a main zone 10 and two sub-zones 20a and 20b within the main zone. The main zone has one passage opening 11 through which people may enter the main zone. There is one identifying device 12 configured to detect the emission sources in the main zone. The first sub-zone 20a comprises also a passage opening 21a with a door through which people may enter the first sub-zone 20a. The first sub-zone 20a has own identifying device 22a configured to detect the emission sources in the sub-zone 20a. The second sub-zone 20b comprises also a passage opening 21b with a door through which people may enter the second sub-zone 20b. The second sub-zone 20b has own identifying device 22b configured to detect the emission sources in the second sub-zone 20b. HVAC apparatus 30 is provided to supply air into the internal space, i.e. into the main zone 10 and the sub-zones 20a, 20b. The HVAC apparatus 30 comprises a first air supply device 31a for providing supply air into the main zone 10, a second air supply device 32a for providing supply air into the first sub-sone 20a, and a third air supply device 32b for providing supply air into the second sub-zone 20b. The HVAC arrangement is controlled by a controller 33, which is configured to adjust the supply air into the zones.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an embodiment, wherein the internal space comprises a main zone 10 and two sub-zones 20a and 20b within the main zone. The main zone has one passage opening 11 without a door through which people may enter the main zone. There is one identifying device 12 configured to detect the emission sources in the main zone. The first sub-zone 20a comprises also a passage opening 21a without any door or hatch, i.e. it is only an opening, through which people may enter the first sub-zone 20a. The first sub-zone 20a has own identifying device 22a configured to detect the emission sources in the sub-zone 20a. The second sub-zone 20b (dotted area) is a segregated zone without any enclosing separating structure with one or multiple passage openings through which people may enter the second sub-zone 20b. Thus, one may enter the second sub-zone 20b from any direction as illustrated with some hollow arrows in the figure. Such sub-zone may be for example an area of an open office or a working area within a clean room having for example some specific machine etc. to work with. The second sub-zone 20b has own identifying device 22b configured to detect the emission sources in the second sub-zone 20b. HVAC apparatus 30 is provided to supply air into the internal space, i.e. into the main zone 10 and the sub-zones 20a, 20b. The HVAC apparatus 30 comprises a first air supply device 31a for providing supply air into the main zone 10, a second air supply device 32a for providing supply air into the first sub-sone 20a, and a third air supply device 32b for providing supply air into the second sub-zone 20b. The HVAC arrangement is controlled by a controller 33, which is configured to adjust the supply air into the zones. Additionally, an optional separate air supply device 34a is arranged in the first sub-zone 20a. The separate air supply device may be independent from main zone air supply control. Such separate air supply devices may be arranged in other zones too.

[0053] Although the figures show embodiments, wherein each sub-zone has identifying devices, it should be understood that some of the zones may not necessarily have separate identifying devices. Further, the internal space may comprise more than two sub-zones.

[0054] The HVAC system is controlled by identifying emission sources present and their locations in the internal space, i.e. detecting which zones have emission sources, generating emission source data including the locations of the emission sources, providing total air flow rate with the HVAC apparatus into the internal space, wherein the total air flow rate is based on the number of emission sources present in the internal space, and adjusting the airflow rate to different zones based on the location of the emission sources.

[0055] The supply air may be fresh air brought in from outside the building, recirculated air from within the building, or a mixture of both.

[0056] Although the invention has been the described in conjunction with a certain type of device, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any certain type of device. While the present inventions have been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of prospective claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]Figures 1 to 2 show embodiments of a proactive HVAC system of an internal space. The internal space may be for example a room or other open space or closed space inside a building. The room may be for example a clean room, which may be specialized environment designed to maintain extremely low levels of particulates, such as dust, airborne organisms, or vaporized particles, for protecting the target (patient, product etc.) in the clean room. The clean room may be for example in a hospital, or manufacturing, pharmaceutical or biotechnology facility. Optionally, the internal space is an office space, wherein the system is for improving well-being and comfort of the occupants in the zones.

[0028]The internal space comprises a main zone 10 and at least one sub-zone 20a, 20b,... within the main zone. The sub-zones may be enclosed spaces within the main zone, i.e. the sub-zones are separated from the main zone by walls or other structures. Each sub-zone may comprise a passage opening...

Claims

1. A proactive HVAC system of an internal space comprising one main zone (10) and at least one sub-zone (20a, 20b,...) within the main zone, the system comprising - HVAC apparatus (30) configured to supply air into the internal space, wherein the HVAC apparatus comprises air control means arranged to adjust the air supply into the zones, and - identifying devices (12, 22a, 22b,...) for identifying emission sources present in the internal space, and for generating emission source data, ch a r a cte r i zed in that the emission source data includes locations of the emission sources in the internal space, and the HVAC apparatus is configured to supply air based on the emission source data.

2. The proactive HVAC system according to claim 1, wherein the emission source data includes at least one of the number of emission sources present in the internal space and the type of the emission source in the internal space.

3. The proactive HVAC system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two zones comprise an identifying device (12, 22a, 22b,...).

4. The proactive HVAC system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each zone comprises an identifying device.

5. The proactive HVAC system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one HVAC arrangement is configured to supply air into the main zone and at least into one sub-zone (20a, 20b,...).

6. The proactive HVAC system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each zone is provided with air control means for supplying air into the zones separately.

7. The proactive HVAC system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the HVAC apparatus is configured to provide total airflow rate into the internal space based on the emission source data.

8. The proactive HVAC system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the HVAC apparatus is configured to divide the total airflow rate to the zones having an emission source.

9. The proactive HVAC system according to claim 8, wherein the share of the total airflow rate to each zone is based on at least one of the number of the emission sources inside the zone and the type of the emission sources inside the zone.

10. The proactive HVAC system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the emission sources is a person.

11. The proactive HVAC system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the emission sources is a machine.

12. A method of controlling HVAC system proactively in an internal space having a main zone and at least one sub-zone within the main zone, the method comprising steps of: - identifying emission sources present and their locations in the internal space, - generating emission source data including the locations of the emission sources, - providing total air flow rate with the HVAC apparatus into the internal space, wherein the total air flow rate is based on the number of emission sources present in the internal space, and - adjusting the airflow rate to different zones based on the location of the emission sources.

13. The proactive HVAC system according to claim 12, wherein the emission source data includes at least one of the number of emission sources in each zone and the type of the emission sources in each zone.

14. The proactive HVAC system according to claim 1, wherein the airflow rate to different zones is based on the locations of the emission sources and at least one of the number of the emission sources in each zone and the type of the emission sources in each zone.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the emission sources include at least one of a person or a machine.

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